(Editor’s Note: The annual Rethinking Forum conference is happening this July 16th to 18th, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA! Sign up now to lock in an early registration discount before prices rise on Saturday, May 16th. A few things to note:
- Both in-person (overnight lodging and commuter) and digital (Zoom) registrations are available.
- Everyone who registers (both digital and in-person) will have access to recordings of the sessions after the conference.
Come be a part of a special gathering of like-hearted Alongsiders from across the world. Join us at the 2026 Rethinking Forum!)
Last summer, I attended the Rethinking Forum for the first time. It was very exciting! Here are some things you can expect to experience if you choose to go.
Expect Diversity in Backgrounds and Experience: There were multiple different speakers—some shared personal testimonies, others presented data-driven talks, and others spoke about their philosophy of ministry. Some speakers were Hindu followers of Jesus; others were Indian Christian followers of Jesus; and many others were neither. Some participants had been alongsiders for decades, while others, like me, had only been an alongsider for a few years. Many participants worked in various professional careers like business and IT; many others worked for various nonprofit organizations and churches. I had never met such a large group of people dedicated to living out devotion to Jesus incarnationally among Hindus, and it was extremely encouraging for me.
From the very beginning of the conference, I appreciated that it was made clear we would hear perspectives that might not resonate with our own, and that diversity of opinions was welcomed. Terminology (such as “alongsider,” “Christian,” and “Hindu”) was clarified to avoid confusion. One helpful clarification for me was the explanation for how spirituality is understood differently between the East and the West; in the West we understand “spirituality” to be primarily focused on what is believed, while in the East spirituality has a higher focus on belonging and behavior. This framework helped me to listen with grace and understand the perspectives that my fellow alongsiders brought to their presentations.
Expect to be challenged: I met people who were walking alongside Hindus in very different ways from what I had seen in my context. On multiple occasions, individuals offered new approaches that challenged me in the manner I worship Jesus with Hindu friends, explain the Gospel, and relate to Hindu festivals. I left with a lot of questions and ideas to discuss with my friends.
Some overarching lessons I learned from the conference is that walking alongside Hindu friends is a family affair and shouldn’t be done in isolation; the person of Jesus is often good news to our Hindu friends more than the work of Jesus; we should emphasize devotion to Jesus over conversion to Christianity; that it is okay to tell Hindu friends that I don’t know how to resolve the complex, interpersonal dilemmas that arise when they begin to worship Jesus; and that we must depend on Jesus in our journey as alongsiders.
Expect to Worship Jesus in a Hindu Manner: In addition to discussions, there were opportunities to worship Jesus in a culturally Indian manner. Different individuals led satsangs (literally, “truth gatherings”) in the way that they do it with their Hindu friends. Each worship time featured Bible teaching done through storytelling and was participatory. Worship included tabla, sitar, harmonium, manjira (small, metal hand cymbals), fruit, flowers, and incense among other elements. Watching worship with fresh eyes, I was challenged and pondered how Hindu devotees of Jesus will one day worship at His throne.
Expect Discussion: Twice, a series of shorter presentations were followed by small group discussions. It was very beneficial for us to sit together and reflect on the ministry philosophy or information presented.
One of my favorite experiences from Rethinking Forum was the Town Hall where we discussed questions as a group. It was cool to hear ideas being passed back and forth in a mutually edifying, non-confrontational manner.
Ony of my favorite quotes from the conference was, “Contextualism is not about making Jesus palatable to people; it’s about making Jesus plain.” I liked this because it clarifies that the motivation behind these new-to-me expressions of faith is not about coercing my friends into following Jesus blindly but to enable them to understand how Jesus wants to transform their lives. During the Town Hall, we got to unpack how different alongsiders brought a contextual, incarnational approach in their ministry context.
“Contextualism is not about making Jesus palatable to people; it’s about making Jesus plain.”
Expect New friendships: One of the most encouraging parts of Rethinking Forum was meeting new friends that I’m still in touch with and expect to know for years to come. The mix of discussions, corporate worship times, and diverse presentations allowed for the opportunity to learn from and connect with new lifelong friends.
I left the Rethinking Forum with many things: beautiful South Asian-inspired Christian art, books to help me grow in my understanding of Hindu ministry, and—most of all—an encouraged heart through the new relationships formed in this community.
