Our understanding of World Mission has changed, from ‘distant’ and ‘for the called few’ – to ‘on your doorstep’ and ‘urgent’. ‘World Shaped Mission’ seeks to re-assess, re-evaluate and re-commission what ‘world mission’ means for the church in today’s cultural climate.

The Church of England used to be exclusive to Anglican agencies such as CMS and USPG. Today, many dioceses and parishes have their own links with partner churches in the wider Anglican community. With important Christian charities such as World Vision, Christian Aid and Tearfund, the church’s mission strategies are less and less as denominations. The theory 'home' and 'world' has become blurred, and separating 'mission' from 'development' is no longer straightforward.

This landmark study, authorised by the Archbishop’ Council of the Church of England, is the result of a three year project to 'develop a new, better, narrative of mission' for the church. Working for a fresh understanding, many agencies, diocese and others engaged in mission have contributed in many forms to this important work.

‘World Shaped Mission’ will reconfigure the way the church talks about, and practices, mission in the world today.

Janice Price is the World Mission Policy Adviser for the Church of England. She heads up the Global Mission Network (formerly Churches’ Commission on Mission) of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. She is the author of ‘Telling Your Faith Story’.