Questions & Answers
Trip to South Africa
Is there anything special about the 2013 Trip to South Africa?
Yes, this is an official Synod trip, which is approved and recognized by both our Synod and the Western Diocese.
Can’t people and congregations go anytime they choose? Do we need approval by our Bishop to travel there?
Yes, you can go anytime you choose since this is your relationship between your congregation and people with your companion parish and people in South Africa. And no, you do not need approval by a Bishop to travel to your companion.
If we can go anytime, is there any value and advantage of an “official” trip?
Yes, a great advantage, especially for the first visit! It is truly worth adjusting ones plans, even several years if possible, in order to be part of an “official” trip.
Can’t we make our own arrangements?
People travel so much today that there are many very able on making arrangements. However, it is precisely because we travel so much that it is especially important to be part of an “official” trip for a congregation’s or an individual’s first trip there.
If the concern is not arrangements, what is the concern?
The concern is not the arrangements. The concern is what we do when we get there. People can travel to any corner of the world today. But who do we represent, and what impact will our visit have? We can get there, even have a great time, but in this companion relationship we represent the church, we go in Jesus’ name. Will we do that well, or might we unintentionally say and do things that damage that parish, its witness in their community, and for our ongoing relationship?
We go in love, and our goal is an ongoing relationship with people. What can go wrong with that?
The “missionary era” of the past two centuries was an amazing time that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Yet the nature of bringing “good news” is that missionaries were the givers and people there were the receivers. Old habits die hard! Our cultures and the discrepancy in our standard of living encourages an expectation that we continue to be the givers, but now of money and projects, and that they continue to be the receivers.
What danger is there in giving money and doing projects?
The missionary time was of great value, but we have entered a new era. Now the greatest growth in numbers and vibrancy in the church is in the Southern Hemisphere. We may have wealth, but we often suffer from “affluenza” in which our lives are consumed with being busy and having things . The church and people in the Southern Hemisphere are often far more rich in relationships and spirit which is precisely what we desperately need.
Why is the first visit such a concern?
The first visits are very important to work through and beyond the “missionary era” into the new reality of the 21st Century in which we regard each other as equals. We need to learn and receive from them. Doing that requires more than awareness, it takes time and sensitivity to put aside the power, comfort, and things that money can buy and to prepare ourselves to value and receive that which money cannot buy and which may well be of greatest value.
Many churches go on mission trips to many different places around the world. Is there really any need for concern?
Yes, five million people a year go on some type of mission trip as part of a congregation or a Christian group. However, many of these trips are deeply entrenched in the “missionary” mindset in which they go to save, serve, help, and do good for people in need. They leave feeling good, but their actions make them appear arrogant, belittling, and unapproachable and create dependency rather than relationship.
What is unusual about the ELCA approach? What is the goal? If it is not a “mission trip” what type of trip IS beneficial for all?
Bishop Justman calls the difference “transactional” vs. “transformational”. A “transactional trip” is one in which we go to do for others. We go to serve, to be on a mission, and we come back feeling good about what we have done, the transaction we did. But feeling good is the extent of what it does for us. A “transformational trip” is one in which we carefully prepare ourselves to be open, to relate, to experience, to be surprised, to learn and receive, and to prayerfully explore with the other what God is up to and where God is leading us. In such a trip we come back transformed.
How does one make a trip transformational rather than transactional?
Bishop Ditlhale, bishop of the Western Diocese, urges that visitors participate in orientation and debriefing, and that there is transparency and accountability in the planning, communication, and the visit. He strongly encourages the ELCA’s “accompaniment” model and guide. There are many people in both the ELCA and ELCSA who are very experienced in “accompaniment” and eager to guide people so that there experience truly is transformational.
So then can’t we have such a “transformational” trip anytime? What is the purpose of an “official synod trip?”
We need mentors! To more beyond the missionary, transactional, doing-good-for-others mindset into an accompaniment, transformational, mutual-companion experience will take orientation, debriefing, and guidance. There are many willing to do that, but their time is also already taken up living and doing that. That is the prime benefit of an “official synod trip.” Bishops, Deans, Pastors, Directors, Professors, Committee Chairs, and those immersed in living accompaniment do not have time to orient, debrief, and guide every group. An “official synod trip” is one in which all the above are involved from the beginning and throughout already in the planning and throughout the trip.
What if no one from our congregation is able to go in 2013 but we can in a future year?
This is your relationship! Trust God to lead you, but do make use of the resources and opportunities to grow your awareness and understanding of accompaniment, companion relationships, and of orientation and debriefing. Much of the information and orientations for the 2013 trip can be used both for developing this relationship in general as well as for a future trip.
What are those resources that can guide us?
There is a link on the front page of the synod website, www.ecsw.org to Companion Synod 2013 Trip to Western Diocese of South Africa. The Synod has a Companion/Global Mission Task Force that meets quarterly. There are workshops and events in our Synod each year on accompaniment and companion relationships. The ELCA has an excellent “Companion Synod Handbook” and many other resources. Three of the orientation sessions for the 2013 Synod Trip to the Western Diocese will address cultural awareness and the companion program. ELCSA has a very active Director for all their Partnership Relationships with Europe and the ELCA, and the Western Diocese is forming a Partnership Committee in preparation for the 2013 trip. All these resources Whether you or your congregation goes in 2013 trip
Who are all the voices participating in the planning, leading, orienting, and debriefing on this 2013 synod trip?
The ELCA and ELCSA Director for companion/partner relationships, ELCA and ELCSA Global mission leaders, both Bishops, Deans and/or Chairs of Conferences, pastors, and people who have lived in South Africa extensively are involved in the planning and have already scheduled their time to meet with us for orientation and debriefing. This trip is carefully following the vast experience that the ELCA has gained and learned in its many companion relationships.
What then is the difference between an “official synod trip” and going on our own?
People is the greatest difference. When you travel on your own the likelihood is much less that people from ELCA Global Mission will be able to prepare you, Pastor Motswasele and Dr. Knutson be able to greet and orient you upon arrive, and that Bishop Ditlhale will be free to debrief with you. When traveling on your own you will not have the benefit of sharing ideas with others, it is important to be very conscious of not making promises or beginning actions that contradict the growing practice and understanding of accompaniment and companion relations between our synod and the Western Diocese.
Surely someone will help us whenever we go?
Yes, someone likely will, but not all these voices. It is very difficult to get that many people’s schedules to align and for them to take time to guide, orient, and debrief with us. Old habits seldom die. The world of the “missionary era” and the appeal of the “mission trip” is so much with us, and our experience as tourists and enjoyment of personal vacations is so much a part of us, that we easily slide into doing what seems and feels good and is comfortable to us. Engaging in faith conversations, in observing carefully, thinking before we speak, and being sensitive to cultural differences requires preparation. To do this well we need many voices and wise guidance throughout the way, especially when we are first beginning.
With travel and communication so directly possible today, ought we not seize the opportunity whenever we can?
That is the goal of the companion synod program and of accompaniment, with one caveat - doing it in mutuality, together on both sides, and in this “accompaniment” style. May we maximize efforts and make good use of people’s time and experience. And may we especially be attentive on our first visits to be well prepared and to establish our relationship firmly in mutual faith and respect.
Is there anything special about the 2013 Trip to South Africa?
Yes, this is an official Synod trip, which is approved and recognized by both our Synod and the Western Diocese.
Can’t people and congregations go anytime they choose? Do we need approval by our Bishop to travel there?
Yes, you can go anytime you choose since this is your relationship between your congregation and people with your companion parish and people in South Africa. And no, you do not need approval by a Bishop to travel to your companion.
If we can go anytime, is there any value and advantage of an “official” trip?
Yes, a great advantage, especially for the first visit! It is truly worth adjusting ones plans, even several years if possible, in order to be part of an “official” trip.
Can’t we make our own arrangements?
People travel so much today that there are many very able on making arrangements. However, it is precisely because we travel so much that it is especially important to be part of an “official” trip for a congregation’s or an individual’s first trip there.
If the concern is not arrangements, what is the concern?
The concern is not the arrangements. The concern is what we do when we get there. People can travel to any corner of the world today. But who do we represent, and what impact will our visit have? We can get there, even have a great time, but in this companion relationship we represent the church, we go in Jesus’ name. Will we do that well, or might we unintentionally say and do things that damage that parish, its witness in their community, and for our ongoing relationship?
We go in love, and our goal is an ongoing relationship with people. What can go wrong with that?
The “missionary era” of the past two centuries was an amazing time that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Yet the nature of bringing “good news” is that missionaries were the givers and people there were the receivers. Old habits die hard! Our cultures and the discrepancy in our standard of living encourages an expectation that we continue to be the givers, but now of money and projects, and that they continue to be the receivers.
What danger is there in giving money and doing projects?
The missionary time was of great value, but we have entered a new era. Now the greatest growth in numbers and vibrancy in the church is in the Southern Hemisphere. We may have wealth, but we often suffer from “affluenza” in which our lives are consumed with being busy and having things . The church and people in the Southern Hemisphere are often far more rich in relationships and spirit which is precisely what we desperately need.
Why is the first visit such a concern?
The first visits are very important to work through and beyond the “missionary era” into the new reality of the 21st Century in which we regard each other as equals. We need to learn and receive from them. Doing that requires more than awareness, it takes time and sensitivity to put aside the power, comfort, and things that money can buy and to prepare ourselves to value and receive that which money cannot buy and which may well be of greatest value.
Many churches go on mission trips to many different places around the world. Is there really any need for concern?
Yes, five million people a year go on some type of mission trip as part of a congregation or a Christian group. However, many of these trips are deeply entrenched in the “missionary” mindset in which they go to save, serve, help, and do good for people in need. They leave feeling good, but their actions make them appear arrogant, belittling, and unapproachable and create dependency rather than relationship.
What is unusual about the ELCA approach? What is the goal? If it is not a “mission trip” what type of trip IS beneficial for all?
Bishop Justman calls the difference “transactional” vs. “transformational”. A “transactional trip” is one in which we go to do for others. We go to serve, to be on a mission, and we come back feeling good about what we have done, the transaction we did. But feeling good is the extent of what it does for us. A “transformational trip” is one in which we carefully prepare ourselves to be open, to relate, to experience, to be surprised, to learn and receive, and to prayerfully explore with the other what God is up to and where God is leading us. In such a trip we come back transformed.
How does one make a trip transformational rather than transactional?
Bishop Ditlhale, bishop of the Western Diocese, urges that visitors participate in orientation and debriefing, and that there is transparency and accountability in the planning, communication, and the visit. He strongly encourages the ELCA’s “accompaniment” model and guide. There are many people in both the ELCA and ELCSA who are very experienced in “accompaniment” and eager to guide people so that there experience truly is transformational.
So then can’t we have such a “transformational” trip anytime? What is the purpose of an “official synod trip?”
We need mentors! To more beyond the missionary, transactional, doing-good-for-others mindset into an accompaniment, transformational, mutual-companion experience will take orientation, debriefing, and guidance. There are many willing to do that, but their time is also already taken up living and doing that. That is the prime benefit of an “official synod trip.” Bishops, Deans, Pastors, Directors, Professors, Committee Chairs, and those immersed in living accompaniment do not have time to orient, debrief, and guide every group. An “official synod trip” is one in which all the above are involved from the beginning and throughout already in the planning and throughout the trip.
What if no one from our congregation is able to go in 2013 but we can in a future year?
This is your relationship! Trust God to lead you, but do make use of the resources and opportunities to grow your awareness and understanding of accompaniment, companion relationships, and of orientation and debriefing. Much of the information and orientations for the 2013 trip can be used both for developing this relationship in general as well as for a future trip.
What are those resources that can guide us?
There is a link on the front page of the synod website, www.ecsw.org to Companion Synod 2013 Trip to Western Diocese of South Africa. The Synod has a Companion/Global Mission Task Force that meets quarterly. There are workshops and events in our Synod each year on accompaniment and companion relationships. The ELCA has an excellent “Companion Synod Handbook” and many other resources. Three of the orientation sessions for the 2013 Synod Trip to the Western Diocese will address cultural awareness and the companion program. ELCSA has a very active Director for all their Partnership Relationships with Europe and the ELCA, and the Western Diocese is forming a Partnership Committee in preparation for the 2013 trip. All these resources Whether you or your congregation goes in 2013 trip
Who are all the voices participating in the planning, leading, orienting, and debriefing on this 2013 synod trip?
The ELCA and ELCSA Director for companion/partner relationships, ELCA and ELCSA Global mission leaders, both Bishops, Deans and/or Chairs of Conferences, pastors, and people who have lived in South Africa extensively are involved in the planning and have already scheduled their time to meet with us for orientation and debriefing. This trip is carefully following the vast experience that the ELCA has gained and learned in its many companion relationships.
What then is the difference between an “official synod trip” and going on our own?
People is the greatest difference. When you travel on your own the likelihood is much less that people from ELCA Global Mission will be able to prepare you, Pastor Motswasele and Dr. Knutson be able to greet and orient you upon arrive, and that Bishop Ditlhale will be free to debrief with you. When traveling on your own you will not have the benefit of sharing ideas with others, it is important to be very conscious of not making promises or beginning actions that contradict the growing practice and understanding of accompaniment and companion relations between our synod and the Western Diocese.
Surely someone will help us whenever we go?
Yes, someone likely will, but not all these voices. It is very difficult to get that many people’s schedules to align and for them to take time to guide, orient, and debrief with us. Old habits seldom die. The world of the “missionary era” and the appeal of the “mission trip” is so much with us, and our experience as tourists and enjoyment of personal vacations is so much a part of us, that we easily slide into doing what seems and feels good and is comfortable to us. Engaging in faith conversations, in observing carefully, thinking before we speak, and being sensitive to cultural differences requires preparation. To do this well we need many voices and wise guidance throughout the way, especially when we are first beginning.
With travel and communication so directly possible today, ought we not seize the opportunity whenever we can?
That is the goal of the companion synod program and of accompaniment, with one caveat - doing it in mutuality, together on both sides, and in this “accompaniment” style. May we maximize efforts and make good use of people’s time and experience. And may we especially be attentive on our first visits to be well prepared and to establish our relationship firmly in mutual faith and respect.