In a webinar featuring presentations from NRB leadership, including president & CEO Troy A. Miller, general counsel Mike Farris, public policy strategist Steven Sullivan, vice president of events Beth Wakefield, and director of membership Melissa Sturgis, who also emceed the event, members received key updates on the activities and future directions of the association.
Miller kicked off the webinar by reflecting on the recent NRB Convention. “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from attendees,” he said.
On Capitol Hill that week, Miller discussed the legislative and regulatory efforts NRB is undertaking on behalf of its members. He noted how NRB is addressing a range of issues critical to its members. Looking ahead, Miller emphasized the opportunities for Christian communicators in the current media landscape.
“We are living in one of the best times to be a Christian communicator,” he said. “We can communicate with anybody instantly around this globe, which is a great opportunity for us to do what God has called us to do—proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to disciple those people that have accepted Christ.”
Following Miller’s update, NRB general counsel Mike Farris provided an overview of the organization’s legal activities. He detailed several cases NRB has been involved in, particularly in the United States Supreme Court.
Farris explained the significance of these legal battles for NRB members, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to defending religious freedom and ensuring that Christian organizations are not unfairly excluded from participating in public programs and services. He also provided updates on NRB’s case challenging the Johnson Amendment.
“We expect the real action to actually get us into the courtroom this summer,” Farris said.
Following Farris, NRB public policy strategist Steven Sullivan provided an update on the organization’s legislative agenda. He reiterated the focus on the AM radio bill, expressing optimism about its passage. He discussed ongoing lobbying efforts, including meetings with members of Congress advocating for issues relevant to religious broadcasters.
He reinforced NRB Public Policy’s commitment to paving the way for Christian communicators “to be able to speak and taking advantage of this unique moment in politics here in D.C.”
“Our voice needs to get out there,” Sullivan said. “People desperately need to hear the Gospel.”
Beth Wakefield, NRB’s vice president of events, provided an update on the recent NRB Convention. “NRB 2025 was a huge success,” she said. “We’re still so excited about that event.”
She noted that attendee numbers increased significantly compared to the previous year, and the exhibit hall saw a 23% increase in size—the largest it has been in several years. Wakefield also shared details about the NRB 2026 convention, announcing it will be held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tenn., from February 17-20.
Melissa Sturgis reported on the significant increase in membership noting, “In our last fiscal year, we added 90 new members, and we are so grateful for that.” Sturgis explained how the revenue generated on those membership dues was nearly 20 percent higher than last year. She also outlined plans to further enhance NRB membership benefits.
“Every one of the folks who’ve spoken to you today is hard at work for you and takes very seriously the trust that you place in each of us,” Sturgis said.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where NRB members had the opportunity to ask questions of the NRB leadership, NRB committee members, and industry leaders.
Interested in becoming an NRB member? Learn more here and read an overview of member benefits here.