Networks - Defining the future of world mission

Networks: Defining The Future Of World Mission

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Author: Kärin Primuth | Source: visionSynergy

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Kärin Butler Primuth is CEO of visionSynergy, an organization that specializes in the development of partnerships and networks focused on reaching the unreached. Kärin’s vision for collaboration has grown out of thirty years of international ministry experience, having lived in South Africa, India, and China, and traveled to more than twenty-five countries.


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Networks are defining the future of world mission

 
1. Networks now exist on global, regional, national and issues-specific levels.

2. Participation is essential for those who want to have a vital role in partnering with the global Church to reach the final frontiers of the unreached.

 
For discussion:

  • In what networks have you or your organization been involved?
  • What is one benefit you have experienced?
  • What is one challenge you have faced?

 

Three benefits of high impact missional networks

 
1. High impact networks provide access to vital information, resources and best practices to significantly inform your agency’s mission strategy.

  • Increase your effectiveness and lower your costs by learning what’s working and what’s not.
  • Reduce duplication and identify gaps by learning what others are doing.

 
2. High impact networks bring together a diversity of strengths, enabling you to more effectively partner with the rapidly growing Church and expanding mission force of the majority world.

  • Change your mind set by updating your data set: receivers are now senders.
  • Listen and learn from our partners in the majority world and work together to clarify the future role of the North American Church in global mission.
  • Demonstrate a powerful witness to the world through your unity and love for one another.

 
 
3. High impact networks leverage the contributions of all members to collectively achieve much more than any individual organization.

  • The intersection of ideas and expertise fosters innovation.
  • Aggregation of like-minded people facilitates coalitions and collaboration.

 
For discussion:

  • Which of these three benefits motivates you to participate in a network? Why?
  • What barriers exist for you or others in your organization to actively participate in networks?

 

Three steps to intentional involvement in high impact networks

 
1. The Microscope – Internally assess which of your mission priorities would most benefit from network participation

  • New fields and emerging issues have greatest value
  • Specific competency fosters collaboration

 
2. The Telescope – Externally assess what high impact networks already exist and who would be the best representative for participation.

  • Provide your best and brightest for greatest Kingdom contributions
  • If no networks exists, explore potential partners for possible connections

 
3. The Kaleidoscope – Develop a “network friendly” culture that contributes to the impact of missional networks

  • Loan personnel to provide critical leadership for network development
  • Allocate resources to networks to advance your organization’s goals through collaborative initiatives

 
For discussion:

  • What next step can you take to become a more “network friendly” organization?

 

Resources