[ACNS, by Rachel Farmer] A photo competition launched by the Church Mission Society (CMS) hopes to help change perception about how churches are involved in mission in the UK and beyond.

A CMS survey found that half of Christians polled across the UK were involved in mission either locally or abroad. The This is Mission photo competition is designed to celebrate and showcase this activity both inside and outside the churches.  

Naomi Steinberg, head of communications at CMS, said: “The photo competition is an opportunity for Christians to submit photos of what mission is, and has been, for them … all over the world Christians are sharing their lives and answering God’s call to creatively and generously share Jesus with those in need.”

Naomi said she hopes the photo competition will enable CMS to build a ‘mission photo wall’ that will inspire more Christians through seeing the wide variety of mission happening around the country. She said: “We hope this will encourage others to take the plunge into mission, some for the first time. So, whether it is a community lunch, an environmental project, a holiday club, coffee-making, vintage cars, a visit to other parts of the world or simply supporting a mission partner from your church, we want to hear about it.”

Entry is free and open to anyone living in the UK over the age 18. To enter the competition go to the CMS website: churchmissionsociety.org/photo, which provides competition guidelines and background information.

A selection of the best photos will appear on the CMS website and social media channels and the overall winner will receive a cash prize. Entries close on 1 November 2019 and the winner will be announced be announced on 15 November 2019.