Making Your Partnership Work by Daniel Rickett

In the opening chapter of the book, Rickett shares that the global expansion of Christianity has caused massive changes in world evangelisation. This has resulted in the growing need for collaboration in doing missions. He then introduces a 3 part framework that is essential to the effective design and management of partnership. This 3 part framework comprising of vision, relationship and results would serve as the structure for the entire book. In the book, Rickett would spend 3 chapters elaborating on each of these parts. In the next few paragraphs, I will attempt to summarize the book focusing on the major themes discussed.

Part 1 of the book focuses on the topic of vision where he discusses on the topic of shared vision, compatibility and ground rules. In chapter 1, Rickett argues for the importance of a shared vision. In this chapter, he defines what a shared vision is and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of partnerships.

In chapter 2, Rickett emphasises the importance of identifying and establishing compatibility between partners in order to facilitate a smooth partnership process. He then points out and emphasises key components that we should look out for when discerning compatibility (e.g. Compatibility in "operational values and ministry priorities", managerial styles and "size and capacity"). He adds that the quest for compatibility requires the growing and confirmation of common ground.

Chapter 3 of the book covers the importance and implementation of ground rules. Rickett in this chapter provides practical insights and guidelines to establishing ground rules. This chapter contains valuable information that can help the reader understand and facilitate, the implementation of systems of information sharing, the writing of financial policies, conflict management and exit procedures.

Part 2 of the book focuses on the topic on relationship. In this section of the book, Rickett in 3 chapters introduces the concept of alliance champions, intercultural understanding and mutual trust. Chapter 4 is where Rickett shares and promotes the importance of alliance champions that facilitate personal partnerships. These individuals possess biblical leadership traits and are critical in making partnerships work. Their tasks are to build rapport, provide leadership, clarify expectations, keep things simple, keep communications flowing, go the distance and keep God in the center.

The dynamics of cross cultural partnerships is discussed in chapter 5. Early in the chapter, Rickett provides valuable insights on the differences between western cultures and traditional cultures. He also exposes the reader to the importance of understanding cultures and the commitment of learning of cultures in partnership. He then provides valuable, practical strategies to understanding new cultures.

Chapter 6 is where Rickett shares and discusses the critical importance of mutual trust in partnership relationships. He firstly discusses the relationship and the different levels of trust required between interdependent and intercultural relationships. Secondly he shares about the different sources of trust, namely, trust in intentions, trust in competency and trust in perspectives. Thirdly he adds that in building trust, risk is required. Fourthly he shares that trust should be built based on Christian motivations (e.g concern for one another). Fifthly, trust is built through the building of integrity by consistent results. The final third section dealing with results covers three topics namely, "meaningful results", "documentation" and "learning and change".

Chapter 7, defines meaningful results and provides criteria to assess if the partnership is producing meaningful results. It also discusses the advantages of having progress measured and emphasises the importance of having success measured by God's yardstick.

In chapter 8, the reader is exposed to the practice of documentation which aids partnership in the recording of history, improving memory, providing timely data and serving as a point of reference. Some common types of documentation is presented in this chapter. These include, project proposals, working assignments, financial reports and project updates.

Chapter 9 is where Rickett shares the importance of adopting the attitude and culture of learning and adaptation as a discipline that will carry a partnership forward. In developing this trait He shares that, continual planning, feedback, reflection, developing a working culture of learning and researching on partnership principles are highlighted as healthy practices worth adopting.
Finally this book closes with some resources that might be helpful to the reader in establishing partnerships. The first is a comprehensive checklist comprising of questions that will help the reader facilitate partner assessment and selection. The second resource is a booklet which represent the fundamental commitments between Partners International and its mission partners. This booklet represents the core values and actions critical to building and sustaining a viable partnership. Thirdly and finally, the book contains a quantitative, partnership self evaluation assessment that would be a valuable resource in assessing the health of ongoing or future partnerships.

PART II - BOOK REVIEW

In this book filled with practical wisdom and biblical insights, "Making your partnership work" by Dr Daniel Rickett serves as a invaluable guide to those trying to develop both cross cultural and local partnerships. The book's purpose is to capture the collective wisdom of the mission of Partners International (Partners International is a global ministry that works to create and grow communities of Christian witness in partnership with God's people in the least Christian regions of the world. ) and present it in a way that others can use. It is written primarily for those seeking deeper one-to-one partnering and not larger networked alliances.

This book though relatively short (some 150 pages), provides a simple yet holistic and comprehensive picture of partnership. It is also written in an easily accessible way. This combination makes the book a good quick read for both new and experienced Christians interested in the process and dynamics involved in partnerships.

The strength of the book is in its practical value. Found throughout the book were checklists, charts, tables and assessments that can be used "out of the box" and implemented into most partnership situations. Pastors and missionaries would find this book as a helpful resource in the course of their ministry.

I have two minor qualms against this book. The first was its lack of scriptural support. Though many of the principles shared were clearly biblical, the author made little effort to draw those links. Having done so would have given greater credibility to the information shared. My second critique was the lack of real life examples/testimonies which would also have added credibility and the impact on the principles shared.
All in all, this book serves it purpose well as a practical handbook. I warmly recommend it for a quick read.

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