At a time of global instability and deepening public health challenges, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and Transform Minnesota are convening faith and science leaders for a three-day series of events exploring how Christians can respond with both compassion and credibility to global health crises.

The series, Global Health & Compassion for a World in Need (NAE.org/globalhealthevent), will feature Walter Kim, NAE president, and Susan Hillis, one of the world’s leading epidemiologists and global health missions experts. Events will be held November 15–17 in partnership with Autumn Ridge Church, Christ Community Church, Transform Minnesota, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) Rochester chapter.

“These events invite Christians to rediscover the fullness of the gospel for a world of crisis,” said Walter Kim, who will speak at multiple sessions. “When faith engages suffering with both wisdom and compassion, the Church offers its most credible witness.”

Susan Hillis, who has led global health initiatives across 40 nations, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.

“We’re witnessing an unprecedented opportunity for faith and science to work together — not in competition, but in partnership for the world’s most vulnerable,” she said.

Main Events

Global Health & Compassion for a World in Need Forum
Sunday, November 16 | 3:30–5:00 p.m. CST
Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW, Rochester, MN

This signature public forum will bring together physicians, global health experts, and faith leaders to examine urgent health threats facing vulnerable populations — especially in low-income countries — and explore the role of Christians in addressing these needs through medical innovation, moral leadership and global partnership.

Featured panelists include:

  • Walter Kim, president, National Association of Evangelicals
  • Susan Hillis, epidemiologist and former faith advisor to PEPFAR; currently senior research officer, Imperial College London; co-chair of the Oxford University Global Reference Group, Children Affected by Crisis
  • Dr. Stephen Merry, associate professor of family medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; global health educator
  • Dr. Yvonne Tobah Butler, organizer of Mayo Clinic Global Health Week; assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; global maternal health researcher

This event is free of charge, but registration is required (NAE.org/event-rsvp).

Autumn Ridge Church Worship Services — “The Origin Story of the Gospel”

Saturday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m. CST; Sunday, November 16 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. CST
Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN

NAE President Walter Kim will preach at all three worship services of Autumn Ridge Church on Jesus’ ministry and the Church’s call to compassion in an age of crisis.

All are welcome to attend worship services at Autumn Ridge Church (AutumnRidge.church).

 The Whole Gospel for a Hurting World: Faithful Leadership in a Time of Global Need
Monday, November 17 | 9:00–10:30 a.m. CST
Christ Community Church, 4400 55th St NW, Rochester, MN

A free breakfast and discussion for pastors and nonprofit leaders, exploring how the Church can model faithful leadership that integrates truth and grace amid global crises.

This event is free of charge, but registration is required (TransformMN.org/events).

Bending the Arc Film Screening & Discussion
Monday, November 17 | 5:30–9:00 p.m. CST
Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall, Rochester, MN

Part of Mayo Clinic’s Global Health Week, this event will feature a screening of “Bending the Arc,” followed by a panel discussion with global health leaders including Susan Hillis, Yvonne Tobah Butler and Dr. James Bower, neurologist and medical director for Mayo Clinic Global Health Program.

This event is free of charge and open to the public.