“Higher: Reaching Up to God” was more than an aspirational theme for Southeastern Conference in 2026. It was a declaration of faith, a fitting banner under which to celebrate the Conference’s 45th anniversary, and a reminder that God continues to call His people to deeper commitment, greater service, and a closer walk with Him.
As Camp Meeting commenced in Hawthorne, Florida, on Sunday, June 15, 2026, inspirational instrumental music set the tone for what would be a week of recreation, workshops, worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
Fresh branding, vibrant welcome signs, strategically placed way finders, and colorful pole banners greeted campers, creating an environment that felt both inviting and refreshing.
Among the attendees were Dennis and Hazel Williams of Lake City, Florida. Their excitement was palpable as they had come not only to witness the ordination of their pastor, Edward Carr, but also to experience what they described as “a once-a-year gathering where believers come together in one place to lift up the name of Jesus.”
Prayer is central to the Christian experience, nurturing spiritual growth, aligning believers with God’s will, and strengthening the relationship between humanity and its Creator. The Conference sought God’s guidance in preparation for Camp Meeting 2026 through a 40-day season of prayer and fasting.
Under the leadership of Mark A. Brown, Ph.D., pastor and Conference prayer ministries and family life director, members across the Conference united daily in prayer. The initiative reached its climax during Camp Meeting on Wednesday evening. Hundreds who had participated through the nightly Zoom sessions shared stories of answered prayers, renewed hope, restored relationships, and unexpected blessings as they participated in a powerful anointing service. “Indeed, a testament to the goodness of God and how He honors our requests,” concluded Brown.
Opening night set the tone as Pierre Francois, pastor and Conference executive secretary, delivered a powerful message entitled, “I Just Want You.” Drawing from Exodus 33:1, he challenged believers: “We don’t need more stuff, what we need is a deeper intimacy with God — we need to be filled with His glory.Going higher is not about altitude,” declared Francois. “It is about amplitude.”
Attendees were blessed by keynote messages from Andrea King, D.Div., Ph.D.; Tricia Wynn-Payne, pastor; Nikolai X. Greaves, pastor; and Michael Owusu, D.Min., Conference president. Additional afternoon speakers were pastors Kelny-Hyppolite, Edward Carr, Siam Joseph, Dante Richardson, Colma Duvra, and Eric Bennett.
Women’s ministries night, coordinated by women’s leader Esmeralda Guzman and team, proved especially memorable as Tricia Wynn-Payne, pastor, energized the congregation. Preaching from 1 Samuel 30:1-6, she drew a striking parallel between David’s ordeal in Ziklag and our own circumstances when we feel “trapped” and life dares us to hold on to our faith. “Victory is closer than you think,” she declared, “because while you are weeping, God is working.”
Befitting the occasion was the Conference’s president’s much anticipated message. Drawing a compelling parallel between the woman with the issue of blood who was healed instantly, and Jairus, whose daughter died while he waited for Jesus to arrive, Owusu spoke on the topic “When Faith is Interrupted.” He reminded that God’s timing often differs from human expectations, noting: “Faith begins with confidence in a plan, not confidence in God’s process. What looks like delay may be divine design. Interruptions remove our illusion-of-control hat, and what looks like the end might be the beginning of something greater.”
Offering parting encouragement to the applauding crowd, Owusu assured them that God will increase their faith when plans are interrupted.
A special feature was the honoring of past Conference presidents for the 45th Anniversary. These men were characterized as spiritual giants with substantive, unique styles of leadership, upon whose shoulders the Conference rests today: James A. Edgecombe Jr. (1981-1988), Jackson M. Doggette Sr. (1988-1994), Roy R. Brown (1994-1999), Willie L. Taylor (1999-2008), Hubert J. Morel Jr., D.Min. (2008-2016), Gregory O. Mack (2016-2020). Edgecombe and Mack were honored posthumously.
Children from the Southeastern constituent churches and the Hawthorne community gathered for a week of learning, fellowship, and fun under the theme, “We Are Called,” 2 Timothy 1-9. The Conference was committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of every child in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Sabbath morning, worshippers gathered with anticipation to hear Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., Southern Union president. Mark 4:39-41 inspired “Boats, Storms, and Destinations,” where Smith challenged believers to remain faithful and obedient amid life’s storms.
“You don’t know how strong your faith is until it is tested,” he said. “But, every storm is intended to reveal who Jesus is … stay in the boat.” His message served as a fitting spiritual crescendo to a week dedicated to reaching higher in faith and commitment.
No Camp Meeting would be complete without a Commissioning and Ordination Service. Renowned preacher and educator Clifford Jones, D.Div., Ph.D., delivered the ordination message, “The Anatomy of Ministry,” based on II Corinthians 4, and challenged the ordinands: “Go and preach the Good News … do not lose heart.”
Those ordained were Eric Bennett Sr., Edward Carr, Colma Duvra, Kelny Pierre-Hyppolite, Siam Joseph, Dante Kensly, Emmanuel Richardson, and Natasha Richards.
In a final time with the Southeastern president, it was clear that his vision is anchored in Scripture and family, and that he will continue to be a driving force in ministry. Owusu’s attention was already directed toward Camp 2027 and the challenge of sharing Christ’s hope in today’s climate. “First and foremost,” he said, “we must first dedicate our personal lives to the Lord if outreach to the wider community is to be effective.” He continued, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history,” Counsels for the Church, p. 359.4.
As we reflect on God’s leading over 45 years, we can truly declare, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy,” Psalm 126:3.
Every spiritual victory prepares us for greater service, and God is calling us to take the next step. In light of that, the Southeastern Conference theme for 2027, “Lift Him Up!”
“And I, if I am lifted up from the Earth, will draw all peoples to Myself,” John 12:32. Let us begin to prepare our hearts for the call that awaits us in 2027: “Lift Him Up!”
Southeastern | September 2026
Comments are closed.