Interdev - The Power of Partnership
Keys To Effective Partnership
Partnerships
- Field-Based Partnerships
KEYS TO EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP
How To Partner Effectively
Partnerships don't
just happen. They require strategic vision and practical, steady work.
Interdev has over 13 years of experience in helping to form and maintain partnerships. That experience covers several continents, with over 350 mission agencies from Western and non-Western countries now involved in evangelism partnerships. Out of this background, and from consultations with many others who have been involved in missions partnerships, several elements emerge as essential.
1. Effective
Partnerships Need a Facilitator.
A person of vision
and leadership is essential to form a viable Strategic Evangelism/Church-Planting
Partnership. Someone who believes equally in the long-term vision and the
process of partnership is needed to help organize and focus the group.
2. Effective
Partnerships Need a Purpose.
A successful Strategic
Evangelism/Church-Planting Partnership develops in order to accomplish
a specific task. Experience shows that if ministries and churches come
together just to form a partnership, it will fail. Therefore, focus should
be on the "what" (objectives) rather than the "how" (structure).
3. Effective
Partnerships are Built on Trusting Relationships.
There must be relationships
among the partner agencies and churches. Developing such relationships,
where there is openness, trust, and mutual concern, takes time and intentional
effort. Partnerships are more than coordination, planning, and strategy.
The heart of the Gospel is restored relationships and we must demonstrate
this as well as preach it.
4. Effective
Partnerships are Made Up of Churches and Ministries with Clear Identities
and Vision.
It is important for
the individual partner agencies to be clear about who they are and what
they do best. If partner agencies do not have well-defined purpose and
vision statements, they will have difficulty seeing where they contribute
to the overall picture or how they benefit from any joint effort.
5. Effective
Partnerships Focus on What They Have in Common Rather Than How They
are Different.
It is important for
partnerships to focus on what the partners have in common — things like
vision, values, and ministry objectives. It is also helpful to acknowledge
— even celebrate — the differences in history, resources, and other aspects.
6. Effective
Partnerships Have Clear and Specific Objectives.
In the early stages
of a partnership, especially, limited and achievable goals are essential
to success and effectiveness. Without realistic expectations, agencies
might not understand how they fit in the partnership. Frustration will
be the sure result.
7. Effective
Partnerships See Prayer and Communion as Binding Partners Together.
Effective partnerships
are refreshed and empowered by frequently praying for each other and expressing
concern for each other's personal needs. Sharing in communion together
also is a powerful connecting force.
From The
Power of Partnership: Working Together to Reach the Unreached, 1998, Interdev.
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WebMaster
1/21/99
