Earlier this week, I started a new blog series entitled, “The Church on the Move”. It’s a series highlighting the various paradigm shifts I’m sensing in the Church. These blog posts aren’t meant to be some kind of “prophetic” insights or proclamations. I’m simply projecting where I personally think the Church may be headed. I’m posting these in order to start meaningful conversations about what we might all be sensing collectively. Quite honestly, I’m doing this in part so that I can gain more clarity about what God is doing in and through us.

Today’s Topic: Collaboration as Necessity

There’s no doubt that ministries around the world are collaborating more than ever before. I really LOVE this! With the growth of accessibility to technology, transportation, and networks, it is becoming increasingly commonplace to see people move as a collective/tribe. In a recent conversation, I shared with some friends about the improbability of creating something like the Idea Camp without a cultural environment postured towards collaboration. As a person who considers networking a core value, it saddens my heart to see some who still choose not to work with those outside their immediate circles. I hope that this post will provide some clarity and possibly inspiration for all of us to work together more often.

The following are some of my thoughts on why I think collaboration is becoming more of a necessity in 21st Century ministry:

• The Mission is Too BIG!
  • We, the Church, have an incredible mission to love the world as an expression of God’s love for humanity. Our mission calls us to go to the ends of the earth and live as tangible representatives of God’s presence of grace. Jesus specifically challenged us to embrace those who are suffering, sick, and marginalized (i.e., the fringe and forgotten of most cultures). When one considers what we’re called to, he/she will quickly realize that no single ministry or organization will ever fulfill this mission alone. Our mission is TOO BIG!!!
  • No matter how large or great a local church or organization may be, it will be impossible to bring the holistic kind of change God desires. We must work together. We must lay down our individual brands and consider working for something greater than our organizational egos. The needs are too great and only partnership with each other will bring the kinds of results God desires.
• Economic Scarcity
  • My good friend and mentor Dave Gibbons often says, “Scarcity brings clarity.” This is so true. Our current economic downturn has brought a lot of clarity about what is really valuable to ministry. Gone are days of lavish spending and over-staffing of churches. Our times have forced many to think more creatively about fulfilling God’s mission. What’s emerging during these times is the need for intentional collaboration.
  • I think God is posturing us to be more open towards working together. I see more churches beginning to share resources including staffing, property, ministry supplies, and even finances. I think and hope that we will actually see more churches not only work together but consider merging in some situations to bring more health to several congregations. This will require more churches to consider Kingdom before local church, a paradigm shift for many denominations and established networks.
• Collaboration is the Road to Change
  • The beauty of collaboration, when done with the right heart, is that it will create more creative solutions for change. Creativity is often sparked by unrelated ideas that beautifully come together at an unexpected time. Although we cannot control when these moments are, we can create a relational environment in which ideas are allowed to dance together. Collaboration can create this environment. People who don’t collaborate intentionally are missing out on a reservoir of creativity that potentially could create life-change for a ministry.

In closing, I think it will be important to note that collaboration is not some loose or shallow form of commitment. I personally have seen many who desire to collaborate that actually don’t when it’s all said and done. Collaboration takes more commitment that agreeing to do something at a meeting. Anyone can talk about collaboration. Here are some suggestions for those who are serious about collaborating:

• Schedule time to collaborate. Make networking a part of your weekly routine. There will be spontaneous opportunities, but most will be planned. Make the effort to call someone up or meet up in person.
• Be prepared to listen before speaking. Taking time to learn more about the person you are trying to collaborate with will allow for creative ideas. Listen more than you speak.
• Follow up with people you connect with. Send them a thank you email/note and consider stating next steps.
• Take time to affirm, encourage, and platform the work of others. There’s no greater way to minimize a competitive spirit than lifting someone else up!

Although these are not all the reasons for why we should collaborate [You'll just have to wait for the book ], it does allow us to begin a conversation. Do you have any thoughts to add to what’s been presented here?