March 18, 2025 by

At the beginning of each spring semester, Cedarville students can look forward to the Global Outreach Conference, also known as the GO Conference. GO Conference seeks to encourage students to live on mission and share the Gospel worldwide. Missions is taken seriously here at Cedarville, as we seek to live in obedience to Jesus’ command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19 ESV). Whether a student is called to missions overseas or in the States, all students are reminded of the importance of praying for the spread of the Gospel. 

Image of flags from various countries.

Overview 

GO Conference takes place during the first week of the spring semester, where speakers who have engaged in missions around the world come to speak about their experiences and what they have learned. There is a morning chapel session, panels in the afternoon, and an evening chapel session each day. 

Below is a little about each of this year’s GO Conference chapel speakers and what they shared with the student body. Although the winter weather interfered with this year’s GO Conference schedule, Cedarville pushed ahead to give students the opportunity to learn from these speakers. 

Dr. Josh Bowman 

Dr. Josh Bowman, who served in Zambia and South Asia, opened GO Conference this semester, discussing how the Church is the agent in God’s mission to serve the nations. Dr. Bowman challenged students to consider the questions, “What is God doing in the nations?” and “What is God’s mission?” As believers, we have the joy of worshiping the one, true God who has revealed Himself in Scripture, allowing us to understand what God’s attitude toward missions is. Focusing on Acts 13–14, Dr. Bowman asserted that part of God’s plan for redemption is to send believers to preach His name to the nations. Dr. Bowman notes how Israel was a people chosen to know God so that they could preach the eternal hope of the Gospel to the nations. Likewise, we as the Church should do the same. 

Dr. Matt Bennett 

Next up was Dr. Matt Bennett, who served in North Africa and the Middle East. Dr. Bennett opened his sermon with a metaphor about fine dining, noting how many fine dining restaurants will not provide a menu but instead give the consumer what it is that the chef has determined to be the best for them. Similarly, we as believers get to joyfully receive what God has prepared for us, trusting that He has the wisdom to point us to where He desires for us to serve. Reading from Ephesians 3, Dr. Bennett explained how God’s purposes are realized in Christ, His wisdom is revealed through the Church, and His Church has been released into His world. Dr. Bennett finished his teaching with three challenging questions for us to consider: 1) “Will you delight in Christ and what He has done?” 2) “Will you trust Him with your unqualified ‘yes’?” and 3) “Will you seek the counsel of your church?” As you consider how you can live out Christ’s mission, I encourage you to consider these questions. 

Dr. Steve Dye 

Finishing this year’s GO Conference was Dr. Steve Dye, who served in Berlin, Germany, for 23 years. In his sermon, Dye considered the question, “Where is the Church heading [in light of what we know about the Great Commission]?” Opening in Revelation 19, Dye focused on the concept of the Church being Christ’s bride and what the title of “bride” means for believers, asserting that the Church will be an eternal community of the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. Ultimately, he explained how the Church is to preach Christ’s coming Kingdom to every nation, knowing that we have a coming hope in eternity. 

Sessions 

When not attending GO Conference chapel sessions, students can attend a myriad of missions-focused panels throughout the day. This year, students talked to missionaries directly to learn about high-risk areas, maintaining perseverance, how to serve as an introvert, how to blend with other cultures, and so much more! Students interested in overseas education, language-based missions, medical missions, and technology were able to see how their passions and skill sets could be used to further the Gospel. 

Missionary Representatives (and Sweet Treats!) 

After the evening GO Conference chapel session, students typically enjoy a sweet treat in the Dixon Ministry Center and speak to the many missions representatives that set up tables. Cedarville is partnered with several dozen organizations and people living on mission, and students have the incredible opportunity to connect with them and learn about missions directly during GO Conference. This is a great chance for students to connect their major and interests to Kingdom service. Whether you are interested in healthcare, teaching, Bible translation, church planting, or are just generally want to see how you can help to further the good news of Christ, this is great opportunity to start the conversation.  

What Now?  

If you are interested in learning more about how you can serve in missions during your time at Cedarville, take a look at students’ stories of going on Cedarville’s local and international GO trips on the Student Life Blog. You can see what serving on a missions team is really like and get ideas for where you could go! 

Maybe you are thinking that serving on an international missions team is not where God is calling you at this time, but you want to learn about church planting and how you can serve the local church. If that is you, then I recommend checking out The Synergy Initiative. 

Cedarville also has many ministry teams that you can serve on during your time as a student. These ministries cover a variety of needs, such as assisting the elderly, teaching children, giving hope and healthcare to women facing pregnancy crises, extending love to the incarcerated and children in juvenile detention, and showing love to children with disabilities. There are always opportunities to serve the Kingdom now. 

Wherever you feel God is calling you to serve, I encourage you to take hold of the resources that Cedarville provides. You never know where the Lord may call you next! 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in: ,