2023 CBF General Assembly
Atlanta, GA
June 28-30, 2023
"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."
Hebrews 10:23-25
CBF General Assembly returns in-person this year to Atlanta, Georgia, and you’re invited to join Cooperative Baptists at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel for a week of learning, worship, inspiration and fellowship!
This summer at General Assembly, we invite you to pursue Holy Ambition. Together in Atlanta, we will be equipped to put our faith to action, be encouraged by friends and colleagues in ministry, and be challenged to come alongside God's transforming work in the world.
This summer, you can expect familiar favorites, as well as a few new features. You'll experience:
A Schedule Shift – the primary days of General Assembly are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (June 28-30), so when registration opens, note the schedule and be sure to make your hotel reservations accordingly. Assembly activities will begin mid-day on Wednesday the 28th and closing worship will be Friday afternoon. All Assembly activities will conclude by 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening.
Fun for your whole family! – Age-appropriate Assembly programs are available in-person for preschoolers, children, and youth. These programs include special speakers and activities! Age-level Assembly activities will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Learning Labs – Prepare to be equipped for ministry at this year's Assembly though Learning Labs—three workshop-style experiences focused on ten topical learning tracks. During Learning Labs, you will receive an introduction, deep dive into a subject, and practical takeaways for your community. Learning Lab topics include: Ministry Innovation, Global Missions, Cultivating Calling, Missions & Community, Vida Hispana (presented entirely in Spanish), Advocacy, Spiritual Care & Trauma-Sensitive Ministry, Racial Justice, Financial Wellness & Fund Development, and (Cooperative) Baptist Identity. We encourage you to follow one Learning Lab track throughout the Assembly, but may explore multiple topics if you would like. Which track will you choose?!
Partner Events – Be on the lookout for information from CBF partner organizations, theological schools and CBF state and regional organizations hosting events at General Assembly.
The Gathering Place – The lively exhibit hall at General Assembly, called The Gathering Place, will be a hub of activity that you’ll want to return to again and again throughout Assembly week. Inside, exhibitors will interact with participants as attendees connect with each other in the aisles, market and multiple café areas.
Worship – Prepare for late night worship led by the Pan African Koinonia on Wednesday night, as well as worship on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon of Assembly. Experience powerful preaching, singing and communion as well as participate in the commissioning of CBF field personnel and CBF endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors.
Registration
Registration is now open! We ask that anyone attending the General Assembly go through the registration process, as name badges will be required for entry into events at the Assembly.
The Assembly will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Rooms during the event are now available at $229.00/night.
There are plenty of rooms available! If you are arriving early in the week, you may receive an error. If this is the case, try a later check-in date, book the time that is available, and send us a note with your name and the days you need to add to your reservation to assembly@cbf.net.
If you need additional assistance with your hotel reservation, please contact the Hyatt Regency Atlanta at 877.803.7534. The group code is G-COBF.
Schedule at a Glance
Continue to check back as more experiences and events are confirmed as part of the 2023 Assembly schedule
Wednesday
All Day – Check-in/Registration
11:30 am - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and Learn
1:15 - 5:00 p.m. - Age-Level Assemblies
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Bold Faithfulness Breakouts
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Receptions and Theological School Gatherings
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. - State and Regional Gatherings
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. - Opening Party
9:30 - 10:30 p.m. - Late night worship led by the Pan African Koinonia
Thursday
7:30-9:00 a.m. - Familia Celebration Breakfast
7:30-9:00 a.m. - Friends of BNG Breakfast - Register at baptistnews.com!
9:30-11:00 a.m. - Plenary Session
11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. - Dr. Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Luncheon
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Learning Labs Session 1
3:00-4:00 p.m. - Learning Labs Session 2
4:15-5:15 p.m. - Network Meetings, Receptions, Gathering Place Conversations, Business Breakout Session
5:30-7:00 p.m. - Baptist Women in Ministry Celebration Dinner - Register now at bwim.info!
7:30-9:00 p.m. - Worship
9:30-10:30 p.m. - Gathering Place Reception
9:30-11:30 p.m. - Young Baptist Ecosystem Outing
Friday
7:30-9:00 a.m. - Encourager Church & Advocacy Breakfast
9:30-11:00 a.m. - Business Session
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - BJC Luncheon - Register at bjconline.org!
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Chaplaincy & Pastoral Counseling Luncheon
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Learning Labs Session 3
3:00- 4:00 p.m. - Receptions, Network Meetings, Gathering Place Conversations
4:30-6:00 p.m. - Worship
Featured Speakers and Leaders
Rev. Dr. Latonya Agard
Preacher - Late Night Worship | Wednesday, June 28
Pastor and Church Planter
Transformation Christian Church
CEO- BeSpeak Solutions, Inc.
Rev. Laura Ayala
Preacher | Thursday, June 29
Coordinator of Global Missions
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley
Keynote – Business Plenary Session | Friday, June 30
Executive Coordinator
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Decatur, Ga.
Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond
Keynote Speaker – BJC Luncheon | Friday, June 30
Pastor
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Richmond, Va.
Kan’Dace Brock
Panelist – Baptist Women in Ministry Celebration Dinner \ Thursday, June 29
Lead Pastor
The Message Church
San Antonio, Texas
Rev. Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed
Keynote Speaker – CBF Chaplaincy & Pastoral Counseling Luncheon
Academic Entrepeneur & Author
Three Minute Ministry Mentor
Shauw Chin Capps
Facilitator – Show Me the Money: Equipping Our Leaders for Excellence in Fundraising
Foundation President & Chief Development Officer
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Atlanta, Ga.
Jason Chudnofsky
Facilitator – Summit Initiative Guide Training | Monday & Tuesday, June 26-27
Executive Director
Summit Initiative
Monroe, Wash.
Dr. Elizabeth Corrie
Bold Faith Breakout Facilitator – Sacred & Courageous Conversations
Professor in the Practice of Youth Education & Peacebuilding;
Director of the Religious Education Program
Emory University’s Candler School of Theology
Atlanta, Ga.
Brian Foreman
Facilitator – Plenary Session | Thursday, June 29
Coordinator of Congregational Ministries
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Coco Freeman
Musician - La Familia Celebration Breakfast | Thursday, June 29
Musical Artist
Miami, Fla.
Rev. Rylan A. Harris
Worship Leader – Late Night Worship | Wednesday, June 28
Minister of Worship & Arts
Ray of Hope Christian Church
Decatur, Ga.
Jay Kieve
Panelist – Baptist Women in Ministry Celebration Dinner | Thursday, June 29
Abuse Prevention and Response Advocate & Director of Ministerial Transitions
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Rev. Dr. Kat Kimmel
Preacher | Friday, June 30
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church
Memphis, Tenn.
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
Keynote - Dr. Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer Luncheon | Thursday, June 29
Senior Pastor
Trinity United Church of Christ
Chicago, Ill.
Sister Norma Pimentel
Keynote – Encourager Church & Advocacy Breakfast | Friday, June 30
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville, Texas
Jennifer Richard
Facilitator – Show Me the Money: Equipping Our Leaders for Excellence in Fundraising
Director of Philanthropy
HALOS
North Charleston, S.C.
Meredith Stone
Facilitator – Plenary Session | Thursday, June 29
Executive Director
Baptist Women in Ministry
Jemar Tisby
Keynote – Friends of BNG Breakfast
Historian, Author & Speaker
Molly Shoulta Tucker
Panelist – Baptist Women in Ministry Celebration Dinner | Thursday, June 29
Pastor
Ridgewood Baptist Church
Louisville, Ky.
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner
Speaker – Leadership Luncheon
Author & Assistant Professor of Preaching
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, N.J.
Mark Wingfield
Speaker – Friends of BNG Breakfast
Executive Director and Publisher
Baptist News Global
Dallas Texas
Learning Labs
Prepare to be equipped for ministry at this year's Assembly though Learning Labs—three workshop-style experiences focused on ten topical learning tracks. During Learning Labs, you will receive an introduction, deep dive into a subject, and practical takeaways for your community.
Learning Lab topics include: Ministry Innovation, Global Missions, Cultivating Calling, Missions & Community, Vida Hispana (presented entirely in Spanish), Advocacy, Spiritual Care & Trauma-Sensitive Ministry, Racial Justice, Financial Wellness & Fund Development, and (Cooperative) Baptist Identity.
With something for everyone from clergy to laity, we encourage you to follow one Learning Lab track throughout the Assembly, but you may explore multiple topics if you would like. Which track will you choose?
Age Level Assemblies
Age Level Assemblies offer fun and learning for all ages from infant to 12th grade.
Age Level Assemblies will be gathering at the following times. Children and youth will take a field trip offsite from the Hyatt Regency to explore educational and fun attractions in Atlanta on Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30:
Preschool (Infant through Pre-K)
- Wednesday, June 28: 1:15 PM-5:15 PM
- Thursday, June 29: 8:45-11:30 AM; 1:15-5:30 PM; 7:00-9:15 PM
- Friday, June 30: 8:45-11:30 AM; 1:15-6:15 PM
Children (Kindergarten through 5th Grade)
- Wednesday, June 28: 1:15 PM-5:15 PM
- Thursday, June 29: 8:45 AM-5:30 PM; 7:00-9:15 PM
- Friday, June 30: 8:45 AM-6:15 PM
Youth (6th through 12th Grade)
- Wednesday, June 28: 1:15 PM-5:15 PM
- Thursday, June 29: 8:45 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday, June 30: 8:45 AM-4:00 PM
Age Level Assemblies are now full and the waiting list has closed.
College and Young Adult Sessions
Sessions is for any college or grad student wanting a group experience at General Assembly, while also getting a taste of Atlanta. Students will begin together on Wednesday after lunch with group building, a visit to the King Center and dinner out all before heading back to the Hyatt for the opening Assembly party. They will get the full experience of Assembly on Thursday and Friday with an opportunity to debrief their learnings together. They will also have the opportunity to serve by volunteering and participating in a special hands-on mission project on site at the hotel. Sessions will conclude on Friday evening with a visit to Truist Park to watch the Atlanta Braves in action.
The cost of Sessions is $200 which includes hotel for 3 nights (double occupancy) and 5 meals. Check-in is Wednesday, June 28 and check-out is July 1.
Register to experience Assembly through Sessions during the registration process!
FAQ
When will registration open?
Registration is required to attend General Assembly, and all individuals should register to attend, as name badges will be required for entry into events. Pre-registration is open now! On-site registration will open in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 28, at 9:00 a.m.
Can I make changes to my registration?
Yes! Making changes to your registration details is simple. Follow this link and click "Already registered?" at the top right corner of your screen. Enter the email address you used to register and the confirmation number that was sent to that address. Don't worry if you lost or forgot that confirmation number, just follow the prompts. Once your email and number are entered, you can alter any field of your registration. Just remember to go all the way to the payment page if you're adding something with an associated cost.
As someone who has never been to General Assembly, what should I expect?
We are so glad you have chosen to attend your first CBF General Assembly! We want you to have a great time, find out more about the Fellowship, and get connected. As you check-in for the Assembly, you'll be able to ask any questions you may have to a knowledgeable CBF staff member. You will also receive a guidebook that will help you navigate the schedule and hotel throughout the week. Throughout the Assembly, you can expect to meet new friends and network with folks from around the country and the world. You will experience compelling worship, have an opportunity to attend Learning Labs, meet partners in the Gathering Place, and learn about the vibrant life of the Fellowship. If you have specific questions about the Assembly experience before you arrive, don't hesitate to reach out at assembly@cbf.net.
Can I share about CBF General Assembly 2023 online on social media?
Yes, please do! We will be posting on social media about General Assembly. Please share our posts, forward our emails, and let your network know about all of the Assembly activities. We will also be watching to share your posts, so use the hashtag #CBFAssembly when you share on social.
How much does Assembly cost?
Registration for the Assembly is free. There is some cost associated with meals hosted by CBF and other partners, and we have a special hotel rate of $155/night for your lodging, just make sure to follow the hotel registration link above.
Are there any grants or scholarships available to help cover my travel costs?
The Travel Assistance Fund for Events (TAFFE) is a fund designated by the CBF Ministries Council to provide financial assistance to LAYPERSONS with limited means to attend special CBF gatherings and events. Recipients will be awarded a grant of up to $500 to assist with travel and lodging. While all laypeople who are active and/or interested in the CBF are eligible to receive a grant, the ideal is for church and denominational leaders to invite strategic, particularly emerging, lay leaders who will advocate for and help tell the story of CBF in the church and the community. Particular consideration will be given to first-time attendees. Please note that TAFFE funds are NOT available for clergy expenses. You can apply for these funds here.
What about COVID?
The health and safety of all General Assembly attendees is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will act in accordance with CDC guidelines and hotel safety measures. Please note that we will continue to keep you updated about COVID protocols for Age Level Assemblies as we get closer to the event.
Can I attend any of the Assembly virtually?
While this year's General Assembly is not explicitly a virtual or hybrid event, we will be live-streaming the worship services, plenary session and business session. You will be able to access these from our Facebook page and this web page. We will also have live-streamed Podcasts from The Gathering Place throughout the Assembly, which you will be able to access on our Facebook page.
Who plans the CBF General Assembly?
The CBF General Assembly is organized by the General Assembly Steering Committee, which is led by the Director of Fellowship Experiences and consists of CBF Global Staff and volunteers. The 2023 Assembly Steering Committee members are: Carrie Harris, Jeff Huett, Devita Parnell, Guilherme Almeida, Mark Green, Brian Foreman, Brittany Ramirez, Ellen Sechrest, LaToya Cross, Chris Aho, Aaron Weaver, Becky Hall, Nell Green, Javier Perez, and Leslie Brogdon.
Can I lead a Learning Lab or submit a workshop proposal?
This year at Assembly, we will be participating in Learning Labs, which function a little bit differently than the traditional workshop model you may be familiar with. Each learning track has a Leadership Team in place that is made up of clergy and laity who will prepare the curriculum for the three lab sessions. These Leadership Teams have worked to gather diverse groups of experts in each of these topics to create cohesive learning tracks. At this time, all Learning Labs have been set. You can find them here.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Prior to CBF General Assembly, please email assembly@cbf.net
Exhibitors
The Gathering Place at the 2023 General Assembly will be bustling with activity and a great place to meet our partners! Alongside our sponsors, you'll have an opportunity to connect with exhibitors and make lasting connections.
The health and safety of all General Assembly attendees is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will act in accordance with CDC guidelines and hotel safety measures.