COSIM 2016 to be held Oct 10-12 in Charlottesville, VA

For immediate release

This year's COSIM gathering will be co-hosted by Christian Aid Mission and Advancing Native Missions in Charlottesville, Virginia. The gathering will follow an open-space meeting format, drawing upon the expertise, experience and wisdom of participants to guide and generate discussion on relevant issues and challenges. The meeting will have four basic sections or themes focused on area-specific partnership (e.g. Africa, China, etc), Church-based partnerships, best-practices in cross-cultural partnership, and collaboration between support agencies.

The Coalition on the Support of Indigenous Ministries exists as a forum for sharing, encouraging and developing best-practices in partnering and supporting our brothers and sisters to advance the gospel in their nation and region. COSIM 2017 will have a special emphasis on collaboration between support ministries, as well as significant time dedicated to listening to our international partners so we may serve them better. COSIM has been advocating for best practices in cross-cultural partnership for 20 years, including annual conferences. There are few conferences like these that focus consistently and exclusively on this topic. 465 organizations and churches have attended COSIM events over the years. COSIM is led by an all-volunteer Resource Team of experienced practitioners.

Who should come? All who are involved in international mission partnerships are welcome. Typically, we have three principle participants 1.) Representatives of ministries who are involved in strengthening and resourcing the indigenous church in mission outreach around the world, 2.) Representatives of indigenous ministries who partner with international groups, 3.) Learners and beginners who want to hear from those with experience in international partnerships.