Missio Alliance

06/01/2026

"The pastor-gardener lives with this dual attention: attention to the environment of ministry paired with attention to our God who is present and acting within that environment. Kneeling in the field of ministry, the pastor-gardener engages with two open hands—one reaching out to God and the other reaching out to people."

Gardeners and farmers need to thoroughly understand the various factors playing into the environment in which they cultivate plants. Matthew Erickson believes that the pastor-gardener must also understand the current environment to fruitfully minister in a secular age.

Read the full piece at the link:

Matthew Erickson explores the concept of the pastor-gardener and the dual attention they must have with God and the environment...

05/26/2026

“It’s about being church in the marketplace. Being church in the office. Being church in the public square. Being church in a coffee shop. Across every layer of society — glowing forth, ‘shining like stars holding forth the word of life.’”

Author and church-planting pioneer Danny Sathydass () shines a light on the catalytic commitment to be the church at all times and in all places.

Sathyadass currently pioneers Citylight from Bangalore, India, focusing on training and instilling the importance of discipleship within the context of Christ-centered teams functioning as autonomous churches interdependent with one another.

Building God's Kingdom then becomes about, as Sathydass says, "... spreading a simple but dangerous idea, which Christ and the early disciples wholeheartedly embraced, that small is indeed big, and that houses can change the world."

Read the full piece:

"It’s about being church in the marketplace. Being church in the office. Being church in the public square. Being church in a coffee shop. Across every layer of society— glowing forth, 'shining like stars holding forth the word of life.'"

05/18/2026

"Commitment stands in tension with a culture shaped by convenience. We prefer relationships that are efficient, reciprocal, and comfortable. Yet many seasons of community invite unequal investment. They require patience, persistence, and care. By design, deep relationships disrupt our 'what’s in it for me' instincts."

Community made of real relationships is imperfect yet committed. When life is difficult and burdens become heavy, it is real intimacy that changes lives.

With a noticeable difference between attending Sunday service and finding Christian community, believers are longing for deep, Christ-centered community.

For some, small group is somewhere to truly belong. In places like micro-church and house church, it's an opportunity to prioritize loving one another and to reimagine the Church as a family again.

Read the full piece by Phil Smith, Jill Heisey, and Eva Pankratz IVP: https://missioalliance.org/community-without-commitment-isnt-really-community/

05/11/2026

Pentecost marks a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Spirit as helper and guide. But was it for the task of God’s mission, or does it indicate much more?

"Pentecost tells the truth: Mission is not something we accomplish. It is something we become."

A brave word and practice given by Lisa Rodriguez Watson. Read the full piece at the link below: https://missioalliance.org/formed-for-mission-the-truth-of-pentecost/

05/05/2026

Please join us in wishing Chris Kamalski a warm farewell, and thank him for his meaningful work as our Editorial Director for the past 4 years!

05/05/2026

We’re launching our fourth 6-month cohort beginning September 2026!

It’s designed for the woman who desires a deepened sense of calling, strengthened leadership, and sustaining rhythms for their work or ministry.

We offer this yearly cohort to come alongside women in the church and ministry to grow, reflect, and find support through monthly online sessions, peer mentorship, and intentional community.

If you are looking for a place to grow and reflect, learn more and apply below.

Applications are now open and due by August 5, 2026. Spots are limited to 10 and open to women of all ages:

A diverse cohort to sustain women leaders

04/24/2026

"The Church needs allies, not knights, if it is to become a place where women and men can thrive together in full and equal partnership."

Rob Dixon writes on male allyship today, arguing that it is a needed step in the creation equality that God intended for women and men to function as co-equal Image Bearers.

Read his reflection here:

"The Church needs allies, not knights, if it is to become a place where women and men can thrive together in full and equal partnership."

04/24/2026

What does it look like for men to show up as allies for women in ministry? What does it look like for men and women to cultivate healthy, collaborative ministry cultures?

Whether this topic is new to you or you have years of experience, Missio joyfully invites you to a three-week Book Club hosted by author Rob Dixon and co-host Sarah Schepens! Join them as they center on Rob's upcoming book, Allies in Ministry, sharing honest conversation, real-life examples, and practical next steps you can take in your context.

Dates:
May 6 | 2-3:30pm ET
May 20 | 2-3:30pm ET
June 3 | 2-3:30pm ET

Order your book and register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-club-allies-in-ministry-tickets-1986338917172?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/25/2026

Rev. Dr. Amber Hogan Jones continues her series "We Abandoned Our Mother God" with "The Womb of God: Challenging Culturally Gendered Norms (Pt. 1)."

Amber writes: "The biblical pattern is that God initiates and the human soul consents. The ego must be quiet for divine life to grow within. Transformation is received, not initiated."

A necessary challenge to our assumptions about God, gender, and power. Read the full piece:

"Western patriarchal dominance proposes that men were always intended to be initiators, while women were always intended to be receivers of initiation. From a Christian perspective, this notion is deeply problematic."

03/19/2026

In a moment where our world aches, it's refreshing to witness Christians of color rooted in peace, justice, and contemplation.

I'm excited to share the PAX Fellowship - nine-month cohorts for Christians of color (ages 25-45) including Contemplative Activism, Poetry, Songwriting, Writing, and Leadership tracks.

Each cohort includes expert teaching, mentorship, spiritual direction, and an in-person retreat in Arizona this fall.

Apply at www.madeforpax.org/fellowship by June 15th ✨