Crosslinks has been, is and will continue to undergo big changes in the coming months. There have been changes to staff and to the way we seek to serve those engaged in making God's word known to God's world. Currently we are looking at the Regional Mission team in England, Scotland and Wales to see how we relate to those passionate about God's missionary enterprise (churches and individuals). We are also asking questions about what role, if any, we have in relation to the non-Christian majority here in Britain.

Later this year we will be seeking advice on how to improve our governance (the way we, as staff, are directed by the Society's Trustees, the General Council). We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable group of Trustees, but faced with the increasing complexity of charitable law and financial regulation we need to see how best to help the Trustees carry out their responsibilities. Any recommended changes by General Council will need to be put to the Annual Meeting of Members for constitutional amendment; this will happen on 17 June 2003.

Part of the reason for mentioning all this is that I have discovered as I have travelled to churches and groups in Britain and Ireland, that there are people who think they are Members but are not! Crosslinks is, under God, run by the Annual Meeting of Members, but there are many supporters of BCMS and now Crosslinks who are not members. Non-Members cannot vote by postal ballot to elect our Trustees nor vote at the Annual Meeting of Members. At present we have more than 10,000 on our mailing list but of these only 1,200 or so are Members. Only Members may nominate or become Members of General Council, which decides the policy direction of Crosslinks. In essence membership signifies whole-hearted support of all that Crosslinks stands for; we are a voluntary association of evangelicals committed to making God's word known to God's world. If you share these principles of association why not join us?

How can you become a Member if you are not already one? There is no subscription fee but you will be required to register, part of which will involve signing our Statement of Faith and signing a declaration to the effect that you have supported Crosslinks by prayer and finance for at least a year. If you would like to become a Member please, either contact Suzy Wakefield at Crosslinks, or download and complete a registration form. If you are uncertain whether or not you are a Member please contact Suzy Wakefield. Postal ballot voting will only be possible if your completed registration reaches Crosslinks 3 months prior to the date on which ballot papers are sent out.

These are exciting times to be active in world mission!

(For Crosslinks' magazine November 2002 - Andy Lines)