-News Release-
The 2026 Rome Area Prayer Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 7, on the National Day of Prayer, at the Forum River Center in downtown Rome.
Doors will open at 6:30 AM for seating. The program will start at 7:00 AM and will end at promptly 8:30 AM. Breakfast will be provided by Truett’s Chick-fil-A and Lumina Coffee Co.
The Rick and Debra Gilbert Family will be awarded the 2026 Hugh Burnes Christian Service Award.
Since 1993, the Rome Area Prayer Breakfast has been a well-established part of our community.
This year’s event is headlined by Dr. Owen Strachan. Strachan is a dynamic communicator and speaks all over the world on matters of theology and culture. A recognized faith leader, he was invited to the White House in March 2025, meeting President Trump with a small group. As a result of his public work, Strachan has been profiled by the Daily Mail, Vice, and the Daily Wire.
He hosts a popular podcast called Grace & Truth and has been a guest on many shows, including the Megyn Kelly Show, the Eric Metaxas Show, and the Culture Apothecary podcast of Turning Point USA.
Strachan is an accomplished author. He has written a number of books, including The Warrior Savior, Reenchanting Humanity, and The War on Men. In 2021, he published the best-selling Christianity and Wokeness, leading to a two-part conversation with Dr. James Dobson on Family Life. Strachan went on to become the director of the James Dobson Family Institute Culture Center from 2022 to 2025. His latest book, soon to be released on May 5th, A Call to Cultivate, will be available for purchase following the event.
Strachan completed a PhD in Theological Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, an MDiv at Southern Seminary, and an AB from Bowdoin College. He taught theology for nearly 15 years at Boyce College, Midwestern Seminary, and Grace Bible Theological Seminary.
Strachan also served as the President of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, helping the church promote the importance of marriage, family, and godly manhood and womanhood. Strachan also served as the Provost of Grace Bible Theological Seminary, leading that fledgling school to significantly increased enrollment and accreditation.
Now, more than ever, we need to unite as one Christian body on this National Day of Prayer and pray for our community, state, and nation. We hope that you feel compelled to join us.
Tickets are required to attend, and you can acquire general admission tickets online through Friday, May 1, free of charge – romeprayerbreakfast.org.
PLEASE NOTE: This event is subject to the venue’s (Forum River Center) clear bag policy and security procedures. Clear bags should be no larger than a gallon-sized bag. All guests must comply with these guidelines upon entry. We recommend reviewing the venue’s policies ahead of time to avoid delays. https://www.forumrivercenter.com/faq
Parking is free on Broad Street and in the parking deck adjacent to the forum. Please do not park in any spaces marked reserved. Golf shuttles will be provided, courtesy of the City of Rome, for guests required to park further from the venue.
For more information, contact April Howell at 706-676-8050 or email april@romeprayerbreakfast.org.
The purpose of the Prayer Breakfast is to unite area Christians to pray for our nation, our community, and our families. Our speakers encourage ethics in the community, raise awareness of important issues, and challenge us to make a difference for Christ. We hope to see you there.


