Networking
- People-Specific Resource
Network
Guide to Network Function
First Meeting: Maintaining
Synergy/Avoiding Pitfalls
Following are recommendations from a people advocate,
network facilitator and network trainer. Their suggestions may help
your group avoid some mistakes others have made.
-
Avoid too much organization
It is better to err on the side of being too loose than to over
structure the network and the meetings. A little structure is helpful.
Too much is a not healthy. It is not recommended that a policy statement
offer predesigned answers to every problem which may arise. A one-
or two-page document may be helpful which contains the mission statement,
the member covenant, and a basic statement of faith such as that of the
Lausanne.<>
Some leaders recommend against a joint network bank account.
-
Be clear about the differences between coordination and control
Members should not be able to vote each other's plans down. Members
need to be able to present their projects without fear of criticism.
-
Offer brainstorming sessions but don't neglect the follow-through
The most important outcome of a brainstorming session is the "next
step" action to be taken.
-
Continue recruiting new members
There should always be new faces at each network meeting.
-
Guard against dysfunctional relationships with the field
Guard your relationships with nationals, particularly national mission
groups working in country, so that they are free to give you a completely
honest evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed or ongoing projects.
Build trust.
-
Be aware of security from the very start
Consult an expert who can assist with development of guidelines for
your network.
-
Recognize that conflict will arise and prepare to address it
One network plans for a conflict resolution working group….recognizing
that differences are inherent; but they will be pro-active about
facing them and addressing them positively.
-
Assist adopting churches in maintaining the interest of their members
A balance is needed between protecting security concerns and providing
information for prayer. Mobilizing the church on behalf of the people and
the missionaries will be an ongoing need.
-
Maintain healthy relationships with field workers
Contributors
to this material include:
Steve
Moore previously with Kingdom Building
Ministries is now Vice President of International Ministries for
Emerging Young<>
Leaders. In addition
to developing young leaders around the world, Steve consults with local
churches in the area of people group adoption and resource network formation.
Additionally, he assists churches and networks in developing people specific
prayer mobilization tools such as videos and prayer guides, and provide
training for survey and prayer journey teams.
Network facilitators and people advocates,
whose names have been withheld.
WebMaster
1/21/99
