The psalmist writes, “May God be gracious to us and bless us… that your way may be known on earth” (Ps 67:1-2). The blessings of God are intimately connected to the sending of the Church to the nations. We have been blessed, not only to be a blessing, but that others may come to experience the blessing of their Creator and join in His mission.
The theme for SMBC’s 2026 Biennial Global Mission Conference is “Sent and Sending: God’s Mission in a Changing World.”
I am delighted and honoured to be one of the speakers at this year’s conference. Throughout the week, we will spend significant time studying the Scriptures, reflecting on mission history, and thinking practically about our contexts.
We will unpack four big concepts across four sessions.
1. An Apostolic Imagination
The word “apostle” means “sent one.” Our God is the God who sends. He is an apostolic God who not only sends Himself into a broken world, but redeems people to be sent as His ambassadors. This divine attribute has profound implications for our relationship with Him and our ministries in Sydney, across Australia, and throughout the world.
“He is an apostolic God who not only sends Himself into a broken world, but redeems people to be sent as His ambassadors.”
On Tuesday, we will explore what it means to have an apostolic imagination and how we can cultivate it for life and ministry.
2. Embracing Change and Innovation for Mission
Change is often uncomfortable and sometimes undesired. But if Jesus promised to build His Church and we are filled with a dynamic Spirit, then change is expected in the local church and on the field. What are God-glorifying, practical ways to lead and minister in a changing world?
On Wednesday, we will examine a biblical understanding of innovation for mission.
3. Multiplication of Healthy Churches
Five billion people in the world are considered members of unreached people groups. The apostolic imagination longs to see that “the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured” (2 Thes 3:1). At a time when debates polarise church multiplication and church health, we will consider the spontaneous expansion of churches and whether or not the Bible forces us to choose either growth or health. Unless the Lord builds the house, laborers labor in vain.
Our final morning session will draw our attention toward the Spirit who multiplies disciples and churches.
4. Principles of Leadership for a Sent Life
Pastoral leaders play a vital role in Kingdom advancement as pastors “equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11-12). Whether the Lord keeps us in Sydney, places us somewhere else in Australia, or carries us to another country, how should we live on mission?
At the turn of the twentieth century, John Mott wrote when it comes to missions, “As the pastor, so the people.” The Lord has graciously allowed me to serve nineteen years in pastoral ministry (and twenty-seven in the Academy). I have learned a great deal but have made many mistakes and plan to share “Nine Things I Should Have Done.”
In our breakout sessions and Wednesday evening, I want to challenge us to consider some principles of living a sent life.
