PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PRESBYTERY OF OLYMPIA &
SYNOD OF LIVINGSTONIA
The Presbytery of Olympia, Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.), and the Synod of
Livingstonia, Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian, hereby establish a
partnership for the purpose of strengthening both churches in life, mission,
and worship of God in Christ
The Goals of the Partnership Are To:
Affirm our oneness in Christ
Learn about the body of Christ in other contexts and
circumstances
Grow in faith, outreach, and service
Encourage and nurture lay ministry
Participate in the development of the University of Livingstonia
and its constituent colleges currently including the colleges of Commerce,
Education, Nursing, Technology and Theology.
Encourage, nurture, and provide education for those seeking
ordained ministry
Enhance educational opportunities in Malawi and in the United States
Develop cross-cultural exchange programs for all age groups
Share resources, evangelism efforts and mission experiences
Broaden our understanding and interest in theology and world
wide ministry.
Discover how what we do with our lives impacts other people
throughout the world
Extend hospitality to one another in the name of Christ
Both judicatories agree to:
- Uphold
each other in prayer especially at gathered meetings of their churches
- Share
prayer needs with each other which may be distributed to congregations or
presbyteries
- Annually
agree on three projects each in Olympia Presbytery and the Synod of
Livingstonia at least one of which helps develop the University of Livingstonia. These projects will receive special
effort in mission interpretation for the sake of encouraging the
involvement of pastors, elders and congregations. Other projects may be
promoted at the discretion of each Council.
- Work
together toward ensuring a secure financial footing and strong staffing
for the College of Education and the College
of Theology at the University of Livingstonia.
- Annually
take an offering on the first Sunday of February to celebrate the
institution and to raise unrestricted funds to be shared by the
constituent colleges.
- Encourage
and support biennial mission teams to travel to each other’s region in
order to provide mission interpretation, relationship building
opportunities, and cultural exchange.
- Encourage
one 3 month pulpit exchange at least once every two years.
- Maintain
regular communication so that both church bodies will be aware of each
other’s activities
- Designate
the Council and General Secretary of the Synod of Livingstonia and the Council
and General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Olympia as the persons
responsible for the implementation of this agreement.
The partnership will begin officially on January 1, 2007 and
be reviewed for possible revision and agreement by both parties at least once
every 5 years.
This partnership marks a special relationship of common
faith, fervent prayer and practical action for the sake of Christ’s church
across the globe.