Networks – The Future of

Denominations and Other

Fellowships
We define these networks as a
group of church leaders
who are connected with
each other for the
purpose of planting
churches.
. . . they are relationships with
the transcendent purpose of
planting churches.
• Acts 29 Network,
• NewThing Network,
• Neil Cole’s CMA Network,
• Converge
• The Association of Related
Churches (ARC),
• Stadia
 The Starfish and the Spider
• Centralized
• Someone is in charge
• There are headquarters
• Centralized power structure
• Knowledge is centralized
• Direction comes from the
Decentralized(Networks)
No one is in charge
There are no headquarters
Decentralized power
Knowledge is decentralized
Direction comes from the
network
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

1. Relational Circles –the

primary experience of a
network.
Before anything else, networks are
about relationships
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

2. Champions/Apostolic Leaders
capture hearts through vision
and spiritual DNA.
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

3. Networks are Held Together by

the Spiritual DNA.
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

Brafman and Beckstrom :ideology

is the fuel that drives the
decentralized organization. . . .
take away the ideology, and the
. . . organization will crumble.
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

• 4. Catalysts/Coaches - serve as
point-men who guide the
relational circles.
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

• 5. Collaborative Support – they

help each other do ministry
better.
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

• 6. They Focus upon Shared

Mission Works (Church Planting
Primarily)
7 Character Traits of Healthy Networks

• 7. Network Relationships are

Enhanced through Leading Edge
Information Technology
 Networks for Denominations

1. Relationships are key ….

-in the Bible
-in life
-especially with younger leaders
 Networks for Denominations

2. Our culture likes equality.

-everyone can speak
-no one is “the boss”
 Networks for Denominations

3. Younger Leaders like to have

a personal connection to
that which they will support
(with their resources,
financial and otherwise)
 Networks for Denominations

4. Church Leaders are starving

for personal support,
mentoring, and coaching, in
the “tough job” of leading
churches.