Local partnership is an essential part of missions. Foreigners can’t do ‘it’ on their own. Knowing this is the first step. The second step is to find local partners.
Here are a few match-ups that will create a partnership that works and also mutually satisfying.
1) Do we share the same philosophy of ministries and goals?
Make sure there is a match-up in the philosophy of ministries. Church planting organisations must work with those who have vibrant church planting structures and desires. Otherwise, the partnership is dead even before it gets started.
The organisation’s reason for existence is a single thread that joins the people, operations and goals. You can see it in what they say, what they do and the resources they commit to it. It is so important to observe not just the organisation and its leaders but also the middle and the grassroots levels.
2) Is funding necessary?
Look for those who do not have a channel to tap on foreign funds.
– These may not have a leader that knows how to ‘sell’ their ministry ‘product.’
– Another sign is their leaders do not have good spoken English making it difficult to network with international groups.
3) Is their organisation structure clear?
The leadership structure is evident and well-defined. Decision-making is prompt and clear. The span of control and division of labour is distinct. This will ensure proper and timely distribution of resources as well as the smooth implementation of projects.
Many a time, a project got stuck due to unclear structures and the leaders have no proper understanding of the roles each person has to play. While at other times, they got into each other’s way because of unclear structural communicational breakdowns.
4) Is there transparency in all that they do?
The organisation is transparent and serious about accountability and responsibility. Most Third World groups may have systems and processes that have varying degrees of opaqueness. Build capacity into these groups in stages and bring them up to speed to hit the minimum acceptable standard for a start.
The key is the people. Look for those who are willing to learn, to see further and have a long-term outlook with regards to ministries.
5) Is there a plurality of leadership?
Promote and allow diversities of voices. There is a plurality of leadership. By having this, there is less likelihood of the group splitting up. ‘Strike the shepherd and scatter the sheep’ is not that easy.
There is a varying degree of tension that exists in every organisation. Sometimes it leads to a split. When it occurs, it will make it difficult for the foreign partner to maintain the existing project or even having to make a painful choice of which group they will choose to continue.
6) Is there energy?
There is a sizable group of young people. It means there will be energy and drive. Projects will take off if they catch the vision. If most of the staff are above fifty years old, the organisation may be unyielding, lack dynamism and may not venture beyond their comfort zone. Any young people remaining will be stifled as their ideas will not be accepted.
The world is changing rapidly and disruptive influences are coming at regular intervals. The successful methodologies in the past may not be able to take the organisation into their preferred future.
7) Is there a future for the partnership?
Start with a pilot project before deciding to do more. This is a smart way forward as you can gauge their readiness and motivation to work. We can conclude from the pilot and each subsequent project to analyse if the organisation has what it takes to sustain and expand the partnership.
