TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING (TAG2025)
The Authentic Church in Challenging Times
“Encourage one another…” Hebrews 10:23-25
May 2-3, 2025
Given the current climate of uncertainty and the challenges we all face, now more than ever, we are called to stand together in faith, unity, and encouragement. As the body of Christ, we are not alone—we are strengthened by one another and by the unwavering faithfulness of our God.
We invite you to join us for our upcoming Annual Gathering (#TAG2025), themed “The Authentic Church in Challenging Times,” inspired by the powerful words of Hebrews 10:23-25:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)
This verse is a profound reminder that our God is faithful, and He calls us to remain steadfast in hope, to uplift one another, and to be a light in the midst of uncertainty. As we gather, we will explore what it means to be an authentic church—a people of bold faith, resilient love, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even in the face of difficulty.
Come and be renewed. Come and be encouraged. Come and be reminded that we are stronger together. We can’t wait to see you at #TAG2025!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
COMING SOON
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. Dr. David E. Fitch
David Fitch (Ph.D Northwestern University) has pastored for 30 years, been involved in 8 church-plants over the course of his ministry. He is the Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary Chicago. He teaches in the fields of church and mission, culture studies, political theory, Neo-Anabaptist theology and ethics. He speaks on the challenges of church in mission in the changing cultural challenges of our times. He has written 9 books, published in multiple academic journals, for Christianity Today, OutReach Magazine, ChurchLeaders.com, EthicsDaily.
He writes regularly on Fitch’s Provocations (https://davidfitch.substack.com/), leads discussion on his facebook page (fitchest) and on twitter at @fitchest. He is married to Rae Ann and they have one son named Max. He is an ordained pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He’s coached hockey for the YMCA USA Hockey program for seven years. His theme for us is Reckoning With Power: Discerning God’s Power, Navigating Worldly Power in Leadership, Conflict, and Mission
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MAY 2
| 1:00pm | Registration |
| 2:00pm – 3:15pm | WORKSHOP #1 |
|
1. |
Understanding Pastoral Compensation – Rev. Diane Badger |
|
2. |
Church Organization Part I – Rev. Ron Bouthillette |
|
3. |
Bi-Vocational Ministry – |
| 3:15pm-3:30pm | Break |
| 3:30pm-4:45pm | WORKSHOP #2 |
|
1. |
Presence Based Witness: Six Steps to Power-full Witness in Christ’s Kingdom – Rev. David Fitch |
|
2. |
God’s Love at the Border – Rev. dr. Mary Day Hamel |
|
3. |
|
|
5:00pm-6:00pm |
Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Business Meeting |
| 7:30pm | Worship |
SATURDAY, MAY 3
| 7:00am | Registration |
| 8:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00am – 10:15am | WORKSHOP #1 |
|
1. |
Six Steps to Powerful Witness – Rev. David Fitch |
|
2. |
Exploring Our Future – Rev. Ron Bouthillette |
| 3. | Church Reconciliation – |
| 10:15am – 10:30am | Break |
| 10:30am – 11:45am | WORKSHOP #2 |
| 1. | Church in Today’s Culture – Rev. Rick Harrington |
| 2. | Deconstructing Worship – Rev. Jennifer Layte |
| 3. | Missions at the Border – Rev Dr. Mary Day Hamel |
| 12:00pm | Lunch Banquet |
| 1:30pm |
Closing Worship – Rev. Dr. David Fitch |
|
Honoring Milestones (Ordinations and Church Anniversaries) |
|
| Benediction |
Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller |
OUR HOSTS
Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center
Grotonwood is a Christian camp and conference center located in the beautiful town of Groton, MA.
Nestled among 247 acres of private woodland, camp is a treasure trove of outdoor fun and recreation. Through summer camp and retreat hosting, they have been ministering to children, adults with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities, families, church communities and not for profit organizations since 1956! It is their desire and commitment to be a resource to ALL God’s people, encouraging spiritual growth (and adventure!) in the tranquility of a natural environment.
Their summer camp and year-round programs give way to beautiful encounters, lifelong learning experiences and relationship building opportunities. At the heart of this are beautiful facilities and a committed group of staff that will support and encourage you in the process of spiritual growth.
WORKSHOPS AND FACILITATORS
Presence Based Witness: Six Steps to Power-full Witness in Christ’s Kingdom
A seminar where we will discuss five qualities that characterized the leadership style of Jesus. When church leaders emulate these qualities, they will inspire and empower the people they have been called to lead. The seminar will wrestle with four questions that emerge from John’s introduction of Jesus, “and the word became flesh and dwelt among us….”
Rev. Dr. David E. Fitch
David Fitch (Ph.D Northwestern University) has pastored for 30 years, been involved in 8 church-plants over the course of his ministry. He is the Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology at Northern Seminary Chicago. He teaches in the fields of church and mission, culture studies, political theory, Neo-Anabaptist theology and ethics. He speaks on the challenges of church in mission in the changing cultural challenges of our times. He has written 9 books, published in multiple academic journals, for Christianity Today, OutReach Magazine, ChurchLeaders.com, EthicsDaily.
He writes regularly on Fitch’s Provocations (https://davidfitch.substack.com/), leads discussion on his facebook page (fitchest) and on twitter at @fitchest. He is married to Rae Ann and they have one son named Max. He is an ordained pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He’s coached hockey for the YMCA USA Hockey program for seven years.
GOD’S LOVE AT THE BORDER
Reflections on my recent experience in Tijuana with the Border Church and other ministries.
Rev. Dr. Mary Day Hamel
Rev. Hamel was called to serve as TABCOM’s executive minister in August 2015. From 2012-2015, Re. Miller served as Associate Executive Minister of Mid-American Baptist Churches, a region serving churches in Iowa and Minnesota. She has held two long-term pastorates, at the First Baptist Church in Fredericktown, Ohio and Memorial Baptist Church in Indianapolis.
She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
From Servants to Jesus’ Friends
In his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion, Jesus expressed what has been the heart of God since God created humans in the beginning: “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father” (John 15:15, NRSVUE). Among the many reasons for church decline in the United States in recent years, rarely is friendship with Jesus mentioned. Yet for all the talk in some traditions about how “it’s not a religion, it’s a relationship,” many if not most churches are ill-equipped to foster the intimate friendship with Jesus that he himself is looking for with his disciples.
In this workshop we’ll discuss some field-tested discipleship and Bible reading techniques that nurture an openness to friendship with God. You will have the opportunity to share some of your own experiences and ideas. We will also explore ways that perhaps we as pastors and Christian leaders have neglected our own friendship with Jesus and how we can renew it, for our own good and that of our congregations.
Rev. Jennifer A. G. Layte
JENNIFER A. G. LAYTE is an online spiritual director, in-person pastor, and founder of The Pilgrimage (https://the-pilgrimage.org), an online spiritual formation community. Her background in literature and theology gives her imaginative ways of retelling the stories of the Bible and of others, encouraging people to live within their own stories better. She is an amateur artist and the author of two novels, Trees in the Pavement and Favored One. Her most recent book, Follower: How Getting Close to Jesus Brings You to Yourself, is a study of identity in Christ through the story of Simon Peter. Jennifer lives with her husband, Paul, and their two rescue dogs in the “ruralburbs” of southern Massachusetts.
INCARNATE LEADERSHIP
A seminar where we will discuss five qualities that characterized the leadership style of Jesus. When church leaders emulate these qualities, they will inspire and empower the people they have been called to lead. The seminar will wrestle with four questions that emerge from John’s introduction of Jesus, “and the word became flesh and dwelt among us….”
Rev. Dr. Ronald Bouthillette
Rev. Bouthillette is on the TABCOM staff. He is focused on working with our associations in “search and call,” and providing resources around church renewal.
Ron is a native New Englander. He is a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, where he serves as an Adjunct Professor in Practical Theology. Ron teaches courses in pastoral ministry, leadership and church revitalization. Ron specializes in Church Leadership and Revitalization.
Ron has pastored churches large and small for over 40 years. He brings this experience to all of his ministries – especially within the areas of church revitalization, churches in transition, leadership and in his mentoring ministry. He is also involved in church consulting with American Baptist Churches throughout the US. Ron is the Associate Executive Minister in Leadership in the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire. He is married to Cathy Bouthillette. They have two grown children and six grandchildren.
PASTORAL COMPENSATION FOR PASTORS
This workshop will help you understand pastoral compensation. Dealing with the unique tax implications for pastors in terms of compensations; and understanding pastoral benefits. This workshop is targeted to pastors, but church leaders are also welcome.
PRESERVING CHURCH RECORDS
How do you preserve and protect your church records? What do you need to keep and what can you dispose of? What materials are needed to protect your records? Learn the basics of preservation and organizing your records properly.
Rev. Diane Badger
The Reverend Diane L. Badger is an ordained American Baptist Minister. She graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She served in Nonprofit Administrative and Financial positions for nearly twenty years prior to being called to the pastoral ministry. She received her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in May 2009 and was ordained that same year. While still at seminary, Rev. Badger was called to be the pastor of Community Baptist Church of Marion, MA and served there until 2014. During that time, she also served as a hospice chaplain on Cape Cod.
Rev. Badger has served on the Executive Board of the Old Colony Baptist Association since 1998, first as clerk and now as treasurer. She also serves on the board of the Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts (CBMM) and MABIT (Massachusetts American Baptist Investment Trust). Since August 2021, Rev. Badger has worked for TABCOM as the administrator for the Commission on Ordained Ministry ushering candidates for ordination through the maze of paperwork and requirements to become ordained ministers.
In her spare time, Rev. Badger does research on genealogy and Massachusetts Baptist History uncovering our past before it gets lost in the mists of time.
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