N OV E M B E R
2 0 1 2
ISSUE NUMBER 5
THE NETWORK THE POWER OF TOGETHER Kingfisher network...what comes to your mind when you hear those words? A faceless organisation? A nice-to-have-but not-essential concept? Or a powerful expression of togetherness, with the sum of the whole being stronger than the sum of the parts. The Bible tells us that: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV)
available in a format for trainee leaders to participate in at home, at their own speed. Featuring workbooks, DVDs and CDs, this is a powerful way of identifying, developing and releasing new leaders into the Body of Christ, and is available through our Resources site. There are many other resources that each Kingfisher church can benefit from, which you can check out at www.kingfisher.org.uk (go to resources on the front page).
This is describing synergy - the power of partnering together which is what is at the heart of Network. A growing number of churches around the world are partnering together in a common mission to reach lost people and see them transformed into fullydevoted followers of Jesus Christ. Each local community is a different expression of that, with different emphases, different approaches, but all with the common aim of seeing the lost find Jesus, discover life-changing purpose in community and fulfil their God-given mission in life.
On an emotional level, we are stronger together because we are continually encouraged by what is happening at other churches in the Network. It is really encouraging, for example, to hear that pastors are being trained in Mozambique and that they have a vision to build a training centre in that country which will train many people and be the launch pad for church planting in that land. It is exciting to hear that Kingfisher Brockworth is participating in a project called 'Besum', which aims to prayerfully connect resources with families in need in the area.
But why is together better than separate? The power of together is seen on a number of levels: On the physical level, we are stronger together because we are able to share resources. This month sees the launch of the newly-published leadership course. This course is now
On a spiritual level, we are stronger together because, as we stand together in prayer, believing for changes to occur in our city, in our country, in our world, with other Christians in the Network joining with us, the power of agreement ensures those prayers are particularly effective. (“I also
tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.� (Matthew 18:19, 20 NLT)) It is easy to become engrossed by what is going on a the local church level and think: what are any of the other churches in the Network to us? What are any other churches to us? But then we miss the 'power of together'...thousands of Christians on three continents united by a common mission, a common passion and a common commitment to believe together that Jesus Christ can change our world. Thousands of Christians committing together to pray that the lost will be found, that Christhonouring community will be raised up, that lives will be changed, that heaven will be populated at the expense of hell. This is the vision of Network. Local churches transforming local communities, linking together to see wider society impacted by the Gospel and changed for the glory of God. You are part of a unique, special local fellowship - and you are part of something that is impacting the world! That's Network -the power of together.