Ignite Men's Conference Hosts
A Weekend Of Worship For Men
And Brothers In Christ
3/13/26
Thomas Road Baptist Church - Lynchburg, VA
By Cody Cooksey
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Every spring, Thomas Road Baptist Church and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) host the Ignite Men’s Ministry Conference, a weekend of worship and fellowship among thousands of men from across the country with one main goal: to grow closer to God. From profound speakers, like Terry McLaurin and Tim Timberlake, to testimonial music performances by Rhett Walker and his family band, the weekend brought together men of all demographics.
The weekend began with beautiful worship provided by Michael O’Brien, as well as his son Joseph O’Brien, who sang songs of praise that brought the attendees into the night perfectly. We ran into Joseph backstage and arranged a spur-of-the-moment interview with him, which you can read HERE. After an honorable panel to celebrate America’s Heroes, as well as a notable sermon by Tim Timberlake, Rhett Walker and his band (composed of his family) made their way to the stage.
Rhett is known for a variety of hits in Christian music, from his more recent release of "Man on the Middle Cross" from his 2024 album Days That We Dreamed Of, to songs that everyone quickly joined in to sing along to like Believer and Gospel Song, all of which were performed in a memorable way. He also played a cover of Creed’s "Higher", which was a unique and fun addition to the evening. The beauty of this performance could be found in the band itself. Rhett’s band consisted of his kids, all of which played their role in bringing the songs to life. Rhett was also very personable and vulnerable with the audience, sharing his life story with those who may have had similar ups and downs in their lives. From a teenage pregnancy to a genre switch, Rhett has been on a steady rise in his journey of the Commission, portraying that to the men who needed to hear it.
In the middle of his set, Rhett invited Olivia Lane, who is currently touring with him, to the stage to perform her song "Woman At The Well". This song, alongside Rhett’s "Man on the Middle Cross", showed each attendee the power of coming to Jesus, and how it is never too late to do so. We sat with Rhett and Olivia for an interview before their performance, which you can read HERE. Rhett concluded the evening with "Where Mercy Found Me", a song in which he stated he ends each show with. The song shows how sudden and glorious a life turnaround can be, when done through Christ. That is what this weekend was all about, bringing these men to Christ, no matter how far they may have felt, and Rhett Walker helped in carrying out this mission in a perfect manner that resonated well with everyone.
