Intercultural Mission Conference 2026: Breaking ground, bringing hope

Attendees report from this year’s Intercultural Mission Conference.

I attended the Intercultural Mission Conference for this first time this year, and it was a truly enriching and inspiring experience. It was great to see people from different backgrounds coming together, united by faith, worship and God’s love.

I felt genuinely welcomed, valued and connected throughout the conference. The atmosphere was filled with a deep sense of belonging. We had the opportunity to pray and to praise God in our different languages, which helped everyone feel included and showed the diversity of voices that God created.

The workshops were inspiring, practical and encouraging. I learnt a lot from the facilitators and fellow delegates.

Galatians 3:28 says: ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ The Intercultural Mission Conference was a powerful reminder that, although we are from different backgrounds, we are one family in Christ.

Psalm 133:1 states: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ When we are united, it’s a blessing not only for us but also for those around us. It shows how wonderful it is when God’s people come together in one harmony.

I look forward to future conferences, and I would highly recommend the Intercultural Mission Conference to anyone seeking encouragement and fellowship!

by Millie Gwaze (Peterborough Citadel)

Growth rarely happens when we remain in familiar and comfortable places.

One of the key lessons we learnt at this year’s Intercultural Mission Conference is that, if we never step out of our comfort zones, we are unlikely to experience meaningful change. Breaking new ground is possible, but it takes consistency, determination and a willingness to move beyond what feels safe. When we choose to be bolder, we can overcome the barriers of fear, assumption, uncertainty and self-doubt that keep us isolated. The Bible is filled with examples of people who stepped out in faith and experienced God’s blessings: Abraham left his homeland, Peter stepped out of the boat, the early Church reached out to different communities. Growth came through obedience and courage.

Another important lesson was the value of welcome and hospitality. Hospitality is much more than offering food or opening our homes; it’s about opening our hearts to others. Scripture repeatedly encourages believers to welcome. One powerful example is Genesis 18:1–8, where Abraham provided food and rest for three strangers. His willingness to welcome became a moment of divine blessing. When we create spaces, we reflect the heart of Christ.

We also considered how to navigate intercultural relationships and communities. In an increasingly diverse world, understanding and appreciating different cultures is an important part of Christian fellowship. Managing well in intercultural settings requires humility and intentionality. Revelation 7:9 presents a powerful picture of Heaven, highlighting the global scope of God’s salvation. Let us practise the culture of Heaven by embracing each other!

Many of the barriers that separate people are built on assumptions, fear and misunderstanding; by choosing openness, kindness and humility, we can build bridges rather than walls. May we have the courage to break barriers, the humility to keep learning, and the faith to trust God as he leads us into new and exciting places of growth.

by Tsitsi Gatakata (Sittingbourne)