Explore the challenges of the multicultural church, how we can overcome them and discover hope too.

About the webinar

The future of both the church and mission is undeniably multicultural – shaped by migration, global Christianity, and shifting cultural realities. Yet for many leaders, this future feels more complicated than hopeful. Why is that?

In this webinar, Harvey Kwiyani, CMS Pioneer Mission Training African Christianity Programme Lead and lecturer, explores the deeper challenges beneath the surface of “diversity,” including questions of power, belonging, leadership, and theology.

Drawing on his wider work on cultural diversity and decolonising mission, he will offer a fresh vision for understanding cultural difference not as a problem to solve, but as a gift to receive – alongside practical insights for leading churches into a more shared, participatory life in God’s mission.

Dr Harvey Kwiyani

Harvey is African Christianity Programme Lead and Acts 11 Centre Lead.

He is a Malawian missiologist and theologian who has lived, worked and studied in Europe and North America for the past 20 years.

He has researched African Christianity and African theology for his PhD, and taught African theology at Liverpool Hope University.

Harvey is also founder and executive director of Missio Africanus, a mission organisation established in 2014 as a learning community focused on releasing the missional potential of African and other minority ethnic Christians living in the UK.

• See all pioneer events

The post Webinar: The Future is Multicultural – So What’s the Problem? appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

In many Western nations, politicians are lamenting the erosion of Christian values in society and calling for restricted immigration to prevent further erosion. They insist that a government’s first priority should be the care of its own citizens and that nations have the right to control their borders. This presentation will assess these claims by asking what a distinctively Christian approach to government and nationhood would look like, and then applying it to border control in order to propose a “Christian immigration policy.”

Guest speaker

Dr Barnabas Aspray, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore. He also writes a column for Seen & Unseen and hosts a podcast, Faith at the Frontiers.

Host: Tyler Horton

• See all events

Explore Acts 11

Acts 11 newsletter:

SIGN UP

The post Webinar: Immigration and the idea of a Christian nation appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Cathy Ross explores the theology and stories of those who have found lament to be the catalyst for healing and something new.

Lament is often associated with Lent but it can also be off-putting with many unsure of how to “get it right”.

Canon Dr Cathy Ross, lecturer and tutor with CMS Pioneer Mission Training, will help us understand the theology and how it informs our practice.

She will share case studies of those who have found lament to be the catalyst for healing and something new.

By the end of this webinar, you will you know how to reflect on areas of your own life or in the world which cause you pain, how to present those to God and how to allow him to renew your hope.

Canon Dr Cathy Ross

Canon Dr Cathy Ross is a lecturer and tutor with CMS Pioneer Mission Training and is a lecturer in mission at Regent’s Park College, Oxford.

She led CMS Pioneer Mission Training Oxford from 2019 to 2025, before handing over the reins to Dr James Butler.

Until 2016 she was the General Secretary of the International Association for Mission Studies.

She has previously worked in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda with NZCMS. Cathy is also canon theologian at Leicester Cathedral.

Her research interests are in the areas of contextual theologies, World Christianity, feminist theologies and hospitality.

She is married to Steve, a GP in Oxford and they have three children and five grandchildren. She enjoys tennis, swimming, coffee, travel and watching the All Blacks.

• See all pioneer events

The post Webinar: Dreaming from a place of lament appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

As we launch our new Intercultural MA this autumn, our Conversations Day on 21 October will provide an opportunity to reflect on current missiological discourse at the intersection of world Christianity and postcolonial studies.

This is part of a study day for CMS MA students, but is also open to interested members of the public.

The day will centre on two important books published in the summer of 2025: Decolonising Mission by Harvey Kwiyani and God or Mammon: The Critical Choice Facing World Christianity by David Smith.

Both authors will join us for a thoughtful and timely dialogue on the evolving relationships between mission, imperialism, and global Christianity.

This conversation is particularly relevant in light of the shifting dynamics of global witness – shaped by the growth of world Christianity and the corresponding decline of Western imperial influence and traditional missionary frameworks. In this context, mission itself is being reimagined, and mission education must also evolve.

This Conversations Day offers a space to begin discerning what that change might look like as we seek to engage faithfully with a rapidly transforming global church.

• See all pioneer events

The post God, Mammon and Empire appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Join us for an inspiring and insightful webinar as we delve into The Quiet Revival, the groundbreaking new report from Bible Society, co-authored by Dr Rob Barward-Symmons.

This research uncovers a quiet yet powerful movement across the UK, where spiritual curiosity is growing, and unconventional expressions of faith are flourishing – often outside traditional church structures.

• Keynote speaker: Dr Rob Barward-Symmons
• Panel discussion: featuring Christian Osborne, Laura Evans, Joseph Ola and host Sarah Clarke

We believe that movements like the Quiet Revival are an invitation – not just to observe, but to participate. At CMS, we offer a range of ministry and theological training opportunities designed to equip people like you to engage in God’s mission with creativity, theological depth, and intercultural awareness.

Whether you are discerning a call to pioneer ministry, looking to grow in understanding African or Asian Christianity, or simply seeking to explore what faithful mission looks like in today’s world, there is a course pathway for you.

• Explore our courses – undergraduate and postgraduate options, most of them online
• Discover our African and Asian Christianity pathways – bringing global voices into the heart of theological education
• Sign up for our newsletter – stay connected with upcoming events, new courses, and stories from the field

• See all pioneer events

The post Webinar: Exploring the Quiet Revival appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Lots of us are involved in mission in our own locality – but how to make it meaningful for the long term?

James Butler, MA lecturer with CMS Pioneer Mission Training in Oxford, garnered some more insights on doing mission where we are from:

• Dr Anna Ruddick on ‘Missional Self-awareness’ – looking at mission as an encounter across difference and what God’s invitation is to us within that.
• Pioneer youth worker John Wheatley on ‘Journey and presence with young people’ – being present, living in the community, and working in partnerships/other people’s spaces.

We’ll also share a bit about our training opportunities.

This will be an informal webinar with short presentations and plenty of time for questions and answers.

Dr Anna Ruddick is a community theologian and researcher who facilitates theological reflection and learning for leaders, congregations and Christian organisations seeking to deepen and strengthen their relationships with their local community.

She holds a Doctorate in Practical Theology and draws on learning from different disciplines including Community Development, Practical Theology and Qualitative research practices.

In both formal and informal learning environments she aims to encourage people to act in their communities with courage and humility, to be attentive to dynamics of power and inequality, and to participate in the flourishing of our communities alongside people who are different from themselves.

John Wheatley is a pioneer youth worker on an estate in Weston-super-Mare. He co-leads the CMS Pioneer MIssion Training children’s and youth ministry programme. John previously worked with Frontier Youth Trust and is a former MA student with CMS.

• See all pioneer events

The post Webinar: Mission in the Neighbourhood – Part 2 appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Explore what African diaspora faith transmission can teach UK churches

This online conversation draws from a research project by the University of Roehampton and Missio Africanus, examining how first- and second-generation African diaspora Christians live out and pass on their faith.

The session highlights the challenges faced by both generations, the differing understandings of faith and faithfulness, and what intergenerational conversations might look like.

The discussion also connects with the Edgy Learning Project, which investigates how faith is formed, changes, and is transmitted in ‘edgy’ or liminal spaces.

Together, we explore how the African diaspora experience contributes to wider conversations about faith’s evolving nature and its transmission across generations.

Contributors include:

• James Butler – Church Mission Society & University of Roehampton
• Paul Ayokunle – Missio Africanus
• Clare Watkins – Durham University
• Ian Jones – St Peter’s Saltley Trust

Whether you’re a church leader, student, or simply passionate about mission and theology, this is a session not to miss!

Visit acts11.org for more information and updates.

Take part

For upcoming events and webinars, please see our Events page:

Events

The post Webinar: Faith and faithfulness between the generations appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Lots of us want to get involved in mission in our own locality – but where to begin? We share some insights on how to get started.

Host Cathy Ross, leader of CMS Pioneer Mission Training in Oxford, garners insights on doing mission where we are:

• Ways in to mission in the neighbourhood – with James Butler
• Connecting with young people – with John Wheatley
• Connecting with new churches – with Sheila Akomiah-Conteh

Take part

For more webinars and events, please take a look at our Events page:

Events

• See all pioneer events

The post Webinar: Mission in the neighbourhood appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

Mission, migration and African Christianity

With Colin Smith as a conversation partner, Esther Mombo spoke on the implications of migration trends that we see in African Christianity today on both the African as well as the global church.

Rooted in her understanding of both the push and pull factors determining this migration, especially among young Kenyans, she explored with us what this means for people invested in the spread of the good news around the world.

She argued that the migration of African Christians to various continents in the 21st century will change how we understand mission, and that this requires Western mission agencies to help shape what mission will look like for future generations.

In the end, she helps us think through how we can adapt to some of those changes.

Professor Mombo is a distinguished scholar in the Faculty of Theology at St Paul’s University, Limuru, Kenya, where she formerly served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), teaches church history and theologies from women’s perspectives.

Her research explores the intersection of women, culture, and religion in African contexts, focusing on the history of the church in East Africa, missiological issues, gender, and patriarchy. She is actively engaged in interfaith dialogue through the Programme for Christian and Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) and is a respected member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, contributing significantly to African women’s theological discourse.

Take part

For upcoming events and webinars, please see our Events page:

Events

The post Webinar: Mission, migration and African Christianity appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

How welcoming are we?

Acts 11’s first webinar of the year, exploring how churches across the UK are supporting people facing forced displacement. Led by Emily, who is one of the founders and CEO of Welcome Churches, this session will provide insights into the role of local churches in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.

Emily brings over a decade of experience in refugee support and will share real-life stories, practical advice, and ways churches can be at the forefront of hospitality and inclusion.

Expect an engaging discussion with time for Q&A, as we launch a series of webinars equipping churches to respond to pressing social issues.

Take part

For upcoming events and webinars, please see our Events page:

Events

• See all events

The post Webinar: How welcoming are we? appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

At Adelante 2024 we will be drawing inspiration from the past to propel us forward into the future.

Join us at Church Mission Society (CMS) for a day filled with thought-provoking discussions, talks, sharing ideas and praying together. Let’s come together to learn from our shared history and use that knowledge to shape a brighter tomorrow.

Vamos a reunirnos en Adelante 2024 para inspirarnos en el pasado y llevar esa inspiración hacia un futuro brillante juntos. ¡Nos vemos allí!

Date and time

Fri, 6 Sep 2024 17:30 – Sat, 7 Sep 2024 16:00 BST

Location

• In person at Church Mission Society (CMS)Watlington Road, Oxford, OX4 6BZ
• On Zoom (details available after booking)

Overnight accomodation is not included.

Give

Support CMS work in Latin America

Make a donation

• See all events

The post Adelante 2024 appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).

On 12 April 2024, CMS marked its 225th birthday. Here are some snapshots of 225 years together.

12 April 1799

Firm foundation

CMS was founded by members of the Eclectic Society as The Society for Missions to Africa and the East.

The Eclectic Society gathered around a teapot as they discussed starting a mission society.

1801

The Society had over 100 subscribers in its first full year.

Those giving one guinea per year to support the work were members, and were also encouraged to pray for the Society.

1804

The first missionaries

In 1804 the first CMS missionaries, German Lutherans Melchior Renner and Peter Hartwig, were sent to Sierra Leone.

Members and supporting clergy were encouraged to take collections for mission at churches, “exciting a spirit of prayer” alongside giving. Collections were often taken following a sermon preached for the occasion.

1805

First gift in will

The Society received legacy bequests for the first time.

1811

Malta

Mission work begins

1813

India

Mission work begins

1814

Aotearoa / New Zealand

Mission work begins

1818

Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Mission work begins

1819

By 1819 there were more than 170 local CMS associations in Britain.

Local associations were formed to support the work of CMS through prayer and fundraising – including through a “penny a week” subscription scheme.

By 1819, CMS publications to share stories and information from missionaries had become an important part of encouraging those supporting mission.

1820

Two single ladies

The first single women, Mary Bouffler and Hannah Johnson, began mission service, both in Sierra Leone. They were the first women to be listed in the own right as missionaries. Mary would only survive five months in post.

1822

Canada

Mission work begins

1826

Egypt; West Indies

Mission work begins

1830

Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

Mission work begins

1837

South Africa

Mission work begins

1844

South American start

The Patagonian Missionary Society (later SAMS) had its first meeting, led by Captain Allen Gardiner.

Mission work begins in what is now Nigeria and Kenya.

And the first CMS missionaries go to China.

1849

Palestine

Mission work begins

1851

Gardiner leaves living legacy

Allen Gardiner died on a beach in Tuerra del Fuego but mission work grew in his memory.

1869

Persia (Iran)

Mission work begins

1875

Japan

Mission work begins

1877

Uganda

Mission work begins

1878

Tanganyika (Tanzania)

Mission work begins

1899

100 years together

By 1899 CMS had sent out 1,556 men and 550 women in their own right.

Centenary celebrations recorded in The Gleaner included reflections on the importance of the “patient labour” behind the scenes from volunteers and office staff to make mission possible. Churches also planned special collections and fundraising activities.

Mission work also began in Sudan in this year.

1911

Chaco mission

SAMS began work in the Argentine Chaco among indigenous peoples – work that continues today.

1916

CMS Australia and New Zealand CMS

Two new autonomous CMSes were founded

1926

Ruanda Mission

A new mission founded under the umbrella of CMS to work in SW Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. It later becomes Mid-Africa Ministry and fully integrates with CMS in 2002.

1951

Malaya (Malaysia)

Mission work begins

1954

Foundation of United Mission to Nepal

1999

200 years together

As part of the bicentenary celebrations, CMS staff and volunteers undertook a sponsored walk from Oxford to Cambridge with a camel!

2008

CMS-Africa

African-led independent CMS launched in Kenya

2010

SAMS integration. Training innovation.

CMS and SAMS came together into one organisation.

Pioneer Mission Training launched at CMS – since then, almost 1,000 students have been equipped for mission at the edges in the UK and more recently around the world through online training.

2012

Asia-CMS

In Malaysia, another sister CMS is born.

2020

Pandemic: no panic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS supporters gave over £170,000 to an appeal to ensure people in mission could continue their work – and former mission partner and staff member Canon John Harwood (above) went on 94 walks for his 94 years, raising more than £15,000.

2021

222 with you

Staff and supporters took on sponsored challenges themed around 222 years of CMS – from painting railings to staff exceeding their aim of a cumulative 222 miles on a sponsored walk.

2023

Jesus never gives up. Neither should we.

Last year, thousands of people were part of the mission journey through giving to CMS. They supported over 200 people in mission in more than 50 countries.

2024

Thank you

Thank you for being part of our mission journey.

Come with us into the next chapter of our mission story by giving today.

Related posts

Get our email newsletter:

SIGN UP

The post 225 years together appeared first on Church Mission Society (CMS).