When asking for directions, we do not like to hear, “Well if I were you, I wouldn’t start from here!”

Partnership in missions sometimes can feel like that. We may begin with what we think is a clear definition of what we want to create but find in time that it is neither an easy or self-evident exercise to develop a meaningful missions partnership. All too often we do not get far into our journey before we realize that the mental map we had envisioned seems strangely inadequate in the complex synthesis of good ideas and local realities.

It would be folly of me to presume to be able to give you an exhaustive road map through the stages of partnerships in such a limited treatment of the subject, but I would encourage you to keep going and to persevere in your various partnerships for mission. The Body of Christ, the fellowship in the gospel, and the family of God are all compelling pictures of partnership that should spur us on. It is worth the effort to engage carefully and wisely in kingdom partnerships. I hope my comments will be a helpful insight to prepare you for what awaits you in that wonderful world. . .[Click below to continue]