Eight Key Principles for Effective Collaboration

By Phill Butler

1. Effective partnerships (EPs) are built on trusting relationships.
   The heart of the Gospel is restored relationships. In addressing relationships, we demonstrate the outworking of the essence and evidence of salvation. Leadership (facilitators, steering committees, etc.) must be very intentional about building this quality of relationships.
2. Effective partnerships need a facilitator.
   The facilitator must have a burning commitment to both the vision and outcomes as well as to partnership as a means of realizing the vision. This person is committed to both the individual ministries and their common success. He/she is both prophet and servant and must be specifically selected, trained, coached, and encouraged in this critical role.
3. Effective partnerships are about a compelling, commonly acknowledged/held vision.
   The vision must be articulated in outcomes that are specific and objectively measurable. Good fellowship is not enough. Articulating the vision and the measurable outcomes provide the basis for strategy and tactics as well as a sense of accomplishment. Structure should never be greater than absolutely necessary.
4. Effective partnerships have limited, achievable objectives ("LAOs").
   Setting objectives with high priority as well as reasonable potential for success is critical in the early stages. As tangible steps toward realizing the big vision, these objectives must have clear A. Kingdom significance that captures the imagination and gives motivation; B. Relevance to each church or partner ministry’s vision and objective.
5. Effective Partnerships are a process, not an event.
   This process is much like the building of a building where the preparation/planning/foundation-building stages may be protracted with little visible evidence of progress. The larger building with higher capacity takes longer to build.
6. Effective partnerships are made up of partners with clear identities and vision.
   The clearer a partner's vision and identity, the more assured they will be in their potential role and their ability to effectively contribute. Each partner must see the value of the partnership to their vision and feel as though their contribution is important and valued by the other partners.
7. Effective partnerships focus on what they have in common.
   Vision and purpose draw ministries together. Having a well defined "end" is critical, since a focus on the "means" - particularly at the early stages - can lead to division. EPs openly acknowledge differences in histories, traditions, etc. -- even to the point of celebrating these differences. This acknowledges that "ears" are not "eyes" and that Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Samaritans with their enormous cultural/traditional differences were all welcome in the Kingdom vision.
8. Effective collaboration acknowledges and meets expectations of key constituencies.
   All EPs have at least four constituencies: the audience or group we are seeking to serve or reach, the active partners, the leadership of each partner ministry, and those funding and praying for each partner ministry. Partners need to be aware of and have respect for each others’ constituencies. Partners need to be able to effectively communicate the outcomes of the partnership in terms their constituency understands and values.

Some final notes

• Is your partnership sustainable?
• Does it provide a ‘level playing field’ for all partners?
• Does it encourage self-sufficiency for all parties and empower all partners to reproduce the vision of the partnership on their own?

For partnership coaching/further help:

visionSynergy
PO Box 232
Edmonds, WA 98020

• Telephone
• Email
• Ministry Webpage