12 November 2026 | 1pm GMT
Free Online Panel Event on Zoom
Returning home after living and serving in another culture should feel familiar- but often it doesn’t.
For many cross-cultural workers, re-entry brings unexpected challenges. Relationships have changed, life has moved on, and finding a sense of belonging can be difficult.
Join FieldPartner for a special online panel conversation with Charlie Brainer and Tony Horsfall as we explore the realities of re-entry following cross-cultural service.
Drawing on their experience in transitions, coaching, missions and member care, Charlie and Tony will discuss why returning home can be surprisingly difficult, the challenges that returnees commonly face, and how individuals, families, churches and sending organisations can help make this transition a healthier one.
Our conversation will explore:
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Why returning to a familiar culture can feel unexpectedly unfamiliar.
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The impact of re-entry on identity, relationships, purpose and belonging.
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How cross-cultural workers can prepare for and navigate the transition.
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How sending churches, mission agencies, friends and families can provide meaningful support.
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How re-entry can become an opportunity for growth and a new beginning.
Whether you’re preparing to return, have already experienced re-entry, or are supporting someone coming home from cross-cultural service, this conversation is for you.
Dr. Charlie Brainer
Transition and Life Purpose Coach
Dr. Charlie Brainer brings extensive experience in higher education, international education and missions. Following his retirement, he has continued his passion for investing in people through life coaching.
As the founder of Confident Hope Life Coaching, Charlie specialises in helping individuals navigate life transitions, rediscover purpose and explore their calling in new seasons of life.
Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Charlie brings both professional insight and personal experience to the challenges and opportunities of transition.
Tony Horsfall
Author, Trainer and Member Care Practitioner
Tony Horsfall brings extensive experience in cross-cultural mission, pastoral ministry, training and spiritual formation. After graduating from London School of Theology, he served with OMF in Malaysia before returning to the UK to pastor a church in West Yorkshire.
Tony later led the EQUIP missions training programme at Bawtry Hall before establishing Charis Training, through which he helps individuals and Christian leaders deepen their relationship with God.
An experienced retreat leader, mentor and author of more than a dozen books, Tony has a particular passion for supporting missionaries and church leaders through life's challenges and transitions.