Rethinking Network Leadership
Most network leaders step into their roles with a dream: helping churches thrive and cultivating disciple-making momentum across a region. But more often than not, the day-to-day reality looks very different.
They find themselves navigating conflict, propping up declining congregations, and motivating burned-out pastors.
That’s what seasoned network leader and trusted partner Bob Bumgarner faced—until he began reimagining what healthy, effective network leadership could actually look like.
In our webinar, Rethinking Network Leadership, Bob shared how he’s reshaped the core of his leadership approach to nurture strong, collaborative church networks.
A Culture of Collaboration
A network is not a headquarters, a title, or a central personality. It’s the people. The churches. The leaders. True network leadership is about fostering meaningful connection and cultivating shared purpose across congregations.
“Pre-COVID it was enough that churches cooperate, on this side of COVID, it’s not enough. It’s got to be collaboration.”
Bob emphasized that in today’s landscape, it’s not enough for churches to simply cooperate—they must collaborate. That means coming together not out of obligation, but out of a shared conviction to meet real needs in their communities.
Moving from a Growth Mindset to a Disciple Making One
Many churches still define success by attendance and expansion. But Bob challenges network leaders to reframe the conversation around disciple-making.
That shift starts by focusing less on growing the organization and more on equipping people to live as disciple makers in their everyday lives. In today’s context, the mission field isn’t far away—it’s in the office, the classroom, and the neighborhood. These are the micro mission fields where real disciple-making happens.
The Pitfall of Overleading
“You have to really surrender the need to be the expert.”
Many network leaders carry over the leadership instincts that served them well as pastors—casting vision, driving alignment, and expecting people to follow. But leading a network is not the same as leading a congregation.
Networks are made up of diverse churches, each with its own context, challenges, and convictions. In this environment, overleading—casting a singular vision or offering one-size-fits-all solutions—can backfire. Instead of building momentum, it creates distance.
Some pastors need help discovering a vision. Others need the freedom to pursue what God has already revealed. Great network leaders learn how to do both.
Practical Wisdom for Network Leaders
“God has called you to pastors, not to a program.”
Start small with deep relationships.
You don’t have to influence the entire network at once. Begin by building two or three meaningful relationships with pastors who are open, curious, or hungry for more. These connections become your proving ground—where trust grows and transformation begins.
Return to the basics.
It’s tempting to overhaul everything at once, especially when you’re feeling pressure to deliver. But networks don’t get unstuck overnight. Focus on clear wins, simple conversations, and consistent presence.
Invest in what’s in front of you.
Not everything is yours to fix. Pay attention to what’s directly in front of you and trust that God will multiply your faithfulness.
At Clarity House, we specialize in guiding church teams in articulating a shared vision coupled with disciple-making clarity. We’d love to help you and your team. If you want us to assess your current mission statement, feel free to set up a free conversation with our team.
