Priorities Guide

by Javier Márquez

From February 6–9, 2026, during the annual Mosaico Colombia gathering in Santa Marta, the study of the Mosaic Conference Priorities Guide was a spiritual, communal, and intercultural experience that allowed us to embody what we were reading.

The Guide is structured around three priorities: formational (knowing and growing in Jesus), intercultural (loving like Jesus), and missional (living like Jesus). In Santa Marta, this framework came alive. The study was not cold or merely academic; it included dialogue, attentive listening, and prayer.

The study began with the introductory section shared by Leadership Minister Marco Güete, who helped frame the conference’s vision and mission within the Colombian process. Each priority was then guided by different leaders: Pastor Nidia Montoya led the formational reflection; Associate Executive Minister Marta Castillo, shared the missional reflection; and Ismael Conchacala facilitated the intercultural reflection. This diversity of leadership enriched the process and connected each priority to lived realities.

Reflecting on the experience, Castillo shared, “What a beautiful experience to listen and learn together from the Priorities Guide in the Colombian context, with the participation of different voices.” That plurality was one of the greatest gifts of the gathering. Urban pastors, Indigenous leaders from the Sierra Nevada, and Mosaic Conference representatives all contributed from their own contexts, expanding our understanding of the text.

One highly valued aspect was the emphais on participation. Conchacala affirmed that the guide creates space for everyone’s voice. In contexts where one-directional teaching often prevails, opening room for honest conversation allowed the intercultural priority to move from theory to practice.

Constructive critiques also emerged. Conchacala noted that the guide includes numerous appendices and guiding questions which, though valuable, can feel overwhelming or distracting if not used intentionally. He emphasized the importance of contextual adaptation: working with trained leaders differs from engaging communities with long-standing theological traditions. Simplifying does not weaken the content; rather, it can foster deeper appropriation.

Güete highlighted another significant fruit: Colombian churches drawing closer to Mosaic Conference. Many pastors arrived having already studied the material and left encouraged to continue exploring it and sharing it within their congregations.

A particularly moving moment was reflecting on the intercultural priority within the Wiwa community, hosted by Conchacala. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, the image of the “mosaic” gained tangible depth: distinct pieces coming together to reveal God’s larger design.

Studying the Priorities Guide in Mosaico Colombia was good news. It affirmed our identity as a shared journey, learned around the table, in Scripture, in prayer, and in life together.