The next characteristic of a successful partnership is responsibility. Each person shares an appropriate portion of the task. Nibbelink said the leader will sometimes be the follower and the follower will be the leader, depending on what is required to complete a project. Partners take responsibility to seek new skills, new insights and new methods, he said. Each new tool brought to the partnership strengthens the team and makes it more effective to meet the challenges of ministry.
Risk is the third characteristic.
Both pastors and leaders within the laity are willing to rock the boat if the situation calls for it. When the needs of a congregation change, he suggested that creativity is essential to nurture it effectively. Leaders must be willing to try new methods, allow new ideas to creep into worship and involve new people. The lay leader and pastor must unite to create a vision that stretches the congregation, he said. Good risk-takers know that failure is only permanent if we let it be.