Assemblies of God U.S. Missions Executive Director Malcolm Burleigh recently began his second term as leader. Burleigh was reelected for his post during the General Council in August held at Orlando, Florida. 

Team Player

In a report with AG News, the executive director said he wanted to put a team setting in his leadership brand. He stressed that the term "better together" should be more than a phrase but rather a mindset. 

Burleigh reportedly manages a group of specialized missionaries. Their duties include ministering to students on college campuses, advocating against human trafficking, and caring for orphans. 

U.S. Missions Presence

According to the report, the U.S. Missions has more than 1,000 appointed missionaries and 800 chaplains. 

Project volunteers also join stateside missions. Burleigh said that the team has a long-term commitment to specific people groups. 

The director noted that their mission work increased during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the U.S. Missions was the "best-kept secret" in the Assemblies of God. 

The report also said that Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and Chaplaincy Ministries have the largest U.S. missionaries. 

Burleigh said that it was worth noting that its Intercultural Ministries are growing in numbers. He added that there was an effort to reach various ethnicities, with the United States being the third largest mission field in the world.

He stressed that the "unreached and unengaged people groups" were not only found in foreign countries. Burleigh emphasized that many people around them spoke no English who needed help. 

Meanwhile, the mission director admitted that it took almost a year and a half for him to get into his role when he was first elected. 

These days, he believes he has established a better working relationship with the different department heads. He credits using the team approach for this success. 

Burleigh told the news outlet that he begins each working day with a prayer in his office. He said it is an effective way for him to understand God's direction. 

God's Assignment

In an earlier report with AG News, Burleigh succeeded Zollie L. Smith, Jr. for the role. Both men have known each other for over two decades. 

Smith said that Burleigh was "a dedicated and proven team player." He also reportedly knew the mission director to have a positive attitude and a great personality. 

When Burleigh first accepted the role, he likened it to an assignment given by God. 

Reaping Harvest

Burleigh told the news outlet that he wanted to establish a cohesive and collaborative partnership with the districts. He also said he wanted everyone to share responsibility and accountability as they carried out their duties. 

He likened the entire U.S. Missions with its districts and ministry networks to casting a net instead of using a fishing pole. 

Burleigh emphasized the importance of networking if one wanted to maximize the harvest. He said it could only happen through relationships. 

Doug Clay, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, agreed with Burleigh. 

He commended the missions director for his "unwavering commitment" to see the Great Commission fulfilled in America. 

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