By Jeff Brink, November 28, 2023

The world advocates networking with influential people as a way to get ahead; “good connections” are those who can help you in some way. Jesus turned this notion upside down by serving others first and modeling love for others. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5 ESV).

As Christians, it’s a healthy practice to connect with those who may be able to help us in some way. But we should prioritize building networks with love, compassion, and service in mind. Think of your network as a web of conduits for doing good and reflecting God’s glory.

Netweaving is a concept we teach and practice at Christ Covenant’s quarterly Christian Professional Networking events. Netweaving is essentially networking as an active listener with a servant mindset, then connecting people you have met with one another – weaving your connections together for others’ benefit. It’s about being a servant connector and pairing people with matching needs, skills, and opportunities.

Galatians 6:9-12 ESV reminds us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…”

Over time, it is easy to grow weary of doing good in a culture where immediate results are often expected. The Greeks have two words for time – chronos and kairos. While chronos is the way humans track time, kairos is a term that refers to God’s timing. In the New Testament, kairos means the appointed time in the purpose of God, the time when God acts. Kairos reminds me to have endurance and trust in God’s timing for all things.

When non-Christians see us doing good in our spheres of influence, they observe God’s love working through us and perhaps will be attracted to the light. Don’t underestimate the impact Christ-like conduct has on casual observers in any situation.

I recently attended a men’s business prayer breakfast in the Atlanta metro area. While leaving the ballroom, I overheard two men introducing themselves and exchanging business cards. As one man handed his card to the other, he shared his name, immediately followed by “How can I serve you?” This simple act struck me as epitomizing Christian networking.

Look in your professional network every day and actively seek opportunities to do good. Ask yourself – who can I serve today? Do not grow weary as a servant connector, for in God’s timing, you will reap.