Building Understanding Through Partner Congregations
We all understand that the Church is worldwide and that we have fellow Christians around the world, but many of us have not had the opportunity to know Christians in other countries and cultures. As much as we might wish it otherwise, we often remain uninformed about their lives, hopes, struggles, and successes.

SEMN Synod has ongoing relationships with two churches that are part of the international Lutheran family – the Lutheran Church of Colombia and the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. There is also an opportunity to build ties from your congregation to a Partner Congregation in one of these Companion Synods.

A Partner Congregation partnership allows your congregation to get to know another congregation on another continent. It allows you and your partner to share ideas, hopes, concerns, and - above all – to give each other encouragement and support as each pursue its common mission. While we can never understand all the issues facing all Christians in other countries., we can become richly informed about one. By understanding more deeply one church in one community, we may become generally more sensitive and aware of needs around the world.

Being a Partner Congregation also means some commitments. It means keeping in touch with your partner on a regular basis. It means taking an active interest in your partner's well-being. It means regularly including them in your prayers and listing them in your bulletins and publications. Because these are poor congregations in very poor countries, it sometimes means being open to their requests for special financial help and assisting them when possible.

It also means expecting your partner to participate with you. Although communication is often difficult, you can expect them to send messages that inform and inspire. Some members of your congregation may travel to the country of your partner. We can assure you from personal experience that the warmth of your welcome will overwhelm you. It will be an unforgettable experience.

We have much to learn from our sisters and brothers around the world. We also have much to offer in return. Participating as a Partner Congregation is a practical and inspiring way to broaden our understanding and enhance our experience of mission. It is a tangible and effective way to be "the Church in the World."

For more information about this great opportunity, please contact us.

Richard or Lois Wintersteen
525 Record Street Mankato MN 56001
507-625-7807