One of the networks with whom I have the honor to serve as the Vice President for Administration is the Evangelical Missiological Society. We are a society of about 350 missiologists, mission administrators, teachers, pastors, and students.
Our theme for 2011 is “Urbanization: Mission in the Context of the City.” I am very excited about this extremely important topic. And I hope you will make plans to participate this year in the numerous gatherings taking place across the 
U.S. and Canada.
In addition to serving with Enoch Wan–our president– and several other members of our Executive Committee, it is a special delight to serve with eight regional Vice Presidents, who help lead their regions and oversee the annual regional meetings. Each regional gathering consists of a time of paper presentations on cutting-edge missiological issues.
For the most part, evangelicals have not done a great job in reaching the urban contexts of the world. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will use the biblical, theological, and missiological research that goes into this year’s numerous presentations to lead the Church in more and better urban engagement for the multiplicaiton of disciples, leaders, and churches.
Following the regional meetings, our annual meeting takes place in the fall, where the best-of-the-best regional presentations are shared, as well as hearing from plenary speakers.
The origins of the society can be traced back to the late 1960s. Unfortunately, tensions eventually arose in the missiological community over theological matters that appeared to be incompatible with biblical mission. At the leading of missiological giants such as Donald A. McGavran and David Hesselgrave, a reorganization occurred, and in 1990 the Evangelical Missiological Society was formed.
Here is our purpose, as found on our web site:
“The Evangelical Missiological Society (EMS) exists to advance the cause of world evangelization. We do this through study and evaluation of mission concepts and strategies from a biblical perspective with a view to commending sound mission theory and practice to churches, mission agencies, and schools of missionary training around the world.”
It is my hope that you will consider becoming a member of the Evangelical Missiological Society.
While this year’s annual meeting is scheduled to be held September 29-October 1, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona, there are still several regional meetings still to come. Let me encourage you to check out the regional links listed below and see what urban presentations are yet to be given and make plans to attend one of the regional gatherings. Contact the Vice President of the desired region for additional information about attending and becoming a member.
If you are not residing in the United States or Canada and would like to be involved in the Evangelical Missiological Society, please let me know. You can reach me at jpayne@sbts.edu.
