PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships form in many ways. The most common begins when a local church or district takes a mission
team to serve alongside another church and a meaningful relationship develops. Through shared experiences,
both groups often discover a desire to continue working together toward future ministry goals and a shared
vision for God’s work. In the Church of the Nazarene, these relationships are called Partnerships.
Partnerships may begin when an individual or family becomes inspired by the vision and ministry happening in another part of the world and desires to participate in an intentional way. In other cases, church districts may partner together to exchange ideas, gifts, resources, and encouragement so that both communities experience a greater impact through collaboration.
Partnership groups may include church schools and universities, district zones, Sunday School classes, clinics, church plants, and specialized ministries.
Partnerships move a relationship from a single interaction to a multi-year collaboration with specific objectives that support the local mission strategy. Through mutual respect, shared commitment, and aligned goals, partners encourage, strengthen, and grow the church together.
Partnership Development
An important first step in Partnership is to identify a leader from each partner. Clear leadership helps build strong communication and healthy relationships from the beginning. Each partner should have a clear understanding of themselves, their ministries, and their goals within the community, as well as the skills and talents they bring to the relationship.
Partnerships thrive when each partner has a clear understanding of themselves, their ministries and their ministry goals. With this awareness, partners can identify the best way to build healthier, more effective partnerships based on shared vision, mutual strengths, and complementary needs. A written Partnership Agreement to outline the desired outcomes, responsibilities, and length of commitment is a valuable tool to clarify expectations.
Healthy partnerships are characterized by:
Healthy partnerships are characterized by:
• A common agenda and shared vision for growth
• Mutually reinforcing activities and collaboration
• Goals for sustainability to avoid paternalism and dependency
• Strong, relationship-centered ministry
• Intentional communication and listening
• Flexibility when plans needs adjusting
• Utilizing trusted cultural brokers when language or cultural differences
require greater understanding
• Financial transparency and accountability
• Mutual Trust
• A commitment centered on God’s mission and disciplemaking