Foundations of Biblical Partnerships
in 1 Corinthians 12-14

The description of life in the Body found in 1 Corinthians 12-14, usually applied to a local church, may and should also be applied to relationships and partnerships between churches, denominations, and Christian organizations.  This passage provides us with seven practical and spiritual principles related to partnerships in the Kingdom of God: 

1. Partnerships in the kingdom have their foundation in the lordship and centrality of Jesus Christ.  (1Co12:1-3; See 1 Co 3:5-15).
   
   
2. Partners maintain a creative tension between unity and diversity (1 Co 12:4-6, 12-13).
   
   
3. Partners celebrate, value, and profit from each other’s strong points (1Co 12:7-11; 27-31).
   
   
4. Partners recognize that they need each other.  Alone, never!  Partnerships last when the partners benefit mutually (each partner is benefited at least proportionally to what he is giving). (1 Co 12:14-26).
   
   
5. Partnerships flow with a special grace when full-time workers facilitate or lead them.   1 Corinthians 12:28 highlights the role of apostles, prophets, and teachers, and Ephesians 4:11 adds evangelists and pastors.
   
   
6. Partnerships should be characterized by the love expressed in personal, committed relationships (1 Co 13).
   
   
7. Partnerships should be characterized by hearing God and receiving His guidance (1 Co 14).

Other links:

1. Download this page as a Word document.

2. Fifteen principles for efficient cooperation in the Kingdom of God.

3. Return to the main page about partnerships.