“WMU challenges Christian believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God.” – Vision statement of Woman’s Missionary Union.

In 2013 Woman’s Missionary Union will celebrate 125 years of ministry. As we prepare for this celebration, I’ve found myself reflecting on the staying power of WMU.  After writing the WMU Missions Guide for Churches, the reason why WMU has not only endured but continues to generate excitement about missions has become clear to me.

I believe that the resilience of WMU is found in the vision and objectives which guide everything we do.  The WMU vision statement points to the Great Commission purpose of WMU and to our commitment to missions discipleship. This is the passion of WMU because the gospel story and the Great Commission matter.  The objectives of WMU are thus the practical expression of being involved in the mission of God. Through these objectives, WMU promotes a biblical worldview for all ages that compels believers to be compassionate and active in their faith.

The objectives of WMU are things we want every missions organization, women’s or men’s group, Bible study class, and congregation to be about.  What church does not want their people to:
    Pray for missions
    Engage in mission action and witnessing
    Learn about missions
    Support missions
    Develop spiritually towards a missions lifestyle
    Participate in the work of the church and the denomination

How to order the listing of the objectives has always been a challenge.  It must be said that there is no order according to importance.  Each objective informs and impacts the other.  They are so interrelated that it is difficult to think of them independently.  Taken together, the WMU objectives provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to missions for life. The objectives are the same for all WMU organizations and approaches.

“Missions for life” is the new tag line of national WMU and each state is encouraged to use it as well.  It is a pretty good descriptor of what we want to accomplish in WMU – that every person develop spiritually in such a way that missions is way of life and is a lifetime commitment.

I am passionate about WMU because I am passionate about missions and helping others catch the vision of missions for life.  Because WMU has as our singular focus to pray, give, learn, and do missions, it is the best avenue I know for being on mission.  As a leader, I appreciate the fact that WMU enlists writers and puts together great learning materials.  Just by using these materials, we ourselves can learn and we can teach others.  I don’t have to dream up teaching plans, research ideas, etc. WMU has done that part for me.  It’s just up to me and my church to utilize the resources and be part of a ministry through which The Story Lives On.