According to Wikipedia Collaboration is the process of two or more people, entities or organizations working together to complete a task or achieve a goal. Collaboration is similar to cooperation. Most collaboration requires leadership, although the form of leadership can be social within a decentralized and egalitarian group.
From Scriptures, we are all called to work in our Father’s vineyard. There are so many references that show us God’s heart towards working together as Christians.
Romans 12:4-6 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Psalm 133:1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
This message remains consistent in 1 Corinthians 1:10, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Romans 15:5-6 and so many more Scriptures on the topic of collaboration.
It is with this understanding that I have lived my life and done my ministry calling. I find it amusing when people get shocked that I referred them to what they term as my competitors. These are brother and sister organizations, in the same vineyard, advancing the purposes and agendas of God on the earth as I and the CLC team are doing. They cannot be competitors!
According to Peter Greer, Chris Horst, and Jill Heisey in their book Rooting for Rivals: How Collaboration and Generosity Increase the Impact of Leaders, Charities, and Churches, faith-based organizations are sometimes known for what we’re against – and all too often that includes being against each other. But amid growing distrust of religious institutions, Christ-centered nonprofits have a unique opportunity to link arms and collectively pursue a calling higher than any one organization’s agenda.
Rooting for Rivals reveals how your ministry can multiply its impact by cooperating, rather than competing. The authors explore case studies illustrating the power of collaborative ministry. They also vulnerably share their own failures and successes in pursuing a kingdom mind-set. Discover the power of openhanded leadership to make a greater impact on the world.
“I love the African quote, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I’m grateful to Peter Greer and Chris Horst for celebrating Christ-centered teamwork and collaboration in Rooting for Rivals.”
RICHARD STEARNS, president of World Vision U.S. and author of The Hole in Our Gospel
