IM Connect

From this month's Christian and Missionary Alliance IM (International Ministries) Connect, a newsletter sent to missionaries and missionary candidates:

While traveling in Cambodia recently, Esther and I discovered the following covenant that the Cambodia C&MA missionary team made with one another. We liked it so much that we wanted, with their permission, to share it with you:

This covenant clarifies our mutual expectations of one another, making it possible to work together in a way that enables us to reach our full potential. This covenantal relationship will cultivate an atmosphere of freedom and trust in our team that will enable us to grow through change and conflict. This agreement binds us together and enables us to meet our team’s needs by meeting the needs of one another.

Purpose and Principles

We want to love and honor God in all that we do. As an expression of this desire, we commit ourselves to place love and honor as the foundation of our life and ministry together. We will accomplish this purpose through the following principles.

1. Our first priority will be to continually grow in our relationship with God through obedience to His Word.
   
2. We will accept one another. We are committed to Biblical unity which requires setting aside our own desires for the benefit of others. We will believe the best in others, stand up for one another, and give each other the benefit of the doubt allowing “love to cover a multitude of sins.”
   
3. We will take care of one another. We will be sensitive to one another’s weaknesses and work hard to protect, build up, and complement each other’s vulnerable areas, especially when we disagree.
   
4. We will not give, repeat, or receive accusations, except when willing to help resolve the problem. We will resolve conflicts as quickly as possible and according to biblical principles.
   
5. We will treat each other with respect which includes appreciating the way each one contributes their gifts, skills, and ideas to the success of the whole team. We will listen well to one another’s opinions, honor one another’s differences, hold love supreme, and wholeheartedly support our collective decisions. This requires us to be teachable and welcome correction as an opportunity to grow and develop.
   

Personal Commitment

It is my personal desire to love and honor God in all that I do. As an expression of this desire, I commit myself to place love and honor as the foundation of my life and ministry. I wholeheartedly enter into this covenant:

1. My first priority will be to grow in relationship with God through obedience to His Word.
   
2. I will accept each of my team mates, strive for biblical unity, and set aside my own desires for the benefit of others.
   
3. I will take care of my team mates by helping, protecting, and building them up.
   
4. I will resolve conflicts quickly and biblically.
   
5. I will treat each of my team mates with respect.
   

Each person on the field signed this covenant indicating their commitment to living it out. This has helped them become more healthy in working together!

I am encouraged by the humble servant's heart of the workers in the Cambodia field.