Partnering with the Church in mission
The purpose statement of Operation Mobilisation starts with the words – “OM’s role in the church is to….” Over the years OM has seen the importance of an integrated approach to mission. Perhaps in the past, the Church and Global Mission have not always worked synonymously. Whilst both have been involved in the Great Commission, it hasn’t always been a mutually beneficial partnership. Today, partnerships are changing even more in the UK Church, and a strengthening dialogue of partnership is emerging between churches and mission organisations.
OM is one organisation that has acknowledged the many mutual benefits of partnering with churches.
In the past 57 years, OM has been richly blessed by God’s wonderful provision. None of which could have been achieved without the God given partnership of churches in the UK in their support in areas of praying, giving and going. In return, OM has joyfully witnessed God richly blessing these fellowships – seeing these churches fulfil their vision to be missionally minded congregations, both globally, and in their immediate communities.
How do these partnerships begin? Like most, it begins with talking; working closely with representatives of the church and together listening to how God is leading them, whether that is being involved in a particular country or a specific aspect of ministry. By initiating the conversation, the partnership can begin to discern the appropriate outpouring of the churches’ vision.
OM is committed to putting mission at the heart of the Church and Church at the heart of the community. The wider Church can become involved in bringing Good News around the world through areas of giving and praying. Several churches have found these opportunities through partnering with maturing fellowships in many areas such as India or Romania. Opportunities have arisen to visit these ministries through Vision Trips – allowing the UK Church to witness how the partnership has flourished.
As part of this on-going partnership with the church, OM continues to encourage individuals to get involved in bringing Good News by going on a mission trip. This can be done through a GAP year, placements or even through career breaks – OM can facilitate tailor-made opportunities for people of all ages. Previous participants have shared how God used them in extraordinary ways, noting how their lives and outlook were transformed.
This was how Rachel felt, after spending time on an outreach in Asia, “For me it was all about finding the Kingdom of God in the most unexpected places, like in the middle of a slum where disease is rife and a mother has just lost her little girl. The Kingdom is sprouting up and flourishing even in the most difficult circumstances, like the mustard seed that grew into a great tree. Blessed to witness this, God is not limited to our big buildings. He can redeem and restore lives even when there seems to be no hope, where his precious people can say ‘Hallelujah’ in the midst of loss and grief. He is redeeming His precious gems and will continue to do so, nothing can hinder His power.”