Memorandum of Understanding
Partnership of Zimbabwe-Denver Presbyteries
Preamble
This partnership has grown out o f a particular mission endeavor by several churches of the Presbytery of Denver known as the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership (ZMP) and has led Denver Presbytery to pursue a larger relationship with the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. While both presbyteries acknowledge the work of the ZMP, we recognize and embrace our desire for a relationship that will encompass all aspects of our presbyteries’ lives. We trust that God will use this partnership to enrich the mission vitality of the Body of Christ in Colorado, Zimbabwe and elsewhere.
Seven Goals of the Partnership
1) Learn together how to strengthen and nurture the life and work in our congregations.
2) Learn more about the mission work carried out by the churches in the Presbytery and the Presbyteries themselves.
3) Expand our ecclesiastical relationship, strengthening ties between the two governing bodies, increasing our understanding of what church life is like in each community and within each Presbytery.
4) Continue to learn through experience by having two-way visitations.
5) Seek ways to develop a common mission that potentially includes the Zimbabwe Mission Partnership.
6) Build up the Body of Christ worldwide.
7) Expose ourselves to what God is doing in the Church elsewhere.
Partnership Committee
This MOU establishes one Partnership Committee comprised of appointed members of each Presbytery that meets in two locations. Decisions will be ratified at both locations.
Funding
The partnership and its activities will be funded primarily by the Presbytery of Denver in light of the material blessings of that Presbytery. The Presbytery of Denver will fund the majority of travel made to the United States by Partnership delegates. Denver Presbytery will also provide funding to assist the Presbytery of Zimbabwe in hosting Partnership delegates from Denver.
Communication
There shall be regular exchange of information between the Presbyteries, including but not limited to, Presbytery meeting minutes and Partnership Committee minutes.
Partnership Education
Education will take place in both Presbyteries to ensure that pastors, commissioners, elders and congregations have a clear picture of the scope of the partnership. The blessing of pastors and commissioners must be evidence as they convey information about the partnership to their congregations and sessions.
This Covenantal Relationship Shall Include:
- Genuine commitment
- Open, honest, transparent communication
- An equal partnership with equal input – an attitude of psychological. Spiritual and emotional equality – relating within our common faith
- A deepening understanding of each other with mutual learning at all levels
- An agreement to disagree on occasion, and to offer and receive forgiveness when an honest mistake has been made
- Prayer for each other’s Presbytery