Southeast Region

Missiology, by its very nature, is a dynamic discipline responsive to changes. Often such changes are mandated by the socio-cultural changes in the context of service/ministry; at other times it is in response to changes in the world at large. Sometimes such changes are so significant they push the boundaries of what has been standard mission practice. Such cutting-edge changes result in “new frontiers in missiology.”

What are the new frontiers confronting missiology in the second quarter of the 21^st century? What are the many rapid changes taking place in the world today and how are they pushing the boundaries of missiology? Even with the growth of the Church, large numbers of unengaged-unreached people groups remain. Rapid advances in globalization, urbanization, technology, education, medicine and health care, and more, will all impact missiology in ways that are still unknown.

Key questions come to the forefront such as: What are the rapid advances that will most impact missiology and what should be our response as evangelical missiologists to these new frontiers? The vast diversity of answers is expressed by the differing perspectives within missions—from the academy, the church, and the practitioner. The 2024 national conference of EMS aims to address these new frontiers in missiology from these perspectives.

Given the multiple intersections of global change with mission, the Evangelical Missiological Society invites you to consider how your particular strengths and interests might stimulate deeper discussion, thoughtful consideration and innovative measures, surrounding the annual theme and to frame a proposal to present a paper.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

·       Future of mission agencies in light of frontier people groups.

·       Leading 21^st century churches in Great Commission labors.

·       Case studies of new missionary training models.

·       Frontiers and theology.

·       Innovation and mission.

·       The continuing unprecedented large scale moving of peoples crossing borders and/or towards urban centers and the challenges and opportunities.

·       Growth of the Majority World Church and global partnerships.

·       New understandings of what constitutes the “church” in light of future epidemics similar to Covid.

·       The possibilities of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT for language learning, Bible translation, ministry in oral cultures, and educational institutions.

·       The use of technology through extended reality that will create more immersive digital experiences with missiological implications for evangelism and church planting.

·       The redefining of gender and family and the impacts on the church and mission.

·       Future of disciple making movements as they age and mature.

Papers are solicited that address these and other related topics from missiological, theological, historical, sociological, and/or regional perspectives.

Submitting a Proposal

Final papers accepted to be presented during the regional meeting must be 4500-7000 words and use Chicago Turabian author-date citation format.