Kona, Hawai‘i — Guided by the theme All Authority in Christ, Hawaii Pacific Baptists gathered November 19–21 for an annual meeting marked by Spirit-led unity, powerful worship, strengthened partnerships, and the launch of a historic new seminary campus to serve churches across Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the convention gathered outside of O‘ahu, meeting at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa on Hawai‘i Island. Messengers repeatedly shared that they sensed a deep, God-given unity throughout the week as leaders celebrated renewed health in churches, encouraging ministry partnerships, and a forward-looking vision grounded firmly in Christ’s authority.

Strong Participation Across the Pacific

This year’s meeting brought together:

• 210 messengers
• 81 guests
• Representing 61 Hawaii Pacific Baptist churches from Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Guam, American Samoa, Japan, and South Korea.
• HPBC welcomed four newly affiliated churches and celebrated one new official church plant in 2025. Six endorsed church planters are currently serving, with additional works anticipated for 2026.

Special Pre-Meeting Events

The week began with the Pastors and Wives Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday evening. The Hilo Baptist Collegiate Ministry led worship, and NAMB’s Mark Clifton delivered a deeply encouraging message on pastoral endurance.

On Thursday morning, leaders gathered for a Women in Ministry Breakfast with Gateway Seminary Vice President Dr. Kristen Ferguson. At the same time, HPBC’s Robert Miller and Craig Webb led a New Workers Orientation at Kona Baptist Church.

Church Planting Spotlight

Shane Critser, NAMB Send Network Coastal West Region Director, highlighted the ongoing need for healthy churches across the islands. He introduced Mike and Monica Brennan, new NAMB-endorsed church planters on the Big Island, who are launching a church and establishing a safe house to rescue women from trafficking.

He reminded messengers that “churches plant churches” and celebrated the role of Cooperative Program giving, Annie Armstrong support, and prayer in every new congregation planted across Hawaii and the Pacific.

A Historic Moment: Gateway Seminary Partnership and Signing

The most anticipated moment of the annual meeting was the celebration and signing of a new partnership with Gateway Seminary to establish the Hawaii Pacific School of Theology, a fully accredited regional campus serving leaders across Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and Asia.

Dr. Craig Webb, HPBC Executive Director-Treasurer, shared that Hawaii Pacific Baptists have prayed for more than 25 years for a seminary partnership on the islands. Dr. Adam Groza, President of Gateway Seminary, emphasized Gateway’s mission to bring contextualized theological education to ministry leaders where they live and serve.

Classes begin Fall 2026, based at 2042 Vancouver Drive in Honolulu, with courses also offered across Hawaii and throughout the Pacific and Asia. Gateway anticipates full campus accreditation by the end of 2026.

 

Election of 2026 Officers

• President: Pastor Shane Tanigawa — University Avenue Baptist Church (Honolulu, HI)
• First Vice President: Pastor Larry Hale — Eleele Baptist Church (Eleele, Kaua‘i)
• Second Vice President: Pastor Henry Hanale Lindo — Kaunakakai Baptist Church (Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i)
• Recording Secretary: Karla Jennings — Kaunakakai Baptist Church (Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i)
• Executive Director-Treasurer: Dr. Craig Webb — Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention (Honolulu, HI)

 

2025–2026 HPBC Officers. Photo credit: PNG Pasifika Photography.

 

 

Pu‘u Kahea Camp Comeback

Messengers celebrated the remarkable financial and ministry turnaround of Pu‘u Kahea Camp and Conference Center—including significant renovations and breaking even financially for the first time in years.

During our staff report, PKCC Caretaker Corey Perkins shared updates and Monica Kang prayed for Corey and Sarah

Send Network’s Shane Critser brought together HPBC Church Planters, Replanters, and supporters share fellowship, a meal, and encouragement from Mark Clifton.

Pastor Ben Howard (Yokohama International Baptist) facilitated a panel featuring Corey & Cindy Cloud (Koza Baptist, Okinawa), Pastor Takeshi & Miki Yokawa (Tokyo Baptist Church), and Kerey Smith (Pyeongtaek Community Church, South Korea).

These leaders shared how God is working across Japan, Korea, Thailand, Guam, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. They described opportunities in urban centers, military communities, and small congregations with limited resources—celebrating baptisms, new gatherings, pastoral cohorts, IMB partnerships, and a growing hunger for the gospel.

Guam & American Samoa Spotlight

Dr. Robert Miller moderated a panel with Pastor Mel & Rachel Hennegan (Gospel Life Guam) and Pastor Ian & Amanda Richards (Guam Christian Life Fellowship), who shared the unique challenges of ministry on Guam, the strategic position of the island, and how Hawaii churches can continue praying and partnering with the Pacific island region.

 

Celebrating the Conclusion of the Tennessee Partnership

HPBC celebrated the completion of its three-year partnership with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Pastor Sterling Lee (FBC Pearl City) highlighted support for Deaf Camp Hawai‘i from Tennessee Deaf churches and the investment of FBC Hendersonville in pastor training and VBS support across HPBC churches. Pastor Steve Freeman (Grace Baptist Church, Springfield, TN) brought greetings and prayed for Hawaii Pacific Baptists.

 

A Spirit-Led and Unforgettable Gathering

Dr. Craig Webb summarized the meeting this way:

“Messengers consistently told us they felt a deep, Spirit-led unity this year, and we experienced that same sense of God’s favor as we met together. The passionate worship, the remarkable comeback of Pu‘u Kahea Camp, gathering outside O‘ahu for the first time in nearly a decade, and launching a historic partnership with Gateway Seminary made this year’s meeting truly unforgettable.”