This year’s Annual Staff Conference unfolded under the theme of Colossians 4:2–6, where Paul exhorts the church to be devoted to prayer and to make the most of every opportunity for the Gospel. Again and again throughout our time together, we were reminded that it is God, not us, who opens doors for His message.
As one reflection put it, there are “more unlocked doors than you think, and fewer locked doors than you imagine.” We pray that this perspective shapes our view of ministry: that we take hold of every opportunity to share the message of Truth to youth.
Sessions That Shaped Vision
The sessions that unfolded gave practical shape to that vision. Through 3 Story, a YFC framework, we explored how God’s story, our story, and the stories of others intersect. If we long for our friends to know Jesus, the most important step is to move closer to God ourselves. As we grow in love and obedience, our lives naturally point others toward Him.
Another key session focused on reaching other religions with the Gospel. Echoing Paul’s words, “I became like a Greek to Greeks,” we were challenged to consider which cultural habits or assumptions might be hindering communication with those who are different from us.
Devotions and Soul Care
Daily devotions kept us anchored in Scripture: that relationships without Gospel witness are incomplete, that small everyday moments matter just as much as large outreach events, and that our words are to be full of grace and seasoned with salt. The call is not only to boldness, but also to reliance on God recognizing that we are responsible for faithfulness, not results.
Soul care was highlighted as essential for fruitful ministry. Sabbath, as we heard, is not merely rest but a time to enjoy God, to bring Him our burdens, to confess, and to be renewed in His truth. Practical tools for setting aside a Sabbath day helped us imagine how to sustain ourselves long-term in ministry.
Closing with Vision
Even in practical matters like financial policy and team procedures, we were reminded that good stewardship is itself a way of opening doors for ministry creating order and accountability so that more energy can be poured into the mission.
By the time we closed, we saw the pattern clearly: every devotion, every workshop, every conversation had been about noticing the doors God is already opening, and being rooted enough in Him to walk through them with courage and humility. We left not only refreshed in spirit but also equipped with tools and vision to serve faithfully in the year ahead.