Renew 2025: A Gathering for Word-Centered, Spirit-Empowered Church Renewal

Update on the Renew Conference

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your interest in the Renew Conference 2025 and for registering to join us. We have been encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received about the vision behind this gathering and the enthusiasm expressed by pastors, ministry leaders, and partners.

However, our registration numbers have not reached the level needed to ensure the kind of impactful, well-resourced experience we desire to provide. Because of this, we have made the decision to postpone the Renew Conference at this time.

While we are disappointed not to be gathering as planned, we believe this pause creates an opportunity to learn, refine, and consider when to hold the Renew conference in the near future. We will keep you posted as those plans develop.

Our team will begin processing full refunds for all registrations right away. You should see those appear in the coming days. If you do have any questions related to refunds please contact the Nashville Baptist Association. [email protected] 

We are deeply grateful for your interest. Even though next month’s event won’t move forward, we are excited about the connections already made and the seeds planted. We look forward to updating you as future opportunities take shape.

With gratitude and hope,

Bob Bickford
On behalf of the Sponsors and Organizers of Renew 2025

• September 4–5, 2025
• Nashville First Baptist Church | 108 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN
• Light breakfast and lunch included
• Spouse track available
• Renew 2025 Schedule

An Invitation to Pastors, Leaders and Churches in Need of Renewal

The contemporary church faces a sobering reality: of the 47,000 Southern Baptist churches in the United States, more than 85% are experiencing some form of plateau or decline. Many operate under a sense of survival rather than a flourishing vision of faithfulness. This is not merely a sociological concern—it is a spiritual reality.

Renew exists as a theological and practical response to that crisis. Rooted in the conviction that God renews His Church through the ordinary means of grace—the Word, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit—this gathering is designed for pastors, elders, lay leaders, and churches seeking renewal from the inside out.

Renewal Begins with the Word and the Spirit

This event is not simply about processes, programs or pragmatism. It is about the centrality of Scripture, the necessity of prayer, and the sovereignty of the Spirit in the renewal of Christ’s Church.

We believe:

• That genuine church revitalization begins with spiritual work before strategies.
• That pastors must shepherd with clarity of calling and biblical fidelity.
• That spiritual decline is best addressed through repentance, humility, and a return to the sufficiency of God’s Word and faithful biblical mission.

Renew Leaders: Practitioners of Church Renewal

This is a gathering led by those who have been in the trenches—men and women who have given their lives to the steady, faithful work of shepherding declining congregations toward health through biblical teaching and spiritual dependence.

Joining us from the Replant Team of the North American Mission Board:

• Mark Hallock – On renewing the Church through joy grounded in gospel conviction
• Jimbo Stewart – On the pastoral calling  and practice in the renewal process
• Matt McNaughton – On spiritual renewal as the indispensable precursor to strategic renewal
• Brandon Moore – On healthy Church targets and biblical revitalization
• David Quoria – On ethnic Church Partnerships and Spanish Church Renewal

From our local context:

• Bob Bickford – On discerning the spiritual roots of decline and renewal
• Thomas West – On leading renewal through theological clarity and pastoral courage
• Daryl Crouch – On catalyzing the church renewal cycle
• Barb Bickford – On serving and supporting church renewal as the spouse of a renewal Pastor.

Stories from area Churches engaged in Renewal

• From Local Associations and Renewal Churches and Supporting/Sending Churches

Content Designed for Those Doing the Work

Participants will engage with carefully curated breakout sessions on topics such as:

• The Biblical Qualifications and Calling of a Renewal Pastor
• Establishing Replant Residencies with Doctrinal Integrity and Missional Vitality
• Bivocational Models and the Stewardship of Calling
• Multi-Ethnic and Cross-Cultural Renewal in Local Churches
• Healthy Churches partnering with congregations in need of support.  

Join Us and Bring Your Team.

In Partnership with: