Connecting Congregations

CLICK ON ANY FLAG OR COUNTRY LISTED BELOW FOR LISTS OF ALL CONNECTING CONGREGATIONS AND ENABLING CHURCHES THAT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTRY!
	18 Connections (5 current)
	10 Connections (7 current)
	1 Connection (current)
	1 Connection (current)
	7 Connections (3 current)
	26 Connections (19 current)
	2 Connections (1 current)
	4 Connections (2 current)
	6 Connections (current)
	1 Connection (0 current)
	10 Connections (7 current)
	1 Connection (0 current)
	40 Connections (40 current)
	10 Connections (0 current)
	1 Connection (current)
	11 Connections (4 current)

A World Methodist Evangelism ministry, which began after the collapse of communism in Czechoslovakia, has spread throughout Eastern Europe, Africa, South America, Central America and Asia. Immediately after the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe in 1990-91, the leaders of World Methodist Evangelism were seeking a clear way to "stand alongside brothers and sisters in Christ" across Eastern Europe. They were inspired by the vision of Czechoslovakia Superintendent Josef Cervenak and Central/Southern Europe Bishop Heinrich Bolleter to begin new congregations across Eastern Europe.

The first eight Connecting Congregations for Christ were started between February and May, 1992 in Czechoslovakia. Soon, additional Connecting Congregations began in Estonia ('92), Poland ('92), Latvia ('92), Bulgaria ('93) and other Eastern Europe countries.

These emerging congregations are "Connected" through World Methodist Evangelism with enabling congregations in other parts of the world. Both the Connecting Congregations and the Enabling Congregations are invited to "share with one another what each one has to give."

If congregations have faith, they share faith.
If they have hope, they share hope.
If they have vision, they share vision.
If they have prayer, they share prayer.
If congregations are blessed with resources --including people and money -- they share them with their Connecting Congregations.

The vision is that each congregation in the connection is strengthened in order to be more faithful in making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Connecting Congregations are committed for the "long haul" so that relationships can be deepened and both congregations made stronger for ministry. An initial commitment of 3 - 5 years becomes the basis for a continuing connection for ministry together. Some connections have been in place for over nine years. Connecting Congregations have shared through visits with one another, work teams, witness teams, Sunday School and Bible School teams and choirs. Congregations have shared Christmas Carols with one another by telephone, loaves of Bread have been exchanged, and special offerings have been given for restoration and development of buildings and programs. Each "Connection" develops differently in keeping with the needs of the congregations, but a basic commitment of prayer and financial support becomes the foundation for expanding ministry in the new situation.

Each Connecting Congregation has a basic commitment that enables the missionary congregation to flourish. In addition, each connection has its own unique story. For some of the unique stories surrounding individual connections, click on the countries or flags in the list above.

To learn more about becoming a Connecting Congregation or an Enabling Congregation, CLICK HERE to submit a request for more information.

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