Missions Conference 2025: Igniting a Passion for Global Impact and Addressing the Discipleship Crisis in America
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- Missions Conference 2025: Igniting a Passion for Global Impact and Addressing the Discipleship Crisis in America
March 23, 2025
Biola University‘s missions Conference 2025 concluded with a powerful call to action, addressing critical issues facing the American church and inspiring attendees to embrace a life of daily ministry and global engagement.Speakers like Yasmin Pierce, Ed Stetzer, and John Mark Comer challenged attendees to deepen their faith, prioritize discipleship, and actively participate in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Day Two: A Symphony of Worship and a Call to Daily Ministry
The second day of Missions Conference 2025 at Biola University began with a vibrant worship session,featuring an orchestra and a diverse chorus of voices united in praise. This set the stage for a day of insightful messages and challenging calls to action.
Session four: Yasmin Pierce on Love-Driven Ministry
Yasmin Pierce of circuit Riders challenged attendees to move beyond duty-based service and embrace a ministry driven by love. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing others and actively sharing the Gospel in everyday life.
Living the daily gospel looks like preferring others above yourself and reaching out.Yasmin Pierce, Circuit Riders
Pierce connected this daily practice to the core message of Romans, highlighting the necessity of preaching the Gospel so that others may believe. This resonates deeply within the American context, where individualistic tendencies can sometimes overshadow the call to communal faith and outward action. Consider the rise of “spiritual but not religious” individuals in the U.S., a trend that underscores the need for a renewed emphasis on active engagement within a faith community.
Following her session,Pierce elaborated on the meaning of the Black Voices movement,an initiative dedicated to empowering Black leaders and missionaries. She stated:
The great commission is about reaching all people and the black Voices is about empowering all people to join in that great commission. Less than 1% of missionaries are black so it’s about empowering minorities to take part in the missionary movement.yasmin Pierce, Circuit Riders
This statement underscores the critical need for diversity and inclusion in missions, reflecting the changing demographics of the United States and the importance of reaching all communities with the Gospel. The underrepresentation of Black missionaries highlights an area where intentional effort and support are needed to ensure a more equitable and effective global outreach.Churches in the U.S. can learn from organizations like the National Black Church Initiative, which has been advocating for social justice and community advancement for decades.
session Five: Ed Stetzer on Christ’s Peace Amidst Crisis
Ed Stetzer’s sermon, based on John 20:19-21, focused on the transformative power of Christ’s peace, particularly in times of adversity. He shared stories of Talbot School of Theology students in Ukraine who maintained their faith despite enduring air raids, demonstrating the resilience that faith provides even in the face of extreme danger.
Stetzer also shared a personal reflection on his father’s recent funeral, emphasizing the importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges. He stated:
In the middle of crisis, Christ shows up.Ed Stetzer
This message of hope and resilience is particularly relevant in the United States, where anxieties about political polarization, economic uncertainty, and social unrest are prevalent. Stetzer’s emphasis on Christ’s peace offers a counter-narrative to the pervasive sense of crisis, reminding listeners of the enduring power of faith.
session Six: John Mark Comer on the Crisis of Discipleship
John Mark Comer addressed the critical issue of discipleship within the American church,arguing that many Christians are “under-discipled.” He challenged attendees to move beyond superficial faith and embrace a deeper, more transformative relationship with Jesus.
Comer emphasized the importance of intentional practices, such as prayer, Bible study, and community, in fostering genuine discipleship. He stated:
We are so under-discipled that we don’t even know what it looks like.John Mark Comer
This “discipleship deficit” has important implications for the American church, contributing to a decline in church attendance, a rise in moral relativism, and a weakening of christian witness in the public square. Comer’s call to deeper discipleship is a call to revitalize the core of Christian faith and practice in the United States.
To illustrate the point, consider the Barna Group’s research on the spiritual habits of Americans. Their findings consistently show a gap between professed belief and actual practice, highlighting the need for more intentional discipleship efforts.
Session Seven: A Final Call to Desperation for Jesus
The conference concluded with a powerful call to action, urging attendees to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and to actively engage in sharing the Gospel with others. This call to “desperation for Jesus” resonated with many attendees, who expressed a renewed commitment to living out their faith in tangible ways.
The final session emphasized that faith is not a passive belief system but an active,transformative force that should shape every aspect of life. This message is particularly relevant in the United States, where consumerism, individualism, and secularism often compete for people’s attention and allegiance.
Beyond Biola: Igniting Missions & Overcoming the American Discipleship Crisis – An Expert Perspective
Following the Missions Conference 2025, a panel discussion was held to further explore the key takeaways and to offer practical strategies for churches and individuals seeking to reignite their passion for global missions and to address the discipleship crisis in America.
One of the panelists, Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of missiology at Wheaton College, emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity in missions work. she stated:
We must approach missions with humility and a willingness to learn from the cultures we are seeking to serve. Imposing our own cultural values on others is not only ineffective but also harmful.Dr. Emily Carter, Wheaton College
Dr. Carter’s comments highlight the need for U.S. churches to move beyond a “savior complex” and to embrace a more collaborative and reciprocal approach to missions. This includes listening to the voices of local leaders, partnering with indigenous organizations, and empowering communities to address their own needs.
another panelist, Pastor David Lee of a multi-ethnic church in Los Angeles, addressed the issue of underrepresentation in missions. He stated:
We need to intentionally create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to participate in missions. This includes providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities.Pastor David lee
Pastor Lee’s comments underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers that prevent people of color from participating in missions. This includes challenging implicit biases, promoting inclusive leadership, and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for missionaries from all backgrounds.
The panel also discussed the role of technology in missions. They noted that social media, online platforms, and mobile devices can be powerful tools for connecting with people around the world, sharing the Gospel, and mobilizing support for missions initiatives.
However, they also cautioned against the dangers of relying too heavily on technology, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face relationships, cultural understanding, and genuine human connection.
the Missions Conference 2025 at Biola University served as a powerful reminder of the importance of global missions and the need to address the discipleship crisis in America. By embracing a love-driven ministry, cultivating Christ’s peace amidst crisis, and prioritizing deeper discipleship, U.S.churches and individuals can play a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission and transforming the world.
From Crisis to Calling: Expert Insights on Reigniting Missions and Deepening Discipleship
World Today News: Welcome, Dr. Anya Sharma, to World Today News. Today, we delve into the critical themes emerging from the recent Missions Conference at Biola University: igniting a passion for global impact while addressing American discipleship woes. Dr.Sharma, a renowned missiologist and author, do you believe the american church is facing a genuine crisis of discipleship, as articulated by speaker John Mark Comer?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. It’s not an exaggeration; the term “crisis” is apt. We’re witnessing a profound disconnect between professed belief and lived faith. The Barna Group and other research consistently highlight this gap. Many Christians are “under-discipled,” as Comer aptly put it, lacking the depth of engagement needed to authentically live out their faith. This impacts everything from ethical decision-making to the ability to engage with a diverse and increasingly secular world. Think of the difference between passively attending church versus actively participating in a faith community,studying scripture,and seeking to embody Christ’s teachings daily. The former fulfills a cultural obligation; the latter transforms lives and communities.
World Today News: The conference emphasized a move towards “love-driven ministry” – a core theme from Yasmin Pierce’s session. How does a ministry fueled by love contrast with duty-based service, and why is this shift so crucial for modern missions?
Dr.Anya Sharma: the contrast is fundamental. Duty-based service often stems from a sense of obligation or moral imperative rather than a heartfelt compassion and genuine connection. It can lead to burnout,a judgmental stance,and a failure to authentically connect with those we serve. Love-driven ministry, in contrast, emanates from a place of deep empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to serve others, following the example of jesus. It makes this far more effective.
Here’s why the shift is crucial:
Building Trust: Love fosters genuine relationships, which in turn builds trust, the foundation upon which effective missions are built – it shows that you are not there to judge but to help.
Cultural Sensitivity: Love promotes humility and a willingness to learn from those you serve. It enables a ministry that respects local customs and traditions, thus connecting at a deeper level.
Long-Term impact: Love-driven ministry is built to last. it focuses on empowering communities and fostering enduring solutions rather than simply providing short-term aid.
World Today News: The underrepresentation of diverse groups, especially Black missionaries, was a significant issue raised throughout the conference. What systemic barriers contribute to this disparity, and what concrete steps can churches and mission organizations take to create more equitable opportunities?
Dr. Anya Sharma: This disparity reflects deep-seated systemic issues.Some of thes are things like implicit biases in leadership, insufficient financial resources, and lack of accessible mentorship programs. Many times, the very structures that make it possible to participate in missions need to change, even as we strive to increase empathy with those we serve.
To address these challenges, churches and organizations must:
Actively Recruit and Empower: implement targeted recruitment strategies to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, provide scholarships, and create dedicated mentorship programs.
Promote Inclusive Leadership: Ensure that leadership positions within mission organizations reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and that they embrace a wide variety of viewpoints.
Challenge Implicit Biases: Address and eliminate unconscious biases that can hinder diverse participation. This includes implicit bias training for staff and volunteers.
Foster a Welcoming Culture: Create an inclusive and supportive habitat where everyone feels valued and respected, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or cultural background.
World Today News: Ed Stetzer discussed finding Christ’s peace amidst crisis. How can this message offer a practical and relevant counter-narrative to the anxieties prevalent in the united States today, from social unrest to economic instability?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Stetzer’s message of Christ’s peace offers a powerful antidote. It reminds us that faith can be found in trials, not in the absence of them. Christ’s peace is not the absence of conflict. rather, it is indeed a deep-seated assurance and conviction that God is present and in charge.
This peace doesn’t mean ignoring difficult realities.Rather, it provides a foundation of hope and resilience. It empowers individuals to face adversity with courage, compassion, and a renewed focus on what matters most: our faith, our relationships, and our commitment to serving others.In a culture dominated by fear and division,emphasizing Christ’s peace reminds people that there is a source of comfort and a deeper purpose that is untouched by external circumstances.
World Today News: Turning to technology,how can the church responsibly leverage social media and other digital platforms for missions and discipleship,and what are the potential pitfalls to avoid?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Technology is a double-edged sword. It offers unprecedented opportunities for global outreach, collaboration, and interaction. Churches can use social media to share the gospel, mobilize support for mission initiatives, and create online discipleship communities. It gives us the option to experience global realities that we couldn’t comprehend previously.
However, there are pitfalls as well:
Superficial Connections: Online relationships can lack the depth and intimacy of face-to-face interactions.
Cultural insensitivity: It’s, thus, easy to misread cultural nuances and offend unintentionally
Over-reliance: Dependence on technology may undermine existing partnerships and the importance of local expertise.
To harness technology responsibly,churches should:
Prioritize Authenticity: Use social media to share real stories,build genuine relationships,and foster authentic engagement. It is indeed equally crucial, though, if you are sharing for missions purposes, to share stories that relate to the people for whom you desire to reach.
Cultivate Cultural Understanding: Be sensitive to cultural differences and avoid imposing Western values on other regions.
Emphasize Human Connection: Never replace relationships, but rather use technology to facilitate direct dialog.
Use it for Education: Teach people to think critically and to use technology to explore, interact, collaborate, and innovate.
World Today News: The panel discussion following the conference underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and a collaborative approach to missions. How can American churches move away from a “savior complex” and toward a more mutually beneficial partnership with the communities they serve?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Shifting away from a “savior complex” requires profound humility. it means recognizing that the gospel takes many forms and the importance of different cultures, while always being humble and asking how someone benefits from the gospel.
Here are the essential steps:
Listen and Learn: Prioritize listening to the needs and perspectives of the local communities. value their input,even if it challenges your assumptions.
empower Local Leaders: partner with indigenous leaders and organizations, and prioritize empowering communities to develop their own solutions.
Embrace Reciprocity: View missions as a two-way street, recognizing that you and the communities you serve are mutually transformed through the experience.
Focus on Sustainable Development: Work towards long-term solutions that empower communities to become self-sufficient.
World Today News: the conference concluded with a call to “desperation for Jesus.” What does this mean in practical terms for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and impact the world?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Desperation for jesus isn’t about fleeting emotions; it’s a deep yearning for an encounter. Here are practical steps for people to find Jesus:
Prioritize Prayer: Make daily prayer a non-negotiable part of your life.Pray for others, for the world, and for opportunities to serve.
Engage in Scripture: Read and study the Bible to deepen your understanding of God’s will and grow closer to Jesus. It’s essential to seek the meaning and purpose of the text as intended.
Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve those in need, both locally and globally. Serving puts true purpose into your faith.
Join a Community: Find a local church or faith-based community where you can worship, fellowship, and be encouraged.
World Today News: Dr. Sharma, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with World Today News.
Dr. Anya Sharma: It was my pleasure.
World Today News: Our readers, what specific steps will you take today to deepen your discipleship and contribute to the global mission? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
