FAQs About Global Church Partnerships

•  What is a Global Church Partnership?

A Global Church Partnership or GCP, is when North American churches, businesses, or other organizations are brought together in a spirit of partnership with a group of nationally led churches/denominations to see a movement of culturally relevant, socially responsible churches started and multiplied.

•  What kind of North American churches enter these partnerships?

Our experience has been that churches who enter these partnerships desire more than a "sister-church" relationship but rather a relationship that allows their own people to participate in real ministry opportunities that actually help an indigenous partner see multiple churches planted whose focus is to transform their culture through word and deed.

•  What do these indigenous church planting organizations look like?

Most often these groups of churches/denominations already have a history of planting churches but are looking to take it to the next level. They realize that they have needs such as training, mentoring, evangelistic and/or humanitarian outreach, mercy and justice issues, and even business development opportunities that can create income to fund the national effort or resolve economic/poverty concerns.

•  How long does a church have to commit to the partnership?

The time frames are usually formed around a particular project that you, the North American church, feel comfortable working to see fulfilled, i.e. assisting the national group in establishing a business venture or helping see a group of national believers trained in HIV/AIDS home health care. However it is common that the relationship often grows and the church participates in another project.

•  What kinds of projects are available for the North American church to participate in?

This is normally determined by the needs of the national partner and not by what the North American church has to offer. As part of our long term relationship and work, we help the national partner determine what their vision is, what their dream would look like when completed, what components are needed to complete the dream and what they are unable to supply. This empirical and contextual research and analysis is a critical part of establishing what will become a healthy interdependent partnership. This aspect can take years to completely understand and complete.

Projects range from; humanitarian work such as literacy/education assistance, HIV/AIDS help/training, micro-enterprise establishment, life skills training to leadership development in areas such as pastoral/small group leadership training, church planter assistance/ instruction/coaching to outreach creation and development, etc. and the list can go on and one depending on what the national partner is trying to do and where in the process they are. If needed we can also help you determine what you can bring to the partnership.

•  What kind of financial commitment is required to enter a partnership?

First of all our experience tell us that money is a required component of the partnership however, we are also experienced in how money should be introduced and used. The first place that a monetary commitment is required is for an investment into your church and leadership. Most often North American church leadership will need to see and meet the national partner on location. This initial investment will permit the full investigation of the partners, what projects can be collaborated on, what costs and time frames are required and sharing/understanding of the research we have accumulated. From here you will determine what level of commitment and what involvement you can and will take. You always remain in control of your level of commitment and any monetary commitments made.

•  How does a Global Church Partnership work?

As the partnership matures there are regular times (normally annually) when all the partners come together for communication, reporting, envisioning and decisions on the next year's commitments. It is at these times that those involved in the partnership discuss priorities, make decisions on what projects are tackled and who will do it. It is at the partnership meeting that the leadership from the national partner will also have time to report and give updates.

•  Where are these partnerships?

Presently we are facilitating partnerships in Vietnam, Thailand, Senegal, India and Slovenia. We are starting initiating partnerships in Kazakhstan, China (Tibetan Region) and Northern Europe.

•  How do we get started?

The first step into any relationship is getting to know each other. This can be done via phone and personal visitation. Our desire is not to sell you anything but rather through mutual agreement come to the decision that some initial first steps need to be taken. From that time we can determine the best kind of Global Church Partnership to enter based upon what your church’s vision, capacity, and desires are. From this we’ll discuss a leadership trip to introduce you to the national partner and determine if the relationship is a fit. You’ll ride on our relationship at first as you establish yours. We’ll share our knowledge and experiences and facilitate follow up activities and involvement. We’ll walk with you and help you realize all you want to see happen to your people and with the national partner. So give us a call and let’s talk more.