Partner Church Program: The Russia Initiative
(Formerly called the Supportive Congregation Program:
Renamed at the Russia Initiative Consultation XIII)
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The United Methodist Church in Eurasia
The Russia Initiative and the rebirth of Methodism in Russia began with five congregations in 1992. At the time of the Russia Initiative Consultation XIII meeting in Leawood, Kansas, November 15-17, 2007 there were 105 churches in the Eurasia Episcopal Area and 105 pastors under appointment. Eleven of these churches and 7 pastors are in the countries of Central Asia, which is a separate mission program. During the year 2007 there were 8 new church starts and 6 new churches are expected to begin in 2008.
The Russia Initiative includes the countries of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. The United Methodist Church in Eurasia now extends from Uzhgorod, Ukraine to Khabarovsk, Russia fulfilling the command to "Go, make disciples..."
TheRussia Initiative, a program of the General Board of Global Ministries
The Russia Initiative is a program of the General Board of Global Ministries. The backbone of the Initiative is the Partner ChurchProgram, by which US based churches provide financial and relational support to the emerging churches in Eurasia. The heart and soul of the mission is in the encouraging relationships with young and growing churches.
Who may become a Partner Church?
Partner Churches may be individual churches, districts, annual conferences, or clusters of churches joined together in a local area or from different parts of the US. Any combination possible may form a Partner Church relationship with a congregation or district in Eurasia.
What is the level of covenant commitment?
Partner Churchescovenant to contribute funds for salary and program expenses to designated pastors and local United Methodist churches in Eurasia. The average level of funding needed for each church may be anywhere in the range between $6,000 and $9,000 per year. The support package provides a monthly salary and allowances for housing, health care, pension, children, and rent of worship space. The level of support for a particular Eurasian church will depend on the actual budget needs and the resources of the Eurasian churches. A Eurasian congregation can be supported by a cluster of US based churches who pool their resources in the partnership.
The churches in Eurasia are participating in a stewardship and tithing program by which it is anticipated that congregations will gradually assume more responsibility for their pastor's salary and program ministries. In 2007, the Ukraine and Moldova Annual Conference established a policy by which the local churches in that conference are choosing not to receive a portion of the funding from their partner churches and instead have the funds placed in the Conference Development Fund. This is a hopeful sign of a growing church moving in the direction toward self-sufficiency.
How to arrange a church partnership?
Partnerships between US and Eurasian congregations are arranged through the Russia Initiative office in collaboration with the Bishop's office in Moscow. Partner Churches, or clusters of churches, are encouraged to make a three year commitment to this mission. On-going relationships between the churches beyond the three year commitment often develop and are particularly effective. In a number of instances, partner churches in the US have developed funding to help their partners in Eurasia obtain buildings for permanent worship and ministry.
How financial support reaches the partner church in Eurasia
The General Board of Global Ministries receives contributions and transmits them to the UM missionary in Moscow who manages the transfer of the funds to the Eurasia UMC Treasurer. The treasurer distributes the funds to Eurasian pastors and churches under the guidance of the bishop. The Funds Transmittal Guidelines form is provided for this purpose.
Relational support is more important than financial
As important as it is to provide financial support for the emerging churches in Eurasia, the development of encouraging relationships is even more vital. Reciprocal visits are of more benefit than one can imagine. Friendships in Christ encourage hope and form the spirit. There are many gifts in the life of faith for partner churches to share and receive.
US partner churches often collaborate together to provide teachers and organize seminars for continuing education of the Eurasian pastors on their districts and leadership training for the laity.
The level of commitment among the Eurasian pastors is extremely high and their enthusiasm is contagious. Prayers and encouragement of their brothers and sisters from their Partner Churches are vital for the ministry. Please contact us, learn more about this ministry and involve your congregation.
Dr. W. James Athearn, Coordinator Telephone: 540-662-2066
The Russia Initiative Email: jimathearn@gmail.com
116 Frasher Drive, Clear Brook, VA 22624
