Work with Our Partners in Ministry
The third component of the Network211 vision is to “work with our partners in ministry.” Dr. George Flattery’s “Cooperative Multinationalism” paper, specifically the third theme, “cooperation in ministry,” provides the background. Another resource for this topic is chapter twelve, “How to Serve,” in Dr. Flattery’s book, The Leadership Paradox: Becoming Great through Service.3
If we want to fulfill the Great Commission effectively, we must synergize our efforts with our ministry partners. The task is too overwhelming, the cost is too great, and our abilities are too limited to accomplish our mission alone. There are two mission mindsets that we must put aside if we are to win the battle at hand. The two mindsets are “boots on the ground” and the American church engaging world evangelism alone.
First, “boots on the ground” is the mindset that evangelism and discipleship is accomplished only as Americans have missionaries in the fields of service. The fact is that “boots on the ground” alone was never an effective strategy for many reasons. This topic was addressed in Dr. Flattery’s paper, which was mentioned in the second lecture. We must engage our spiritual enemies with the weapons of our day. Missionaries in the fields of service are needed and vital; in fact, we need even more of them! However, an entity that desires a global footprint must have a presence on the Internet. The combination of all mediums of communications combined with personnel on the field and relationships with other ministries and faith-based organizations will produce an effective and winning battle plan.
Second, we must work in partnership with Assemblies of God churches in the nations of the world so as to maximize our God-given resources for His glory. Some AG churches will bring financial resources, others will bring personnel, especially in locations where first-world missionaries cannot enter, and others will provide the spiritual resources, such as intercessory prayer. Some people will evangelize, others will disciple, and yet others will train ministers for service, all in the model of co-workers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:6-11.
Working with our partners in ministry is so engrained in the vision of Network211 that it provides the very reason for having the word “Network” in our name. Here are some examples of those with whom we partner in ministry:
- Assemblies of God Churches
- We partner with Assemblies of God churches in the nations of the world. Network211’s Content Syndication allows a local AG church to embed our evangelism and discipleship content into their site so that they can use the Internet as a tool for sharing the gospel.
- Network211 can geo-target Google advertising so that a local church can use its advertising funds for a Targeted Evangelism Campaign (TEC).
- Believers and Assemblies of God churches worldwide
- Many of our 1-2-1 Connectors who follow up with Inquirers are Christians who live outside the United States. Since the Internet is no respecter of location, believers can be active in ministry with Network211 wherever they live.
- We have partnerships with churches, such as the Assemblies of God in An Inquirer from India will receive a response from a Network211 1-2-1 Connector team in India and receive a visit from an AG Indian pastor, and be invited to an AG church.
- Network211 has a Global Vision Board with members who are leaders in Assemblies of God churches around the world.
- Missionaries and Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM)
- We are blessed to work with our AGWM colleagues and worldwide network. Many missionaries are 1-2-1 Connectors as well as serving as “Head ” Our AGWM contacts have opened doors of relationship with AG churches worldwide.
- Network211 is an International Ministries ministry in AGWM and has networked with other ministries such as Global University, Life Publishers, Global Initiative, and Jacobs Hope.
- Network211 is comprised of AGWM missionaries who raise their support and serve the ministry. This brings missionaries who have overseas experience and expertise to the ministry and avoids Network211 having to hire those with such
- The AGWM Executive Committee is on the Network211 Board of
- Assemblies of God USA. We are blessed to receive prayer and financial support from ministry partners in the AG USA.
- Partners from the AG National Leadership Resource Center include Light for the Lost (LFTL), Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), and Speed the Light (STL).
- Other AG USA partners include District Councils, District Networks, AG churches, and individuals who attend AG The prayer and financial support from these groups provides the backbone of Network211.
- Organizations. We are blessed to partner with faith-based organizations and ministries.
- We are in partnership with churches from other
- The Warrior’s Journey has opened doors of partnership with faith-based organizations to provide mutual credibility to the online resource and to serve as specific ministries where we can direct the warriors and their families to meet their particular needs.
- Network211 has The President’s Commission, a board of business people, and The Warrior’s Journey Advisory Board, which is comprised of retired military personnel who continue to be leaders and people of influence.
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3. George M. Flattery, The Leadership Paradox: Becoming Great Through Service (Springfield, MO: Network211, 2016).
