the {magic} of the regional network
Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 9:06AM this weekend, i'm traveling to Canada to speak at C-Net's annual event, Inspire. the event is a regional gathering of children's ministry leaders, staff and volunteers from the Saskatoon area. i'll speak on the intersection of calling & opportunity, loving and serving the modern family, and host a Q&A time during a workshop. local networks of children's leaders are special to me for a million reasons, and this event in particular is holding significant personal meaning.
exactly one year ago, i spoke at a conference in Florida, the annual gathering for the Southwest Florida Children’s Ministry Network. what I experienced during that event changed my life. i witnessed local church leaders partnering together to put on the event for the sake of encouraging each other’s volunteers. they worked together as a true network. i was so jealous for what they had, and curious why weren't able to create something similar Chicago.
for several years, i’d sensed a distinct calling from god to create a Chicago network for children’s leaders. i believe we have talented, committed leaders from various backgrounds who should be connected for training, encouragement, prayer, and friendship. but, most of my attempts in the last couple years had failed. i'd email leaders in my neighborhood to get together for coffee or lunch and they’d not respond. early last year, i was frustrated and ready to give up. i figured it was better to not force people into friendship. that's probably just a good life principle, right?
during my final talk at the Florida conference, i told the participants just how inspired i was by their network, and how frustrated i'd been that we weren't able to create something similar in Chicago. i mentioned that i'd return home with a renewed sense of calling and purpose.
after the talk, a woman came up to me and told me she'd pray for a network in Chicago to be created. she asked her team to lay hands on me and pray that i’d have strength to lead the effort.
because that's the simple magic of the regional network. leaders committed to each other's success. they lay down their competitive, jealous, posititioning postures, and see each other as friends.
that woman's prayers meant the entire difference for me. now, one year later, we've launched LOCAL, a one-day Chicago event that will serve as the kick-off for a network. a year ago we had nothing. today, we have 50 people registered and an event to put on in april.
being a part of a regional event last year changed my life. it's truly magical when you collaborate with those who lead and live near you. there's great power in gathering together in friendship and unity.
and you? are you part of a regional network? leave a comment describing your experience!
P.S. after the florida event, matt wrote a great post about the value of regional events.
P.P.S just in case my love for regional events wasn't made clear in this post, let me now be clear: i love regional events. if you're looking for a speaker for your next event, i'd love to be considered. contact me here and we'll get the ball rolling. cheers!
Reader Comments (2)
Amy, I was at the seminar you spoke at in Saskatoon and I just wated to thank you for what you spoke on. I went back to university three years ago to get my education degree because I felt that God was calling me to do this. It has been exciting and empowering but full of challenges. I have had a tough month pushing through the day to day struggles that life brings but thinking about the calling that I feel I have from God to teach children renewed my motivation and has given me the strength the keep pushing through. Thanks for sticking with God's calling and helping to encourage me along the way. I wish you all the best.
gwen, thank you for the comment. so glad your spirit feels renewed! the children of your church need you {especially with that education degree you now have!}.keep going strong.