July 19-25, 2026
Family camp meets continuing education at this
conference for all ages of worship leaders.
Whether you are ordained or a layperson, staff or volunteer or congregant,
there are plenty of opportunities to learn, practice, and worship together.
Questions? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
Click below for a folder including recordings and slides from Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Sam Adams, bulletins, liturgy, and sermon recordings from worship throughout the week, and more.
For questions or to request a scholarship, contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
first time attendees
We are pleased to waive the program fee for first time conference attendees. Just notify Colleen that you’re joining us for the first time so we can apply this discount to your registration!
UNDER 40 CROWD
We have a special scholarship fund to support 20- and 30-somethings attending the conference. The fund is limited and will be shared on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2026 schedule is anticipated to be released in October 2025.
HISTORY OF THE SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING
Frederick B. Speakman began coming to Massanetta Springs in 1953. Over a forty year period, he inspired young ministers and ministered to many while on the platform at the Bible Conference. Fred graduated from the University of Oklahoma, Harvard University (M.A.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (B.D.), and in 1950 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. He served three churches: Central-Brick in East Orange, NJ, Third Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and Westminster Church in Dayton, OH. Fred was also an author and wrote three books of sermons: The Salty Tang, Love is Something You Do, and He Dwelt Among Us.
In 1957 Fred purchased a home in the Cottage Community, on the Massanetta Springs grounds, and in 1983, he and his wife, Zoe, retired and moved to the Cottage Community. With Fred in mind, a family in the Cottage Community began an endowment to which others have added, to ensure that the quality and name recognition of preachers for the Bible Conference will continue to be of the highest quality as has been in the past! This endowment supports the Fred Speakman Chair of Preaching. Each year one or more outstanding preachers are brought to Massanetta during the Bible Conference by the proceeds from the endowment.
PREVIOUS SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING RECIPIENTS:
2025: Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow
2024: Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner
2023: Rev. Dr. Roger Nishioka
2022: Rev. John Bell
2021: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2020: Speakman Online Series: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2019: Bishop William H. Willimon
2018: Rev. Drs. Kimberly Bracken Long and Thomas G Long.
2017: Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
2016: Rev. Dr. Steve Eason
2015: Rev. Michael Lindvall
2014: Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford
2013: Rev. Dr. James C. Howell
2012: Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount
2011: Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes
2010: Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams
2009: Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III
2008: Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence
2007: Rev. Thomas G. Long
2006: Rev. Dr. Frances Taylor Gench
2005: Bishop William H. Willimon
2004: Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
2003: Rev. Dr. William Powell Tuck
2002: Dr. Ben Lacy Rose
2001: Dr. Jerold D. Shetler
2000: Dr. Paul T. Eckel
1999: Dr. Myron Augsburger
1998: Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell
1997: Rev. Dr. Ernest Campbell
1997: Rev. Dr. Ernest Campbell
Bible COMMITTEE
Rev. Kelly Kaufman, Tabor Presbyterian Church, Tabor, VA
Alex Pickell, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Arlington, VA
Church Music COMMITTEE
Tucker Samuelian, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, NC
Zach Bowyer, South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC