We are now the New Wilmington Mission Conference, after being the New Wilmington Missionary Conference for 101 years. It is hard for some of us to get in the habit of remembering to say the new name. Why change? There are a number of reasons, but primarily the Board felt it would help to better accomplish our purpose, which is to mobilize the church for mission.
We decided that the word "missionary" was keeping some people from attending. This includes some people who might think the conference is only for missionaries. We believe the category "mission conference" has a greater general appeal than "missionary conference" to people who don't know anything about us. Numerous mission leaders encouraged us to make the change.
Our purpose and our goals have not changed. We have always been a mission conference that lifts high the cross of Christ and considers the Great Commision to be our charge. Our intense desire is that individuals will be encouraged to follow Jesus more closely and urged to get involved with what he is doing in the world. The Gospel will be proclaimed. The call to deeper discipleship and disciple-making will be given. Speakers, missionaries and small group leaders will challenge attendees to consider how to live out that calling.
I can't wait for the 102nd New Wilmington Mission Conference!