Mission Work as Accompaniment

The ELCA Companion Synod Program celebrates the image of “accompaniment.” Accompaniment literally is walking together in service in God’s mission. Each church has primary responsibility for mission in its own area. West Africans have their own expression for accompaniment: Muna Taraya Kafa Da Kafa, which means “hand in hand.”

The biblical roots of accompaniment are found in the incarnation of Jesus when God walks with us. One of the stories that unfolds this presence is in Luke 24:13-35, the Easter story of the friends walking on the road to Emmaus. The disciples on the road, the accompanying stranger, the dialogue and examination of scripture, the extending of hospitality and a meal, and finally, the revelation of the risen Christ in the breaking of bread, all provide images of our journey together in God’s mission. We walk with one another in a journey where the presence of God is revealed in us. God in Christ accompanies us in the fellowship of word and table.

The accompaniment model rose out of the changing paradigm of mission. A few generations ago, European and North American churches were the churches with resources, who sent missionaries to preach the gospel in places where it had not been heard. Today, churches throughout the world are now made up of people who have been Christians for generations. Instead of taking the lead on mission in their countries, we interact with one another as colleagues, fellow workers in the vineyard of Christ. Mature churches, each with their own strengths and characteristics, learn from one another in mutual respect. In places where there is no Christian presence, we partner with neighboring churches and ecumenical partners.