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2007-03-06 issue:

Church-to-church, person-to-person

Editorial

by Anna Groff

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With the return of the Mennonite Church USA delegation to the Democratic Republic of Congo in February, church leaders and members from both groups now ask, What happens next?

After this delegation, the next steps in the church-to-church relationship still remain unknown. However, one element is clear: This relationship must continue to function person-to-person, just as the delegation did.

The group of 13 from Mennonite Church USA, with various church positions and ages, connected directly with the Congolese Mennonites by eating and worshiping together, and visiting homes. Jim Schrag, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, said this delegation was more than a “leader-to-leader delegation”; instead it connected “people-to-people.”

The delegation, facilitated by Mennonite World Conference (MWC), traveled to Congo for two weeks to experience the daily life of Mennonites in Congo. This trip is one of many steps in the process of developing a new church-to-church relationship between Mennonite Church USA and two Mennonite churches in Congo. (See page 20.)

The relationship began when U.S. leaders approached Mennonite World Conference, asking how to develop one of four goals of Mennonite Church USA: nurturing global relationships. MWC suggested Mennonites in Congo as a partner for Mennonite Church USA because of their similar membership size and countless spiritual gifts.

Congolese church leaders agree with the importance of the person-to-person element in this church-to-church relationship.

During a joint debriefing session in Kinshasa, provincial president of the Congo Evangelical Mennonite Church, Alfonse Tshiala, reminded the delegation that this relationship must benefit people in the congregations; it cannot simply be an effort from church leaders.

Members of the delegation have returned to their homes and congregations carrying slips of paper with contact information from the Congolese Mennonites. Not all members will remain in contact with everyone they gave or received contact information from, but it’s surely a start. Friendships will continue to blossom through individuals’ correspondence and mutual prayer.

In Kinshasa, I had the privilege of meeting with five Congolese Mennonite journalism students. Through translation, we shared our professional goals and interests in journalism. This common ground, a shared professional interest, allowed us to exchange ideas as peers, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ. While the details of our professions vary, our common interest in communication provided a basis for connection.

Since the timeline for the relationship is a mystery, future delegations should continue to include young people. This relationship could take years and may not truly develop until the next generation takes leadership positions. Having young people on board, American and Congolese, gives strength and longevity to the relationship.

Aside from the many connections made during the delegation, the many unknowns in this relationship could cause anxiety. No one can be sure where this relationship will go, although both groups anticipate that this is not the last delegation. This mysterious waiting will challenge the Western mindset of many U.S. Mennonites who often look for immediate, concrete answers.

But we don’t have to wait to take action. We can learn more about our Congolese brothers and sisters by talking with members of the delegation, reading about the country, even corresponding with Congolese Mennonites. We can learn about the history of the church in Congo from organizations that have seen Congo through the years, such as MWC, African Inter-Mennonite Mission, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Economic Development Associates, and support them. All these small, individual actions will contribute to the growth of this larger relationship.—ag