It’s the first gathering since the founder’s death.
Missionaries from around the world came together for the first time in six years at the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Together 2024 event, held in Manila, Philippines. The gathering, which took place from September 3 to 6, was attended by 4,500 participants from 110 different nationalities, currently serving in 120 countries. The event was hosted by Christ’s Commission Fellowship Church, a global non-denominational congregation, and focused on mission-oriented teachings and worship.
YWAM Together 2024 was significant for a number of reasons. It was the first time the global YWAM community had gathered since the 2018 meeting in Pattaya, Thailand, and the first major event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notably, it was the first large-scale gathering following the passing of YWAM’s founder, Loren Cunningham, who died at the age of 88 on October 6, 2023.
In a statement from YWAM Together, the organization highlighted the importance of these gatherings: “We come together from across the world, representing a wide range of ministries. It is a time for renewing friendships, strengthening faith, experiencing joy, and refocusing on the Apostolic call of our movement.”
The event emphasized the role of children and youth as “partners in the mission,” and participants engaged in discussions on topics such as deepening their relationship with God, living a life of radical faith, and the power of prayer to impact nations. The legacy of YWAM and its founder was also a focal point, encouraging attendees to reflect on their own unique roles within the organization.
Jeff Fountain, former leader of YWAM Europe and current director of The Schuman Centre for European Studies, shared his thoughts on the event. Reflecting on the absence of Cunningham, Fountain acknowledged the uncertainty of moving forward without the founder but expressed optimism about the new generation of leaders. He noted that while no single leader would replace Cunningham, a collegiate leadership structure might be the best way forward, allowing for decentralized and value-driven decision-making across YWAM’s global network.