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Core Value: Collaboration

Core Values, People Groups, Resources & Information, Unreached People Groups

This is the third article in a series by our Lead Team, spotlighting the core values that define Global Gates—Prioritization, Migration, Multiplication, Catalyzation, and Collaboration.

Collaboration: Resisting the Temptation to Do This Work Alone

Colossians 4:2–18 is a beautiful picture of how the missional calling of God was never intended to be one of isolation but rather collaboration. In this passage alone, Paul expresses thanksgiving to and for three congregations and nine different co-laborers in the Gospel. This collaborative team was made up of ministers, bondservants, prisoners, insiders, Jews, Greeks, a physician, a house church leader, and a pastor. Paul also mentions twelve specific and different ways these collaborators were contributing to the work.

Global Gates exists to reach the ends of the earth through global gateway cities. This is a God-sized mission that will require much collaboration. We must resist the temptation to do this work alone. Collaboration offers us at least four benefits that help move our work in God’s mission forward:

1. Provides Multiple Perspectives
Paul was blessed to be surrounded by a team of diverse individuals representing different ethnicities, professions, education levels, and life situations. 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 remind us of the power and necessity of diversity in our work. How we are wired can be a blessing—but it’s a blessing that is limited. Collaboration allows us to tap into the rich diversity of the Kingdom of God. Hearing and receiving the thoughts of others can lead to expanded networks, breakthroughs from barriers, and so much more. God has created us to be a beautiful mosaic of co-laborers for His great purpose.

2. Sets the Table for Problem-Solving
Our family, across multiple generations, plays the New York Times Connections puzzle every day. It amazes me what unfolds almost daily. Because we live in three different time zones, the results come in throughout the day. When one person struggles—or even fails—there is almost always someone else who aces the puzzle without a single mistake. The comments are insightful as we realize that what seems impossible to one person may be obvious to another.

Collaboration in our mission work helps us benefit from co-laborers who may see solutions we miss. Our diversity of strengths, worldviews, and experiences can become an incredible problem-solving resource when working together.

3. Creates Partnerships and Unlocks Resources
I recently spoke with a missionary who was struggling to raise support. It became clear that the challenge wasn’t a lack of generosity, but a missed opportunity to see potential partners as collaborators in advancing the mission.

Collaboration is more than inviting people to hear about your work and write a check; it’s about building partnerships that unlock the full range of resources God has given them—including wisdom, encouragement, prayer, and people.

Paul saw the church at Colossae as a vital partner in his ministry. This was not just a mission update; it was a recap of their shared work and a challenge to accomplish even more together. Collaboration creates partnerships and Kingdom resources that are life-giving and mission-multiplying.

4. Expands and Multiplies Our Networks
Networking is one of the most powerful tools of collaboration. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate a phrase I once underestimated: “Let me introduce you to someone.”

Your connections, introductions, and engagement create opportunities to reach more people, equip more leaders, and plant more churches. As Paul partnered with diverse collaborators—from pastors to physicians to bondservants—we too see the fruit of collaboration across cultures, professions, and continents.

God calls us to work together, not alone. Through collaboration, we see the mission grow, multiply, and bear eternal fruit. Thank you for joining us as co-laborers in His great work.