Interested in developing a collaborative relationship with other pastors in your region? Here are a few tips from the group in eastern Pennsylvania:
If you operate well in a team environment, this is a great experience to explore. If you are a “do it my way” person, it probably will be too great a challenge and will struggle.
Face-to-face meetings are preferable. Adding someone via video conferencing software such as Face Time or Skype, is doable, but can be distracting.
Create some healthy, realistic communication goals.
Don’t be afraid to say, “Wow, that is a bad idea.” To be able to say, “I love you, but that is not a good idea,” is priceless.
Establish a good way to share files, such as creating a common Dropbox or other online folder.
Know what resources are available from other churches. Many are willing to share graphics, videos, and other resources from a sermon series.
Find ways to spend some time together outside of the sermon planning meetings. Sharing meals, car-pooling for ministry trips, and attending conferences together can further enrich and deepen the partnering adventure.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of GraceConnect. If you’d like to receive the magazine, mailed directly to your home at no charge, click here.
