Churches of the BMAA Unite in Conway, Arkansas​

By MORGAN STANDIFER
Baptist Progress Team Lead

The 77th annual meeting of the Baptist Missionary Association of America was held in Conway, Arkansas at Antioch, Conway, Arkansas on April 21-22, 2026. This year’s meeting focused on Acts 1:8, “Until Then.” In attendance were 164 churches, 338 messengers and 166 visitors. This year the BMA of America welcomed five new churches; Bloomer Baptist Church, Charleston, Arkansas; New Mission Baptist of Hope Haitian Church, Tampa, Florida; New Hope Baptist, Bloomberg; Harvest Acres Baptist Church, Carthage; and The Church at 242, Conroe.
 
The meeting began Tuesday evening with an update from BMA missionaries and changemakers currently on the field. Two new changemakers were introduced, the Mario Manory family to Spain, and Morteza Amiri to Germany. Also, six new missionaries. were introduced, the Derek Bremer family to France, the Jimmy Walker family to the Philippians, the Aderemi Badru family to Athens, Georgia, the Andrew Mineev family (Russian speaking) to Atlanta, Georgia and the Chase Roberts family to North Dakota.
 
The evening continued with a time of worship led by Antioch’s worship team and choir followed by a message from BMA of America President Charles Johnson. Johnson shared a word from Acts 1:4-11. He challenged those in attendance with the need to do three things as we eagerly await the return of Jesus. First, we are to be diligent in prayer and believe that God can and will answer prayers. Second, be dependent on the Holy Spirit. Finally, we are to wholeheartedly declare the gospel. Johnson ended with a final challenge to all believers, “wherever God has placed you (church, mission field, school, work, etc.), you need to be declaring the glorious gospel.”
 
The first session of business began with an introduction of officers. At the sound of the gavel, President Johnson called the 77th annual meeting to order. After approval of the petitionary churches, Second Vice President Dustin Wisely extended a hand of welcome to these churches. Business continued with a report from Dr. John Adams, executive director of Moral Action. Dr. Adams briefly shared about defending Christian and biblical values alongside U.S. senators from multiple states. He shared about difficulties and hostility faced in doing so, but reminded that God is still in control.
 
Wednesday morning started with opportunities to fellowship, the Pastor’s Breakfast at Central Baptist College, Women’s Conference at Central Baptist College and a Pastors Conference at Antioch. The second session of business continued Wednesday afternoon. During this time the churches heard reports from the Coordinating Council and the remaining six national departments of the BMAA.

Worship team at Antioch, Conway leading the crowd in song

Missionary Ashraf Sara delivers the annual message

Coordinating Council Chairman Dr. Clif Johnson gave a report of this past year’s Coordinating Council meetings. During these meetings it became clear that even though each department of the BMAA has many differences, they all work together for one common mission, “together, planting disciple-making churches around the world.” Dr. Johnson continued by challenging our churches to come together and do the same.
 
Dr. Johnson and the Coordinating Council also recommended a change to the constitution, on Article 22 Section 4. This recommendation was in regard to how each department is audited. As explained by Dr. Steve Crawley, this change would help the departments with smaller budgets steward their funds better. Wednesday afternoon’s business continued with reports and recommendations from the remaining national departments.
 
Jason Prewitt, executive director of Daniel Springs Camp began by taking time to celebrate all that God has done and continues to do at Daniel Springs. He highlighted major changes that the camp is facing after the July fourth floods in central Texas, emphasizing the importance for camp Sunday June 7, 2026.
 
Donny Parrish, executive director of Lifeword gave a report sharing about a new show Lifeword has been working on, Lifeword Kids. This show will teach many things but most importantly it will teach kids about Jesus. Parrish continued by announcing a new lady’s video devotional by Yalanda Merrell and a new follow-along devotion for Dr. Clif Johnson’s Day by Day.
 
The next department to report was BMA Global from President Dr. John David Smith. Dr. Smith focused on two questions: Who are we? Where are we going? He shared his desire to send missionaries who also establish strong leaders that continue to share the gospel. The goal being mission plants sending missions. 

Dr. Steve Crawley gave a short report on BMA Financial. Sharing that BMA Retirement Plan had strong growth. While also sharing other services that BMA Financial offers, like how BMA Foundation is now offering endowment funds and a few other resources.
 
Department reports continued with the BMA Theological Seminary given by BMATS President Dr. Philip Attebery. Dr. Attebery shared seven things he hopes the BMA Seminary is and will do until the Lord’s return. One of those hopes: funding the future. Dr. Attebery announced an opportunity to do just that, with the Buddy Johnson Chair of Great Commission Studies.
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Finally, Jordan Tew, executive director of the Baptist Publishing House shared new material being published and the importance of a publishing house that is strictly based on BMA doctrine. Tew stated, “we learn the same truths and form the same bonds through shared beliefs.” 

BMA Global 2026 Legacy Missionary, Buddy Johnson and family

President Charles Johnson delivers his final presidential message

The evening continued with a Legacy Missionary Celebration & Commissioning service. BMA Global honored the legacy of two BMA Missionaries, the Morris family in Brazil and Buddy Johnson in Mexico. Both left lasting impacts on the communities they served. The time continued with a commissioning prayer over BMA Global missionaries and staff.
 
Wednesday night session began with a time of worship led by First, Magnolia, Arkansas’ worship team. Followed with a message by missionary Ashraf Sara on James 5:7-18. He encouraged those in attendance with three things that we are to do “Until the Coming of the Lord”. We are to live with patience. We are to live with prayers and we are to live with praise.
 
The third and final business session began shortly after the annual message where officer elections and committees were made. Ending his term Charles Johnson handed the gavel over to new BMA President Gary O’Neal, concluding the 77th annual meeting of the BMA of America.
 
Next year’s BMAA national meeting will be April 20-22, 2027 in Branson, Missouri at Chateau On The Lake.

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