The objective of this paper is not to provide a profound analysis of collaborative spirituality and its theological basis. We must complete this vital job, but it will require a more thorough treatment than we can provide here. Rather, it is believed that the foundations, nature, and relevance of a collaborative spirituality might be established in the context of the collaborative process itself, drawing on the collective experience of all participating.

Background

This question came up recently during a virtual conference, as it has many times before. People frequently use the word “collaboration” but have different meanings when they use it. For some, it is “collaboration for” – in which all is done by one person who then requests assistance from others. Others see “collaboration with” as analogous to committee work, where one or two people lead but others are solicited for their views and ideas.

Pallotine spirituality defines collaboration as “holy cooperation.” We collaborate with God and with one another. This type of collaboration is known as “collaboration from the beginning”. Who is present is carefully considered, and discernment is part of the process. The group discerns the situation at hand, a way ahead, and then moves together in “trialogue” with the Holy Spirit. This practice is the way of the Cenacle, Jerusalem’s Upper Room, where the early Church community discerned together. This is the way of the Sent! As we progress from the Cenacle for Christ, each individual fulfils a specific role and collectively bears responsibility for both Christ’s and the Church’s mission!

Some may view this approach as idealistic and unrealistic. It is exclusively for humans. But with God’s mercy, “all things are possible” (Mt 19:26).

Origin and meaning of collaboration

The basic meaning of the word cooperation is ‘co-labour’. In I Corinthians 3:9, the language for collaboration is synergoi, which is the source of the modern word ‘synergy’. In summary, cooperation involves coordinating, organising, and cooperating in a way that our collective efforts surpass our individual contributions.

Throughout Scripture, we view God as a triune Father, Son, and Spirit who are in a loving relationship with one another. We see them united in purpose, working together in total, loving cooperation, yet with various and distinct tasks, roles, and identities.

John 5:19 – Jesus responded, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son does as well.” For the Father adores the Son and shows him all he accomplishes. Indeed, he will reveal far greater accomplishments than these, which will astonish you.

John 14:26 — But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything I have spoken to you.

2 Corinthians 13:14– May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

They worked together to build the world and mankind. And, after humans disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, they collaborated to reconcile and restore humanity’s relationship, first via Israel and later through Jesus Christ and His church.

In John 17:20-23, Jesus characterises his relationship with the Father as ‘we are one’ and prays that the same oneness, love, and unity will be available to future Christians so that the world can believe in him. Witnessing loving togetherness inspires others to believe in God because it reflects and expresses God’s character.

Unity, Diversity, and Love

God’s collaborative character is expressed throughout scripture through three main themes: love, unity, and diversity.

According to I John 4:8, ‘God is love’. According to Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus said, ‘Love for God and loving others as yourself are the two greatest commandments.’ God’s unwavering desire to restore all people to himself stems from love. His tremendous love for us serves as both motivation and a source of our abilities to love and work with others. It fuels our connections and work with God, his church, and one another, for ‘if we do not have love, we win nothing’ (I Corinthians 13:1-3).

God prioritises unity in the church, as seen by Jesus’ plea for oneness and the Apostles’ numerous requests for relational connection among members. Psalm 133 says, ‘How delightful and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in oneness!’ In Ephesians and Romans, the Apostle Paul portrays Christ’s Body as ‘one body with many parts’ (1 Cor 12:12-31; Rom 12:4-8). Our ministry callings and gifts are unique to each of us, but they are always designed to help us operate effectively as members of the body of Christ. Unity is what brings us together, strengthens us, and joins us in collective action for God’s purposes.

We can also observe God’s love for diversity in scripture. From the beauty of creation to the practical abilities and functions that God bestows on his people, diversity is a vital part of God’s nature. Each distinct element of Christ’s body has a critical function, and when combined, they can do more than any single portion alone. This demonstrates God’s desire for unity in diversity rather than unity in sameness. Each component is respected and valued, but it is also intended to operate more effectively when combined. Functional variety is how God grants us, his body, the creative ability to adapt, coordinate, and invent. It is how God unleashes resources to overcome obstacles and advance the gospel.

Unfortunately, instead of working together, we frequently allow sin and Satan to separate us and undermine our group witness via worry, competitiveness, mistrust, and a fear of shortage. In our ardent emphasis on our personal calling and ministry, we often lose sight of the fact that we are also called to be a part of something bigger than ourselves; that it is through our collaboration that the world witnesses God’s power and presence (John 17:18-21).

Conclusion

Many hands are undoubtedly required to meet today’s pressing requirements in our complicated and fragile environment. Collaboration in mission is how we respond to this situation: it expresses our true identity as Church members, the complementarity of our various calls to holiness, our mutual responsibility for Christ’s mission, our desire to join people of good will in the service of the human family, and the arrival of God’s Kingdom.