Doing Good Across Faith and Global Borders.

Researchers who have examined the role of partnerships in addressing intractable social problems have concluded that collaborative approaches yield results superior to those of organizations acting alone. In this article, I examine the forms, strengths, and limitations of partnering across international borders through two collaborative programs operating in faith-based, nonprofit fields: Lutheran Church Missouri Synod World Missions operating in the Czech Republic and PROCOM Rwanda operating in the African nation of Rwanda. The purpose of this study was to examine the structural arrangements of these partnerships, elements that facilitate and impede partnering, and how partners define and measure success. I offer perspectives on development of full partnerships, as opposed to minimalist partnerships characterized by limited contractual obligation and mutual accountability, and significant differences in power wielded by organizational leaders. I conclude that whether or not such partnerships live up to their promise depends on factors including organizational structure, economic and political resources, philosophical and mission alignment, accountability, and communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]