01 May Accompaniment of the Pro-Indigenous Christian Consortium of Colombia
The Pro-Indigenous Christian Consortium of Colombia is comprised of Christian churches, national and international missionary agencies, and non-governmental organizations that support a network of Christian indigenous leaders from different regions around Colombia. Through indigenous and non-indigenous joint efforts the aim of the consortium is to support, strengthen, equip and mobilize the indigenous church and it leaders.
The consortium, though in its initial phased of development, is made up of 25 member organizations, churches and mission agencies engaged in different kinds of work all across Colombia. The Wájaro Foundation is one the consortium’s newest members and see its participation as a strategic space to build relationships with indigenous leaders from around the country, hear about the different processes going on in their communities, and to identify, develop and support various projects. With spiritual, financial and human resources, WÁFO is also deeply committed to supporting the mission of the consortium, which is embodied in the following eight strategic objectives:
- Consolidate efforts as a church, within the framework of respect and cooperation, in order to advance the Great Commission among the indigenous groups of Colombia for the glory of God.
- Promote and implement ecclesial and interinstitutional cooperation between missionary agencies and non-governmental organizations to contribute to the missionary fulfillment of the indigenous church without protagonist-like behavior or exercise of dominion or control over the members; and by serving as mediating agent in the situations of conflict that arise between brethren.
- Maintain up-to-date statistical data and an archive of resources related to missionary work, through continuous and interdisciplinary research in conjunction with indigenous leadership networks.
- Educate the non-indigenous Church about how to carry out initiatives that are biblical, sustainable and culturally viable within the indigenous context.
- Mobilize and encourage the non-indigenous to involve itself ministerially and economically without self-interest with the indigenous communities.
- Listen to the voice of the indigenous Christian leadership, accompany and equip them in an integral way that foments independence and maturity. In this way the indigenous church will be able to assume the responsibility and privilege of fulfilling the divine mandate of “go and make disciples of all nations …”; This, in contrast to charity-based strategies, which leads to a dependence on man rather than on God.
- Promote work through the indigenous church, with the aim of the multiplying local leadership and capacity in order to fulfill of the Great Commission.
- Serve as support for the establishment and consolidation of healthy churches with regards to doctrine, and both spiritual and material sustainability, throughout the indigenous communities of Colombia.