Principles of cross-cultural partnerships

A. Personalized partnerships enhance our understanding of our identity in Christ.

1. Every believer is part of the all-tribes, all-nations, all-people groups church by virtue of his identity in Jesus Christ.(Rev. 5:9)
2. This membership is organic, not organizational—it is spiritually alive.
3. “I am a significant part of a greater whole”—an understanding needful for both sponsor and national missionary.
4. An understanding of this trans-generational, trans-cultural connection within God’s global redemptive plan —
   1. Builds Christ-centered significance and confidence.
   2. Is a mark of spiritual maturity for both sponsor and national.
5. This truth is a strategic point when confronting other world religions, such as Islam
   1. Helps dispel the common belief that Christianity is a Western religion.
   2. God so loved the world.

B. Personalized partnerships enhance our effectiveness in completing the Great Commission.

1. By God’s design, the members of the Body of Christ are interdependent. (1 Cor. 12, Eph. 4:16)
2. Locally and globally.
3. “The eye cannot say to the hand I have no need of you”—the contribution is mutual.
   1. The sponsor serves the national missionary by specific prayer and by sharing his material wealth.
   2. The national missionary serves the sponsor by specific intercessory prayer and by providing the opportunity to invest in the front lines of world evangelization.
4. The interdependent cross-cultural unity of the Church brings great glory to God and is a powerful witness to the unbelieving world. (John 17:21)

C. Personalized partnerships must protect and maintain the integrity of the indigenous church.

1. For the glory of God:
   1. Diversity of cultures is part of God’s design.
   2. God desires the unique expressions of pure and holy worship out of every tribe and people and tongue and nation.
2. Necessary for the emergence of an indigenous church planting/ people movement.
3. Local, indigenous accountability is essential.
4. The partnership system must enhance the credibility of all levels of indigenous leadership.

D. Personalized partnerships should be approached with confidence.

1. Scripture mandates over and over again that we who are blessed should give, meet needs, and serve those who are less fortunate. (James 2:14-17, I John 3:16-18, Gal. 6:2, etc.)
2. Even though risks are involved, the greatest risk is to do nothing.