2000 Mr. Black

Mr. Black was the second generation leader of a community ministry that was rapidly growing. Over the years, we have been involved with many partnerships with such organizations but this was one of our first as we began participating in ministry with Mr. Black’s organization. Our partnership had two phases both involving the use of God’s facilities at Northwest and the leaders and participants of his organization. We believe that the buildings are God’s – not ours – and that full utilization by people who are trying to grow or deepen the Kingdom is our goal.

In the first phase, there was little or no cost to the organization. Once again, this is our usual model as new partners come to us for space because they are desperate for a low cost solution to ministry space. We were their “God answer” and everyone was flexible as they invested only the money needed to make the space compatible with their ministry. It was a tremendous success. The second phase involved an increase in leaders, participants, space and ministry. It was an incredible project with really great results for the Kingdom and the community. It was projected to last years but unfortunately only lasted a short while.

We were excited about the increase and felt the same call to sharing God’s land and buildings but we could not carry the increased costs. His organization understood, agreed with the assesment and the increased costs were passed to Mr. Black’s organization in the partner agreement. As their new leaders arrived, phrases like “since we pay” and “since we help pay” began to be used as justification for actions and demands. It seemed as if his leaders, having no connection to the planning or history, simply saw it as a “lease deal” whereas we saw it as us helping a ministry with their needs.

There were also problems with variable costs because in an effort to try to “be fair” to everyone, some costs were calculated each period with complex formulas. Unfortunately, as costs rose there was less confidence on Mr. Black’s organization because they did not derive the formulas. It is hard to budget a moving target as well.

In the end, it was emotion that did us all in. Our common enemy divided Christians and ulitmately I believe that was the problem. The enemy simply doesn’t want great cooperation between believers because if we actually all get together – he is going to be defeated on this earth.

There is good news, though, as we have had many partnerships locally and worldwide since Mr. Black’s, and they continue to do better and better. Our partners have learned and we have learned that God must be at the center and the enemy must be identified. Here is what we learned from this early partnership:

• Never co-sign for a partner. Not only does the Bible teach this truth but life proves it again and again. And, don’t lend to a partner. Either be able to give whatever to them or allow them to provide for it themselves. (Proverbs 6:1-6; 17:18; 22:26)
• Partnering agreements need to be ratified in joint discussion with all partners' Boards. Full disclosure to the highest authority eliminates many possibilities of problems.
• Contracts are not bad - they document a well made plan. The plan should be well defined, comprehensive and clear. Flat fees are better than complex equations. The parties need to know what they are committing to in principle, practice and budget and there will be more peace. (Matthew 20:1-6)
• Operations people need to do operations work. Operations should have been the front people in negotiating the details of the contract even if decisions were determined by other management.
• Business is business – even the business of ministry. If you give a "Yes," let it be "Yes" even if you find out the bed you are lying in isn't quite what you thought. If you want relief, honey gets more than vinegar. If you don't get relief, get over it and live out your "Yes." Don't be afraid to hold someone to their "Yes" even if they don't get over it. Stick to the facts and keep emotion out of it. (Matthew 5:37)
• Reconciliation takes few words and face to face interaction. Long letters and responses are of little use.
• It is good to get lawyers to help you plan contracts with wisdom but it is sad when they have to enforce them. Christians should hesitate to call their lawyers on each other when times get tough. (Luke 12:38)