2025 WMU Updates

WMU is making changes to the way we fulfill our curriculum orders so that we can better serve you, our customers!

We have heard your feedback that there is room for improvement regarding the ordering and delivery of our curriculum, and we are making changes to make this process easier and more seamless for you.

Watch this message from Sandy for information about upcoming changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers will be updated periodically as we continue to work on our new order processing and fulfillment system. Please check back on this page occasionally to find updated information.

General Questions, Definitions of Terms, Timeline

What is changing?

We are making changes to the way we fulfill our curriculum orders so that we can better serve you, our customers! We have heard your feedback over the years that there is room for improvement regarding the ordering and delivery of our curriculum, and we are making changes to make this process easier and more seamless for you.

What is an order processing and fulfillment system?

An order processing and fulfillment system includes all the technology and processes it takes for you to place an order and then receive that order.

In our case, we are updating our website, how we receive orders from the website, how ongoing curriculum items are ordered and fulfilled, how we process orders through payment and inventory, and how we ship the orders to you.

What is a recurring product order? How is it different from a subscription?

A traditional subscription to a periodical magazine is an agreement to pay for an entire year’s worth of magazine issues up front in one payment. Various USPS and accounting rules apply to the selling and shipping of periodicals on a subscription basis. Recurring product orders are not set up as nor shipped as periodicals. Instead of paying up front once a year, you will be automatically charged once per quarter for the curriculum received during that quarter.

When are these changes happening? When will WMU change annual subscriptions for ongoing curriculum to a recurring product order each quarter?

Our new system will come online in spring 2025. At that time, you will notice changes in the way you order resources. The changes regarding how ongoing curriculum items will be packaged and shipped will begin with the fall 2025 curriculum issues.

Which publications does this change affect?

Missions Mosaic
Women on Mission Leader
Missions Journey: Kids Leader
Missions Journey: Kids Leader Kit
Missions Journey: Kids Adventure
Mission Friends Leader
Mission Friends Leader Kit

Potential changes to the format of digital editions of Missions Mosaic, Women on Mission Leader, Missions Journey: Kids Leader, and Mission Friends Leader are to be determined.

Why isn’t Missions Journey: Students included in the changes?

Because Missions Journey: Students is available only in a digital format, it is not subject to printing and shipping changes.

Changes to Missions Mosaic

Why is Missions Mosaic changing from a monthly to a quarterly publication?

To be able to package and ship ongoing curriculum items together on a quarterly basis, we must change Missions Mosaic from monthly to quarterly. Changing from monthly to quarterly will also introduce cost savings that will help us keep your price as low as possible.

When will Missions Mosaic change from a monthly to a quarterly publication?

Missions Mosaic will be published as a quarterly publication beginning with the fall 2025 issue.

Will Missions Mosaic still include Prayer Patterns and the missionary prayer calendar?

Yes. Missions Mosaic will still include Prayer Patterns and the missionary prayer calendar.

Online Account Setup and Order Management

Will my church be able to set up an online account?

Yes. Churches will be able to set up online accounts where they can handle all their recurring curriculum orders as well as one-time purchases. Our new website with the new online customer account portal will be live in spring 2025. Once the new website is available, if your church needs assistance in setting up your new account, contact our customer care team at [email protected] or (205) 995-4850.

When will we be able to create, access, and use our church’s new online account?

Our plan is for customers to be able to use the new system during spring 2025 to renew orders for fall 2025. We do not have an exact date yet.

If your church has an account with active subscriptions at that time, we will contact you via email, phone, and/or postcard when our new system is ready for use.

For fast and easy notification, be sure you have a valid email address on file with us in your current account. You may contact our customer care team at [email protected] or (205) 995-4850 to verify your email, phone number, and mailing address.

Our church currently has subscriptions to curriculum items. How can we ensure no lapse in receiving WMU curriculum this fall?

When it is time to renew your orders for fall 2025, make sure you log in to the new system and renew your orders and update your billing and shipping information by the deadline.

If your church needs assistance, contact our customer care team at [email protected] or (205) 995-4850.

How do we set up our new online church account?

Instructions for creating an online account will be provided on the new website when the new system is up and running in spring 2025. If, at that time, you need assistance, contact our customer care team at [email protected] or (205) 995-4850.

Is an email address required for my church’s online account?

Yes, you will be required to provide a valid email address for your account. Email addresses will be used for account log-ins, log-in verification, password resets, recurring order notices, etc.

How will my church update our curriculum order each quarter? Will we be able to change the quantities of our curriculum orders from quarter to quarter?

Our new system will include the opportunity for online self-service, which means you will be able to create an online account and make changes — such as adjusting order quantities — yourself. You will even receive an email notification when it is time to update order quantities each quarter. No action will be required if you do not need to adjust order quantities.

Will the new system provide detailed invoices?

Yes. After you log in to your online account, you will be able to find, download, and print detailed invoices of your church's orders.

Prices, Shipping Costs, Billing

Are prices for ongoing curriculum items increasing?

No. Currently our subscription prices are based on a yearly price. That price will now be divided into 4 quarterly charges for recurring orders.

Missions Mosaic: $6.25 per copy per quarter
Women on Mission Leader: $4.25 per copy per quarter
Missions Journey: Kids Leader: $6.75 per copy per quarter
Missions Journey: Kids Leader Kit: $15.00 per copy per quarter
Missions Journey: Kids Adventure: $4.50 per copy per quarter
Mission Friends Leader: $6.75 per copy per quarter
Mission Friends Leader Kit: $21.25 per copy per quarter

How much will shipping cost?

Shipping costs are to be determined. We are working to keep shipping rates as affordable as possible. Shipping in bulk to churches will help keep shipping costs lower.

Why will we be charged for shipping?

In our previous system, we shipped subscriptions via USPS as periodicals, like traditional subscription magazines. To be able to package items together in as few boxes/packages as possible and ship them at the same time, curriculum items will no longer be set up as USPS periodicals.

How often will my church be billed for our recurring orders?

Quarterly.

My church has tax-exempt status. Can we still use that to avoid paying sales tax on our purchases?

Yes. Your church will be able to submit tax exemption documentation to receive tax exemption on purchases.

Methods of Payment

What methods of payment will you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover. Payment by check/ACH will also be available.

Will our church be able to use our Lifeway account number for orders?

No. Your Lifeway account number is basically the equivalent of a store credit card that can be used only at the store by which it is issued. Modifying our new system to accommodate use of a nonstandard card number is not feasible. We strive to give you the best customer order service and convenience while maintaining low prices. The balance between customer convenience and affordability is a fine one.

Packaging, Shipping, Tracking

Will my church receive all our curriculum items for a given quarter at one time instead of in separate shipments at varying times?

Yes! Your church (and WMU staff) will be so happy about this! Also, remember, no shipping company is perfect. If you run into any issues when the new system is implemented, please contact our customer care team.

How will my church’s curriculum items be packaged?

All your quarterly recurring product items will be packaged together in as few packages as possible! Large orders will ship at the same time in one or more boxes. Small orders may ship in soft-sided mailers for better affordability.

This way, you’re less likely to receive items that have been damaged in transit. No more missing magazine covers! Will this be foolproof? Of course not. But the likelihood of receiving items without damage will definitely be higher!

If you run into any issues when the new shipping system starts, contact our customer care team. We won’t know about kinks and hiccups you encounter unless you tell us! (We also like to hear what is working well for you so we know we’re on the right track!)

Will tracking be available for my church’s shipments?

Yes.

Will my church be able to place one recurring curriculum order for multiple items that ships to multiple addresses?

No. A single, bulk order for multiple items will have only one “ship to” address.

To ensure all your items are packaged and shipped together for the lowest cost possible each quarter, we must ship everything to one mailing address.

I order and pay for my own subscription to Missions Mosaic and have it delivered to my house. Will I still be able to do that?

Yes, you may order your own copy of Missions Mosaic or any other ongoing curriculum item and have it shipped to your house. Shipping charges will apply to both personal and church orders.

WMU, SBC, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit funded by product sales, investments, and charitable contributions from those invested in involving Christ followers of all ages in advancing the Great Commission.

Make a charitable contribution to WMU through the WMU Foundation’s Vision Fund.