Lessons Learned In Partnership

Partnerships provide an opportunity and a challenge to bring people together in ways that create more impact than the sum of the individuals. Working together allows us to achieve much greater results than we can achieve alone. But partnership is a process -- a journey -- and knowing the signposts along the way assists us in accomplishing our desired outcomes.

Though each partnership is different and grows at its own pace, we have found that there are three main stages that each goes through in its development. Certain outcomes and activities are associated with each stage making possible effective evaluation of progress.

Stage One: Exploration
The exploration stage takes longer than you think! If at all possible, the process should not ever be put on a fast track. Read more about the exploration stage...

Stage Two: Formation
Relationships are critical in this stage, and time for prayer and seeking God's wisdom will set your partnership up for success. Read more about the launch of a partnership... 

Stage Three: Operations
Communication is the lifeblood of partnership. Leadership and facilitation, vision and goals, flexibility and the evaluation process will all determine your ability to maintain a partnership beyond the launch stage. Read more about maintaing an operating partnership...