New vision taking shape for global ministry

As the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) begins leaning into the future, work is underway to determine the best path forward for the denomination’s global ministry work.

Long before the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency unified last fall, leaders from both agencies were discerning how to best approach World Mission and ecumenical partnerships as well as set mission and ministry priorities. Engagement with faith communities worldwide has gone through significant changes over the years, with many denominations reforming strategies to better collaborate across ecumenical and inter-religious lines. In the same way, the PC(USA) has been looking at new ways to adapt to the changing needs of communities across the world.

Recently, leaders began sharing their vision with World Mission’s 86- member staff and they plan to begin moving forward with this new plan in the coming weeks. While details are still being discussed, leaders are hopeful the results will shape global ministry in the years to come by shifting from the current mission and ministry model to an integrated and relational approach, one which has been requested by many partnering organizations. 

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“We deeply value the work and witness of our PC(USA) global mission engagement and those who enact it. We remain committed to our international mission and global partners,” said the Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency of the PC(USA). “Staffing decisions are being made with deep care and prayerful discernment. More information will be shared as we walk through this challenging time together.”

Oh, along with Sara Lisherness, Deputy Executive Director for Mission Programs; Kerry Rice, Deputy Stated Clerk; and Dr. Dianna Wright, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, Ecclesial and Ecumenical Ministries, recently traveled to Europe to meet with global partners, including the World Communion of Reformed Churches and World Council of Churches, to share their vision and discuss the changing landscape of global ministry. During her report to the Unification Commission in December, Oh said it was a fruitful meeting and saw “the important role the PC(USA) has played with partners advancing justice and thinking about how we talk about the good news of Jesus Christ.” She told commissioners, “We visited centers PC(USA) folks started because they believe in the ecumenical movement. It has been good to be reminded of that.”

Until unification, the Presbyterian Mission Agency primarily focused on mission in partnerships, while the Office of the General Assembly was responsible for building worldwide ecumenical relationships. Oh and World Mission leaders believe the new approach to global ministry will allow the church to more effectively engage with a changing world.