Have you ever considered how often we have come to view churches as like sports teams? Not in the cooperation sense but the competitive sense. We have “our” team that we root for. We identify with their brand, wear their colors, and root for them to win against the other teams they play. Good performance will raise our profile and maybe get more people on the bandwagon—they will see how right we were all along to be fans of this particular team. We will win and our team will be the best team!
But stop for a moment and think: What a strange way of looking at other Christian churches and ministries. Ostensibly, we are all working for the same thing: the coming of the Kingdom of God and the expansion of the message of the gospel across the world. What does it matter which group gets “credit”?
Ministry cooperation
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? (I Cor 1:10-13)
Paul takes it a step further, saying other ministries don’t even need the right motives—as long as they are preaching the gospel:
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Phil 1:15-18)
We are all on the same side. Rather than viewing other churches or ministries as competitors, we need to view them as co-workers. Instead of asking, “How can we increase our market share in this city?” we could be asking, “How can we cooperate with other churches and ministries?” Increasingly, churches can’t function well as go-it-alone organizations
6 Ways to Build Ministry Cooperation
Expand your thinking. Consider some of these outside-the-box ideas.
1. Share volunteers
Let’s say you church focuses on foster kids. Not everyone in your church is going to become foster parents. You have people in your church with different gifts and passions. You don’t need to be everything to everyone in this sense. Help willing volunteers find a local ministry that they are interested in. By sharing them, you are expanding your own impact and serving the community. Some ideas are food banks, homeless shelters, refugee resettlement, and local environmental groups.
2. Partner strategically
Try a strategic partnership with another local church: maybe put on an event or outreach project together, pooling resources. In many cases, we can be better together. For example, how could you combine resources with another church to better serve the unhoused population in your area?
3. Open your doors
Allow another church or ministry to use your building at a time when you aren’t using it. A lot of new church plants or churches with poorer congregations would be really appreciative of free space where they can meet.
4. Pool resources
Larger events, like Harvest parties, youth camps, or worship conferences, require big bucks and lots of volunteers. One church I know invited all of the local churches to help put on a sunrise Easter service in a big park. The cooperation was visible and built a larger sense of community while bringing the gospel to the public.
5. Show support
Highlight and pray for another church during your service. Talk about something great they’re doing or a new initiative they’re undertaking. That communicates that a win for one is a win for the whole.
6. Reach out
Even just having conversations with other church leaders can be helpful. Ask them, “How can we help you?” or “How can you help us?” Who knows, God may be calling you to do similar things anyway that you could do much more effectively together.
You might be surprised what happens when you stop competing and start cooperating.
Resources
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