Church partnerships are when a church decides to collaborate with another church or organization for the purpose of shared ministry. Historically, sharing of oneself and resources was an important part of the human community—particularly from a Biblical sense. Being the Church committed people to one another in solidarity and friendship.
However, over time, not all partnerships have been formed in mutuality and fellowship. In fact, there are multiple dangers associated with the word partnership that should be well-considered. Economic, relational, and colonial problems are all very relevant in some past partnerships.
A “Partnership” with the Chumash People
I live on Chumash Indigenous land in Ventura County, California. In 1767, Father Junipero Serra partnered with the explorer, Portola, on a mission to Christianize the California Indians. He is the founder of our California “mission system” and has often been celebrated in history as a hero. But the colonial partnership between the Spanish government and the Church proved to be anything but heroic.
The Franciscan fathers founded five missions in Chumash territory, including mission San Buenaventura, which is about 20 miles from my home. Their vision was to draw the Chumash to the mission system, baptize them, teach them a trade, give them land to farm (even though they weren’t farmers) and turn them into good Christians. Their intentions were at best debatable, but the results of this partnership were disastrous on the Chumash.
The Chumash revolted, were flogged, hunted, and killed. In the six decades of partnership between Spain and the Church, the Chumash people were reduced to near extinction. This partnership is a stain on the history of Christianity where I live, and it is exactly the type of colonizing partnership that we want to avoid today.
Church Partnerships Today
Some church partnerships today still smack of a colonialism or domination. While it may be true that we do not enter a partnership as equals (in resources, building, property, gifts, etc.), a spirit of mutuality must be present for a partnership to be effective. I have seen both established churches and regional church judicatories attempt to control the mission of God when it comes to developing partnerships.
Our polity can often get in the way of change and those resistant to change may stand as gatekeepers to maintain control. They often find ways to withhold benefits, funding, and even ordination. These obstacles can squelch the work that God is doing. Not only that, but there are a series of other biases and prejudices that can interfere with a partnership. Consider suburban churches that partner with inner city ministries or orphanages/churches in impoverished nations. How many times have we seen those partnerships become self-serving at the expense of people who needed help? Without the utmost caution and attention, any church can be in danger of entering a colonial relationship. And so, it becomes even more important for us to examine our partnerships and respond when necessary.
Part of our response should lie in being aware of the partnerships we are creating, but what about the ones we already have in place? Are we nurturing and supporting our current partnerships, or are we relying on them to help us serve a purpose?
One way that we can dive into the effectiveness and fairness of our partnerships is through the lost art of communication. Host a dinner with your community partners, or meet with each partner individually to evaluate your partnership. Connect relationally by working with them to create new strategies that uphold both missions, and consider exploring the below reflection questions with your community partner, rather than alone.
Questions For Reflection
Consider your partnerships:
• Why are we partnering with xxx? What are we hoping to accomplish together?
• Are both partnerships mutually benefitting each others mission?
• Is there any inequality in your partnerships? If so, where? How could you restore reciprocity?
• What indicators would help you discern whether or not any of your current partnerships smack of colonialism?
• Can we do more together than we can apart?
• Does our partnership extend the kingdom of God?
• How have you experienced partnerships that gloss over problems brought on by inequality, domination, etc.?
