global mission
mission accompaniment
finding a companion
CMA is able to advise and match churches, Christian organisations and agencies on working with a mission companion.
The options are:
- Contact who will put you in touch with a national or regional focal person.
- Self select your own mission accompanier, perhaps someone you know who has a good reputation.
The process of selecting a mission accompanier, known as the ‘matching process' has the following sequences:
- Terms of the agreement: the expected areas of church life to be accompanied, hoped for outcomes and the seven core values.
- Selection of a mission companion: church tradition, skills and experience sought, the duration and frequency of visits by the mission companion.
- Establish a co-ordination team (reference group): this includes members involved from the officers of the church leadership (minister/priest, deacons, PCC or Elders) as well as various people from the congregation, adding strength and depth to the team.
- Initiating the process of accompaniment: the mission companion will listen to the church's story, visiting various church and community meetings, including a Sunday service.
- Review and assessment reports: periodic evaluation between mission accompanier and co-ordination team, re-negotiation of the boundaries, sharpening of focus, change of the duration of accompaniment and areas addressed.
- End of accompaniment: celebrate the learning and development; acknowledge areas that need further attention and strategies to ensure implementation after the accompanied journey.
Costs
The benefits of recruiting a mission companion are evident from earlier phases of work in the BBH. The general cost for the work of a mission accompanier over a period of a year is approximately £500.
However, this can be negotiated up or down depending on the size and context of the church requesting a mission companion and the circumstances of the mission companion.
