Partners, Sisters, and Twins

“International church partnerships help knit global Christianity together. Congregations do not always, however, successfully navigate the many cultural, logistical, and communication-related challenges that such partnerships bring. In this original and carefully researched study, Daniel Hunter provides insights into how such partnerships can be healthier theologically, relationally, and operationally. Partners, Sisters and Twins is thus an invaluable resource for the global church. It should be read widely.”


—Stephen Offutt, professor of development studies, Asbury Theological Seminary





“For more than a century, missiology has been hamstrung by a vague definition of one of its central concepts: partnership. Daniel Hunter’s Partners, Sisters, and Twins builds on solid research and complexity theory to provide clarity of meaning, theological grounding, and practice for the burgeoning phenomenon of congregational twinning. Mission scholars and practitioners alike will find this masterful volume quite useful.”


—B. Hunter Farrell, director, World Mission Initiative, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary








“If you want to learn what makes a healthy partnership between churches, this book is for you. In this data-driven study, Daniel Hunter sheds light on how patterns of beliefs, thinking, and behavior of both US churches and their global partner churches influence the partnership. This book will be a valuable guide on how to improve our current and future partnerships.”


—S. Balajiedlang Khyllep, associate director, World Mission Initiative, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary





“Over the last generation especially, international congregational partnerships (ICPs) have become a dominant model of transnational missiological engagement within world Christianity. But before now, the study of such partnerships was largely limited to case study and other qualitative methods. Daniel Hunter’s groundbreaking book stands in the gap, offering an illuminating analysis of quantitative data about ICPs. Without denying context-specific complexity, Hunter draws on the rich data he has gathered to point scholars and practitioners alike to salient theological beliefs, concepts, and practices that promote thriving ICPs.”


—Janel Kragt Bakker, professor of mission and culture, Memphis Theological Seminary





“I have been blessed with years of great advice and collaboration with Daniel Hunter. His insights and research have empowered me and my friends to build better transforming, parish-twinning relationships in our Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Hunter’s use of data and his ecumenical perspectives enable those of us developing these partnerships to realize the importance of a collaborative ministry. Buy/use the book! Your partners will be grateful for the insights you will gain from Hunter’s excellent, holy, and detailed efforts.”


—Mike Gable, mission office director, Archdiocese of Cincinnati