The origin of partnership can be traced back to God Himself. Partnership is a means He uses to bless His people. Sadly, few of us fully understand the purpose or benefits the role partnership plays in God's plan. If we did, we would be able to believe God for much more of the increase He has planned for us to receive.

Phil. 4:15 (TLB) As you well know, when I first brought the Gospel to you and then went on my way, leaving Macedonia, only you Philippians became partners in giving and receiving. No other church did this.

We see from this verse the Apostle Paul, who started churches all over the then known world, had regular partnership with the church in Philippi.
 
3 John 7-8 (TLB) For they are traveling for the Lord and take neither food, clothing, shelter, nor money from those who are not Christians, even though they have preached to them. So we ourselves should take care of them in order that we may become partners with them in the Lord's work.

From this verse we see that John encouraged the saints to become involved as partners with traveling ministers.
 
In Luke 8:3,4 we see that even the Lord Jesus Himself was supported by partners in His earthly ministry.
 
God could have met their needs supernaturally as He did with the O.T. Prophet Elijah, but He had a better plan, one that would provide blessing and benefit to both the receiver and the giver. His plan was partnership. 

Partnership is defined as a legal contract entered into by two or more persons in which each agrees to furnish a part of the capital and labour for a business enterprise by which each shares a fixed proportion of profits and losses. When we invest our finances, materials or labour into the work of God, there is a return on that investment accounted to us. When the ministry we invest in prospers, we prosper also. But it's important to recognize that a partner is not only joined financially, but spiritually as well.
 
God has given A Case Of Faith Ministries (ACOFM) a mandate to pioneer churches, and to prepare them to receive the great end time harvest of souls by converting God's people from religion and tradition to God's Word. There is much to be done but ACOFM can't do it alone. Only together with faithful partners that God raises up, who will be diligent to pray for and commit to invest regularly in ACOFM, will God's divine purpose for ACOFM be accomplished.  We ask you to prayerfully consider becoming a partner, a co-labourer in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, with ACOFM. As a partner, we shall pray for you daily and we'll pray for any special requests you write or call us about. You will also receive a regular publication about ACOFM's ministry. In it you will find updates on past events, information about future events and areas to hold ACOFM up in prayer. Also included will be a teaching from God's Word. And don't forget, we want to hear your testimony of what God has done for you through the ministry of ACOFM.  http://web.mac.com/faithtengnagel/ACOFM/Partners_In_Ministry.html

Partners In Ministry