Summary of Interest Groups

IG 1 – Equipping the 21st Century Movement

Presenter: Bryan Harmelink

Description: Come explore dimensions and dynamics of being well equipped for the 21st century global Bible translation movement. We will discuss various global trends and local realities that impact curriculum needs for this global movement and consider ways to work appropriately in support of the church’s ministry of Bible translation. 

IG 2 – Artificial Intelligence and Bible Translation

Presenter: Martijn de Vries

Description: General understanding of Artificial Intelligence and an example of using AI in Bible translation.

IG 3 – Inviting Stewardship: The Missiology of Fundraising in your Organisation

Presenter: Chris Winkler

Description: Many of us have had the same thought as William Cameron Townsend who once said, “I am wondering who the Lord is going to give the privilege of paying for this blessed work – giving the words of the Lord in their own tongue.” But maybe unlike Townsend, you have a harder time seeing giving and fundraising as a privilege. To some, raising funds can feel like begging or a chore to be done so we can get on with “real Bible translation” ministry. But Scripture shows us a different picture!

Inviting God’s people to give financially can be an amazing ministry to the donors! In our time together, we will explore the biblical basis for fundraising and consider how to apply this practically in our organisations. 

IG 4 – Promoting Prayer 

Presenters: Zac Manyim / Jo Johnson

Description: In this interest group we will help resource all the organisations who want to grow their prayer support. We will ask questions such as:

• Why is prayer important? 
• What does it look like to be part of the Prayer Participation Stream? 
• How do I raise awareness through using existing prayer networks? 
• How can I encourage others to pray?

There will be plenty of time to learn from each other through questions and discussion. We will also give space for those who are finding that they are not getting the results that they would like and discuss together ways to do things differently.

IG 5 – Stewarding Governance in Mission Agencies: Foundations for Alliance Organizations

Presenter: Kirk Franklin

Description: This workshop provides essential Biblical insights and practical tools for new and experienced board members, helping you lead with integrity, wisdom, and impact.

IG 6 – Traveling Well: Navigating Our Journey Without a Map

Presenter: Susan van Wynen

Description: Our ever-changing, multicultural, and multi-contextual environment presents new challenges and opportunities to leaders worldwide. In this interview session we will take a brief look at how Scripture, history, cultures, literature, and the input of more than 50 mission movement and church leaders have influenced the Alliance’s approach to leadership, strategy, and planning. Participating in God’s mission is about walking with him and each other. Experiencing our journey as both reality and metaphor reveals how God provides navigational resources that can make our travels a rich and joyful adventure.

Journalist Jim Killam will be interviewing Susan Van Wynen, Strategy Consultant to the Wycliffe Global Alliance and author of the Regnum book, The Journey Concept.

IG 7 – Self-Care in a Stressful Job

Presenter: Angelika Marsch

Description: This interest group deals with what self-care is, how it interrelates with spirituality, which obstacles there are to self-care and how to overcome them. 

IG 8 – 2023 Global People Conversations: What in the World is Going on?

Presenters: Max Sahl / Ayu Soewandi

Description: In 2023, the Global Alliance ‘People Conversations’ took place in each of the four regions of the world – specifically Germany, Columbia, Malaysia and Kenya.  Over 120 people attended these gatherings, representing 75 Alliance organisations and just as many countries.  Representatives from these four meetings then met in Johannesburg in November to collate the regional input.

The guiding question for each of these conversations was this:  ‘In light of the big shifts in the church in general and the Bible translation movement in particular in the past decades, how can Alliance organisations best participate in the Bible translation movement through the People Stream?’

Come and hear the outcomes of this enormous undertaking and get excited by how God is using his people in new ways in the Bible Translation ecosystem.

IG 9 – East Asia 

Presenter: N Chong

Description: A brief overview of the church and mission in East Asia and the movements engaging unengaged unreached people groups within East Asia.