“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb
It almost becomes cliché when we think about “being better together” that we fail to miss the power behind the concept of networking and connectivity.
Many leaders operate as “islands” unto themselves.
This can be a very dangerous way to operate. We become prone to getting stuck, burning out, becoming spiritually disconnected, and even failing morally.
This is not what any one of us in ministry leadership wants.
What’s the answer?
Network with others. Build a band of brothers around you. Forming a community of like-minded men who are tackling the same ministry issues as you will help you stay fresh in your ministry objectives, remain accountable in your ministry/life balance, be encouraged in your personal walk with Jesus, and catch you if you begin to slip into the grey areas of morality.
There are 3 key functions of a support network:
- Learning together. Spend time learning together. Pick a topic or a book and go through it together and discuss. This is vital because you’re primarily learning from one another. This builds trust and helps you get out of your echo chamber.
- Sharing of resources. This is a great way to sharpen your ministry skills and strategies. Ask the question of others, “What are you using that is working?” Take notes, and share resources, ideas and strategies for ministry to men.
- Building relational equity. This is, by far, the most important function. The relational equity you build in your network allows you to say things to your brothers and receive things from your brothers that you wouldn’t normally do. The relationship component is the most vital part of a successful ministry network, so you must give this the most prominence in your network. Share with one another. Care for one another. Pray for one another (e.g. John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 12:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; James 5:16; etc.).
Here are 3 helpful tips for building a support network:
- Find people who are doing it better than you. This can hurt a bit because we all want to be the best in what we’re doing. However, find someone who is “killing it” in ministry to men. Find men’s ministries that are seeing men give their hearts to Jesus, being discipled into spiritual maturity, and being sent out as ministers. You may have some that are local or maybe far away. Swallow your pride, contact them, and ask for 30 minutes of their time. Talk to them, build a relationship with them, and keep in touch. Keep learning and growing.
- Cast your net wide. A network doesn’t have to be localized to your home address. You can have men who minister to other men all over the world and be a part of your network. Don’t think of this as an exclusive club. Connect with guys who are serving in men’s ministry and offer to support them, ask them questions about their ministry, and pray for them.
- Think of this like a cohort. “Cohorts” are learning communities that allow for interaction and collaboration between the members without someone necessarily designated as “the leader.” Once you find guys who want to be a part of a network, establish a consistent time to meet and start to implement the three key functions (see above). This will establish consistency in meeting. You’ll also need to arrange one-on-one times to connect as well.
Impactus has some essential tools to help, including our Men’s Ministry Network, our Men’s Ministry Leadership Training, and our Small Group Training, a cohort that would be a great place to get started if you’re not sure where to start. If you’d like some help to get going, get in touch with Impactus and let them help you out!
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