The United Methodist Church believes that all people and areas of the church have a role in furthering the mission God has given us. The General Board of Global Ministries is the agency of the United Methodist Church that resources and supports the church (regional bodies, annual conferences, missionary conferences, local congregations, and individuals) as we live out the varieties of calls to mission that come from following Jesus.
A Wesleyan Theology of Mission
The Mission Theology statement guides our United Methodist participation in the Missio Dei ('mission of God' in Latin). The statement frames Global Ministries’ role within the denominational mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" Galatians 5:22
Whatever our named purpose or task might be as we engage in serving God and others, the primary goal is always to share the love of Christ with God's people. This means that our underlying purpose is to show love by respecting others, showing kindness, patience, and faith in all circumstances (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Philippians 4.) Since we participate in the work that is of God, for God, and completed by God, we strive to rely on the Holy Spirit and to allow the fruit of the Spirit to be the greatest content of our work.
The nature of service and the value of relationship leads the United Methodist Church to one our cornerstone principles: We only go where we are invited. We offer our service in response to specific invitations. These may come in the form of cries for help in the midst of disaster and distress, suggestions of partnership between government, international or local organizations, or the request of a local UMC congregation or body.
We know that we may not see fruit right away and that addressing the hurts and needs of this world is not a quick fix. When a United Methodist presence is established in an area of the world or of ministry, we are often in place for the long haul. It may not be the same individuals but as the body of the United Methodist Church, our goals is to establish systems of partnerships, initiatives, and networks that allow for continued work on a long-term development and mutually agreed-upon goals.
"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10
We often recognize the different roles involved in mission by saying that some people can be "players, prayers, and payers." Financial support is necessary for most forms of outreach and we seek to honor the generosity of those who give by making sure that we are accountable for how they are used. This means that gifts through our Advance system of giving are used 100% for the ministry or project for which it is given. This is possible because our regular church offerings support the financial systems, especially through our annual "One Great Hour of Sharing."
If a group has an Advance number - an idenitfying number and account - it meets our missional guidelines and has agreed to abide by our principles of financial management and stewardship. If a group is found to be in violation of this agreement, there is a system of recourse. For this and other fiscal and safety reasons, we ask that all groups use the church's financial systems Learn more about The Advance.
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." 1 Corinthians 4:2
"Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially those in the family of faith." Galatians 6:10
Wherever it best serves the goals of our mission, witnesses to Christ and holds to the above values, we encourage partner with other groups and organizations, ecuemnical, faith-based or secular. Examples of fruitful partnerships include:
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