Mission to the World, PCA 
The information in this column was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 1/2/2022. To update the information in this column, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
Summary
Mission to the World, PCA (MTW) is the mission sending agency of the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA).
MTW seeks to make disciples of Christ of all nations by planting and revitalizing churches worldwide, and transforming communities around these churches by showing God's love.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Mission to the World
PO Box 744165
Atlanta, GA 30374-4165
Website: www.mtw.org
Phone: (678) 823-0004
Email: hello@mtw.org
Organization details
EIN: 582325982
CEO/President: Dr. Lloyd Kim
Chairman: Rev. Patrick Womack
Board size: 14
Founder:
Ruling year: 1974
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1981
Purpose
Mission to the World PCA, Inc. (MTW) is the mission sending agency of the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). Our purpose is grounded in our vision, mission, and values.
OUR VISION: The Gospel of the Kingdom Advancing Throughout the World
We want the gospel to spread throughout the world, the Church to grow, Satan's kingdom destroyed, and Christ's reign extended to the ends of the earth.
OUR MISSION: Making Disciples Among All Nations
We are called to be obedient to the Great Commission by teaching people to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, to be baptized, and to obey all that Jesus commands.
OUR VALUES:
Church - the establishment, growth, and maturity of the Church in all our ministry efforts
Grace-based - Community, life, and ministry shaped by God's grace for us in His Son, Jesus Christ
Reformed & Covenantal - A ministry that is guided, inspired, and shaped by our theology
Mercy, Justice, & the Love of God - A love for God that is demonstrated through acts of mercy and justice
Mission statement
MTW uses the following to express its purpose:
Making Disciples Among All Nations
We are called to be obedient to the Great Commission by teaching people to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, to be baptized, and to obey all that Jesus commands
Statement of faith
Mission to the World uses the following to communicate its doctrine, faith, and values:
MTW upholds the doctrines of sovereign grace and the truth that God saves His people. The Holy Scriptures are the authoritative and reliable history of His covenantal relationship with His children. In regard to that relationship, it is clear that missions is a divine enterprise in which God commands and graciously accepts the obedience of His children. The dual truth that God chose in eternity those who will be saved and that He also uses us as instruments in the process of saving them, is our foundation for missions.
MTW's statement of faith is that of the Presbyterian Church in America, detailed here: https://pcanet.org/about-the-pca-2-2-2/
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
C
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Foreign Missions
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 936 of 1022 | 107 of 121 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 698 of 1024 | 77 of 121 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 818 of 1024 | 96 of 121 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 900 of 1022 | 106 of 121 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 5% | 8% | 7% | 9% | 9% | 9% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 6% | 6% | 9% | 7% | 8% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 98% | 82% | 76% | 102% | 81% | 88% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 5% | 8% | 7% | 9% | 8% | 9% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 2% | 18% | 24% | -2% | 19% | 12% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 83% | 76% | 81% | 81% | 81% | 83% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 95% | 83% | 81% | 107% | 87% | 90% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 78% | 63% | 66% | 87% | 70% | 74% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 5% | 17% | 19% | -7% | 13% | 10% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 9% | 8% | 10% | -3% | 7% | 5% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 10% | 16% | 12% | 10% | 11% | 8% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.21 | 0.35 | 0.41 | 0.46 | 0.43 | 0.44 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.29 | 1.74 | 1.81 | 1.80 | 1.79 | 1.77 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.77 | 0.61 | 0.75 | 0.83 | 0.77 | 0.79 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 20.97 | 21.19 | 32.51 | 42.82 | 38.20 | 54.56 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 6.11 | 18.64 | 15.53 | 14.14 | 15.23 | 14.98 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 9% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 75% | 266% | 227% | 205% | 218% | 213% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Cash | $6,023,672 | $4,136,548 | $4,765,592 | $5,930,945 | $3,616,073 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $598,573 | $921,233 | $671,626 | $505,050 | $450,725 |
| Short-term investments | $86,354,196 | $77,079,010 | $68,375,703 | $70,938,028 | $67,881,465 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $92,976,441 | $82,136,791 | $73,812,921 | $77,374,023 | $71,948,263 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed assets | $9,817,554 | $10,292,017 | $10,824,609 | $10,018,411 | $9,381,840 |
| Other long-term assets | $59,319,426 | $55,850,186 | $48,152,154 | $50,915,535 | $46,323,741 |
| Total long-term assets | $69,136,980 | $66,142,203 | $58,976,763 | $60,933,946 | $55,705,581 |
| Total assets | $162,113,421 | $148,278,994 | $132,789,684 | $138,307,969 | $127,653,844 |
| Liabilities | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $2,468,880 | $2,526,135 | $1,723,810 | $2,025,667 | $1,318,628 |
| Other current liabilities | $1,918,630 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $4,387,510 | $2,526,135 | $1,723,810 | $2,025,667 | $1,318,628 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $527,131 | $527,131 | $527,131 | $527,131 | $527,131 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $5,538,557 | $5,515,745 | $5,183,803 | $6,205,340 | $5,472,804 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $6,065,688 | $6,042,876 | $5,710,934 | $6,732,471 | $5,999,935 |
| Total liabilities | $10,453,198 | $8,569,011 | $7,434,744 | $8,758,138 | $7,318,563 |
| Net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Without donor restrictions | $112,016,138 | $103,598,741 | $87,874,142 | $89,249,463 | $77,037,300 |
| With donor restrictions | $39,644,085 | $36,111,242 | $37,480,798 | $40,300,368 | $43,297,981 |
| Net assets | $151,660,223 | $139,709,983 | $125,354,940 | $129,549,831 | $120,335,281 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Total contributions | $56,324,864 | $57,737,088 | $58,156,466 | $55,857,056 | $55,189,883 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $10,648,807 | $15,137,050 | ($3,516,448) | $10,120,329 | $5,979,525 |
| Other revenue | $2,005,292 | $3,005,804 | $2,338,528 | $2,601,980 | $1,896,698 |
| Total other revenue | $12,654,099 | $18,142,854 | ($1,177,920) | $12,722,309 | $7,876,223 |
| Total revenue | $68,978,963 | $75,879,942 | $56,978,546 | $68,579,365 | $63,066,106 |
| Expenses | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Program services | $43,276,450 | $49,806,713 | $49,816,557 | $48,161,995 | $46,721,642 |
| Management and general | $9,333,141 | $7,516,396 | $5,964,695 | $6,313,152 | $4,802,759 |
| Fundraising | $4,419,132 | $4,201,790 | $5,392,185 | $4,889,668 | $5,064,059 |
| Total expenses | $57,028,723 | $61,524,899 | $61,173,437 | $59,364,815 | $56,588,460 |
| Change in net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $11,950,240 | $14,355,043 | ($4,194,891) | $9,214,550 | $6,477,646 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $11,950,240 | $14,355,043 | ($4,194,891) | $9,214,550 | $6,477,646 |
Compensation
Compensation data for this ministry has not been collected.
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 1/2/2022. To update the information below, please email: info@ministrywatch.com
History
1970s
FOUNDING OF MISSION TO THE WORLD
In 1973, a group of gospel-centered, Reformed churches broke off from the theologically liberal Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) to form the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). Among the PCA's stated reasons for leaving was the PCUS's "departure from evangelism and missions as the primary role of the Church." Global Missions was a priority from the very beginning.
Just one year later, Mission to the World (MTW) was formed as the fledgling denomination's international missions agency, with 25-year missions veteran and leader John Kyle appointed as its first coordinator. In the beginning, MTW had just 11 missionaries and three missionary candidates. Over the next three years, John helped the agency grow to more than 100 missionaries serving in 20 countries across the globe, including at Christ College in Taiwan and major church-planting efforts in Korea and Mexico.
In those early days, the majority (around 70%) of MTW missionaries served under cooperative agreements between MTW and other organizations that differed in some areas of theology or practice. These agreements made it possible for an MTW missionary to raise his or her funds in the PCA and under MTW, remaining committed to Reformed theology and teaching while serving with the other agency in the field and doing things such as flying planes, translating the Bible, or working in Muslim communities-opportunities MTW could not provide on their own at the time. In the years since, this trend has reversed-with the majority of MTW missionaries serving primarily as MTW church planters.
When John Kyle resigned from MTW to join Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1977, seasoned evangelist and cross-cultural missionary Paul McKaughan stepped into the gap as the organization's second coordinator, leading MTW through the next decade of growing ministry.
1980s
GROWING UP, MOVING OUT
Under Paul's leadership, MTW focused its global ministry strategy on reaching unreached people groups, planting Reformed churches, and sending teams to minister in Third World contexts-continually growing both its missionary staff and the number of countries reached.
Hand in hand with its primary works of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, MTW also worked to serve the physical needs of the world's most vulnerable in the wake of natural or man-made disasters. When a typhoon caused a massive tidal wave in the Bay of Bengal, MTW responded with relief teams and funds to aid refugees in South Asia. When famine struck Bangladesh, Haiti, and the Sahel region of Africa, MTW sent food and aid. From the very beginning, MTW paired ministries of mercy and justice with evangelism and long-term church-planting efforts.
In 1983, MTW merged with World Presbyterian Missions (WPM), nearly doubling MTW's number of missionaries. During that same year, MTW sent out 36 young adults on its first-ever summer mission program, Servants in Missions Abroad (SIMA), beginning a short-term missions trip initiative that would grow enormously in the years to come.
When Paul McKaughan resigned as coordinator in 1987-leaving to serve on the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism-Carl Wilhelm, the MTW Committee's Coordinator of Overseas Operations, stepped in as acting coordinator for one year. In 1988, John Kyle returned to MTW, serving his second term as coordinator until 1994.
1990s
CITIES, SUMMERS, AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
By the early '90s, MTW missionaries were serving more than 24,000 people in more than 900 churches across the globe. Under Kyle's leadership, MTW began strategically targeting global cities for church-planting initiatives, ministering primarily to the middle- and upper-classes-a tactic aimed at transforming urban cultural centers with the power of the gospel. During this time MTW also started a leadership development program to equip and empower all leaders of church-planting teams and began researching tent-making opportunities to enable missionaries to better serve in areas closed to missionary activity.
All the while, with the same aim of cultivating future career missionaries, MTW continually expanded its short-term and summer missions opportunities. By 1999, 3,840 people went on short-term or summer mission trips through MTW. By 2005, those numbers hit an all-time high of 7,500 short-term or summer missions participants.
The 1990s also saw a number of long-standing missions efforts bear fruit. In Korea, MTW missionaries reported that churches had been planted in 1,163 villages. In another country, MTW missionaries cared for 632 children in two homes. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, former communist Eastern Europe was suddenly open to Christian missionaries. Joining together with many other Christian organizations and churches in a massive strategic effort dubbed The CoMission, MTW sent hundreds of short-term missionaries and church planters to advance the gospel in Odessa, Ukraine-an effort that would ultimately result in a large-scale church-planting movement and the establishment of a Ukrainian Presbyterian denomination.
In 1994, Paul Kooistra was installed as MTW's fourth coordinator-a position he would hold for the next two decades.
2000s
MANY MINISTRIES
During the aughts, MTW began to emphasize its role as a facilitator or partner, helping PCA churches in the United States achieve their Great Commission goals and partnering with local Christian leaders across the globe-empowering them to plant and lead local churches rather than primarily depending on American missionaries to do so.
When the 2008 economic recession took its toll on the American Church, MTW's global church-planting ministries continued to thrive and expand-particularly in Asia. Decades of faithful ministry in the Philippines resulted in more than 50 churches planted. By 2010, MTW missionaries were able to completely turn this ministry over to national leadership-one milestone of many as missionaries across the globe began to see their work bear fruit for the kingdom.
Even as church planting remained MTW's raison d'etre, under Paul Kooistra's leadership MTW started a number of focused ministries and departments-all working to support this larger goal through a holistic ministry framework. In 2001, MTW started a global mercy ministry to street children, beginning with works in Peru, Kenya, and Romania. The recently formalized medical ministry began to grow, and short-term medical missions and disaster response teams were sent to minister to those in need all across the globe, including responding to an earthquake in India in 2001, tsunami relief efforts in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia in 2004, and Hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005. As the AIDS crisis in Africa accelerated, MTW missionaries responded by starting holistic ministries in some of the poorest and hardest-hit slums of Ethiopia-a ministry that today is thriving and has resulted in several church plants.
2010s - Today
THE KINGDOM ADVANCING, ONE CHURCH PLANT AT A TIME
The last decade has been one of global upheaval and incredible opportunities for growing the Church and advancing the gospel around the world. In Vanuatu and South Asia, Spirit-driven movements saw thousands come to faith-and MTW missionaries were right in the thick of the evangelism and church planting. As the world became increasingly aware of the scourge of modern-day slavery, MTW church-planting teams in Cambodia and Bulgaria launched anti-trafficking ministries, reaching, discipling, serving, and empowering women and children trapped in the sex trade. When conflict in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia spurred a global refugee crisis, MTW missionaries in Greece and Germany opened their hearts and the doors of their churches to serve the displaced with gospel-driven love.
In 2015, Paul Kooistra retired, and veteran MTW missionary Lloyd Kim was appointed the agency's fifth coordinator. Under Lloyd's leadership, MTW has adopted three strategic initiatives to help carry forward its disciple-making mission and vision: Globalization (growing gospel-centered church-planting partnerships across the globe), Diversification (sending a more diverse missionary force-the better to reflect the diverse kingdom of God), and Mobilization (sending more PCA congregants as cross-cultural missionaries).
In 2016, Lloyd challenged each PCA church to pray that, over the next 10 years, God would raise up an additional 1% of their members to serve as cross-cultural missionaries. That tithe of a tithe would mean 2,800 new missionaries sent out to proclaim the gospel, plant churches, and be the hands and feet of Christ across the globe.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Over nearly a half century of ministry, MTW's size and kingdom impact have grown enormously: from a scrappy handful of missionaries with a budget of just $100,000 to a global agency boasting 615 long-term missionaries, 62 two-year missionaries, and 809 national partners serving in 97 different countries around the world.
Today, all across the globe, MTW missionaries are planting churches, discipling university students, and training local Christian leaders with solid, Reformed theology. Medical missionaries serve the poor in the mountains of Peru and the slums of Ethiopia; artists use their craft as a vehicle for evangelism, discipleship, and expressing the beauty of our Creator in Germany and Japan; and entrepreneurs start business as missions enterprises in countries hostile to the Christian faith. The particular callings pursued by our missionaries are diverse, and yet the Church is at the center of each.
Program accomplishments
Needs
www.mtw.org/serve