I recently had a conversation with my son about networking. He insists the term was first used to describe computers. I argued that it was used for people. Well, I found a few sources to support my answer, one being an article from December 9, 2024 on Inc.com. You can read it here. It states, “Around about the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when the baby boom generation was moving into the workforce, the term “networking” appeared.”
This simple misunderstanding reminded me that many people view networking as an opportunity to get something. I believe networking is more about the people. It is about building genuine connections rooted in respect and kindness as stated in the Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12, ““Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.” (usccb.org) Together, we will explore how networking can be a purposeful and faith=driven practice, 0ffering benefits that go far beyond just a professional relationship.
What Is Networking?
Networking is the act of interacting with other people to exchange information or ideas. Professional networking is more commonly understood as a way to meet people to build your business by gaining customers or building referral sources. The term networking is not as commonly used in personal relationships, but also applies. Any time you are building relationships and connections with people, you are networking. You can use your personal network to inquire about recommendations for products and services like a babysitter. The babysitter will network professionally to gain clients.
Historically, networking has been viewed as purely transactional. Gone are the days when you network to acquire a stack of business cards and try to give out as many business cards as possible in the hopes that you might gain a client. People are looking for more.
Consider the concept of faith-based networking. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (usccb.org) In other words. We need to be involved in our community and build each other up with encouragement.
The Benefits of Networking
Networking offers many benefits. Remember Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help. So also, if two sleep together, they keep each other warm. How can one alone keep warm? Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken.” (usccb.org) That scripture demonstrates some basic benefits. Here are some more:
- Professional opportunities: career growth, additional business opportunities, referral base, talent sharing, support, mentorship, learning opportunities
- Personal growth: learning, mentorship, recommendations, opportunities to connect with a broader range of people
- Building supportive communities: Sharing needs and talents, building strong relationships for support, bringing people together
Faith Enhances the Purpose of Networking.
Faith enhances the purpose of networking by guiding us to approach relationships with authenticity, humility, and a desire to serve others. While traditional networking often focuses on achieving personal or professional goals, faith-based networking shifts the emphasis from self-interest to mutual benefit and kingdom-building.
Here are some ways that faith enhances the purpose of networking:
Faith reminds us that our interactions are not just about advancing careers or achieving worldly success but about fulfilling God’s greater plan for our lives and those we connect with. This perspective helps us see networking as a ministry opportunity, an opportunity to live out our faith by positively impacting others.
- Promoting Generosity and Service
The Bible consistently calls us to serve others selflessly (Galatians 5:13). This could mean sharing resources, offering guidance, or helping someone without expecting anything in return. Such acts of generosity create trust and goodwill, forming relationships that are deeper and more meaningful.
- Encouraging Authenticity
Faith inspires us to be authentic in our interactions, to create connections that are based on trust, not pretense. This aligns with the principle of our character reflecting Christ’s love.
- Fostering Compassion and Empathy
Faith teaches us to care for others and prioritize their needs (Philippians 2:3-4). Networking through a faith-based lens means actively listening, showing empathy, and being intentional about understanding the struggles or aspirations of others. This approach makes connections more meaningful and impactful.
- Strengthening Community
Networking becomes a way to build communities that support one another spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. By seeking God’s guidance in these relationships, we create a network that not only furthers individual success but also strengthens the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
- Providing Eternal Perspective
Faith helps us view networking as an opportunity to spread God’s love and glorify Him through our interactions. When our mindset shifts from earthly gain to eternal impact, we can approach relationships with humility and a genuine desire to reflect Christ in all we do.
Applying Faith-Based Values to Networking
By approaching networking with faith as the foundation, we elevate it from a transactional activity to a relational practice that aligns with God’s will, nurtures others, and glorifies Him. Here are some practical tips for faith-based networking:
- Serve others without expecting immediate returns.
- Be genuine and authentic in interactions.
- Pray for guidance and wisdom before networking events.
- Reflect Christ-like love and kindness in relationships.
Conclusion: Networking as Ministry
Network through a lens of ministry. Focus on building trust and rapport. Practice active listening and showing empathy. Work on balancing giving and receiving, with a focus on giving. Stay consistent in follow-ups and nurturing relationships. Networking is a win-win. Embrace it as a way to live out your faith.
I challenge you to practice generosity and purpose-driven networking in the coming week. I leave you with this scripture:
Ephesians 4:11-16, “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body’s growth and builds itself up in love.” (usccb.org)
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