Rising Tides 2026:
Mission that Matters
Rising Tides 2026:
Mission That Matters
August 3–6, 2026 | Washington, DC
What if mission wasn’t just about going–
but about how we go?
We want to help–but how do we do so in ways that are thoughtful, ethical, and rooted in real partnership?
Rising Tides is a gathering for those who believe mission can—and should—be done better.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your calling or have been leading this work for years, this is a space to learn, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Two Experiences. One Shared Vision.
Youth Summit
August 3–4
For College Students & Young Adults
You feel drawn to something bigger.
You want your life and work to matter.
You care about people, justice, and making a difference in the world.
But maybe you’re also asking:
- What does mission actually look like for me?
- How do I make sure I’m helping—not harming?
- Can my career really be part of this?
- Where do I even start?
This is where you begin. The Rising Tides Youth Summit is designed to help you explore your calling in a way that is grounded, practical, and honest.
Through interactive sessions, conversations, and industry-based breakouts, you’ll:
- Discover how your career and passions can intersect with global mission
- Learn what it means to engage in ways that are ethical, respectful, and partnership-centered
- Hear from leaders who have wrestled with these same questions
- Begin to map out your next steps with clarity and confidence
NGO & Church Summit
August 5–6
For Churches, Leaders, Practitioners, & Organizations
You care deeply about mission.
You’ve invested time, resources, and relationships into work that matters.
But you may also be asking:
- Are we doing this as well as we could be?
- How do we build partnerships that are truly mutual and not one-sided?
- What does it look like to shift power and center local leadership?
- How do we balance trust, accountability, and impact?
- What needs to change in how we approach this work?
This is a space to reflect, refine, and grow. The NGO & Church Summit brings together leaders who want to move beyond good intentions toward intentional, effective, and sustainable mission practices.
Together, we will:
- Engage in honest conversations about power, partnership, and responsibility
- Explore models of locally led, collaborative work
- Learn from both successes and failures
- Strengthen how we approach funding, storytelling, and long-term engagement
Join uS
Whether you are just beginning your journey
or have been walking this road for years–
You have a role to play in shaping what mission looks like next.
