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PCEA International Partners Presentation on Partnership“Those Who Do Mission in

Christ’s Way…”

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PCUSA World Mission Mission Statement:

To engage with U.S. Presbyterians and global partners for faithful and effective participation in God’s mission in a globalized world, growing together as communities of mission practice.

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Doing Mission in Christ’s WayI am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. — John 15:5

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Worship the triune God together and pray for one another (Matthew Acts 1)

• Spend time in prayer and discernment before and after planning your local or global mission

• Pray for your partners by name before, during and after local or global mission together

• Include times of worship and prayer with partners as a part of the schedule for any visit

• Plan to be with partners for worship

• Develop long-term prayer partners

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Participate in mutual discernment (Acts 10)

• Seek feedback from mission workers & partners on what cultural issues need to be considered to avoid problems during your time together

• Converse openly with partners to shape the nature, leadership, and content of the partnership

•Honor the idea that primary responsibility for discerning mission belongs with the local partner

•Debrief with your mission partners before leaving

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Model self-giving and self-emptying mission (Philippians 2, John 17)

• Focus on the priority of relationships over projects

• Allow the partner to express their desires, their understanding of needs, and their strategies

• Actively seek ways to learn from partners

• Make contributions in ways that strengthen your partners’ organization, integrity and unity

• Be willing to express your own needs and allow your partner to minister to you

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Approach ministry holistically (Luke 4, Micah 6)

• Demonstrate locally and globally a concern for the poor, oppressed, invisible, and unreached

• Articulate an eagerness to share leadership with partners, local or global

• Observe and learn from global partners who have a more holistic vision of mission

• Consult with partners to determine advocacy needs and how to act on those needs

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Communicate openly; act transparently; and be mutually accountable (Ephesians 4)

• Draft a covenant of understanding together, one that also provides for on-going mutual evaluation

• Communicate in advance about expectations re: financial gifts (& what to do if there are changes)

• Share financial reports on all gifts with partners, mission workers, PC(USA) offices and donors

• Designate a representative from each partner as the channel for communications re the partnership

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Value and build long-term relationships (I Thessalonians 2)

• Value the role of long-term mission workers; financially support and pray for them

• Collaborate with long-term mission workers with grace and a willingness to share leadership

• Focus your partnership on long-term relationships that facilitate deep personal change

• Organize repeat short mission trips to the same location and with the same partner

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Our PCUSA Mission

Workers

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Africa Office Staff

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Catalysts & Consultant

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Advocacy- UN and DC office staff

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Rev. Rosemary Mitchell:Mission Engagement adviser for PC(USA) congregations

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Mission Crossroads Resource Library

www.missioncrossroads.org/resources.htm

TOPICS•Partnership•Resources for mission advocates•Mission networks•Books and articles •God’s Mission Matters (podcasts & studies)

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