As a church we focus on mission partnerships, versus a one and done approach. Of course, good work can be accomplished outside of an established partnership. However, deeper and more fruitful work is often the result of a clear vision and intentionality in the work. I was in the Republic of Moldova recently, where we have served on mission since 2007, in a wide variety of efforts. The photo is of a group of people where a new church plant is being established in the southern part of the country, in partnership with our sister church there, and another church from the United States.

Here are a few benefits of mission partnerships both domestically and internationally:

-Prayer is focused. When we link arms and work toward a common goal we join in the work of prayer.

-Relationships are developed and strengthened. Some of my best friendships in ministry and in the mission have been developed through working together.

-Trust is built and sustained. It takes time to genuinely trust people you do not initially know very well.

-Partners from both sides are able to learn from and be encouraged by the other. I have learned many things that I could never have learned in a classroom serving

-Resources are multiplied when everyone pulls together. We often think only in terms of financial resources but resources can include people, money, creative ideas and so on.

-Partnerships can remain dynamic and not grow static when there is a clear mission multiplying emphasis. We have worked with several mission partners, church to church and church to missionary, where the emphasis has shifted every few years depending on objectives. When efforts are not static, we can pivot and be flexible in our efforts, as needed.

-God is glorified through the unity of His people. All who are followers of Jesus Christ will spend eternity together in Heaven. When we work together in unity now, it is a foretaste of what we will experience in the presence of God.

Every individual believer and every church has something to offer. Ask God to show you what that is and how you can partner with others to advance the work of His kingdom!

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi and expressed his appreciation for their partnership in the Gospel.

Philippians 1:3-6 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.