Healthy churches and organizations, partnered in healthy, mutually beneficial relationships, are the lifeblood of healthy and effective Kingdom work.
When we see ourselves and our church as part of a larger whole – namely, the Body of Christ reflected and activated through a diversity of churches, organizations and ministries around the world – it’s good motivation to step into healthy, life-giving partnerships.
Whether you’re evaluating the potential of forming a new partnership or considering making some considerable changes with an existing one, there are several questions to ask that can provide clarification and guidance in the decision making process.
Asking these questions can help both parties understand the potential risks and benefits, as well as each side’s role in the partnership. Ideally, this process should be reciprocal – involving both partners having open and honest dialogue.
How do you assess a new partnership for short-term missions?
When assessing the fit of a new partnership, consider the following three steps:
- Asking a series of basic questions
- Initiating a shorter-term project, with time limits
- Partnering in a longer-term, more involved projects
Each of these stages includes a time of assessment, with the opportunity to decide not to pursue the partnership.
Key questions to assess partnerships
When assessing whether a potential partnership is a good fit, we want to start with several basic questions.
- Is the potential partner legally registered? If not, why not? Are they willing to become registered? If not, why not?
- Would our collaboration be beneficial to the children and families they serve? How specifically would children and families benefit?
- Does our potential partner adhere to a Child Protection Policy? (Check out CAFO’s course on child protection)
- Does our potential partner know their aims? Do they have a mission statement, vision statement and objectives?
- Does our potential partner have accountability in place? Do they have a governing body? How are they accountable for finances, goals, donor relationships, etc?
- Does the internet reveal anything alarming? Learning about the program, staff and board from a website and social media accounts may provide insights.
- How do they represent their work and the people they serve? Join their communication list, and follow them on social media.
- Do multiple people from our organization believe this partnership is a good idea? Is only one person leading the charge? Is there consensus among our leadership?
- What references do they have? Can you speak to another partner or contact to learn more? What is their reputation in their local community?
It’s important to take the time as a leadership team to develop the questions that best capture the intersection of your church’s mission and the broader scope of best practices in the particular areas of service and ministry the new potential partner operates. This can be a relatively simple process and can smooth the way for future partnerships.
The power of a trial basis
Working together on one small project can be a great first step. It will allow those involved to see whether the relationship is a good fit. If it is, engaging in progressively longer-term or more involved projects can build the partnership. Building trust takes consistent character and quality across time, and the process cannot be rushed.
How do you begin making healthy changes in relationships with current partners?
You may be wondering about assessing fit in the partnerships you already have – and whether or not they are still as beneficial, healthy or needed as they once were.
Although this process is simplest prior to committing to a partnership, it is never too late to consider whether the partnership is a fit. Walking through the steps above with current partners can serve as a jumping-off point for meaningful and clarifying conversations with them.
You may find that a current partner is not a good fit. In such situations, there are two options:
- Influence the partner toward change
- End the partnership
We strongly encourage not dropping a partnership too quickly, without having extensive conversations. It has the potential to create significant amounts of collateral damage.
For example, if you are funding a residential home (i.e., orphanage) and your support helps to feed the children, then immediately dropping the partnership and ceasing your funding could significantly impact those children and their daily needs.
In some cases, it may be possible to work with a partner to make changes that would make them a better fit.
For example, if they are not legally registered, you may be able to support them in that process. In these cases, the time you invest to support your partner may multiply your impact by leading to better care for the children and families they serve.
Sometimes, our partners may long to make changes in their program but lack enough support and funding to do so. They might even fear their partners (you!) will withdraw support if they change. They may have creative solutions they’ve been dreaming about, if only someone would encourage them to release those dreams and take action.
This is why open and honest communication is vital.
What do you do if the partner isn’t open to change?
It’s possible the partner may not be open to making changes. Or you may find you have fundamentally different goals, and it is not possible for the relationship to be mutually beneficial.
In these cases, it is appropriate and even advisable to find effective ways to end the partnership. If possible, it is ideal to maintain positive regard for one another. It can be as simple as saying,
“We respect you and your organization. One key priority for us is that our partners will _________. We understand that is not a priority for you at this time. Therefore, we will no longer be able to partner in an official capacity, although we hope to stay connected. We look forward to seeing how God continues to work through your program.”
These conversations can be difficult, but remember, you are making thoughtful decisions that will best serve the best interest of the children and families you serve together. You are also committed to faithfully stewarding the resources, people and energy God has entrusted to your care. Sometimes we have to make hard decisions in order to maintain fidelity to that responsibility.
Seeking God’s wisdom through prayer
Above all, throughout the process of evaluation, it’s important to keep the main thing the main thing. Prayer is the most powerful tool in your evaluation toolbox! The Holy Spirit will give wisdom when you ask (James 1:5), and God will be faithful to honor your heart when you seek to follow His guidance with your current and future partners.
– Jason Johnson is the National Director of Church Engagement and Mobilization. This article is adapted from Chapter 6, “How Now Shall We Serve?” in the book, Mission Wise. You can learn more at www.missionwisebook.com.
