Partners International Loses Beloved Leader

SPOKANE, Wash.—Rev. Allen B. Finley, who led Partners International for 27 years, died from a rare blood disease on October 30, 2006, at his home in Stallings, North Carolina.

One of the most instrumental and loved people in our mission agency’s history, Allen served as Executive Director from 1960 to 1976 at which time he was appointed the first President/CEO. He served in this role until 1987, and then in various capacities after that, including Advisor to the President and Regional Director, for a total of 43 years.

Allen and Ruth came to Partners International when it was a fledgling 17-year-old organization needing to shift from a board-managed to a staff-managed agency. The Board of Directors’ criteria was simple: “We need someone young enough to have the vigor required to do a job of promotional work, traveling and making contacts…and old enough to command respect and with a background which would fit him for the responsibility.”

Allen fit the bill, with Ruth beside him all the way. He had served with International Students, Inc. where his love for people of other cultures was evident. When he started at Partners, the office was in one room of the Finley home with one desk and a single file cabinet. In 1963 annual income was $160,000 with ministry in eight countries. In 1987, income had grown to $5.8 million with work in 36 countries.

Many people credit Allen with pioneering the concept of working directly in partnership with indigenous ministries at a time when most of the control of mission work was in the hands of Westerners. “He trusted local believers, and they felt he was unique, a foreigner who would listen to their vision rather than come to enlist them in his plan,” said Bob Savage, Partners International’s International Operations Director and a long-time colleague of Allen’s.

As a mission leader Allen Finley traveled nearly three million miles to visit isolated jungle villages, strategize with boards of national agencies, listen to indigenous leaders share their burdens and visions, and preach in grass-roofed churches as well as urban mega-churches. Whether dealing with donors, staff, or overseas ministry partners, Allen observed that his priority was always the same: relationship, relationship, relationship.

“The love and respect he showed for others cemented Partners International’s reputation as an agency that could be trusted,” said  Jon Lewis, Partners’ current President/CEO. “Allen will be greatly missed not just by the Partners International family but by all who knew him throughout the world of Christian missions.”

A memorial service in Charlotte, North Carolina is scheduled Saturday, November 11, on what would have been Allen’s 77^th birthday. Another service will be held at Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Place, Saratoga, California (408) 867-1000 on December 2, at 11AM with a reception following.

Allen is survived by his wife Ruth, three daughters Naomi, Catherine, and Melissa, and five grandchildren.

Partners International has designated a special fund for gifts in remembrance of Allen Finley.

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