04 Sep
Networking – is it really worth the effort?
Let’s start off by saying that I am not referring to linking computers together in your home office – in fact I am not talking about computers at all. I am referring to building relationships with other youthworkers and networking with them.
The theory is often looked at positively, being in a network can open opportunities to:
- hear of other resources [even borrow and test drive them]
- link with other youth groups for combined events – demonstrating unity to our young people [and not just widening their pool of prospective partners]
- find like minded people to pray with, give and receive support, bounce ideas to and from
- understand other ways of ministry, avoid duplication of effort, coordinate diary dates across the city
But is the theory enough? Do we see networking as a priority or just something that needs to be squeezed into an over full diary? Do we see it as a place to receive or a place to give?
I think those questions are easier to answer than the ones that illuminate any tendency we may have to think we have got it right, we can do it on our own. Those are too hard – let’s move on!
