Integral Mission Forum

What is it about?

The purpose of the forum is to engage those in the GC network involved in Integral Mission to:

• Discuss and debate integral approaches to mission as they are worked out in a variety of contexts (e.g. restrictive - unrestrictive, rural - urban, north - south, relief - development)
• Encourage theological reflection on what a faithful biblical response looks like to these issues, (including what it means to be distinctively Christian), and to explore the theology behind their practice
• Create a space for networking, mutual learning and joint working
• Bring to the fore, global trends and current issues so people are up to date with current thinking and likely future developments
• Share and make accessible current ‘best practices’, innovative and creative approaches, and relevant tools and resources to sharpen practice
• Challenge and inspire members

Regular attendees include those working in churches and parachurch organisations, seeking transformation in their local communities and wider society, in both the UK and abroad, particularly those focusing on relief and development. It meets as a group twice a year, but also provides many other opportunities for members to engage with each other.

Integral mission encompasses all aspects of our life and ministry including how we engage with our communities and encourages us to strive to serve with a Kingdom perspective. Issues are addressed from a Biblical perspective. Topics are chosen by the Steering Group, helped by suggestions from members of the forum. The bi-annual events are an opportunity for networking and mutual learning.

Topics that have been covered recently have included: mental health, church and community, creation care, protest and mission, pursuing justice, and responding when culture harms.

Who is on the planning team?

The Steering Group is chaired by Heidi Damon (Tearfund) and group members include Mark Galpin (All Nations Christian College), Sheryl Haw (independent member), Ian Hamlin (Coney Hill Baptist), Neil Casey (Bookham Baptist Church), Steffie James (Tearfund), Wonu Adefala (GC) and administered by Global Connections.

For more information, contact Wonu Adefala