Breakout Sessions Inspire
By Susan Loobie, Marketing & Communications
As part of OMS’ 125 th anniversary celebration, in addition to the main sessions( Faithful God, Faithful People, Unfinished Task), the more than 500 attendees had the opportunity to participate in a series of smaller breakout sessions designed to inform, inspire, and deepen their engagement in God’ s global mission. Each of the four options offered unique perspectives on how individuals, families, and churches can make a lasting kingdom impact around the world.
Mission Opportunities That Make a Long-Term Difference, led by Paul Keller( director of Engagement) and Troy Gentry( OMS Mexico field leader), challenged participants to rethink the traditional image of a missionary. The workshop highlighted the evolving nature of missionary service and explored the many ways God uses individuals with a variety of skills to create sustainable, long-term change in communities worldwide. Opportunities to serve with OMS were also presented.
During Missional Church: Making a Global Impact Through the Local Church, Rebecca and Pablo Pazmiño( regional director for the Latin America / Caribbean region and OMS Ecuador missionaries) joined Pam Bone and Anja Staten( regional representatives on the Engagement team) to show how God uses local congregations as a primary force for advancing his mission worldwide. Through practical examples and personal stories, participants learned how churches can engage more effectively in global missions. The session generated strong interest, with several attendees expressing a desire for follow-up conversations to strengthen their church’ s mission involvement or to explore opportunities to serve through OMS.
Discipleship and Evangelism Strategies Across Cultures, presented by Brad McKinney( OMS Italy field leader) and Sarah Morrison( OMS Thailand field leader), examined how the unchanging message of the Gospel is communicated and lived out in diverse cultural settings. Participants explored how culture and context influence our approaches to evangelism and discipleship while remaining faithful to biblical truth. The discussion encouraged attendees to think more deeply about effective ministry in an increasingly connected and multicultural world.
And finally, families and individuals participated in the Family Missions Prayer Experience, hosted by OMS’ One Mission Kids. This interactive, selfguided experience featured eight prayer stations focused on the challenges and opportunities that Christians face around the world. Through Scripture readings, reflections, prayer prompts, and hands-on activities, participants of all ages gained a greater understanding of the global church and were encouraged to pray for fellow believers and the lost.
Together, these breakout sessions reflected the heart of OMS’ mission over the past 125 years: equipping God’ s people to share the Gospel, strengthening the church, and engaging in his work around the world. The workshops encouraged thought-provoking conversations, inspired new connections, and challenged participants to consider how they can play a role in God’ s ongoing story of mission and ministry.
15