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Partnership is based in community
Key to a partnership mentality is the self-understanding that whoever or whatever we are—an individual member, a congregation, an area conference, an agency or a school—we are insuffi cient in ourselves and our resources. To maximize our potential for kingdom work, we join with others so the result of witness and ministry is greater than the sum of the parts. Congregations often miss the opportunities of partnership in mission and ministry because they believe they are sufficient in themselves. Another key to partnership is our dependence upon God through the work of the Holy Spirit. This seems too obvious to miss, but in our individualistic environment, our self-evaluation of our own capacities is often distorted, infl ating our view of our singular potential. We are conditioned by our society toward self-suffi ciency to the extent that partnership is not only a second thought; it is often never considered. Partnership is based on a sense of God-inspired community, and our society is geared in the other direction of self-actualization. As we seek to fi nd the right keys that unlock the secret of Christian partnership, we also discover the key of choice. Indeed, partnership is a choice, as community is a choice. It is based on an elemental view of the church as a community requiring “two or three gathered together.” It is in worship and study as a community together that we are reminded of God’s intent that God’s people is a community of communities. Each community brings its own gifts and blessing to the other communities. Again, God blesses not only “those who help themselves,” as we are tempted to say in our individualistic society; rather, God’s blessing is showered on those who help each other. Are we ready to embrace partnership in Mennonite Church USA as God’s preferred way for us to witness to God’s good news in Christ? Community is a central value in our Anabaptist understanding of Scripture and practice. But the world around us urges us with subtle and insidious consistency to look after ourselves fi rst, to believe in our solitary capacities. We expand upon the wealth left us by previous generations, and the temptation to “do it alone” seems ever more inviting and possible. We opt for philanthropic, individualistic support of mission, preferring that to the partnership of the offering plate. Mission and ministry is the most effective when it is built on the bonds of relationship. The choice of Christian community will lead to many partnerships. A sense of individual insuffi ciency will lead to greater suffi ciency in the larger body. We cannot be a missional church by ourselves. It is always in a spiritual and human community that God’s desires are miraculously conceived by God’s people here on earth. In this issue: Features Additional Articles Viewpoints |
