The biggest challenge for all of us is to develop the networking of church leaders and churches across our respective countries. When in 1998 we announced our decision to start New Wine networks in England, attendances at the summer events stood at around 6,500 (including the youth work led for New Wine by Soul Survivor in those days). With the growth of the networks, there was an immediate step change in the rate of growth of the summer events. In 2008, 10 years on, attendances at the three English summer events was over 31,000! (and that with Soul Survivor now holding its own separate events). Remarkable synergy takes place when summer events, strategic regional events through the year and networking go hand-in-hand.

Bruce Collins, Overseer of New Wine International, says “that the only way to develop New Wine networks is to go out to leaders and churches in different parts and ‘do the stuff’. In other words, when people see and experience the Lord speaking and moving in power in meetings, respect the quality of Biblical exposition which undergirds this – and the ‘naturally supernatural’ values that govern the expressions of this ministry, that they then want to link up with others who are hungry to see these things develop in their churches”.

A simple understanding of ‘Networking’
The key focus for networking has remained and has two distinctive parts to it:
• Relationships - creating an opportunity where leaders can receive mutual support and encouragement
• Resourcing – providing appropriate tools and teaching to equip church leaders.

Networking Aims
Our principle aims for networking leaders is to:
• Gather church leaders in local network groups to receive mutual support and encouragement.
• Link like-minded leaders and churches in order to work together and pool resources.
• Provide training and resources on leadership, church life and specific ministry areas.

Whist the frequency and agenda are determined by the local members there are a number of underlying principles:

Having a regular opportunity to meet together
Since we wish to encourage the building of relationships we recommend that groups in try to provide an opportunity to meet together at least four times a year.  Many groups meet more frequently than this and it is worth consulting with your group regarding frequency, time and length of meeting.  So some groups choose to meet as between 10am to 4pm every other month, some for an extended lunch time (11am to 2pm) and others for an early morning breakfast.  Some groups have now gone away together on 24 hour ‘mini retreats’.

Programme built around real needs
Best practice would suggest that groups work best when they build a programme around feedback and suggestions from members in the network.  A regular consultation meeting helps to ensure that the group is meeting real needs.

Key Components – New Wine ‘DNA’
Whilst we recognise that meetings will vary from one group to another, there are certain key elements which are the hallmarks of all networking gatherings to some extent or other; they are:
• Prayer and worship.
• Holy Spirit ministry.
• Bible-based teaching/training.
• Mutual support and encouragement
• Being real with one another and allowing leaders to share how things really are.
• Networking.

The role of the leader/facilitator
One of the big keys is the ‘openness of the leader’ – in terms of their own personal vulnerability in being honest about what is going on for them and how they set the ‘tone’ within the group.  You should be happy to work with the people who want to meet & work with you and don’t be afraid to start small.

How do I find out more about networking in my country?
To find out more about networking within the New Wine network in your country, please contact the appropriate New Wine Country Leaders.

What if I am an English-speaking church leader working overseas in Europe – can I belong to a network group?
In 2007 we established an English-speaking European Leaders networking group. This is currently made up of leaders in Belgium, France, Netherlands and Switzerland who meet approximately 2/3 times a year. If you would like further information about this group, please contact Barbara & Francis Noordanus at barbarano@gmail.com

Kingdom Training Days in France (Versailles) -

Kingdom Training Days are part of the vision of St Mark's Church Versailles to become a 'storehouse church', sharing the good things that God is doing amongst them.

The 'Kingdom Training days' are intended to provide a gathering place for Christians of all denominations who want to press into God, connect with others who desire to grow in the practice of the Kingdom of God, and to find space for teaching and prayer ministry.

In addition there are also a number of 'down-load' days which have a specific focus for church leaders.

The days are currently held in English - but if you wish to bring someone who needs French translation, please do contact St Mark's church directly (Tel: 00 31 13902 7945 Email: office@stmarksversailles.org).

Current 'Kingdom Training' dates in the diary are:

2010:

• Saturday 5th June with Charlie Cleverley.
• Saturday 9th October with Canon John Hughes.

Current 'down-load' days in the diary are:

2010:

• Tuesday 20th April with Bob Payne
• Tuesday 23rd November with Barry Kissell.

St Mark's website is www.stmarksversailles.org