Thursday, December 22, 2011

suburban-urban partnerships

I'm currently doing some review through my Harvest-Orchard Hill church partnership file.  For me, the most instrumental resources for our partnership have been the CCDA Institute called "Developing Urban-Suburban Partnerships" that Alvin Bibbs gave in St. Louis in 2007, and the book Linking Arms, Linking Lives.

Here's a summary list from Linking Arms, Linking Lives that has been helpful for us on the journey:


Partnership Essentials

1.        Deep reconciliation
2.       Authentic relationship
3.       Collaborative action

Do’s and Don’t’s for both urban and suburban partnerships
1.        Do begin with existing relationships/don’t attempt to partner with brand new contacts
2.       Do let human need motivate us/don’t forget to love God!
3.       Do strive for equality and joint ownership of the ministry/don’t allow inequality to define the partnership
4.       Do foster interdependence and mutual service/don’t be a burden and a liability to the other.
5.       Do cultivate a relationship that transcends the ministry project/don’t forget to play
6.       Do commit long-term/don’t give up too easily
7.       Do aim for quality partnerships/don’t partner indiscriminately

Do’s and Don’t’s for urban partners
1.        Do be motivated by the larger Gospel truths of reconciliation and mission/don’t let financial needs define the partnership
2.       Do be honest about your struggle/don’t sabatoge the partnership with unforgiveness
3.       Do have confidence in what you bring to the partnership/don’t play the victim
4.       Do provide key leadership in the partnership/don’t acquiesce to the default posture of subservience
5.       Do listen to the insights of suburban partners/don’t let the oppressed in you become the oppressor
6.       Do be open to new ways to understand time/don’t dimiss the virtues of timeliness
7.       Do see enriching suburban culture as part of the task/don’t ignore suburban culture

Do’s and Don’t’s for suburban partners

1.        Do remember that Jesus is Lord of the City/Don’t be overly critical of the City
2.       Do make it personal/Don’t objectify the urban poor
3.       Do understand the initial distrust and resentment that may come from urban counterparts/don’t be too defensive
4.       Do establish presence in the community/Don’t be aloof
5.       Do live by the principles of servant leadership/don’t always feel you have to lead and teach
6.       Do show generosity as the ministry calls for it/don’t mistake wanton handouts for generosity
7.       Do share the responsibility of managing financial resources/don’t allow finances to manipulate and control the ministry
8.       Do learn the art of being flexible with regard to time/don’t be impatient and too quick to judge tartiness
9.       Do provide ways for suburban volunteers to participate in the work/don’t make a showcase for the poor

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