Mary Thiessen Nation, an MBM mission worker in London, with more than two decades of ministry in inner-city Los Angeles, has set out some thoughts about how her Mennonite upbringing in western Canada prepared her for urban mission. I had been groomed for a mission that included radical discipleship, diligent Bible teaching, serving the poor, evangelism and community. These same characteristics that powered her success in urban missions will also make for success in partnership development for Mennonite agencies and churches today. Partnership as radical discipleship - Partnership is discipleship, because following Jesus' way means joining a peoplehood and attending to relationships.
Partnership is radical because it offers to distribute power and create new structures for mission.
Partnership is radical discipleship because it invites all church members to join the partnership table in active engagement, placing the Great Commission at the center of our lives and work. These lay leaders are essential ingredients in forming successful partnerships that can weather difficult times and remain focused on mission. Partnership and serving the poor - Partnership recognizes each partner's contribution with equal regard, without demanding equal financial participation. Partnership reminds us that as members of a global church, we need to see that there are ways we should be receivers and learners, too. We engage in mission with the poor as well as for the poor.