A theme interpretation for the 2025 Mission Offering of the Church of the Brethren

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your servant—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Matthew 20:26-28, NIV

Competition is a very human thing. It feels good when we are chosen first or when we are called the best at something. The world measures success by getting ahead, gaining power, and acquiring more. The ways of Jesus often challenge our human perspective of the world.

When the disciples were caught in a competition of their own, Jesus shared clearly about what greatness looks like in the kingdom of God. For Jesus, to be the greatest does not always mean winning, but helping others to thrive—not conquering others, but serving them. Just as Jesus loved and served his disciples, so also does he call us to serve one another.

Through the Global Mission of the Church of the Brethren, we are cultivating relationships with sisters and brothers around the world. Our work seeks to strengthen faith around the world for mutual upbuilding and meaningful partnership in mission. Through the ministries of each partner country and in how we work together, we live in the ways of Jesus and serve one another. We work with partners in the US and around the world to address human need—spiritual, physical, and communal.

The Global Church of the Brethren Communion includes churches in the US, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, India, Nigeria, Rwanda, Spain, Uganda, and Venezuela. Global Mission also has a mission worker in South Sudan, and partners in Burundi, China, Ecuador, Kenya, Mexico, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

The Mission Offering supports the Core Ministries of the Church of the Brethren and includes Global Mission. Thank you for your partnership to help our sisters and brothers thrive in ministry around the globe. Together we serve one another as we join Jesus in the neighborhood.

Learn more and find worship resources for the 2025 Mission Offering (suggested date: September 14) at www.brethren.org/missionoffering .
Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering .