In the book of Acts, we see believers expand Jesus’ disciple-making mission. As the early church was established, those believers did not keep the Gospel to themselves; they boldly proclaimed hope of Christ to all people. Despite persecution, Christians testified to the truth of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
At Charis Fellowship Conference 2026, held July 21–23 at Grace Fellowship Church in Pickerington, Ohio, main session speakers walked through the book of Acts. The theme verse for the week was Acts 28:31, and each message focused on a different aspect of the book, intentionally connecting how witness, prayer, Holy Spirit, expansion, and suffering allow the Gospel to go out unhindered. Speakers were Keith Minier, Kip Cone, Jeremy Kimble, Andrew Royer, and Bartley Sawatsky. Personal testimonies on each topic were also shared in sessions from Tim Wilmetti, Ethan Bunce, Nate Bosch, Barb Wooler, and Betsy.
The schedule for conference was designed to allow free time and select planned events in the evenings, creating space for fellowship and connection. On Monday pre-conference activities included the Charis Symposium with papers on the book of Acts, food trucks, and a dessert for newcomers where Executive Director Tim Sprankle explained core aspects of the Charis Fellowship and various national ministry leaders shared about their organizations.
Other evening activities throughout the week included a young adult event hosted by Assist Church Expansion, a game night hosted by Charis Women, a dessert for solo pastors and their wives, and a ministry discussion with Pastors Jeff Bogue and Keith Minie
Many national and cooperating ministries represented as exhibitors, and Grace College, Encompass World Partners, Grace Financial, Eagle Commission, Assist Church Expansion, Charis Women, and Inspire Pastors Network sponsored meals where they introduced key staff and board members, held their annual business meeting, and shared ministry highlights.
Each day also had two opportunities to attend workshops and roundtable discussions. They were facilitated by a variety of people including pastors, ministry leaders, global workers, and organization representatives. Topics included next generation ministries, succession and retirement planning, children’s ministry, women’s ministry, process of ordination, Charis Fellowship history, missions, leveraging AI, volunteer recruitment, and more. Thursday morning also included the Charis Conversation, the delegate’s meeting of the Charis Fellowship, where Tim Sprankle, Tim Hodge, and Andrew Saunders gave updates and presented items that would be voted upon by the delegates in the following week.
Conference concluded Thursday afternoon with threefold communion. Tim Sprankle read through parts of the Charis Manual of Procedure and led the three elements with thoughtful reflections.
