Taste of Missions is a CMS-WA half-day conference when we are spurred on in our mission involvement with input on a missions theme.

To the end of the age: Sending the next generation

Generational categories like Millennials and Gen Z are popular all over the world. This growing trend has impacted mission organisations who are bringing in experts and promoting books on understanding generational differences. The hope is by understanding generational characteristics mission organisations can tailor their recruitment and support to increase recruitment and retention of missionaries.  This hope catalysed Mike’s interest in understanding generational differences and led him to research what things are shaping Gen Z’s view of missions. And what he found out will amaze you and will help us as we think about sending the next generation of missionaries to the ends of the earth. 

About our speaker

Mike is married to Fiona and have four children, aged between 24 and 15 years old. They served with Pioneers in SE Asia from 2005-2019. During their time there, Mike first worked as the leader of a church-planting team to Muslims. Later Mike took on the role of Area Leader where he was involved in mobilising and providing pastoral care to missionaries, as well as preaching and networking to see the gospel go to the most remote places in a large region of SE Asia. 

In his role on the field Mike saw the emergence of the global south in missions, which resulted in researching the bridges and barriers to multicultural teams church planting teams through a Master of Theology. 

Upon returning to Australia in 2019, Mike continued working in missions. Since 2021 Mike has been working as the missions lecturer at Trinity Theological College where he enjoys preparing the next generation of gospel workers. Last year, Mike and Fiona added another role, rejoining Pioneers, working as part of a global equipping team, where Mike trains and mentors missionaries who are currently serving on the missions field. 

Last year Mike completed his PhD in Intercultural Studies at Biola University in LA, where he researched generations and missions. Mike researched what factors are shaping Gen Z’s view of missions. Mike’s findings went against the popular view that generational characteristics should be guiding missions recruitment and retention. 

When Mike has free time, he enjoys going off grid with his family, reading, playing board games, and enjoying God’s creation.