Mission Statement: We commit ourselves to a shared life in Christ and to an ecumenical global sharing of resources and prophetic vision of a just and peaceful world order, joining with God’s concern for the poor and oppressed. This commitment will be reflected in common decision-making for mission programs which will visibly witness to the oneness of mission in and through the Church of Jesus Christ.
Guiding Principles:
1. Within covenantal bonds with other partner churches and ecumenical bodies throughout the world, we commit ourselves in Christ to share life, resources and needs.
2. As part of the ecumenical church and its response to particular historical and geographical contexts, we affirm our commitment to share persons in mission.
3. We commit ourselves to discovering and sharing exciting new ways to sing the song of faith ... hearing, telling and participating in the story of God's love in Jesus Christ.
4. Relying upon God's grace, we commit ourselves to share in God's healing of God's continuing creation.
5. Recognizing the freedom of God's Spirit to act in diverse ways, we commit ourselves to engage in dialogue, witness, and common cause with people of other faiths and movements with whom we share a vision of peace, justice, and integrity of creation.
Haystack: On a Saturday afternoon in August 1806, five college students gathered in a field to discuss the spiritual needs of those living in Asian countries. When a thunderstorm arose, they took shelter on the side of a haystack and prayed. This gathering came to be called the Haystack Prayer Meeting, launching the modern American mission movement. Global Ministries traces its mission roots to the Haystack Prayer Meeting.
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.
How is Global Ministries governed?
By the Common Global Ministries Board (CGMB) composed of six international partners, 20 Division of Overseas Ministries (Disciples) board members and 20 Wider Church Ministries (UCC) board members.
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.
How many partners does Global Ministries have?
Over 270 partner churches and organizations in about 70 countries around the world.
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.
What is Global Ministries' mission?
To provide a Critical Presence with international partners through various ministries of acompañamiento (walking together side by side).
What is Critical Presence?
The priority Global Ministries follows to timely and appropriately meet God's people and creation at the point of deepest need: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and/or economically.
How does Global Ministries send missionaries?
When international partners request a missionary for a specific need that meets the Critical Presence criteria and finances are available for the appointment, then a person who can fill the role is sought.
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.
How many missionaries did Global Ministries send in 2010?
A total of 126 missionaries served in 43 countries, which included 56 fully supported missionaries, 8 global mission interns (young adults ages 18-30), 13 long-term volunteers (one year or more) and 49 overseas associates (Disciple and UCC persons in mission appointed and paid by international partners).
Are there other options for short-term service through Global Ministries?
In 2010, 14 individuals served as short-term volunteers (two weeks to 11 months) and 94 group mission trips were recorded through the People-to-People pilgrimage office.
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.
How is Global Ministries funded?
Through a percentage of Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) and the Easter offering from Disciples and Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM) from the UCC plus money through Week of Compassion (WOC) and One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). Funds are also received from various endowment funds and from special gifts provided by individuals, congregations and judicatories of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
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