Missions College 2026, hosted by the International Mission Board, is quickly approaching, but there is still time to register. This gathering equips churches and believers to join God’s mission among the nations with confidence and clarity. The upcoming event is January 21-24 near Richmond, Virginia. 

IMB President Paul Chitwood says he is anticipating the upcoming year to be one of increased partnerships with churches to pray, give, go and send.  

Missions College provides an atmosphere of learning, worship, and sharing in the vision to reach the nations. IMB Photo

“The events that IMB hosts are designed to bring Southern Baptist missions advocates together for learning and support,” Chitwood said. “Missions College will do just that. We’ll have missionaries, IMB staff and churches in one place to strengthen relationships and take advantage of strategic opportunities to reach the lost.”  

Missionaries make a special effort to return from their fields of service for this event, offering a rare opportunity to learn directly from those serving among the unreached. They understand the long-term impact of people learning how they can join the Great Commission task among the unreached people of the world.  

Who Should Attend 

Missions College is designed for anyone seeking to grow in their role in God’s global mission, including: 

• Pastors and church leaders seeking to lead their congregations toward deeper missions engagement 
• Missions team members and mobilizers desiring to build or strengthen global partnerships 
• Mission trip participants preparing to serve effectively and cross-culturally 
• Students and young adults exploring how God might be calling them to go or send 
• Prayer leaders and intercessors wanting to build missions-focused prayer strategies 
• Anyone passionate about seeing the gospel reach the nations and learning how to intentionally participate in God’s mission 

IMB President Paul Chitwood prays with participants of Missions College, an IMB event that encourages partnership in the Great Commission task. IMB Photo

What To Expect 

• Plenary sessions: Inspiring large-group gatherings featuring stories of global impact, biblical teaching and vision for the nations from Scripture 
• Training Tracks: Multi-session, in-depth learning paths designed to help participants grow in specific areas of missions engagement  
• Breakout Sessions: One-time electives focused on practical tools, best practices and creative approaches to missions participation 
• Missionary Connection: Opportunities to interact directly with IMB field personnel, hearing firsthand stories of gospel advance among the nations and discern next steps. 
• Networking and Coaching: Guided discussions and connections with IMB trainers, mobilizers and fellow participants to strengthen collaboration 
• Corporate Worship and Prayer: Times of focused worship, celebration, and intercession for the nations 
• Next-Step Pathways: Practical tools and direction to help participants, churches and leaders move forward in praying, giving, going, and sending with the IMB 

Find more information and registration details here. Join us as we participate in the Great Commission together and celebrate what God is doing among the nations.