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Growing together The vision for partnership can come from many places. Individuals, congregations, global partners, organizations and Mission Network all can initiate the idea and vision behind a partnership. Many times, after a long process of discernment and dialogue, the resulting partnership looks very different from the original vision. Mission Network is committed to facilitating this dialogue and to helping groups build a partnership that is representative of everyone involved. Mission Network is not a unilateral decision-making body. “We are a bridge-builder for stakeholders in the process and we want to fully engage the process of clarifying a shared vision,” said Dean Heisey, Mission Network networking and partnership coach. Sometimes, after much discussion, a group may determine that a partnership does not fit its particular wants, needs and vision. At times, Mission Network needs to say no. But Mission Network is committed to being at the table and facilitating dialogue, and sometimes an initial vision can develop into a broader, more influential ministry than could have ever been imagined initially. 2) Successful partnerships grow out of a shared vision and trusting relationship. Partnerships are all about relationships. A healthy global partnership is formed when all parties involved have spent time getting to know one another and have discerned together the direction the partnership should take. “Probably one of the hardest things to communicate is that it takes time and diligence in communicating to develop a relationship; but without a relationship, the partnership will not survive,” said Sandy Miller, Mission Network director of church relations. A good partnership takes into account the contextual realities of both North American churches and international partners. Mission Network helps to facilitate constructive dialogue and to identify areas where a partnership might need some work. “It’s always simpler to work from a template, but what a good partnership really needs is customization,” said Heisey. All partners must choose whether or not to be in relationship, and they must develop the vision together. When one partner has already developed a ministry, it may be harder for other partners to join in. But through a process of developing relationships and shaping a vision through conversation and mutual dialogue, those who do not share the vision will choose not to participate while the remaining partners can become committed co-owners of the vision. 3) Gifts come in different shapes and sizes. Defining a partnership as a long-term relationship implies that partners share more than finances. Although supporting each other financially is one way partners care for one another, it is certainly not the only way. When Argentine church members were asked to describe gifts that they saw in their partners from North Central Mennonite Conference, they identified hospitality, a solid knowledge of biblical teaching and a willingness to give. In turn, North Central Conference members identified their Argentine partners as showing evidence of the Holy Spirit at work, Bible-centeredness, the fruits of the Spirit, and many other gifts as well. These descriptions illustrate that partnership is about a mutual sharing of all kinds of gifts. As part of forming a healthy partnership, partners are asked to be honest from the outset about their needs, financial and otherwise. However, the financial aspect of partnership cannot be ignored and often has an impact on partnerships. “It’s a reality when you’re in relationships across cultures and in very different economic contexts,” said Linda Shelly, Mission Network director for Latin America, who works with a number of U.S. and international groups in partnership relationships. North American partners are sometimes biased toward identifying problems international partners are facing and bringing North American solutions and money to help solve them. However, it is often more beneficial to both partners to examine what resources and ministry opportunities are available and could be cultivated in each setting. It’s also important to remember that, in a true partnership, both North American churches and international partners bring gifts, as well as needs, to the table. A partnership cannot be one-sided. “It’s a total change of paradigm that we’re asking people to engage in,” said Heisey. “We’re very projectoriented in our culture. We might think that we are the ones who have the ability to fix the problem rather than accompanying, empowering and learning from others.” 4) Partnerships are complex and take time to grow. One primary issue that Mission Network faces when developing new global relationships is helping everyone involved to understand the complexity of partnerships. In partnerships, many dynamics are at play, and it can take a long time to build a healthy, mutual relationship among all parties involved. Sometimes, partnerships involve multiple North American congregations or conferences and international partners, and it is important to make sure that everyone involved understands the process and is invested in the partnership. “Partnerships by nature cannot easily be simplified. Attempts to standardize them may seem more efficient at the time, but inevitably they will lead to failures down the road,” said Heisey. Initially, during partnership formation, Mission Network provides a facilitator who helps focus the process on key issues and encourages partners through the initial stages. This person will help to ask questions, moderate dialogue, and facilitate important conversations. As a partnership moves forward and out of the exploration stage, Mission Network encourages them to identify their own ongoing facilitator. 5) Sharing and growing together strengthens mission. Partnerships take a lot of time and energy, but a good partnership can provide the basis for meaningful relationships across continents and congregations. “Global partnerships allow us to minister alongside a part of the global church that’s different from ours,” said Miller. “As we share and grow together, our vision of the church expands and is strengthened.” In this issue: Features Additional Articles Viewpoints |
