Mission During Covid-19 - 2020: Back to the Basics

The foundational principles of mission and ministry have not changed during this pandemic. Some of the beliefs I hold dear, I offer for your consideration:
- Relationships at the center. It is who we are as United Methodists. Relational ministry is our niche. It is what we are known for.
- Walking with over the long haul is who we are. Long after the disaster is forgotten, United Methodist caseworkers are still visiting families and individuals to walk with them while they put their lives back together. We stick around.
- Ministry with rather than ministry to is incarnational. Jesus welcomed the disciples into ministry with him. When we minister with rather than to, we recognize the sacred worth in each individual and honor the presence of the Holy in them. We set aside our need to set the priorities. Instead we ask how we can come on a journey with, walking beside, not in front.
- Mutuality is receiving as well as giving. One of the greatest gifts we can give is space to accept what others have to offer. We recognize the gifts in others and make space to receive.
- Transformational partnerships are those in which we learn from each other. We can learn a great deal from those we minister with by putting aside our preconceived ideas and open ourselves to shared learning.
- Being present and in prayer is the most important thing we can do for someone. Ministry of presence is the secret sauce. When we are present with others, the Holy Spirit can use us in ways we never thought possible.
More Mission Engagement Blog Posts:

Missional Collective: Land, Racial Equity, and the Church
By Rev. Heather Kilbourne Land plays a leading role in the Old Testament. It begins on the third day when God created land (Genesis 1:9-13) and continues through the story of the burning bush when ...

The Greatest Missions
By Rev. Steve Cheyney Mission trips, working at an urban ministry center, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, assisting children with their schoolwork, preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald ...

The Recession of Waters, the Rise of the Church
By Rev. Nicole Jones August 17th 2021 3:00 There had been a steady rain all day. I prepared to pick my children up from school and checked the radar. It looked like some heavy rain would be moving ...

Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Practicing Hospitality
By Rev. Rob Parsons I’ve been trying to live into Luke 10. In that chapter, Jesus sends the 70 out into those places “he himself intended to go” but they were to go before him. They are sent out into ...