The meaning of "partnerships" could
be debated for a long time. The way it
is used can generally be a matter of
semantics. After years of planting,
nurturing and maintaining new and old
partnerships with many churches and
other organizations, a lot can be said
about lessons learned about "partner-
ships". Let's start by looking at the
African word "Ubuntu" which simply
means the ties (partnerships / relation-
ships) that bind the human spirit.
"UBUNTU" captures the fact there is an
oneness to humanity, a partnership or
relationship; that we achieve ourselves
by sharing ourselves with others and
caring for those around us. Real
partnerships could be referred to as
"UBUNTU".
If partnerships or relationships are
based on this notion, it then requires us
to promote equality, justice, uphold
freedom, and human rights, and work
hard to end conflict and war. A partner-
ship or relationship can vary depending
on different scenarios for example,
businesses, cultures, churches, reli-
By Dr. Caroline W. Njuki
Successful Partnerships
gions, non-profit organizations, etc. It
would therefore be helpful to start the
discussion by looking at some of the
different meanings of the word. One
theme that runs consistent throughout
the discussion, however, is an inter
relatedness in all kinds of partner-
ships/relationships. Whether the
partnership is equal or unequal there is
a symbiotic nature of some sort.
Some Concepts of "Partnerships":
Sharing of resources to achieve a
common objective.
Legal contract entered into by two or
more alliances where each party agrees
to furnish a part of the capital and by
which each shares a fixed proportion of
profits and losses.
A way of working together to
achieve a winning outcome.
A possible way of working towards a
fundamental shift in human relations.
Collaboration, coalition, joint
working (partnership), synonymous for
some and different for others.
Increasing opportunities to learn and
adapt; access to resources; share
financial costs and risk; gain input from
additional sources; respond rapidly to
changing needs; power and hierarchy.
Not a utopia but a way of applying
creativity to enhance human interac-
tion.
Pope Frances says that partnerships
with the poor are the true growth in
human consciousness that can only be
founded in the practice of dialogue and
love.
The World Council of Churches talks
about partnerships with Christians from
other constituencies...recognizing the
imperative to building healthy partner-
ship with people of other faiths.
In an ideal relationship it is impera-
tive to examine goals, interests,
expectations and purpose for entering
into a relationship. During the many
years of working in mission and
establishing relationships, it was noted
that there is a tendency to neglect the
referenced concepts, contributing to a
breakdown of communication and
creating a strain on relationships.
Discernment before entering into a
partnership can enhance its outcome.
In a world where everything must be
measured for credibility, a yard stick
could be used to evaluate the value of a
partnership. To this end, there are
some measurable impact-based
solutions and strategies that can make
or break a partnership. These impact-
based solutions and strategies can be
achieved by asking questions such as:
Why is the coalition, partnerships or
relationships being forged?
Will the needed resources in terms
of time and human be available to
enter into and sustainable partnership?
Will a study or an examination of the
suitability of the intended partners be
MISSION &
ISSUES
Mission Journal
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