The foundational theology of partnership in Christian mission rests on two important themes: unity and diversity. The theme of unity is obviously prevalent in the Scriptures—from the oneness of the Trinity, to the fellowship of Christians, to the constant appeals for Christians to ‘love one another’ and to be ‘of one mind and spirit.’ Jesus himself prayed that his followers would ‘be one’ as he and the Father are one, ‘so that the world may believe’ (John 17:20-23). And he said to his followers, ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:35). • But the theme of diversity is equally present in the Scriptures through many descriptions of the varying roles, gifts, and functions in ministry (Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, Hebrews 2:4, John 4:35-38, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, and Hebrews 11:39-40). The Scriptures say that one plants while another waters and one sows while another reaps, ‘so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together’ (John 4:35-38). • It is clear from the Scriptures that God desires both relational unity and functional diversity in the global church. God values unity but not uniformity. God values diversity but not division. True partnership is not simply a matter of equality. It is a matter of synergy. The Holy Spirit distributes differing gifts ‘according to his will’ (Hebrews 2:4), and it is through this functional diversity in the context of relational unity that God intends to accomplish his purposes in the world, ‘so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 4:7-11).

God’s people working together demonstrates the core Scriptural truth: the work of Jesus restores relationships, both with God and with each other. Working in collaborative partnership infuses ministry with authenticity—both in word and in deed—and moves us closer to the fulfillment of the Great Command (Matt 22:36), the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20), and the great, unfulfilled prayer of Jesus in John 17 (John 17:20-23).
Paul writes about Christian unity in Romans 15:5-6, explaining that its aim is to glorify God: “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peter also states that our service for God is ultimately to bring Him glory: “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (I Peter 4:11). Thus, fellowship also means that we have been brought into partnership with our Savior and with each other to fulfill God’s will and glorify Him