Protocols for Partnership
General guidelines for international partnerships between PC(USA) congregations, presbyteries and synods and international churches and institutions
1. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations, presbyteries and synod international partnerships and the World Mission ministry area are given guidance through the policy “Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership,” adopted by the 215th General Assembly (2003).
This policy emphasizes that our mission relationships within this country and around the world are most faithful when they proclaim and incarnate:
- Our shared grace in Christ and thanksgiving to God
- Our mutuality and interdependence
- Recognition and respect of our identities
- Open dialogue and transparency of action and
- Two-way sharing of resources, human and financial.
2. The “Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership” statement and others like it call us all to seek:
- To answer God’s call in mission, not serve our own needs by ‘doing good;”
- Opportunities for initiatives in mission by any partner, not one-sided efforts;
- Mutual respect, not paternalism;
- Interdependent partnerships that are of benefit to all partners, not one-sided dependent relationships;
- Mutuality, not one-way mission;
- Opportunities and recognition for “the least of these,” not exploitation to the benefit of the more powerful;
- To meet the holistic needs of churches and people(s), not serve narrow agendas;
- Open dialogue, prophetic challenge and mediation of differences, not coercive or manipulative imposition of solutions;
- To honor the integrity of the church context, structures and social dynamics, not to subsidize another’s central church life nor exert undue pressure to change or conform;
Application of these general guidelines to developing and reviewing partnerships
In living out these principles or guidelines for international partnerships, PC(USA) congregations, presbyteries and synods are asked to pay particular attention to the power dynamics that occur in attempting to relate as equal bodies in mutual relationship with our brothers and sisters in other places.
World Mission recommends that congregations, presbyteries and synods follow these steps when seeking, developing or renewing an international partnership:
1. Consult with the national governing body of the partner church in another country prior to making agreements with a lower governing body or institution of that church. It is often appropriate and helpful to invite the national church body in that place to send someone to travel with the PC(USA) group while in that country.
Rationale: Consultation with the national church body demonstrates respect for the independence of that body and their priorities for ministry and mission in that place.
2. Enter a time of study, prayer and discernment before initiating a partnership.
Rationale: The practice of partnership is a discipline that requires study and conversation, prayer and action. We can trust that time belongs to God and, trusting in God’s sovereign plans, we need not rush before we have a healthy, established relationship.
3. Develop a written covenant agreement with the international church body or institution, after a sufficient number of exchange visits have occurred, to include ways in which both parties give and both receive.
Rationale: A covenant places the relationship within a Biblical and theological understanding and is an opportunity to clearly define joint intentions and expectations. A written document provides a healthy tool for regularly reviewing the partnership.
4. In making financial commitments within the partnership:
- Refrain from making financial commitments for at least the first two years.
- Limit the amount of the financial commitment, set any commitment to the scale of the local economy, and develop clear, agreed-upon guidelines for the funds’ use, administration, and reporting.
- Be aware of, and try to minimize, the divisive impact that gifts to only one part of a partner church or institution can have on the whole. Consult with the national governing body of the partner church before making financial commitments.
- If congregational partnerships are developed within a presbytery partnership, there should be agreements on the limits of funds shared between congregations.
- Plan towards longer-term sustainability of joint projects, which includes refraining from paying the salaries of personnel, whether pastors or other staff.
- Send funds through the appropriate channels to optimize transparency in the relationship.
Rationale: While Presbyterians are encouraged to give generously to mission endeavors, funds cause more problems for partnerships than any other single issue. Respect for the priorities and mission vision of the partner should guide the financial commitments, rather than ministry being “donor-driven.” Competition and jealousies are frequently engendered within the partner church because of financial gifts. Power dynamics within the partner church or institution are greatly affected by the infusion of outside funds, even to the point of dividing the church! It takes time and attentive listening and observing even to begin to understand the dynamics of another place and culture.
5. Join with other PC(USA) governing bodies and groups in mission or partnership “networks” that are related to the World Mission ministry area.
Rationale: We are able to be more faithful in our witness and mission when we reflect together, share information and learnings, and coordinate our actions within the connectional church that is the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.).
