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Partner Guidelines

United Methodist Church Guidelines for 'In Mission Together' Partnerships

NOTE: In Mission Together partnership relationships have existed for only a few years between local UMCs in other parts of the world and the United States under the auspices of the GBGM. During these early years, in a great step of faith, local UMCs are learning together what such a partnership relationship means:

Church Worship Service"In Mission Together" partnership relationships are based on a commitment among UMC congregations or faith communities in different countries and cultures. They agree to listen to one another, understand and become sensitive to the other's culture, suspend judgment, share resources, and be open to God's transforming power through participation together in God's mission. This shared ministry is intended to be holistic, with an integrated approach to the spiritual and material needs of each congregation. It recognizes the existence of indigenous leadership and resources, and that congregations from different contexts -- culturally, politically, socially and economically -- may participate with one another in common mission. Such relationships can result in a synergistic effect that leads to the health and vitality of all partners involved. This experience can be transforming for local churches and can change the lives of individual involved.

Congregational Development Through Partner Churches:
Being a partner in the In Mission Together program is becoming an important component in the support of United Methodist congregations in our world. Partner churches provide opportunities for churches within a global United Methodist Church connectional system to develop a shared ministry with an established or emerging congregation.

Partner Church: An In Mission Together Partner Church (or District or Conference) is one or more churches (small "clusters") willing to be in covenant with another UMC congregation or emerging mission parish in the world. It is desirable that a Partner be willing to do the following:

Mission Plan: In establishing an ongoing relationship, it is important to develop a mission plan. This should be done in consultation with the GBGM partnership coordinator for the country in which your Partner UMC is located, the appropriate UMC country leadership such as Superintendent and the Pastors, leaders and members of partnering congregations. Partnerships require clear aims and goals, which are defined together. Where these are lacking, misunderstandings and disappointments can arise. We recommend that these aims and goals be defined initially for an easily comprehensible time period. Initial plans will undoubtedly change and be of an evolving nature as congregations come to know each other and their different needs. At some point, the plan needs to be evaluated and, should the need arise, it may need to be changed or the parties can agree to it's completion. Churches within a partnership are usually quite diverse in nature, and there often exists a large gap, a material difference. The mission plan thus will require a sensitive approach, so that the agreement is not only one way, or dominated by the partner(s) with more financial resources -- this needs to be an equal partnership. Therefore personal contacts, exchange of information and prayer concerns, correspondence and mutual intercession are more important than material support, even though it may be more difficult to keep on working on these issues because of language problems. The GBGM partnership coordinator will help with initial coordination between partner churches and assist in providing access to resources for cross-cultural training.

Financial Support: A full Partnership is usually between $3600 and $4200/year. This will be mainly used to supplement Pastors salaries and pay for church operating expenses such as the lease or expenses of an automobile for Pastors. It will also help meet other church needs. Additional financial support may also be needed for specific needs as relationships grow and ministries become apparent. Every congregation, small or large, in a partnership, is unique, with varying gifts and resources.

Visitation & Communications: Mutual visits are an important part of the partnership. Visits form the bases for building new friendships, understanding a new culture, and provide support, encouragement, and valuable insights for all. When planning team visits, it is critical to coordinate the visit through the GBGM partnership coordinator. They will provide you with the "Partner Church Guidebook" to help you. Be careful that a visit does not become a burden, by being sensitive to the fact that large groups can overburden small congregations. Arrangements for lodging and food as well as the organization of excursions (sight-seeing) can use their strength, which then will be lacking afterwards in diaconal and mission activities. While in a foreign country, it is reasonable to expect to pay the costs of: language interpretation, housing, meals and local transportation. Communications is a basic element of a partnership. Partners need to be careful to avoid problems arising from differences in language. We recommend that at least one person of each partner church be able to speak the language of the other partner church or at least be willing to learn. Visitors should have phrase books and/or cross language dictionaries with them to minimize problems. Partnerships should always be tied to the whole church, not just a few persons, and especially not to only the Pastors. Several partner churches have hosted visits from the Pastor of their partner UMC. Again, assistance can be provided by the GBGM partnership coordinator.

Examples of possible projects for Partnering?

When you send financial support:
Please use the "Funds Transmittal Form". This includes writing the check to - General Board of Global Ministries, (Include the appropriate Advance #). The check should be designated with the specific project and name of your partner church (example: Pilzen-Lochotin UMC). A letter should accompany the check, which includes these designations. Send the check and letter to:

GCFA Advance
PO Box 9068
New York, NY 10087

Please also send a copy of the funds transmittal form and cover letter to:

Dick Arnold
465 Mill Pointe Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060