What is Global Ministries?

What is Global Ministries?

by | published on Dec 21, 2014

What is Global Ministries?

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 program which will visibly witness to the oneness of mission in and through the Church of Jesus Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions about Global Ministries
  1. 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.

  2. How is Global Ministries governed?
    By the Common Global Ministries Board (CGMB) composed of 6 international partners, 20 Division of Overseas Ministries (Disciples) board members and 20 Wider Church Ministries (UCC) board members.

  3. 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.

  4. How is the work with international partners carried out?
    Through five area offices staffed by area executives (Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and Europe and Southern Asia) who work with the program offices (Mission Personnel including People-to-People pilgrimages and Missionary Relationships, Resource/Financial Development, Mission Education and Advocacy, Finance, Child Sponsorship)

  5. How many partners does Global Ministries have?
    Over 270 partner churches and organizations in about 70 countries around the world.

  6. Why is Global Ministries unique?
    No two denominations in American Christianity have entered into covenantal partnership to engage in global mission together through a common structure.

  7. What is Global Ministries’ mission?
    To provide a Critical Presence with international partners through various ministries of acompanamiento (walking together side by side).

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. How many missionaries does Global Ministries have?
    At any given time there are approximately 150 people in mission serving on behalf of Disciples and UCC in close to 50 countries. These include approximately 50 fully supported missionaries, 10 global mission interns (young adults just out of college), 10 long-term volunteers (one year or more) 20 to 30 short-term volunteers (2 weeks up to a year) and 50 overseas associates (being paid by international partners).

  12. Are there other options for short-term service through Global Ministries?
    Short-term volunteers serve from 2 weeks to a year and there is a group trip program called People-to-People Pilgrimages that helps 70 plus Disciples and UCC groups per year have an overseas experience.

  13. 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.

  14. Where does Global Ministries have home-based staff?
    Half of the staff is in Cleveland at the UCC Church House and the other half is in Indianapolis at the Disciples Center. The staff is led by two co-executives, one in Indianapolis and one in Cleveland.

  15. How is the work with international partners carried out?
    Through five area offices staffed by area executives (Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Middle East and Europe and Southern Asia) who work with the program offices (Mission Personnel including People-to-People pilgrimages and Missionary Relationships, Resource/Financial Development, Mission Education and Advocacy, Finance, Child Sponsorship)

  16. 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 endowments and special funds.

  17. Can I give to Global Ministries? 
    Gifts are welcome and can be sent to Global Ministries in either Cleveland or Indianapolis. You may send an undesignated gift or designate a gift for one of the 300-plus special giving projects that you may find on the Global Ministries website globalministries.org

  18. How can I help tell the story of Global Ministries?
    Consider attending a Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) training to learn more about Global Ministries and become a part of the network of the 400 plus Disciples and UCC MMIs who are advocating for the work of Global Ministries around the globe.
Learn More About Global Ministries

Guiding Principles
History
Origin and legacy of the Common Global Ministries Board
Contact Us

 

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