For the Faithful
Collaboration
Understanding and working with others on a common goal
Our current faith‑based resources are written from a Christian perspective, but we know that many other faith traditions also nurture strong character, and we want to honor and uplift that diversity.
We are actively seeking contributors from additional faith traditions who would like to help us expand this section. If you are interested, we would be grateful to partner with you.
Collaboration strengthens the body of Christ by uniting gifts for God’s purposes.
When believers work together, ministry becomes more effective and relationships deepen. Collaboration reflects the biblical call to serve one another in love.
Essay
Collaborating with Jesus
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister
Collaboration is the act of two or more people working together to achieve a shared goal. It is so amazing to me how God has sought the collaboration of people in both the Old and New Testaments. In other words, God wants our active participation in the work of salvation and in the creation of the Kingdom of God on earth. This is especially true with Jesus and His collaboration with His disciples. Some of the last words Jesus said to His disciples before He left them are the words of “The Great Commission.” “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commended you. And I will be with you always.” (Matthew 28: 19-20) These words reflect a shared mission between Jesus and His followers. 1 Corinthians 3:9 explicitly states the presence of collaboration with Jesus when it reads, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field; God’s building.”
As collaborators with Jesus in His mission of salvation, we exchange ideas and resources to achieve the goal. Philippians 4:13 tells us that “I (we) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (us). Jesus is our resource for spiritual strength in carrying out God’s work. Do we need more words to convince us that God collaborates with us? The first Apostles knew it was God giving them strength and wisdom. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Think of this awesome fact: you are a part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. God chose people like you to be part of God’s promise to save the world from sin and death.
Collaboration requires trust and mutual respect. First, God trusts you in an extraordinary way. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” Did you ever think of yourself as Christ’s ambassador? An ambassador speaks on behalf of the ruler. An ambassador’s words and the words of the ruler. God trusts you with the words to proclaim the Good News. At the same time, God looks to us to trust in Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus trusts you to stay connected and cooperate with Him. All this means that God believes in you to carry on the mission that Jesus started. You and I are “Holy Collaborators” with God to show Christ to the world.
This month, how will you Collaborate with the mission of the Church?
Affirmations for the Faithful
I am a faithful team member who does my part.
I am open to new ideas, trusting that God can work through others to help us succeed.
I encourage the people around me and am grateful for the strengths God has given them.
I listen with compassion and understanding, wanting to reflect the love of Christ in every conversation.
I recognize and appreciate the contributions of others, knowing we are all part of God’s family working together.
Collaboration Resource Library
The Links below will take you to Resources, like activities, reflections, and visuals you can use personally or in your faith organization to encourage the Character Quality of Collaboration.
Collaboration Verses
Want to deepen your understanding of Collaboration through Scripture? Explore our collection of Collaboration Bible Verses for inspiration and reflection.
