Network Leaders Gather for Annual Equipping, Encouragement

Last week, For Columbus hosted our annual Network Leaders Day Away for all those currently leading cause or neighborhood networks, as well as those exploring leading one. Historically, hosting this significant gathering in the winter hasn’t provided too many challenges, although with the record snowfall this year, our venue and breakfast caterer weren’t able to be available for the event as planned. At short notice, Discover Christian Church (Dublin) offered a venue to gather together, for which we were very grateful! While not all could attend due to weather conditions, most Network Leaders were able to join in on the day which made for a thoroughly enjoyable time together.

This annual gathering is designed to provide space for these sacrificial leaders to

connect personally, gain a better understanding of how the LORD is at work

throughout the Columbus region, dive more fully into practicalities of ‘oneness’ and the dynamics of collaboration. After a light breakfast, we engaged in a teamwork exercise illustrating the necessity of everyone bringing their unique piece to the mosaic of the Church of the City. Then one leader from every network shared how the LORD has been at work in their Network over the past year, and what they’re asking Him to do in the year ahead. This process takes a bit of time, but it is everyone’s favorite part of the day.

Following lunch, we moved into a time of rich, open conversation around unity/oneness from Paul’s writings in Philippians, and afterward time was spent revisiting the Network Playbook (theological foundations and best practices for leading Networks) then a little extra time on newer additions in this third version of it. Into the afternoon we heard brief, TED-style talks from current Network Leaders and For Columbus staff on strategy, communication, collaboration and resources for network leadership. At the end of our time together we created space to pray with and for each other, offering a listening ear and an engaged heart as we helped bear one another’s burdens, while nurturing a shared vision for the region. Many old connections were strengthened, and new connections formed, but all left with a broader vision of the work of the Church of the City and fresh hope to see Christ’s Kingdom advance across the Columbus region as in Heaven! We’re grateful for how the Holy Spirit is uniting hearts and hands together as we partner with Jesus in His world-renewing work in and around Columbus!