Embracing a new mission future

A January mission consultation in Dallas promises to usher in a new day of cooperation among PC(USA) “mission initiators,” mission supporters and General Assembly Council  ministries. A key goal for World Mission is to hold to historic mission values while strengthening broad-based direct mission involvement of congregations, presbyteries and other groups. Three principles will help guide this journey.

1. A holistic partnership of the heart. Our new mission paradigm must reflect a wholehearted beginning point where personal witness, compassion and justice meet as partners of the heart.
2. A context-sensitive mission style. We have to give our partners the first word in the mission conversation because God has placed them closer to the particular context and they will live with the consequences of our joint mission work for years to come.
3. A vital and mutual partnership within the PC(USA). The denominational offices must serve as a resource for mission involvement and a place for mission initiators to share their ideas about mission.

In early 2008 we launched a new structure for World Mission aimed at strengthening our historic commitments and facilitating direct mission involvement of grassroots Presbyterians. Please pray for our church as we begin this new journey together.

— Hunter Farrell, director, World Mission