Frequently Asked Questions about Global Ministries

1. What is Global Ministries? 
   The common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ responsible for nurturing relationships with international partners on behalf of Disciples and the UCC.
2. How is Global Ministries governed? 
   By the Common Global Ministries Board (CGMB) composed of six international partners, 15 Division of Overseas Ministries (Disciples) board members and 15 Wider Church Ministries (UCC) board members.
3. Who are Global Ministries international partners? 
   Autonomous churches historically related to Disciples and UCC, as well as a variety of other denominations, ecumenical organizations, councils of churches, indigenous churches, educational and healthcare institutions, and sustainable development organizations.
4. How is the work with international partners carried out? 
   Through five area offices staffed by area executives (Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and Europe and Southern Asia) who work with the program offices (Mission Personnel including People-to-People Pilgrimages and Missionary Relationships, Resource/Financial Development, Mission Education and Advocacy, Finance, Child Sponsorship)
5. How many partners does Global Ministries have? 
   Over 270 partner churches and organizations in about 70 countries around the world.
6. Why is Global Ministries unique? 
   No two denominations in U.S. Christianity have entered into covenantal partnership to engage in global mission together through a common structure.
7. What is Global Ministries’ mission? 
   To receive and share the Good News of Jesus Christ by joining with global and local partners to work for justice, reconciliation and peace.
8. How does Global Ministries send missionaries? 
   When international partners send a specific request for a missionary that meets the Critical Presence criteria and finances are available for the appointment, then a person who can fill the role is sought.
9. Under the Critical Presence criteria, what is the primary focus for missionary appointments? 
   Global Ministries seeks to appoint mission personnel to places where capacity-building (leadership and community social infrastructure development leading to self-sufficiency) and healthcare are a primary focus.
10. How many missionaries did Global Ministries send in 2014? 
    A total of 125 missionaries served in 45 countries, which included 43 fully supported missionaries, 16 global mission interns (young adults ages 18-30), 26 long-term volunteers (one year or more) and 40 overseas associates (Disciple and UCC persons in mission appointed and paid by international partners).
11. Are there other options for short-term service through Global Ministries? 
    In 2014, 35 individuals served as short-term volunteers (two weeks to 11 months) and 98 group mission trips were recorded through the People-to-People pilgrimage office.
12. How does Global Ministries help local congregations engage in global mission? 
    Global Ministries offers the Be a Global Mission Church booklet with a 5-step process for congregations to develop a plan of action and be recognized as a Global Mission congregation.
13. Where does Global Ministries have home-based staff? 
    Half of the staff is in Cleveland at the UCC Church House and the other half is in Indianapolis at the Disciples Center. The staff is led by two Co-Executives, one in Indianapolis and one in Cleveland.
14. How is Global Ministries funded? 
    Much of Global Ministries funding comes through the denominational offerings. These include Disciples Mission Fund (DMF), Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM), as well as the special offerings of Week of Compassion (WOC) and One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). Additional funding is provided by generous individuals, congregations, and regions/conferences through direct gifts, endowments, charitable gift annuities, and their estate plans.
15. Can I give to Global Ministries? 
    Gifts are welcome and can be sent to Global Ministries in either Cleveland or Indianapolis. You also may designate your gifts for any of the more than 200 special giving projects.