Herbstkonferenz
“From everywhere to everywhere” – a polycentric global mission. Individual mission centers are no longer the only ones sending missionaries to the “rest of the world”; instead, almost every region is both sending and receiving – Mission 360°. At the same time, Germany has become a lot more international. In schools, universities, the professional world, and the SMD. Internationals are a natural part of our communities. This is where global mission and social change converge: mission among and through international students - “world mission in your own living room.” At Heko 26, we want to take a closer look at this reality, celebrate it, and explore the role every one of us can find within.
We are looking forward to this special Herbstkonferenz!
Programme
Friday, October 9, 2026
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 8:00 p.m. | Mission 360° Guests share their mission experiences |
Saturday, October 10, 2025
| 9:15 a.m. | Global, Polymorphic, Paradoxical: Christian Mission(s) in the 21st Century Presentation by Prof. Dr. Henning Wrogemann |
| 10:40 a.m. | Bible study with Alice Atkins |
| 11:25 a.m. | Panel discussion with the speakers |
| 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| Starting at 1:30 p.m. | Afternoon activities (including the Heko Cup and network meeting) |
| 2:30 p.m. | Coffee & Cake |
| 4:00 p.m. | Workshops |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. | From Everywhere to Everywhere Celebrating Cultures - Experiencing Highlights |
| followed by | "Wer singt betet doppelt - Late Night with the Heko Band" |
Sunday, October 11, 2025
| 9:00 a.m. | Prayer for the SMD |
| 10:00 a.m. | Und wir mittendrin Service with a sermon from Dr. Jonathan Armstrong |
| followed by | Sending Ceremony |
| 1:00 p.m. | Lunch and coffee |
Speakers
Alice Atkins
Alice Atkins was born in the Philippines to missionary parents from Hong Kong and grew up in the U.S. She currently lives and serves in the Netherlands. Alice is also pursuing a Doctorate in Global Leadership and holds a master’s degree of Biblical Counseling. Alice’s mission is to foster intercultural flourishing and to equip the next generation of global leaders through intercultural and cross-cultural ministry training. She equips missionaries, church staff, and international students through her work with various ministries. 
Prof. Dr. Henning Wrogemann
Prof. Dr. Henning Wrogemann holds the Chair of Religious Studies and Intercultural Theology at the Kirchliche Hochschule Wuppertal and serves as director of the Institute for Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies (IITIS). From 2015 to 2019, he served as president of the German Society for Missiology (DGMW). His research focuses on intercultural hermeneutics, mission and dialogue, interreligious relations, and contemporary issues in Islam.Seminars
Our workshops will not be translated. They will be held in the language used in the respective seminar description.
_1. Begegnungen mit Muslimen
Ob Wüstencafé oder Uniflur – überall begegnen wir Muslimen. Wie entstehen echte Gespräche über Glauben statt hitziger Debatten? Wie wächst Freundschaft trotz Unterschiedlichkeit? Und wo braucht es mutigen Glauben im Alltag? Komm ins Seminar und entdecke neue Perspektiven!
Dr. Reinhold Strähler, seit 40 Jahren im Gespräch mit Muslimen; begleitet Christen in interkulturellen Begegnungen. Yannic Eppler, Missionar der EMO in Wiesbaden; engagiert sich in Begegnungen mit Muslimen im Alltag.
_2. An effective way to witness to Indians
With a rising Indian student migration to Germany, this is a key opportunity for meaningful engagement. Effective outreach requires understanding India’s diverse cultures, religions, philosophies, and perspectives - recognizing Indians are not homogeneous.
David Boricha, Master student in Theology. He brings a first-generation Christian perspective from a Hindu background with theological training in the Indian context.
_3. Friends for Dinner - Mit Internationalen und Jesus am Tisch
Bei Friends for Dinner erleben internationale Studierende ein Oster- oder Weihnachtsfest bei lokalen, christlichen Gastgebern. An den Feiertagen kommt man einfach über den Glauben ins Gespräch. In diesem Seminar vermitteln wir die Vision von Friends for Dinner und wie du Teil davon sein kannst.
Isabel Weber, Projektleitung Friends for Dinner bei OM. Benjamin Pfitzer, Referent der Hochschul-SMD international.
_4. How Living Abroad Has Shaped My Walk with God.
After 8 years of ministry in Nigeria, I moved to Germany 5 years ago. Now, I reflect on how living abroad has impacted my views on doctrine, intercultural gospel sharing, and leadership. This seminar focuses on how living abroad can shape faith—the blessings, challenges, and perhaps disappointments.
Macjonathan Okereke (M.Sc.), Doctoral Researcher, volunteer for Hochschul-SMD international.
_5. Gemeinden interkulturell entwickeln
Um eine interkulturelle Gemeinde aufzubauen oder Interkulturalität voranzutreiben, braucht es Menschen, die erste Schritte gehen und andere mitziehen. Wir beschäftigen uns mit dem Know-how interkultureller Teamentwicklung. Wie gehen wir mit Herausforderungen um und wie können wir die interkulturelle Diversität zu einem Gewinn machen?
Szu-Chin Chen und Tianji Ma, OMF, Mobilisation von asiatischen Christen in Deutschland und Taiwan, wissenschaftliche Arbeiten zu Mission und interkulturellem Gemeindebau. Fred Eick, DMG, interkultureller Coach.
_6. Vielfalt als Stärke – Sonderpädagogische Arbeit im interkulturellen Umfeld
Wir reflektieren sowohl die Stärken, Ressourcen und Potenziale kultureller Vielfalt als auch die besonderen Belastungen und strukturellen Spannungsfelder im System Schule. Ziel ist es, unterschiedliche Perspektiven sichtbar zu machen, Erfahrungen zu teilen und voneinander zu lernen.
Elaheh Hoppe, Sonderpädagogin, ehem. SMD-Dortmund, berufstätig in einem strukturell schwachen Wohngebiet.
_7. Mit Gott ins Ausland? Berufliche Orientierung mit Auslandsperspektive
Dieses Seminar eröffnet dir verschiedene Wege von Auslandseinsätzen und lädt dazu ein, ihre geistliche Dimension zu entdecken. Ehrliche Erfahrungsberichte von Fachkräften und praktische Impulse helfen dir, deine eigene berufliche Zukunft bewusst und im Vertrauen auf Gott zu gestalten.
Simon Tschunko, Projektmanager bei Coworkers, ehem. Hochschul-SMD'ler, Entwicklungshelfer (Philippinen). Angelika Keppler, Referentin Öffentlichkeitsarbeit bei Coworkers, ehem. Regionalreferentin der SMD, Entwicklungshelferin (Angola und Kolumbien).
_8. Unseen influences: Understanding and addressing cultural bias and blind spots
Cultural unconscious blind spots shape how we perceive, interpret, and interact with others - often without our awareness. Come and explore the hidden assumptions and mental shortcuts that influence our lives, from scripture interpretations to ministry practices to everyday interactions.
Alice Atkins, lives and serves in the Netherlands. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Global Leadership at Fuller Seminary and holds a Master of Biblical Counseling degree.
_9. Deutsch lernen mit der Bibel
Deutschlernen und Bibellesen - ist nicht beides für sich schon schwierig genug? Wie darin echte Begegnung möglich wird - mit internationalen Kommilitonen, mit der Sprache, mit Gott - sehen wir uns anhand von Beispielen an.
Die Referentin hat Deutsch als Fremdsprache studiert und begleitet seit Jahren internationale Studenten, z. B. beim kreativen Schreiben und Deutsch lernen.
Heko Livestream
If you are unable to travel to Marburg, you can watch our plenary sessions (Saturday and Sunday mornings) online at: www.smd.org and www.youtube.com/smd.
Children’s and Youth program
Alongside the plenary sessions and workshops, there will be a fantastic program for children (ages 3–12) and teens (ages 13–18). You can look forward to great encounters, exciting topics, and lots of fun.
Join the Heko team!
The Heko can only take place thanks to the active support of many volunteers. Join the Heko team and support us! Please contact us via email at mitarbeit-heko@smd.org with your interest in volunteering or any questions. Thank you in advance!
Organisational Matters
Registration
Please register by September 20th using the form below.
Conference Fee
It’s important to us that everyone can attend, so we’re not charging a fixed conference fee. A contribution of about €115 per person would cover our costs. Feel free to give more if you can. Less is just as welcome!
IBAN: DE75 5206 0410 0000 8004 57
Reference: Heko-Spende
Day Visitors
Visitors are welcome even for just one day and without prior registration! However, day visitors who wish to join us for meals must register online in advance.
Accommodation
SMD arranges accommodation (including meals) only for schoolchildren, students, families, and staff members (working at least 4 hours). We ask all other participants to make their own arrangements for accommodation. For more information, visit: www.marburg-tourismus.de
Soccer Tournament
You can register for the Heko Cup at the conference office until Saturday morning. Everyone is welcome to play.
Venue
Evangeliumshalle at the Deaconess Motherhouse
Hebron, Oberweg 60, 35041 Marburg, Fon 064 21 80 55 70 (starting October 9 at 4:00 p.m.).
Host
SMD – Netzwerk von Christen in Schule,
Hochschule und Beruf
Schützenstr. 39, 35039 Marburg,
Fon 064 21.91 05-0, E-Mail: heko(at)smd.org
Privacy Notice
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Registration
Please register here.