The Board of Directors of the Council for World Mission (CMW) gathered for its first in-person meeting in Singapore on 11-12 November.
CWM Moderator Dr Natalie Lin opened the meeting by reflecting on Psalm 33, which explores the meaning of righteousness and the truth of the eternal nature of God’s plan and mission.
“I am grateful that God is leading our Board to be a partner of the universal church not just in prayer over His missionary work but also as a faith community connected with the various ministries regardless of the season in which we may find ourselves,” said Lin.
Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, CWM General Secretary, gave a detailed report on the latest organisational work and projects that have been done since the previous Board meeting.
Keum opened his report with three missiological reflections relating to the current catastrophic times, the need for the workers in the field to develop and possess a sense of prophetic spirituality, and the vitalness of radical discipleship.
“In my report to the Assembly, I described today as a catastrophic time. The Assembly spoke of a ‘socio-political catastrophe and environmental emergency.’ We are called to be Christian witnesses that act in the ‘now’ amidst climate crises, totalitarian terror wars, and dysfunctional democracies,” said Keum.
He also cemented the idea of Christian disciples in mission as a call to witness to and to accompany the movement of Christ towards life, resisting conformity to the desires and expectations of dominant powers, and rejecting ideologies, values, and practices that perpetuate injustice, inequality, and oppression.
“Being a Christian disciple entails the development of a spirituality. It is a following of Jesus… undertaking a pilgrimage into a deeper relationship with Christ, taking on his attitudes, openness, honesty, gentleness, and tenderness. This is a life’s work, and in a real sense, for a disciple, this journey is our destiny,” extolled Keum.
Key Board decisions
Statement on the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East
The Board received and affirmed a CWM-developed statement acknowledging the gravity of the current worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and reiterating CWM’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and humanitarian relief.
“The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel has resulted in unprecedented suffering, with tens of thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. The CWM statement outlines the urgency for global solidarity and humanitarian intervention, emphasising the fundamental rights of all affected communities to live in peace and with dignity,” emphasised Keum to the Board.
“Through this statement, we urge Israel and all parties involved to allow essential humanitarian support to reach Gaza without restriction. Additionally, we call upon global nations to shift their focus toward peace-building efforts rather than military support, thus aligning international action with the moral and humanitarian needs of those most affected.”
Solidarity and Action Grant for Gaza
The Board approved a Solidarity and Action Grant to provide humanitarian aid to war victims in Gaza.
Release of TOP Funds
The Board approved the release of three separate funds as part of The Onesimus Project (TOP): the Reparatory Justice Fund, Modern Day Slavery Fund, and Healing of Memories Fund.
Reports and budget received, approved
The Board received and affirmed the 2024 Assembly Report, the Programme Reference Group Report, the 2025 Programme Plan, and the 2025 Communication Plan. The board also approved the 2025 budget.
Closing and next Board session
The meeting was closed with a prayer and devotion by CWM Treasurer James Ronnie Kaboke who urged CWM to be strategic in implementing its programmes and projects while stepping forward in faith, using the story of David’s defeat of Goliath as a biblical backdrop.
The next Board meeting will be held via video conference from 24-25 February 2025.
