More Than Partners Christ-Centered Organizations and the Local Church

Abstract

Local churches have increasingly been called upon as local partners in development work, by faith-based and secular organizations alike, for their invaluable local history, knowledge, and connections. While acknowledging the value of these assets is important, they can easily fall into purely transactional relationships. At World Concern we care deeply how our identity as a Christ-centered organization impacts our relationship with the local church, how our calling intersects with that of the gathered fellowship of believers, and how we work to foster mutually life-giving partnerships with Christ’s bride. This article reviews an exploratory exercise World Concern did together with partner churches in Africa in 2016. The goal was not to train or teach, but to think about the character of our partnership. The article provides a glimpse into some of World Concern’s continuing field conversation around this critical topic.