Networks - Their Value in Strategy

Networks are the invisible webs of relationships that link people together. Simply stated, they are people talking to each other, sharing ideas, information and resources. Traditionally, networks have been oriented to kinship, neighborhood, and friendship ties. In a broader urban context, particularly in complex culture, however, they can forge broad coalitions of people and organizations to accomplish specific tasks which are in the interests of all involved. Some examples of where networking is done are families, mutual friends, conferences, private clubs, social media, travel, parties, meetings, and workshops.

There are different types of networks. Some exist naturally (family, colleagues, or friendships), others are organized formally (prestige clubs, coops, etc.), and yet others are brought together to accomplish one specific task (election campaign).

Ray Bakke points to three kinds of networks: those based on kinship, on geography, and on vocation. To these we can add networks based on common interest and shared information. Each of these can serve as a means of evangelistic outreach.

Kinship / Workplace / Friendship Networks

Friendships perform significant functions in all societies. In any setting, next to family ties, they are often the closest relationships people have. Depending on where you live, your significant network will probably be made up of family, friends or colleagues.

It is reported that after two or three years, the average new Christian will have very few friendships outside the church. Virtually all of their unsaved friends will either have left them or been left behind. Unfortunately, in an effort to build community or out of fear of the world around them, many churches encourage members to form their friendships only inside the congregation. If this happens, those church members will have almost no networks they can use to witness to the lost.

Friendship networks in the lives of new Christians can be important for further evangelism and discipleship formation. Campus Crusade for Christ, for example, has used events in the homes and apartments of new believers for new Christians to witness. A new Christian would invite his or her friends to a party, and toward the end would give his or her testimony. A time for Q&A and an opportunity for deeper and more personal conversation about salvation can also be planned. If one of the friends receives Christ, the process is repeated.

Common-Interest Networks

Other ways to use networks in the church would be to organize small groups, special interest groups that nurture Christians in their particular walks of life, or common need groups of all kinds. All can be utilized to bring others to faith and spiritual maturity. An example of networks in the community would be Christian business associations, where Christians in the market-place gather in a neutral space and invite their non-Christian friends. The program is most often built around issues of interest to people in the business world. Similarly, Christian doctors, nurses, academicians, politicians, construction workers, and other specialists reach out to those in their respective vocations.

Special interest groups go beyond vocational associations. Single parents, young singles, old people, parents whose children are on drugs, women whose husbands are abusive or alcoholics—anyone who needs Christian friends who understand and can help them through their particular trials. Churches need to be sensitive to special needs, and stand by all with love and friendship.

One group has been particularly responsive historically and currently, namely, students. Students are exploring new ideas and so are often more open to hearing the gospel than when they become established in their cultures and careers. Student ministries in high schools and universities have not only won many to Christ but also produced many strong leaders for the church.

Networks for Task Completion

In order to be a servant to its community, the church also needs to network with as many institutions and organizations as possible. Information about needs in the community circulates in existing networks, and if the church is plugged in, and has resources to help, it can offer its assistance. Once viable networks have been established, it is important to encourage church members to get plugged into those organizations.

If we are serious about reconnecting the church and its witness to the community, we must begin planning ministry that happens outside the church building. We must also begin to act on the fact that loving service to others, in any form, is a witness. We need to minister because it is the right thing to do, not because it will fill our church—the sowing and reaping principle. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Matthew 25. Befriending someone who does not yet know Christ is ministry. Listening to a colleague’s personal problems without judging his or her lifestyle is ministry.

Ministry in the complex culture, using its networks, is spreading the gospel message. At the same time, it is one way the Church can reconnect itself to its context, the community in which it serves. The reconnecting church is a church that finds a way to be a servant.