Church and Para-Church Pt. III: A Modest Proposal

Here's a beginning of a sketch...

One of the complications of most para-church organizations on campus partnering with local churches is that it is difficult to maintain an exclusive relationship with a single congregation. The students they serve are too diverse in their backgrounds and culture. Likewise, it is difficult for churches to remain exclusively connected with any one para-church group for similar reasons. But if there is a significant relationship – say, the leadership by and large attends a particular church, or the students in the organization have a large representation there – then it makes sense to pursue a functional partnership of some kind.

At the very least, the local church should support that ministry with its prayers and encouragement, and if possible, its resources. Likewise, the para-church group should encourage the students who attend to participate wherever possible in the life of that church (and/or the other churches of which they’re a part). All of this is assuming, of course, that both groups are theologically and biblically sound in their teachings and ministry.

One practical example of this coordination might be the leadership of the two groups sitting down together and discussing calendars, agendas and goals for the semester. Then, after discussing these and praying together, come up with a coordinated plan. This could then open doors for deeper involvement between the two organizations for the sake of the campus and particularly for the students they’ve both been called to disciple and develop.

This is no doubt a hassle, and adds to our plates. But if we are to transverse the unfortunate impasse that has all too often characterized the relationship between the church and para-church, I think that such efforts, carried out within the biblical framework of authority and for the sake of Christ’s mandate, are well worth our sweat and tears, if not our blood...

Any other ideas or models out there you've seen implemented well?