Faith & Family
NRB 2025 Convention in Grapevine Brings Together Over 5,800 Christian Media Professionals for Key Industry Discussions
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (FNN) — The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Association welcomed over 5,800 Christian media professionals, including 345 international attendees from 52 countries, to the highly anticipated 2025 NRB International Christian Media Convention. Held in Grapevine, Texas, from February 24–27, the convention served as a leading global platform for Christian communicators to network, engage in industry discussions, and witness the latest developments in the faith-based media sector.
Covering the event for FNN Faith & Family, reporter Hidekel Griffin highlighted the major discussions and milestones from the convention, which featured 58,000 square feet of exhibits and 271 exhibitors, including 62 first-time exhibitors. The event offered a comprehensive look at the impact of Christian media globally, underscoring the ongoing evolution of media platforms and communication tools, especially in the context of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Opening Session Highlights Key Themes for 2025
At the Opening Session of NRB 2025, Troy A. Miller, NRB President & CEO, addressed the packed room of Christian broadcasters and media professionals, emphasizing the organization’s continued role in advancing Christian communications. Miller’s speech underscored the NRB’s 80-year history in fighting battles for Christian media through the transition from traditional radio to digital platforms, streaming, and the emerging world of artificial intelligence (AI). He remarked:
“This organization has been on the forefront for Christian communicators, fighting the battles that will keep you doing the ministry that God has called you to do,” said Miller. “For eighty years, this organization has fought continuously as we have transitioned from radio into television, to satellite, to digital, to streaming, to internet, and soon, into all things AI.”
The 2025 NRB Convention saw a remarkable increase in international engagement, with attendees from around the world coming together to explore issues of media influence, censorship, pro-life values, and the ongoing fight for Christian values in public life. Miller’s address was a powerful reminder of the essential role of Christian media in modern society.
Spotlighting Key Sponsors and Partners
The NRB 2025 Convention was made possible through the support of Gloo AI, a Platinum Sponsor, and other key partners such as Patriot Mobile (Silver Sponsor) and Ignite America, Prime Video, and Wonder Project (Bronze Sponsors). These sponsors played a pivotal role in helping to create an environment where Christian communicators could expand their reach and advance their missions in the face of an ever-changing media landscape.
For a full list of NRB Convention sponsors and their roles in supporting the event, attendees were encouraged to visit the official NRB website.
Educational Panels and The Great Commission Forum
Throughout the event, NRB hosted a packed schedule of panels, talks, and networking opportunities. One of the most anticipated events was the Great Commission Forum, which offered insights into the global impact of Christian media. Featured speakers included Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and musical artist Mimy Cifuentes. The forum provided a space for attendees to explore the power of media in spreading the Christian message across borders and cultures.
Discussions on local broadcasting, values-driven media, censorship, and pro-life and pro-family values were also central themes during the week, showcasing the challenges and opportunities for Christian communicators navigating the complex media ecosystem.
Honoring Israel and Leadership in Media
On Wednesday, February 26, the convention began with the annual sold-out Breakfast to Honor Israel. This event was a poignant moment for attendees to come together and support the Jewish community in the U.S. and abroad. The breakfast included performances of the U.S. and Israeli national anthems by Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, and a keynote address by Livia Link Raviv, the consul general of Israel to the Southwest U.S.
Additionally, the event featured a fireside chat with David Parsons, vice president and senior spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Elan Isaacson, head of security for the Eshkol Region, who shared firsthand accounts of the difficulties faced by Israeli citizens amidst the ongoing conflict. The breakfast was sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Magen David Adom (MDA).
The Media Leadership Dinner and Keynote Remarks
On the evening of Wednesday, February 26, the convention hosted its annual Media Leadership Dinner—an invitation-only event for presidents and leaders of NRB member organizations and their guests. This exclusive gathering provided an opportunity for high-level networking and collaboration among Christian media professionals.
The highlight of the dinner was the keynote speech delivered by **Jonathan Turley, a nationally recognized legal scholar and professor at J.B. & Maurice C. Shapiro of Public Interest Law and at George Washington University Law School. The dinner was sponsored by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM).
The NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention concluded on Thursday, Feb. 27, with another full day of affiliate events, workshops, talks, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The Closing Gala featured a musical performance by The Erwins, the presentation of the annual Special Service Awards, and a keynote address from Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at First Baptist Dallas. The Gala was sponsored by Evangelism Explosion International.
Recipients of the Special Service Awards included:
Hall of Fame Award | Richard (Rich) P. Bott, Bott Radio Network
William Ward Ayer Award | Roger Kemp, RK Media
Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications | Samaritan’s Purse
Milestone Award | David Benware | KALS 97.1FM | Moody Radio | Joe Battaglia
NextGen Award | Dallas Jenkins
President’s Award | Lauren Libby
Chairman’s Award | Anne Graham Lotz
Board of Directors Award | Candace Cameron Bure
Faith & Family
Exponential 2026 Draws 5,000 Church Leaders to Orlando, Advancing Global Church Multiplication Movement
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — More than 5,000 church planters, pastors and ministry leaders representing over 100 denominations gathered in Orlando for Exponential 2026, marking a significant moment in the global church multiplication movement, according to Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin.
More than 5,000 church planters, pastors and ministry leaders representing over 100 denominations gathered in Orlando for Exponential 2026. Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Hosted at First Baptist Orlando, the conference brought together leaders from across the United States and around the world with a shared mission: move beyond traditional ministry models and embrace multiplication as the pathway for future church growth.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
The Call to Multiply
This year’s theme, “Multiplier: It’s In You,” delivered a clear message to leaders — ministry is not only about growing a church, but about reproducing disciples, leaders and new congregations.
Speakers and trainers challenged attendees to shift their focus from simply adding members to multiplying disciples who make disciples and churches that plant new churches. The message encouraged leaders to rethink traditional approaches and develop systems that empower others to lead and reproduce ministry impact.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Equipping Leaders for the Future
Throughout the conference, participants experienced main sessions featuring internationally recognized speakers, along with practical workshops designed to address real-world ministry challenges.
Leaders also collaborated across denominations, building relationships with networks, organizations and universities committed to expanding Kingdom impact. Organizers emphasized equipping pastors and ministry leaders with tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately in their communities.
Photo by Florida National News Faith and Family reporter Hidekel Griffin
Looking Ahead to 2027
Organizers announced that Exponential will return to Orlando in 2027, alongside additional regional gatherings including its West Coast conference. The expansion aims to provide more opportunities for leaders to be trained, connected and equipped for multiplication.
With attendance continuing to grow each year, leaders are encouraged to plan ahead as registration for future gatherings is expected to fill quickly.
About Exponential
Exponential is a global movement dedicated to accelerating church multiplication. Through conferences, leadership training and strategic partnerships, the organization equips ministry leaders to move from addition to multiplication — helping more people discover and follow Jesus.
For more information, visit the official website of Exponential.
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Hidekel Griffin
Faith and Family Reporter
Florida National News
Faith & Family
Child Evangelism Fellowship Unites Four Central Florida Counties at First Vision Dinner Celebrating 88 Years of Ministry
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FNN Faith and Family Reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) hosted its first annual Share Vision Dinner, celebrating 88 years of ministry and uniting leaders from four Central Florida counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake.
The event marked the first time the entire CEF Central Florida chapter gathered under one roof, commemorating God’s faithfulness and outlining future plans to expand ministry efforts to children and families throughout the region.
A Unified Mission Across Central Florida
The Share Vision Dinner highlighted CEF’s long-standing mission: “Every Child, Every School, Every Day for Christ.” Executive Director Brenda Whitwam emphasized the importance of collaboration among churches, volunteers, and community partners as ministry efforts continue to grow.
“Together, we’re building bridges between counties, churches, and communities. We’re united under one purpose—to reach the children of Central Florida with the love of Jesus,” Whitwam said.
CEF programs—including Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™)—continue to equip volunteers, churches, and young leaders to share the Gospel in schools and neighborhoods throughout the state.
Leadership and Vision from Keynote Speaker Chuck Madden
State Director Charles “Chuck” Madden delivered the keynote message, drawing from more than 20 years of ministry experience as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, and associate pastor. Madden currently oversees 15 chapters, more than 30 staff members, 80 board leaders, and more than 2,000 trained volunteers across Florida.
Under his leadership, CEF Florida has expanded outreach into public schools, launched new chapters, and strengthened adult and youth training programs through the Children’s Ministry Institute.
The dinner drew pastors, educators, and community leaders whose participation underscored increasing regional collaboration and a shared commitment to reaching the next generation.
A Global Ministry with Local Impact
CEF remains the world’s largest missionary organization dedicated to children. In 2024 alone, more than 22.9 million children made decisions for Christ through its worldwide outreach.
The inaugural Share Vision Dinner served as a rallying point for churches and ministry partners to expand Good News Clubs, support new outreach initiatives, and raise up young leaders to carry the Gospel into every school and community across Central Florida.
About Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)
Founded in 1937, Child Evangelism Fellowship is a global, Bible-centered ministry reaching millions of children annually through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™). Operating in more than 200 countries, CEF partners with churches and volunteers to bring the message of Jesus to every child, everywhere.
For more information, visit www.CEFofCentralFL.com.
