AWF EMERALD Regional Conference 2026 Unites Leaders in Turkey Around Missions, Renewal, and Hope

More than 100 Alliance leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond gathered in Izmir, Turkey, for the AWF EMERALD Regional Conference 2026, a powerful time of spiritual renewal, theological reflection, and renewed commitment to global missions.

Under the theme “Going Deeper – Going Together,” pastors, missionaries, theologians, and emerging leaders came together amid ongoing regional challenges to strengthen fellowship, encourage one another, and seek fresh vision for advancing the gospel in an increasingly complex world.

More than 100 delegates from across Europe, the Middle East, and the wider Alliance family gathered in Izmir, Turkey, from May 6-9, 2026, for the AWF EMERALD Regional Conference.

The conference was held in conjunction with the 2nd Alliance Theological Symposium organized by the AWF International Commission on Theological Education (ICTE), making the gathering especially significant for both theological formation and missional collaboration within the Alliance family.

For many delegates coming from conflict areas, simply being physically present together was deeply meaningful. Ongoing regional conflicts created significant challenges for travel, including denied visas, canceled flights, and difficult overland journeys by bus. Yet despite these obstacles, participants testified to the encouragement they experienced through the fellowship of the global Alliance family.

Delegates serving in conflict zones shared powerful testimonies that deeply impacted attendees throughout the conference. Many expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of Alliance churches around the world, emphasizing that they felt strengthened knowing they were not alone in their ministries and struggles.

At the same time, the gathering acknowledged the painful realities facing the EMERALD region today. Ongoing conflicts continue to destabilize communities, spreading fear, uncertainty, and division. Yet leaders repeatedly emphasized that these challenges also create opportunities to proclaim the hope of Christ in a broken world and to demonstrate the reconciling power of the gospel.

The conference featured keynote presentations from Rev. Edward Awabdeh, Bao Her, Dr. Peter Laughlin, Rev. Jan Wolsheimer, and Dr. Walter Perez, representing four regions of the global Alliance family. Their presentations explored themes such as “Going Deeper,” “Business as Mission,” “Deeper Life – A Reality for Our Church Members?” “Going Together,” and “Deeper Life as a Missional Movement.”

Afternoon workshops focused on strategic ministry topics including raising young leaders, the Yamoussoukro Declaration, Alliance training, Business as Mission, and equipping emerging churches in difficult mission fields. Participants were also challenged to rethink traditional models of missions to better mobilize laity, bi-vocational workers, and believers from diaspora backgrounds for cross-cultural ministry.

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was the official launch of the AWF Next-Gen initiative by AWF President Jura Yanagihara. Led by Dr. Serge-Armand Yao, the initiative seeks to develop and empower the next generation of leaders by nurturing globally minded leaders who can serve cross-culturally within increasingly multicultural ministry contexts.

The strategic importance of the initiative became evident through the strong participation in the Next-Gen workshops during the conference. As globalization, migration, and technological advances continue reshaping missions and church planting around the world, Alliance leaders emphasized the growing need for culturally competent and flexible leaders capable of serving diverse teams and communities.

Participants also reflected on how the future of missions in Europe and the Middle East is changing rapidly. Many were challenged by the need to develop new ways of understanding missions in today’s context, particularly in mobilizing diaspora communities and bi-vocational workers for gospel ministry.

The conference concluded with a personal time of prayer and spiritual reflection led by Dr. Walter Perez following his closing session on “Deeper Life as a Missional Movement.” Delegates were invited to seek a deeper walk with God and renewed commitment to their personal calling in missions.

In addition to the conference sessions, the EMERALD Regional gathering provided opportunities for fruitful discussions and fostered regional collaboration. Participants also expressed their deep gratitude to Eoghan Cosgrave for his dedicated service as secretary of the EMERALD Region for more than eight years. Tom Scharf will assume the role of the new secretary of the EMERALD Region, taking on this important leadership role.

The gathering concluded with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus and St. John’s Basilica, reminding participants of the rich spiritual heritage of the region and the continuing call to carry the gospel faithfully into the future.

As delegates departed from Izmir, many left encouraged, spiritually renewed, and united in a shared vision to go deeper in Christ and go together in mission across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

The next AWF EMERALD regional gathering is scheduled to take place in Europe in May 2027.