Global Reach Conference
Gospel Partnerships for the Sake of His Name – Learning from the African Church
Exhibitors
We invite fundamental, Bible-believing missionaries and mission agencies to exhibit at the Global Reach Conference. There is no cost this year to exhibit. Registration closes on October 4 or when space is no longer available.
Guests
Guests are welcome to attend any of the conference’s general sessions and special features. Guests do not need to register to attend these sessions.
Schedule
Click here to view the conference schedule.
Speaker
Our speaker is Dr. Phil Hunt, Chancellor of Central African Baptist University in Kitwe, Zambia.
Mission Accomplished! (Really?)
In 1877, Henry Stanley, the famed explorer and hunter of David Livingston, was the first to describe Africa as the “Dark Continent.” For Stanley, the evocative term communicated the unexplored region’s geographical murkiness and the physical hardship the continent extracted. Of the 356 who started with his exploration, only 114 survived. The Christian world quickly embraced this phrase to describe Africa’s spiritual and social condition. Africans were described as the “uncivilized heathen,” and a movement of Christian missionaries pursued both spiritual and societal transformation.
Today, Africa holds a far different status among the world’s continents. It is the fastest-growing continent, aiming to surpass Asia as the most populous continent in this century. By 2050, one in four human beings will be Africans. Economically, nine of the top 20 fastest-growing world economies are in Africa. Every major global company is seeking a share in Africa’s expansion. Religiously, Christianity is named the personal religion of over 60% of Africans. Many would claim some form of evangelicalism.
The question for Faith’s 2024 Global Reach Conference is, “What is the church’s responsibility to Africa?” Has the task of the Great Commission been accomplished in the former Dark Continent? What is the place of humanitarian aid in Christian missions? What is the role of the African church? These are essential questions that the church must answer. The theme for the 2024 GRC conference is “Gospel Partnerships for the Sake of His Name – Learning from the African Church.” The theme’s goal is to highlight multiple mission realities:
- Population Growth: Between now and 2050, more than half of global population growth will occur in Africa. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is projected to double by 2050.
- Strong Gospel Partnerships: The church’s expansion is interdependent, and it is essential to work toward that goal. Mission partnerships with nationals are the foundation for this work, and understanding how to navigate those relationships is crucial for success.
- Ministry Diversity: The African church’s needs are varied. There is an ongoing need for healthy church plants in the expanding gateway cities. The oft-repeated reality is that the African church is a mile wide yet an inch deep. Thus, robust theological training is critical for sustainable and stable growth.
- Islamic Expansion: North Africa is dominantly Islamic and largely unreached. Yet, Islam is not limited to the north. Muslims are quickly making gains in all parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Our desire with the conference is to challenge the church to think strategically about gospel partnerships, using Africa as a case study or example of an excellent opportunity for their generation.
Questions?
We would love to help!
For those desiring to exhibit or for those who have questions, please contact Brenda Hendrickson.
- Call: 515-422-5630
- Email: missions@faith.edu
