Why partner?
If we are given “the stewardship of the ministry,” as the apostle Paul called it, it means that God is the owner. So wouldn’t it make sense for us to partner with His servants, while seeking His best interest, instead of our own or institutional interest as if we were independents?
- Partnerships don’t only maximize Kingdom finances, but also Kingdom knowledge and networks.
- Partnerships are a testimony to both the Christian and the unchurched communities.
- Partnerships, if done well, can provide a better road map to local ownership, field driven ministry, and long term sustainability.
How 4D partners?
Partnerships are based on joined vision and values, but also on trust and long term relationships. So where there is no long-term relationship, we need to go slow and often pick a “joined project” to start with. As the relationship grows, we may expand it into a full partnership and put a “4D partner agreement” in place. The emphasis in a 4D partner relationship is on how we can best serve our Master and His calling for the Church to let its light shine into this world. We want to make sure we don’t create dependence, but national ownership and sustainability. We want to learn from each other and from others who may have pioneered a certain area of ministry in another country or area.
An example of partnership
4D's four-step strategy
- It starts with the church. The church is called to be a lighthouse in this world. It is also a place for community, growth, and preparation.
- The next step is empowerment and mobilization, through networking, training and mentoring.
- Impact – sharing God’s Good News through camps, special events, the web and social media, especially with a focus on children, youth and parents.
- Resources for ministry, online courses and other tools to help new followers of Christ grow and prepare to become part of local churches.