27th Pentecostal World Conference in Conjunction with PWF World Missions Commission Consultation

Helsinki, Finland – June 7, 2025 — The 27th Pentecostal World Conference took place in Helsinki, Finland, June 4-7, 2025. It was a history-making week for the Global Church as we gathered to seek the Lord and discuss reaching every person on Earth through our collective efforts.

Relief and Development Partners 4th Global Summit

Dubai, UAE – January 17, 2025 — The 4th Global Summit of the Pentecostal Relief and Development Partners (PRDP) took place January 14–17, 2025, in Dubai, generously hosted by Convoy of Hope. Representatives from 26 organizations gathered, hearing stories of transformation shared from Uganda, Nepal, and Gaza, highlighting the tangible impact of Spirit-empowered efforts on individual, community, and national levels. Position papers reviewed included The PRDP Theological Foundation, Pentecostal Transformation and Social Engagement, Commitment to Better Practices, and Gender Equality.

Attendees heard from the following presentations:

• “PRDP Theological Foundation” by PMU
• “Partners in God’s Rescue Mission” by Dr. Ivan Satyavrata
• “Church and Community Transformation” by Tearfund Uganda
• “Discipling Nations” by the Disciple Nations Alliance
• “About Leading Young” by ICC Nairobi
• “Transformation on a Global Level: Our Voice” by PMU

The summit reflected growing momentum among Pentecostal organizations and explored the dynamics of transformation through the mobilization of resources—examining how local community efforts, church-based giving, and institutional aid can work together to create a lasting impact.

17th Annual PWF World Missions Commission Global Consultation

Budapest, Hungary – May 22, 2024 — The Pentecostal World Fellowship World Missions Commission and the World Assemblies of God Fellowship held a joint missions consultation on May 21–22, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary, bringing together key global missions leaders for two days of strategic dialogue, Spirit-led collaboration, and unified prayer.

The consultation featured focused discussions on the current landscape of global missions, highlighting strategies and recommendations for restricted access contexts. Presentations included “The State of the World and the State of Missions,” “Freedom of Religion and Belief: Global Snapshot and Recommendations for Missions Executives,” by Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founding President at CSW & Chair of UK FoRB Forum UK. Members also heard from Niclas Lindgren, Director of PMU, on “The Gospel, Missions, and Peace-building amidst Conflict.”

Members addressed preparations for the upcoming World Missions Congress in Kenya (2024) and the 27th Pentecostal World Conference with a missions emphasis to take place in Helsinki, Finland, in 2025. 

Pentecostal Commission on Religious Liberties Gathers in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey – April 6, 2024 — The Pentecostal Commission on Religious Liberties (PCRL) met in Istanbul from April 4–6, 2024, to address the escalating global crisis of religious discrimination, persecution, and martyrdom. Against the backdrop of increasing hostility toward biblical values, commission members gathered in prayer, strategic discussion, and unified resolve to stand with the persecuted Church.

A sobering highlight came from Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founder and President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, who shared, “Christians are the most discriminated group today. An estimation is that 365 million Christians are discriminated in 120 countries. 80% of the cases with violations against religious groups are directed against Christians.”

Members emphasized practical action through prayer, advocacy, and financial support in remembrance of those who should not be unknown.

16th Annual PWF World Missions Commission Global Consultation

Los Angeles, California – September 13, 2023 — The World Missions Commission met in Los Angeles on September 12–13, 2023, centering discussion around innovation, partnership, and reshaping global reach. The Global Consultation was graciously hosted by the Foursquare Church as part of their centennial observances.

Guest Ashley Wilson, Global Executive Director of Empowered21, shared a briefing on the EveryONE Initiative, a collaborative evangelism funding effort inviting members and their movements to join.

Presentations included “Innovation and Technological Advancements in Missions” by Vinnay Manda, Associate Vice President of Global Learning & Innovation and Chief Data Scientist at Oral Roberts University; and an insightful Miscio presentation and conversation with Fernando Ramirez, OneHope Director of Strategic Development and Executive Director of Miscio.

Sessions sparked meaningful dialogue around data-informed strategies, collaborative funding models, and the evolving landscape of global Gospel engagement.

Pentecostal Commission on Religious Liberties Meets in Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria – March 31, 2023 — The Pentecostal Commission on Religious Liberties (PCRL) convened in Vienna, Austria, on March 30–31, 2023, for a strategic meeting focused on strengthening the Pentecostal response to growing threats against freedom of religion and belief. Reports from various nations provided a sobering yet hopeful picture of the state of Christianity globally, highlighting both intensifying persecution and the remarkable resilience of the Church in restricted contexts.

In addition to sharing advocacy strategies and equipping church networks for action, members welcomed a new slate of officers to guide the Commission forward:

Chairman: Dr. Arto Hämäläinen, Finland

Vice Chairman: Edwin Jung, Austria

Secretary: Rev. Rauli Lehtonen, Sweden

The gathering reaffirmed PCRL’s commitment to defending religious freedom and standing in unity with believers worldwide.

3rd Relief and Development Global Summit

Nairobi, Kenya – March 30, 2023 — The third Pentecostal Relief and Development Partners (PRDP) Global Summit took place March 28–30, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, graciously hosted by ERDO and CITAM. Over 20 organizations representing 20 nations gathered to engage in meaningful conversation, strategic thinking, and Christ-centered collaboration.

The summit highlighted the Pentecostal movement as a growing actor of social change, with focused dialogue on bridge-building, resource mobilization, global and local advocacy, and our cooperative efforts in humanitarian response. A new working group on Church-Based Transformation was formed, recognizing the unique role of the local church in driving long-term community change.

Through PRDP’s growing relationship with the World Alliance for Pentecostal Theological Education (WAPTE), the network has seen fruitful collaboration around theological reflection and praxis. WAPTE not only engaged with PRDP’s position papers but also dedicated a full issue of the Pentecostal Education Journal to Pentecostal social engagement. Additionally, WAPTE representatives supported PMU in compiling a research overview on Pentecostalism, Transformation, and Social Engagement, which was shared during the summit. Ongoing dialogues will continue to inform and strengthen PRDP’s collective efforts.

26th Pentecostal World Conference in Conjunction with PWF World Missions Commission Consultation

Seoul, South Korea – October 14, 2022 — The 26th Pentecostal World Conference, hosted by Dr. Younghoon Lee, Senior Pastor at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, gathered 10,000 worshippers representing nations across the Globe. The conference convened October 12-14, 2022, highlighting the theme of “Pentecostal Revival in the Next Generation.” The Pentecostal World Fellowship’s World Missions Commission convened at the Conrad Hotel in Seoul on October 11, 2022, for a strategic meeting centered on “Everyone Everywhere.”

The Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Max Barroso, Founder of The Awakening, the youth and college department of IPHC World Missions Ministries, as its new Chairman for the World Missions Commission, with Rev. Harri Hakola, Executive Director of FIDA, as Vice-Chairman.

Dr. DeLonn Rance, former AGWM missionary and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Evangel University, led a presentation titled “Best Practices and Beyond,” offering valuable insights into effective mission strategies. Discussions explored how the Pentecostal Relief and Development Partners Network can collaborate and synergize with mission agencies to enhance global outreach efforts and refocus on the importance of reaching each individual.

14th Annual PWF World Missions Commission Global Consultation

Helsinki, Finland – September 8, 2021 — The Pentecostal World Fellowship’s World Missions Commission gathered in Helsinki, Finland, on September 7–8, 2021, for a pivotal time of fellowship and collaboration. Following the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, the meeting highlighted the continued commitment of global Pentecostal leaders to bold, Christ-centered mission in a rapidly changing world.

Dialogue included “The Gospel as an Agent of Social Change: Development and Relief in Pentecostal Missions” by Niclas Lindgren, Director of PMU, offering a compelling vision for holistic mission rooted in word and deed. Dr. Barry Saylor, Executive Director of WAPTE, shared “The Role of Theological Education in 21st Century Missions,” emphasizing the need to equip leaders with sound doctrine and contextual understanding. Rauli Lehtonen, representing the Pentecostal Commission on Religious Liberties (PCRL), presented “Pentecostal Religious Liberties and Missions,” addressing the vital intersection of freedom and faith in gospel advance. The Commission was also honored to welcome Dr. Brian Stiller, Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance, whose presence reflected growing unity among global mission movements.

COVID-19 Global Webinar

Virtual Webinar - April 3, 2020 – A global community of pastors, missionaries, and church leaders gathered virtually for a powerful webinar focused on equipping the Pentecostal church to respond to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring a unique blend of medical, pastoral, and practical guidance, the online event brought together voices from around the world, including keynote speaker Dr. Denis Mukwege of the Panzi Foundation. More than 4,000 participants received timely recommendations to help their congregations navigate the crisis with faith, wisdom, and compassion.

As the global church continues to adapt and serve during this historic season, the webinar reminded all who joined that the mission of hope in Jesus remains unchanged. Together, across continents and callings, the Pentecostal family reflected on their commitment to being the Church—ready, responsive, and rooted in love.

1st Pentecostal Development and Relief Partners Summit

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - January 24, 2020 – A historical gathering hosted by the Pentecostal World Fellowship (PWF) Missions Commission, key leaders representing 15 Pentecostal relief, development and missions organizations across four continents came together in Oklahoma City from January 23-24 to begin establishing the foundations of collective thought, partnerships, best practices and collaboration in the Pentecostal development and relief world.

“For the past few years, several of us have gathered to begin to explore the potential for Pentecostal relief and development ministries to be more aware of what we are doing to serve the cause of the holistic gospel and even how we could work together to deepen our impact around the world,” ERDO CEO David Adcock stated in his written address to the Pentecostal Development Partners’ Global Summit attendees. The Summit set the stage for organizations to collectively respond and reflect on presentations delivered from various attendees on topics such as the theological underpinnings of social transformation, the social impact of Pentecostals, gender equality, and development work. Participants also engaged in conversations centered on advocacy, multilateral tables and initiatives, networking opportunities, and follow-up steps from the gathering.

“The Summit was not envisioned to be a complete response of these questions of cooperation and collaboration, but essentially the beginning of a conversation and open invitation for others to join us for this journey,” the PWF Relief and Development Task Force said in the report proceeding Summit.

Organizations present at the Summit included FIDA (Finland), PMU (Sweden), ACCI Relief (Australia), Operation Compassion (Church of God USA), International Foursquare Disaster and Relief, International Aid Services (Denmark), Convoy of Hope (USA), ERDO (Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada), Pentecostal Churches of Uganda, People to People (International Pentecostal Holiness Church World Missions), AG Care Africa, the Norwegian Pentecostal Mission, Pentecostal European Missions, Africa Pentecostal Missions Fellowship and the World Assemblies of God Fellowship Missions.

“It was an honor for me to be at the table in what I felt was a historical gathering at the Pentecostal development and relief summit,” World Assemblies of God Fellowship (WAGF) Missions Chairman Brad Walz said. “To gather representatives and leaders of the largest practitioners in the world was strategic, but also energetic. I felt the years of experience in the room were multiplied through networking and learning from each other. I came away very motivated at the potential there is to make these important responses to suffering even more effective in the future.”

12th Annual PWF World Missions Commission Global Consultation

August 25, 2019 – Calgary, Canada — The 12th Global Consultation of the World Missions Commission (WMC) convened in Calgary in conjunction with the 25th Pentecostal World Conference, themed "Spirit Now."

Key discussions included a missiological dialogue titled “Bottlenecks in Starting Missionary Programs,” led by Dr. DeLonn Rance, as well as the introduction of the “Pentecostal Development and Disaster Relief Partners” an emerging WMC initiative aimed at strengthening holistic and sustainable outreach. The commission also announced the forthcoming release of “To the Ends of the Earth” by Arto Hämäläinen and Dr. Ulf Strohbehn, the second volume in the WMC book series. In preparation for Dr. Hämäläinen’s transition, the commission, in consultation with the upcoming Chairman, appointed a new slate of officers to lead the commission into its next season:

Chairman: Dr. Arto Hämäläinen, Finland

Vice-Chairman: Rev. Max Barroso, USA

Secretary: Rev. Brad Walz, USA

Additionally, the Pentecostal World Fellowship formally introduced its new Chairman, Dr. William Wilson, Global Chair of Empowered21 and President of Oral Roberts University, signaling a renewed commitment to Holy Spirit inspired collaboration in the years ahead.

11th Annual PWF World Missions Commission Global Consultation

February 22, 2018 – Rome, Italy — The World Missions Commission (WMC) gathered in Rome, February 21-22, engaging in planning and discussion around key initiatives shaping the next season of global Pentecostal missions.

The WMC lead team began developing a leadership transition plan and presented it to the commission. Rev. Michael Dissayaneke delivered a compelling presentation on the “Decade of Revival”—a call for renewed spiritual awakening and evangelistic fervor across the global church. In addition, the commission affirmed the adoption of “Building a National Mission Structure” by Dr. Arto Hämäläinen and Dr. Ulf Strohbehn as the second volume in the WMC’s official book series, further equipping leaders to develop strong, sustainable national missions movements.

To strengthen collaboration across global regions, the commission agreed to welcome the chairs of regional missions networks as new members of the WMC. Recognizing the importance of intergenerational leadership, the commission also affirmed its ongoing goal of intentionally adding younger leaders to the network each year to ensure continuity, innovation, and a sustainable future. Additionally, Rev. Michael Dissayaneke was appointed Coordinator for Unreached People Groups for the Pentecostal World Fellowship Missions Commission (PWF MC), helping lead targeted outreach among the world’s least-reached populations.