People in every sphere of our culture speak of unity, of partnership - hoping to work together for a common cause. Yet, our everyday experience reveals that unity is often an idyllic dream, or given only lip service by politicians or power brokers to gain support for a cause for which they want "your support."
In part one, we reflected on Jesus' prayer for united hearts among His disciples and all who would follow Him in the millennia to come. Interestingly, centuries before Jesus' prayer, the "wisest man" among the Old Testament people of God gave rich insight about what this Jesus-centered unity should look like.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Solomon illustrated the principles which answer the question, "Why are we better together?" by introducing "partnership principles" that can be applied by individuals, churches or organizations committed to work together.
Partnerships produce a greater return
Whether as a church, organization, or individual youth worker - we all know times when the sky darkens, temperature drops and a feeling of isolation takes place. Hard-working ministry leaders all face seasons of defeat or discouragement. Whether it's due to declining numbers, students wandering in the wilderness or personal defeats, it is these times when youth workers may be ready to cash it in. "I'm done!" has been the cry of many a heart.
These are the times when trusted partners from other churches and ministries are especially important. They help "save the investment" already made; they "lift up" the spirit and help restore the vision of a nearly-defeated ministry partner.
We underestimate the long-term consequences of one who leaves their post prematurely. A true partner helps the other discern a way to stay the course, which in time produces a "good return for their labor."
Partners care about each other
Here's one example of this: In my area, at the same time, one church was without worship leadership and another church was in disarray due to internal issues. Partner-pastors from our local network provided interim music leadership for the one and met regularly with leadership from the other to help them resolve internal conundrums. These "partnered-pastors" were selfless and provided the "warmth" of camaraderie even as a cold storm blew over for each church.
Partners stand together in opposition
Whether attack comes from external "secular" forces or internal opposition, true partners lock arms and stand back-to-back in times of trial. This can take place on the macro-scale as national organizations/denominations stand together. Locally, this can take place on the personal or micro-level, as true Jesus-centered partners walk side-by-side.
When partners stand together - and no one cares who gets the credit but God Himself - we fulfill Jesus' prayer in John 17 and realize the power of Solomon's words: "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."