GOING FURTHER
Study (4) Ministry is Partnership
In life one comes across a variety of partnerships, in farming, business and of course the most obvious one 'marriage'. Indeed, partnerships have proven to be one of the most effective and enduring forms of relationships.
In the last quarter of the twentieth century, the idea of ministry as a partnership began to evolve. The barriers between clergy and laity began to dissolve and the ideas of 'Father knows best', or the ordained minister as being the practitioner of ministry were swept away. Significant gains have been made, but challenges remain. The following quote from American theologian, Letty Russell, has some poignant things to say about Partnership.
"Partnership as a meaningless platitude is to be seen all around us. Women have been unequal partners for centuries. Factory workers who are made partners in industry know that usually the words do not remove exploitation. Calling First World and Third World churches 'partners in mission' does not necessarily change the dynamics of financial control. Such partnerships can be clearly exposed for what they are by asking in what sense all parties freely chose to enter or to develop them and what mutual benefits are a continued basis of equality.
Taking into consideration that different qualities are most important than others at different times and in different types of partnerships, we can still identify the basic qualities considered important for partnerships by means of continued reflection and discussion of our own experiences and expectations. They would seem to include at least:
1. Commitment that involves responsibility, vulnerability, equality, and trust among persons or groups who share a variety of gifts or resources.
2. Common struggle and work involving risk continuing growth, and hopefulness in moving toward a goal or purpose transcending the group itself.
3. Contextuality in interacting with a wider community of persons, social structures, values and beliefs that may provide support, correctives, or negative feedback. There is never complete equality in a dynamic relationship, but a pattern of equal regard and mutual acceptance amount partners is essential." (The Future of Partnership, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1979 Page 7)
Russell's three qualities of partnership are helpful and in looking at ministry, which claims to be in partnership, these qualities should be present.
Investigate a variety of community / church groups and identify the qualities of partnership that is present. Let me cite some examples:
1. A suburban church I recently visited had inspirational music played by four musicians; a pianist, flautist, guitarist and a violinist. They played beautifully and superbly and the congregation responded by singing enthusiastically. After the service I said to the pianist how much appreciated the music was and she quickly replied, "we're in great partnership".
2. In my role as the Registrar of the Diocese of Melbourne, I work with a staff of eighteen people involved in the administration of the Diocese. At the senior level, I have four managers in charge of key areas and together we are an effective partnership. We share our gifts and resources, we are committed to moving forward and setting ourselves some key goals. It is a dynamic relationship when we value and support each other.
3. In the Parish of Werribee, the Vicar and a team of parishioners have become an effective partnership to stage a Christmas Lighting Festival in the Church and grounds. They have a common goal of wanting to engage the local community in the true meaning of Christmas and aim to attract thousands of visitors to the festival. Partnership can be formed for specific occasions and grow the ministry and mission of local churches. - < http://www.grassroots.com.au/werribee/Christmas2002/index.html >
For Reflection
Describe a partnership with which you are involved.
What are the essential values and qualities of that partnership?
What are some partnerships that you would like to see formed in your local church / congregation?