The Vitality Practice of COLLABORATION

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.

— Acts 2.44-45

When the earliest converts committed themselves to the apostles’ teachings, the breaking of the bread, and the prayers (Acts 2.42) they strived not to be in competition with one another, but to share amongst themselves so that anyone in need could have their needs met. Collaboration to build the Beloved Community is sharing resources among congregations and working with external agencies that provide services we do not or cannot. Collaboration is embracing God’s generosity in all things and no longer fearing scarcity; there is no need to have the most programs or projects or people when we acknowledge that in our diversity and community embeddedness we may give to all, as any has need.

Recommended Curriculum to help you learn more about the Vitality Practice of COLLABORATION

REAL COLLABORATION

A 10-Point starter kit to do church together in new and different ways. This article comes from the Episcopal Church Foundation.

CHURCH COLLABORATION: HOW CHURCHES CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR MISSION

This website contains collected materials on church collaborative models that one consultant has put together over the years. There are inspiring and creative examples of churches working together, especially around buildings.

Read more about the Vitality Practice of

COLLABORATION

  • GLEANING - a Biblical practice that becomes new when churches collaborate. From Episcopal Church Foundation

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  • WHEN STRANGERS SEEK SHELTER - the power of collaboration when churches have already worked on their relationships, from Convergence.

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  • "WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER" - The power of collaboration in worship and liturgy opens the door to serving others., from the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

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  • MASSACHUSETTS EPISCOPAL CO-HOUSING NETWORK GROWS THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIP - an example of innovating new ways to provide housing and fellowship through intentional collaboration .

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  • COLLABORATION IN MINISTRY - This short article from Episcopal church Foundation illustrates ways that collaboration can be vital for small churches.

    Collaboration in Ministry

  • COLLABORATION: CHALLENGING THE ONE PARISH, ONE PRIEST MODEL. This article from Episcopal Church Foundation describes some easier ways to collaborate, and some harder ones - and the benefits of collaborative work.

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  • LET'S DO IT TOGETHER - Article for Episcopal Church Foundation on collaboration within the church. Start with where you are.

    Let's do it together

  • REFRAMING OUR ASSETS - part of a series from ECF on rethinking money and creative collaboration.

    Reframing our Assetsoes here