Recently, For Columbus was honored to host a gathering of about 30 individuals who lead networks across the Greater Columbus (Ohio) region, or who were interested in learning about leading a network. It was a wonderful day of relationship building, conversation about the needs of our city and the passions that the LORD has placed in our hearts, as well as strategizing about how we could work together for collective Kingdom impact.
'What is a network', you say? ‘A For Columbus network is a relationally-driven group of diverse Christian leaders who share a common commitment to saturate Columbus with the gospel and co-create impact in a particular neighborhood, or within a defined cause.’ Why are networks important? Theologically, networks are demonstrations of God’s people taking up our original mandate to be stewards of Creation. We bear the image of God in the world, serving as His ambassador in word and deed in every sphere of society. Practically, God’s people (via trusting relationships) invite the Spirit’s lead in collaborating together to address issues or causes, for God’s glory and the good of people.. ultimately for the good of our city!
In the beautiful setting of Retreat 21 near Marysville, we enjoyed hearing each other’s hearts for the city, delving into the vision of For Columbus, exploring best practices for leading/launching a network, and unpacking how to intentionally partner with For Columbus and one another. For Columbus officially launched a new resource for network leaders- the Network Playbook. This resource marks the next stage of development in the work of the LORD within His Church across Greater Columbus. Our motivation behind all of this is to lean into Jesus’ desire for us, His followers, to become one as He and the Father are one. We want to experience the unity that He prayed for us, and watch as the Holy Spirit points a watching world to acknowledge that Jesus is real, and that He is at work in the world!
Here’s what one of the retreat participants said, “The For Columbus Network Leaders Retreat was well organized and helpful in bringing together leaders who all have in common the desire to use their gifts to serve others. I personally met several new colleagues who I’ve invited to join our Christian Women Leaders group. I enjoyed connecting with those who participated in the event, and greatly appreciated the opportunity for relationship building.” -Amy Lahmers, Director of Consulting, Red Envelope Consulting
Another participant, Wally Martinson, who serves as the Central Ohio Director of Mission Increase said, “It was so good for all of us to be together and unified for one purpose… to honor God by building trusting relationships to reach our city. The day was a reminder that we have the resources we need to solve many of our cities’ problems if we can connect them, and work together in our Cause and Community Networks.“
Please join us in asking the LORD for increased unity with in the Church, and deliberate collaboration for Kingdom good across this great city that we call home.
