Great Rivers Fellowship

✨ Registration is now open for the 2026 AR/LA/MS Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation! ✨

This year’s theme, “Blessed is the Ordinary,” invites participants into a sacred rhythm of prayer, worship, silence, study, reflection, and community. The Academy is a beautiful opportunity for clergy and laity alike to deepen their relationship with God while discovering new ways to live as faithful witnesses in the world.

📍 The Wesley Center — Woodworth, Louisiana
September 13–18, 2026

Participants will experience:
🙏 Daily prayer and Holy Communion
📖 Inspiring teaching and spiritual formation
🤝 Community sharing and listening circles
🌿 Silent reflection, retreat, and renewal
✨ A welcoming ecumenical community

This year’s faculty includes:
• Mary C. Earle — Episcopal priest, author, and spiritual director
• Jerry Webber — teacher, retreat leader, and contemplative guide

Whether you are seeking rest, renewal, discernment, or deeper spiritual grounding, this Academy offers a meaningful space to reconnect with God and community.

For more information or registration:
📞 Roy Smith — (501) 350-0330
📧 [email protected]
Online registration: https://five-day-academy-for-spiritual-formation-2026.raiselysite.com/

THIS THURSDAY!

✨ FREE WEBINAR ✨
“Coaching: Stronger Leaders, Stronger Churches”

A Discovery Webinar for Clergy Leaders in the Great Rivers Fellowship

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

Join us for an engaging conversation about how coaching can strengthen clergy leadership, support personal growth, and create healthier, more impactful churches and ministry spaces. Participants will also learn more about the coaching opportunities available through Great Rivers Fellowship.

Topics include:
• Coaching vs. counseling vs. consulting
• The role of the coach in a coaching conversation
• The role of the client in a coaching session
• Common topics explored in coaching
• What clients take away from the experience

This webinar is offered at no cost in partnership with Pinnacle Leadership Associates, and registration is strongly encouraged.

Register here:
https://www.pinnlead.com/grf-coaching/260521

Celebrating Pastor Bennie L. Jackson Jr's graduation from - a GRF partner school. Bennie received Logue-Higgins Scholarship for several years to support his education.

⏰ Don’t miss out! General Assembly hotel group rates expire soon.

Reserve your hotel room by May 23 to take advantage of special rates ranging from $165–$195 per night, plus taxes and fees.

Join us for an inspiring time of fellowship, worship, learning, and connection at General Assembly!

Register today and secure your stay below:
https://events.cbf.net/assembly

Did you know that Suzanne Cain, our Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Senior Adults, is the moderator of Great Rivers Fellowship this year? We are extremely proud of her leadership and how she generously shares her gifts with individuals and CBF congregations across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/christian-catholic-pastors-seminaries?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=America%E2%80%99s%20pastor%20pipeline%20is%20collapsing&utm_campaign=ni_newsletter

America's pastor pipeline is collapsing The pastor job is collapsing — and few are replacing it;

Join us for an evening of connection, fellowship, and community!

Wednesday, June 17
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

CBF Oklahoma Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Texas, CBF West, and Great Rivers Fellowship invite you to a special reception at the beautiful rooftop of Cowford Chophouse.

Come meet new friends from across our regions, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, and spend time building meaningful connections.

Register here: https://events.cbf.net/assembly/begin

We can’t wait to see you there!

Great Rivers Fellowship Update - May 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/greatriversfellowship/may2026

The Great Rivers Fellowship joins the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana and the wider faith community in honoring the life and legacy of Ted Holmes Sr., who passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026.

Throughout his life, Ted demonstrated a deep commitment to Christian service, congregational leadership, and missions. A longtime member of University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, he faithfully served both his church and community through ministry with international residents, ecumenical engagement, and leadership within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana.

Ted’s legacy reflects a lifetime devoted to faith, hospitality, and service to others. His witness and dedication have left a lasting impact on countless individuals, churches, and ministries across Louisiana and beyond.

We extend our prayers and sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who were blessed by his life and ministry.

We’re excited to share an invitation from our friends at Church Benefits Board

They are hosting a “Learn at Lunch” gathering—an opportunity to pause in the middle of the day, enjoy a meal, and learn about resources designed to support ministry leaders, churches, and communities.

If you are in ministry or serving in church leadership, this is a great space for connection, learning, and encouragement.

You can learn more and register here:
https://churchbenefits.org/learn-at-lunch/