This video is session #2 of the YWAM IWT playlist, a series of videos including more than 12 hours of in-depth training in collaborative partnerships by Phill Butler.

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Kingdom Partnerships Video Seminar

Phill Butler, visionSynergy

SESSION 2:  Summary, Quotes, Questions

Summary:

There are laws that govern the physical universe that God created and laws that govern relationships. Anyone who applies those laws, Christian or non-Christian, will prosper. Phill draws the elaborate comparison between the principles of a partnership used by Boeing in order to produce its 777 aircraft, with those that need to govern the partnerships we develop for ministry and evangelism. The principles are the same; the size and shape only determine the complexity.

If business and industry are willing to invest years, huge numbers of people and millions of dollars in the development of a partnership to produce a product that will make them money, surely we must be willing to make the same kind of commitment, sacrifice and investment to win individuals and cities for the Kingdom of God.  And the very first thing he identifies in Boeing’s strategy is to talk to the customer (and other partners, stakeholders) and ask what they need, and what is the problem? Are we willing to do that, or do we think we already know?

First he elaborates the basic principles that make a partnership work with examples from Boeing and other business ventures. Later we will see many of the effective partnerships for evangelism that have been developed for the most unreached and “Gateway” people groups since 1986.  He also enumerates some of many excuses that individuals and organizations make to NOT cooperate in a partnership and what is behind the excuses.

He also introduces the idea that the Western concept of how a decision for Christ is made – individually, quickly and forever – may not stand up to Scripture and history.

Notable Quotes:

1. History of Christian Mission  by Stephen Neill and Owen Chadwick. This is the single most important book, apart from Scripture, that you will ever read in your life if you are interested in mission and evangelism.  It is the story of redemption since Jesus and describes the incredible cost, sacrifice – the unbelievable sacrifice that people have made – martyrdom, privation, loneliness.
2. If it’s worth all these risks, work, discipline huge financial investment just to make money, surely seeing the redemption of a great city should be equally motivating.
3. Boeing gives away incredible amounts of technology…. but the one thing they never give away is the integration system that allows them to bring these things together successfully.
4. If you want to make real music, you’ve got to have the white keys AND the black keys.
5. The quickest way to kill a partnership is to call a meeting; the second quickest way is to try to write a theological statement; the third quickest way is to try to write a constitution.
6. So you must ask in your city, “What’s the problem?” Because if you’re giving them answers for which there is no perceived need, there is no point in your partnership.
7. Bartimaeus understood that God had power that no one else had.  That’s what YOU represent in these cities.
8. Whatever change decision anyone makes, whether buying a new TV, people going from sticks to toothbrush or coming into the Kingdom, there is never any decision made unless there’s a perceived need.
9. When God’s people dwell in unity, 2 things happen: the power of the Holy Spirit is released, and refreshment and encouragement come.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What is the FIRST thing you must do to begin your IWT project in your city?
2. Why did Phill emphasize the need to celebrate the small victories in your project and partnership?
3. Give some examples where God doesn’t speak but asks questions?  Why did He do that in your example?
4. What do you need to do PERSONALLY to improve your listening skills?
5. Why did the churches in Phill’s town have no credibility with the people?
6. Try to find an example in your life where you did not want to cooperate with someone else but just to take your own path.  What was the reason you gave? What was your real reason?