As we shared earlier, the network is formed through relationships of love in Christ. To form a part of the network is to enter into relationship with the churches, servants and ministries that are following Jesus on this road. In order to facilitate entrance into these relationships in the network we outline here some simple processes to guide your steps…

One fundamental step to enter into the network is through the creation of environments that promote healthy connections and deepen our friendships on the Way. This is a process which is continually in operation, but it is important to share that the network is first and foremost built on these relationships of love and friendship. Dining together, sharing our testimonies and dreams, praying for one another, opening our hearts to one another, etc. all of these practices of faith facilitate our growing friendships. The network isn’t primarily a space created for activists but rather servants motivated by love. We do not consider relational time in which we dedicate time to grow together and are inspired in mutual edification as ¨wasted or lost¨. To us, these times represent the very basis of our network community.

Knowing our hearts, our practices, our questions and growing in our friendships and valuing of one another is the way in which we encourage others to share in the process of the shared journey of mission. This could come in the form of a gathering of churches in which we can share our visions and practice of mission for the restoration of all things in our communities and neighborhoods. We could also gather to deepen our understanding of themes related to the mission of the church in the world through the sharing of our particular contexts, needs and most urgent problems. Or we could gather to make known and share our local resources, experiences and knowledge. For example, a church that is reaching out to families with physically disabled members and shares a need of a wheel chair connecting through the network with another church with similar ministries and resources to meet that specific need. These actions that reflect a common concern for one another as we commit ourselves to living out God´s mission for us in the world to the full strengthen the formation of healthy networks.

Any church attracted to the network movement must also reflect on her biblical, theological, and pastoral perspectives as related to mission. We share as communities of faith, passionately committed to Christ’s mission for the church in the world through Jesus´ teachings on the Kingdom of God. It is important to understand that we strive to be inclusive, and because of that commitment, we come together openly as churches that share the same guiding spirit of mission. National and local networks as well have certain guiding steps to facilitate entrance into the network by churches and servants. Each national network creates their own particular set of guidelines for entrance into the network that conforms to their own contexts. Thus, it is important to contact the network expression in your own context for more details or share your questions with the Continental Network community through the web page for guidance and connection into a network. Participants in the national networks are by association members of the Continental Network.

If in your particular country or context a RDC network does not yet exist, your first step would be learn more about the movement’s understanding of integral mission, then contact us through the web page or national blogs. At the same time, begin gathering together with like-minded/hearted servants and communities of faith from your neighborhood, region or nation. Perhaps you are motivated to form a local network right where you are with local churches that share this vision for the mission to restore all things in Christ and a commitment to the practice of this integral mission. If that is the case, start the journey and share with us your experiences and dreams to work together with Christ in making all things new…