MODULE 4 - Section 1
What is Partnership?
10 Minutes to complete section and related assignments
What you will learn in this section:
The definition of partnership within the context of this module
The differences between supporting a cross-cultural worker and partnership
The reasons why partnership is worth the effort
The three levels of partner involvement: Encounter, Engage, and Empower
How to invite fellowships and other potential partners into deeper involvement
The Definition of Partnerships
Definition: Two or more individuals/organizations focusing passion and resources to accomplish shared goals.
In this module, our primary focus will be inviting fellowships into partnership. “Partnership” then, as we define it, is not directly related to a fellowship’s support for a cross-cultural worker. Partnership has to do with a shared commitment to certain goals. Therefore, a fellowship may support a worker and yet not be a partner. Or a fellowship may partner without supporting a worker.
The graphic below helps to differentiate between these two levels of involvement.
Here are some differences between the two…
The WHY
Developing and maintaining partner relationships requires more communication and sometimes adapting initiatives to create win-win scenarios. Partnership take extra effort, so why is it worth it?
The needs are too great
Seeing real change happen in communities entrenched in poverty for generations or unreached for hundreds of years is a God-sized dream. It’s too big for one person or one organization. It’s easy to feel alone in a sea of need or overwhelmed by the obstacles to progress. We need partners.
Collaboration is more possible than ever before
In the past 100 years, the world has become connected through global travel, electronic communication and the internet in ways that previous generations could never have imagined. Could this be more than an interesting circumstance of modern progress? Could it be a divinely ordained moment for the global body of Christ to work together in its diverse array of strengths?
God is stirring his people
With the global connectedness of our day comes global awareness. Today, we regularly find Jesus-followers interested in connecting their own unique passions and skills to global initiatives designed to extend His Kingdom. We must steward this opportunity well!
3 Levels of Partnership
It takes time for partner relationships to grow so that passionate, long-term commitments result in the deployment of diverse resources and sustainable impact. Effectively inviting fellowships and other potential partners into deeper involvement requires that we…
understand the different levels of partnership, and
know how to invite them to take the right next step.
At One Collective, we recognize three different levels of partner involvement: Encounter, Engage, and Empower. Each level is distinct in its duration, commitment, and benefits to the partner, as well as impact in the field.
Review 3 Levels of Partnership document below in order to consider the current status and potential of your relationships with U.S. fellowships and organizations.
What level are they currently, and what potential do you see for them to move toward a higher level?
Assignment Notes
At the end of Section 2 you’ll be asked to complete an assignment that will include a conversation with your Catalyst about…
the importance of partnerships for your work,
the current status of existing relationships, and
current opportunities for partner involvement.
You will want to schedule a meeting with your Catalyst now in preparation for that conversation.
Resources in this Section
