Delegates from across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) gathered for the 2025 Annual Council, a key leadership meeting where church officers, administrators, and departmental directors review mission progress and plan strategic initiatives for the coming year. Opening the morning devotional, Pastor Richard McEdward, executive secretary of the General Conference, reminded attendees that every effort of the Church must point toward one purpose—mission. “Everything we do is for mission,” he emphasized, urging leaders to embrace integration in ministry as a reflection of God’s character and a means to reach every tribe, tongue, and people. During the morning devotional, McEdward reminded everyone that everything the Church does—every ministry, initiative, and outreach—must find its purpose in mission. “Everything we do is for mission,” he said, emphasizing that the gospel commission is not a single department’s task but the unifying call of every believer who follows Jesus.
A Mission That Reaches Every Frontier
McEdward spoke about the three major mission frontiers—the 10/40 Window, the Post-Christian Window, and the Urban Window—areas where the message of hope still needs to be heard. He noted that these regions represent not only geographical challenges but also cultural and ideological barriers that require compassion, understanding, and creativity in ministry.
“We have a mission to every tribe, tongue, and people,” he declared, pointing to the heart of Revelation’s message that calls God’s people to proclaim His love universally. The pastor added that sacrifice is the foundation of a unified mission, reflecting Christ’s own example of giving everything for the salvation of humanity.
Why Integration?
Explaining why integration is essential to fulfilling the Church’s mission, McEdward shared that it mirrors God’s very character—unity in diversity. He said integrated ministry embodies the compassion of Christ, who reached out to people from all walks of life. Citing 1 Corinthians 12:21–26, he reminded delegates that every believer possesses a gift uniquely designed to strengthen the body of Christ. Integration, he added, allows the Church to touch lives that might never respond to the gospel through traditional approaches, as illustrated in Mark 7:24–27. Ultimately, he emphasized, integrated ministry represents God’s inclusive kingdom, one that embraces every tribe, tongue, and people.
The Power of Integration in Ministry
Highlighting the concept of integration, McEdward explained that a truly missional church embraces unity in diversity. “Integration represents God’s character—unity in diversity,” he said. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:21–26, he reminded the congregation that every believer has been gifted by God to contribute to the body of Christ. “We never know in the church who has special gifts that are still unrecognized,” he said, encouraging leaders to help members discover and use their God-given talents in ministry.
Integration, he added, also reflects the compassion ministry of Jesus—one that reaches out beyond traditional boundaries to touch the lives of those who might never have responded otherwise. Referencing Mark 7:24–27, he shared how Christ reached people from other backgrounds, showing that mission must go where others may hesitate to go.
Baptism: A Celebration of New Life in Christ
McEdward underscored that baptism is more than a ritual—it is a celebration of transformation. “Baptism is a way of seeing people celebrate their new life in Jesus Christ,” he said. Every baptism, he added, is a visible sign of heaven’s joy and a reminder of the Church’s purpose—to lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus.
Mission That Reflects God’s Heart
Reading from Luke 4:18–19, McEdward reminded everyone that Jesus Himself modeled an integrated ministry—healing, teaching, restoring, and proclaiming freedom. “God gave an illustration of Himself of the true meaning of integrated ministry,” he said, urging members to look at mission not as a program but as a lifestyle that mirrors Christ’s compassion.
He concluded by pointing to Matthew 25:34, where Christ welcomes those who have served others in His name, saying, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father.” McEdward’s message called for a renewed commitment to mission—to be One Voice for every tribe, tongue, and people—living and serving “all for God and His mission.”