networks: starting a network

If you are not close to one of our existing networks and would like to see one started in your area, contact Cristina Caires at cristina@parakaleo.us

We work together with the leadership of church planting movements and local churches in order to build a healthy environment where spouses, families and churches can thrive during the challenging journey of planting.

Every network is unique and we have guidelines and tools to help identify if what we offer is right for you and your area.

Costs of starting a network

The cost of starting a network depends on the needs and size of your group. At a minimum we require leaders to attend a training retreat ($400) and enter into a year coaching contract with parakaleo ($1,250).

In areas where there has been a history of church planting, we strongly suggest a local retreat so all who will be involved can attend together. In areas where there are multiple church planting sites spread across a large region, we suggest several smaller groups, each having a local leader that will facilitate that group. The amount and time the leader puts into the group varies, but often she is involved in caring for needs outside of group meetings, finding desired resources such as counselors, meeting with planting couples, and at times with broader church leaders. We strongly suggest each group and leader is supported financially by the church planting organizations in their area.

Once a network is developed, we offer ongoing training, access to our ever growing research and resources for a minimal yearly cost.

If you would like to know more about the development of local networks contact Cristina Caires at cristina@parakaleo.us

If you would like to see networks started in your organization or country, contact Shari Thomas at shari@parakaleo.us

What type of women are you looking for to lead groups?

• A woman keenly aware of the issues church planting spouses face.
• A woman who lives out of the belief that she is broken and in need of the grace of Jesus. This will be seen in her growing ability to extend kindness and gentleness to others who differ from and with her.
• A woman who is comfortable with group facilitation and starting a new work.
• A woman who is growing in her ability to listen well and ask insightful questions.
• A woman who is able to reflect on her own life story and it’s impact on her as an adult.
• A woman who is willing to address conflict with grace and truth.
• A woman who is far from perfect, knows it, and admits it.

Why not just start our own group without Parakaleo’s help?

We’d be thrilled if you find something that is more helpful. We surely don’t claim to be the end all and be all for women in this field. However, we have a highly qualified team trained in group facilitation, gospel coaching, and specifics founded on research which women will face in this type of ministry.

Why not get together to pray and encourage each other? After all, don’t we all just need Jesus?

This would be a great start! And please hear us encouraging you to do this. But just as we wouldn’t put a person into the medical profession without being trained, we believe you too shouldn’t head into this field without on-going training. Because the type of issues you will face will often be unique to your area, your church, and your marriage, we believe that having an experienced and trained leader is key to the success of your group.