The Council for World Mission (CWM) brought together representatives from its three Caribbean member churches for the Mission Support Programme V (MSP-V) Round Table, held from 29-30 October in Mandeville, Jamaica.
The two-day gathering welcomed 14 participants, including church leaders, mission enablers, project managers, and finance managers from the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), Guyana Congregational Union (GCU), and Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT).
Building on the theological reflections of the preceding CWM Caribbean Regional Assembly, the Round Table provided a space for churches to discern how their mission priorities could be translated into practical initiatives responding to the needs of their communities.
Discussions centred on challenges facing the Caribbean, including climate vulnerability, migration, economic injustice, violence, and demographic change, with particular attention to communities on the margins.
Moving from discernment to action
Aligned with the MSP-V framework, “Discern, Design, Develop,” the programme guided participants through the process of identifying mission priorities, developing project concepts, and strengthening their understanding of effective programme planning.
Working collaboratively, participants developed theories of change and logical frameworks, outlining how their proposed initiatives could contribute to meaningful and sustainable change.
Practical sessions also explored implementation planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning, risk management, financial procedures, sustainability, and reporting requirements.
Participants refined their mission priorities and developed preliminary MSP-V concepts rooted in the contexts of their local churches and communities.
The Round Table also provided opportunities for peer learning and mutual encouragement, enabling participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the Caribbean region.
Participants particularly valued the practical planning tools, facilitator guidance, Bible study, and fellowship, which helped connect theological reflection with the responsibilities of developing and managing mission programmes.
The Round Table concluded with participants presenting their emerging MSP-V visions and proposed pathways towards implementation, followed by programme evaluation, closing remarks, and worship.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Round Table, CWM Mission Secretary for Mission Programme and Partnership Rev. Dr Minwoo Oh said each member church would undertake further consultations with local communities, validate its proposed priorities, and seek leadership approval before developing full MSP-V proposals for submission to CWM.
Oh added that the CWM MSP team would continue to journey with the churches throughout the process, providing guidance and opportunities for shared learning.
