Published Mon, Feb 02, 26.
Written by Sondra Dellaripa.
Why a Strategic Plan?
For more than four decades, Partners in Christ has walked alongside communities in the Dominican Republic—proclaiming Christ and supporting local leaders who are serving faithfully where God has placed them.
As our partnerships have grown deeper and our work more complex, we recognized the need for a clear, shared roadmap—one that ensures our efforts remain faithful, effective, and sustainable for the long term.
Our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan is that roadmap.
It reflects prayerful discernment, careful listening, and a deep commitment to partnership over charity, dignity over dependency, and long-term transformation over short-term fixes.
Our North Star
Proclaiming Christ and raising up local leaders to build His Kingdom in their communities.
Everything in this plan flows from that calling.
The Framework That Guides Us
At the heart of our strategy is an approach that recognizes poverty as broken relationships, not just lack of resources.
This means we:
- Listen before acting
- Build on local strengths and assets
- Walk with communities rather than doing for them
- Invest in leaders who remain long after outside teams leave
This framework shapes every program, partnership, and decision we make.
Our Five Strategic Pillars (2026–2028)
Leadership Development
Goal: Equip and multiply Christ-centered leaders who can disciple others and sustain transformation.
What this looks like:
- Leadership training rooted in spiritual formation
- Mentorship networks connecting U.S. and Dominican leaders
- Teacher exchanges and practicums
- Youth leadership pipelines
- Scholarships and micro-grants for emerging leaders
Why it matters:
When local leaders thrive, communities flourish—long after mission teams return home.
Community Partnership
Goal: Deepen partnerships rooted in trust, shared decision-making, and local ownership.
What this looks like:
- Community-led needs & asset assessments
- Co-created three-year partnership plans
- Local advisory councils
- Shared data dashboards and transparent reporting
- Local procurement and hiring
Why it matters:
Transformation is strongest when communities help define the path forward.
Ministry Expansion & Multiplication
Goal: Multiply proven ministry models and create new pathways for Gospel-centered engagement.
What this looks like:
- Internship program with Christian Dominican schools
- Vocational mission teams (education, trades, healthcare, tech)
- New ministry pilots (Art Camp, Haitian English Camp)
- Playbooks that allow ministries to be replicated responsibly
- Discernment of new partner communities
Why it matters:
We grow by multiplying what works, not by starting from scratch.
Organizational Sustainability
Goal: Ensure financial, operational, and volunteer strength for long-term mission impact.
What this looks like:
- Strong donor care and retention
- Monthly giving and sponsorship growth
- Grants, church, and corporate partnerships
- Improved systems and data stewardship
- Skilled volunteer pathways
Why it matters:
Faithful stewardship today allows ministry to continue tomorrow.
Governance Excellence
Goal: Equip our board to lead with wisdom, accountability, and servant leadership.
What this looks like:
- Prayer-centered leadership
- Clear committee structures
- Ongoing board training and evaluation
- Strategic focus at every meeting
- Transparent financial oversight
Why it matters:
Healthy governance creates trust, stability, and clarity for the whole organization.
Our Three-Year Rhythm
2026 – Foundation Year
Building systems, launching programs, and listening deeply.
2027 – Expansion Year
Scaling what works and deepening partnerships.
2028 – Multiplication Year
Replicating proven models and strengthening long-term sustainability.
How You Fit Into This Plan
This strategy isn’t just for staff or board members—it’s an invitation.
You might engage by:
- Praying with and for partner communities
- Giving to sustain leadership development and ministry growth
- Sponsoring a student or program
- Serving on a mission team or vocational project, or as an English education intern
- Mentoring leaders or interns
- Advocating for Partners in Christ within your church or network
There is a place for every gift, talent, treasure, and prayer.
Looking Ahead with Hope
By 2028, we envision:
- Local Dominican Republic leaders training other leaders
- Communities guiding their own development
- Ministries replicated responsibly in new places
- Strong financial footing for future generations
- Christ proclaimed and lived out in tangible ways
We are grateful for the community that makes this possible—and we are excited to walk this next chapter together.
