Excerpt reprinted with author's permission from Well Connected: Releasing Power, Restoring Hope Through Kingdom Partnerships (Authentic Media/World Vision, 2006)

The Scripture is full of models, principles, and admonition for us as we work together in partnership and networks. For centuries, Christians have felt they could probably be more effective, touch the people of their community, and change the world if, somehow, they could work together. Here are just a few of the great Biblical promises offered us when we work together.

• We demonstrate the power of the Gospel to change lives producing open, trusting relationships (Philippians 2:1-11).
• The Holy Spirit's power is released in ways only possible when we dwell in unity and work together (Psalm 133, Galatians 5:16-26).
• We demonstrate good stewardship. Working together we maximize our use of the resources God has given us as costs drop and effectiveness increases (Matthew 25:14-30).
• The credibility of our message is strengthened. Jesus says that those watching our lives and work are more likely to believe that He is who He says He is when we work together. This is particularly true in traditional, community-based cultures of Asia, Africa, and Latin America (John 5:31-47, 10:38, 17:23).
• The Body of Christ becomes a powerful, unified community, demonstrating real love, commitment to each other, growth in Christ, and witness to the world around us (Ephesians 4:1-16).
• We encourage use of the full range of gifts and abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit among God's people (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12).

Encouragement, refreshment, and hope replace loneliness and despair when God's people work together rather than working independently (Psalm 133).