Stronger Together - 7 Partnership Virtues and the Vices That Subvert Them

Networked churches are fast becoming the most pervasive force in missions and church planting around the world--especially in North America. And many of these growing network movements have become the leading edge of the Great Commission. Yet this phenomenon is largely under-studied and under-appreciated. In Stronger Together, network leader, veteran church planter, and pastor Dave Harvey explores the development of church networks and helps Christian institutions, church leaders, and planters understand how and why networks: Are exploding in North America and spreading all over the world, Are the primary church planting force in the evangelical church today, Are started and grown by gifted apostolic-type leaders, Remain effective to the degree they cultivate and maintain kingdom-focused movement dynamics. Every church, ministry, and movement has a stake in the healthy flourishing of today's emerging church networks, but for that to happen participating churches and their leaders must embody certain virtues--conviction, collaboration, love, a kingdom mindset, humility, and sobriety--that encourage fruitful church planting while avoiding the vices that sabotage them. Acting as a practical roadmap out of unhealthy patterns toward thriving fruitful ministry, this book also provides a network matrix for churches to map their strengths and weaknesses as well as a vice audit to help strategically address problems. Networks are not going away. It's time to recognize their role and help protect their future--