Mission USA
The purpose of Mission USA is to provide a focused national vision
for the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches to build
the Church of Jesus Christ through evangelism of the un-churched.
In order to accomplish this task, Mission USA assists existing
churches with renewal strategies and also seeks to find viable
opportunities to plant new churches. Both of these functions are
critically important for the continuing health and vitality of
our family of churches. In short, Mission USA is strategizing
in order to lead the U.S. Conference of M.B. Churches in a unified
evangelistic effort.
Reaching out to those who don’t yet know
Jesus in our communities must become an ultimate core value for
us as M.B’s. We cannot neglect this fundamental aspect of
what it means to be a people that God uses to build His Kingdom.
Therefore, Mission USA is seeking out significant
partnerships within our districts for evangelism and discipleship
efforts that begin in the local church.
Church Health and Growth:
Given the fact that 80-85% of all churches are either plateaued
or declining in attendance, Mission USA makes it a priority to
partner with existing churches which have a vision for healthy
growth and ministry renewal. Though the message of the church
never changes, the form and style of celebrating and sharing that
message must change to maintain relevance and effectiveness in
our culture. In particular, Mission USA will assist in the development
of a church’s purpose, mission and core values which provide
the foundation for a discerned vision and strategy for future
growth. This usually requires four to six on-site visits with
the church’s leadership/pastoral teams.
(Contact Mission USA for more details.)
Target Churches:
A Target Church is an enhanced program of the Church Health and
Growth aspect of Mission USA. Target Churches will partner with
Mission USA for a one to two year time frame for a specific growth
strategy. More intensive evaluation and vision casting will be
a part of the Target Church partnership. Often, a Target Church
will receive minor financial assistance for a specific project
or staffing strategy. Only one (at the most two) Target Churches
are selected each year by Mission USA. Target Churches are selected
through an application process by the prospective church. (Contact
Mission USA for more details)
Mother/Daughter Church
Plants: Mission USA is seeking progressive visionary churches
which are interested in nurturing and supporting a daughter church
plant. The Mother/Daughter method of church planting is the most
effective method in the U.S. today. As with parenting, it requires
a significant investment of time, energy and financial support.
Likewise, the rewards of ‘daughtering’ a church are
many. Mission USA can assist churches which have this mindset
in finding appropriate resources, programs, ideas and support.
As well, Mission USA may partner financially with a Mother/Daughter
church plant. Mission USA has a goal of witnessing the majority
of our existing churches catching the passionate vision of being
a parent to a daughter church. (Contact Mission USA for more details)
Church Plant Partnerships:
Mission USA is also looking for outreach oriented M.B.
churches to partner with other like-minded M.B. churches to provide
the needed resources to plant a new church within a district or
region. Often, taking the sole role of ‘daughtering’
a church is beyond the capability for some of our smaller churches.
But, by banding together for a ‘near by’ plant, churches
can catch the vision of being a part of the larger picture of
building the Lord’s Kingdom. Within a specific region, some
churches may even be able to send out key workers for leadership
roles within the new church. Other churches may join in by providing
financial resources or needed equipment. Prayer warriors are always
needed. Please pray about your church’s involvement in these
‘partnership church plants.’
Integrated Ministries:
Integrated Ministries is the entity of Mission USA which
provides support for our many ethnic churches. Within the U.S.
Conference of M.B. Churches, we have numerous Slavic, Ethiopian,
Korean, Hispanic, Indian and Japanese churches. Many of these
churches are growing, for the most part, through incorporating
people of like ethnicity in their ministry. Several of these churches
are witnessing many conversions and baptisms. Each one of these
ethnic groups brings to us a wonderful diversity of culture. The
fact is, most of our conference’s growth over the past few
years has been as the result of the inclusion of these ethnic
churches and their growth. Integrated Ministries has assisted
several of these churches with grants and others have benefited
through association with Mennonite Brethren Foundation.
One of the main goals of Mission USA/Integrated
Ministries is to assist these ethnic churches in truly becoming
a part of our network of churches. We want to encourage them by
involving them in conferences, leadership opportunities, resource
support, fellowship and through personal contacts. Our ethnically
diverse churches are definitely a part of who we are as Mennonite
Brethren and they have much to offer. Continual prayers are urgently
needed for the Integrated Ministries focus of our Conference.
Developing Leaders
Everything rises and falls on leadership. Without the God-given
vision of leaders, ministries in general and people in particular
head off into various directions and at best dilute, or at worst
lose their effectiveness. It's equally important to know that
God creates and gifts some to be leaders. With good training and
coaching, those leaders can point and galvanize God's people to
keep ministry effective and on course.
MISSION USA is committed to identifying and helping
in the training process of those leaders. We've developed opportunities
for upcoming leaders to intern with churches in various areas,
ranging from worship and music to children's ministries.
Outside the Box: Mission
USA strives to ‘look and think outside the box.’ As
God leads us, we want to accomplish big things for the Kingdom
of Jesus Christ. We desire to see many more people come to know
Jesus as Savior. Mission USA wants to ignite a passionate dream
among us about church planting. It’s all about focusing
on what’s truly important. Let’s inspire one another
on toward that goal. Mission USA will partner, network, resource
and strive for one purpose:
To see more come to Him!
Don Morris
Director, Mission USA
337 Bright Angel Trail
Edmond, OK 73003
(405)340-4178
EMAIL: don@missionusa.net
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