Tips on Networking for the Glory of God
Networking
Patrick O’Connor is an ACTION missionary who trains and mobilizes nationals for church planting movements. He gives some tips on networking for God’s glory below:
Remember your priorities:
- Apply the one anothers with your friends and co-workers, but do not over-extend yourself relationally, such that you burn out on giving of yourself to others. 1 Peter 1:22: “Have sincere love for your brothers. Love one another deeply, from the heart.”
- Balance the needs of others with the needs of your family and your own person (time with the Lord, time for exercise, time for the work God has called you to). Do not over-extend yourself beyond your real relational abilities. So, listen to your heart (and His heart), as you juggle life’s demands. Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”
- Walk humbly with your heavenly Master and Friend, remembering that while networking with others is strategic, that His impression of you endures. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).
- Walk in the Spirit and ask the Lord to direct your paths, especially if you are not given to relational connections for networking. Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Do not let a need for networking become your god. nnnnn
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Be practical as you network:
- Use a hands-free device in your car to call persons you want to touch base with. Call one person on the way into town per day. And one person on the way back out of town.
- Have at least one lunch a week with persons in your area with whom you need to touch base.
- If you have a luncheon planned, then also invite one or two others (with whom you are networking), so as to extend the relational connection.
- Ask your wife to plan a fast, informal, inexpensive dessert outing with one couple every two weeks or so.