What it Means to be a Mission Worker in Today’s World Wide Church, Featuring Thomas Kemper
Final question that was asked which didn’t make it into the video:
Question: Can you speak a bit about how itineration currently works? I know some non-Americans itinerate in the US. Are they also required to itinerate in their home countries? Do American missionaries ever itinerate outside the US? Is there an idea for having missionaries from everywhere itinerate everywhere in the future?
Answer: Currently, all Global Ministries missionaries are required to travel to the United States for their itineration assignment once every three years to connect with supporting churches and to build new covenant relationships. All Global Ministries missionaries are also encouraged to itinerate, and share their stories, in their home context as well as their place of assignment. The Global Ministries itineration office provides assistance for all itinerating missionaries, whether they are itinerating in the U.S. or other nations. Although every missionary already has opportunities to itinerate “from everywhere to everywhere”, there is room for growth. Missionary Service, Global Connections and the itineration team will continue to work toward an itineration plan that looks more like the Global Ministries “from everywhere to everywhere” structure and approach to mission.
About
Thomas Kemper, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church
General Secretary Kemper is responsible for personnel, projects, and mission partnerships in more than 130 countries. A native of Germany, Thomas Kemper is the first person from outside the United States elected to lead a United Methodist agency. Prior to his position as general secretary, he was mission leader for the German Central Conference of The United Methodist Church and was Director of Ecumenical Learning at the Lippische Church, a regional church of the Association of Protestant Churches in Germany. He spent 8 years in Brazil as a missionary, where he taught in the Brazilian Theological Seminary in São Paulo and engaged in ministry with the poor and new church development.
This resource was designed with a United Methodist perspective, but we believe the content is also relevant for non-UMC seekers who are doing anti-racism work with a spiritual foundation.
