It’s hard to believe the convention is over. Thunderous worship, powerful preaching, intense discussions, friendships renewed, laughter, competition, celebration…minus the intense heat, it’s not hard to imagine that we experienced a little taste of Heaven. We joined our hearts and voices and hands to glorify God, serve others, and renew our spirits. What a great week!
But in the back of my mind, I know the ride home is coming. Probably in traffic. With an ever-growing to do list waiting. Mountain top to modicum in just a few short hours. Makes it really hard to beat the post-convention blues, doesn’t it?
This year, why not just keep things going? Let’s keep working together, even at a distance, to maintain our convention focus as a denomination. To continue joining our hearts and hands to make a difference for the Kingdom. Need some ideas? The following strategy to beat the convention blues will take you through the end of the year.
August — Know Your Community
Know Your Community provides an incredible resource to find out more about those who live in the areas surrounding your church. Get to know the people you are trying to reach! (And when you use the KYC report, you can receive a new movers list for your church neighborhood. Welcome your new neighbors to the area AND your church.)
September — Reaching International Students
School is back in swing! This year, why not focus on reaching the 778,000 international students in the U.S. from countries in the 10/40 Window (regions of the world with limited access to the gospel)? Do you have a university near you? The Reaching International Students Task Force will help you learn how to reach them with the gospel.)
While you’re at it, take time to update the NAFWB Church Directory Did you know that 15.5% of the U.S. population stopped attending church in the past 25 years? And the number one reason they stop attending is because they move and never find a new church. If they searched the NAFWB directory for your city, would they find information about your church?
Why not send in a picture and current information about your church to anna@nafwb.org. (And consider making a short video as well.)
October – Pastor Appreciation
As we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, remember that pastors experience a great deal of stress and sometimes feel they have nowhere to turn. This year, why not support pastors and their families by giving to the Refresh Counseling Program. As reported this week at the convention, over 2,000 sessions have been conducted with pastors, their wives, and their children. Give to help them continue to give back to their congregations (nafwb.org/donate).
As our annual day of prayer approaches in early November, download and use the Bless App to pray for the people in your neighborhood. As a runner, I use the Bless App to pray for my neighbors by name each day as I run. Each morning, I receive the names of five neighbors for whom to pray. That means, each week, I am praying for 20-25 people regularly. It’s easy, but it helps keep us focused on praying for those around us, specifically and regularly.
This resource is FREE through the NAFWB (nafwb.org/bless).
November – Day of Prayer
Plan now to set aside November 4th to pray for your neighbors. As the Word of God reminds, us the prayer of a godly person makes a big difference. What would happen if we got serious about praying for our families, pastors, churches, neighbors, and countries? (nafwb.org/prayer).
Leadership Conference. Make sure you are registered for the 2025 Leadership Conference, just around the corner, December 8-9. Register today (nafwb.org/leader) and bring your friends to learn about making your church safe and impacting your community. Hear from Sam Rainer and many others to be fully equipped and enjoy the fellowship.
The Hope Initiative. We have seen God move in many churches that have used The Hope Initiative. One participant noted, “We’ve done more evangelism in the last 30 days than in the last 30 years at our church.” Learn more at nafwb.org/hope.
December — The Free Will Baptist Endowment
As Christmas approaches this year, giving is on our minds. This year, how would you like to give a gift that will continue giving to ministry until the Lord returns? Give to the Free Will Baptist Endowment, and you will give to every national ministry at once.
Better Together is more than a slogan! Our denomination will never be what it was meant to be until we come together and collaborate on reaching people with the gospel, training them in the Christian faith, and giving ourselves to the Lord. An association of 1,925 churches working together will accomplish so much more than we could have ever imagined or thought.
And THAT is the way to beat the post-convention blues!
See you next year in Columbus, Ohio, July 18-22! Stay updated on the 2026 National Convention.
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