The Transformational Transaction of Partnership

Partnership is one of my greatest joys. It has shaped my life and ministry through many profound relationships with women and men who demonstrate undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Partnership is God’s idea, and as we commit our partnerships to Him, the transaction of partnership transforms us from glory to glory!

In recent years we have avoided using the word “transaction” as it relates to healthy partnerships. I understand this very well as I have seen partnerships almost entirely focused on funds. These partnerships can be self-serving and even detrimental to the people involved. Yet, in reality, healthy partnerships do include transactions: the exchange of one’s services, goods, and funds for something of quality and benefit to all.

Transformation is not so easily defined. The steps toward transformation cannot be measured with ease on a balance sheet, or even outlined in a five-year plan. But my experience shows the reality of transformation is readily perceived if we have eyes to see. Mystery is involved – a level of beauty, intrigue, suspense, and wonder!

Perhaps the greatest pitfall of ministry is losing the wonder of the One True God who deserves all glory, praise and honor – forever. Nancy Leigh DeMoss describes losing the wonder as the #1 potential pitfall of those involved in ministry. Nancy states, “The danger is that ministry becomes a job, rather than a passion for the person of Jesus.”

Ravi Zacharias has written an excellent book on this topic, Recapture the Wonder. Ravi exhorts us to treasure the wonder of Christ and His Word in a myriad of ways so that we maintain a posture of humility and holiness that keeps us freshly aware of our inadequacies and sharpened for the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Essential elements of transformational and wonder-full partnerships must include prayer, women, and celebration.

Prayer is that point of contact between what is, and what is yet to be. It is the key ingredient that enables a transaction to become transformational as we link our souls together and experience the marvelous moment when God’s presence defines our partnership: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Women are an absolutely vital and often understated essential component of healthy partnerships. Each ministry and function of ministry is incomplete without her voice. But there is no formula or measurement chart to follow. Seek Christ and His divine plan for you and your ministry, and you will find Him faithful to provide the distinctive offerings of womanhood.

“Manhood and womanhood must each bring its distinctive offerings as of old, in the typical tabernacle and temple, before throughout the whole earth shall arise a holy temple unto the Lord. The paean of praise is to be universal, but the harmony will not be complete until there be added to the deep bass and strong tenor, the trill of the treble and the softness of the alto. Two-thirds of the Christian church, having this work in hand, are women, and few questions are better worthy considering, how all that is on her, all that is distinctively, peculiarly feminine, may be wrought into this grand consummation to accomplish what Christ came, and for which he waits, expecting until His enemies be made His footstool.”
‘Mission in the Wake of Enlightenment,’ Transforming Mission

My experience has shown that ministries are stronger and healthier when women have a voice in leadership decisions and when their spiritual gifts are included in key aspects of the work. When, where, and how much the women of your ministry are included is a decision that you must make together as co-laborers in the Gospel ministry. But know this: your ministry will strengthen and the Lord will bring an increase as you maximize what He called “very good” at the consummation of His Creation (Genesis 1:31).

Finally, let’s remember to celebrate! Celebration is possibly the most neglected discipline of Christ-followers. Yet nothing is more worthy of celebration than the wonder, the joy of salvation for the lost, the strengthening of Christ’s Church, and the transformation of the nations. Yes, as we engage in the transformational transaction of partnership, we will see the answers to our prayers and will celebrate with shouting and rejoicing as we bear much fruit together.