New Year’s Message

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

As we reflect on the past year and prepare for the journey ahead, we are reminded of the clear mission entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Great Commission is not simply a command but a divine calling that has guided the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) for almost 140 years. In the face of a rapidly changing world marked by economic turmoil, conflicts, humanitarian crises, and environmental challenges, our commitment to spreading the gospel and serving communities with love and compassion remains steadfast.

The year 2024 has been shaped by significant global events, from escalating conflicts and deepening social inequalities to climate-related disasters affecting millions. We have witnessed continued unrest in various parts of the world, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where many of our Alliance churches have stood as beacons of hope amid suffering. Political shifts and economic hardships have further underscored the need for a church that not only preaches the Good News but also embodies it through tangible acts of service. Despite these challenges, the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) has remained resolute in its mission, empowering national churches to work together to advance God’s Kingdom through theological education, missionary outreach, and community development initiatives.

As we approach 2025, we stand at the threshold of an historic milestone, our 50th anniversary as a global fellowship. This marks five decades of dedication to foster cooperation among national churches, equipping leaders, and advancing the gospel in both word and deed. Our journey has been one of faith and perseverance, marked by the incredible ways God has used the AWF to unite churches across cultural and geographical boundaries. We celebrate the expansion of the Alliance family, now reaching over 80 countries with more than 6.72 million members in 24,680 churches, sharing the message of Christ in their communities and beyond to the ends of the earth.

A core pillar of AWF has always been cooperating in mission. The call to “go and make disciples of all nations” has driven our efforts to mobilize missionaries from various cultural backgrounds, forming partnerships that transcend borders. Today, 1,712 workers from 41 national Alliance churches, serve in cross-cultural missionary projects, bringing the gospel to 351 ethnic groups and strengthening emerging churches.

Another key responsibility of the AWF is to uphold the theological foundations and ministry priorities of the Christian and Missionary Alliance by actively advancing theological education. Through regional seminars, online courses, and theological partnerships, we have witnessed a deepening of doctrinal understanding and a renewed commitment to the Alliance’s core values. These efforts have not only strengthened individual leaders but have also fostered a spirit of collaboration among national churches, allowing them to support one another in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Community development has become an integral part of AWF’s mission, embodying Christ’s love in practical ways. From disaster relief efforts to healthcare initiatives, from educational programs to sustainable development projects, our national churches have responded to the pressing needs of their communities. These efforts have not only alleviated suffering but have also opened doors for the gospel, demonstrating that faith in Christ brings renewal and hope to every aspect of life.

As we prepare to gather for the AWF Quadrennial Convocation in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, in October 2025, we look forward to celebrating our 50-year journey while embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead. This historic event will be a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to our shared mission. We will come together as a global family, united in our desire to see lives transformed through the power of the gospel.

The world around us continues to shift, presenting new and complex challenges. Yet, we remain confident in Christ’s promise: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” As we move forward, let us do so with boldness and faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. May we continue to stand as a united fellowship, dedicated to proclaiming Christ, strengthening his Church, and serving the world with unwavering love and compassion.