CMS is committed to proclaiming the gospel and serving God's people around the world to see lives transformed by Christ. CMS is an evangelical, voluntary, lay, church society. As a voluntary society, CMS is made up of enthusiasts for the gospel. They have joined together to form a society which is independent and does not report to any other organisation or denomination. Through its constitution, CMS is accountable to its members who elect a General Committee to oversee its affairs.