2016 Global Mission Summit 

Over the past three years, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, collectively, has re-energized global mission with unprecedented time and resources.  With a tithe of the funds raised in its Together Now fundraisingcampaign, the diocese has awarded more than 55 grants and matching grants, involving 63 congregations, in excess of $845,000.  This has sparked new interest in mission, networks and partnerships creating new and deeper infrastructure to support ongoing global mission, with more and more churches involved at every level. 

On Saturday, April 9, 2016, the Diocese of Massachusetts will gather for the 2016 Global Mission Summit.  “Our Global Mission Journey: Sharing our Present, Imagining our Future” highlights the lessons learned and the opportunities that await us in our journey toward reconciliation, justice, and the kingdom of God. Keynote by the Rev. Dr. Titus Presler.  Special guest presentations from representatives of Tatua Kenya (Kenya), Foundation Cristosal (El Salvador), El Hogar (Honduras), 2Seeds Network (Tanzania), Reach for Rwanda (Rwanda) and the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, the Rt. Rev. Alan Gates.

The Summit has a dual purpose.  First, we want to focus on what we’ve learned about this new form of mission.  Second, we want to inspire participants with ideas and opportunities to take their mission relationships to the next level.  The Summit will feature six areas of particular interest:

1. The Evolution of Mission: How has mission changed since the days of “converting the heathens?”  What are the roles of charity, project trips, development, and accompaniment?

2. Engaging Young People: What are some of the elements of successful youth engagement?  What are the possibilities?

3. Involving the Congregation: How do we excite people and make our mission partnership a ministry that involves the whole congregation? 

4. Maintaining Relationships: How do we keep our mission relationship vibrant?  What are some of the challenges and how do we get through them?

5. Friends and Money: The person holding the wallet usually controls the relationship.  How do we share our abundance and yet maintain an authentic relationship?

6. Learning from Challenges: Challenges are inevitable in relationships, and we all make mistakes.  What can we learn through this process to make our relationships even richer?

The day involves workshops, speakers, music, worship and networking opportunities. Lunch is included. Click here for a COMPLETE WORKSHOP LISTING.

Registration closes April 4, 2016

Titus Presler, Th.D., D.D., author of Going Global with God: Reconciling Mission in a World of Difference and Horizons of Mission, is a respected authority on mission and world Christianity. He was president of the Seminary of the Southwest and academic dean at General Seminary and taught mission studies at both institutions.  In recent years he was principal of Edwardes College in Peshawar, Pakistan, but is now in exile after being beaten by intelligence agents in the provincial government’s effort to control the college. He has long experience in India and with his wife, Jane Butterfield, and their children was a missionary in Zimbabwe during the 1980s. Ordained in the Diocese of Massachusetts, he was rector of St. Peter’s Church, Cambridge, for 11 years and also served Christ Church, Hamilton; Christ Church, Cambridge; All Saints Church, Belmont; and St. Chrysostom’s Church, Quincy.  He taught at Episcopal Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School, led the Volunteers for Mission Committee, co-founded the diocese’s Jubilee Committee and represented the diocese as a General Convention deputy.  He chaired the Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on World Mission, organized the Episcopal Partnership for Global Mission, researched for the Global Anglicanism Project and consulted for the Anglican Indaba Project.  Now in Vermont, he serves on the board of the Global Episcopal Mission Network.  He blogs at titusonmission.wordpress.com.