Mission to the World (MTW)

On December 7, 1973, in Atlanta, the Presbyterian Church in America took an early, defining step by formally establishing Mission to the World (MTW) as its global missions arm. The denomination itself was only in its first days of life, yet it moved quickly to organize for outward gospel work rather than inward consolidation. That early decision reflected a conviction that the church does not exist for itself, but for the worship of God among the nations and the building up of Christ’s body worldwide.

MTW grew out of the new church’s World Missions efforts and immediately set a clear course: send and support workers to proclaim Christ, plant churches, train leaders, and show mercy in His name. The founding in Atlanta signaled more than administrative efficiency. It was a public commitment to a long obedience—one that would require prayer, shared sacrifice, and steady courage as missionaries entered unfamiliar languages and cultures, often far from ordinary support systems.

The formation of a missionary agency so quickly also required unity. Pastors, elders, and laypeople had to agree that the Great Commission was not a future priority but a present duty. Churches had to give faithfully, not as an extra, but as worship—sustaining workers whose “yes” to God would include hardship, loneliness, and costly perseverance. Their quiet heroism would not be measured in headlines, but in endurance, integrity, and love for souls.

MTW’s stated aims mirror Christ’s own command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Its work also reflects the promise that gospel labor is never in vain: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15). From the beginning, the agency’s mission has called believers to trust the Lord for fruit they may not live to see, to honor Scripture in doctrine and life, and to show mercy without abandoning the message that saves.

The Atlanta decision still stands as an invitation: obey with humility, give with joy, pray with expectancy, and depend on God—so that Christ is known, churches are planted, leaders are trained, and compassion is shown for the joy of the nations.