"You are no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens with GodÕs people and members of the household of God." —Ephesians 2:19
"The face, or the subjectivity of the other, makes me aware of an experience of the world that is not the same as mine, that is vulnerable to my efforts to interpret it and have it on my terms, and that is accessible only to the extent that genuine dialogue occurs...The other is not to be reduced to an object of my knowledge; the face must reveal itself through discourse." —Eric Mount, Covenant, Community, and the Common Good, Pilgrim Press, 1999, page 25
Global Ministries, the common witness of the Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ and the Division of Overseas Ministries, Disciples of Christ, seeks to engage the whole church in world ministries by helping congregations, associations, districts, conferences, regions and instrumentalities so that they experience the global church in their worship, faith, witness and service.
The following procedure is recommended to assist each part of the church in its quest for Global Church Partnership. It is hoped that these easy to follow steps will enable you to enter into companionship/partnership with the worldwide community of faith.
1. Establish a committee: In order to undertake the companionship/partnership process, a group of people representing your conference or region will need to prepare documents, make and recommend decisions and implement the partnership. Perhaps there already exists such a committee. Perhaps a new committee will need to be formed consisting of representatives from a variety of standing committees. The committee may require resources in order to convene.
2. Contact Global Ministries to discuss possibilities and process.
3. Prepare a Proposal with supporting documents, working with Global ministries staff.
A. Prepare a theological statement indicating why you are interested in a global church companionship/partnership. Discuss your theological rationale for seeking companionship/partnership. In a short, written statement (1-2 pages) indicate your ecumenical, international and multicultural perspectives. What calls you to companionship/partnership?
B. Identify your needs, weaknesses and vulnerabilities: In written form, list your needs. Too often Christians in North America enter into partnership with the intent of giving or providing. The global church is equipped to address our needs and to serve our weaknesses. If we allow ourselves to be humble and good listeners, companionship/ partnership can strengthen church growth, liturgy, youth activities, Christian education, social justice, stewardship or some other area.
C. Identify your strengths and gifts: In written form, list your special strengths and how companionship/partnership might benefit your Global Church companion/partner? D. Provide a short profile of yourself: (1-2 pages) Describe your region, conference or association. Offer information regarding your size, membership, location, mission, special ministries, context, organization, special meetings and constituencies.
4. Determine parameters of Companionship/Partnership: It is important to include both limits and expectations for the relationship:
A. Length of covenant: 5-7 years is a reasonable time during which both companions/partners can meet and come to know one another. It is important that this date be respected, to allow each companion/partner the opportunity to evaluate the relationship and move on to other relationships without creating a sense of abandonment (or "divorce").
B. Money Matters: All financial programs will be carried out through the Development Office of Global Ministries. You will probably identify projects in which youÕd like to participate financially. Respecting the umbrella partnership between your Global Church Partner and Global Ministries, discuss all ideas for gifts of money or shipment of goods with the Global Ministries Development Officer. Global Ministries staff will communicate with the International Partner to confirm that the project has been identified and prioritized by our partner body. We want to avoid negative interference in the process and life of our International Partners.
C. Youth Involvement: Identify ways youth will participate in the companionship/partnership.
5. Approval for seeking partnership
A. From your board of directors, annual meeting, regional assembly or other decision-making body: It is important that your conference, region or association be fully aware and supportive of your companionship/partnership request. In addition to approving, you might want to request some financial assistance for implementing companionship/partnership. The amount will depend on several factors such as the resources available to the companion/partner, distance between you and your companion/partner, length of time of companionship/partnership and your own resources.
B. From Global Ministries and the International Partner: Upon receiving your materials and finalizing your request, a letter by a Global Ministries Area Executive will be written to the International Partner Church on your behalf. It will include the materials you prepare. It may take some time (months!) for the International Partner to consider your request and make a decision. Factors influencing the process will be language (perhaps translation will be necessary), schedule of meetings to consider and decide (usually two meetings are needed), work and other commitments of the International Partner. You will be informed of the response and decision as soon as the Area Executive is notified.
6. Companionship/Partnership implementation begins: Now that the two companion/ partners have been introduced and linked, you are encouraged to shape and form the companionship/partnership. We recommend that in the early stage there be an exchange of delegations (perhaps 4-6 people for 10-14 days). During your visit to your companion/ partner and your companion/partnerÕs visit to you (in which you may want to help financially), we suggest that you talk about those things you both want to accomplish in the companion/partnership. Please keep Global Ministries informed of companion/ partner activities. Also, provide reports and stories to be shared with the wider church through the web and printed materials.
