ONE STEP CLOSER - JOHN 17 ONLINE GATHERING
What starts at the Sea of Galilee goes worldwide.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:00 AM–2:00 PM U.S. Eastern Standard Time
6:00–9:00 PM Israel time
A gathering for pastors, ministry leaders, marketplace leaders, volunteers, and friends who want to live out Jesus’ oneness prayer in John 17 through friendship, hospitality, and practical collaboration.
Three hours. A shared vision. Your next step.
We want to stress that this will be the best three-hour block of time that you will spend on a Tuesday morning through lunch break. You will walk away inspired to live out John 17 in your own lives and communities, be equipped with the tools and networks to do so, and be more connected and grafted into the work that Jesus started with just a few fishermen on the shoreline of Galilee, where, 2,000 years later, this initiative is taking root in the hearts and minds of his modern-day disciples around the world.
Watch the invitation
Hear from Scott Newton, Juan Carlos Martínez, Glenn McGill, and Steve Wingfield in this short invitation to join the journey.
Why One Step Closer?
At Magdala, Christians from different traditions are discovering opportunities to walk, listen, pray, and serve together. One Step Closer grows from these encounters and the desire to make Jesus’ John 17 prayer visible in our relationships and communities.
The invitation is not to set aside every difference.
It is to take a step toward friendship, greater understanding, and shared action.
What to expect?
Our planned three-hour gathering moves through three connected themes:
1. The Magdala phenomenon
Discover the place and the encounters behind the vision.
Explore Magdala on the Sea of Galilee through a visually supported introduction, personal experiences, and conversation about how hospitality can help prejudice give way to friendship.
2. One Step Closer: Hospitality Together
See how the vision becomes tangible.
Hear stories of participation and explore the four stepping stones:
- The John 17 Landmark: also a place for hospitality and encounter.
- Artwork: express the oneness prayer through a shared creative vision.
- Volunteering: learning, serving, and growing together.
- Worldwide participation: carrying this spirit into churches and communities beyond Galilee.
Discover resources that can support your own participation, including articles, videos, and the OSC website.
3. A John 17 work plan
Consider what you and your community can do next.
Explore practical opportunities for prayer, hospitality, service, partnership, and support. Bring your questions and begin identifying a next step you can take with others.
Throughout the gathering: Scripture, prayer, short testimonies, live conversation, and facilitated discussion.
The detailed schedule and participating voices are being finalized.
Registered participants will receive updates as the program develops.
What you will take away?
- - Inspiration to make John 17 part of your everyday relationships.
- Understanding of Magdala, OSC, and the opportunities taking shape. Connections
- Connections with others interested in friendship and practical cooperation. A next step
- A next step toward living this prayer through action, not only words. Tools
- Tools to help introduce the vision to your church, workplace, or community.
Who is this gathering for?
You are welcome whether you are a pastor or priest, ministry or marketplace leader, volunteer, pilgrim, or friend.
You do not need to have visited Magdala or participated in OSC before. Come with curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a desire to explore what we can do together.
Join us on November 10
Set aside these three hours to pray, learn, connect, and consider your next step.
After registering, you will receive a welcome email and further communications to help you prepare, including program updates and access information.
Already registered? Consider inviting someone from another Christian community to join you. Go out into the deep! Cast your nets!