Collaboration in its simplest form is working together to achieve shared goals.
A friend recently asked me why I thought collaboration between churches or Christian organizations was so hard to do?
A provocative question.
Some of us would rightly point out that theological convictions and cultural differences stand in the way of bringing individuals or different entities together.
Collaboration is deemed to be too great a risk; not worth the trouble or the cost.
On the other hand, some of us would also rightly say that believers in partnership with other believers is central to God’s strategy for redeeming the world.
Throughout my years in Christian broadcasting, I’ve witnessed the exciting benefits of partnership. Churches, music artists, media ministries, businesses and radio stations uniting to leverage resources, create synergy and build innovative outreaches.
All of us recognize there is power in joining hands.
One key aspect of Christian collaboration should be settled up front: Working together should never involve compromise on the fundamental teachings of Scripture.
Once that is established, we come to the central question.
Sharing a similar faith, would we be willing to work through all other issues to join hands on projects to reach our cities for Jesus Christ? Consistently, until the goal is achieved?
Here are eight basic ideas to help you consider Christian collaboration the next time an opportunity rolls around.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
John 17:22
1. Settle the faith issue. These are the non-negotiables of what makes Christianity Christian. No compromises can be made here. “By this gospel you are saved. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance.” 1 Corinthians 15:2, 5
2. Decide who you can work with. Seek out the leaders of organizations who share your vision, i.e. building innovative technology platforms to engage the unchurched. “Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12
3. Get out of your comfort zone. Accept that working together takes hard work, change and risk. You can’t reach any city by yourself. “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” Romans 12:6
4. Choose charity before prosperity. Ask who can we help rather than how much can we make. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
5. Engage in healthy discussions. Grand ideas and breakthrough strategies can come from unexpected sources. “Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers.” Acts 18:27
6. Be willing to endure sarcasm and cynicism. Change agents often take heat for their radical ideas. “Some will make fun of you.” 2 Peter 3:3
7. Learn from others. In February, six very different media outlets, along with a major Jewish organization partnered to create a platform to share ideas in one mass brainstorming session. Called 28 Days, 28 Ideas, the goal was to transform the Jewish future, make the Jewish world a better place.
8. Work together with Jesus Christ. He is the Master collaborator. You will be amazed at how much more you can do. “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.” Romans 15:18
When the goal is giving the next generation multiple opportunities to hear the gospel, working together will always, always, always be worth the trouble and the cost.
Churches will grow, lives will be changed and cities will be touched with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Can’t we all just work together as one to this single end?