
Back in 2021, IMMC put together an Intercultural Working Group that brainstormed recommendations for how we could grow our intercultural competence as IMMC. This group met for a year and made recommendations for both our Missional Leadership Team and our congregations.
One of those recommendations was to form “Sister Churches.” There is a lot of liberty regarding how “Sister Churches” could be defined, but a broad definition was discussed at length by our Leadership Enhancement Team. We hope to pair up congregations that are willing to have relationships outside their community. Ideally, churches would be paired with a congregation “different” from their own. This could mean “different” in regards to racial ethic makeup, socioeconomic status, age, size, theology, or other factors that make congregations who might not otherwise connect join in relationship with one another.
There are many ways this could happen, and we hope to let congregations define what that means for one another. The IWG recommended pulpit sharing, mutual Bible or book study, combining a worship service, or celebrating together, among other things. We are blessed to have a rich diversity in our conference from which to draw upon in helping one another see the world in a different way.
To date, there is one Sister Church pairing in what they refer to as a “birthing process.” This pairing is between Waterford Mennonite in Goshen and Belmont Neighborhood Fellowship in Elkhart. BNF had asked some time ago to be paired with another IMMC church, but at the time, no program or structure existed. Sister Churches gave the perfect opportunity for congregational connection.
According to pastor Kevin Yoder, BNF has as their goal in 2025 to “look outside of themselves.” In this, they hope to see the world from another congregation’s perspective.
In an initial meeting, Pastor Cindy Voth of Waterford said that as churches, we can easily become self-sufficient. A sister congregation helps us realize that God’s kingdom is best when we are inter-dependent.
This does not come without challenges. For instance, Waterford is a large congregation and BNF is a smaller congregation. However, they are finding a way through.
Some ideas they have in walking together include special activities, events, and worship services that could involve the other congregation. In this way, there is no need to create unique, outside-of-the-norm events. Both congregations can join in on what the other congregation is already doing.
We are hoping more IMMC churches become interested in being paired with each other. No matter your congregational size or demographic realities, we are committed to finding congregations that fit well with one another. In pairing with one another, regardless of difference, there are opportunities to grow spiritually and interculturally. As is the case between Waterford and BNF, there is no need to reinvent the wheel if you don’t want to. Congregations can be in fellowship with events and worship services your congregation already has in place.
If you’re interested in being paired with a Sister Church, please reach out to the IMMC office or contact Joanne Gallardo directly at joanne@im.mennonite.net.
By Joanne Gallardo, IMMC Conference Co-Minister