Article
Every church, no matter how big or small, relies on teamwork. And while every partnership matters, some are especially strategic and worthy of attention.
Here are 10 critical partnerships within most churches, plus discussion questions to help you cultivate a strong, collaborative relationship for gospel ministry.
Whatever your leadership structure, no partnership is more critical than that of your highest-level leaders. You set the course for your whole church, so your unity is essential above all others on this list.
Almost everyone in church ministry knows horror stories of elder-pastor conflict. But with spiritual vigilance and proper accountability measures, unity and trust can define your partnership instead.
Larger churches often have an executive pastor, someone who directly oversees the rest of the church staff. A management relationship within the body of Christ can carry a unique dynamic, so communication is especially important.
The youth and children’s pastor have the same goal: support families in raising disciples of Christ. And since many under a children’s pastor’s care will soon be under the youth pastor’s care, collaboration is critical.
As every child is a future teen, every teen is a future adult. This makes youth pastors and college or family pastors partners in launching mature disciples of Christ.
When it comes to your worship service, the two main architects are probably the teaching pastor and worship leader. They must be aligned not only in their foundational philosophies of ministry but also in the details.
In many ways, this team is responsible for the mechanics of a worship service. Whether you have one volunteer tech person or a whole team dedicated to tech and creative arts, there’s a lot to think about.
Administration isn’t for ministry, it is ministry—a spiritual gift that’s vital to every church (1 Cor. 12:28). With that understanding, you elevate administration to the crucial role it deserves in your church.
Ideally, Christian education isn’t relegated to just the worship service. It spans time and space, meaning you have many opportunities to shape the minds of your congregation for Christ. What’s your whole-church, long-term plan?
Since much of ministry happens in a church building, your church’s facilities team is a major piece of your ministry. Spaces matters, and even more so the people who oversee them.
***
These are simply questions to prompt conversation. You know your own context—and you may even think of partnerships at your church not mentioned here. Take some time to think through those relationships, gather the right people in the same room, and talk about how to work better together. The investment of time will lead to healthier relationships and more strategic ministry.
This post originally appeared in January 2019 issue of Ministry Team magazine.
Location
220 Woodward Ave,
Lock Haven, PA 17745
800-773-7570
Sales
Phone: (800) 773-7570 option 1
Email: sales@servantkeeper.com
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 5:30 pm ET
Support
Phone: (800) 785-3416
Email: support@servantkeeper.com
Mon & Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm ET
Tues-Thus 9:00 am - 5:30 pm ET
Billing
Phone: (800) 773-7570 option 2
Email: billing@servantkeeper.com
Mon & Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm ET
Tues-Thus 9:00 am - 5:30 pm ET
Copyright 2025, Servant Keeper, LLC