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Bible & Church Music Conference 2026


Overview

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.

2025 Conference Resources

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.

Scholarship Information

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.

Conference Schedule

The 2026 schedule is anticipated to be released in October 2025.

Speakman Chair of Preaching

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

Planning Team

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

Earlier Event: June 18
Middle School Conferences 2026
Later Event: July 27
Called Together 2026