FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:   Bring the following:

•  Late April weather in New Hampshire may  sometimes be comfortable or cool  / cold  /  wet  or even snowy!  So. we suggest you bring some warm  clothes, a hat  and maybe waterproof shoes..  Attendees have to walk short distances outside between buildings to reach the Dining Hall , Cafeteria , the Youth Center (where the Advance Registration Area is located ) and the Chapel (where  the scheduled   Fellowship" and "Prayer" meetings are held).
• A small flashlight can be very helpful when  walking outside in the dark.  
• If lodging onsite,  we suggest you bring a  Bath Towel  (bring 1 or 2  for use after a shower).   Alton Bay provides sheets, pillows, blankets and a few  "small' hand towels. 
•  If lodging onsite, bring your own Soap and Shampoo  
• IMPORTANT ->   Be sure to bring "an open heart" and  your Bible!
• Reach out to others about this Advance and  invite a friend or associate!

Answer:  

NO, you do NOT have to be an actual "business man" OR an official  "member" of FGBMF to attend.   FGBMF is a worldwide , Christian fellowship (not a church) and we welcome individuals from all professions, all walks of life , and from all religious backgrounds.  We 'jokingly' consider a "business man" to simply be a person who makes and spends money to live!  

Answer:  

Yes, a limited number of partial FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS might be available  (usually up to $50. per person, on a first-come, first-serve basis )  to help individuals with a financial need attend. 

To request FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIP assistance,  as soon as possible make a request to John Fay at 781-475-4215 OR by email at newenglandmensadvance@gmail.com   

Also, be advised that  any "FIRST TIMER" attending the  2026 NE Advance is automatically eligible for a "25% FIRST TIMER DISCOUNT."  If this applies to you, indicate you are eligible and then include your 25% First Timer Discount when completing  the Online  OR Mail-in Advance Registration Form.  

Answer:  

Yes, youth under the age of 18  can attend,  IF accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other family adult. While we have no age restrictions,  when deciding about possible youth attendance, good  judgement should be exercised concerning the youth's maturity and overall life experiences. 

 We do NOT offer any separate youth activities or youth  meetings at this annual  Men's  Advance.

Answer:  

YES, free will offerings may be taken in one or more of the four, large group "Fellowship Meetings,"  in order to help meet Advance expenses.  There is never 'pressure' to give. 

Usually during the first  Advance "Fellowship Meeting" on Friday morning, the total budget need is presented.  Then men  are encouraged to  quietly pray and  then simply give as they feel led by the Lord.  Once the Advance budget need is met - either in that first Fellowship Meeting or in a later meeting,  no additional offerings are taken.  Checks  should be made out to "FGBMF Men's Advance" and are Federal Tax Deductible.   

Over the past 46+ years of the NE Advance, we are so very thankful to have been greatly blessed by the Lord  through faithful giving by men who listened and  responded to the leading of the Holy Spirit.   Every year, the budget needs of the New England FGBMF Men's Spiritual Advance have been either met or exceeded!

Answer:  

The short answer is YES.  Since the inception of the  New England FGBMF Men's Spiritual Advance  over 46 years ago, it has been promoted  as a "Men's Advance ".  When both men and women are in attendance,  some lodging  logistics and  appropriate support of some women's ministry needs can at times be challenging.  Nevertheless, we  welcome women and appreciate their participation in our annual NE FGBMF Spiritual Advance meetings. 

Increasingly in recent years, some FGBMF Chapter member wives or Christian women who support the FGBMF mission have been asked and have graciously volunteered their time to assist leaders in many important areas, including:  in women's ministry when needed or in administrative support or in other valuable roles.

Lastly, some wives have attended  to  primarily provide necessary support to their husband who has physical or mobility limitations and/or perhaps other special needs.  In those cases and when Advance leadership is advised before the Advance begins, we  make  every reasonable effort to enable needed accommodations.     

Of note, special FGBMF "Couple's Advances" have periodically been  organized at other times in some geographic areas.               

Answer:

The NE FGBMF Men's Spiritual Advance has a volunteer team comprised of many "leaders" who work tirelessly behind the scenes and freely donate their time to  plan, organize and execute this annual  gathering that continues to draw men and youth from across New England and beyond.  The New England Men's Advance now dates back more than 46 years!  It would not have been possible, nor successful over so many years, without committed volunteers,  Spirit-led leaders, and much Prayer. 

The following men comprise the "top-level" leadership of the 2026 NE FGBMF Men's Spiritual Advance team :

2026 EVENT CO-CHAIRS: 

    John Fay -   johnfay77@gmail.com  or Text/Call 781-475-4215

    Larry DeNofio -  larryd1226@verizon.net  

    Bob Zider -   vtzider@gmail.com

MUSIC and  A/V  COORDINATOR and WORSHIP LEADER:

   Matteo Filippi    matteomusicservice@gmail.com

      ANSWER:

• YES, "WALK-INS" are allowed to attend all meetings without "pre-Advance"  Registration,  Lodging or Meals reservations.

• Upon Arrival, WALK-INS should check-in at the Advance Registration Table located in the Youth Center Building.  

•  A $7.50 pp daily WALK-IN Registration Fee is required by Alton Bay CCC for all WALK-IN attendees without pre-purchased Meals or Lodging reservations.  However, this $7.50 fee is "fully waived" by the Advance for FIRST-TIMER visitors. The Advance still pays the required $7.50 Fee to Alton Bay CCC. 

• NO LODGING is generally available for WALK-INS, but you can always inquire at the Advance Registration Table located in the "Youth Center Building." If any onsite lodging is available, we will do our best to accommodate you; but securing Lodging space when onsite during the Advance is 'usually' NOT possible. 

• There are a number of commercial hotels, motels, private rental rooms and rental vacation homes within easy driving distance of the  Alton Bay Christian Conference Center. BOOKINGS.COM is one online resource to possibly explore for available,  off-site lodging options located in or near Alton Bay, NH.

• MEAL Tickets can be purchased by WALK-INS at the Advance  Registration Table located in the Youth Center Building.

• "FIRST-TIMER WALK-INS" receive a 25% Discount for all purchased personal MEALS.     

• "Home cooked" MEALS are served "family style" in the Dining Hall Building, with 'open seating' around large round tables.  "Evening Snacks" (included in all pre-Advance, purchased Lodging & Meals Packages) are also available in the Dining Room, immediately following the conclusion of all Evening Fellowship Meetings.   

• MEAL costs are: Breakfasts @ $9.00 each   /  Lunches @ $11.00 each  / Dinners @ $15.00 each.   

• MEAL-specific Tickets are required for each meal and are collected at the entrance to the dining area located inside the Dining Hall Building.

• IMPORTANT - >  Because MEALS are served "family style," attendees must be SEATED and READY to EAT at the meal times indicated in the Advance Flyer "Program" Schedule.   A downloadable PDF copy of the Advance Flyer  is linked below in the  "REGISTER & PDF BROCHURE" tab located at the very bottom of this web page.