An example of a successful impact network on the South Side of Chicago is Canaan Community Church, a historic congregation in the Englewood neighborhood. When the Rev. Jonathan Brooks was serving as senior pastor, he realized that there was already a strong presence of movements and nonprofits dedicated to the flourishing of Englewood’s residents. Determined to contribute to the network as a place-based ministry, Brooks led the congregation to champion small business developments such as grocery stores and restaurants to address limited access to fresh food.
The congregation encouraged the creation of third spaces for people to build relationships and community. By taking part in neighborhood campaigns, church members helped shift the focus from Englewood’s violence to its strengths, including the “good in Englewood.” The congregation also developed a theological lens to see how God viewed residents as wonderfully created.
Over time, the congregation saw itself as an interdependent component of an impact network in their neighborhood, and the network valued the church as a crucial part of the flourishing of Englewood.
In the greater Pasadena area, the Clergy Community Coalition is another successful example of an impact network. The CCC connects local community organizations, municipalities and more than 80 churches across denominational lines. The network facilitates regular conversations across the network, building connections for the greater good of the city. As the core of this impact network, the CCC has encouraged relationships, partnerships and collaborations between churches.
When the Eaton Fire ravaged the area in January 2025, the CCC responded quickly by communicating to community members the specific resources that different local churches could offer. It also organized a worship night for the community to pray, grieve and heal together. It became a trusted entity for churches looking to connect and work for the greater good of the city.
The slow and steady work of network cultivation is a crucial part of ministry, leadership development and vocational training. It is also vital to sustaining these efforts while providing stability. Ultimately impact networks, by sharing their collective knowledge and power, contribute to the flourishing of God’s people in times of celebration and in times of crisis.
