Degrees of Partnership

Partnership is something we long for but often have a difficult time defining. North American churches and organizations are seeking to partner with the global community in ever increasing degrees, yet partnership is often a broad elusive term that can be defined very differently depending on the context.

In this new Missiographic, we have sought to clarify one model for examining and defining our partnerships from North America with the global church. For the purposes of this Missiographic, partnership is defined as “co-operative scaling-relationships focused on creating, maintaining, or strengthening active ministry initiatives.”

We hope that the words, the definitions, and the illustration will help you analyze your current partnerships, and it will lead you to intentionality in developing future partnerships. May your partnerships be focused on the expansion of the Kingdom for the Glory of God among all the nations!

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<p><a href="https://missionexus.org/degrees-of-partnership/"><strong>Degrees of Partnership</strong></a><br />Partnership is something we long for but often have a difficult time defining. North American churches and organizations are seeking to partner with the global community in ever increasing degrees, yet partnership is often a broad elusive term that can be defined very differently depending on the context. In this new Missiographic, we have sought to clarify one model for examining and defining our partnerships from North America with the global church. </p>

Engaging through Prayer
Father, we are so thankful for how you demonstrate your love for relationship and partnership. We praise you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as you represent absolute harmony and unity. In perfect partnership, you seek to redeem and sanctify the nations so that you may be worshipped and delighted in – by every tribe and people. Father, please enable us to partner together deeply for the sake of the lost. Help us Almighty God to put aside division and selfish desires. Clothe us, we ask, with humility and service as Christ so clearly demonstrated incarnationally among us. O Lord, may you be glorified as your Church works, serves, and ministers together for those who are yet to be included among your people. Thank you that you allow us to partner with you in that effort. Amen.

Reflection for Churches and Organizations
Intentionality in relationship can never be underrated. Intentionality is essential. We need intentionality in our communication with those we may partner with and those with whom we are partnering. Relationships will change over time and that is okay! Don’t feel limited where a relationship is currently but through ongoing communication and definition, ensure that everyone is aware of what your partnership is and what it is not. Undefined partnership leads to confusion and eventually disunity.

Walk slowly. Walk together. Seek to serve a purpose greater than yourself. Utilize your partnerships for God’s name to be glorified and his fame spread to the darkest and farthest corners of the world. Utilize partnerships to demonstrate the power of God to break down barriers and bring his people together for his purposes.

As we state in the Missiographic, “Ongoing, clear communication from both parties will build trust, agreement, and openness that will allow the relationship to be defined differently over time while still maintaining strong unity in Kingdom purpose. You can feel comfortable with where you are. Each degree can be a great place! Each partnership type should be future focused yet moving forward at an appropriate speed to maintain strong, enduring relationships that are sustainable and reproducible.”

How beautiful is a unified church fulfilling its purpose! One Body, One Church, One Mission – in partnership together for God’s glory so that His gospel can be proclaimed among the nations.

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