2026AM – Iowa Baptists Gather for 2026 BCI Annual Meeting

The Hope of the Gospel in a Secular Age

Featured speaker Trevin Wax, NAMB Vice President of Research and Resource Development,  led a workshop titled “Cultural Apologetics and Counter-Catechesis: Tools for Evangelism in a Secular Age” and a breakout session on prayer, drawing from his recently released book, The Lord Is My Light: A Liturgy for Daily Prayer. During the Friday evening banquet, he taught from Hebrews 12 in a message titled “This Is Our Time,” challenging leaders to recognize the opportunities of the present moment. He concluded the weekend by preaching from John 5 in the Annual Meeting sermon, “Do You Want to Be Healed?”

“What I appreciated most about this year’s Event was seeing pastors and ministry leaders from around the state reconnect and strengthen their relationships,” said Eric Schumacher, BCI Pastoral Ministry Director. “I also heard great feedback about the breakout sessions and was deeply grateful for how Dalton Shaffer and his team led us to rejoice in the gospel. And finally, Trevin Wax served us so well by opening God’s Word and equipping us to engage our culture with the gospel.”

Tim Lubinus Concludes 13 Years of BCI Leadership

The 2026 Annual Meeting marked Tim Lubinus’ final gathering as BCI Executive Director-Treasurer. Lubinus has announced plans to conclude his tenure at the end of 2026 after 13 years of leadership and service to Iowa Baptist churches.

“It has been a great honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of Iowa,” said Lubinus. “I have been so pleased and impressed by the dedication and godliness of our pastors as they serve their churches and communities. They have encouraged and inspired me in my own faith. I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with them and serve alongside them as we reach the people of Iowa and beyond for Christ.”

He will begin a new ministry role with Cornerstone Church of Ames, serving in city and global missions. He will also continue leading The Daniel Project, a ministry he founded to support near-culture evangelists and church planters serving in some of the world’s most difficult mission fields.

Many BCI pastors and church leaders expressed gratitude for Lubinus’ faithful service and his continued commitment to advancing the gospel in Iowa and around the world. “This year’s meeting was a great time of connection and celebration but also bittersweet,” said Eric Trout, President of the BCI Executive Board. “As Tim Lubinus shared reflections at his final annual meeting, I was struck with a great amount of thankfulness for the ways in which he has faithfully led Iowa Baptists for many years.”

Business Meeting Reflects Stability and Forward Vision

The weekend events were well attended with 145 is total attendance across the two days, with 56 registered messengers and 89 guests and ministry partners. Messengers approved a 2027 budget of $1,154,412, representing less than 1 percent decrease from 2026. Cooperative Program giving forwarded to the SBC Executive Committee will remain at 60 percent, continuing Iowa Baptists’ strong commitment to national and international church planting and missions.

During the business session, presided over by President Eric Trout, messengers elected officers for the coming year:

• President: Grady Adkins, Coram Deo Bible Church, Davenport
• First Vice-President: Todd Stiles, First Family Church, Ankeny
• Second Vice-President: Daniel Southwick, Southern Hills Baptist Church, Sioux City
• Secretary: Jerome Risting, Temple Baptist Church, Mason City

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

• 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: Jim Parker, Calvary Baptist Church, Glenwood
• Central: Steve Christiansen, Life Change Church, Des Moines

Linking Arms and Looking Ahead

The gathering also provided opportunities for pastors and ministry leaders to connect, share experiences, and encourage one another through seven practical breakout sessions. Topics included prayer, women’s ministry, music ministry, abuse prevention and response, discipleship pathways, church revitalization, and rural church planting.

Worship throughout the weekend was led by Dalton Shaffer and a team from Candeo Church in Cedar Falls. The gathering concluded with encouragement for Iowa Baptists to return to their churches renewed in their commitment to the gospel and the work God has given them.

The 2027 BCI Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 5–6, 2027, with the location to be announced.