For many years, Irish Methodists have joined with our brothers and sisters in Britain to answer God’s call to world mission. Until now, British and Irish Methodists (both lay and ordained) have been able to answer that call through the Mission Partner programme, which is administered by the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB).

However, MCB’s Council recently agreed significant changes to the Mission Partner programme. These changes follow decisions made by previous MCB Conferences to reduce the World Mission Fund’s reserves by transferring those financial resources to world church partners. The subsequent reduction in reserve levels, combined with the complexity and expense of employing lay people to serve overseas, required MCB’s Global Relationships and Mission Committees (which each include one representative from the Methodist Church in Ireland [MCI]) to propose changes to the existing programme.

The changes listed below were agreed by MCB’s Methodist Council:

1. The Mission Partner programme should continue for ordained persons of the MCB and MCI.

2. The Mission Partner programme should phase out the employment of lay Mission Partners and explore the potential of other pathways for lay people to serve overseas in the future (see below). All lay MCB and MCI Mission Partners employed by MCB should be put at risk of redundancy before August 2024. This should be done in consultation with receiving churches and Mission Partners to provide prayerful and appropriate care.

3. Where we jointly send lay Mission Partners with other Churches or organisations, conversations will be initiated or continued regarding the viability MCB’s future support of the role.

4. The Global Relationships Committee will explore pathways for lay people with a vocation as Mission Partners and continue to work with partners to share opportunities that provide pathways for lay people to serve overseas.

5. Mission Partners, as far as is possible, should receive an equal stipend to their colleagues in their placement when in placement. Partner Churches and Organisations should be asked to confirm that someone from outside the country would have the means to live on such an income (without land/ family support in the country of placement), and, upon advice from the Partner Church or Organisation, a supplement could be paid. When in Britain or Ireland on furlough, in training, or on authorised leave, Mission Partners should continue to receive the basic MCB ministerial stipend.

6. Partner Churches and Organisations who receive ordained Mission Partners should, where appropriate, be asked if they are prepared to pay for, or contribute towards, the Mission Partner’s stipend and other costs when in placement.

7. Mission Partners will continue to receive the benefits that are currently accorded to them, including but not limited to medical costs, authorised flights, and furlough accommodation support.

The MCB Conference, in receiving this report, also agreed that the Global Relationships Committee will continue to reflect on the process as these changes are implemented, to pastorally support existing mission partners and to plan for appropriate ways to celebrate the contribution of mission partners in the coming year. 

MCI recognises that these changes will disappointment many within the world church, including those currently serving as Mission Partners. However, we are clear that the changes to the Mission Partner programme in no way diminish the importance of mission. MCI remains committed to enabling Irish Methodists – both lay and ordained – to answer God’s call to serve his world church. MCI’s World Mission Partnership (WMP) team will actively explore alternative ways for lay people to serve in mission overseas, in collaboration with MCB’s Global Relationships team, sister churches and potential partner agencies.

It is right for us to celebrate the good work done through the Mission Partner programme, but it is also important to consider how God might use us differently in the future. This time of transition offers an opportunity for us to actively seek God’s will for his church. The systems and structures which have served world mission well in the past, may no longer be the most effective way of answering God’s call today.

WMP asks all Irish Methodists to pray for:

·      Our Mission Partners, as they navigate this difficult period.

·      The staff and committee of World Mission Partnership, as they seek to discern God’s will for the future.

·      The Global Relationships Team of MCB

·      For our Methodist family across the globe, as we continue working together toward the growth of the world church.