The theme for this issue, "The Mission of God and Global Partnerships," comes from the January 2018 consultation of the Council of International Anabaptist Ministries (CIM), held in Elkhart, Indiana, at the Mennonite Church USA offices and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. A day and a half of the consultation was given over to a plenary session, organized by Alain Epp Weaver (Mennonite Central Committee US) and a planning committee, in which a diverse group of participants shared their views on a range of topics related to global mission partnerships. Although much of the discussion centered on partnerships fostered by mission agencies, attention was also given to international partnerships between conferences and congregations.
Mission partnerships, like any relationships that matter to us, are difficult. Historical sins such as colonialism, racism, and sexism impede the development of genuinely mutual global partnerships. Time and money are limited, and so are our personalities. Shared theology and church practice can serve as bridges but also become points of conflict. In spite of the difficulties, we remain drawn into partnerships by friendship and mutual need, by overlapping history and vision, and, ultimately, by the Holy Spirit. Partnerships are difficult—but how good and pleasant it is to dwell in unity (Ps 133:1)! My hope is for these articles to serve the Spirit’s work of forming just partnerships for God’s mission in the world.