“I think it has moved us to a new place as a presbytery,” says the Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, mission catalyst at Presbytery of the Pacific, referring to the presbytery’s approach to engaging in the three critical global initiatives of Presbyterian World Mission. These initiatives are reconciliation in cultures of violence, addressing root causes of poverty and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

In 2013 Pacific Presbytery devoted its September stated presbytery meeting to mission and introduced the initiatives to its 52 congregations. The introductory year gave a snapshot overview, laying the foundation for a three-year plan to bring clarity to each initiative. In 2014 they focused on reconciliation and peacemaking in cultures of violence, including our own, with a focus on gun violence. In 2015 they are addressing the root causes of poverty. And in 2016 congregations will focus on training pastors and lay leaders to share the gospel.