While one person cannot adequately assess needs, leaders of the laity and pastors have access to a network of ideas, training, support services, resources and people. A partnership provides both with the opportunity to do what they do best in a mutually supportive way and not in isolation, he stated. A partnership is deliberate and intentional, not accidental, Nibbelink said. It won't happen by accident, and just declaring a partnership does not make it so. Partnerships take prayer, planning, tentative experimentation, uncomfortable moments and false starts.
Respect is the first.
Each partner should acknowledge the other for the gifts brought to the ministry, he said. Respect means each person provides input and advice, differences are clarified, and common ground is sought. Respect is foremost in a thriving partnership. The next characteristic of a successful partnership is responsibility. Each person shares an appropriate portion of the task.