WORLD OUTREACH COMMITTEE

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. Mobilized the church for global mission by commissioning new workers, expanding training initiatives, and strengthening outreach both globally and locally.

2. Supported global workers through comprehensive Member Care services, including counseling, crisis response, and the launch of a new international care center.

3. Expanded theological education worldwide through ITEN by strengthening partnerships, training leaders across multiple regions, and developing new ministry initiatives.

4. Continued the ongoing development of the Engage initiative (formerly Engage 2025) through deeper commitment to respective presbytery people groups, wider partnership consideration, and stronger collaboration.

5. Advanced global engagement and church participation through training programs, mission cohorts, and strategic international collaboration. 

6. Strengthened organizational effectiveness through internal restructuring, leadership development, and a renewed focus on collaboration and long-term mission impact. 

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RECOMMENDATIONS

46-56 That World Outreach Committee recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE amending Rules for Assembly 10-1.B to expand committee members from nine (9) to twelve (12) members. 

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WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

Mobilizing the Church for Global Mission
This year, the committee made significant progress in mobilizing the church for God’s mission by focusing on sending, training, and engaging believers. Seventeen new global workers were commissioned, marking a tangible step forward in expanding the church’s presence among the nations. At the same time, training initiatives such as Kairos, which equipped over 80 participants, and the launch of The Unfinished Story for Youth helped cultivate a growing awareness of global mission across generations.
In addition to training, the committee facilitated strategic international trips to regions such as Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, strengthening partnerships and discerning future opportunities. New Diaspora Outreach leaders were also introduced to bridge global mission efforts with local church engagement, helping congregations see their role in reaching the nations both abroad and within their own communities.

Caring for Global Workers (Member Care)
The committee remained deeply committed to the health and sustainability of global workers by strengthening Member Care systems. This included providing pastoral care, counseling, spiritual direction, coaching, and crisis response to ensure workers and their families remained healthy, effective, and supported in their ministries. The team’s expertise—rooted in cross-cultural experience and professional training—enabled a comprehensive, “full-circle” care approach.
A major milestone was the opening of “Soul Care Scotland,” a new overseas care center designed to support workers facing crisis, burnout, or conflict, as well as those needing evacuation due to instability. Additionally, the global Family Gathering in Cyprus provided a unique opportunity for restoration, encouragement, and connection among workers from around the world. Despite these advances, rising costs and the need for additional funding partnerships remain ongoing challenges as the committee seeks to maintain best-practice care.

Expanding Theological Education (ITEN)
Through ITEN, the committee continued to invest in theological education as a means of strengthening and multiplying the global church. Training efforts expanded across multiple regions, including Southeast Asia, Sierra Leone, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. In just one Southeast Asian country, regular training sessions now equip dozens of leaders, while new people groups and regions are being reached through adapted curriculum and local partnerships.
Leadership transitions and global instability have presented challenges, particularly with retirements and disruptions in regions affected by conflict. However, the committee is actively addressing these through the development of new leaders, the introduction of ITEN Adjunct roles to broaden teaching capacity, and the initiation of new partnerships such as the upcoming Bangladesh training site. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to sustainable, locally rooted leadership development.

Continued Commitment and Development of “Engage” (formerly Engage 2025)
With the successful achievement of of the Engage 2025 Initiative–to see all of our 16 presbyteries make a long-term commitment to seeing a multiplying national church develop and grow among chosen unreached people groups, the work is far from over. “Engage” is a movement, not a moment. And a long-term commitment requires adaptation, re-evaluation, and refreshment in order to continue. That process has brought new life to certain presbytery Engage partnerships, providing potential templates for others to glean from going forward.

Increasing Church Engagement and Global Participation
A key area of focus has been deepening the church’s active participation in global mission. Through structured programs like Kairos and young adult mission cohorts, more individuals are discerning their roles in praying, sending, going, and welcoming. These initiatives are helping shift mission from a specialized calling to a shared responsibility across the church. The committee has also emphasized engagement through collaboration and exposure, including strategic trips and diaspora-focused ministry efforts. By connecting global vision with local action, these efforts are fostering a more integrated and responsive mission culture within congregations, equipping them to participate meaningfully in God’s work both near and far.

Strengthening Organizational Effectiveness and Unity
Internally, the committee has invested in strengthening its structure, collaboration, and long-term effectiveness. This has involved reorganizing teams, developing ministry plans, and intentionally cultivating a more unified and prayerful approach to decision-making. While these efforts may be less visible, they are foundational for sustaining and scaling future ministry impact.
At the same time, the committee has navigated leadership transitions, global uncertainties, and increasing complexity in cross-cultural ministry. Through ongoing discernment and flexibility, the team is positioning itself for a more streamlined and proactive approach to mobilization and engagement. These internal developments reflect a commitment not only to present effectiveness but also to long-term faithfulness in the mission.

WO Snapshot

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RECOMMENDATIONS (DETAILED)

RECOMMENDATION 46-56

That World Outreach Committee recommends that the 46th General Assembly APPROVE amending Rules for Assembly 10-1.B to expand committee members from nine (9) to twelve (12) members.

Rationale:
This amendment is to increase the number of WOC members from 9 to 12. The purpose is to gain better representation across the 16 presbyteries and increase capacity for working sub-committees as World Outreach has grown by over 40% in the last 5 years.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Whitney Alexander
TE, Presbytery of the Gulf South

Jane Cooper
RE, Presbytery of the Gulf South

Randall Leonard
RE, Presbytery of the Great Plains

Waring Porter
TE, Presbytery of the Central South

Robert Longfield
RE, Prebytery of the Central South

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MEETING DATES

October 6-7, 2025: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
January 8-9, 2026: Office of the General Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
April 8-9, 2026: Video Conference
April 29-30, 2026: Email Communication

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Wes Peterson, Chairman
June 2026

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