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A Common Mission

By October 1st A Common Mission should be available to order.  I am excited to share the stories and the findings from the research that formed the book.  This blog will be an on-going dialog for those who read the book. 
      
     Five patterns of healthy congregational partnerships form the framework of this book. These patterns emerge from research derived in congregations heavily involved in congregational partnerships. The congregations vary from mega churches of 7,000 congregants, to small churches of fifty members. The congregations surveyed represent a variety of theological traditions. Furthermore, the congregations maintain different approaches to partnership. Other than their Christian faith, the common strand among these congregations entails a commitment to a long-term relationship with another congregation, or area, beyond their own nationality. This commitment is based on a common mission.

The Five Patterns for Healthy Partnerships

        A Common Agenda.  The first pattern of healthy partnerships acknowledges various participants in the partnership possess a common agenda.  This agenda provides a shared vision for change, with a common understanding of the problem, and a joint approach to solving it through agreed upon actions.

     Reciprocity.  A second pattern of healthy partnerships includes mutually reinforcing activities (reciprocity). Ideal partnerships allow each partner to teach as well as learn from one another. This pattern demands that partners intentionally strive to avoid paternalism and dependency. It also implies that relationships remain as important as ministry projects.

      Clear communication.  A third common pattern of healthy partnerships involves intentional effort toward clear, quality, communication in the partnership. This pattern demands consistent, open, communication that builds trust. The pattern implies a need for cultural brokers who can navigate communication. More than any other factor, the role of cultural broker provides the most essential factor for healthy and effective congregational partnerships. The cultural broker’s ability to bridge between the various parts of a partnership determines its success or failure.

      God’s mission. Fourth, healthy partnerships focus on God’s mission. This emphasis implies an explicit connection to the larger vision of mission. The vision connects partnership activities to local mission involvement. This emphasis also implies intentional effort to help participants integrate their mission experience with the work and life.


      Platform organization. Fifth, healthy Partnerships often work with a platform organization for coordination. Congregations with partnerships address complex global issues by connecting to a larger platform organization. Those congregations thrive, possessing potential for a long-term impact.

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