‘Hospitality as Jewish Evangelism’
Kobe, Japan
November 2nd - 5th 2026
Perhaps the most powerful form of Jewish evangelism today is… a table.
In a world that feels increasingly inhospitable for Jewish people, God has given us something extraordinary: the ability to open our lives, our homes, and our hearts to those around us. Through a shared meal and everyday moments, we reveal the love of God in our Messiah, Jesus.
This conference in November in Kobe is your invitation to join ministry leaders, hosts, volunteers, and teams from around the world who are dedicated to Hospitality as Jewish Evangelism!
Why Kobe, Japan
We are gathering Kobe, Japan because in 1940 and 1941, Kobe became a "city of refuge" for thousands of Jewish people fleeing the Holocaust via the Trans-Siberian Railway.
They arrived with "visas for life" issued by Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat whose faith moved him to provide a way out. Upon arrival, these Jewish refugees were met by a local community that shared its bread and extended its safety. By choosing to gather here we are standing in a place where intentional hospitality once saved a generation. We want to gather to reinforce that same spirit for the 21st century.
Why This Matters Now
Hospitality is not a side ministry; it is mission. In this moment - culturally, relationally, and spiritually - our "welcome" may be the most faithful and effective way to make Messiah Jesus known.
We will look at where hospitality ministry has come from, what is happening globally, and why it is making such an impact today. Together, we will equip one another as we think intentionally about designing hospitality that is thoughtful, relational, and suited to real-world needs.
What We Will Explore Together
This conference is a space for contribution and reflection. We will be coming together to:
See what is possible: Highlight inspiring examples of hospitality that have borne fruit, blending welcome, trust, and witness.
Reflect on what is happening locally: Create space for you to ask what hospitality ministry could look like in your particular city, culture, or network.
Strengthen the pathways: Discuss "follow-up" - how we work together to help Jewish seekers continue their spiritual journey through trusted relationships.
Collaborate and fill gaps: Look ahead and plan for the future, working together to identify and fill gaps in resources and approaches to encourage and equip others into hospitality ministry.
We are gathering Kobe, Japan because in 1940 and 1941, Kobe became a "city of refuge" for thousands of Jewish people fleeing the Holocaust via the Trans-Siberian Railway.
They arrived with "visas for life" issued by Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat whose faith moved him to provide a way out. Upon arrival, these Jewish refugees were met by a local community that shared its bread and extended its safety. By choosing to gather here we are standing in a place where intentional hospitality once saved a generation. We want to gather to reinforce that same spirit for the 21st century.
What You Will Bring Away
Rather than a pre-packaged program, you will leave Kobe with the results of our collective work:
Your Own Local Vision: Helping you create a vision and practice that suits your own specific setting for living out a hospitality ministry.
A Collaborative Network: Deepening trusted relationships and stronger collaboration with others like you involved in similar ministry.
A Renewed Faith: The inspiration to step back into your ministry with fresh creativity and a clearer sense of the opportunities before you.
Who This Is For?
This gathering is for those dedicated to:
Hosting, touring and teaching: Those who create events, day tours, and hospitable gatherings.
Creating relational space: Those wanting to better build community and walk alongside Jewish people in everyday life.
Leadership: Those looking to help their teams move from "events" to "trusted relationships" and long-term spiritual journeys.
The Invitation
This is not just a conference to attend; it is also a space where you can contribute. This won't be about being a part of an audience but rather giving us all space to talk and partner together and shape how this type of essential ministry develops through our networks.
The question we want to ask and develop and further develop and answer to is not simply: “How do we welcome?” But: “How might God use our welcome to draw Jewish people to himself?”
Please do join us in Kobe as we work together on something beautifully simple and deeply powerful - don't miss being a part of the conversation!
Important Information
The conference will take place from Nov 2-5 with optional local touring on Nov 6. Please note that the conference fee is 50,000 Japanese Yen - registrations will take place through the Japan Tourist Board from early May (weblink will bar provided on the LCJE website page and via another email). The conference fee will cover the opening meal with a Japanese cultural event and bento box lunches together Tuesday through Thursday. You are responsible for finding your own accommodation in central Kobe - the conference will be taking place very close to the main Kobe train station,. If you have any other questions, please reach out to me at intco@lcje.net.
*This conference is for LCJE agency or individual members - if you are not a member you can still attend but there is a $50 surcharge for non-members payable upon arrival - or you can join LCJE by going to https://www.lcje.net/join-lcje .
The Gospel lived out across a table. A conversation had while trekking through a forest. Spiritual truths sung or acted during a cultural event. The doors are wide open to Hospitality as Jewish Evangelism - don’t miss being a part of the conversation!
