In recent years there’s been much written as it relates to leading from the middle, the three-sixty leader, and so on. My goal for this blog entry is to simply challenge us as networkers to develop a circumference of our lives, to see ourselves in the middle of that circle, and understanding that people are encircled all around us. And we develop a skill set as to how to connect them so that we might challenge people to believe God for the extraordinary, for the supernatural, for Great Commission outcomes.

As we explore the core, it is important for us to comprehend and be able to apply the very essence of networking, to be able to lead people from the middle. I realize you may be the founder of your network, you may be the originator of your movement. But great networkers understand that they’re not just leading from the front, they’re leading from the middle. We are to learn how to connect people and connect ideas and connect goals in a systematic and dynamic way. Even when you’re beginning your network, think about the circumference as you’re developing your network.

I challenge you not to allow fear of the unknown and the nay sayers of your circle of friends to stop you from getting on the path, enjoying the Lord’s providence and recieving His provision.  At the upcoming Synergize 3! Conference, we will demonistrate this powerful networking principle before more than one thousand pastors leaders from around the world.  I hope you will choose to join us.  Be sure to check out www.synergize.tv.

When it comes to the Great Commission or to God-sized vision, we need to move from goals to roles if we desire to be reasonably successful.  Let me explain.  I believe one of the biggest differences between big spirited people and small minded people is the specific issue of roles verses goals.  Most people have bought into working hard, making good money and retiring early.  There is nothing wrong in essence with what I just written.  However, the Great Commission Visionary or God-Sized Vision requires for us to find our role in God’s goal.  When I learned this, this concept set me free.

Today, I do not strive to fulfill a goal but fill a role.  I am have a part in God’s heart and a role in His goal.  With this in mind, networking is more about role-setting than goal-setting.  At the Billion Soul Network (www.billion.tv) we seek to find great, fellow visionaries, who wish to be deposits instead of withdrawls, CoChairs instead of Chairs, fill roles instead of goals and who believe that together we can achieve more than by ourselves.

During the mid-1990s, I found myself consuming all the reading I could relating to paradigms and synergistic relational methods.  I will always remember like it was yesterday, when the syngeristic light came on for me in a hotel room in Northern Arkansas.  We are living in the most networked generation of all time.  I challenge you to add value to at least one person each day and later in life you will be living off the compounding mathematics in the twilight years. 

I have been fortunate to witness first-hand the multiplication power of synergy worldwide.  I saw when a pastor caught the vision in Northern India when he was connected with key leaders.  Out of that synergistic relationship, is now the building of the first training center on the Nepal/India border.  I saw this networking math again recently in Kampala, Uganda.  In August, key pastors and leaders from thoughout East Africa committed to plant more than 100,000 churches in the next season of years!

Have you added synergy to someone today?

It is possible to have teamwork and not have a network. But, it is not possible to have a network without teamwork. Let me explain. When two separate teams from two different organization go out into the game of life, their goal is to defeat their opponents. If they don’t win in the game of life, ministry or business, they are known as a “losing team.”

In networking, however, the teamwork is not about competing but about completing; not so much about victory as it about vision. The networking leader learns how to build a network of teams who have different roles but the same goal. Our goal is the same as our Lord’s goal. His goal is that everyone on the planet have an adequate witness of the Gospel in their lifetime. Any goal less than “everyone” is not a God-sized goal.

What is the role of your network? Does the vision of your network compel fellow-leaders to step up and add value to one another? Whenever you sense the spirit of competition entering your network remind everyone that it is not about egos and logos but about fulfilling the Great Commission!

I have heard often leaders use the terms “networking” and “partnership” in the context of meaning the same outcomes. Yet, this is not the case in business, organizations or ministries. It is my conviction that partnerships, if they develop at all, come after the networking relationship has been established between key leaders. In summary, the stair steps are:

• Motivational – Establish Your Cause (Visioneering)
• Relational – Enforce Your Commitment  (Networking)
• Financial – Enlist Your Comrades (Partnership)

When birthing a network, the motive has to be clear; the members have to be committed and the mission must be compelling for all who join the movement. If your network matures to the partnership level, be sure to choose your partners carefully. For example, if two of your partners begin to compete against each other, then your network will develop friction instead traction.  Networkers don’t compete; but they complete. Seek godly wisdom along the networking journey.

Welcome!

In 2004, during an executive planning meeting, a fellow leader asked me, “If one word could be synonymous with your life and ministry, what word would that be?” Without hesitation, I answered “network” or “networking.” ”Network” and “networking” can be summarized in “this one thing I do” in my life and ministry. In the future, those who are not networking will be not working.

In the months ahead, this networking blog will be devoted to highlighting some of the best networking examples in the Global Church and expounding networking principles and practics that will exponentially grow your ministry. I hope you enjoy this visionary journey.

— George Wood