INSIGHTS AND INSPIRATION FOR PURSUING THE GREAT COLLABORATION

For more than a generation, the church in the West has looked to the star pastor or the efforts of a fast-growing church to lead the way in helping us accomplish the mission of Jesus. It's not working. We have forgotten God's truth that we are better together.

In their new book, Dave Ferguson and Patrick O'Connell identify the critical missing piece, pointing us to Jesus' prayer in John 17. It is the third "Great" command. We are to Go (the Great Commission) in Love (the Great Commandment) Together (the Great Collaboration). It's when we put all three together--and only when we obey all three--that we'll realize the dream of the kingdom of God.

Dave and Patrick use their collective experience and tell the stories of others to share how God is working through collaboration--specifically reproducing church networks--to create an infrastructure for kingdom movement. If you've ever asked why you should join a network or wanted to start one, don't miss these insights from these leaders. Together, they remind us, we can change the world.

"A strong church planting network will bring the infrastructure that's essential to multiplying churches. It will also provide the equipping, training and care you and your family will need when times get tough. If we're going to see a wave of church planting across North America, it will depend on strong networks that support and produce healthy church plants."

--Kevin Ezell, Send Network

"Networks allow us to do what we couldn't do on our own. They help create a new reality and being part of a network lets us imagine things that weren't previously possible. Whether you are part of a large resourced church, or a brand-new church plant, networks give you a seat at the table as you pursue God's mission together."

--Chad Clarkson, Houston Church Planting Network

"Only through collaboration with other churches, church planters, church leaders and Christ followers is there any hope of seeing the Jesus mission accomplished. Together is that watershed book we need to move forward."

--Troy McMahon, Kansas City NewThing Network

DAVE FERGUSON is an award-winning author and founding and lead pastor of Chicago's Community Christian Church, a missional multisite community considered one of the most influential churches in America. Dave also provides visionary leadership for NewThing, an international church planting movement, and is president of the Exponential conference. Dave is married to Sue, and they have three amazing kids, Amy, Josh and Caleb.

PATRICK O'CONNELL is the Global Director of NewThing, a catalyst for movements of reproducing churches. He is passionate about helping people start new things for the kingdom. He's married to Nancy and they have three great kids.