At REACHGathering, you can expect an energizing few days surrounded by leaders who are passionate about using sports, rec, and fitness to impact lives. You'll gain fresh ideas and encouragement for your ministry through powerful main sessions, practical breakouts, and meaningful conversations. It’s a space to be equipped, inspired, and connected with others who share the same heartbeat—leveraging the influence of sports, rec, and fitness to reach their communities.
The theme for REACHGathering 26, Better Together: Celebrating the Call. Igniting the Mission reminds us of Philippians 2:2—“being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” God has called each of us uniquely, but our impact is multiplied when we stand united in purpose. This year, we’ll celebrate that call and ignite the mission together, fueled by Christ’s love and the shared desire to reach our communities through sports, rec, and fitness.
International, Student, or Attending Spouse Registrations - only $150 each
GROUP DISCOUNT - When you register 3 or more at a regular individual rate, each additional registrant receives a $50 discount!
Meet our Main Session Speakers
Take time to check out our main session speakers! These seasoned leaders and trailblazers bring fresh insights, experience in ministry, and a passion for using sports, rec, and fitness as a platform for reaching hearts. Be ready to be moved and emboldened as they point us to the greater mission ahead.
-
Dr. Sam Rainer serves as president of Church Answers and as the lead pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida. He writes, teaches, speaks, and consults on a variety of church health issues. Sam cohosts the popular podcast Rainer on Leadership.
Sam is the author of several books, including The Church Revitalization Checklist, Understanding the Bible as a Whole, and The Surprising Return of the Neighborhood Church. He has written hundreds of articles for several publications and is a frequent conference speaker on church health issues.
Sam holds a BS in finance and marketing from the University of South Carolina, an MA in missiology from Southern Seminary, and a PhD in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University. He lives in Bradenton with his wife and four children.
-
Pastor Jim D. Rion, founding pastor of Westover Hills Church in San Antonio, TX, has spent more than three decades leading with vision and purpose. Under his leadership, the church grew from a small storefront gathering into a thriving congregation of over 5,000, gaining national recognition along the way.
Now serving as Global Pastor, he teaches in Bible schools across Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond, and serves as a professor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Pastor Jim continues to mentor pastors, church leaders, and business professionals, investing in the next generation of biblically grounded leaders.
-
Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with more than three decades of experience discipling college and professional athletes. He has written, articles, essays, and training manuals on the intersection of faith and sports. He co-wrote Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports (David C. Cook, July 2025) with Brian Smith. Ed is known for facilitating biblically grounded conversations around culturally significant themes for organizations seeking a Christian vision of life. He holds two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies. Ed and his wife, Amy, have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.
-
Chris Avila is a sports chaplain, author, speaker, and the founder of G3 Experience, a faith-based ministry serving athletes, coaches, and leaders at the highest levels of competition. Chris helps them grow in their faith and live out their God-given purpose. His years of serving have placed him inside the NFL, MLS, Pro Boxing, the UFL, and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. Chris speaks authentically about following Christ under pressure and keeping faith at the center of everyday life, through messages and encouragement with real-world insight on purpose, pressure, and identity - on and off the field. Currently, Chris is serving FC Dallas of the MLS, the US Men’s National U-21 Soccer Team, Pro Boxing, and the Arlington Renegades of the UFL. He and his wife Kristina have been married for 18 years, have three kids and reside in Dallas, TX.
-
Brian Smith is the author of several books, including Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has served with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, where he competed in track and cross country, Brian also holds a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies from Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three children.
REACHGathering 26 schedule & Lodging!
Schedule:
-
New this year!
Join us at 1:00pm for a Welcome Mixer—a time to connect with others over coffee and light snacks.3:00pm – Check-in opens
5:00pm – Main Session 1 begins
6:00pm – Dinner & Recreation at Westover Hills Sports Complex
-
7:00am – Optional morning workout at the hotel, followed by breakfast
8:00–8:30am – Check-in
8:30am – Prayer and REACHGathering officially begins
Throughout the day, enjoy breakouts that you will choose, lunch, dinner, and free time.
The day concludes at 9:00pm. -
7:00am – Optional morning workout at the hotel, followed by breakfast
8:30am – Start the day with prayer and main sessions
Throughout the day, choose your breakouts, enjoy lunch, and connect with others.
5:00pm – REACHGathering 2026 concludes
New this year! After the gathering, enjoy three structured excursion opportunities on and off campus.
1. Westover Hills- Stay on campus and enjoy activities and a grab-and-go dinner.
2. Riverboat - Enjoy time downtown on the Riverboat and grab dinner along the Riverwalk on your own.
3. With Your Team - Head out with your team and explore the city.
We want to be prepared so if you are attending REACHGathering, sign up and tell us what you are doing -
SIGN UP HERE
This schedule will be regularly updated as we get closer to REACHGathering 2026. Keep checking back, and we’ll also send updates via email.
TownePlace Suites, San Antonio
Although our room block has closed, you’re still welcome to reserve a room at the same hotel through the link below.