Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to places like Brazil and Ukraine, witnessing firsthand what God is doing in the global church. These experiences have reshaped how I see ministry and reinforced one crucial truth: the power of natural relational networks in advancing the Gospel.

In Brazil, I joined a gathering of over 5,000 pastors- men and women overflowing with fervor, evangelistic passion, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of Christ. It was electrifying. Then, in Ukraine, I saw a very different but equally moving reality. Amid war and uncertainty, I met leaders who had carried the church underground during Soviet rule. Their faith was resilient, their discipleship muscle memory stronger than anything we often see in the West.

The Power of Natural Relational Networks

As I connected with these leaders, a pattern began to emerge. These churches, though vastly different in culture and context, shared a common thread: they thrived on the organic, Holy Spirit-led formation of relational networks. These weren’t orchestrated programs or strategies; they were authentic connections formed out of a shared mission.

What struck me most was how these networks operate beyond traditional denominational lines. They remind me of the early church described in Acts—a community marked by shared resources, mutual encouragement, and unwavering commitment to the mission.

This realization has profound implications for how we approach ministry here at Brentwood Baptist. For years, we’ve operated under the belief that no single church can fulfill the Great Commission on its own. That’s why we’ve pursued a vision of building a network of healthy churches—a vision rooted in relationships. It’s about recognizing the gifts God has placed within each community and leveraging them for His glory.

Building Networks with Humility and Generosity

Fueling these networks starts with a posture of humility and generosity. It’s about being open-handed with the resources God has entrusted to us—whether that’s sharing leadership strategies, providing financial support, or simply being available to encourage a fellow pastor. Our goal isn’t to replicate our model everywhere but to walk alongside like-minded churches and leaders, learning from each other as we go.

Natural relational networks also challenge us to think locally. My wife has always been a reminder of this truth for me. Back when we lived in a rapidly growing community outside of Brentwood, she invited neighbors over for meals and hosted Bible studies in our home. Through her, I saw how powerful simple, everyday connections could be in creating space for Gospel conversations.

The beauty of these networks lies in their simplicity. They’re not built on flashy events or elaborate structures but on relationships—pastors praying together, churches partnering to meet community needs, and believers sharing life in ways that point others to Jesus.

The Future of the Church: Relationships Over Programs

As we look to the future, I’m reminded that the Gospel advances best through relationships. Whether in a coffee shop in East Nashville or a church plant in the heart of Spring Hill, these connections are where the real work of the Kingdom happens. So let’s embrace the messiness, lean into the relationships God places before us, and trust that He will use them to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about building our brand or expanding our reach—it’s about making disciples and bringing glory to the One who has already done the hard work of reconciling us to Himself. 

For a broader perspective on sustaining ministry and making disciples, listen to Episode 1 of the Elevate Podcast, “Fueling a Disciple-Making Movement: What 50+ Years Taught Brentwood Baptist,” where Jay Strother shares key lessons on building a gospel-centered, multiplying church. Listen now!