By Jeff Brink, November 14, 2023

Christians gather as a church on Sundays and then scatter into the world to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Sadly, followers of Christ often compartmentalize their faith on Monday morning and meld into their secular workplace to become “successful.”  However, true success will only be found when you partner with God.

Psalm 127 reminds us of the importance of including God in our daily work lives, whether building careers, businesses, or networks – “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

Since we spend nearly half of our waking hours (during the week) working in our professions and interacting with others, professional networking provides significant opportunities to be Kingdom ambassadors and to serve others as we scatter. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you, on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

People often view networking as a way to connect with others for personal gain or advancement. Finding a job, adding more customers, making more money, etc. There is nothing wrong with these motives, but networking should be embraced more as a way to meet and serve others in our sphere. True Christian networking is about leading with a servant’s heart posture and placing others before self. Part of the networking adventure asks, “In what ways might God want me to share wisdom, comfort, or resources with this person?” Approached biblically, networking is a divinely constructed way to discover new neighbors to love. Jesus said: “Whoever wants to be great (or a leader) must become a servant” (Matthew 20:20-24). So, Jesus taught us that serving is not only the “path” to success; it is success in itself.

Networking provides Christians with both in-reach (with other believers) and outreach (with non-believers) opportunities.

Connecting with other believers professionally allows us to lift our brothers and sisters in Christ with prayer and encouragement, connect with work opportunities, become better Kingdom ambassadors, and grow the Kingdom economy. Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Christian professional networking events are a great way to expand your in-reach network and are held regularly throughout Atlanta. FaithNet plans to provide visibility to these opportunities via an Event Calendar section on its website. “Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Networking also opens doors to reflecting God’s glory in secular areas of our professions. We can be salt and light in spiritually dark places while networking. Our spheres of influence in our workplaces and those we encounter in our professions are typically larger than any other area of our lives. By leveraging the currency of trust gained professionally, we can point people to Jesus and share the gospel with non-believers.

Inviting non-believers to Christian networking events is another way to help reflect God’s light and glory into secular places.  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

As I have seen over my years in business, while serving others first, personal success almost always follows. Strive to network with God, for God, and through God. There, you will experience true success.