Networking
- People-Specific Resource Network
Networking Overview:
The Basics
Once you have made a commitment to a specific
people group, you may wish to join with others for the coordination of
efforts to see a church planted among them.
1. Pray that the Lord will show you others with whom to
network; that God will enable existing networks to carefully and effectively
support the efforts of field workers; that the Lord will raise up new networks
to impact unreached peoples with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Find others who are interested in the same people.
There may or may not already be a functioning Network, but there will generally
be other individuals, churches or agencies who are focused on your people.
See Locating Potential Networks<>
or Members.
3. If there is an existing Network:
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Introduce yourself in writing, explaining why you wish to join the network
and provide a reference for verification.
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Enter humbly, taking the time to become educated about the people and the
network.
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Build trusting relationships. Affirm the commitment and activities of the
network.
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Prayerfully determine where your group will enter into joint projects and
where you will maintain your individuality.
4. When no Network exists:
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Contact others focused on the people, opening communication to encourage
the formation of a network. Introduce yourself, your role and commitment,
your agency or church, and supply a reference.
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Utilize the expertise of adoption counselors, network consultants, and
resources to assist with network formation. See Training<>
for Advocacy, Network, Partnerships.
Learn about successful networks and what made them so.
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Along with representatives of each agency or church,
develop a general plan for an initial meeting. These meetings most often
provide time for worship, prayer for the unreached people, building relationships
with others in the network, ranking the needs of the people, and beginning
to determine what God may have the network do to address the needs. Discuss
security procedures and cautions, if needed for preliminary invitations.
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Schedule a network meeting, inviting those who have
shown an interest in the people. Depending on the size and leadership capabilities
of the group, you may wish to bring in on outside facilitator to assist
with structure and formation.
5. Register Your Network, <>
using the People Commitment Registration Form (Located at the Joshua Project II website.)
Registering your commitment will assists agencies in helping you to communicate with others also focused on your people.
WebMaster
1/24/99
