In the interests of transparency, a PDF of our Constitution can be downloaded here.

Our Identity

1. Name

The Mission Commission (MC) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).

2. Statement of Faith

We believe in:

  • The Holy Scriptures as originally given by God, divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy; and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct;
  • One God, eternally existent in three persons, Father Son, and Holy Spirit;
  • Our Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, His virgin birth, His sinless human life, His divine miracles, His vicarious and atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, His mediatorial work, and His personal return in power and glory;
  • The Salvation of lost and sinful humanity through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ by faith apart from works, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit;
  • The Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the believer is enabled to live a holy life, to witness and work for the Lord Jesus Christ;
  • The Unity of the Spirit of all true believers, the Church, the Body of Christ; and
  • The Resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

3. Vision, Purpose, Values & Means

3.1 Vision

The MC envisions the proactive, synergistic, enabling of the global missions community to fully live, proclaim and extend to all peoples the transforming message of the kingdom of God in Christ Jesus through the power of the Spirit.

3.2 Purpose

To strengthen participation in God’s mission.

The MC aims to inspire, advocate and strengthen participation in God’s mission by the global Christian community. In fulfilment of its commitment to develop strategic relationships, the MC serves, synergizes and adds value to global missions organisations and other groups and collaborative conversations towards greater effectiveness in missions practice. The MC also convenes gatherings and conducts research and various kinds of projects to provide the global Christian community with resources that will enhance missions practice for contemporary global contexts.

3.3 Values

The MC values:

  • Biblically faithful, trinitarian missiology.
  • Globally represented and ethnically inclusive.
  • Balanced in generation and gender.
  • Relationships reliant on grace and mutual accountability.
  • Collegiality and servanthood.
  • Critical and future-oriented reflective thinking for applied missions practice.
  • Embracing churches, alliances, networks, missions organisations, and training programs.
  • Drawing on grass roots needs-analysis and providing strategic vision.

3.4 Means and Services

The MC accomplishes its vision and purpose through:

  1. Creating conversation spaces that facilitate and encourage mutual learning, networking and cooperation between national, regional and international missions leaders from all related missions-focused entities.
  2. Providing consultative and evaluative services to missions alliances, movements and networks, international agencies and missionary training centres to strengthen their contributions towards effective participation in God’s mission.
  3. Managing an “issues driven process” (needs assessment and research) that is intentional, leading to specified outcomes (publications, training, consultancy, recommendations, etc.).
  4. Facilitating the flow of financial, human, bibliographical, & other resources between people, organisations and networks, with robust processes and accountability.
  5. Creating and managing systems for the dissemination of information using appropriate technology.
  6. Providing a prophetic and proactive voice into the worldwide Church in relation to theology, missiology and missions practice, through strategic consultations, training seminars, publications and other initiatives.

4. MC PARTICIPATION

Participation in the MC is by invitation. Prospective MC Partner (MCPs) organisations and MC Associates (MCAs) apply to participate in the MC via an online form (currently here: https://weamc.global/apply/). Applications require the nomination and endorsement of an existing MC Associate and are subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the MC’s Global Leadership Council in consultation with the Executive Director.

4.1 General Participation Benefits

The MC provides participation in a global network that represents the international, interdependent missions community connected with the broader WEA networks. The annual subscription fee is primarily a contribution toward our operations as we work for the wellbeing of the community. However, as an approved participant, the benefits to an organisation, group or individual leader include:
  • A relationship with the MC that guarantees the right to participate and help shape the narrative of missions and future agenda of the MC — to use the MC’s missions port analogy: a vessel that has a berth or ‘right to dock’ and trade (in missions thinking).
  • Discounted rates for relevant MC events.
  • Open invitation to contribute missions-related essays for publishing on the MC website or other publications as opportunities allow, for distribution throughout the MC network (implicitly enhancing their promotional reach).
  • Special discount rates for hardcopy MC publications (usually available at gatherings).
  • Preferential access by mutual agreement to MC leaders as consultants, speakers, writers or other commentators for MCP/MCA’s ministries.

See below for additional benefits related to MCPs and MCAs.

4.2 MC Partners (MCPs)

In order to strategically and effectively serve WEA members and the global missions community, the MC invites participation from the following groups:

Alliances

National and regional missions and church alliances, associations, movements or networks, which have their own member constituencies.

Allied Organisations

  • Missions — international sending and receiving structures.
  • Ministries — national and international service organisations.
  • Churches — Christ-following communities that resource God’s mission.
  • Networks — collaborative groups with a special missions focus.

4.2.1 MCP Requirements

MC Partner organisations share the vision, faith and values of the MC and recognise the value of MC activities and outcomes for the strengthening of participation in the mission of God.

Approved participation as an MCP requires that the group:

  • Agrees with the vision, values, statement of faith, code of good practice, and other policies of the MC.
  • Is of good repute within the global missions community.
  • Operates with financial transparency and accountability.
  • Practices good governance.
  • Is collaboratively involved within the global missions community.
  • Positively engages with national and regional Evangelical Alliances and missions movements.
  • Is sensitive to indigenous expressions of church and missions.
  • Will encourage their senior and emerging leaders to participate in MC Global Consultations and other MC events as applicable.
  • Is open to contributing personnel and/or resources to MC projects relevant to their interests.
  • Will disseminate MC news, updates, publications and resources.
  • Agrees to contribute a recommended annual subscription fee according to the income tier relevant to their operations (set at the time of application). After the initial pro-rata payment, this fee will be invoiced annually in October to the applicant’s primary email address for payment via an online facility.

4.2.2 Additional MCP Benefits

In addition to the General Participant Benefits, benefits for participant organisations or groups include:

  • Acknowledgement on the MC website of their support of the MC community as evidence of their commitment to global collaboration.
  • Priority invitation to MC gatherings such as forums, roundtables and global consultations for up to 5 senior leaders and 5 emerging leaders as MCP delegates.
  • Discounted Associate Rates for relevant MC events for up to 5 senior leaders and 5 emerging leaders as MCP delegates.

4.2.3 MCP Approval

Groups applying to participate will be approved by the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Global Leadership Council (GLC) in consultation with the Executive Director.

4.2.4 MCP Termination

Should it be necessary, the Executive Committee of the MC will determine the termination of a participant’s subscription in consultation with the Executive Officer. The following points are primarily, but not exclusively, reasons that MC participant approval and related privileges may be withdrawn.

  • Persistent failure to observe any aspect of the MC’s Code of Good Practice (https://weamc.global/goodpractice/).
  • Failure to pay a subscription invoice within one financial quarter (three months).
  • Other special cases that emerge and require action that leads to a termination by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Executive Director.

4.3 MC Associates (MCAs)

Participation in the MC is primarily by missions leaders (experienced or emerging). While some may attend as delegates of participating organisations, most are individually approved as MCAs.

4.3.1 MCA Requirements

MC Associates share the vision, faith and values of the MC and recognise the value of MC activities and outcomes for the strengthening of participation in the mission of God.

Approved participation as an MCA requires that the individual:
  1. Is recognised as an experienced mission leader within the global missions community, or is nominated as an emerging global missions leader.
  2. Is nominated to the MC by one or more of the following:
  • An MC participant organisation or group
  • A leader of a national or regional Evangelical alliance
  • A national missions alliance or association
  • A leader from within the WEA
  • An existing MCA.
  1. Agrees to abide by the MC Code of Good Practice.
  2. Intends to participate in MC gatherings when an invitation is extended.
  3. Agrees to contribute a recommended annual subscription fee according to the tier most relevant to their income level. After the initial pro-rata payment, this fee will be invoiced annually in October to the applicant’s primary email address for payment via an online facility.

    4.3.2 Additional MCA Benefits

    In addition to the General Participant Benefits, benefits for participant individuals include:

    • Recognition as a collaborative participant in a global network of missions leaders at the leading edge of applied missions thinking.
    • Access to a supportive international network of peer missions leaders outside of the MCA’s primary organisation or group.
    • Authority to nominate and endorse potential new MCAs (subject to MC Executive Committee approval in consultation with the Executive Director).

    4.3.3 MCA Approval

    Individuals applying to participate will be approved by the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Global Leadership Council (GLC) in consultation with the Executive Director.

    4.3.4 MCA TERMINATION

    Should it be necessary, the Executive Committee of the MC will determine the termination of a participant’s subscription in consultation with the Executive Officer. The following points are primarily, but not exclusively, reasons that MC participant approval and related privileges may be withdrawn.

    • Persistent failure to observe any aspect of the MC’s Code of Good Practice (https://weamc.global/goodpractice/).
    • Failure to pay a subscription invoice within one financial quarter (three months).
    • Has not served as an active participant of the MC for more than a three year period (for example, does not respond to MC correspondence when personally addressed, or does not attend MC gatherings when invited).
    • Other special cases that emerge and require action that leads to a termination by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Executive Director.

    5. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

    5.1 The Global Leadership Council (GLC)

    The Global Leadership Council (GLC) functions as the governing board of the Mission Commission formed by leaders of key stakeholder organisations or as otherwise identified as valuable to the MC. The minimum size of the GLC should be 10, the maximum 18, with a decision-making quorum of 60% of the total number of the Council’s members. The GLC shall be constituted by MC Associates who are fully identified with the Mission Commission. The GLC will seek a balance of age, ministry and gender representation and will show an appropriate ratio of global representatives.

    The GLC has a Chair and a Vice-Chair and ordinarily meets at least three times per year and extra-ordinarily when needed.

    The GLC appoints officers, establishes the policies and priorities of the MC, provides oversight for the Executive Director, and evaluates operational health. The Executive Director is accountable to the GLC for approved outcomes and as such is an ex officio member.

    GLC members are expected to play a proactive role in the life of the MC.

    5.1.1 Members of the GLC:

    1. Preference will be given to leaders of national missionary alliances, missions representatives of national evangelical alliances, and regional MC-aligned missions networks and movements.
    2. The period of service of the GLC will be four years, with the possibility of an extension of another four years.
    3. Every two years at least, 25% of the GLC members shall step down and be replaced with new members as monitored by the ExCo.
    4. Former GLC members may be invited to rejoin the GLC for a new period of service after an interval of at least 2 years.

    5.1.2 Functions of the GLC:

    1. Recommend to the WEA leadership their nomination of a new Executive Director (ED).
    2. Participate with the ED and Lead Cohort to formulate the long-term MC vision and policy.
    3. Serve within their sphere of influence as an advocate for the MC in vision, funding and representation.
    4. Evaluate the wellbeing of the MC and progress of stated objectives.
    5. Receive regular financial reports and provide financial accountability.
    6. Serve with the ED and Lead Cohort in the fulfilment of the collaborative vision.
    7. Serve when requested by the ED as an official representative of the MC.

    5.2 The Executive Committee (ExCo)

    5.2.1 Members of the ExCo:

    1. The Executive Committee (ExCo) consists of the GLC Chair, Vice-chair and two other members of the GLC; The ED normally meets with the ExCo. When possible, the ExCo meets physically no less than once every two years.
    2. ExCo members serve for four years, which can be extended for a maximum of another four years. A possible extension will be decided by the GLC in consultation with the ED.

    5.2.2 The functions of the ExCo include:

    1. Consult with the ED regarding the appointment of Deputy Leaders to the Lead Cohort.
    2. Consult with the ED and Lead Cohort regarding the appointment of MC Synergist leaders.
    3. In cooperation with the ED shape the agenda for the GLC meetings.
    4. Provide oversight of the MC as well as pastoral care for the ED.
    5. Serve as a sounding board and source of wisdom for the ED.
    6. Approve MCA appointments and conclusion.
    7. Consult with the ED on the approval of new MC projects.
    8. Guard the good reputation of the MC, act against anything that damages it, and find appropriate ways of enhancing it.
    9. Provide, together with the ED, financial oversight.
    10. Appoint committees or working groups as needed by the GLC.

    5.3 The Executive Director (ED)

    1. The Executive Director (ED) is nominated for appointment by the GLC to the WEA Secretary General via the Director of the Global Witness department after a robust selection process. Due diligence should include seeking the advice of key stakeholders who know the nominee as well as regional and national evangelical alliance leaders within whose jurisdiction the nominee normally serves.
    2. The ED is accountable to the WEA Secretary General via the Director of the Global Witness department and works in close consultation with the Chair and ExCo of the GLC.
    3. The ED shall serve for a term of four years, renewable upon nomination of the GLC and the WEA Secretary General via the Director of the Global Witness department.
    4. The ED shall manage the affairs of the MC in carrying out its purposes.
    5. The ED is authorised to recruit Deputy Leaders to form a Lead Cohort, after the counsel and approval of the ExCo.
    6. The ED is authorised to name Synergist leaders as well as to remove them from their position after consultation with the Lead Cohort and the ExCo.

    5.4 The Lead Cohort (LC)

    The MC has a Lead Cohort (LC) of Deputy Leaders comprised of experienced missions leaders from different ecclesiastical, cultural and ministry backgrounds. The number and qualification of LC members is determined by the demands of the MC’s strategic plan, but the LC should be no fewer than 3 and no more than 12 members in addition to the ED.

    5.4.1 Appointment:

    Deputy Leaders are identified, invited and appointed by the Executive Director as part of his/her wider operational leadership, in consultation with ExCo and ratification by the GLC.

    5.4.2 Role:

    1. The LC is led by the ED, and Deputy Leaders are accountable to the ED.
    2. Deputy Leaders are seconded to the MC by churches, alliances, movements, missions agencies or other organisations, for full-time or part-time work with the MC.
    3. Deputy Leaders serve for the duration of the current ED’s term. A new ED may or may not renew their appointment.
    4. Deputy Leaders may conclude their role at any time by mutual agreement with the ED.
    5. A Deputy Leader appointment may be withdrawn by the ED in consultation with the ExCo should the Deputy Leader
    • Persistently fail to observe any aspect of the MC’s Code of Good Practice (https://weamc.global/goodpractice/).
    • Not be able to actively fulfil their responsibilities in the MC for more than a consecutive 12 month period.
    • Other special cases that emerge and require action that leads to a withdrawal of appointment by the ED in consultation with the ExCo.

    5.4.3 Responsibilities:

    1. The LC has the following functions:
    • Implement, together with the ED, the Strategic Plan of the MC
    • Represent and promote the MC in national, regional and global events
    • Accomplish the specific tasks according to the annual MC plan discussed and decided in LC meetings.
    2. Deputy Leaders serve the MC strategic plan in designated ways according to their role description.
    3. Provide a bi-annual written update on their activities as a representative of the MC (a GLC-approved template will be supplied for this purpose).

    5.5. Synergists

    MC Synergists are “fellow workers” (e.g. Timothy & Titus) appointed and authorised to represent the MC on particular missions issues and participate in conversations, gatherings, networks, etc. relevant to the missions issue for which they are responsible. A GLC or LC member may simultaneously serve as a Synergist. MC Synergists need not be identified as experts or leaders within their missions issue, but they should be recognized as engaged participants regarding the issues and not solely outside observers.

    5.5.1 Appointment:

    Synergists are identified, invited and appointed by the Executive Director as part of his/her wider operational leadership, in consultation with the LC and ExCo and ratification by the GLC.

    5.5.2 Role:

    1. Included as part of the Core Leadership of the MC alongside the GLC and LC.
    2. Recognised by the GLC and LC as the MC’s primary informant as regards their assigned issue(s).
    3. Invited by default to Core Leadership gatherings, roundtable meetings, etc.
    4. Included in operational strategic development discussions.
    5. The point-person for discussions related to their issue(s), ensuring it is given adequate exposure at MC events.
    6. Authority to develop and oversee an MC project that adds value to their mission issue(s) conversation within the global missions community.
    7. Able to create an MC cluster focused on their missions issue(s) to collaboratively add value to the conversation. This may develop into a network in its own right that maintains connection with the MC via subscribed participation.
    8. A Synergist appointment may be withdrawn by the ED in consultation with the ExCo should the Synergist
    • Persistently fail to observe any aspect of the MC’s Code of Good Practice (https://weamc.global/goodpractice/).
    • Not be able to actively fulfil their responsibilities in the MC for more than a consecutive 12 month period.
    • Other special cases that emerge and require action that leads to a withdrawal of appointment by the ED in consultation with the ExCo.

    5.5.3 Responsibilities:

    1. Needs to be personally involved in and tracking conversations related to their mission issue(s).
    2. Participate in online forums for MC Core Leaders.
    3. Attend a once every two years gathering of MC Core Leadership.
    4. Provide collaborative support to other WEA groups focusing on similar issues as appropriate.
    5. Provide a bi-annual written update on developments regarding their mission issue(s) for wider publication (a GLC-approved template will be supplied for this purpose).

    6. FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES

    6.1 Projects

    Projects are functional activities authorised and conducted by the MC as part of its purpose to strengthen participation in God’s mission. Projects are outcome-defined activities led by an appointed MC leader to add value or otherwise contribute to a specific missions issue.

    6.1.1 Project Criteria

    1. Projects will be formally proposed to the ED for consideration, clearly articulating how it fulfils the purpose of the MC and benefits a specific missions issue. It will state expected outcomes, deadlines, budget, and other resources required to achieve the objective.
    • The specified outcome will be a tangible contribution to missions (e.g. a research report, book, training manual, curriculum, formalised network, or other resource).
    • A gathering may contribute towards this outcome, but it will not be considered an outcome in its own right.

    2. The ED will authorise MC projects, in consultation with the LC and ExCo.

    3. The MC does not guarantee resources for any proposed project.

    4. The ED and LC will assist project leaders (usually Synergists) to source funds and mobilize resources for the project.

    7. OUR FINANCIAL SOURCES

    The Mission Commission is a low-budget, high-impact global missions body that depends on various sources for its financial existence.

    7.1 MC Budget

    Income for the MC is generated from:

    • Contributions from MCAs and MCPs connected via subscribed participation
    • Gifts from individuals, churches and foundations/trusts
    • Income generated from publications, products and events
    • Project and program grants from churches, individuals, foundations and trusts.

    In addition to raising financial income to help achieve MC goals, significant value is added from the “contributed services” of volunteers.

    7.2 MC Expenditure

    The MC uses its financial resources for:

    • Operational staff remuneration
    • Office and communications overheads
    • Event management expenses
    • Publication costs
    • Assistance with MC leaders’ travel, accommodation and meals as required
    • Conference fee subsidies.

    By default, involvement in MC leadership and projects is voluntary, usually by secondment from an organisation that is a subscribed participant. As with other volunteers, leadership involvement is considered a highly valued contributed service to the MC.

    7.3 MC Financial Accountability

    • Funds held by the WEA central office are accounted for by the WEA’s financial services in the USA, where they are audited annually and accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
    • Funds held in trust for the MC by a ‘backbone’ organisation like a national missions alliance or missions organisation are managed via approved accounting procedures and included in the auditing or financial review requirements for charities in their context.

    8. APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS

    1. This constitution shall be approved by the GLC.
    2. Amendments to the constitution may be recommended by the ExCo in consultation with the ED for approval by the GLC.

    Last revised by the MC Global Leadership Council: June, 2022.