Partnerships, Have You Considered Them?

I was much older than most by the time I met my husband, Bryan. I had been in full-time ministry for nearly 10 years and was perfectly fine doing it ‘on my own’. Sure, I had my days where having a partner seemed like a nice idea, but this is what I had. Here2There was well on it’s way to being established, we were making plans, we were serving churches and missionaries and working on our vision and goals. Well, along came Bryan.  It was the best-worst thing ever. I was truly enjoying having this new relationship in my life, but it was literally ruining everything about my current plans and situation in ministry. I can remember leaving Bryan’s house one night and he handed me a paper bag for my mental hyperventilation I had going on. At the time I was so stuck on my plans, my vision, my ways that I didn’t have room in my life for anything new that didn’t fit that perfect mental mold I had.


FAST FORWARD – We have been married for over 6 years and I am so glad that God has other plans, and was persistent to help me see His goodness in this relationship. Here2There just celebrated 10 years of ministry and Bryan has been a huge and important part of the work. Bryan’s presence has added to our vision and filled in holes of need just to start. For me personally, I am learning to be gentle in my responses, see life with a new perspective and be genuine in my relationships.


ALL THINGS I THOUGHT I HAD A HANDLE ON


Yes, I would have been fine on the previous path I was traveling. But, my journey improved, my opportunities increased, my love expanded because of my new partnership with Bryan. Something I hadn’t really considered became a huge blessing to me and asset to our ministry and team.


Partnership is kinda the same way.


We have a good path and plan that we are one with the way we look at and do missions in our churches. Yet, if we considered what this new idea and concept was it could expand our capacity to care, prepare and send like we never thought or imagined.


Ephesians 3:20 is ‘our’ verse for our marriage. “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.” It was the best change of plans I’ve experience outside of salvation.

Throughout Paul’s writings (Philippians 4, Ephesians 4) there is the ongoing theme of ‘togetherness’ of ‘teamwork’ of ‘sharing’ and ‘exchange’. He exemplifies the quintessential partnership style for the church. Doing it together, sharing our team members and gifts, stepping up in times of need and challenging the church to live out it’s true purpose.

We want to hear from you, comment below. Have you truly considered if you have partnerships in your church and what would happen if you initiated them?

Everything starts with prayer. So, spend time reading through Acts and the Epistles, examining your style of missions partnership with what you are reading. Ask God to clearly give you a vision for your church’s mission vision and focus.

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