Evangelical Leaders from 25 Nations Gather in Manila for Church and Mission Conference
Church leaders from 25 countries met in Manila in June 2026 for the Asia Conference on Church and Mission. The gathering focused on community-based discipleship and preparing congregations for outreach during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Church leaders from 25 nations gathered in Manila this month for the Asia Conference on Church and Mission (ACCM) 2026. The conference, themed "Disciple or Die 3.0," drew attention to what organizers called a crisis in consumer-focused church models.
Speakers urged pastors to move discipleship out of Sunday services and into daily community life. The conference also addressed preparations for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, which organizers see as a major opportunity for evangelism across host cities.
The Manila gathering came as Christian communities in several Asian nations face mounting pressure. In the Philippines, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this year displaced thousands of believers and damaged church buildings across affected provinces.
Delegates also discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence in ministry. A Barna Group study presented at the conference found that most practicing Christians worry about AI replacing personal spiritual guidance, yet continue to use the technology in daily life.
The conference closed with a call for churches to build stronger ties with local communities, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disaster. Organizers plan a follow-up regional gathering in late 2026.
