by Karen Sargent
It’s been an amazing sixteen years of hosting Be The Word Leadership Conferences! This year was the best one yet! We thoroughly enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends. It was a remarkable time of renewal and refreshing.
Two Dynamic Locations
From August 27-29, we met in sunny Wallace, North Carolina at Awaken Church. Pastor Brad Carter and his wonderful staff hosted us and the conference this year.
We still enjoyed the sun and sand in Wrightsville Beach in the mornings. Then we gathered at Awaken Church for the meat of the conference in the afternoon and evening.
The Kingdom is Now
The theme this year was The Kingdom is Now. Focusing on the love of God and the Kingdom of God within, our goal was to fuel men and women to lead with vision, courage and confidence. Each day we had powerful praise and worship followed by engaging speakers who enlightened and encouraged us.
Enlightenment and Encouragement
We were blessed and our faith was deepened each day. The praise and worship led by the Awaken Wallace team and Pastor Cedric Cobb was outstanding. The amazing speakers delivered the Word with power and revealed the Kingdom.
Dr. Johnnie Blount shared powerful messages on our identity and the authority we have as followers of Christ. We were meant to stand out and be a solution to the unbeliever’s problems.
Donnis Blount roused us with her stirring message. She shared her journey, and encouraged us to use our faith and stand strong on the Word of God.
Pastor Cedric Cobb was a guest speaker who encouraged us to look at our gifts as opportunities for growth, and not a test. Our Father is patient, and He is looking for endurance, not perfection.
Pastor Brad Carter challenged our perspective and showed us that God is closer than we think and better than we ever imagined. Then in his secong message he taught us to take that a step farther. Once we know God as our Father, then we focus on who we are, and what we have been given. This is our purpose and authority.
Break out sessions were wonderful again this year, led by Deb Knapp, April Sedun, and Dr. Johnnie Blount. We also received inspiration from the interviews with David Lowry and Elsie Mae Yoder.
More Fun and Fellowship
Daily meals together provided time to get to know others better. It was during this time that we also had Kingdom Marketplace. This Marketplace was born from Dr. Johnnie’s vision to highlight Kingdom entrepreneurs whose gifts and businesses bring value to the Body of Christ.
We enjoyed the relaxed morning schedule. Many joined Deb Knapp for exercise on the beach. We also had a baptism on Friday morning.
Then Friday afternoon our party was held at Awaken Wallace under the big tent and on the volleyball court. The fellowship, fun, and food were delightful.
Watch For More Information!
Save the date! Don’t miss it July 16- 18, 2026! Next year’s conference will be hosted by Awaken Wallace again, please note that this is Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We will have more details and open registration soon!
If you missed this year’s conference or would like to hear those awesome messages again, watch for the audio recordings. We will make those available soon.
