SUBSUMED

Several years ago, (17 to be exact) I read the work of a missiologist who strongly suggested that local churches should talk and think and pray about the way they are "doing" world mission....that "world missions should be subsumed into a new missionary movement."

So, the first thing I did was look up the word subsume. Essentially, to subsume is to consider or include...to bring under a rule. Simply put, to subsume is to absorb. 

Approximately ten years ago, we began the process of subsuming our world mission program into the overall mission of our church. And here's what we've come up with so far.

1. A continued commitment to paying 100% of our World Evangelism Fund offering.

2. The development of a mission partnership with the East Jamaica District C.O.T.N. (also known as the EJam partnership). We now direct work and witness trips and all Alabaster offerings here. 

3. The sponsorship of two Nazarene missionaries associated with Stillmeadow. Jonathan Phillips of Romania and the Klinefelds of Cambodia. 

4. The recognition that some local initiatives are an expression of world mission.

• The Table (worship and ministry site)
• The Extreme Express
• York City Campus ministries.
• The Fawn Grove Compassionate Ministry Center. 

The result?

• World Mission has become more personalized.
• As funds come in, we have a greater say in how they are distributed.
• At last years Mission Advance the MAD district reported our 10% giving at 61.35% of total raised. In other words, 61% of all monies raised went to others.