Mission Partners

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MISSION PARTNERS?
Its major purpose is to bring established congregations in direct and personal relationships with new congregations or renewed existing congregations.  Such a linkage yields a double benefit: established congregations are always enriched through their involvement  (and often awakened to a new sense of mission) with a new mission-start, or a renewed urban ministry; and the new and renewed congregations receives needed support and encouragement.

WHAT DOES THE NAME SIGNIFY?
"Mission" describes our central purpose as the church--every congregation is called to be in mission in its own neighborhood.  "Partners" describes another basic reality of our faith, the strength we achieve through common action in mission.

WHAT IS EXCHANGED IN THIS PARTNERSHIP?
Mission Partners has been described as Prayers, Presence, and Presents.
*  Prayers--Publicly or privately praying for the ministry, the people, and the pastor of the partner congregation.
*  Presence--Sharing in firsthand interaction with the people of the partner congregation as they engage in
    ministry..
*  Presents--Tangible expressions of support, such as...things (supplies, equipment, etc.)...funds (dollars
    to help underwrite the ministry of the partner congregation.  Also, helping with funds for capital expenses,
    staff, etc.)...services  (volunteering to help in the partner's ministry as needed).

FOR HOW LONG DO MISSION PARTNERS COMMITMENTS EXTEND?
Sometimes it is the support of a single project.  Often the partnerships extend for several years.  Normally an agreement (covenant) is drawn out stating expectations and commitments.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Please contact the NE Synod Mission Partners Team via www.nesynod.org or through members of the synod MP team.  To contact the team call either:  Pr. John Nieman (508-835-3323) or Pr. Dan Wilfrid (508-829-4416).