The 2026 Thomas H. Olbricht Christian Scholars’ Conference (CSC), held June 3–5 at Pepperdine University, featured significant contributions from Mission Alive leaders Tod Vogt, Steve Shaffer, and Andy Johnson. Their involvement aligned with the conference theme, “On Earth as it Is in Heaven: Christian Scholarship as Tangible Good,” by bridging theological research and practical ministry.
Tod Vogt, Executive Director of Mission Alive, played a dual role during the event, serving as a panelist and presenter. He participated in a panel discussion on the “Empower and Equip: Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative”. This initiative, led by Mike Cope and funded by a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., focuses on revitalizing rural and small-town Churches of Christ across the United States. Vogt’s participation provided missional perspectives on Mission Alive’s plan to plant five new IFCs in rural or small-town communities between 2025-2027.
Additionally, a scholarly paper titled, “Human Flourishing as the Telos of Christian Mission: A Theological and Practical Argument”, authored by Vogt and Stephen Shaffer, Mission Alive’s Director of Operations, was co-presented by Vogt and Andy Johnson. The paper argued that human flourishing — understood as the holistic shalom of God—is the central purpose (telos) of all Christian proclamation and service. This lens moves churches to see beyond traditional church metrics, such as attendance and offerings, to focus on measurable impacts on community well-being. By integrating measures of secular flourishing with a “cruciform, kingdom-oriented” vision, they illustrated how Mission Alive’s Innovative Faith Communities serve as tangible expressions of God’s redemptive presence.
If you would like a copy of the paper, CLICK HERE to go to the Mission Alive website and scroll to Publications, where you can download it.
If your church would like help engaging its community and making a holistic impact, Mission Alive can help. Contact us at contact@missionalive.org .
