July 11-14, 2023
Videos of the four worship services along with special baptism and In Memoriam videos are available here.
The 2023 US National Conference was held July 11-14 in Fort Wayne, Ind., where it was held in 2021. Once again, the venue was the Grand Wayne Convention Center in the heart of Fort Wayne.
The conference began on Tuesday afternoon, July 11, and concluded by noon on Friday. Highlights included:
- Two messages from Dr. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. As of 2023, the United Brethren denomination has been a member denomination of the NAE for 70 years. This partnership is a prime example of the UB Core Value which says, “We link with the larger church.”
“We value connections with Christians outside of the United Brethren family. We are not separatist in mentality or practice. Rather, we intentionally develop connections with other Christian denominations and groups which are similar in purpose and spirit, so that we can more broadly advance the work of the Great Commission and impact our world.”
- The business session was held Wednesday morning and afternoon. The US National Conference is the highest governing body for United Brethren churches in the United States, and every church can send at least one delegate. A major item of business this year was the report of the Task Force on Human Reproduction, which submitted seven statements to be included in the United Brethren Discipline, our primary governing document. All seven statements passed without any changes being made. View and download the report here.
- Three one-hour sessions of workshops were held on Thursday morning. View the workshops here.
- Bishop Todd Fetters spoke during the concluding service on Friday Morning, July 14. The service included seven ordinations; a commissioning service for the Nate Sams family, which is planting a new UB church in Surprise, Ariz.,; and a commissioning service for Chloe Makley, who will go to Thailand later this year for a one-year term with UB Global.
Ministers
Kevin McKay, an Ameriprise Financial advisor, will be available during National Conference to discuss your United Brethren retirement account. To schedule a time to meet with him during the conference, call 260.271.1050.
Keynote Speakers
The conference had four keynote sessions—the three evening services, and the concluding service on Friday morning. Read more about the speakers here.
TUES/WED
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Walter Kim
President, National Association of Evangelicals
UB Global
The Thursday evening service will involve UB Global staff, missionaries, and others. Frank Yang and Steve Fish will share a keynote message revealing God’s long-envisioned plan for the fullness of the Church which He has invited UBs to come together to accomplish. .
Todd Fetters
Bishop, US National Conference
Schedule
Tuesday, July 11
- Afternoon: arrival and registration
- 6:30: opening service. Message by Walter Kim.
- 8:00: reception sponsored by Huntington University
Wednesday, July 12
- 7:30: Breakfast for attendees with lanyard
- 8:30-noon: business session 1
- 8:30-noon: Women’s track
- Noon-1:30: lunch on your own
- 1:30-4:30: business session 2
- Afternoon: on your own
- 6:30: evening service. Message by Walter Kim.
- 8:00: reception sponsored by National Ministries
Thursday, July 13
- 7:30: Breakfast for attendees with lanyard
- 8:30 – noon: workshops.
- Afternoon: on your own.
- Activities at Huntington University
- Golf Outing
- 6:30: evening service with UB Global.
- 8:00. Reception (UB Global)
Friday, July 14
- 7:30: Breakfast for attendees with lanyard
- 9:30: closing service. Message from Bishop Todd Fetters.
- Noon: dismissal.
Children
Childcare will be provided for babies, nursery, and preschool. We will not be providing any programming for children from Kindergarten through grade 5.
Middle School Youth
Middle school students will participate on a Wednesday excursion with Huntington University and senior high youth.
Youth Camp
Huntington University would like to invite all current 8-12 graders who plan to attend the UB National Conference to participate in a 4-day residential camp on campus. Lodging and meals will be provided on the campus. The camp will include a variety of recreational activities and trips. Students will get a chance to experience college life, worship and grow in their faith through devotionals and workshops, learn more about preparing for college, and find out about what being a student at HU may be like. Registration is now available.
Reviewing the 2021 National Conference
The 2021 US National Conference was a tremendous success, with over 560 people registered–480-some attending in-person, the rest online. The various links are still available for you to view.
A number of videos have been posted here from the conference. They include:
- The four main services in their entirety (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday).
- Just the keynote message from each service.
- Videos of 12 of the workshops.
- The “In Memoriam” tribute to UB ministers and missionaries.
- The 3Story training session from the business meeting.
