I have been working intensely on getting the Standard Edition version of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide ready for distribution. This version of The Beauty of Partnership will be 210 pages. It will be one-third: study guide—with learning lessons and Bible studies—and two thirds: readings—from a variety of authors.

This edition of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide is excellent for individuals and small groups who are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships, but are unsure about what constitutes truly healthy and wise practices. Ideal as a six-week study for small groups, we envision many local churches using this resource.

Foundational beliefs / assumptions for The Beauty of Partnership

1. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships are centered in Jesus Christ and his mission. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships glorify God … are attractive because we live in such a fractured world … and are cost-effective.
2. There is a continuing trend toward cross-cultural partnership in the work of Christian world missions.
3. Many thousands of local churches are doing short-term mission trips without the benefit of training in cross-cultural ministry.
4. A growing number of churches and Christian leaders are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships without the benefit of learning from those 
who are partnership experts; frequently, this results in misunderstand-ing, conflict, and significant wasted money and resources. This is a big problem in Christian world missions and can be remedied.
5. Learning from a variety of experts is vital to gain a broad perspective.
6. Healthy cross-cultural partnerships are the result of developing godly character, cultural intelligence, and organizational competence—
among all partners.
7. Healthy cross-cultural partnership ministry is not exclusive to certain Christian agency professionals. Almost any adult follower of Jesus Christ can learn how to engage in healthy cross-cultural partnerships.
8. Learning to engage in healthy cross-cultural partnerships benefits spiritual formation (becoming like Christ), and contributes to the health of one’s relationships generally.
9. Most adults learn by doing; people grow and have genuine behavior change through being on a journey with others—“learning in community.”
10. While Mission ONE still has much to learn, we believe we can provide 
significant value to others engaging in cross-cultural partnerships.