If your church is like most churches, it’s probably located in an area with needs that are greater than the congregation’s human and financial resources. As you try to put faith into action, you start to wonder if your individual church’s efforts will make a difference. Issues like affordable housing, mental health care, and violence prevention are complex problems that require more from us than a weekend food giveaway. Although short-term interventions do raise awareness to contribute to lasting change, we should think about how to cultivate alliances.
Scripture reminds us that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Going it alone seldom achieves very much. The apostle Paul praised the Philippians for their “sharing in the gospel” (1:5). He never imagined that what God called him to do was possible without the mutually supportive relationships he established on his missionary journeys. Likewise, when we are discerning where God is leading the church today, it’s important also to consider whom God is calling the church to partner with — and how.
Partnerships work best when they are rooted in trust, a commitment to a shared purpose and an understanding of mutual benefit. In a partnership, each party is expected to fulfill its promises to the other. Each entity contributes and receives in some way because each one has strengths and weaknesses. A partnership is not patronage — it’s collaboration.
What local, national or global organizations are doing good work that aligns with your church’s mission? What do they need from you? How might working with them positively impact your church? As you reflect on ways to revitalize ministry in your context, it’s worth considering how you will cultivate meaningful partnerships in ministry.
