Discussions about a world  "shrinking" due to rapid globalization, about the viral growth of Christianity in the global south, have led some to question whether missions is still necessary in today's small world.  Should the church in the West still be sending missionaries to preach the gospel and reach the lost?  Others seek new alliances, new partnerships, new strategies for missions in an effort to remain relevant and effective. 

Missions Conference 2007 addressed these issues and more from October 9 through 12.  Centered on the theme Juntos: Working Together for the Truth, the conference examined the changing reality of bringing the good news "to the ends of the earth."  Juntos is the Spanish word for together—it may also signify a more humble, more unified approach to missions in today's global society. 

"Missions is not just the job of western, American Christians," says Tim Sisk, Chair and Associate Professor of World Missions.  "We must engage in partnerships with our brothers and sisters around the world and work together, not in opposition or competition."  Sisk says the conference helped students consider new ways to work together, whether serving in the United States or overseas. 

Annually, Missions Conference is an opportunity for students to expand upon and engage the ideas they learn in class.  Through plenary and workshop sessions, question-and-answer times, agency presentations, and one-on-one interaction with missionaries, students explore the many ways of bringing the Christian message to those who have never heard and supporting others "in the field."  More than 100 missionaries representing 47 agencies participated in the conference this year.

Senior Pre-counseling major Alysia Green says the conference is a great way to make students aware of what missions agencies are accomplishing around the world.  "Missions Conference demonstrates new avenues of doing ministry," she says.  "I particularly enjoyed this year's session on evangelism in a society disinterested in the Christian message."

In the end, Missions Conference is a natural extension of students' everyday ministry education.  By spending a week learning, thinking, and praying about God's work around the world, they are inspired and encouraged to continue preparing for service.