2025AM Report: Iowa Baptists Gather for 2025 BCI Annual Meeting

Attendees were encouraged by fellowship and the opportunity to connect with other church leaders from across the state. “Once again I was so encouraged by getting some time with BCI church pastors and other leaders,” said BCI Executive Director Tim Lubinus. “It was a joy to watch attendees connect with each other for a time of fellowship and mutual encouragement.”

Dr. Jeff Iorg Encourages Leaders to Embrace God’s Mission

The convention welcomed Dr. Jeff Iorg, President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Iorg led a training workshop on Leading Through Major Change and preached during the Annual Meeting session on embracing God’s mission, the Great Commission, as the central calling for every church leader.

“Dr. Jeff Iorg both equipped us for leading change and encouraged us out of the Word through preaching the convention sermon this year,” said Lubinus. “He reminded us that even through change, our mission remains the same, to make disciples and advance the gospel together.”

Business Session Highlights Stability & Strategic Growth

The weekend events were well attended with 85 Messengers and 88 guests and ministry partners present. Messengers approved a 2026 budget of $1.1 million, representing no change from 2025. Cooperative Program giving forwarded to the SBC Executive Committee will remain at 60%, continuing Iowa Baptists’ strong commitment to national and international church planting and missions.

The Executive Board also announced the creation of a new BCI Advancement Fund, designed to strategically deploy reserve funds toward church planting partnerships, leadership development, tuition scholarships, and strategic property acquisition in key Iowa cities.

“Our 2026 budget represents both faith and focus,” Lubinus said. “The new BCI Advancement Fund will allow us to better utilize resources for multiplying churches and developing leaders across the state.”

During the business session, messengers elected officers for the coming year:

• President: Eric Trout, Restoration Church, Adel
• First Vice-President: Grady Adkins, Coram Deo Bible Church, Davenport
• Second Vice-President: Todd Stiles, First Family Church, Ankeny
• Secretary: Jerome Risting, Temple Baptist Church, Mason City

Regional representatives were also affirmed to serve on the Executive Committee:

• Northwest: Terry McCarl, Harvest Bible Chapel North Iowa, Clear Lake
• Northeast: Shawn Alldredge, First Grace Baptist Church, Sheffield
• Southeast: Cory Gonyo, First Baptist Church, Bettendorf
• Southwest: Noel Gandy, Christ Point Church, Shenandoah
• Central: Steve Christiansen, Life Change Church, Des Moines

Celebrating Partnership and Encouragement

Reflecting on the gathering, Cory Gonyo, pastor at First Baptist Church in Bettendorf, said, “I enjoyed getting together again with fellow BCI pastors and hearing what the Lord is doing in our churches. Every year we come together, I’m humbled by the service of others and reinvigorated by the way we work together to take the gospel to the nations. The Lord Jesus is so faithful!”

Eric Schumacher, BCI Pastoral Ministry Director, added, “Several aspects of the 2025 Ministry Conference and Annual Meeting encouraged me. The breakouts were well-attended, and I heard great feedback about the usefulness of the content. I rejoiced to see Kari Minter connecting with so many pastors’ wives in her new role, and I was inspired by the forward-looking, missional vision of the BCI and SEND Network Iowa.”

Lubinus concluded, “We had another great year at the BCI Annual Meeting and I’m looking forward to gathering together again at the 2026 Annual Meeting with our speaker, Trevin Wax, vice-president of Research and Resource Development at NAMB.”