Council for World Mission Resource to Support Mission Students

Council for World Mission is currently developing a new resource that will support mission students by bringing new insights from the experiences of the organisation since its inception in 1966.

Information is currently being compiled on the major trends in world mission experienced by CWM in its 40 year history by Prof Steve de Gruchy, who is currently working as CWM's scholar in residence to develop the resource.

His work includes a study of developments in world mission, including the rise in missionaries from countries in the South, the concern to develop ministry to young people and the participation of women in mission.

"CWM since 1977 has done a lot of interesting and exciting things in the field," he said.

"In doing these things people have learned a large amount about mission. But studies and textbooks on mission do not have access to CWM work."

Prof de Gruchy hopes to gather enough resource material from his studies of CWM's annual reports, consultation documents, financial documents and Inside Out magazine to put together 10 to 15 modules for the resource.

Noting the many strength's of CWM, de Gruchy said one of its distinctive qualities included a non-hierarchical power structure which drew leaders from different regions.

He also highlighted CWM's emphasis on networking which allowed member churches to meet and build relationships but also its very broad understanding of mission and getting involved in activities from evangelism, to social ministries, to peace and reconciliation work.