Workshops | Thursday 1 P.m.
Explore Missions Conference 2025 workshop options available on Thursday, February 6, at 1 p.m.
Balancing Family, Friends & Ministry
ZEMA | Sweeting 201
Ministry often brings challenges to relationships. This workshop will explore how to evaluate which relationships to prioritize and when. Together, we’ll discuss ways to navigate these dynamics with understanding and grace, even when disappointments arise. One thing is certain: Trust is the foundation for a healthy journey together.
Mission Ready: Building Spiritual Resilience for Missions
Pioneers | Sweeting 205
Can your spiritual life sustain you through culture shock, isolation, language learning, loss of the familiar, conflict, spiritual attack, and stress? How can you begin cultivating a mission-ready spiritual foundation today? This workshop will explore practical strategies to strengthen your faith, equipping you for a lifetime of effective ministry among the unreached.
What Are the Sacrifices Necessary for Taking the Gospel Where It Has Never Gone Before?
Radius International | Sweeting 209
Explore the profound connection between the theology of suffering and the call to missions in this session. Learn why embracing sacrifice is essential for taking the gospel to unreached places and how a biblical understanding of suffering equips missionaries to persevere in challenging, gospel-deprived contexts. Be inspired and equipped to endure for the glory of Christ among the nations.
Developing a Theology of Suffering
SIM USA | Sweeting 211
Everyone experiences suffering, but as believers, we are spared the ultimate suffering of eternal separation from God. In the present, however, we are called to help others in their suffering, often through the lens of our own hardships, following the example set by Jesus. Attend this workshop to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate suffering with faith and use your experiences to bring hope and healing to others.
Is My Life Significant?
WEC International | Sweeting 218
They say I matter—but do I really? How do I fit into God's plan for everything? I've heard about missions and unreached people groups (UPGs), but what do they have to do with me? For years, I've walked through these same questions with students and young professionals like you. Today, many of them are making a difference for God’s kingdom. When you join this session, I will share some of their inspiring stories and explore what God's Word says about your unique role in His plan.
Redefining Missions for a Greater Reach to the Unreached
Ambassadors Fellowship (with Rev. Dr. Virgil Amos) | Sweeting 222
This workshop highlights the urgent need to redefine missions to the unreached, recognizing that current methodologies are not fully accomplishing the task. Through a biblical lens, we will explore how to reshape our approach to missions to bring about a greater harvest in our generation. Drawing on extensive mission experience, particularly among the unreached, the presenters will provide practical insights and impactful examples. The session will include case studies showcasing how God is moving among Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim nations, offering fresh perspectives on reaching these communities.
God’s Call to Hard Places
The Christian and Missionary Alliance | Sweeting 223
Why venture into challenging places to serve Jesus? Christ's call to make disciples of all nations has implications for both individual believers and the church. Today, many who haven't heard the gospel live in difficult places. Are we prepared to sacrifice comfort so these people, deeply loved by God, can experience Jesus' transformative power? Join us to learn how The Christian & Missionary Alliance brings Jesus' story to hard places.
Church Misconceptions about Jewish Ministry
Chosen People Ministries | Sweeting 230
The events in Israel are deeply significant, but what do they mean for Jewish ministry and evangelism? This workshop explores common misconceptions about sharing the gospel with Jewish people and examines what life looks like for Jewish believers and nonbelievers in a polarized world. Discover how interactions unfold, how churches can provide meaningful support, and how antisemitism impacts efforts to reach the Jewish community. Join us to gain a deeper understanding and practical insights for ministry in this unique context.
Christianity Compared
Global Outreach International | Sweeting 233
How does Christianity compare with the main religions of the unreached—Hindu, Buddhism, and Islam? What makes Christianity unique, true, and transformative? This workshop will explore these questions and provide practical guidance on effectively sharing the gospel with followers of these faiths, fostering understanding and meaningful connections.
Windows into the World: How to View the Unreached through Missionary Lenses
Fellowship International Mission | Sweeting 234
What are the 4/14 Window, the 10/40 Window, the Asian Circle, and the 9:37–10:02 Prayer Window? This workshop will explore their meaning and how they can provide valuable insights into the global task of sharing the gospel with unreached people groups, equipping you with a broader understanding of the mission field.
Respectful Evangelization
Youth For Christ International | Sweeting 301
We're called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone (Mark 16:15), but how do we do so with those from different religious backgrounds? How can we respectfully share the gospel with people who hold strong, deeply rooted belief systems? In this workshop, you'll hear powerful video testimonies from North African believers who were transformed by the Holy Spirit and now boldly share their faith within their own religious communities. Join us to learn practical approaches to sharing Christ with respect and sensitivity.
Remember Bible Stories without Memorizing
OMF | Sweeting 317
Memorizing can feel overwhelming, especially sharing with others. Yet, recounting a movie or book you’ve just finished comes naturally—it becomes part of your memory as if it were your own story. What if you could learn God's stories the same way? In this workshop, discover practical techniques to internalize and share Bible stories "by heart" without the stress of memorization. Join us to unlock a natural and impactful way of communicating God’s Word!
The Contextualizability of Sacraments, Liturgy, and the "Great Tradition" in Frontier Missions
Anglican Frontier Missions | Sweeting 328
Sacraments, liturgy, and what C. S. Lewis calls the "Great Tradition" need not be seen as foreign or Western impositions in frontier missions. When properly understood and applied, these practices and principles, rooted in Scripture, can be contextualized to enrich the spiritual formation of believers from Muslim, Hindu, tribal, and Buddhist backgrounds. Join this workshop to explore how these timeless elements of faith can be thoughtfully integrated into diverse cultural contexts to deepen discipleship and foster spiritual growth.
Forgotten Ambition
Pioneer Bible Translators | Sweeting 333
Many of us once dreamed of sharing the gospel with someone who had never heard it, but over time, that passion may have faded. Yet, there is great beauty and fulfillment in introducing Jesus to those who have never heard His name. How can we reignite that passion, and what does it look like to live it out in our daily lives? Join us to rediscover this calling and explore practical ways to make it a reality.
Thinking Outside the Box: Using Gospel Illusions
Child Evangelism Fellowship of Chicago | Sweeting 343
Discover how to captivate children’s attention and communicate the gospel in a creative and engaging way. This workshop will teach you how to use object lessons and simple, fun magic tricks to present biblical truths uniquely and memorably. Join us to learn practical techniques that will make your ministry more dynamic and effective, inspiring children to connect with the message of Christ in a way they won’t forget. Don’t miss this opportunity to add powerful tools to your ministry toolbox!
Cross-Cultural Evangelism: Sharing Christ across Worldviews
Cru | Sweeting 345
People around the world are shaped by cultures and societies with varying perspectives, such as guilt/righteousness, honor/shame, and fear/power. But how can we effectively share the gospel with individuals from these diverse cultural backgrounds? What if the hearer’s story reflects multiple influences? This workshop will explore several frameworks for sharing the gospel, focusing on how different worldviews shape a person's journey to faith in Jesus and how to communicate the message of Christ in a way that resonates deeply.
The Extrovert Church
Liebenzell USA | Sweeting 347
Traditional methods of evangelism, both globally and in the U.S., are no longer as effective as they once were. New models are needed to address this challenge. The gospel is truly great news, but how do we share it when people aren’t willing to listen? Churches in every culture must thoughtfully and prayerfully explore how to reach their communities in the name of Christ, relying on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Join this workshop to spark meaningful conversations and discover innovative approaches to sharing the gospel effectively.
Considering Missions Together: Is God Calling You?
Serge | Sweeting 349
Have you truly explored the possibility of global, cross-cultural missions? It’s OK if you ultimately discern that this isn’t where God is leading you, but have you taken the time to fully engage in the discernment process? What does that even look like? In this session, you’ll learn practical tools for discerning God’s call, ask meaningful questions, and have dedicated time to pray about your next steps—whether for this summer, semester, or after graduation. Join us to seek God’s direction together.