“Missio Nexus,” a new cooperative missions network, has been launched as the umbrella association for world missions efforts from North America. 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.
“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.” Missio Nexus now represents over 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.
The wider evangelical community has welcomed and embraced this network. Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, has noted that, “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, has provided his commendation, pointing out that, “The next generation of missions leaders are looking for models of advancing the gospel in the world, and we see a bright future in the merger of these two great associations.”
The Missio Nexus board has appointed Steve Moore, former President and CEO 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.” The new association is planning the next meeting of the North American Missions Leaders Conference, scheduled for September 20-21, 2012 in Chicago (see www.MissioNexus.org for news, information, and member services).