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

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN FAITH & FAMILY) – By Hidekel Griffin, Faith & Family Reporter – A sacred atmosphere of reverence, love, and gratitude filled the sanctuary as family, friends, and ministry partners gathered to celebrate Jeri Hill’s 50 years of unwavering service to Jesus Christ. The afternoon stood as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and a vibrant tribute to a woman whose life has influenced nations through prayer, compassion, and obedience to God’s call.

A Life Poured Out in Service

For five decades, Jeri Hill has faithfully followed the Lord through every season — from missionary fields and revival altars to hospital rooms and quiet moments of prayer. As the devoted wife and ministry partner of the late evangelist Steve Hill, whose fiery preaching helped ignite the historic Pensacola/Brownsville Revival, Jeri’s life has been marked by humility, perseverance, and an enduring passion for souls.

Friends describe her as “a woman of both fire and tenderness” — one who carries the presence of God wherever she goes. Through her ministry, Together in the Harvest, she has mentored believers, interceded for nations, and continued the legacy of revival that began decades ago.

A Joyful Celebration of Faithfulness

Guests filled the sanctuary, hearts united in anticipation of honoring a servant of God who has touched countless lives. When Jeri arrived alongside her daughter Shelby Espier, the crowd rose in thunderous applause. Overcome with emotion, she embraced loved ones and ministry partners who had traveled from across the nation to celebrate her journey.

Moments of Honor and Remembrance

The program opened with Daniel Kolenda, who shared heartfelt words honoring Jeri’s steadfast devotion and her example as a spiritual mother to many. He highlighted her courage to continue ministering, praying, and serving even after Steve Hill’s passing.

Kolenda then introduced a moving video montage chronicling Jeri’s 50 years of ministry — from early evangelism with her husband to global revival meetings and ongoing discipleship work through Together in the Harvest. The images and testimonies painted a portrait of a life surrendered fully to God’s will.

Her daughter Kelsey Morris shared emotional reflections, expressing gratitude for her mother’s spiritual leadership and faithfulness, reminding everyone that “the seeds planted through Jeri’s obedience continue to bear fruit across continents.”

Words of Honor and Love

Several longtime friends and ministry partners took the stage to share how Jeri’s obedience and compassion impacted their lives. Among the speakers were Marcia Pate, Rachel Morris, Brian Eskelinen, Shelby Espier, Kelsey Morris, and Jared Horton, each offering touching personal tributes.

Jared Horton later led a special love offering in Jeri’s honor and introduced a video featuring greetings and messages from ministry friends around the world — all echoing appreciation for her example of endurance, grace, and steadfast love for Jesus.

A Heart Overflowing with Gratitude

To close the ceremony, Eric and Angela Johnson led a powerful prayer of blessing, surrounding Jeri with words of encouragement and prophetic affirmation. The sanctuary overflowed with laughter, tears, and thanksgiving — a beautiful reflection of a life poured out for God.

When Jeri Hill stepped forward to speak, the room fell silent. With humility and emotion, she gave all glory to God, thanking Him for sustaining her through every challenge and triumph. “Every miracle, every moment, every soul saved belongs to Jesus,” she said. “He has been faithful through it all.”

Her message carried a powerful reminder: her mission is far from over — God still has much to do through her surrendered heart.

A Powerful Impact

For fifty years, Jeri Hill has lived out the words of Scripture: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Through Together in the Harvest Ministries, she continues to inspire prayer movements, equip believers, and preach the uncompromising message of the cross.

The 50-year celebration was more than an anniversary — it was a divine moment of remembrance, a declaration that faithfulness still matters, and a living altar of gratitude for all God has done through the life of Jeri Hill, a true vessel of revival and grace.

Hallelujah!

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