Elements of Partnership

Prayer
Prayer connects us in mission through God’s power, strength, and presence. Pray regularly for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria as well as publicly for all our companion congregations, for the success of one another’s lives and mission.

Communication
Develop a plan for regular communication through letters and/or email and consider sending newsletters, pictorial directories, Sunday school artwork and personal letters to help build and strengthen good communication. This is a wonderful way to discover what both partners have in common.

Worship
Companion churches enliven their worship services by sharing hymns, decorations, liturgical items, phrases, traditions, and – when visitors are on hand – worship leaders and guest speakers.

Advocacy
As they grow in relationship, companions confront the issues challenging each other, such as racism, governmental corruption, economic uncertainty, poverty, hunger, and lack of education. Often they move from understanding to advocacy as they come to recognize their roles as global citizens.

Travel
Through visits to each other’s country and region, companions experience each other’s mission and faith. They return enriched, transformed, and empowered, ready to share what they have seen and heard.

Exchanges
Exchanging pastors, youth leaders, teachers, and lay people is a powerful way for companions to support and learn from one another.

Visits
Plan a trip to understand the culture, faith and life of our friends in Nigeria.

Stewardship Support
While companion synods primarily support each other through prayer, worship, and study, financial support may also be given. But people and relationships always come before projects. Only when companions know each other and their respective gifts is it appropriate to consider offering financial support – and only with the involvement of the Synod