The Council for World Mission (CWM) opened its Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) in Auckland, New Zealand, on 22 June, bringing together delegates from its global partnership of 36 member churches.
Held under the theme “Oceans of Hope: Envisioning Jubilee from the Pacific,” the three-day gathering is providing a space for sharing stories, insights, reflections, and conversations that will culminate in collective discernment as CWM journeys towards its Jubilee in 2027 and Assembly in 2028.
The calling of Matthew
Rev. Dr Carolyn Kelly and Rev. Philip King of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) led the opening worship.
Drawing on Matthew 9:9–13, which recounts the calling of Matthew, Kelly reflected on the biblical narrative through the lens of Caravaggio’s famous painting depicting Matthew’s encounter with Christ.
Using the story, Kelly challenged delegates to respond faithfully to the call of Jesus, even when life’s circumstances appear favourable and comfortable, as they were for Matthew. She noted that Matthew’s role as a tax collector made his calling all the more remarkable, given that tax collectors were widely regarded as sinners within their social context.
Chairperson’s welcome
The chairperson of the AMM and General Secretary of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa, Rev. Dr Taipisia Leilua, welcomed delegates and officially declared the meeting open.
Offering a blessing for the gathering, Leilua said, “We pray that we may see God fulfil his promises through his power, through the life and work of CWM and its member churches, and through the hope of participating in God’s transforming work in this suffering world.”
A Pasifika vision for Jubilee
Rev. Dr Brian Fiu Kolia, lecturer in Hebrew Bible and Old Testament at Malua Theological College, delivered the keynote address.
Speaking on the theme “Oceans of Hope: Envisioning Jubilee from Pasifika,” Kolia challenged the global church to embrace a Pacific vision of Jubilee grounded in justice, resilience, and collective action.
He argued that hope is not merely a feeling but a deliberate and organised commitment to transformation. Presenting three gifts from Pasifika to the global church — vulnerability, resilience (lotomau), and prepared hope (amanaki) — he called for a rethinking of power structures, mission priorities, and partnerships.
Kolia stressed that Jubilee is not simply a celebration, but a call to structural transformation rooted in justice and hope.
Moderator’s report
CWM Moderator Dr Natalie Lin presented the Board of Directors’ report to the meeting.
Reflecting on the work of CWM over the past year, Lin highlighted key opportunities and challenges across the organisation’s six regions.
She announced the Regional Assemblies scheduled for the second half of 2026 and the accompanying Mission Support Programme V (MSP-V) Roundtables. Reports and insights emerging from these gatherings will be presented to the Board in February 2027 and will help shape the Members’ Mission Forums (MMFs) planned for the first half of the year.
Lin also highlighted the growing significance of the Member Church Initiatives (MCI) programme in strengthening the capacity of member churches.
She noted that the programme supports leadership formation, women’s and youth empowerment, communication and media engagement, social justice advocacy, intercultural learning, and grassroots community transformation.
Movements at the heart of PCANZ
Rev. Erin Pendreigh, recently appointed Assembly Executive Secretary of PCANZ, extended greetings to delegates.
Pendreigh shared that movements, rather than programmes, lie at the heart of PCANZ’s ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
She highlighted two initiatives: Forge Aotearoa, which equips and resources faith leaders for mission and evangelism, and Ohope Marae, a Māori sacred meeting place that has become the home of the PCANZ Māori Synod.
Jubilee as part of CWM’s future
CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum presented his report to delegates, identifying Jubilee, The Onesimus Project (TOP), and Mission Support Programme V (MSP-V) as CWM’s three major strategic priorities for the coming years.
“Together, Jubilee, TOP, and MSP-V form an integrated framework for CWM’s future, linking theological reflection, justice-oriented action, and practical accompaniment. They are interconnected expressions of a deeper commitment to transformation,” Keum said.
He emphasised that while Jubilee first appears in Leviticus 25 as law, it functions within CWM as a proclamation of prophetic hope, a movement for the spread of the gospel, and an invitation to liberation, restoration, and life in fullness.
Keum called on member churches to embrace Jubilee as a shared vocation by deepening collaboration across regions, listening to marginalised voices, embodying resilient hope, and reflecting God’s justice in their structures and relationships.
He urged churches to see themselves as coworkers in shaping CWM’s future mission towards Jubilee 2027 and beyond.
Evening prayers
The first day of the AMM concluded with evening prayers led by Kelly and King.
Drawing on Matthew 8:1, 5–17, the devotion invited delegates to reflect on faith, healing, and God’s radically inclusive mission together.
