2025 Mission Leaders Conference Recap

Echoing the Call: A Look Back at the 2025 Mission Leaders Conference

From September 24–26, over 1,000 mission leaders, pastors, and global ministry practitioners gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the 2025 Mission Leaders Conference hosted by Missio Nexus. Themed “Echo: Amplifying the Need for Global Evangelism,” this year’s event was a vibrant convergence of worship, wisdom, and witness – uniting voices from across the missions landscape to inspire, equip, and mobilize.

“This is by far the best conference in the genre in the world. You all do remarkable work and it’s impressive what God has led you to create!”
—2025 Conference Attendee

Keynote Moments

The conference opened with a powerful challenge from Aaron Pierce of Steiger International, who called attendees to radical faith in a secularized world. His message urged leaders to raise up bold, gospel-centered “troublemakers” to reach the Global Youth Culture.

Other keynote highlights included:

Ted Esler’s stirring call for clarity and courage in evangelism: “What are we doing if we’re not boldly proclaiming the gospel?”
I’Ching Thomas of OM International, who unpacked the importance of “glocal evangelism” and cultural sensitivity in gospel communication.
Will Jones of GoEthne, who emphasized the need for Spirit-led strategies and a renewed commitment to prayer.

🎥 Watch all keynote sessions here

The focus on the topic of evangelism was clear and each speaker advanced it well. The prayer time was inspiring and organic. The worship was wonderful. It could not have been done any better!
—2025 Conference Attendee

Honoring a Legacy: Jerry White

A special moment came as Jerry White, President Emeritus of The Navigators, was honored with the Lifetime of Service Award. With over six decades of gospel-centered leadership, Jerry’s legacy was celebrated by hundreds, with Brad Jonswold accepting the award on his behalf.

🏆 Watch the award presentation video

Excellent time together! So thankful for your leadership and all that Missio Nexus is doing to lead and influence the Great Commission community.
—2025 Conference Attendee

Workshops, Collaboration, & Innovation

With 13 workshop tracks and over 60 breakout sessions, the conference offered something for every role – from mobilization and leadership to training, finance, and short-term missions. Interactive table discussions and networking lounges buzzed with energy as leaders exchanged ideas and forged new partnerships.

The workshops and breakout sessions were my favorite part. The variety of options was fantastic and I enjoyed all of the sessions I attended. Each of the breakouts also created opportunity for networking which I appreciated.
—2025 Conference Attendee

The sessions I attended were well done. I appreciated the expertise of the presenters.
—2025 Conference Attendee

New Resources Launched

Two major publications were launched at the event:

Missiology for Missions Pastors – a collaborative volume equipping church leaders with theological and strategic insights.
Essentials for Equipping and Growth of Global Workers – the latest in the Missio Nexus Improve Series, now a #1 New Release in Adult & Continuing Education.

📚 Order your copy here

I came home transformed and am eager to put into practice all that I learned.
—2025 Conference Attendee

Conference Highlights

Worship led by the Traftons of Living Letters, including a dramatic recitation of Philippians.
Complimentary professional headshots sponsored by Mission Upside Down.
A bustling exhibit hall featuring tools, services, and resources from over 70 sponsors and exhibitors.

The location was great and food offered was good. Great job team!
—2025 Conference Attendee

I would definitely recommend the Missio Nexus conference to other missions pastors. The connection to the broader missions movement is invaluable.
—2025 Conference Attendee

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to our premier sponsors and partners who made this event possible!

Other Event Sponsors

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the impact of this year’s gathering, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation. The conversations sparked, prayers lifted, and strategies shared will echo far beyond Orlando – into churches, communities, and unreached corners of the world.

📅 Mark your calendars for next year’s conference (September 23–25, 2026) and stay tuned for updates!