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

An effective, durable partnership involves identifying potential partners, establishing trusting relationships, and exploring and coming to consensus on the vision. Identifying key action steps and responsibilities, successfully meeting initial objectives, and moving on to realize the vision follow. Developing such partnerships takes time. Understand your partnership's development as a process, not an event, and you've taken a big step toward seeing your dream come true.