What are Mission Networks?
Mission Networks are affinity and geographically-based clusters of congregations working together to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission through specific ministry initiatives. Mission Networks are designed to fulfill the Anglican Mission’s commitment to “glorify God and to serve, grow and multiply local churches.” Our Networks are a gateway for resourcing, facilitating and releasing local ministry and emphasize a team approach, strategic planning, prayer and clergy wellness.
Why Networks?
The Anglican Mission has made an active commitment to establish and release networks of churches that work together to plant new churches and strengthen existing congregations. Unlike static institutions or structures like dioceses, networks promote creative, decentralized ministry.
How are Mission Networks organized?
Mission Networks are led by a Network Leader who builds a team of individuals with specific gifting required for the various roles within the Network Team. These teams generally include individuals who focus on mission strategy, leadership development, administration, clergy care, prayer and communications. The Network Leaders and Teams nurture a sense of community, encourage Network congregations, champion the vision and values of the Anglican Mission and ensure accountability. In addition, they identify, equip and release leadership for the Anglican Mission; discern and implement local mission strategy; and identify and apply financial resources for mission.
What does it mean to be “affinity-based”?
Affinity has played an important role in the Anglican Mission from its first days and is typically based on some combination of cultural similarity, mission strategy and geography. Congregations are free to join the Mission Network with which they find the greatest kinship, but such affiliation decisions should be made thoughtfully, anticipating a long-term commitment. One missionary bishop provides primary oversight for each Mission Network.
What is the effectiveness of Mission Networks?
Our Mission Networks are committed to producing measurable results – fruit of their efforts. Network Teams develop and assess strategic, mission-focused objectives annually in consultation with their overseeing Missionary Bishop and the Chairman of the Anglican Mission. Mission Networks are also self-replicating, launching both congregations and other networks. The average success rate for church plants is 30%, while Anglican Mission church plants enjoy a 90% success rate. We attribute much of this achievement to the church consultation assistance we provide which includes nationally acclaimed coaches.
What is the overall strategy for growth?
The Anglican Mission grows in three ways. We receive active congregations seeking to join us; we respond to lay-initiated fellowships that request our assistance in moving to congregational status; and we strategically initiate new works.
How is prayer incorporated into the life of Mission Networks?
We are committed to intercessory prayer as the foundation for everything we do as a missionary movement. Network Teams include an intercessor who teaches and models prayer to all Mission Network congregations in association with the Anglican Prayer Initiative.
How do Mission Networks provide pastoral care for clergy?
Burnout is a genuine risk for those who are called to a servant’s work. The tendency to put others first means that many clergy resist the signs that they may be in need of ministry themselves. Mission Networks identify leaders who are trained, or willing to be trained, in crisis intervention and marriage (family) support.
How do Mission Networks stay in touch?
Internal and external communication is a vital component in the life of a Mission Network. Each network works to keep their congregations and leaders informed as well to gather and report news and feature stories from the local level.
How do Mission Network congregations connect?
Mission Networks sponsor at least three gatherings each year (in addition to attending the Winter Conference) designed to reinforce a vision for mission, emphasize core values and hone skills for spiritual leadership. These gatherings also provide an opportunity for fellowship, team building and worship in Word and Sacrament through the power of the Holy Spirit which refreshes and revitalize participants, including clergy, clergy spouses and laity.
How is ministry financed?
All Anglican Mission congregations are expected to participate in the 10-10-10 stewardship model in which individuals give 10% to the local church; the church gives 10% to the National Mission Resource Center; and the National Mission Resource Center gives 10% to our international sponsors. Up to 50% of our national budget is made available for Board-approved Mission Network initiatives, primarily new church plants; the remaining 40% funds national missionary initiatives and operational expenses.
What is the role of the local congregation?
The local congregation, functioning within a Mission Network, is the primary missionary unit of the Anglican Mission. Individual churches are called to multiply – they make disciples who make disciples.
How do Mission Networks relate to other Anglican Mission leadership?
Mission Network Leaders meet regularly with the Council of Bishops to give voice to the moment, the mission, the opportunity and the power of God at work in our midst. The purpose of these gatherings is to strengthen our commitment to four ‘Cs’: community, collaboration, communication and celebration rather than governance.
Bishop Thomas (TJ) Johnston provides oversight for networks as well as convenes, plans and chairs regular meetings with bishops and network leaders. Mission Networks build momentum for church planting and other mission initiatives in a strategic way. Mission Network Leaders and bishops work together, driven by covenant, vision, and mutual trust, and they seek to empower and equip congregations to impact culture.
How are Mission Networks held accountable?
In May 2006, the Anglican Mission drafted a Network Development Manual which provides increased clarity and definition to the work of networks within the Mission. This document remains an evolving work seeking to establish “best practices” of effective Mission Networks. As required by our Archbishop, all Mission Networks and their congregations are ultimately accountable to the Chairman of the Anglican Mission for faithfulness to the vision and values of the Mission. The Missionary Bishops and the Network Leaders to whom executive authority has been delegated are accountable to the Chairman for the proper exercise of their authority.
How are new Mission Networks formed?
Mission Networks are developed in a variety of ways. In the early period of the Anglican Mission, existing congregations tended to cluster together through some combination of affinity and geography. As we have grown, it has become common for existing networks to “birth” new ones. We encourage entrepreneurial creativity within our Network Teams in planning and launching new Mission Networks. New networks are also often a by-product of emerging churches. Most Mission Networks begin as emerging works, as they seek to assemble the necessary resources to become fully functioning Mission Networks.
What are the criteria for an emerging network to be officially recognized as a Mission Network?
Networks are required to:
- Be in relationship with an overseeing Missionary Bishop.
- Have a fully functioning Network Team working in harmony with national leadership.
- Have a clearly articulated mission strategy that includes the identification of leadership and mission sites for new work.
- Be in alignment with the vision, values and goals of the Anglican Mission.
- Be financially self-supporting and participating in the 10-10-10 model.
- Exhibit fruit through gathering, planting and serving dynamic churches in the Anglican tradition.
- Be approved by the Council of Bishops.
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