Invitation
Join the Missio Nexus’ Church Engagement Leaders Roundtable: Collaborating to Serve the Local Church, a networking opportunity for Church Engagement Leaders from Missions Organizations only. This is an ideal venue for sharpening ideas, broadening perspectives and deepening friendships with like-minded peers as well as receiving insights to help your own leadership journey.
Participant Profile
This in-person event is for the Church Engagement Leader(s) in any missions organization or agency.
Who You’ll Meet
Meet Church Engagement Leaders from various organizations. This gives you the opportunity to connect with those that serve the Church in the same capacity as you.
What You’ll Learn
Attendees will gain a renewed sense of purpose to take on their roles engaging the Bride of Christ, the Church, in serving globally. Your voice and your heart matter—come collaborate with fellow leaders to reimagine what it means to serve. Topics include “The Next Generation”, “Work/Life Balance”, “Best Practices for Relating/Engaging with the Local Church” and more. These sessions will provide tools and insights to navigate our everyday challenges as Church Engagement leaders.
Why You Want to Participate
Enhance your Church Engagement skills and strengthen your partnerships. Gain a deeper understanding of your role, develop strategic solutions, and build a supportive network.
How It Will Help You
Reflect on your engagement/relations style, address challenges, and implement effective strategies. Leave with practical tools to engage with the local churches in your network and a stronger understanding of the benefits of shared learning with brothers/sisters serving the Church.
Event Overview
A 2-day retreat with a 2-night stay at the Avant Ministries | Crossworld Guesthouse
Our Speakers
Jeff Hackett, National Director of Church Engagement, Wycliffe Bible Translators Canada
Jeff has served in the church sector for over 25 years, with a deep passion for helping the Church live on mission. From leading a missional-minded youth ministry to serving as a senior pastor—where he witnessed firsthand the transformational power of a mission-focused church—Jeff has consistently championed a lifestyle of Gospel impact.
In his current role as National Church Engagement Director with Wycliffe Bible Translators Canada, Jeff partners with churches across the country to inspire and equip them to take part in God’s global mission, particularly through the vital work of Bible translation. His heartbeat is to see every believer and every church empowered to Go, Share, and Repeat—living out the Great Commission in their local and global communities.
Mark Bruner, Vice President of Mobilization, Avant Ministries
Mark Bruner serves as Avant’s Vice President of Mobilization & Church Engagement and is Regional Director for Avant’s East Region. Mark and Denise met at William Tyndale College in 1978 and after graduation began cross-cultural ministry in Liberia, W. Africa in 1984. During the span of their 42-year career the Bruner’s have served in eight countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. From 2005 to 2015, Mark was one of the key developers and provided leadership for Avant’s Short-cycle church-planting teams. Mark & Denise are parents of three adult children, all married, and are blessed with two grandchildren. These days the Bruner’s divide their time between Chiang Mai, Thailand and Lawrence, KS.
Venue/Location
Avant Ministries | Crossworld Guest House
NE 101 Street
Kansas City, MO 64155
Schedule
Tentative Schedule:
Monday, November 2
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Check-in/Get Settled
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Welcome/Prayer/Worship/Brief Introductions
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Deeper Introductions (wins/lessons/approaches)
- 8:00 PM: Free Time: Optional hang out, informal storytelling
Tuesday, November 3
- 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Breakfast
- 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM: Worship/Devotional
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Session – Developed Resources…“show and tell”
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Break
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Group Brainstorm – Time-tested Strategies
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Session – The Latest Research on the US Church
- 1:45 – 2:00 PM: Break
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Church Mission Leader Panel (with local Pastors)
- 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Free Time
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:00PM – 8:00 PM: Naming and Praying for Pitfalls
- 8:00 PM: Free Time – Optional hang out, informal storytelling
Wednesday, November 4
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM: Worship/Devotional
- 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM: Session – Honoring the Work of the Kingdom and the Shared Mission We ALL Have
- 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: Break
- 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Joint Wrap Up – unity and prayer
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Conclusion
Cost
- Members: $499
- Non-Members: $599
- Includes: Accommodations, meals, and event materials
Registration closes Thursday, October 8. Space is limited! Don’t wait – register now!
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received on or before October 8th will be refunded minus a $50 cancellation fee. After that, no refund is available.
Contact
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Missio Nexus encourages interaction on diverse and difficult topics. Be aware that the information shared in this event may not reflect the views of the Missio Nexus staff, board, or other community members.
