What are Partners in Mission

The Partners in Mission category is a way of establishing a formal relationship between Central Plains Mennonite Conference and other entities, either individuals or groups, that is somewhere between casual acquaintance and formal membership in Central Plains.

Rationale:

1. As we develop a more missional model of church, we need to develop more options in order to be flexible in our relationships.
2. We are being approached by individuals and groups who are interested in learning more about Mennonites, and feel drawn to an Anabaptist theology.  They may not be ready to move to formal membership in the conference, but would like, and need, a relationship in order to learn more.
3. There are other groups and individuals who are on the same journey of faith as we are, and are living out the missional vision of the church in new and exciting ways.  We can learn much from them, and would benefit from a mutually agreed relationship.

Some potential partners, as examples: Emerging Church groups; The Mennonite churches of Ecuador; individuals in ministries outside of, but aligned with, our missional goals.

The intention of Partners in Mission is to link hands with congregations and networks of churches near and far with whom we have a spiritual and missional affinity, and with whom we will experience a synergy that will mutually benefit us in carrying out God’s mission.  For various reasons some of these congregations or ministries may not wish to formally affiliate with our Conference or Mennonite Church USA .  However, they appreciate our historical tradition, our missional experience, the structures for support and counsel we can offer, and our understanding of faith and practice.  And in turn some of these congregations and ministries have experiences in mission, connections to people that we lack in our Conference, and a faith that will enliven our Conference and congregations.  Through a relationship of trust and mutuality we can exchange gifts, and enlarge the mission of one another. 

The leaders of CPMC believe the future of the church will be characterized by dynamic partnerships such as those described above.  Entering into such partnerships need not result in diluting our faith or diminishing our commitment to a Mennonite understanding of faith.  Rather these partnerships may enrich our faith, enlarge our mission, and enhance the purposes of God for the church. 

The vision is for CPMC to enter into partnerships with congregations and other ministries not affiliated with our Conference without granting the privileges of membership.  Through this partnership the Conference will receive the benefits of expanded missional experience and opportunities.  Those designated as a Partner in Mission will be asked to indicate their affinity with our Confession of Faith and our perspectives on mission (including our affirmation of reconciliation and nonviolence).  A “memo of understanding” defining the relational, programmatic, and financial expectations of the partnership will guide the relationship.  The Conference Board will formalize any Partners In Mission relationship, and the delegates to the Annual Assembly will be invited to affirm this action.  The intention is to be relational and flexible in these partnerships.

Current Partners in Mission

Agape Peace Center-Ted Lewis

Philip Friesen