Twenty-five people interested in deepening their understanding of world mission enrolled in the in-person Mission Formation Program offered by the Global Episcopal Mission Network April 29 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The Formation Program was offered in tandem with Missio 2025, the global mission conference that was held April 29-May 2 in San Pedro Sula. “Formationers” met in an all-day session on the 29th, prior to the conference opening that evening.
The Mission Formation Program equips participants to engage knowledgeably and effectively in God’s mission globally. The program’s centerpiece is a sequence of two day-long sessions over a one-year period. The spring’s program had a track for new enrollees and a track for those returning from the 2024 program to complete the course. International participants were welcome.
Formation modules included:
- Biblical Foundations of Mission
- Anglican & Episcopal Mission History
- Mission Theology Shifts since 1900
- Missional Spirituality
- Inter-Cultural Competence & Sensitivity
- Companionship vs. Colonialism in Mission
- Best Practices for Mission Teams
- Asset-Based Community Development
- Mobilizing Parishes & Dioceses
- Leadership Styles and Group Process
Between the annual sessions, attendees participate in a mentor group, do some reading, and carry out a project. More program information is here.
The program is guided by these mentors:
Ms. Martha Alexander, EdD – Experience in Belize, Costa Rica and Botswana; North Carolina-Botswana Companion Diocese Committee; Province IV Companion Diocese coordinator.
The Rev. Jean Beniste, MDiv – Longterm experience as a Haitian missionary in Dominican Republic and Florida; rector of St. Paul’s Church in Concord, New Hampshire.
Mr. Bill Kunkle – Many years of coordinating mission teams in the Dominican Republic.; executive director of the Province IX Development Group; former executive director of the Dominican Development Group.
Canon Titus Presler, ThD – Longterm mission experience in India, Zimbabwe and Pakistan; published missiologist; GEMN executive director; Global Mission Advocate in the Diocese of Vermont, where he is vicar of St. Matthew’s Church.
The Rev. Paul Rajan, DMin – Longterm experience as Indian missionary in Karnataka and New Zealand; Global Mission Advocate in the Diocese of Newark and its Global Mission Commission; rector of Good Shepherd Church in Wantage, New Jersey.
The Rev. Helen Van Koevering, DMin – Longterm mission experience in Mozambique; Global Mission Advocate in the Diocese of Lexington; rector of St. Raphael’s Church, Lexington; chair of the Communion-wide Anglican Women’s Network.
Ms. Rebecca Vander Meulen, MPH – Longterm mission experience in Mozambique; member of the Diocese of New York Global Mission Commission; executive director of the J. C. Flowers Foundation.
As a network of dioceses, agencies, congregations, religious orders and seminaries, GEMN’s purpose is to gather, inspire and equip people to participate in God’s global mission. Its core values are humility, inclusion and companionship.