The Power of Partnership

God has called us to form partnerships with others to expand His kingdom. Paul the apostle told the Philippian church, “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.” (Phil. 1:3-5)

A partnership is an arrangement in which parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. Everybody wins in an authentic partnership, and we all bring something to the table. The Philippians and Paul were in a partnership, both having a mutual interest in advancing the kingdom of God.

Paul goes on to say, “Moreover, as you Philippians know…not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only… sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough.” (Phil 4:15-18)

We see three basic types of partnerships in this scripture. I call these the 3 P’s of partnership.

1. Prayer – Paul thanked God for his Philippian brothers and sisters in Christ. He prayed for them. In the ministry where I serve, we partner together in prayer with a 24/7 prayer ministry as people are praying for each other in nations around the world. While some are sleeping, others are praying.
2. People – Paul and his team were the people starting churches all over the known world through their partnership with the Philippians. This is why we support missionaries sent to the nations, both short term and long term. We partner with them to reach the nations.
3. Provision – The Philippians supported Paul financially. They gave financially, and received prayer and blessing through this partnership.

Every book I have written, I partnered with others to see it become a reality. My partners include editors, other writers, cover designers, publishing companies, those who write the foreword and endorsements, and marketing specialists. We all partner together so the book can become a reality and bless those who read it.

In each partnership we each give our strengths and we resource our weaknesses. The Philippians had provision, but they needed people to partner with them. Paul and his team filled that role. And the Philippians received prayer from Paul and his team as a part of this partnership.

There is power in partnership! Who are you called to partner with today?