Section III · Resource

Fans Versus Partners

One of the most important distinctions in Young Life’s resource development philosophy — understanding who your fans are and how to cultivate true partners.

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The Key Distinction

No one has too many fans, but some have too few partners. Veteran fans are still fans. Rookie partners are still partners.

Fans…

  • Think you’re the best
  • Attend events faithfully
  • Cheer while you perform
  • Feel bad when you’re losing
  • Pray for you
  • Comfortable, clean and safe vantage point
  • Have your picture on the refrigerator
  • Pay admission for events
  • Do not take up our time to ask hard questions
  • They find you
  • Who like to be with you

Partners…

  • Know what you are good at
  • Help create events
  • Join you on the field
  • Do things to help you win
  • Pray with you
  • Uncomfortable, messy and risky
  • Have your phone # on speed dial
  • Invest in the mission
  • Push and challenge us
  • You find them
  • Who you need to be with