The Relationship Between a Nonprofit and a Church Partner-ft. Zac Whitley

OurCalling - Our podcast about homelessness

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Zac Whitley, the Director of City Engagement at Watermark Community Church. They delve into the church's strategic approach to engaging with local nonprofits in sectors such as education, incarceration, poverty alleviation, and homelessness. Whitley shares insights on creating effective partnerships by aligning missions, finding the partnership sweet spot, and mobilizing volunteers for shared discipleship opportunities. The discussion also touches on the significance of relationship-driven approaches to volunteering, emphasizing deep personal involvement and strategic volunteer integration to enhance community impact.
***************

- **Zac Whitley's Role** (00:50): Zac Whitley is the Director of City Engagement at Watermark Community Church.

- **Focus Areas of Engagement at Watermark** (01:01-01:24): The church focuses on local missions in various sectors including schools, prisons, poverty alleviation, and homelessness, working with 20 nonprofit partners.

- **Key Strategies for Successful Partnerships** (03:22-04:35): Whitley discusses three main strategies for creating effective church-nonprofit partnerships: being on mission together, finding a partnership sweet spot between biblical commands and community needs, and mobilizing volunteers for mutual discipleship opportunities.

- **Watermark’s Partnership Perspective** (04:57-06:36): The church seeks alignment where its mission coincides with nonprofit missions, emphasizing mutual discipleship among both the homeless and the volunteers.

- **Exclusivity in Partnerships** (06:36-07:21): Watermark chooses not to partner with organizations that don’t share a focus on evangelism or allow volunteers to share the gospel.

- **Practical Impact of Partnerships** (10:28-11:34): Emphasis is placed on engaging in partnerships that align with Watermark's values, such as relationship and discipleship, and development over relief.

- **Adaptation to Nonprofit Needs** (12:08-13:09): Whitley emphasizes adapting to the nonprofit’s operational rhythm and not over-imposing, ensuring meaningful contributions without creating burdens for the partner.

- **Church’s Role in Addressing Social Issues** (16:20-17:45): Highlighting personal connection and pastoral care even in organizational relationships, reflecting the deep personal involvement required to address social issues effectively.

- **Volunteer Mobilization and Impact** (35:05-36:02): Whitley articulates the importance of ensuring volunteer activities are impactful, avoiding redundant or unhelpful contributions that do not align with the host organization's strategic needs.

- **Fostering Deep Community Engagement** (42:06-44:22): How personal connections within the church can catalyze powerful partnerships and engagements with nonprofits, demonstrated by proactive engagement from both individual church members and church leadership.

- **Scaling Impact Through Strategic Volunteer Integration** (50:43-50:46): Whitley suggests nonprofits encourage church members who are already volunteering to advocate within their churches to institutionalize support and partnership.

These points gravitate around the practices and philosophies that underpin successful, transformative partnerships between religious organizations and nonprofits, focusing on shared missions, strategic integration, and mutual respect for each organization's capabilities and needs.

★ Support this podcast ★