What is a Partner?
The term “partner” is commonly used in many contexts, often leading to questions about its meaning. At Global Assist, we define partnership as delivering resources and services to our Global Ministry Partners. These are native-led, independent disciple-making and church-planting (DMCP) ministries. But what does this partnership truly entail?
What is a Global Ministry Partner?
A Global Ministry Partner (Partner) is an independent ministry uniquely founded by native leaders whom God has specifically identified and called to establish disciple-making and church-planting (DMCP) ministries within their own countries. These leaders are divinely inspired to share the Gospel with their own unreached people groups by enlisting and equipping in-culture missionaries to plant churches and make disciples.
God has strategically raised these ministries in regions where the greatest numbers of people have yet to hear the name of Jesus. These Partner leaders have a profound understanding of their cultures, governments, and societal dynamics, enabling them to fulfill God’s calling in the most effective and culturally relevant ways.
Characteristics of Partners:
- Established Ministries: These partners are not startups; they are established ministries with their own active church planters, organizational structures, and a deep commitment to their mission.
- Independent, not western-created denominational: Their work is designed by God, with adherence to sound biblical principles, led supernaturally by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Native-Led: They are therefore rooted in their local context, leveraging native teams for culturally appropriate outreach.
- Passionate and Mission-Focused: They are driven by God’s calling, focused on reaching their own unreached people groups to fulfill The Great Commission.
Common Challenges Faced by Partners:
Even as they excel in their mission, they commonly exhibit gaps in critical areas such as:
- Strategic planning
- Succession planning
- Leadership development
- Financial management
- Governance and administrative structures (e.g., boards, leadership teams)
What is Global Assist’s role with our Partners?
Global Assist comes alongside to strengthen and therefore propel their work. Acting as a catalyst, we provide strategic financing, tools, training, coaching, and opportunities for collaboration. Our partnership is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals.
Our Approach to Partnership:
- Collaboration
We work together with our Partners as they carry out their God-given mission of discipleship and church planting. Our goal is to strengthen them, based on their internal needs, to propel them to reach higher levels of effectiveness. - Trust-Building
We prioritize relationships based on trust and respect. Instead of dictating solutions, we listen, learn, and tailor our support to meet their unique needs. - Strategic Funding and Resources
While our Partners operate independently, financial support is commonly needed to increase their impact. We provide targeted foundational funding in addition to resources such as coaching, leadership development programs, and strategic planning to address their identified priorities. - Community Building
Independence does not mean isolation. Inside of the network that’s been created, we connect Partners in small peer-to-peer groups (or cohorts), fostering a sense of community. Here they can share experiences, learn from one another, and gain support from each other as peers.
In Summary
A Global Ministry Partner is an independent disciple-making, church-planting (DMCP) organization led by native leaders who are divinely called to reach the unreached with the Gospel. Global Assist walks alongside these ministries, equipping them to overcome challenges, strengthen their impact, and sustain their mission. Together, we endeavor to fulfill The Great Commission, changing lives and cultures now and for eternity, being obedient to the command of our Savior—all to the glory of God! Matthew 28:19-20
