Rethinking Forum 2026
The 2026 Rethinking Forum
“Speaking of Jesus with Hindus“
Thursday, July 16th – Saturday, July 18th, 2026
including the
Alongsider One-Day Pass
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Los Angeles, California
This annual gathering, dating back to 2001, is run by Alongsiders and for Alongsiders. We are excited to host the 24th annual Rethinking Forum in Azusa, California (Los Angeles, California suburbs) this July 2026. Whether this is your first time to attend the Rethinking Forum or you are an RF alumni, we think you will love it! Of special note, this year we are featuring the Alongsider One-Day Pass, which will combine the International Student Ministry Day (ISM Day) audience into our Saturday, July 18th program with a special focus on cross-cultural understanding and practical Alongsider advice for those people in gospel relationships with Hindus.
What is the Rethinking Forum?
The Rethinking Forum is an annual gathering of like-minded Alongsiders, presented by the MARG Network, and the only event of its kind in North America. At the Rethinking Forum 2026 (“RF ’26”), you will have the chance to meet fellow practitioners and hear from leading voices in the field who come alongside Hindu people. Join us as we learn, share, network, and grow together.
This year’s conference theme is “Speaking of Jesus with Hindus”, where we will dive into the critically important topic of introducing Hindu people to Jesus Christ in ways that are understandable, relatable, and compelling. Rather than just a conference featuring new words to learn or illustrations to draw, RF ’26 will focus on rich, full-throated, and whole-of-life witness for disciples of Jesus who are representing Lord Jesus to Hindu people. Topics to be discussed include:
- What attracts Hindus to Christ?
- Communicating about Jesus through Bible stories
- Speaking to whole families rather than individuals
- Listening to objections from Hindus about Jesus
- Communicating the gospel message during festivals and family events
- Worship as witness
- Building relationships
- Many other riveting topics!
As Christ’s ambassadors, we desire to be both clear messengers of the good news of the gospel, and eloquent and well-received in our relationships with Hindu people.
This year’s gathering will continue the long-standing RF tradition of highlighting both the frontier edge of scholarship and the time-tested practical wisdom of fellow Alongsiders. Speakers at RF and ISM Day will come from Indian Christian, Western Christian, and Hindu follower of Jesus backgrounds. For one perspective of what attending an RF is like, check out this article.
At RF, in addition to the godly and practical presentations, we prioritize collaboration amongst all participants, both in-person and digital. Break-out sessions are scheduled for both in-person and digital attendees that cover a wide variety of topics. For in-person attendees, we will again host the very popular RF Town Hall to give every participant an opportunity to present to the group. Many RF participants report that meeting other Rethinking Forum participants is the highlight of their conference.
What is happening to the ISM Day?
After three years of a dedicated ISM Day as a pre-conference to the regular Rethinking Forum, this year we are combining our ISM Day into the Saturday program of the Rethinking Forum. This year a single, one-day registration, called the Alongsider One-Day Pass, is available for Saturday, July 18th (both in-person and streaming). The Alongsider One-Day Pass is ideal for international student ministry workers who are interacting with Indian international students. Indian international students continue to make up a growing proportion of the international students on college campuses across the United States, and many long-serving ISM staff and volunteers voice a desire to learn and grow in serving this important student group. Come spend a day hearing from ISM leaders about their time walking alongside Hindu students!
Where will RF ‘26 be?
RF ‘26 will be held in southern California at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. Two large regional airports, Ontario, CA (25 minutes away) and Burbank, CA (50 minutes away), plus mighty LAX Airport (1 hour travel time), make Los Angeles a well-connected destination for people flying in to the Rethinking Forum. Conference space, meals, and on-campus housing is available at Azusa Pacific University for those who are traveling to RF.
How do I register for the Rethinking Forum?
Please sign up below for one of the overnight guest, commuter, or digital attendance options. We look forward to seeing you at RF 2026!
If you are still deciding about whether or not to register, the best way to stay informed with further details about the conference is by subscribing to get email updates from the MARG Network. Click here to join to newsletter list.
Who is it for?
Rethinking Forum 2026 is designed for people who share both a love for Jesus and a love for Hindu people. We call these people “Alongsiders,” people who want to help Hindus explore what devotion to Jesus means. Just as the Hindu world includes great diversity in languages spoken and regional customs, our MARG Network and RF participants include people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and settings. Both the Hindu diaspora and India contexts, many different Indian languages, and a variety of demographic backgrounds are represented. If you are a follower of Jesus and have a heart for walking alongside Hindu people, RF ‘26 is for you!
This article, What is an Alongsider?, identifies both character qualities and activities we strive to model within the MARG Network.
What did you talk about at last year’s RF?
Last year’s Rethinking Forum featured excellent presentations, discussions, and break-out activities for the 170 participants. Last year’s theme was “Hindus and the Church,” and included sessions about:
- lessons learned from a life of cross-cultural ministry,
- testimony from a 2nd generation Hindu American follower of Jesus,
- survey of Indian pastors,
- offensive words that Christians say,
- eight reports of church life in Indian contexts, and a
- theological justification for starting new churches.
Last year’s ISM Day featured sessions on fruitful habits of church-based ISM programs, reflections from an American aunti, trauma-informed alongsiding of Hindu students, and several testimonies from Hindu international students.
Testimonials from Rethinking Forum ‘25 in Dallas:
“It is such a delight to gather with like-minded friends who spur one another on to love our Hindu friends well.”
“Outstanding. Well-organized. Fruitful. Encouraging.”
“Sessions involving missiology were my favorite part. Number of participants was impressive especially from the local South Asian community.”
“This truly felt like a gathering of like-minded people who deeply love Lord Jesus, his Word, and the Hindus.”
“There was so much grace and humility in leadership which helped the participants to rethink graciously. The humor and graciousness shown to the speakers and by the speakers lighten the atmosphere. It seems to me that there was a lot of prayers prayed before and during the RF.”
“I really enjoyed the content, community and overall heart of the conference. I felt this was actually the best one I’ve attended. There was a great variety of speakers and good challenges for us to work through. It was very formative.”
Testimonials from previous Rethinking Forum participants:
“RF is an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with others who have dedicated their lives to connecting with Hindu people. You can dive deep or get a first exposure all at the same time.”
“The RF seems to be the largest and most diverse gathering of people befriending Hindus in the United States…”
“I was definitely challenged at this year’s Rethinking Forum. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy myself–I had a wonderful time meeting people who share a common vision, especially one that is rare where we come from. But boy were we challenged. I’m thankful for the decades of experience and wisdom that is represented in each conversation that was had at the forum. “
“A great conference hosted by people who clearly love Jesus and Hindus – an excellent invitation to re-think how we can love and serve our Hindu friends better.”
“I attended RF online in the past and learned a ton; meeting in person has a different feel allowing for networking and personal connections on a different level. Super valuable!”
“Top-quality organization and planning. Excellent mix of content.”
“The Rethinking Forum has helped me grow tremendously in my understanding of my Hindu friends’ culture and beliefs! The variety of speakers sharing their expertise and experiences have given me a more holistic understanding of my Hindu friends and how to love them well…”
“It was so encouraging to hear from others who have a passion to come alongside Hindus, as I do..it felt like I wasn’t so alone…”
“As a digital participant, I felt it was so well managed and I felt so cared for. It was an excellent experience!”
“This was our third Rethinking Forum, and I have to say, every year I realize how thankful I am to be in touch with this community. RF and its members are on the cutting edge of what it means to build meaningful relationships with our Hindu friends in ways that are encouraging, deeply spiritual, and practical…”
RF ’26 Logistics and Details:
RF ’26 starts on Thursday evening, July 16th and ends on Saturday night, July 18th. Our program begins Thursday evening with a meal together at 5pm, with a special, first-time RF participant gathering during the meal. Our opening session will be Thursday night, 7pm to 9pm. Friday and Saturday are full days, and will run from 9am to 5:30pm, with a variety of talks, panel discussions, and breakout groups planned. Optional evening activities are planned for both Friday and Saturday evenings.
All in-person registrations will include Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner, and Saturday lunch and dinner. Overnight guests staying on campus will also have breakfast provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. All participants are encouraged to interact with others during the included meals.
Arrival for RF ’26: All in-person participants are encouraged to arrive Thursday, July 16th before our evening program. Check-in for RF ’26 will begin at 3pm PST on Thursday, July 16th at the conference venue. Commuters arriving on Friday and Saturday mornings are encouraged to arrive between 8:00-8:30am PST.
Departure from RF ’26: To accommodate early morning departures on Sunday, July 19th, this year no RF program is officially planned for Sunday, July 19th. For those participants booking a red-eye return flight, departure travel can be booked for anytime after 10pm PST on Saturday, July 18th. Overnight guests will be able to stay on campus Saturday night, July 18th and leave on Sunday, July 19th. A grab-and-go breakfast option will be available for overnight guests leaving early Sunday morning, July 19th. All overnight guests should plan to leave the conference venue by 12pm on Sunday, July 19th unless special arrangements are made with the conference director.
Alongsider One-Day Pass Logistics and Details:
The Alongsider One-Day Pass starts at 9am on Saturday, July 18th and is good through the end of the day, including the optional evening activity. Check-in is available from 8am. Both lunch and supper will be provided for in-person participants. One-Day Pass participants are welcomed and encouraged to attend the optional evening activity scheduled for Saturday evening. The Alongsider One-Day Pass allows participants to join the Rethinking Forum for the part of our program that is most focused on application, with sessions particularly designed on equipping and encouraging people with relevant insights, practical steps, and encouraging testimonies of people speaking of Jesus with Hindus. The Alongsider One-Day Pass is replacing ISM Day from previous years. Special attention is being given to ensure that the speakers and sessions on Saturday will continue to serve the ISM community.
RF and Alongsider One-Day Pass Policies:
- For security purposes during the conference, we have a “by permission only” policy for taking photos, meaning you must have everyone’s permission in a photo before taking it.
- We do not share registration details with any other group.
- All participants, including both in-person and digital, will have access to the digital archives of the presentations after the conference concludes.
- All in-person attendees will receive a free conference book.
RF and One-Day Pass Registration Options:
There are three registration options for RF ’26:
- RF Overnight (either Semi-Private or Shared) – A convenient, affordable option for those who choose to stay in on-campus housing at Azusa Pacific University.
- RF Commuter (either RF ’26 or Alongsider One-Day Pass) – For those commuting to campus, either from home or a nearby hotel.
- RF Digital (either RF ’26 or Alongsider One-Day Pass) – For those watching the livestream of the conference.
Each registration is for one (1) person. For multiple attendees coming together, each person should register and pay separately.
Overnight registration:
- RF ’26: Three (3) nights of accommodation (Thursday, July 16th through Sunday, July 19th).
- Includes dinner on Thursday, July 16th.
- Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday.
- Includes breakfast on Sunday morning (8 meals total).
- RF ’26 overnight registrations can check in after 3pm on Thursday, July 16th.
- Includes linen package with 2 sheets, a blanket, pillow, pillow case, bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth.
- Overnight room set-up includes two, separated bedrooms sharing a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. That is, one bathroom is in the middle of, and that can be accessed by, two separate bedrooms.
- Semi-Private Option:
- Private sleeping room (no other person in your sleeping room).
- Shared bathroom with one other bedroom (someone else will share your bathroom; the bathroom can be privately locked).
- If you are married and sharing a room with your spouse, please select the semi-private room.
- Shared Option:
- Shared sleeping room (one other person in your sleeping room).
- Shared bathroom with one other bedroom (someone else will share your bathroom; the bathroom can be privately locked).
- If you know with whom you’d like to share a room, please mention it in the registration process.
- Housing option details:
- Only same gender individuals will be roomed in adjoining rooms (i.e., men and women will be separated into different units and will not share a bathroom. The only exception is in the case of married couples).
- If you are married and sharing a room with your spouse, please select the semi-private room. Married couples will not share a unit with any other people.
- If you know with whom you’d like to share a room, please mention it in the registration process.
- Outside Accommodations: There are a number of nearby hotels in Azusa, CA. Particularly for married couples, nearby hotel options may be more affordable than purchasing two semi-private overnight registrations for RF ’26. Please note, registering to stay at an outside hotel is a second reservation and independent from registering for the Rethinking Forum. Please register for RF ’26 using the Commuter Registration link if you are planning to stay at a local hotel.
Commuter registration:
- RF ’26 – For those attending the full 2026 Rethinking Forum program, from Thursday, July 16th through Saturday, July 18th.
- Alongsider One-Day Pass – For those participants attending only the Saturday, July 18th program.
Our schedule starts at 5pm PST on Thursday, July 16th and at 9am PST on Friday and Saturday, July 17th & 18th. Please plan to arrive by 8:30am. Both lunch and dinner are included in your registration; the evening meal will be served at approximately 5:30pm. You are invited and encouraged to stay for the optional evening activity each day.
Digital-only registration:
If you are not able to travel to RF ’26, you can still participate in the conference. If you sign up as a digital participant, you will receive a link to join the private online group where we will be live-streaming the presentations. You will be able to view the presentations in real time and interact with other digital participants throughout the conference. To ensure the best possible experience, the digital stream will be hosted by a moderator live at the conference location, who will both interface between the speakers and the digital participants and can answer questions in real time for digital participants. Digital registration is available for either the entire RF ’26 or just the Saturday, July 18th day (the Alongsider One-Day Pass).
About the Organizers:
MARG Network is a network of individuals united around a shared love and commitment to Jesus, biblical faithfulness, and Hindu people. MARG Network is a resource for ‘alongsiders’ (our term for disciples of Jesus who help Hindus explore what devotion to Jesus means) who want to walk alongside Hindu communities, including Hindu communities around the world (96% of the world’s Hindus live in India) and the Hindu diaspora in North America.
The Rethinking Forum dates to a collaborative meeting in 2001, and the first official Rethinking Forum occurred from September 6-8, 2002. The Rethinking Forum has been the central meeting space for the sharing of ideas and experiences related to discipleship issues in Hindu communities since its inception.