Partnership in the Gospel

Before I begin to discuss on the topic, I think it would be fair to deal on the issue of Mission in brief. I assume that there has been a massive change in the term Mission after 1950s. Until the 50s, it was understood as to sending of missionaries to a designated territory. It was seen as conversion of the heathen was only a focus. Sometime it was very closely associated with a colonial expansion of the Western world into other world and sometime it is described as Third World. Now, Mission has broadened its definition, having a root on Triune God alone. Therefore Mission is God’s “yes” to the world. (Bosch, 1991)

Partnership in the Gospel is not a new phenomenon as it was first discussed in International Missionary Council at Whitby, Canada in 1947 where the theme of the conference was “Partnership in Obedience”. This happened due to the emphasize of Missio Dei, where it seeks God is center of the missionary activity. 

Many people have interpreted in different ways as they try to discover what really it (Partnership) means in the Missiological arena. However my attempt would be based on two facts; FIRSTLY, I would concentrate it in two biblical passages; one is from the Gospel (John 17:11, 21-24) and another is from Philippines 1:5 where Paul has developed the central theme of the epistle as, “Philippians Partnership in the Gospel,” and SECONDLY, I would see from the Kingdom growth perspective.

There is a strong tie between the partnership in the mission and the prayer of our Lord that we see in the gospel of John 17, where Jesus Himself had demonstrated four times about the unity which impacts in the world. Taylor describes the reasons for the partnership by providing four key terms; Relationship, Common goals, Cross-cultural wisdom and Accounting cum Evaluation.[1] The term “Relationship” has been described as “koinonia” in the New Testament having significance of trust and mutual understanding of two or more people, group or organization. Therefore, it functions only when there is a trust and understanding. Secondly, it functions only when we have a common ground and this is positive since we all strive for the same purpose in the Mission. Thirdly, it demands an understanding of cultural differences by respecting each other’s sentiments and values despite of the differences. And lastly, the proposal seeks a solid evaluation in order to make a possible change whenever it is required.

I assume that Paul strongly thinks that the Mission can be accomplished only when people would work in unity (One Lord, One Goal and One Mission). This is very important to note it down that one church, one organization, one community and one person cannot stand for a long run. Therefore we are keen to see the relational link between the churches through the prayers/relations/supports. I think there is a wrong concept of partnership if it is limited only as a financial help. Paul was very clear when he uses the term partnership in Philippians that he did not mean it as financial help alone. Moreover, he perceives it as fellow-ships, as two (different in culture, geography, color) can grow together because there is a reason; ONE LORD. The NT is very clear about it as there are number of occasions where Jerusalem church had to have a partnership with churches in Corinth and churches in Macedonia, Achaia etc.  (From Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. Romans 15:26) The interesting factor that we observe in Paul’s strategy in partnership is found more transparency and closer proximity in terms of relationship when he writes to Corinthians; “And I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. I Corinthians 16:3”  I am sure that the helping churches  did not only send finance but they also prayed, sent the leaders to see the church at Jerusalem as we see that the church of Jerusalem was involved in helping the poor and windows (Select among yourselves seven men of good standing…for serving the widows…Acts 6). Therefore, we can see that the supporting churches can have a direct relation with the churches. And this would build more trust and transparency to/in the both churches. 

How can we do it?

-       The helping churches would send their volunteers to any of the programs to assist (Tuition class, Computer class, leadership development etc). This would give an exposure for the visitors too.

-       The both churches would be in constant touch through prayers and sharing their resources. And, this is positive.

-       PEOPLE and RELATIONSHIPS are very much important. And we prioritize both of these aspects by doing this.

Therefore, I strongly emphasize on working together in partnering in/through Gospel would help/expand the Kingdom of God.

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[1] Bill Taylor, “Global Partnership: Now is the Time” Perspectives on the World Christian Movement; A Reader, Edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne (East Elizabeth St. Pasadena William Carey Library: 2009),376.