About UMC Missions

The United Methodist Church believes that all people and areas of the church have a role in furthering the mission God has given us. The General Board of Global Ministries is the agency of the United Methodist Church that resources and supports the church (regional bodies, annual conferences, missionary conferences, local congregations, and individuals) as we live out the varieties of calls to mission that come from following Jesus.

Four Mission Goals:

  1. Make disciples of Jesus Christ Matthew 28:19
  2. Strengthen, develop, and renew Christian congregations and communities Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4
  3. Alleviate human suffering  Micah 6:8, Matthew 25:31-45, James 3:17
  4. Seek justice, freedom, and peace Micah 6:8, Psalm 82, Luke 4:18, 1 Peter 3:11

A Wesleyan Theology of Mission

The Mission Theology statement guides our United Methodist participation in the Missio Dei ('mission of God' in Latin). The statement frames Global Ministries’ role within the denominational mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 

Values & Principles of Service

"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" Galatians 5:22  

Whatever our named purpose or task might be as we engage in serving God and others, the primary goal is always to share the love of Christ with God's people. This means that our underlying purpose is to show love by respecting others, showing kindness, patience, and faith in all circumstances (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Philippians 4.) Since we participate in the work that is of God, for God, and completed by God, we strive to rely on the Holy Spirit and to allow the fruit of the Spirit to be the greatest content of our work.

"For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened"  Luke 11:10

The nature of service and the value of relationship leads the United Methodist Church to one our cornerstone principles: We only go where we are invited. We offer our service in response to specific invitations. These may come in the form of cries for help in the midst of disaster and distress, suggestions of partnership between government, international or local organizations, or the request of a local UMC congregation or body.

"The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion" Philippians 1:6
"For God has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

We know that we may not see fruit right away and that addressing the hurts and needs of this world is not a quick fix. When a United Methodist presence is established in an area of the world or of ministry, we are often in place for the long haul.  It may not be the same individuals but as the body of the United Methodist Church, our goals is to establish systems of partnerships, initiatives, and networks that allow for continued work on a long-term development and mutually agreed-upon goals.

Financial Integrity

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10

We often recognize the different roles involved in mission by saying that some people can be "players, prayers, and payers." Financial support is necessary for most forms of outreach and we seek to honor the generosity of those who give by making sure that we are accountable for how they are used.  This means that gifts through our Advance system of giving are used 100% for the ministry or project for which it is given. This is possible because our regular church offerings support the financial systems, especially through our annual "One Great Hour of Sharing."  

If a group has an Advance number - an idenitfying number and account - it meets our missional guidelines and has agreed to abide by our principles of financial management and stewardship. If a group is found to be in violation of this agreement, there is a system of recourse.  For this and other fiscal and safety reasons, we ask that all groups use the church's financial systems  Learn more about The Advance.

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." 1 Corinthians 4:2

"Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially those in the family of faith."  Galatians 6:10

Wherever it best serves the goals of our mission, witnesses to Christ and holds to the above values, we encourage partner with other groups and organizations, ecuemnical, faith-based or secular. Examples of fruitful partnerships include:

  • WorldVision
  • Second Harvest Food Banks of NW PA,
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
  • Red Cross, Blue Crescent, etc.
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Community service groups such as Kiwanis, Lions Club,
  • Scouting organizations.  
  • Local schools


Latest Mission Related Conference News

Conference Mission Journey to Guatemala Set for November

July 25, 2023
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” -- Matthew 25:40 The Western PA Conference Missions is excited to announce plans for a cultural mission journey to Guatemala from November 4-12, 2023. Hosted by The National Primitive Methodist Church of Guatemala (IENMPG), one of the WPAUMC missional partnerships, this mission trip is primarily a cultural experience to learn about the beauty of the country, ... read more

Meet the New WPA Conference Secretary of Global Ministries

July 25, 2023
WPA Missions is pleased and excited to introduce Bruce Griffith as our new Conference Secretary of Global Ministries (CSGM). Bruce is a recently retired elder of our annual conference. He is originally from Indiana County where he taught elementary school for 5 years before his calling to ministry. After graduating from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, he served the Franklin Street UMC in Johnstown. Bruce continued to follow God’s leading in ministry and served for almost 14 years in ... read more

Mission u Event Building Communities of Hope

March 14, 2023
“When I think about where we are right now, there is a dynamic in our relationships that is more about how we are different instead of together,” shared Rev. Renee Mikell as she led the opening session of Mission u on Sunday, March 12, at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center.   “Who Can We Be Together?” was the theme echoed by Rev. Mikell and Rev. Rick Nelson, who coordinated the event and led opening worship on Sunday evening. “Who can we be together every day?” Nelson asked. “Together, we come to ... read more

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