These challenges are large. These challenges demand our attention. Presbyterians' long mission history has led to an understanding that there are core commitments in our approach to mission. These are particularly fruitful when they are shaped to fit the realities of each time and place. The following commitments will guide Presbyterian mission.

Joining in Partnership

Mission in the 1990s, the PC(USA)'s previous mission vision statement, affirmed "No amount of external funds or personnel can substitute for the effective witness of indigenous churches and believing communities in each nation to their own people's context.... The body of believers in each nation has primary responsibility for mission and evangelism in that place."

The "Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership" policy of the General Assembly guides us in honoring those insights, noting five distinct elements of "disciplined partnership:"

• Shared Grace and Thanksgiving
• Mutuality and Interdependence
• Recognition and Respect
• Open Dialogue and Transparency
• Sharing of Resources

Working in partnership is a demanding and rewarding calling. It requires humility and vulnerability to seek God's will together for the partnership relationship. It requires deep listening to the needs and concerns of each partner and a willingness to explore new ways to respond.

Working Ecumenically

The Greek word "oikumene" means the whole household of God. One half of all Christians are Roman Catholic, one fourth are Pentecostal Protestants, and one-eighth are Orthodox. Mainline Protestants are among the remaining eighth of the world's Christian population, yet Presbyterians are often the energizers in local and international ecumenism. While ecumenism in the future may begin to look different than it does today, we must stay on this challenging journey, welcoming all.

Developing Leaders

Building up the body of Christ around the world requires strong leadership by both lay and ordained persons. Through leadership development, the church in each place is empowered to lead worship, to provide Christian education and pastoral care, and to establish equal relationships with the mission-sending church. It often leads to the partner church's ability to be self-supporting, and to send persons from the indigenous church in mission. It is the form of aid most requested by partners.

Connecting Mission Near and Far

Both local and worldwide mission are part of the call we receive in baptism. People's lives are changed by mission experiences in another culture, whether local or international. Helping people link their reality to that of people throughout the world can deepen faith, shape vocational choices and change society. The home community has an important role in watering and nurturing seeds of faith, giving each person the opportunity to grow and change through God's mission.

Our church's historic mission presence around the world often draws new immigrants to U.S. Presbyterian congregations because they have already experienced Presbyterian mission and church life in their home countries. Presbyteries and congregations have a unique opportunity to respond to the interests and enthusiasms of immigrants looking for a Presbyterian church.

Sharing People and Resources

The flow of people and resources in mission can be said to be like the circulatory system in the Body of Christ. Presbyterians rejoice that everything is God's. As God's stewards with others, we seek to share in ways that affirm and assist rather than demean or dominate.

We experience the reality of people's lives in another culture when we send people in mission. This helps us understand what it means to be a Christian in their cultural environment. The "web" of Presbyterians who incarnate the gospel around the world is increasingly complex and interconnected. From individuals to congregations, presbyteries and synods, from the denomination to validated mission support groups and mission networks, there are many people and resources available for mission. We are sometimes guests, sometimes hosts in the process of sharing people. As we share financial and other resources, we seek mutuality and accountability. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will strengthen its presence with partners as we find ever more creative ways to share people and resources in the future.