“In order to protect relationships, and do more Kingdom good, we are intentionally open-handed about certain subjects (government medical mandates, sexual orientation, theology, race relations, politics) how would you navigate when your own personal views conflict with the views of a partner or staff member?”
This is an important question we try to ask every candidate interested in working for The Cause.
This usually leads to a discussion about statements of faith and partner beliefs. Years ago, we decided that instead of writing our own Cause faith missive, we would use an outline that has been tried and found true over thousands of years, the Nicene Creed.
According to our Bylaws, “We partner with Christian leaders who are actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus, agree with our statement of faith (The Nicene Creed), and are serving the underserved.”
One of our greatest strengths as an organization is the fact that we work alongside Kingdom-bringing Jesus followers who fall in various places along the spectrum when it comes to their background, beliefs, practices, theology, politics, country of origin, etc. And somehow, by the grace of God, we are all at the same table.
These differences are a gift from God, they allow us to find places to grow, love, challenge, and even disagree, which isn’t a bad thing. Disagreement when done in a loving and healthy way can actually be holy.
We thought through many potential ramifications when we wrote our bylaws and adopted the Nicene Creed as our statement of faith. By nature, the Creed is broad, focusing on the big-picture foundation of the Christian faith.
We realized that we didn’t have to fully agree on every theological, political, or ideological tenet with a partner, board, or staff member to see that they are doing Kingdom good, and to allow them to be a part of The Cause. Our partners share these core beliefs, but The Cause as an entity has chosen to remain apolitical on any beliefs outside of the Nicene Creed.
We also knew that inevitably we would have partners, staff, and board members who fell into different “camps” on different subjects.
But we also felt that we were given an incredible opportunity to work at being a healthy community, one that allows differences, gives individuals space to wrestle with their beliefs, encourages everyone to deepen their relationship with God, and empowers people in their Kingdom callings.
Recently, we had two partners who were part of opposing groups in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of The Congo. Both had suffered the loss of friends and family members in the war. By the wild grace of God, they talked with each other, found common ground, and even started to put together the plans for a peace project. Only God could write a story where these men from enemy groups could become Kingdom collaborators.
We are huge believers in the power of conversation, and always strive to avoid triangulation (talking to one person about another person instead of directly talking with each other). It’s our privilege to honor others and partner with Christians as they help bring the Kingdom to earth!
If you share these core values and need a partner to come alongside you as you navigate all the logistics of your next ministry projects, consider partnering with The Cause! We provide nonprofit structure, spiritual support, and strategic coaching, to Christian leaders who serve the under-served worldwide.
| Learn About Partner Benefits |
