Developing networks of Church Leaders
One of the biggest challenge for all of us is to develop the networking of church leaders and churches across our respective countries. When in 1998 we announced our decision to start New Wine networks in England, attendances at the summer events stood at around 6,500 (including the youth work which was then led by Soul Survivor). With the growth of the networks there was an immediate step change in the rate of growth of the summer events. In 2008, 10 years on, attendances at the three English summer events was over 31,000, with Soul Survivor running separate youth events. Remarkable synergy takes place when summer events, strategic regional events throughout the year and networking go hand-in-hand.
Mark Aldridge, Overseer of New Wine International, says, 'The only way to develop New Wine networks is to go out to leaders and churches in different parts and do the stuff. In other words, when people see and experience the Lord speaking and moving in power in meetings, along with the quality of biblical exposition which undergirds this and the ‘naturally supernatural’ values that govern the expressions of this ministry, they want to link up with others who are hungry to see these things develop in their churches.'
A simple understanding of networking
The key focus for networking has remained and has two distinctive parts to it:
- Relationships - creating an opportunity where leaders can receive mutual support and encouragement
- Resourcing – providing appropriate tools and teaching to equip church leaders
Networking aims
Our principle aims for networking leaders is to:
- Gather church leaders in local network groups to receive mutual support and encouragement
- Link like-minded leaders and churches in order to work together and pool resources
- Provide training and resources on leadership, church life and specific ministry areas
While the frequency and agenda are determined by the local members, there are a number of underlying principles:
Having a regular opportunity to meet together
Since we wish to encourage the building of relationships we recommend that groups try to provide an opportunity to meet together at least four times a year. Many groups meet more frequently than this and it is worth consulting with your group regarding frequency, time and length of meeting. Some groups choose to meet between 10am and 4pm every other month, some for an extended lunch time (11am to 2pm) and others for an early morning breakfast. Some groups have now gone away together on 24-hour ‘mini retreats’.
Programme built around real needs
Best practice would suggest that groups work best when they build a programme around feedback and suggestions from members in the network. A regular consultation meeting helps to ensure that the group is meeting real needs.
Key Components: New Wine DNA
While we recognise that meetings will vary from one group to another, there are certain key elements which are the hallmarks of all networking gatherings to some extent or other:
- Prayer and worship
- Holy Spirit ministry
- Bible-based teaching/training
- Mutual support and encouragement
- Being real with one another and allowing leaders to share how things really are
- Networking
The role of the leader/facilitator
One of the big is the ‘openness of the leader’ – in terms of their own personal vulnerability in being honest about what is going on for them and how they set the ‘tone’ within the group. You should be happy to work with the people who want to meet and work with you and don’t be afraid to start small.