The announcement came on the 200th anniversary of the commissioning of Adoniram and Ann Judson, the first U.S. missionaries sent out by a mission society.
Until recently, two associations of missions agencies and denominations have operated in the United States and Canada: CrossGlobal Link (formerly IFMA) and The Mission Exchange (formerly EFMA).
Church of God World Missions is a founding member of the former EFMA. In October 2010, the executive leadership and member agencies of both associations voted to merge, and plans ensued for a rebranding process and launch of the merged associations during the bicentennial.
“Missio Nexus” now represents more than 200 missions groups including denominational and independent mission organizations, training centers, educational institutions and churches that deploy over 35,000 North American missionaries globally in nearly every country in the world.
“This new platform signals a new day for mission unity,” said Dr. Grant McClung, president of Missions Resource Group (www.MissionsResourceGroup.org), and International missionary educator with Church of God World Missions.
McClung is an immediate past member of executive board for The Mission Exchange and was involved in the merger process.
“Leading up to the merger process,” he noted, “we worked hard to broaden membership and services to individual members, missions training programs, and local churches.”
The wider evangelical community has welcomed and embraced this network.
Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said, “Belonging to The Mission Exchange and CrossGlobal Link meant doctrinal fidelity, financial accountability and mission integrity. All of these continue and increase with Missio Nexus.”
Doug Birdsall, executive chair of the Lausanne Movement, gave his commendation, pointing out that the next generation of missions leaders are looking for models of advancing the gospel in the world.
“Adoniram Judson,” Birdsall noted, “once said that ‘The future is as bright as are the promises of God,’ and we see a glimpse of that bright future in the merger of these two great associations.”
The Missio Nexus board has appointed Steve Moore, former president and chief executive officer of The Mission Exchange, to serve as president of the new network.
“Missio, the Latin word for mission,” Moore explained, “affirms the importance of proclaiming the unchanging message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nexus, a Latin word for a means of connection, captures the coming together of two associations.
“This historic merger enables The new association is planning the next meeting of the North American Missions Leaders Conference, scheduled for Sept. 20 and 21 in Chicago.
