As the Council for World Mission’s (CWM) Annual Member’s Meeting (AMM) drew to a close, the final day’s Bible study session set the tone by urging CWM delegates to read the Scripture—and see the world—through the eyes of the wounded.
Led by Rev. Dr Nāsili Vaka’uta, Professor of Biblical Studies and Principal of Trinity Theological College, Auckland, New Zealand, the Bible study was based on Luke 4:16-21.
Vaka’uta expounded upon the meaning behind Jesus’ reading of the scroll that foretold of His coming (“the Spirit of the Lord is on me” (v.18)) and the climatic moment when Jesus revealed Himself as the fulfilled prophecy to the crowd in the synagogue saying, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (v. 21)
Vaka’uta posited that, through Jesus’ example, the church is to bear the hallmarks of a Jubilee community through public and systemic repentance for past harms, property and wealth redistribution, and re-reading of Scripture not through dominant systems but the eyes of the wounded.
CWM General Secretary to continue for second term
The staffing committee delivered its report to the AMM delegates, who met for a round of closed-door discussions, then unanimously approved the continuation of Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum as the CWM General Secretary (GS) for a second term.
In his acceptance address, a visibly touched Keum recounted the tough seasons early on in his role as CWM GS during which he thanked those who have placed their support and trust in his leadership.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by your continued trust and affirmation of my leadership. I take this as a sacred call to deeper faithfulness, greater responsibility, and renewed obedience to God’s mission as discerned through the collective life of our member churches,” he said.
Keum also reiterated his commitment to further key CWM programmatic areas and initiatives such as strengthening partnerships and collaboration among existing member churches while ensuring the full integration of the new ones; advancing full implementation of The Onesimus Project; continual investment in leadership development and capacity-building within the CWM; prioritising the empowerment of youth and women in leadership positions; and ramping up preparations for the CWM Jubilee celebrations in 2027.
AMM resolutions
Gender balance for AMM delegates
The AMM delegates approved the proposal of the AMM Gender Balance Committee that member churches nominate a male and female representative to the AMM for a four-year period, with alternating attendance each year. Representative substitutions should also preserve gender balance.
Closing service: “A just economy under God”
The AMM concluded with a closing service led by CWM Mission Secretary for Education and Empowerment, Rev. Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, and Rev. Philip King from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ).
Keum preached from the parable of the vineyard owner and his interactions with his labourers as recorded in Matthew 20:1-16. The sermon touched on the parable’s illustration of a just economy under God that offers equal opportunity and distribution of wealth.
“The story in Matthew is a case study of a life-giving economy where the first will care for the last, and both groups are allowed to feast together in the house of the Father,” said Keum, who drew a parallel to the same vision that is shared by CWM as it heads into its Jubilee celebrations.
He stressed that CWM must continue to exist as an equal partnership in mission amongst its members, sharing resources and insights. He reflected that CWM, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is commissioned to celebrate life and transform life-destroying forces.
The sermon was followed by communion, with CWM delegates giving thanks for yet another year of a successful and fruitful AMM, giving rise to new friendships, and renewing old ones.
