Department for Mission and Development
Lift high the cross. © QLC |
The Department for Mission and Development (DMD) fosters communion in mission, within and among the LWF member churches. DMD assists, coordinates and accompanies 140 member churches, related agencies and other bodies to create, develop and maintain holistic ministries that are faithful to the fundamental task of the church to participate in God’s mission to all creation.
After extensive study and consultation, DMD published "Mission in Context: Transformation, Reconciliation, Empowerment - An LWF Contribution to the Understanding and Practice of Mission" in 2004. The aim is to stimulate self-analysis and to reaffirm “mission in context” among the LWF member churches and other bodies.
Click for more information on the new LWF Mission Document.
Governance, Mandate and Organization
The department’s work is governed by the LWF Council through the Program Committee for Mission and Development (PCMD).
Please click for more information on the mandate of DMD:
- DMD Terms of Reference
- Terms of Reference for all Council Committees
- Mandate of the LWF Project Committee
Please click for the DMD Organization Chart.
(All links require Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Mission and Development Themes
The vision of a communion in mission grows out of the understanding and firm belief that the church is missional. The reason for being the church is mission in a holistic form that encompasses proclamation, diakonia/service, advocacy for peace and justice, interfaith dialogue and care for creation. The following themes reflect the focus of DMD work:
Click for more information on DMD Themes.
Regional Programs
Sharing life - church in Bolivia. © LWF/J. Schep |
Area desks (based in Geneva) and regional offices respond to the needs of LWF regional expression, the particular concerns of church life in the regions and specific priorities identified by the member churches. DMD initiates, coordinates and facilitates regional programs as follow up to the commitments of the LWF Tenth Assembly in 2003, working jointly with the member churches, related agencies and ecumenical organizations.
Capacity Building
Air conditioning |
DMD capacity-building programs are aimed at empowering the member churches, in their mission endeavors, to address local, national and global issues. The program for Human Resources Development includes specialized education, such as theology and language training, and assistance for people with disabilities. Communication Consultancy focuses on skills, research and technical tools and resources for communication. Capacity Building Workshops with member churches are tailored to specific local needs, including attention to skills in needs assessment, contextual analysis, planning, monitoring and reporting.
Click for more information on the Capacity Building programs:
Availing the gifts that women bring. |
Women in Church and Society (WICAS)
The Desk for Women in Church and Society (WICAS), based in Geneva, accompanies the member churches and the LWF Secretariat with two distinct approaches:
- A practical approach that provides opportunities for leadership and addresses the varied needs of women; and
- A strategic approach to promote the formulation of gender-based policies and practices that would make the LWF an inclusive communion that avails the gifts that women bring.
Click for more information on Women in Church and Society (WICAS).
LWF Youth
© LWF/D. Mills |
The LWF Youth Desk, based in Geneva, works with and for young adults, 18 to 30 years old, who are either youth leaders in their churches or agree to serve in their churches as multipliers based on their international experience. The work of LWF Youth was recently evaluated to assess the impact and effectiveness of the work done by LWF Youth.
The reformulated Mission of LWF Youth is: "To work with and for youth, as well as with and for LWF member churches, to promote the full inclusion of youth and youth concerns in the life and decision-making of church and society in close cooperation with other relevant networks."
Click for more information on LWF Youth.
Project Work
© LWF/J. Schep |
While global and regional programs relate to more than one member church, projects relate to individual member churches. Churches have the vision to extend their holistic ministries through evangelism, diakonia, advocacy and leadership development but need assistance and access to resources to pursue their visions. DMD ensures coordination and assessment of project applications and fund raising to support approved projects, as well as accompaniment and monitoring during implementation.
Click for more information on Project Work.
For more information please contact:
Rev. Dr Kjell Nordstokke, DMD Director
Stefan Niederberger, Administrative Assistant
