Annual Conference
2026 Annual Conference Theme
Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus. Held annually in different geographic locations, the authority of Conference has its source in the delegates who come together as a deliberative body under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to offer counsel on procedure, program, polity, and discipline. You can find out more on the Annual Conference website.
One of the things that makes our denominational gathering unique is that participation is not limited to delegates and/or clergy. Annual Conference is an embodiment of the priesthood of all believers. The gathered body is stronger and more beautiful, when it reflects the richness of our diversity and when full participation is not impeded or challenged by barriers -- whether those barriers are related to language, ability, geographic distance, childcare, or cost.
Donations help provide financial support for various operating expenses and to ensure resources needed to expand full participation during the Conference, such as translation, webcasting, and children and youth programming during the conference.
Operating Expenses
For more than 235 years, Annual Conference has offered the body of Christ known as the Church of the Brethren an opportunity to gather for worship and praise, for prayerful dialog and discernment, to learn and grow, to renew old friendships and build new relationships. Donations help cover costs associated with space rental, programming, audio-visual services, staffing, and other expenses.
Translation
The Church of the Brethren is growing in Spanish-speaking and Creole-speaking communities. To ensure full participation at Annual Conference, we provide translations of business and worship materials and simultaneous interpretation during business and worship. Donations help cover the costs of these services.
Children and Youth Programming
We provide programming for infants through Sr. High students throughout Conference. While registration fees cover programming costs, the volunteers who coordinate these programs provide sacrificial service. Donations help us cover transportation and housing costs for these volunteers.
Webcasting
Livestreaming Annual Conference provides those who are unable to travel to Conference the opportunity to participate in business, worship, and other select activities. Thanks to generous contributions from the Living Stream Church of the Brethren and the Pacific Northwest District, we are able to offer the virtual option at no charge for 2026. Based on a three-year average of expenses and the number of registrants for the virtual option, the cost is approximately $330 per virtual registrant. This just includes the costs directly associated with streaming; it does not include any costs related to the full ministry of Annual Conference (programming, meeting space rental, audio-visual services, staffing, etc.). Worship will still be streamed free of charge; however, those who want to participate virtually in other aspects of Annual Conference must still register even though there is no charge. Virtual attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the ministry of Annual Conference as an expression of appreciation. All donations earmarked to support the virtual option in 2026 will be placed in a designated fund to underwrite expenses related to the virtual option in 2027.
If you would prefer to send a check donation:
Please make checks out to Church of the Brethren and in the memo add "Annual Conference".
Send checks to
Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Ave
Elgin IL 60120
Your generous gifts will support the ministry of Annual Conference as it seeks to fulfill its mission to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren and to help extend Christlike welcome and hospitality so that all can participate fully during our annual gatherings.