CMI 2023: A Gathering of Missionaries from Around the World

Conference Theme, Chaplain, & Plenary Speakers

The theme for the 2023 Concordia Mission Institute was “Immeasurably More,” based on Ephesians 3:20. Plenary speakers focused on four Mission Perspectives (Mission of God, Vocation, Partnership, and Engagement). 

Devotion Leader: Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson

Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson prepared devotions for the missionaries and staff attendees of Concordia Mission Institute to address the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental hurdles faced in international ministry. Using the theme verse of Ephesians 3:20, Gibson encouraged conference attendees to call out to the Lord – knowing He is able to do more than we ask or imagine according to His purpose. 

Monday: “Mission of God” – Rev. Dr. Will Schumacher 

Session Abstract:
Missio Dei in History: God works through people in places and time and events throughout history. As we look at God’s mission and how He has worked in the past, what does this mean for us as God’s people who are in places and time who are living through events today?  

Tuesday: “Spiritual Dualities for Vocational Health” – Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW 

Session Abstract:
Spiritual dualities are the places of humanity and vocation where two opposites meet in tension. Sinner & saint, order & chaos, individuality & community are examples of some of the places of tension God does good and often uncomfortable work within. How can engaging in these and other spiritual dualities help us develop stronger vocational resilience, navigate boundaries in relationships empathetically, and give us a sense of renewal in the sometimes-exhausting work of the Gospel? We will identify several spiritual dualities or dialectics to aid in vocational health and collaborate towards applying these dualities within individualized contexts and cultural experiences. 

Thursday: “Partnership in Mission, If Opportunity Doesn’t Knock, Build a Door” – Rev. Dr. Samuel Deressa 

Session Abstract:
The nineteenth century has been called the great century of Christian mission. That is mainly because it is a century in which the religious topography of the world was changed. The twentieth century, however, deserves to be called the greatest century of Christian mission for the following reasons: Firstly, the number of missionaries serving in a country other than their own was never larger than it is now. Missionaries from both the global north (Western countries) and south (particularly Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria) have increased their engagement in mission in terms of manpower, capital investment, theological education, and so on. Secondly, there has been a significant increase in schools of mission, increasing mission research, and the rise of non-western mission forces. This is the reason why Scott W. Sunquist calls it “the Unexpected Christian Century!” (Scott W. Sunquist, The Unexpected Christian Century). Thirdly, churches are forming partnerships to make a greater impact in our world today. As Robert Wuthnow rightly indicated in Boundless Faith: Global Outreach of American Churches, many Western churches have forged partnerships with the South and are “engaging in faster and more efficient transcultural communication, interacting with a sizable population of refugees and immigrants, and contributing to large-scale international humanitarian and relief organizations” (Robert Wuthnow, in Boundless Faith, 2) This presentation will focus on partnership in mission. Partnership in mission involves a stronger emphasis on mutuality and interdependence among different mission organizations and churches to effectively carry out mission projects. It allows collaboration for the expansion of the kingdom of God.”

Friday’s Plenary: “Attachment, Attachment, Attachment” – Rev. Dr. Justin Hannemann

Session Abstract:
God has created humans to be in relationship with Him and with one another. Relationship is more than simply behavior one to another and relational health cannot be separated from spiritual wellbeing. How we engage with others is important as we consider God using us to be His witnesses. The use of reflective dialogue and other tools help us break down barriers so conversations feel safe, connections are made, and healthy relationships are built and supported for the sake of the Gospel.