Mission Conference 2026: Going deeper

Major Ann Montgomery reflects on the Mission Conference theme of Intero and calls us into deeper faith, community and mission.

I want to take you on holiday. Picture this: the sun is shining, the pool is beckoning. Around the pool, you notice one man on the edge. He inhales, raises his arms like an Olympic diver … and dips his toe in the water. You know what’s coming, don’t you? ‘It’s too cold! And whoa! That’s the deep end!’ Then he begins what can only be described as dad ballet on the edge of the pool, before he wanders to the steps in the shallow end. He dips a toe in, but stays in the shallow water.

Isn’t that how many of us approach faith? We love the idea of going deeper with Jesus but, when he invites us beyond what’s predictable or comfortable, we retreat. In Luke 5, Jesus calls Simon Peter out of the shallow water and into the deep – where faith matures, community strengthens and mission begins.

I love this account in Scripture because, before anything miraculous happens, Jesus steps into Simon’s boat. Jesus steps into that place of Simon’s exhaustion, frustration and failure. Jesus is right there with him.

Jesus says to Simon: ‘Put out into deep water’ (v4). In that moment, Simon isn’t full of faith: he is full of frustration and doubt. He knows the waters. He knows the fishes’ swimming patterns. He knows what Jesus is asking makes no earthly sense. But he says: ‘Because you say so, I will let down the nets’ (v5).

Why? Because Simon knows Jesus. His response is one of the most powerful declarations of discipleship in Scripture: it is a short, simple act of surrender and obedience.

Going deeper with Jesus is intentional, not accidental. Knowing Jesus better means practising specific disciplines.

First, we listen to his word. Simon’s whole journey begins with Jesus speaking and Simon responding; we go deeper when we don’t simply read Scripture, but we let it read us, guiding, confronting and shaping us.

Second, we spend time in his presence. Simon lets Jesus into his daily world; we know Jesus more deeply when we consistently create space and time for him, through prayer that is honest, worship that is wholehearted, quiet that allows him to speak, and reflection that allows his Spirit to search us.

Third, we trust him in uncomfortable places. It is in the deep – the places we wouldn’t choose – that we discover who Jesus really is: the healer in our pain, the provider in our need, the peace in our turmoil and the guide in our confusion.

If we stay in the shallow water, we will only ever know Jesus partially. Simon was able to respond obediently because he’d spent time with, made space for and knew Jesus.

What happens when Simon goes out into the deep? ‘This time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!’ (v6 New Living Translation).

Simon then immediately calls for help. There was none of this, ‘No, it’s OK, I’m fine.’ Verse 7 says: ‘A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat’ (NLT).

We are partners with God in his mission and partners with one another – we’re not in this on our own! The Mission Conference’s theme, Intero, refers to the truth that we’re created for community; we need to work in partnership with each other.

Deep places always require deep relationships, and serving side by side brings joy. Jesus himself ministered with the Twelve and sent disciples out two by two. Psalm 133:1 celebrates: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’

Remember that chap at the swimming pool? A deep relationship with someone else on the other side of the pool would have seen him get in the water and swim towards them, then start speaking with them – not to them, but engaging in meaningful conversation with them.

Authentic, honest, loving relationships – where we are interested in people and accept them for who they are – are the ones that cultivate honesty, openness and a safe space to speak about our faith, our doubts and our struggles, as well as the blessings we receive. Authentic relationships lead to transformation, just as Jesus called Zacchaeus, Matthew, Peter and many others into a place of relationship, acceptance and belonging.

When people feel they are loved and belong, when people live in deep community, that brings shared work, shared joy, shared support, shared formation and shared mission. Doing life with one another strengthens us, keeps us accountable and multiplies our missional impact.

So we’re called to dive in and go deep – not just with Jesus, but with one another. In the deep, we become a Kingdom family.

After the miracle, Simon falls at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. Jesus responds with grace, simply saying: ‘Don’t be afraid’ (v10). Then he speaks calling and purpose into Simon’s life: ‘From now on, you will fish for people’ (v10).

Here’s the thing: we cannot go deep in mission unless we first go deep with Jesus. It is when we go deep with Jesus – when his holiness shapes us, his mercy lifts us and his voice directs us – that mission is birthed. Then he equips us with clarity, courage, compassion and conviction.

You cannot sustain mission from shallow faith. Without a deep relationship with Jesus, mission becomes joyless. Without his presence, mission becomes exhausting. Without our obedience, mission becomes fruitless. Mission is not something we do for Jesus – it is something we do with Jesus. And Jesus never sends disciples alone.

But we cannot follow Jesus into mission while clinging to the shoreline. The shallow water is safe and predictable, but the deep is where Jesus is waiting for you. The deep is uncomfortable, but it’s where calling becomes reality. It’s about praying, ‘Jesus, help me see where you are working – and give me courage to join you there.’

I’m diving in. Will you join me?