Networking & Partnerships August 2011

Sharing of the Group Share who you are and your organization Expectations Are you in partnerships at the moment?

Quote “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone....” Sandra Day O’Conner U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Differences between Partnership & Networks and Alliances Networks by Definition: Any group of individuals or organizations sharing a common interest, who regularly communicate with each other to enhance their individual purposes.

What is Partnership? A partnership is “Any groups of individuals or organizations, sharing a common interest, who regularly communicate, plan, and work together to achieve a common vision beyond the capacity of any one the individual partners”(Bulter 2005:34).

Why Partnership?

Partnership is Biblical God Himself is the perfect model of partnership (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) God calls us to partner with Him Demonstrated Christian unity Draws people to God

Why Partner Jesus prayed, “…May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you send me…” John 17:23

Why Partnership? Partnerships are growing: Cross-cultural partnerships are on the rise. From 1998 to 2005 there was a 6900% increase in the number of churches and mission agencies claiming that partnership is now a primary method for engaging in global missions (Lederleitner 2010: 21).

Why Partnership? Efficiency: Saves resources, reduce duplication and waste of money & people Effectiveness: Produce greater results in a shorter time. Inclusiveness: Engage whole range of spiritual gifts. Share risks Empowers while working in unity

Partnerships are like marriage When forced into a relational situation, particularly when stress is involved, our true character emerges with remarkable clarity. Masks come off and your issues come out. Be self aware and open to your own issues. This is an opportunity for healing.

Principles 1.Effective partnerships are built on trust, openness and mutual concern. 2.Lasting partnerships need a committed facilitator. (Expectation manager) 3.Successful partnerships develop in order to accomplish a specific vision or task. 4.Effective partnerships have limited, achievable objectives from the beginning.

Principles 5.Effective partnerships start by identifying key felt needs among the people being served. 6.Effective partnerships have a partnership “champions” inside every church, ministry, or organization. 7.Partnerships are a process not an event.

Principles 8.Effective partnerships are made up of partners with clear identities and vision. 9.Effective partnerships are even more challenging to maintain than to start. 10.Effective partnerships acknowledge, even celebrate the differences

Principles 11.Effective partnerships serve at least four constituencies: People in community to serve, partner ministries, partner funding and the partnership itself. 12.Effective partnerships have a high sense of participation and ownership. 13.Effective partnerships see prayer and communion as uniquely powerful elements.

Principles 14.Effective partnerships do not come free. 15.Effective partnerships expect problems and pro-actively deal with them.

African Proverb If you want to go fast, go alone If you want to go far, go together.

Essential Elements Vision Relationship Results

Stages Exploration: spend time and energy Formation: go/no go Operation: Action. Goals. Roles. Maturation: real, tangible outcomes

Types Causal: perhaps once-off Contractual: short-term Covenantal: long-term

Communication Tools Agreement/MOU –Objectives, activities & responsibilities –Resources –Governance –Name of Project –Limitations –Review, resolution of conflict and termination Roles chart with who is responsible Reports and Reporting to Partners Evaluations

Servant Partnership Openness- Welcoming others into your presence Acceptance- Communication respect for others Trust -Building Confidence in Relationships Learning- Seeking Information that changes you Understanding- Seeing through the other’s eyes

Servant Partnership “We are not called to help people. We are called to follow Jesus, in whose service we learn who we are and how we are to help and be helped.” Stanley Hauerwas and William Hi. Willimon

Groups 1.What are the highlights you have experienced in partnerships? 2.What are the challenges you have faced in partnerships? 3.What are the solutions you have found to your challenges in partnering?

Thank you God is with you, in you and working through you as you serve others and grow in yourself.