February 20, 2026

What’s Changing in Missions and Where We’re Headed

As we’ve listened, prayed, and reflected on the last few years, we’ve sensed God leading us into a new season for missions at White Oak.

Not a departure from who we’ve been—but a deeper alignment with who God is forming us to become.

A New Structure for Deeper Partnership

Over the past year, we’ve begun restructuring our Missions Leadership Team. The goal is simple: to support our mission partners better and to create clearer on-ramps for our people to engage.

Rather than only providing financial support, we want our partnerships to be relational, prayerful, and personal. Missions shouldn’t feel distant or abstract—they should be known, celebrated, and shared within our church family.

Our new structure includes:

· Partner Liaison Teams focused on care, prayer, and ongoing connection

· Global Deployment Teams to strengthen and elevate mission trip experiences

· Local Deployment Teams at each campus to create accessible, hands-on opportunities right here in our communities

This allows people to take meaningful next steps—whether that’s serving locally or eventually participating in cross-cultural mission work.

Matthew 28 and Matthew 25

One of the shifts we’re intentionally leaning into is holding together two teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 28 calls us to make disciples—sharing the good news and planting churches.

Matthew 25 reminds us that when we feed the hungry, care for the imprisoned, and meet practical needs, we are serving Jesus Himself.

We believe God is inviting White Oak to press into both.

That’s why we’re investing more deeply in mission partners who not only proclaim the name of Jesus, but also meet tangible, physical needs—ministries focused on justice, restoration, and long-term transformation.

Why This Matters for the Next Generation

We’re seeing a growing number of young adults and young families walking through our doors—many with honest questions and a deep desire for authenticity.

They want to know that faith isn’t just talked about, but lived.

Justice-focused and next-generation ministries create space for that. They show what it looks like to love like Jesus in real, costly, practical ways. And they invite people to serve in ways that align with their passions while still discipling their hearts.

The Vision Ahead

Our prayer is simple but bold:

That the people of White Oak would be hungry—to love, serve, and care for people right here in Cincinnati, while still holding a deep passion for what God is doing around the world.

Missions give us a glimpse of heaven—a picture of God’s diverse, global kingdom. When we choose not to engage, we miss that gift.

This season is about deeper relationships, clearer pathways, and a shared commitment to live out the mission of Jesus together.

And we’re just getting started.

To hear more on our Missions Vision Update we encourage you to watch that WOCC podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/YsZPxATnpGY

Nathan Hinkle

Lead Pastor

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