Frequently Asked Questions About Mission to the U.S.A.
September 29-October 27, 2010

What is Mission to the USA?

The Mission to the U.S.A. Program of the Synod of the Covenant is a short-term opportunity for churches to be on the receiving end.   Individual congregations host a Christian leader from an ecumenical partner denomination for four weeks.  The “mission partner” becomes a missionary to that congregation, serving on the staff as a parish associate. The goals of the Mission to the USA Program are to:

·         Educate members of participating churches about another part of the world and the challenges facing Christians there,

·         Provide a fresh perspective on the gospel of Jesus Christ

·         Help U.S. Christians acquire a deepened understanding of the global nature of Christ’s church,

·         Challenge U.S. Christians to greater faithfulness our own country.

What is required of the pastor in hosting a mission partner?

The first expectation is that a pastor from the congregation attends both orientation and debriefing held near the Detroit airport at the beginning and end of the four weeks.  This is not only an important gesture of hospitality, it is very important for a staff representative from the congregation to be fully aware of expectations of both the mission partner and the church.  The cultural orientation may also be helpful for initiating conversations and preventing misunderstandings. To ease the pastor’s load, we recommend and insist on a well formed committee of congregational representatives to plan and carry out plans for a mission partner’s stay with a congregation.  The depth of involvement in the mission partner’s stay by a pastor differs in different congregations, depending on the committee, the pastor’s interest and time available, and the size of the congregation.

What will an ecumenical mission partner do in our congregation?
Your mission partner could do a variety of things while staying with your congregation. Functioning as an adjunct member of your church staff he or she may be asked to preach, teach, assist with hospital calls, attend meetings and visit with members of the congregation. The mission partner’s purpose is to share his or her story of faith with the congregation and to be a “missionary,” bringing the gospel to the host congregation from the perspective of someone from another part of the world.  Your ecumenical mission partner may be asked to speak to community groups such as the Rotary Club, school groups, and may visit other local churches. You are encouraged to take your mission partner to presbytery meetings and other church-wide events. It is also important to include the mission partner in decisions about what he or she would like to do and allow some flexibility for rest and preparation time. 

What does our congregation need to do to host an ecumenical mission partner?

o        Form a committee to assist with planning the visit so that no one person is burdened by the project.
o        Arrange for housing.  Mission partners live with members of the congregation during their four-week stay. Generally, we suggest that   no more than two families serve as hosts.
o        Provide office space that may include access to a phone, office equipment and a computer.
o        Plan the mission partner’s schedule.
o        Provide transportation for all activities.   If the mission partner has an international driver’s license and insurance coverage and the church has a car available, he or she may drive in the U.S.  This is a rare occurrence.  Usually, members of the host congregation provide all transportation or if public transportation is available, the mission partner can be oriented to that system. 
o        Contribute toward airfare ($250 to $1000, depending on church’s ability to pay) and provide a gift of $100 cash for each week the mission partner serves.
o        Plan other activities such as receptions and worship services and advertise throughout the congregation, synod, presbytery and local community before the mission partner’s arrival.
o        Learn about your partner’s country and denomination prior to arrival, preparing the congregation for the experience. 

How much will it cost our congregation to participate in the program?
To participate in the program, your congregation is asked to contribute between $250 and $1000 toward the cost of airfare to and from the U.S.  Every congregation must gift their mission partner with $100 a week over the four-week period to cover personal expenses. We also ask that the church allow the mission partner to communicate home by phone at least twice during the visit, or secure access to a SKYPE account for communication. Cost could be as little as  $650 and as much as $1400. 

Will the ecumenical mission partner be a clergy or lay person?
Mission partners can be either pastors or lay persons, male or female. They will be Christians, affiliated with an ecumenical partner denomination that has (or is working toward) an official relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

Will the mission partner have health insurance coverage during his or her visit?
Yes, the Office of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) provides health insurance coverage in the unlikely event that emergency medical care is needed.  Coverage does not include dental work or preexisting conditions. 

Will the mission partner speak English?
Yes! Every mission partner is expected to speak English and have good writing skills in English.  However, your congregation may have trouble understanding a strong accent and the mission partner may not always understand our slang or idioms.  One previous mission partner suggested having a member of the congregation serve as an English tutor, if necessary. 

From which countries will the ecumenical mission partners come?I
In 2010 the invitations are being offered to denominations in the Middle East. The exact countries are unknown but may include Egypt, Syria, Jordon, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, Iran and/or Iraq.  

When will the Mission to the USA program take place?
The date of the 2010 program is September 29 – October 27, 2010.                                                                                                        

When will the mission partners arrive?
The mission partners will arrive at the Detroit airport a day or two before the program begins. A pastor from your congregation and at least one layperson will be asked to meet your mission partner near the Detroit airport for a one-day orientation session on September 29, prior to being taken to your community.  Before departing four weeks later, your mission partner, along with the pastor and a layperson, will attend a debriefing meeting in the Detroit area on October 27.  Attendance at orientation and debriefing is critical to the success of the program and is not optional.  A pastor from the congregation MUST attend. 

Is every congregation that applies to the program guaranteed a mission partner?
Depending upon how many churches apply it may be that not every church will have an opportunity to host this year.  Congregations that applied last year and did not receive a mission partner and those that have not previously hosted are generally given first priority.  Every attempt is made to accept churches of all sizes and from all parts of the Synod.  The Mission to the U.S.A. Committee prayerfully strives to match mission partners and congregations in ways that will benefit all participants.   

Can we join with another congregation to host a mission partner?
We prefer that congregations plan to host a mission partner by themselves so that the experience will be a rich one, allowing for plenty of interaction with the partner. However, two smaller congregations may consider co-hosting. In that case, the congregations should complete a joint application. We do not recommend that more than two congregations share one mission partner. 

Will we be obligated to provide mission support to the mission partner’s home church?
Definitely not! While some congregations form a lasting partnership with their mission partner, this is not a requirement of the program. The partner is to be a part of your congregation for four weeks and may not raise funds during the stay. He or she is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to you! Congregations that choose to form a partnership or offer financial support once the program has ended are encouraged to use parameters set up by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). 

When will we know if we will have an mission partner assigned to us?
You must apply before April 1, 2010. The Mission to the U.S.A. Program Committee will meet after that date if we have received the personal information forms from the mission partners by that time. Congregations are notified no later than mid-May.  You may call or email the coordinator if you haven’t heard anything by June 1.  Final assurance that you have a mission partner takes place when his or her visa is secured.