The Network Is Taking Off

The conversation has started and connections have been made over the last month since the launch of The Network, a new website for Christian Reformed Church members to link with each other about the nuts and bolts of doing ministry.

"Over the first four weeks, we had about 7,000 visits and 48,000 page views," says Tim Postuma, web manager for the CRC. "As search engines pick up the site, that will continue to increase. It's interesting that each visit lasts, on average, about three times as long as a typical visit to the CRCNA site website … Visitors have added over 400 comments and discussion topics."

The Network is a practical tool for people to learn about ministry topics in which they have an interest as well as to discuss various issues related to ministry. The site currently covers 44 ministry roles and topics.

"We have found that The Network resonates with people," says Michael Bruinooge, director of The Network. "They're also interacting with us and giving us good feedback about what to add or change." 

That input has already resulted in new features, including the option for users to see who else in their church is using The Network. Another popular feature already has been the ability for people to log in using their existing accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Google, or other services.

Overall, the website is part of a broader effort to connect members and churches in new ways.

"I feel very pleased at what The Network exemplifies and how it has been built," says Bruinooge. "I definitely see this as an open system that will grow and adapt. And the first month has been a good start to that."

All of the networks have open discussion forums, where people can ask questions, share stories, and give input to each other. But 10 of the networks are designated as "Guided Networks" – led by volunteer experts in a given area -- that also offer articles, resources, and a blog written by the guide.

Currently, such topics being addressed on The Network include:

• Should Christians Use Credit Cards (posted by Mike in the Stewardship network)
• Low and Irregular Attendance (posted by Nick in the Sunday School network)
• Good Community Assessment Materials (posted by Jeff in the Deacons network)
• Diversity, Multicultural...What does it mean? (posted by Viviana in the Racial Reconciliation network)
• Lessons Learned from Google Buzz (posted by David in the Church and Web network)
• Do older people have 'disabilities' ? (posted by Mark in the Disabilities Concerns network)
• Pastoral Care for those "Living Together" (posted by Neil in the Elders network)
• Abuse Awareness Event (posted by Beth in the Safe Church network)
• Music-Dominated Worship (posted by John in the Worship network)

This is a sampling of topics and issues being addressed and discussed on The Network. Those who serve as deacons or who are considering being deacons or just want to know what a deacon does have a guided site in which to learn about the role and to brainstorm challenges that deacons can and do face. There is a discussion forum for those who are interested in discussing issues related to Ministry Associates.

Those who are interested in issues related to being an elder, or serving as a missionary have been using The Network. In some cases, people share information about things that work at their church – in Sunday School, in adult classes, in ministry that engages with the community. Along these lines, The Network is starting to show its potential as an on-line tool to help unite churches and have them share best practices.

"The Network represents a new way of being a denomination together," says Bruinooge.

Anyone interested can visit the site at www.crcna.org/network where you can browse the various networks, watch a 5-minute video introduction, and read more about this effort.

"Since the value is in the connections, participation is key," says Postuma. "Our primary challenge will be to nurture this in such a way that when ministry questions come up, people think of going online to get help from others in the Network community"