Thirty-six delegates from 12 Council for World Mission (CWM) member churches in the Pacific gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, from 16 – 18 September for the Pacific Mission Support Programme V (MSP-V) Round Table 2026, strengthening their shared commitment to mission shaped by the realities and voices of diverse Pacific communities.
Held under the theme, “Discern, Design, Develop,” the gathering brought together general secretaries, mission enablers, project managers, and finance managers to deepen their understanding of MSP-V and translate regional mission priorities into practical action.
Against a backdrop of interconnected challenges facing the Pacific, including climate and ocean threats, migration, family well-being, livelihoods, and youth engagement, delegates reflected on how mission can remain rooted in local knowledge and attentive to communities at the margins.
Central to the gathering was Talanoa, the Pacific practice of inclusive, open, and transparent conversation. Alongside worship and Bible study, Talanoa created space for participants to listen to one another, share experiences honestly, and strengthen the relationships needed for mutual accompaniment and accountability.
Practical sessions guided delegates through the MSP-V framework, Theory of Change, activity planning, proposal development, financial procedures, and reporting requirements. Member churches also presented emerging plans for peer feedback and guidance from CWM, while exploring possibilities for regional collaboration.
For Rev. Alee Talava, elder minister of Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, the combination of spiritual reflection and practical learning was particularly valuable.
“All the aspects of the workshop are valuable — the Bible studies, the communications and sharing, and most importantly the Round Table meeting, which portrays a very important backbone to the mission of our churches in partnership,” Talava said.
Rev. Liavaa Moevao, deputy general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, highlighted the value of “gaining knowledge of the core meaning of CWM’s Mission Support Programme and how it connects all of our 12 Pacific member churches.”
The Round Table concluded on 18 September with peer sharing, evaluation, affirmation of regional commitments, closing worship, and fellowship over dinner.
