Don’t Go It Alone: Why Every Church Leader Needs to be in a Network

There’s a quiet but powerful movement happening across North America. It’s not making headlines or trending on social media—but it’s changing the lives of pastors and congregations in real, lasting ways.

It’s the rise of church networks.

And if your church isn’t part of one yet, you may be missing out on something God is using to revitalize leaders, reproduce churches, and reignite mission.

Let me tell you why.

The Power of We

Let’s start with the obvious: church leadership is hard. Many pastors feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to move their church forward—especially in a post-pandemic, post-Christian culture.

Networks change that.

A healthy church network surrounds pastors with encouragement, shared wisdom, and practical resources. It’s like moving from solo hiking to walking a well-worn trail with friends who have maps, snacks, and a deep love for the journey.

You’re still leading your church.

You’re still listening to the Spirit.

But now, you’re not alone.

Phase One: A Table of Friends

Imagine this: you gather once a month with a small group of local church leaders—not to compare numbers or compete for influence, but to pray, share stories, and dream about Kingdom impact together.

That’s the heartbeat of a network.

In the first year, a good network isn’t about structure—it’s about relationships. You find a handful of churches who share your hunger for multiplication and mission. You commit to show up for one another, to speak truth, and to pray big prayers.

Together, you clarify your shared why:

• Why are we here?

• What kind of leaders are we trying to develop?

• What’s God doing in our city that we can join?

This relational foundation becomes the launching pad for everything else.

Phase Two: Moving from Friendship to Focus

As the network deepens, something amazing happens: churches begin sharing tools, language, and leadership pathways. They move from individual strategies to a shared framework for making disciples and multiplying leaders.

Maybe one church has a strong residency program—others learn from it.

Another church just launched a neighborhood expression—they bring the others along.

This is where real synergy kicks in.

Not every church has to invent everything from scratch.

You each bring your best—and offer it freely.

By the end of year two, you’re not just friends. You’re co-laborers in the same mission field, dreaming of what God might do if we worked together, not just beside each other.

Phase Three: When Reproduction Becomes Reality

Here’s where things get electric.

As churches in the network grow in health, they start planting.

As leaders grow in confidence, they begin to reproduce.

As trust grows, generosity flows.

Now the network isn’t just supporting existing churches—it’s sending new ones.

You’re not just talking about multiplication—you’re living it.

And your church gets to be part of something bigger than itself.

There’s a reason why the early church didn’t just build buildings and stay in one place. They networked in the truest sense of the word. They sent letters, shared leaders, raised funds for each other, and stayed connected across cities and cultures.

Networks today carry that same DNA.

They aren’t about control or conformity.

They’re about collaboration, contextualization, and Kingdom impact.

What You Might Be Missing

If your church isn’t in a network, you might be missing:

• Encouragement when you’re running dry

• Best practices you don’t have to invent yourself

• A pipeline of young leaders ready to be coached

• Shared vision for reaching your city

• Friends to dream, grieve, and pray with

• A front-row seat to a multiplying movement

We weren’t meant to go it alone.

Multipliers Takeaway: And in this cultural moment, isolation isn’t just unwise—it’s unsustainable.

The Invitation

Here’s what I know: networks aren’t magic. They take time. They require trust. But when they’re healthy, they create space for churches to flourish—and for pastors to feel alive in ministry again.

So if you’re leading a church and you’re hungry for more—more health, more impact, more joy—consider joining (or starting!) a local network.

Pull up a chair at the table of collaboration.

You’ll be surprised what God can do through friends on mission.

Let’s not just survive.

Let’s thrive!

Patrick

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