By Peter Blackaby
It is that time of year, where the skies will be filled with geese flying south for the winter. The clamouring sounds of each flock will draw our eyes upward to see the familiar “v” formation pass overhead. As these birds chart their seasonal course above, they are but at the beginning of a very long journey.
Together, they will fly thousands of kilometres before reaching their final destination. As they go, each one will take turns at the front. And those behind will sound their encouragement as they benefit from the lift of those before. Many other birds may be more attractive or majestic, but few others will accomplish such an impressive feat.
For me, this is a beautiful illustration of partnership. As a family of churches, we can do more together than we ever could alone. I have been encouraged to see both large churches and small church plants giving themselves away as they partner across the nation and beyond.
If you are a [CNBC] church or church plant who is looking for opportunities to partner, please contact me as I would be excited to explore opportunities for you to connect with a church plant, church, or ministry anywhere in Canada, North America, or around the world.
Each partnership is different as both parties bring their resources, skills, and passions to the table. However, I would affirm from my own experience that the most fruitful partnerships are most often those that involve a multiple year commitment on both sides. As you explore partnership opportunities, I would encourage your church to ask the Lord to direct you to a partnering relationship where you would be able to invest for the next three, five, or more years.
If you are a church or church plant in need of a partner church, contact the Regional Partnership Coordinator in your area (contact info at cnbcPARTNERS.com) or myself. If you have a specific project that you need assistance with in the coming year, be sure to share the initial details. However, also be sure to tell the story of your ministry and even be willing to explore how a potential partner could be strategic over the next few years.
Whether your church partners in Québec or Cuba, New Westminster or New England, Northwest Territories or South East Asia … my prayer would be that both you and your partner would be able to say as the Apostle Paul did, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 13-6 (NIV). ?
Contact Peter Blackaby