Manitoba Baptist Association
Annual Conference
Fishing Together
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
Mark 1:16-18
Watch The Videos
April 4-5 @ Oakbank Baptist in Oakbank, MB
Fishing Together
Fishing Then & Now
When Jesus said he would teach us to fish for people, he didn’t think about fishing like we do: a person by themselves on a lake, with a fancy lure, throwing a line into water hoping a fish will bite, and then reeling it in against its will. What was fishing like in ancient palestine? What was Jesus getting at that maybe we’ve missed?
Who is it for?
This year’s conference has a different schedule than perhaps you’ve come to expect. We’ve included more time to visit and relax with each other, more time for the discussions, and a special evening concert of music and praise. Instead of starting Saturday morning, we’ll meet just after lunch and carry through the evening.
Now you may ask, “That makes a late night for those with a long drive home.” Folks from out-of-town churches are invited to gather, as a church, with specific other churches on Sunday morning. It will give time to share how the ministry is going, a chance to pray, maybe even have the pastors co-teach!
What to Expect
You are part of a family of believers that stretches across the whole province. No matter if you are a leader, regular attender, or even a pastor, you are invited to come and be together. This conference is meant to draw us together so that we can learn from each other, build friendships, and further glorify God in our communities.

Keynote Speaker
Merv Budd
Lead Pastor - North Burlington Baptist Church
Regional Director - Forge Canada
Merv Budd was formerly the National Director of the Equipping Evangelists, a movement whose mission was to champion the role of the evangelist and enable them to equip the local church. He is also the Sr. Minister of North Burlington Baptist Church.
He has served on the mission field in India and Nepal where he did open air preaching and literature distribution. He earned an M.Div. from Regent College during which time he helped to plant Southside Community Church. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children.
Main
Sessions
Rethinking Evangelism Assumptions
What assumptions have influenced how we think of bringing the gospel to people, that maybe hinder our efforts or make it unnecessarily difficult?
The Art of “Gospelling”
All of our gifts have the potential to help others find Jesus; there are some gifts that folks in the world are eager to receive.
Break-Out
Sessions
Learning from each-other.
Break-out sessions will be opportunities to explore given topics through guided discussion.
Preparing The Net
Being ready for “gospelling.” What gets in the way?
The Best Fishing Spots
Who is ready for the gospel? What about those we love who resist?
Cleaning the Catch
Helping shape new disciples
AMA with Merv Budd
Ask Merv anything!
Schedule
- Registration
- Main Session 1
- Coffee Time
- Main Session 2
- Break-out Discussion 1
- Break-out Discussion 2
- Supper Together
- Concert of Praise and Music
- There will be a few churches on Sunday in the city that will be intentionally opening their doors to conference attendees from other churches, more details will be available closer to the date.
Details
Cost
$40 for the weekend
$20 for Teen/Young Adult (12-21)
Note:
Saturday supper included in your registration
Childcare
Childcare will be provided for those aged 2-11. Pre-registration is required.
Registration
If mailing in payment please mail to:
Oakbank Baptist Church
26033 Springfield Rd 63N
Oakbank, MB
R0E 1J3
Make cheques payable to:
Manitoba Baptist Association
Registration Deadline:
March 29th, 2025
Register Today!