What do we mean when we talk about an "alliance"?

An alliance is a collaborative relationship among churches, groups, and individuals who commit to resourcing the realization of a shared vision.

To whom does an alliance relate?

Alliances represent a broad collaboration among the North American evangelical community working in concert with TEAM to multiply the effectiveness of ministry projects. An effective alliance provides long-term sustainability to a ministry project by providing a wide range of resources and skills. Alliances proactively serve as advocates for TEAM's worldwide ministry projects by communicating and resourcing the vision and strategy of the project. They communicate and coordinate with the on-site field leaders.

What does an alliance "do"?

Members of an alliance will meet regularly. The alliance members decide on the frequency and nature of these meetings (e.g., face to face or virtual meetings). A TEAM alliance works together to generate ideas and a strategy for resourcing the needs of the ministry project. The alliance plans vision trips, and develops contacts with a broad network of churches, groups, and individuals. The alliance also serves as a promoter, communicator, and nexus among on-site groups of workers and North American stakeholders. Some of this can be sustained through an electronic community, but much of the benefit comes from direct contact and interaction facilitated by the alliance.

Who makes up an alliance?

Churches, groups, and individuals who have a passion for the vision of the project can be members of the alliance. We invite formal membership as well as participation at an informal level. Members commit to involvement with other alliance members through activities and projects planned by the alliance in support of the shared vision. Members are responsible for active collaboration in developing resources and advancing the purposes of the alliance, and are accountable to the other members of the alliance. Leadership of an alliance is initially provided by a small steering committee chosen by the members. Typically, the steering committee includes a "champion" who provides a public face for the alliance. An administrator coordinates alliance events and manages alliance finances. A communicator promotes and publicizes the alliance and ministry project activities and needs, and facilitates communication among everyone involved

How are finances handled?

The alliance exists to resource a project, which is part of the vision of a particular TEAM Ministry Initiative. These resources could include personnel, expert consulting, specialized tools, as well as finances. In addition to the "on-site" project expenses, various alliance activities (meetings, travel, etc.) may be funded using resources generated through the alliance. In compliance with government regulations, initially TEAM will provide receipting, accountability, tracking, and ECFA credibility. As the alliance grows in complexity, the leadership and financial arrangements may be restructured to suit the needs of the alliance.

How is an alliance initially formed?

People who are involved in the ministry project identify parties who have demonstrated a significant interest in some aspect of the ministry project and have the potential to influence others to join. The ministry project members, or those representing them, personally contact the potential alliance members to explain the general concept of an alliance and how it relates to their particular initiative. They then invite the interested parties to an initial gathering.

What will happen at an initial gathering?

Members and representative of the ministry project will explain the alliance concept more thoroughly and share the vision of the ministry initiative. All in attendance will pray together that God will provide the resources necessary for the work described. The interested parties will then be challenged to consider giving their commitment to becoming members of an alliance through which the Lord may provide and mobilize the spiritual and physical resources He chooses to give to the ministry project. From among those who have made that commitment, a steering committee for the alliance will be appointed. This committee will undertake the next steps to be taken in the development of the alliance, which is generally a summit event for the purpose of building the fuller membership of the alliance.

What will happen at a summit to launch an alliance?

Members and representatives of the ministry project, including the steering committee, will present to the summit attendees updated reports on the status of the work. Everyone present will participate in a time of prayer to thank the Lord for the blessings reported and to align their hearts with His in regards to the needs of the project. Those leading the summit will challenge those who have been invited to give their commitment of involvement to the alliance that is forming.