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Great Commission Showcase

Christ College

As part of the Great Commission Institute at Concordia University Irvine, the Great Commission Showcase follows the Great Commission as outlined in the Book of Matthew (28:16-20) where Jesus sends His disciples to actively engage in proclaiming the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ to all people, in all places (local and global) with the goal of bringing people to baptism, faith, and discipleship. Since “faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17), the Great Commission involves not just service, but the use of words. The annual event highlights students’ mission-minded service projects locally and abroad.

Participate in the Showcase

Concordia University Irvine’s Great Commission Showcase is open to all Christian undergraduate students who have participated in a university-sponsored mission project or short-term mission trip. The winner of the showcase receives a cash prize, and a matching reward for the non-profit ministry of their choosing.

Students who wish to participate in the Great Commission Showcase will secure a faculty member who is willing to mentor you through the Showcase experience. Working with that mentor, students will contact Professor Mark Siegert to express their interest.

A complete entry in the Showcase includes 3 components that will be judged by a panel comprised of university leadership:

  • A reflection paper of 3500-5500 words. The research paper includes cultural and economic factors about the field, anticipated challenges, and what the student learned about their own faith.
  • Participation in the Great Commission Showcase Poster Session
  • Finalists will give a 10-15 minute oral presentation

Past Great Commission Showcase Winners

Sam Fluegge

Sam Fluegge, 2018-2019 Winner

A Victorious Homecoming

Sam Fluegge spent 10 childhood years in Togo, West Africa, with his family, who were Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod missionaries. But when they moved to the U.S., Sam left memories of Togo behind. A missions study trip back to West Africa reconnected him to his past, potentially redefined his future — and earned him $1,000 as the winner of the Great Commission Showcase.

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Emily Crosby

Emily Crosby, 2017-2018 Winner

Redirected East

As a highly organized person, Emily Crosby ’18, an English major, had her life planned out — until she participated in an exchange program between Concordia University Irvine and Urawa Lutheran School in Japan. She fell in love with the Land of the Rising Sun and recounted her journey of moving there in a top-prize-winning entry in CUI’s Great Commission Showcase.

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Taylor Kelso

Taylor Kelso, 2016-2017 Winner

Grounded Faith: Teaching Ministry in Hungary Leads to New Life Goal

Taylor Kelso, our 2016-17 Great Commission Showcase winner, discovered her love for teaching when she was invited to join her church on a bi-annual missions trip to Hungary.

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April Hall

April Hall, Inaugural Winner, 2015-2016

God’s Love Incarnate: Service Ministry Leads to Gospel Proclamation in Kolkata, India

April Hall, our 2015-16 Inaugural Great Commission Showcase winner, served for two weeks in Kolkata, India at a home for elderly adults with the nuns of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa.

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