By Donny Parrish, BMA Conference Director
Have you started mapping out your summer plans for your student ministry yet? I hope SOAR 2026 is already on your calendar, because we would love for you and your students to join us!
Our theme this year is “Transformed!” We’ll be talking about how God isn’t interested in simple behavior modification, but in genuine life transformation through Jesus. Behavior modification can never keep us truly connected to Him, but a transformed heart can. I really believe these three days will be deeply impactful for your students.
SOAR 2026 will be July 1-3 in Norman, Okla. — right in the heart of Sooner country. With the World Cup coming to the United States this summer and driving hotel prices up in some of our usual locations, we’re thrilled to have found a great new home at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman. It’s a beautiful venue with plenty to do nearby, and we think you and your students will really enjoy being there together.
Our speakers this year are BMA church planters Gavin and Chase Roberts, twin brothers from Greenbrier. They’ve planted Morgan Grace Church in Morgan, Utah — the only evangelical church in the entire county, in an area where Mormonism is predominant. God is using them to reach people for Christ and make disciples, and your students will be encouraged and challenged by their preaching.
You can expect worship sessions that lift up Jesus and breakout times designed to help students take what they’re learning and live it out in their everyday lives. We’ll also have plenty of fun, including after-hours time at The Main Event and a special late-night session focused on worship and prayer.
I honestly believe this could be the most impactful SOAR in our 35-year history. This conference belongs to the student leaders and students of the BMA, and it won’t be the same without you.
Registration opens March 1 at soarconference.com. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly on my cell at (972) 571-0357 or connect with Emily Brantley at emily@lifeword.org.
I’m really looking forward to seeing you and your students at SOAR 2026!
