Better together: celebrating 170 years of mission at Converge Together
By Monique Kleinhuizen ’08, GS’16, content specialist
August 24, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.
Converge Together took place June 23-25 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Washington, D.C. The congregation is led by Pastor and Converge President John K. Jenkins Sr.
For 170 years, Converge has equipped leaders, planted churches, and advanced the gospel around the world. And for more than 150 of those years, Bethel University has been a partner in that mission.
That enduring relationship was on display this summer at Converge Together 2026 in Washington, D.C, where more than 1,500 ministry leaders gathered for worship, teaching, encouragement, and connection. A team from Bethel joined the celebration, sharing stories of how God is at work among students today while looking ahead to new ways Bethel can equip leaders to serve the Church.
“Converge Together was a great event that allowed us to highlight the partnership and close relationship between Converge and Bethel,” says Peter Vogt, dean of Bethel’s School of Theology and Bethel Seminary. “Since we are the only Converge university and seminary, it was great to be able to highlight the work we do at Bethel and show our alignment with Converge.”
A partnership rooted in shared faith
Bethel’s connection to Converge reaches back to its beginnings. Both organizations emerged from the same movement of Swedish Baptist immigrants committed to biblical faith, education, evangelism, and preparing leaders to serve the Church. Today, that shared heritage continues through a common theological foundation: Bethel’s Affirmation of Faith is the same as Converge’s.
The event celebrated 170 years of history for Converge, Bethel’s founding denomination.
At the conference, Bethel leaders had opportunities to celebrate that shared story of faith and how it is lived out on campus. Campus Pastor Nick Cocalis and Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Paul McGinnis joined the event emcee, Executive Director of the Leadership Institute Jo Saxton, on the main stage to talk about Bethel students’ spiritual formation and the ways God is at work on campus. They highlighted strong Chapel participation and the 1,000-plus students who gather for student-led worship at Vespers on Sunday nights.
“God is working at Bethel,” McGinnis told attendees. “We covet the prayers that come with this sacred responsibility.”
Bethel representatives also connected with prospective seminary students, alumni, pastors, and other ministry leaders throughout the gathering. Vogt and Program Director Josh Manfred led a breakout session on “The Future of Theological Education,” introducing Bethel Seminary’s new competency-based theological education program planned for fall 2027. More than 50 people attended, with the conversation continuing well beyond the session as participants asked questions and explored the new approach.
For Vogt, the gathering offered a compelling picture of the increasingly global and diverse Converge movement—and of the values Bethel shares with it.
“Worship was vibrant and reflected the influence of many cultures,” Vogt says. “We at Bethel share with Converge a desire to be a place where we are united in our commitment to Christ.”
Celebrating the past, looking to the future
The conference commemorated an extraordinary milestone for the denomination, but its focus extended beyond celebrating 170 years of history. Conversations throughout the gathering pointed toward what God might do through the next generation of pastors, missionaries, church planters, and Christian leaders. Videos are available here.
The schedule included worship, intentional prayer, and keynote sessions.
For Bethel, that future remains closely connected to Converge. Several conference attendees expressed interest in learning more about the university and exploring new opportunities for partnership in their shared calling to advance God’s kingdom.
Though President Ross Allen was unable to attend the conference, he celebrated the milestone and Bethel’s longstanding relationship with the denomination.
“For 170 years, God has faithfully used Converge to plant churches, equip leaders, and advance the gospel around the world,” Allen wrote. “For more than 150 of those years, Bethel University has been honored to partner in that mission.”
As Converge begins its next chapter, Bethel looks forward with gratitude for a shared history—and hope for the work still ahead.
Bethel and Converge
For more than a century, Converge has partnered in ministry with Bethel University and Bethel Seminary. Bethel combines transformative academics with a vibrant, Christ-guided community to empower students to discover their passions, pursue their purpose, and make a meaningful impact in their careers and lives—wherever God is calling them.