Who We Are

No Church Should Minister Alone

Isolated, lost, unanchored:

Those three words have no place on a mountain trail, on the side of a rock face, or in Jesus-centered ministry.  Yet here in the Rocky Mountain West, a part of the U.S. in desperate need of revival, pastors and church planters find themselves isolated all the time—exposed to the elements, unable to call for reinforcements, and without a compass in a culture that doesn’t understand our Savior.

That’s why, if God wants you here, you need more than good advice from a faraway corporate office. You need more than a calling and vision. You need genuine, on-the-ground support, trail-tested tools, and people committed to serving and pushing you forward … without pushing you around.
That’s Converge Rocky Mountain. We’re a Jesus-centered movement of independent churches based in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. We’re expanding into Northern New Mexico and Western Nebraska—part of the larger global network called Converge.

We plant new congregations in cohorts, strengthen existing churches so they can minister confidently, support pastors so they can lead boldly, and provide collaborative mission opportunities so churches can reach their neighborhood and the world strategically.

When you access our network of relationships, resources, and partnerships, you can master the terrain, do trailblazing work, and create momentum for the Good News where you are. If you’re a church planter or pastor who wants to see lives changed by Jesus’ power in this unique part of the United States, know that you’re not the only one.  Let’s work together to see His Spirit break loose in our corner of the world.

We’re Converge Rocky Mountain: Forward. Together.

Our Values

Converge Rocky Mountain is a family of unique congregations committed to seeing lives and communities transformed across the Rocky Mountain West. While many cultures and unique contexts shape our movement, we are united by a Jesus-centered, Bible-based spiritual culture marked by a shared commitment to these common values:  

Spiritually Dynamic

We glorify God in all we do by trusting the authority of Scripture, the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and God’s delight in prevailing prayer.

Healthy

We prioritize being with Jesus over simply doing for Him, believing that personal and congregational health leads to lasting fruit.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10

Culturally Diverse

We pursue Christ’s vision for His church, a people reflecting the beauty and unity of worshipers from every culture, background, and nation.

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people.” - Revelation 14:6

Relationally Devoted

We reflect the love of Christ in our relationships and ministry partnerships, marked by compassion, generosity, and a spirit of grace and peace.


Missionally Driven

We multiply transformational leaders and churches, reproducing the life of Christ in disciples, leaders, and congregations both locally and globally.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19

Generous

We freely share God’s blessings, trusting Him to use our generosity to advance His work and bring glory to His name.

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Transformational

We believe the Spirit of God brings Christlike change to our lives, our churches, and our communities.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Missionally Driven

We multiply transformational leaders and churches, reproducing the life of Christ in disciples, leaders, and congregations both locally and globally.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19

Transformational

We believe the Spirit of God brings Christlike change to our lives, our churches, and our communities.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Healthy

We prioritize being with Jesus over simply doing for Him, believing that personal and congregational health leads to lasting fruit.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10

Culturally Diverse

We pursue Christ’s vision for His church, a people reflecting the beauty and unity of worshipers from every culture, background, and nation.

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people.” - Revelation 14:6

Relationally Devoted

We reflect the love of Christ in our relationships and ministry partnerships, marked by compassion, generosity, and a spirit of grace and peace.


Spiritually Dynamic

We glorify God in all we do by trusting the authority of Scripture, the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and God’s delight in prevailing prayer.

Generous

We freely share God’s blessings, trusting Him to use our generosity to advance His work and bring glory to His name.

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Mission

We exists to bring churches together to see lives and communities transformed across the Rocky Mountain West. While transformation is God’s work alone, He invites His people to join Him in helping individuals become more like Jesus and communities reflect the Kingdom of Heaven.

Strategy

Our shared strategy is simple and focused. We equip churches to strengthen existing congregations, start new churches, and send believers across the street and around the world with the life changing message of the Gospel.

Region

We serve churches throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, northern New Mexico, and western Nebraska, a region often described as one of the most unchurched in the nation. Marked by both breathtaking beauty and deep spiritual need, this is where God has called us to live, serve, and bear faithful witness to Jesus.

Affirmation of Faith

The Word of God
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
(II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32)
The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.
(Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19,20; Ephesians 4:5,6)
God the Father
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of each person, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6)
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.
(Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:46; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16)
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
(John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26)
Regeneration
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Eccl. 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Rev. 19:3,20; 20:10;14,15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1)
The Church
We believe in the universal Church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local Church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local Church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
(Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:19-21; Acts 2:36-42; Hebrews 10:23-25)
Christian Conduct
We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.
(I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15,23-24; I John 2:3-6; II Corinthians 9:6-9; I Corinthians 4:2; Col. 1:9-10)
The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local Church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
Religious Liberty
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each Church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that, therefore, church and state must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.
(Acts 4:18-20,5:29; Galatians 5:1,13; I Timothy 2:5; Romans 14:7-9,12)
Church Cooperation
We believe that local Churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in an association of churches. Such an organization, whether it is the Converge or one of its regional districts, exists and functions by the will of the Churches. Cooperation in this association is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
(Acts 8, Acts 15, Acts 16:1-5, Acts 20:6; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4,10,11)
The Last Things
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.
(Acts 8, Acts 15, Acts 16:1-5, Acts 20:6; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Galatians 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4,10,11)

Doctrinal Distinctives

Humanity
We believe that human beings are the crowning work of creation, each immutably and biologically created as male or female, together reflecting the image of God. Though originally created innocent, all humans have sinned and are in need of salvation. Christ’s death affirms the sacredness and redeemability of every human life.
Marriage
We believe that marriage is a sacred institution designed by God for the well-being of humanity and the continuation of the human race. It is the spiritual and physical union of one man and one woman, rooted in Scripture and upheld throughout biblical revelation.

Meet Our Team

Paul Mitton

Regional
President

Loren Pankratz

Director of Church Starting

Drew Tarwater

Director of Church Strengthening

Chris Van Inwagen

Director of 
Pastor Care

EJ Rose

Director of Communications & Engagement

Jill Bryant

Director of
Finance

Laura Callison

Executive
Assistant

Our History

170 Years of Mission

1852 - A Faithful Beginning
Gustaf Palmquist, a Swedish immigrant and follower of Jesus, baptized three new believers in Rock Island, Illinois, forming what became the first Swedish Baptist congregation in the United States. United by a deep conviction that the Bible is the Word of God and a desire to live holy lives, these early believers began sharing the gospel among Swedish immigrant communities. From the very beginning, lives were transformed through the power of Christ and a simple commitment to faithful obedience.
1856 - Stronger Together in Mission
Several independent churches made up of immigrant believers recognized that they could accomplish more by working together than by remaining isolated. These churches, often referred to as devoted “Bible readers,” began gathering regularly for mutual encouragement, shared mission, and practical training. As the movement spread along the Mississippi River into Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Chicago, these gatherings equipped pastors, many without formal seminary training, to proclaim the gospel with clarity and confidence.
1879 - Growth Marked by Collaboration
The fruit of this cooperative mission was unmistakable. The movement had grown to more than 3,000 baptized believers and 65 congregations, all independent yet united around a shared purpose. These churches crossed ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries while remaining grounded in the core truths of biblical faith. What held them together was simple and enduring: a commitment to seeing lives changed by Jesus, one person at a time.
1888 - A Global Vision Emerges
The vision of the movement expanded beyond the United States when Johanna Anderson became the first Converge missionary sent overseas, serving in Burma. This marked the beginning of a global missions focus that extended the gospel far beyond American borders. From this moment forward, the movement understood church planting and missions as inseparable parts of God’s call to reach the nations.
1945 - A Growing Movement Takes Shape
As the movement continued to grow and churches were planted among increasingly diverse populations, English became the predominant language of communication. In 1945, the fellowship formally adopted the name Baptist General Conference, reflecting both its expanding reach and its desire to work together more effectively while remaining rooted in biblical convictions and cooperative mission.
Mid 20th Century - Faithful in a Changing World
As the cultural landscape of the United States shifted dramatically, the movement’s core mission remained unchanged. Churches stayed committed to proclaiming the Word of God, reaching people for Christ, planting new congregations, and sending missionaries around the world. In a society often resistant to biblical values, the movement continued to emphasize Christlike living as a faithful witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
Late 20th Century - A Global and Diverse Family
As a missional movement, the Baptist General Conference grew into a global, multiethnic family of churches united around Christ’s Great Commission. While diverse in culture and context, these congregations shared a common commitment to the gospel. During this period, church planting accelerated and missionaries were sent to nations around the world, expanding the movement’s global reach.
Early 2000s — A Season of Rapid Growth
More than one fifth of the movement’s churches had been planted within the previous fifteen years. This period marked a renewed emphasis on multiplication and an openness to new ways of engaging communities, while remaining firmly anchored in historic biblical convictions.
Early 21st Century — Addressing Barriers to Mission
As church planters and missionaries served in increasingly diverse and sensitive contexts, many discovered that the name Baptist created unintended obstacles. In some communities it limited local engagement, and in several countries it placed missionaries and national partners at risk. These challenges led to thoughtful discernment about how best to remove barriers while remaining faithful to biblical truth.
2008 - A Missional Name for a New Season
The board of overseers approved a new missional name, Converge Worldwide, while retaining the historic name Baptist General Conference for legal purposes. This change was made to better serve church planters and missionaries as they shared the gospel in diverse and often sensitive contexts. While the name changed, the movement’s historic beliefs rooted in the authority of God’s Word remained firmly intact, allowing new generations to continue the mission of making disciples, planting churches, and sending missionaries.
Today - Carrying the Mission Forward
Converge Rocky Mountain is one of ten regions carrying forward the same missional focus that began in 1852. United by Scripture and driven by the gospel, churches across our region continue to proclaim the Word of God, reach people for Christ, plant new churches, and send missionaries to see lives transformed around the world.

General Resources

Converge National
January 1st, 2026
Converge is not simply an organization or a denomination. We are a movement of churches choosing to work together for something bigger than any one congregation could accomplish alone. Our shared mission is to strengthen churches and start new ones so that lives and communities are transformed by the power of the gospel.At the heart of Converge is a commitment to multiply transformational churches...
Bethel University
January 1st, 2026
Bethel University has a long history of partnering with the local church to equip students for lives of faith, leadership, and service. Rooted in a Christ-centered and biblically grounded foundation, Bethel exists to help students grow intellectually, spiritually, and vocationally as they discern God’s calling for their lives.As part of the broader Converge movement, Bethel University shares a com...
Converge Rocky Mountain’s Financial Accountability
January 1st, 2026
Faithful stewardship matters. At Converge Rocky Mountain, we recognize the responsibility entrusted to us by our district churches, their members, our donors, and ultimately, by God Himself. Financial accountability is not simply a best practice. It is a reflection of our integrity, our faith, and our commitment to advancing the gospel.We depend on God’s wisdom as we steward the resources He has e...

Our History

1852 - A Faithful Beginning
Gustaf Palmquist, a Swedish immigrant and follower of Jesus, baptized three new believers in Rock Island, Illinois, forming what became the first Swedish Baptist congregation in the United States. United by a deep conviction that the Bible is the Word of God and a desire to live holy lives, these early believers began sharing the gospel among Swedish immigrant communities. From the very beginning, lives were transformed through the power of Christ and a simple commitment to faithful obedience.
1856 - Stronger Together in Mission
Several independent churches made up of immigrant believers recognized that they could accomplish more by working together than by remaining isolated. These churches, often referred to as devoted “Bible readers,” began gathering regularly for mutual encouragement, shared mission, and practical training. As the movement spread along the Mississippi River into Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Chicago, these gatherings equipped pastors, many without formal seminary training, to proclaim the gospel with clarity and confidence.
1879 - Growth Marked by Collaboration
The fruit of this cooperative mission was unmistakable. The movement had grown to more than 3,000 baptized believers and 65 congregations, all independent yet united around a shared purpose. These churches crossed ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries while remaining grounded in the core truths of biblical faith. What held them together was simple and enduring: a commitment to seeing lives changed by Jesus, one person at a time.
1888 - A Global Vision Emerges
The vision of the movement expanded beyond the United States when Johanna Anderson became the first Converge missionary sent overseas, serving in Burma. This marked the beginning of a global missions focus that extended the gospel far beyond American borders. From this moment forward, the movement understood church planting and missions as inseparable parts of God’s call to reach the nations.
1945 - A Growing Movement Takes Shape
As the movement continued to grow and churches were planted among increasingly diverse populations, English became the predominant language of communication. In 1945, the fellowship formally adopted the name Baptist General Conference, reflecting both its expanding reach and its desire to work together more effectively while remaining rooted in biblical convictions and cooperative mission.
Mid 20th Century - Faithful in a Changing World
As the cultural landscape of the United States shifted dramatically, the movement’s core mission remained unchanged. Churches stayed committed to proclaiming the Word of God, reaching people for Christ, planting new congregations, and sending missionaries around the world. In a society often resistant to biblical values, the movement continued to emphasize Christlike living as a faithful witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
Late 20th Century - A Global and Diverse Family
As a missional movement, the Baptist General Conference grew into a global, multiethnic family of churches united around Christ’s Great Commission. While diverse in culture and context, these congregations shared a common commitment to the gospel. During this period, church planting accelerated and missionaries were sent to nations around the world, expanding the movement’s global reach.
Early 2000s — A Season of Rapid Growth
More than one fifth of the movement’s churches had been planted within the previous fifteen years. This period marked a renewed emphasis on multiplication and an openness to new ways of engaging communities, while remaining firmly anchored in historic biblical convictions.
Early 21st Century — Addressing Barriers to Mission
As church planters and missionaries served in increasingly diverse and sensitive contexts, many discovered that the name Baptist created unintended obstacles. In some communities it limited local engagement, and in several countries it placed missionaries and national partners at risk. These challenges led to thoughtful discernment about how best to remove barriers while remaining faithful to biblical truth.
2008 - A Missional Name for a New Season
The board of overseers approved a new missional name, Converge Worldwide, while retaining the historic name Baptist General Conference for legal purposes. This change was made to better serve church planters and missionaries as they shared the gospel in diverse and often sensitive contexts. While the name changed, the movement’s historic beliefs rooted in the authority of God’s Word remained firmly intact, allowing new generations to continue the mission of making disciples, planting churches, and sending missionaries.
Today - Carrying the Mission Forward
Since 1958, trailblazing churches have planted and strengthened congregations across the rugged and often uncharted landscape of the Rocky Mountain West. Centered on Jesus Christ and united through redemptive partnership, resilient leaders have faithfully proclaimed the Gospel in communities large and small.

From remote mountain towns and rural farming communities to growing suburbs and urban centers, God is transforming lives through local churches that courageously serve, disciple, and multiply believers. What began as a handful of pioneering congregations has grown into a movement of churches committed to seeing every Rocky Mountain community reached with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Partner Churches

Converge Rocky Mountain is a growing movement of over 75 churches across the Rocky Mountain Region. We partner together by choice, supporting one another through shared resources, coaching, and collaboration as we work to start, strengthen, and send churches.
If you are a pastor or ministry leader interested in becoming part of this network, click here to explore what it means to join CRM