A good friendship builds over time.
Mission work based on friendship is grounded in respect, awareness, and admiration. Being called to God’s work through everything we share.
It’s all about relationships.
Here are the first steps to putting the model into action:
Put Yourself Out There.
Start reading, praying, and awaiting the Holy Spirit. Are you ready for new friendships and to be a domino for God?
“…journal in a small spiral notebook or on your phone/tablet. It’s a great way to start to know your heart and to hear God…”
Travel Together.
Sign up for a trip to learn about the people, culture, and the work of God in another country.
“…in my third week as a pastor, a group of tourists approached me after service and asked if I would tell them the history of our church’s stained glass…. From there a friendship bloomed…”
Learn Together.
Build and grow a variety of small projects with new friends and the local community; which gives time for friendships to be created.
Bond.
Leaders should always be attuned to seeing friendships blossom. Connecting across borders in shared interests, hobbies, and dreams for the future.
Dream.
By the end of your trip, the leaders become networkers with you, your friend(s), respective churches and local communities to set up your dreams for success doing God’s work.
“Let us imagine with our brothers and sisters, so to create for God.”
Reach for the sky… with God.
Much of the hands-on and hard work comes once we go home, and connect friends with resources.
“The connectional system of all Methodist churches gives us the perfect opportunity to help others, all in God’s name.”
*Quotes pulled from Rev. Dawn Worden’s upcoming book: ‘The Friendship Model.’
