Missionary Enrichment Conference (ME)

Missionary Enrichment Conference 2025: The Awe of God

The annual ABWE Missionary Enrichment Conference (ME) is designed to encourage, refresh, and renew the ABWE family through worship, prayer, guest speakers, and field stories about God’s amazing work around the world.

Keynote Speaker: Sam Polson

Sam Polson was born and raised in New Castle, IN.  He is married to Susan, and they have 3 children, Ruth, Stephen, and Jessica and five grandchildren.  He received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Bob Jones University.

In 1986 he moved to Knoxville where he is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of West Park Baptist Church.  For Pastor Sam Polson, putting a finger on his favorite part of being a Pastor is easy — seeing the Lord transform lives! Pastor Sam knows transformation first-hand.

“While I was in college, I had the opportunity to be involved with ministry to young people in under-privileged neighborhoods,” recalls Pastor Sam. “I received a real sense of fulfillment in sharing God’s love and Word with them. Through many circumstances and through the encouragement of several godly individuals, God clearly revealed His plan for me was to serve in the ministry of his gospel.”

Pastor Sam’s duties are significant as lead pastor for the church. He serves as advisor to the pastoral team and staff, teaches in most services, and represents West Park in the greater community. He also serves as a father and husband and enjoys spending time with his family, especially through traveling and exploring new places together.

Sam serves on the Executive Committee of the ABWE Board of Directors and leads the Council of Emeriti.

Conference Schedule

Pre-Conference Seminars (Monday, 1:30pm–4:30pm)

There will be nursery and MK activities for all ages during the pre-conference seminars. Please make sure to note if your child will be attending their pre-conference MK session when registering them. We trust this afternoon will be an enriching time for the whole family and a great start to the conference!

Building Grace & Truth Relationships with LGBTQ Individuals: Develop Your Personal Strategy Plan | Led by the Heart, Mind & Soul Presenter Team

The latest statistics show that 21% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ. That percentage may include your neighbor, or a family member. As Christians, we often feel a sense of anger, confusion, or reluctance to engage LGBTQ individuals. This Seminar will equip you to build grace and truth relationships with LGBTQ individuals in your life.

Navigating the Journey: Supporting MKs Through International Moves | Led by Cheryl Winget & MK Ministries

This extended session is designed for families raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who are preparing for an international move and an eventual return to their birth culture. Moving overseas can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially for children who must adapt to new environments, cultures, and educational systems. Equally, returning “home” can bring unexpected reverse culture shock and identity struggles.

Led by experts in cross-cultural transitions, this session will explore:

• The emotional and psychological impact of international moves on TCKs
• Strategies to help children adjust to new cultures and schooling systems
• Practical ways to maintain a sense of stability and continuity
• Preparing for re-entry: the challenges of reverse culture shock
• Building resilience and a strong cultural identity

This interactive lecture will include real-life case studies, expert insights, and a Q&A session, equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children through the unique journey of living between cultures.

My Message, My Audience | Led by Jeff & Julie Sanders

Home on furlough? Just building your support team? Find out ways to communicate effectively and confidently with the changing Church. In this interactive session, we will help you shape the message of your ministry for today’s audience. Leave with tools ready to share what God is doing, to engage believers and local churches, and to build an invested support network. We’re committed to helping you get encouraged and equipped to share Your Message with Your Audience.

Good Soil Mini Training | Led by Gil & Denise Thomas

Things You Might Have Wanted to Know about Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples in Other Countries and Cultures But Were Afraid to Ask.

During these three hours, learn about…

• The Three Key Verbs Jesus used as He told the Parable of the Soils
• The Good Soil Evangelism & Discipleship Scale
• The Gospel Communication Process
• Worldview Noise which can distort your message
• Peeling Worldview Onion

Fun for the Whole Family

If you’re bringing the family, we have special classes and activities for nursery, elementary, and junior and senior high students.

• Nursery – ages 8 weeks through 4 years
• MK Children’s Program – ages 5 through 12 years
• MK Teen’s Program – ages 13 through 18 years