Guest article by Dave Childers

Over the past several weeks, I’ve found myself thinking deeply about the importance of networking—real, meaningful networking—among church mission leaders. Not the superficial “exchange a business card and move on” kind, but the type of connection that leads to shared burdens, mutual encouragement, and long-term partnership.

Recently, I was invited to join a gathering of mission leaders in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. What I witnessed there was a beautiful reminder of how powerful simple connections can be.

When Leaders Meet, Encouragement Happens

At that gathering, I noticed two missions pastors sitting near me. Despite serving in churches only a few miles apart, they had never met. As I overheard some of their conversation, they began sharing challenges they were each facing—struggles that were surprisingly similar. They encouraged each other, exchanged phone numbers, and agreed to meet again soon for coffee.

That’s the power of proximity and presence.

Later on, during one of the breaks, I bumped into another mission leader, and we started talking. The conversation went so deep and so long that we ended up skipping the next breakout session entirely. Yesterday, he emailed me and said:
“Thank you for skipping the breakout session to have a hallway conversation with me. That was my favorite part of the day!”

Sometimes the most valuable moments at a conference don’t happen on stage—they happen in the hallways.

Prayer Connections That Last

Last year at the MissioNexus Conference in Orlando, a few of us who serve as mission pastors in our local churches intentionally connected several times. By the end of the conference, we decided we would start praying for each other every month.

And we did.

Even with our chaotic travel schedules, we’ve been consistent—jumping on Zoom, sharing a few prayer requests, and praying together. It has been one of the richest, most life-giving rhythms of my year.

There’s something uniquely strengthening about knowing other leaders are carrying your burdens before the Lord.

Why You Should Join Us in Louisville This September

This is why I want to personally invite you to join us in September for the Church Mission Leader track at the MissioNexus Conference in Louisville.

Not only do we have an outstanding lineup of mission pastors and leaders addressing the most relevant topics for local church missions, but you just might walk away with:

A new friend who understands your challenges
A partner for collaboration
Someone who encourages you through a difficult season
A trusted prayer partner
An answer you’ve been seeking for a tough ministry question

The right connection at the right moment can change everything.

– Dave Childers
Sending Network Director, Upstream Sending
dave@upstreamsending.com

Mark Your Calendar

2024 Church Mission Leaders Conference

Priority: Progress, Prospects & the Panta ta Ethne
📍 Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky
Registration is open.

Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization

Join via a curated, connected satellite site from anywhere in the world.

May 19, 2024 – International Day for the Unreached

A third of the world still lacks access to the Gospel. Learn more and get involved.

Mission Agency Consultation – June 11, Denver CO

For mission agencies eager to build partnerships with local churches.

Worth Exploring Online

The Missio Nexus Shop — books, tools, and resources for mission leaders.
Author Interview: Jonathan Downie, Multilingual Church: Strategies for Making Disciples in All Languages
“Missing Out” by Ted Esler — making wise decisions amid disruptive innovation
Best Missions Books of 2023 — why wait for December?
Global Missions in 2024 — a thoughtful look at where we are and where we’re headed

We Want Your Input

Last month, many of you responded with interest in a coaching program for newer Church Mission Leaders (five years or less). Thank you for your enthusiasm!

If you haven’t responded yet and this kind of coaching would help you—or if you’d like to help coach others—please reach out.

Also, if your church participates in a local or regional missions cohort, let us know. We’re compiling a North America–wide list and plan to create an interactive map to help CMLs connect, collaborate, and encourage one another.

Let’s Stay Strong Together

May we continue being strong and courageous, abounding in love, and always seeking deeper connection with one another—for the sake of God’s mission and God’s glory.