The art of creating an outstanding ministry network Web site is still developing. This article takes a look at two "best practices" for ministry network sites. One best practice is to do a great job explaining the workings of a network and defining what they are about. Another best practice is to excel in practical networking tools—connecting people with networks and to others within their network. All networks seeking to grow will want to gain these types of materials during some point in their development.

EXPLAINING A NETWORK
Networks grow well when their mission is clearly outlined and presented. One site that presents its purpose well is the Gospel in Our Culture Web site, especially its "about the network" page. The network "offers companionship for Christian leaders and groups eager to work together with others who share similar concerns. It brings together people from a wide spectrum of churches....to discover models of the church capable of sustaining a living and faithful witness to the gospel in our contemporary world,....to develop practical responses to contemporary challenges, [and to]...make available resources and materials to facilitate vision and change in the missional life of the church."

The World Evangelical Alliance Web site, especially its Mission Commission page, makes the clear case for partnership and its own purpose: "The Mission Commission of WEA is a global network of over 220 mission leaders from around 80 countries and serves the Evangelical missional community by creating a missional arena that facilitates and encourages mutual learning, networking and cooperation." The site also describes the advantages of linking, networking and docking. For an expanded discussion of these advantages, read its Mission Commission Structure white paper, reprinted with permission.

CONNECTIVITY TOOLS
Other Web sites excel in exciting, new ways of displaying data and connectivity. Take a look at the National Network of Youth Ministries Web site. Clicking on the "Networks" tab gives the reader an outstanding model of how to help interested people find networks close to them, searching by zip code, state or name.

Effective networks make it easy for a network's members to assist each other with their skills and expertise, easing the way for lateral connections to be made among peers and practitioners. The Presbyterian Communicators Network has created a model for connectivity that other networks may want to imitate. See its "Expert Advice" page, where users are asked to simply "click on a category and you will find a list of network members that can offer expertise in that particular category. You will find their name, a secure e-mail link, city of residence, and presbytery affiliation."

Each network is unique, so its use of these "best practices" will have its own variation as fits the network. But offering Web visitors a clear statement about a network's purpose and providing exciting tools for connecting network members are two key ingredients to increasing a network's impact.