A Night of Worship, Connection, and Kingdom Progress:
Pasco Baptist Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting

*Click here to download the 2025 PBA Annual Celebration program*

On October 16, 2025, the Pasco Baptist Association met at New Hope Baptist Church for a powerful evening of worship, encouragement, and celebration of God’s faithfulness. Pastor Phillip Howe and the wonderful people of New Hope hosted the event, ensuring everyone felt welcome. The night featured heartfelt worship along with meaningful conversations, reflecting the unity and energy of the churches in our association.

A Call to Connection

Pastor Phil started the evening with a devotional reminder that when we come to Christ, we don’t come alone. He used a memorable illustration, asking:

“How much fun can you have with one LEGO?”

His simple but profound point was that LEGO bricks are meant to connect—just like we are. Christians should not live in isolation; we belong in community—the family of God. Just as each LEGO piece serves its purpose in connection, each believer and church finds meaning in unity and cooperation. Pastor Phil encouraged everyone to remember that our church logos may look different, but the name that matters most is the name of Jesus Christ.

Stories of God’s Faithfulness

One of the evening’s highlights came from the testimony and interview led by Pastor Tally Wilgis. He featured Pastor Mike Grover of Fellowship Baptist Church and Pastor Russell Guynn of Family of God, who are stewards of the property in Richland. Together, they shared the incredible story of how God guided Fellowship’s efforts to bring new life to the former Richland Baptist Church property.

Both pastors had been praying separately for guidance, unaware that God was writing a story that would unite their ministries. This was a powerful example of collaboration in God’s Kingdom—two churches united by prayer, mission, and divine direction.

Worship, Fellowship, and Business with Purpose

The evening included inspiring worship led by Daniel Ishee and the New Hope Baptist worship team. They performed songs like Holy Forever, It Is Well, and classic hymns such as To God Be the Glory and Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Between moments of worship and reflection, attendees enjoyed warm fellowship, delicious food, and lively discussions that strengthened relationships among pastors and church leaders.

During the business segment led by our Moderator, Pastor Bryan Kowal of FBC Elfers, the Association approved its 2026 budget, elected its leadership team, and celebrated a testimony of financial strength—with over three-quarters of a million dollars in the Association’s accounts. This stewardship shows God’s ongoing provision and the faithfulness of our member churches.

As Pastor Bryan reminded everyone:

“We are blessed to be a 100% mission agency, capable of giving TO and THROUGH churches so that more people might know the love of Christ. There are few, if any, other Baptist associations in the country that can confidently say ‘If you give us a dollar, 100% of that dollar will make it to helping another church in need.’”

We praise God for His blessing and look forward to all He will do in Pasco and beyond for years to come.

Your Leadership Team for 2026 includes:
Pastor Bryan Kowal (Moderator) • Pastor Russell Guynn (Vice Moderator) • Pastor Stephen Gerhart (At-Large – West) • Pastor Bob Hope (At-Large – East) • Pastor Ken Nesbit (Treasurer) • Mrs. Martha Guynn (Clerk)

Looking Ahead

The evening ended with a closing prayer from Pastor Bob Hope of Pasadena Baptist, sending everyone out with renewed purpose and gratitude. The next Executive Board Meeting will take place on January 29, 2026, at Family of God, where the work of supporting one another continues.

Gratitude

The Pasco Baptist Association extends sincere thanks to Pastor Phil Howe, the leadership and congregation of New Hope Baptist Church, and to every pastor, leader, and volunteer who contributed to the success of the 2025 Annual Celebration.

Together, we are reminded that God’s design for His people is connection—and when His churches work together, the Kingdom grows stronger.

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
— Romans 12:5 (ESV)