2. Kingdom Connections… Partnerships and Networking Revealing the Kingdom together

3. Partnership and Networking… Why bother? It reflects God’s nature of and desire for community/connectedness (Oneness) John 17 It fulfils God’s design for His networked Kingdom like Mustard seeds and yeast… both organisms that generate life and multiply, but both that are most times unseen… it invades the world in hidden ways In its essence it is fueled by interpersonal relationships that are bound by a passion for and commitment to reveal God’s Kingdom…

4. Why Partner or Network together? It reflects to Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2) “ You are a Kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, now you are the people of God. Once you received none of God’s mercy; now you have received his mercy” 1 Peter 2: 9-10

5. Why Partner or Network together?. It moves us from being lighthouses which are isolated, to networked cities/communities that reveal God’s networked Kingdom In partnership and networking God’s resource in the Kingdom economy, his people, is discovered… it moves us beyond money $$$ as we share who we are what we know, our experiences (good and bad), and all sorts of resources God has entrusted to us…

6. What are some roadblocks along the Way that inhibit and erode partnership and networking for the Kingdom? Power Money The need for control Results orientation Creating / promoting a name for ourselves or the lead group

7. Roadblocks along the Way… Activism over relationships / doing over being Results orientation Creating / promoting a name for ourselves or the lead group Over structuring (institutionalization) Creating hierarchies Not starting with friendship

8. Benefactors & Beneficiaries Luke 22:24-30. “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

9. Benefactors & Beneficiaries Questions to ponder… 1. What is the main point of the passage? 2. Why is it important for our discussion today? 3. What do you think is so wrong about being a benefactor? (Why is Jesus’ warning so stern?) 4. When does this teaching occur in scriptures?

10. 1.Patience : Networks are formed with a lot of patience. We take the necessary time to build upon the foundation of relationships, communion among the participants. Relationships take time. But, our common passion for Christ and the Kingdom as well as our practice of intergral mission act as a uniting forces con paciencia que se forma la red… Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

11. 2.Process: We respect processes. We avoid traditional organizational structures. We intentionally avoid jumping into activities together before we build into each other and the relationships / community we are forming. We don’t seek growth or numbers at the cost of authentic relationship among the participants who are committed to kingdom and God’s mission. Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

12. 3.Identification of the gifts and talents of the participants and proactively promote the exercise of those gifts in the space of the network community for the advance of the movement Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

13. 4. Intentionality: We are the network… and thus the health and growth of the movement depends on every active participant connecting, inspiring others and seeking those kindred spirits out to become a part of the community Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

14. 5. The role of the catalyst 6. Decentralized leadership “Spider vs. the Starfish” 7. Friendship first, collaborative efforts later 8. Mutual submission to Christ & his Kingdom 9. Create environments that foment connections, networking Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

15. 10.Embrace ambiguity and chaos 11.Create rhythms of communication, and intentional connections 12.Celebrate God’s working in and through us and one another… telling the stories of transformation Essential Practices for God Honoring Kingdom Connections in Partnership and networks…

16. DIALOGUE: