At Union University's annual W.D. Powell Missions Lecture, theological training took center stage as keynote speaker Jimmy Bledsoe, of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, discussed its vital role in the success of mission work. "The glory of God and the mission of God has to be our highest priority and our greatest occupation," Bledsoe underscored to an audience looking to deepen their understanding of global missions.

Bledsoe, who served with his wife in East Africa for over a decade, remains active in the region as a theology education specialist. He painted an alarming picture of the challenges facing Sub-Saharan Africa, where a burgeoning Christian population lacks adequate access to theological education—only 10 percent of church leaders there have that critical training, according to Union University's report. He touched on the concerns of prosperity theology and syncretism, stressing the need to ground leaders in biblical truth to combat these false teachings.

Hosted by Union University, the event honors the legacy of W.D. Powell, a renowned missionary and alumnus, known as "the Apostle to Mexico." Ray Van Neste, dean of Union’s School of Theology and Missions, shared Powell's impactful story during his introduction, recalling how some of his would-be assassins converted after hearing his gospel message.

Andy Pettigrew, another IMB representative and Union alumnus, connected the dots between evangelism, discipleship, and the importance of theological training to establish healthy churches. Bledsoe built on Pettigrew's framework, highlighting the prevalence of prosperity ideology in Kenya, where 90 percent of self-proclaimed Christians believe in material riches as a sign of faith. "Brothers and sisters, will you extend your reach? Will you think ahead and plan for theological education as fighting the good warfare in our mission for the sake of the glory of God and the health of his church?" Bledsoe asked, as recounted by Union's coverage of the lecture.

Tori Green, a Union alumna working as a missionary in Spain, praised her alma mater in a video message shown at the lecture for instilling a deep passion for missions. "Union has played a huge role in that," Green stated, highlighting how her educational experience at Union prepared her for the challenges of ministry abroad.