Anyone anywhere can start a business networking group. Recently I have been invited to several networking groups that have had their beginnings in local churches. Some of these meetings are denominational, some non-denominational, and some multi-denominational. While many people prefer to keep their professional and personal lives separate, some have no problem co-mingling every segment of their lives. As a result, church networking groups, whether they be monthly breakfasts or weekly luncheons,  are a growing segment of business networking groups.

This evolution of networking groups from the business community to the churches seem very natural. Many people in a church are employed somewhere. The products and/or services they represent are a valuable resource to not only the church in which they are a member, but to others in the congregation. The question is; how do we all find out what each other does for a living? Church based business networking groups are the perfect and simple solution.

While the meeting of a church based business networking group is run the same as a ”secular business” meeting, there can be some extra  benefits such as:

• Network group members may gain exposure not only to people in their own congregation, but also to other congregations within their denomination,
• Group members have the added credibility of their church within their community,
• The group’s activities can be marketed and multiplied by their parent congregation,
• The group can not only have benefit of the financial backing of the church, but the church can also benefit from an involved and growing tithe base of the group members,
• People within the church will feel better “plugged into” the church, thus lowering turnover within the church and maybe even increase visitation from other business people within the community,
• The church now has an organized  and easily accessible array of products and services it can call upon to assist in completing its mission,
• Many groups utilize meeting time as an opportunity to exchange not only ideas, leads, and tips, but also testimonials, thus making the networking experience one of spiritual growth,
• Each church business networking group member has the knowledge and comfort that the others members are praying for each others’ success,
• Church networking groups also seem have a great career advancement component about them. People hire people they like and know. Many times it ends up being someone they go to church with. Plus, the groups can be a safe place to receive career counseling or modification of one’s resume.

According to Al Brown, Church Administrator for Southern Hills Baptist Church, church employees have access to their own networking organization. The National Association of Church Business Administration^® (NACBA^®) is an interdenominational, professional, Christian organization which exists to serve churches by promoting the highest level of professional competence in individuals serving The Lord through administration in local churches. Al shared with me that in the many years he has served as a church administrator, organization members have proven to be his “go to people” when in need of a variety of industry related resources and information. Founded 52 years ago, the NACBA is the place for church administrators to network for the benefit of their congregation.

So as you can see, church networking is for everyone, regardless of which side of the pulpit you sit on during the service.

If your church has a business based networking group I encourage you to participate for the good of everyone involved. If you are interested in starting a church business networking group inform your pastor or spiritual leader of your desire. For assistance in starting a group, feel free to contact me at peterb@thenationalnetworker.com.

 

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