“Our services and ministries tend to be more isolated from each other than we’d like. Our hope is that this is something people will use, helping them feel less isolated.”

The Christian Reformed Church in North America has launched a new website for members to connect with each other about doing ministry.

Called The Network, it’s a way for churches to enter into conversations with each other about the nuts and bolts of ministry – from being a deacon, to teaching Sunday school, GEMS, church websites, youth immensity, small groups, and more. The site currently covers 44 ministry roles and topics.

“We’ve created these networks for every role and ministry we could think of”, said Tim Postuma, web manager for the CRC who developed the concept, “and, if we forgot some, we’ll add more. We know there are people across the CRC doing similar ministries. We wanted a way for them to connect and compare notes with each other.”

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” that also offer articles, resources, and a blog written by a volunteer guide.

“That personal touch from the guide is important,” says Postuma, “It’s great to be able to compare notes with others, but it’s also nice to read some how-to articles or a blog that keeps you engaged and encouraged. We hope to add more guides in the future.”

After a phase of public testing, emails went out this week to churches and local ministry leaders across the denomination, informing them that the site is ready for use. But organizers are quick to point out that the site will continue to adapt to feedback from participants.

That input has already resulted in new features, including the option for users to indicate what church they are part of. “People wanted to see who else in their church was on the site,” says Postuma “We said ‘of course!’ and added it.”

Another popular feature already has been the ability for people to log in using their existing accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Google, or other services. Postuma says that it helps reduce password overload and allows people to bring their social networks ‘with them’ to the site. Users can see which of their friends are on the site and share their favorite content with friends who aren’t.

But The Network isn’t only a website. In fact, the website is just the first phase of a broader effort to connect members and churches in new ways. “We’ll also be working behind the scenes to help connect us all better for ministry – churches, classes, agencies — in various regions around the US and Canada,” says Mike Bruinooge, director of The Network. “The Network operates on the premise that the best help often comes from peers and neighbors.”

The Network’s broader mission is to serve as a go-between, online and in other ways, to connect people in the church to others in the church who can together discuss and examine common topics.

“The denomination is us,” says Bruinooge, “and we can learn from one another. Our services and ministries tend to be more isolated from each other than we’d like. Our hope is that this is something people will use, helping them feel less isolated.”

While The Network has established goals and created ways to connect, it is by no means finished. “It’s important to note that this is a work in progress and people in the churches can help to shape it,” says Bruinooge. “We will be trying things to see what works. We will be asking, ‘What makes a positive difference to the local churches?’ After all, it’s their opinions that come first.”

Another hope for The Network, he says, it is to help unify churches. “We assume a common theology and shared love for Christ. Beyond that, The Network can be a tool to bring us closer together, strengthen relationships and help us to listen to one another better.” The overarching goal of The Network, however, is congregational health and vitality for the purpose of transforming lives and communities worldwide.

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.

“This is a very new way of ‘being denomination’ together,” says Bruinooge. “Please pray that it becomes a valuable tool for ministry—that it may equip and encourage ministry staff and lay leaders across the CRC.”