Mission First! proposal going to General Board in April

Most healthy organizations take time now and again to re-examine their focus and set a vision or goals for the future. While the 2020 Vision emphases on new and transforming churches as well as pro-reconciliation/anti-racism and leadership development continue, the General Minister and President said at the February 2014 General Board meeting, "I believe that there is the potential to build a lighter, more fluid, mission-focused way of collaborating that allows this fleet of boats that is the Church to head off in generally the same direction according to basic mission priorities that we decide together." (listen to full audio here)

Beginning with the appointment of a task force in 2014, the General Board initiated a look into ways that we can find areas of mission focus together. The task force began meeting last summer and has consulted with other Church leaders throughout the year. (See below for references in Communique and Disciples News Service)

The result is Mission First!, a proposal that includes mission gatherings across the various expressions of the Church. In January 2015, a letter was sent to all congregations explaining the general direction the task force is recommending after discussion with other leadership groups. While details are still in process, and the General Board and General Assembly must give approval, the broad outline is painted in this 3-minute video message from Rev. Watkins.

Gathering and Going