Tamara Matthew, Worship and Outreach Ministry Director at City of Refuge Church, was sitting in a breakout session at the Connecting Mission Leaders (CML) conference when speaker Rev. Dr. Lisa Pak mentioned the importance of giving and receiving wise counsel. Dr. Pak further said that she would gladly accept an invitation to engage in a mentor relationship as a way to practically live out this value. Tamara was struck by this, and after the session, introduced herself to Dr. Pak. That introduction began a friendship, and though they live in different countries, that friendship is alive and well two years after their first meeting.
The CML conference is a representation of World Outreach’s theme for General Assembly this year, On Mission Together. We, as the body of Christ, are called to bring the good news of the gospel to the whole world, and this is a mandate that requires teamwork, cooperation, and partnership. Tamara witnessed this firsthand at the CML conference in 2024. In Tamara’s words:
My relationships with those like Lisa, who are on mission, have demonstrated to me in consistent ways, the power of togetherness as co-laborers in the kingdom of God. Christians are called to engage in community, and ministry workers need that encouragement sometimes too! . . . To be a part of the mission of God is a grace. To do so with sisters and brothers in Christ is to live out this grace alongside tangible expressions of His love.
The Connecting Mission Leaders Conference—held this year at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX—offers a space for such connection and partnership to form. As Tamara said, “I am honored that God allowed [my and Lisa’s] paths to cross and grateful to CML for bringing together like-minded individuals that can spur each other on in all areas of life.”
This year, the conference will explore the theme A New Thing, drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19 which says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
CML 2026 invites us to reflect on how God not only works through people but also renews people through participation in mission. As we engage across cultures, communities, and generations, we are reminded that mission is more than service or strategy. It also involves guiding churches with wisdom and equipping believers to participate faithfully in God’s work around the world. This conference explores how God continues making all things new in and through the Church around the world.
The conference runs from Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24 and includes worship, four plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
You are invited to come and connect with other church mission leaders and be equipped and inspired as you mobilize your church for God’s global mission. We hope to see you there!
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