Re-launching the Shock Absorber Network
Your invitation to join a network of churches navigating cultural change together.
This week on The Shock Absorber podcast, Joel McMaster, Stuart Crawshaw, and I are announcing the launch of The Shock Absorber Network — a relational network of churches, Christian organisations, and ministry leaders who want to pray together and work toward Christ-centred cultural change. Rooted in the conviction that youth ministry can act as a cultural “shock absorber”, the network exists to help churches navigate cultural change while staying clear on theology and gospel conviction.
We’d love you to consider joining.
The Shock Absorber Network is:
Relational without being competitive
Theological and not merely pragmatic
Collaborative rather than territorial
Intergenerational by design
Grounded in friendship with Jesus and with each other (John 15:15)
The Shock Absorber Network is not:
A breakaway movement
A critique platform
A program franchise
A brand expansion of Soul Revival Church
A replacement for the institutions and organisations with which it works alongside
Ministry networks are an effective, but far too often under-utilised, tool in the Christian worker’s toolbox. As Mikey Lynch writes in TGC Australia,
“All sorts of new opportunities and benefits open up when networks bridge across organisations, businesses, different social demographics, geographic areas and denominations. Networking builds efficiency and effectiveness in our ministry efforts, and it can circumvent conflict and waste.”
Stuart Crawshaw’s PhD on new social movement theories and his 35 years of experience leading Soul Revival have continued to affirm the importance of bringing together like-minded individuals to share the joys and challenges of ministry.
Many of you may have denominational or local networks that support you in your role. Praise God! Maintain those relationships, and may God continue to bless your endeavours and others’ through the support structures that they provide.
However, for those of you who are looking for friendship and support in your ministry—whether that be children’s and/or youth ministry, church planting, church revitalisation, or “other”—we invite you to consider whether The Shock Absorber Network may be a place for you to contribute and collaborate in significant ways.
To hear the full announcement with plenty more details on the theology, strategy and practice of networking, listen along to the podcast episode in the links below, or on your favourite podcasting app.
And to express interest in joining The Shock Absorber Network, head to The Shock Absorber website and fill in the form towards the bottom of the page.
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