What is a Network page…

We are surrounded by networks. They connect, equip, resource, support, and transport us. Very little that we do today does not involve some kind of network. They are re-shaping our global world — and re-shaping our collective approach to missions around the world.

This section will provide a basic framework for understanding networks and a number of key network terms.

What is a Network?

Let’s start by defining some key terms. There are many different words used to describe a network. A number you might have heard of include: Alliances, Coalitions, Collaboratives, Cooperatives, Networks, or Partnerships. On the Commons, we simply use the term ‘Network’ as a collective term to refer to all of these networked forms of organizing.

There are also many different definitions for the term “Network”. One of the simplest definitions describes a network as “a group or system of interconnected people or things“. Networks consist of nodes and connections or links. Nodes are the people or organizations in the network. Links are the connections, relationships, or ties between these different nodes.

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When multiple nodes and links come together this creates a network. A network’s focus (shared interest or vision) is what enables a network to form a sense of community or identity. What is exchanged and shared through these connections — expertise, ideas, knowledge, practices, resources, trends etc. — are called flows.

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The strength and structure of these connections, the clarity of focus and identity, and the capacity of the nodes to work together will impact what the network is capable of accomplishing.

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To make it practical, visionSynergy describe networks as “A group of interconnected individuals who share a common interest and regularly communicate and meet to enhance individual or ministry interests.” It may seem simple, but you can see the network elements: Individuals (nodes) who communicate and meet (link or connections) around a common interest (focus) to form a network.

Networks work together in different ways and at different levels of intensity. This continuum of engagement helps explain why networks act and look so different from each other.

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• Communication: This is the exchange and sharing of information, ideas, knowledge and practices around a shared interest. These kinds of networks are often very informal and have a lower level of commitment, engagement, and structure. With today’s technology, some of them may not even meet regularly or do so virtually.
• Cooperation: At this level of engagement, different groups within the network may decide to work together to do something all parties would do anyways. These activities tend to short activities or events like a missions day or several churches working together on a community improvement day — something they each already planned to do. Levels of commitment, engagement, coordination and structure are still pretty low. There is however increasing communication, stronger relationships, and growing levels of trust if done well.
• Coordination: In many cases, cooperation can easily lead to coordination. At this level of engagement, a network is seeing higher levels of on-going commitment, increasing levels of communication and planning, the sharing of resources, and a stronger desire to accomplish something together. Many alliances and coalitions tend to function at this level. Conferences, projects, community initiatives, campaigns tend to be formed out of coordinated efforts over sometimes sustained periods of time.
• Collaboration: This level of engagement is the realm of partnership. Participants are united and highly motivated by a common desire to accomplish or change something that no one individual or organization can accomplish alone. There is sustained commitment, a high level of intensity and participation, resources are pooled or shared toward a common goal, and there is enough organizing structure (facilitation teams, working team etc.) to accomplish the partnership’s goals.

Reflection: Think about your envisioned or current network. What kind of interactions and level of engagement do you see? Will it accomplish the goals of the network?

Stages of Network Development

Once again, there are many models of network development. Years of field experience have helped visionSynergy develop a three-stage model of network development. We call it the EFO Model.
EFO is an acronym for Exploration, Formation, and Operation.

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The Exploration stage is where a leader takes the time to find the community of people who share a common challenge, interest or vision. They spend time identifying and meeting with potential participants and stakeholders. They do this for three main reasons:

1. To research and understand the context, history, relationships that already exist.
2. To explore the level of interest and readiness to consider working together around this challenge or vision, and
3. To connect the community by building trust, facilitating introductions, and encouraging increased levels of sharing and communication.

The most common pitfall is that leaders want to start the process with a meeting and don’t take enough TIME for adequate exploration and relationship building. When skyscrapers are built, there is a huge investment in designing and building the below ground foundation. The building of the foundation often takes a third or more of the total project budget and schedule.

In Matthew 7:25-27, we read the parable of the wise man who built his house on rock compared to the foolish man who built on sand. “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

The Formation Stage is where leaders convene a meeting, or a series of meetings, for potential network participants to discuss and reach consensus on vision, key issues, priorities, and possible action steps. By the end of these meetings, the goal is to decide whether or not to move forward together as a network. This stage takes place only when there is sufficient interest and openness to consider the potential to work together. This meeting does not assume that there will be a network. It simply creates a space for this discussion and the momentum for collaborative action if participants see enough value in working together.

The most common pitfall in the Formation stage is the lack of TRUST. In many cases, there is not not enough trust in in the person, purpose, or process to move ahead if the foundation of relationship and trust-building hasn’t been built first.

The Operation Stage is where the network organizes themselves for action. Facilitators are identified. Working groups are formed. Goals, priorities and timelines are agreed to, and points for
evaluation established. Communication is critical at this stage of the process.

The most common pitfall at this stage is the lack of a clear TASK. What is the network going to actually do together? What is the goal? How will we evaluate whether our efforts are successful? Can we work together to accomplish our vision?

Reflection:What stage is your network in? Are you giving the process enough time? Are you building enough trust? Is the task clear?

In summary, networks are groups of people who share a common interest that connects them. If the interest is strong enough, this can lead to greater and more frequent connections, interactions and relationships. With leaders who are skilled at collaboration and network building, what started as a common interest can become a compelling purpose and result in the formation of a network that has the capacity and potential to move mountains.