The Bible is filled with images, models and practices of partnership within God, with God and with others, and it even encourages partnership in the gospel and in mission.
‘Why we should serve in partnership with others’ was one of the topics for reflection at the recent annual workshop for staff from schools in partnership with Lutheran schools in Indonesia.
Endeavour College (Mawson Lakes) generously hosted and concluded the day with a tour of the school for staff from Faith Lutheran College (Tanunda), Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell and Caboolture), Navigator College (Port Lincoln), St Martins Lutheran College (Mount Gambier), Unity College (Murray Bridge) and Victory Lutheran College (Wodonga), together with staff from Holy Trinity Lutheran College (Horsham).
During the workshop, we explored what we consider to be a Biblical partnership. Koinonia, is a Greek word noun which is commonly translated as ‘intimate fellowship’. It may also be translated as, ‘participation’, or ‘partnership’. As God reaches out to us by the Son, through the Holy Spirit, we are drawn into his life and then reach out to others so they can also be involved in the life of God. When we partner, we live out koinonia, a two-way connection which includes giving, sharing property, and breaking bread. The group explored how Biblical partnership includes individuals and organisations bringing their gifts and abilities to love and serve one another and to share the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We discussed what it takes to partner effectively, and then unpacked why and how to intentionally engage with God as you partner, and why and how to build trusting relationships which are central to partnership.
Jamie Fewster, who has had experience with Navigator College’s 10 years of partnership with SMA GKPS 1 Pemtangraya, shared how he has incorporated the partnership into the year 11 Christian Studies curriculum, and the tension of the joys and challenges in sending staff and students overseas.
The day included the opportunity to share resources and advice with one another, as the schools plan to take students to Indonesia in 2023-24. There was also discussion about the ways in which staff kept their schools connected to their partnership during the time when there was no travel, and how they have engaged staff and students who will not have an opportunity to go to Indonesia.
Partnerships will only have a lasting, eternal significance as they are informed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to be aware of the Spirit, there must be continual prayer. Prayer puts the Spirit of God at the centre of the partnership, where his grace, power, insights, reconciliation, and hope can radiate and transform diversity into unity. Please keep each of these schools in your prayers, as God’s grace and goodness are revealed to the staff and students through their partnerships.
If your school would like to know more about how they can connect to the mission of God through an LCA International Mission service-learning and ministry partnership, you are invited to phone Erin on +61 447 354 122 or email erin.kerber@lca.org.au