Roaring Lambs on Shifting Sand: What Does Church Look Like in 2026?

Great Objects Gathering is an annual 24-hour off-the-record convening of Christian leaders, focused on the intersection of faith and social concern. This year’s “Great Object” will be "Roaring Lambs on Shifting Sand: What Does Church Look Like in 2026?"

September 29, 12PM - September 30, 12PM, 2026

Nashville, TN

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the closest major airport. Attendees should plan to arrive on September 29, allow travel time to the venue, and time to check-in before the noon start.

Presented by

 Agenda

  • Shamblin Theater, Lipscomb University, 4001 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204

    12:00 PM Arrival/Check-in of Attendees 

    12:15 PM Lunch

    Onsite at Lipscomb University

    12:50 PM Welcome + Introductions by Mark Rodgers

    1:00 PM Opening Worship

    1:20 PM Session 1: The “Vanishing Church” and the State of Religion in America

    2:20 PM Break

    2:35 PM Session 2: Winsomeness: Christ-like or Cowardly?

    3:35 PM Break 

    4:00 PM Session 3: From Roaring Lambs to Salt + Light: The Role of the Arts and Culture 

    5:00PM Break: Check-in at hotel

    Hyatt Place Green Hills Nashville, 3818 Bedford Ave, Nashville, TN 37215

    6:30 PM Dinner 

    The Well 4002 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204

    7:00pm Performance by Sandra McCracken and Zan Fiskum

  • Shamblin Theater, Lipscomb University, 4001 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204

    7:30 AM Optional walk

    8:30 AM Breakfast 

    Hyatt Place Green Hills Nashville, 3818 Bedford Ave, Nashville, TN 37215

    9:15 AM Worship 

    9:45 AM Session 4 | Men, Women, and Church Attendance

    10:45 AM Break

    11:00 AM Session 5 | Where do we go from here?

    11:30 AM Closing Prayer and Worship 

    12:30 PM Boxed Lunch + Leave for Flights/Trains

Register for GOG