GLOBAL MINISTRIES
by the Rev. Terry Provance,
United Church Board for World Ministries, July 13, 1995

The World Ministries in the US and Canada staff team has conducted initial discussions regarding a vision of a congregation's character and personality as a result of its engagement in world ministries and positive impact through global contacts. Described here is a very brief sketch of that vision provided for the purpose of reflection and discussion. Not everything that can be stated is contained here and it would be important to have clarity about the definition of terms. Nevertheless, we hope you will join with us as we together imagine congregational transformation.

A congregation engaged in world ministries would be enabled to see itself as an AGENT of God's justice, inclusivity and reconciliation. Many members of the congregation could move toward a self-awareness of how their church actively participates in furthering justice and could be more conscious of their church's role in the construction of local and global justice. Global awareness would draw members closer to local justice concerns. And members could move beyond charity to realize their commitment to social change.

A congregation influenced by its contact with the global community of faith would be a CRITICAL congregation. It would see its role as one discerning truth and reality from its own experiences and would resist stereotypical views of the world, societies and cultures. Members would have the strength and courage to do their own thinking, to not accept media manipulations, and to maintain a personal relationship with news and stories from other parts of the world.

A local church impacted by its global church connections would exhibit ENERGY and DYNAMISM. It would not be necessary to animate members, a task pastors and laity often face, because individual spirits will be more alive through personal experiences of enhanced faith and spirituality.

Consequently, the FAITHFULNESS of members will be deepened through more personal and collective responsibility. Ties with Christians and others in different parts of the world will make it easier to motivate members about social concerns because they will understand that their faith obligates them. Members will live more consciously Christian lives. The congregation will become more generous and compassionate with its time and resources as it experiences a re-evangelization of its members.

HUMILITY will be evident as the congregation recognizes and sheds the arrogance of US culture, affirms diverse cultures and becomes more open and honest in its relationships with the variety of the world's people everywhere. An openness to others will reduce feelings of superiority as well as inadequacy and enable affirmation of diversity.

The congregation will see itself CONNECTED to the worldwide web of faith and consequently integrated into an international movement for social change and justice. Deepening the local church link with the world community will eventually eliminate the distinction between local and global ministries. A holistic approach to life and witness will flow.

Please keep in mind that the above is an expression of what we would like to see happen as local churches become more involved with the United Church Board for World Ministries programs. Not all congregations will participate and develop in the same way and the vision is not meant to be a uniform one for all churches. However, it may help to keep before us an image of what we would like to see transpire as we offer projects and resources. This could help us to understand our leadership responsibilities more clearly and how our various programs might complement each other.