18.
The Art of Community
“Networking is rubbish; have friends instead.” ~ Steve Winwood, Music Artist
There is a lot of wisdom in this quote by musician Steve Winwood. The differ- ence between networking and a community of friends is huge in terms of relationship. One is done based on needing something from someone, the other is mutual and inclusive. Let’s start with how networking is defined.
Networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business,” or it can be “the establishment or use of a computer network.”
A computer network is made up of several to many computers used for a specific purpose. They are all connected to a central location for that informa- tion to pass through to get to another connected location. Computer networks can be connected to each other through the use of the internet. The internet is essentially the highway where information or services are transmitted. In this picture, networking is entirely mechanical and technological.
However, a community is a sort of relational networking among human beings. It is much more organic than networking. How? We decide who we wish to be connected to or not. We can stop the flow of information or services with any individual we want to. We can also decide to be connected to whomever we wish and begin the flow of information or services with any person. The power of community is way underestimated, in my opinion.
Communities have to be built, which requires time, intentionality, and trusting God with the opportunities. Why build community with others? Because we could be one relationship away from changing the course of our destiny. You never know when someone you meet has the key or connection or opportunity