Partnership

by Pastor Eric

What is a partner? Why is it important for a ministry to have partners?

First let’s look at the definition.

A partner is…

1archaic: one that shares : partaker
2 a: one associated with another especially in an action : associate, colleague b: either of two persons who dance together c: one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side d: a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship : one member of a couple
3 a member of a partnership especially in a business; also: such membership
 
A person that is of like-faith can partner with another person or ministry to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. Jesus had partners, not only the disciples, but people who supported His ministry. Let’s look at Luke 8:2,3 – “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”  Ministered means “served.” Do you see that? There were people who supported His ministry by giving food, finances or whatever was needed. Jesus didn’t go around dirt-poor begging for anything. People that God had called to help Him in preaching the Gospel gave continuously. OK, not enough you say? That was Jesus. What about Paul? In his letter to the church of the Philippians chapter 4:15-19 he wrote…”15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You may not be called to go across the nation preaching and teaching and laying hands on the sick, but you can receive credit for the work we do. In the Amplified Bible, verse 17 says …”I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account].” You have an account in heaven that builds up for you when you support this ministry.

Our prayer is that all who contribute to the spreading of the Gospel through this ministry be blessed and in good health. We pray for you daily.

We ask that you prayerfully consider being part of this ministry by praying for us and sowing in to The Gathering Place International on a regular basis.

May God prosper you and keep you in health even as your soul prospers and that your heavenly account be full at all times.

 The definition of partnership according to Webster’s Dictionary is…

1 the state of being a partner : participation
2 a: a legal relation existing between two or more persons contractually associated as joint principals in a business
b: the persons joined together in a partnership
3 a relationship resembling a legal partnership and usually involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities