Biblical Ministry Partnerships and Networking: Part Two - Ministry & Business Marketing, Media and Strategy Blog

Last time we discussed biblical ministry partnerships, we focused on the kind of teamwork to avoid--namely those who are not centered on Christ as measured not by their rhetoric but by His Word. Now let's quickly look at a couple basic principles and examples of truly biblical partnerships through which God works to advance His kingdom and bring Himself glory. While the Scriptures abound with examples, for the sake of time we'll take our inspiration from Paul's letter to the Philippians.

Paul loved the Philippians. They shared in his suffering and his ministry. They even supported him financially when nobody else did. He wanted them to continue walking strong in the faith and to follow his example thereof. Paul and the Philippians' teamwork together for God's glory and Paul's comments about it, provide us with a solid model for working with other believers to fulfill Christ's Great Commission.

Again, because of the time limits imposed by a blog post, I'll focus now on Paul's instructions about spiritual purity & unity and following his example. Next time we'll look at Paul's kind words to the Philippians about his fellow laborers Epaphroditus, Tychicus and Timothy and how we should emulate their service and lifestyle.

In 1:9-11, Paul prays that the Philippians that they would have overflowing love based in knowledge from God and rightly discern between good and evil, with the endgame of approving the things that are morally excellent, that they may live truthfully and without blame until the return of Christ, bearing inner fruit coming from right standing with God which comes through Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise.

That's a mouthful! As you consider this passage, ask yourself if you're personally striving to meet this standard. And consider if your current and prospective ministry partners are likewise endeavoring after Jesus Christ our Lord. If not, as hard as it may be, you shouldn't continue working together until you get it right. On the flip side, you should actively seek out those who meet Paul's Spirit-inspired standard for individual and community vitality.

Later Paul exhorts the Philippians to make his joy complete by, "being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent one purpose," (Phil. 2:2). The Philippians, and believers today, are to be of the same mind, that is, the mind of Christ, (1 Cor. 2:16). We are to actively preserve the same love--love for Christ and love for each other in Christ, (Matt. 22:37-40). We are to be united in spirit--joined in a community ethos bent on the things of God. And we are to be intent on one purpose. What purpose? For that let's look to Paul's words in Philippians 3: 13b-17:

"Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are complete, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us."

The goal is Christ Jesus. Earlier Paul told his readers that his goal was to lay hold of that which for Christ laid hold of him--eternal life in Christ.

Notice also in 3:13-17 that Paul encourages the Philippians to follow his example, as opposed to the wicked teaching and living of those "whose end is destruction." His example was one of unfettered, full-throttle following after Christ and teaming with other like-minded believers.

Do your ministry partners meet this standard? Or do they simply call themselves brothers and bail on biblical purity, goal-setting, and living? You'll know by measuring yourself and your co-laborers by the Spirit's words to the Philippians through Paul. Act accordingly and you will indeed set a great example for other ministry networks and churches to follow.

In the next post in this series, we'll look at the characteristics of Epaphroditus, Tychicus, and Timothy--three of Paul's Spirit-led co-bondservants in Christ Jesus. Until then, let me know about your experiences with ministry partnerships--good, bad, and otherwise.