The Methodist Church has renewed its commitment to mission in the UK and overseas.
Its Council voted at a meeting in London this week to continue the process of integrating the Methodist Missionary Society into the Church.
The process is being undertaken to strengthen the Church's mission work in a changing world.
David Friswell, Leader of World Church Relationships, said: "With fresh expressions of church growing, changes in children and youth work, existing in an ever growing multi-cultural community, there are many exciting challenges facing the development of mission work both in the UK and abroad.
"Our vision is clear: that mission is core to the very heart and soul of the Methodist Church in Britain and will continue to be so for many years to come."
The Council also considered the Church's involvement in education and the possibility of increasing the number of Methodist schools, proposed last year by the Methodist Conference.
The Methodist Church currently operates schools in 22 of the 31 Districts across Britain.
David Gamble, Education Project Officer, said: "This is an exciting time for the Methodist Church as it responds to the challenge set before it by last year's Conference and explores ways to develop its commitment to and involvement in education."
