LMT Network Digest - September 2021

A while back I wrote a blog called, A Story of a Network and a Bible. You can read it here.

The story is true and highlights one of the strengths of the Loving Muslims Together network. Relationships across Canada can be leveraged in a variety of ways to help us all in our shared goal of giving every Muslim in Canada the opportunity to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. One of the challenges though, is that until now we have been an amorphous Network. We know people, and they know people, and so on. But what has not been clear is:

• Who wants to be called upon in a situation such as I describe in the blog post?
• Who wants to be alerted when a prayer need arises?
• Which outreach ministries want to get the word out about something they’re doing, so others can join in?
• Who’s doing a training session that they would like promoted?
• Who has a skill set that would be really useful to others? Etc.

In 2020 when we transitioned the leadership of the LMT network to ‘Circles’, the Network Circle was tasked with supporting the health and vitality of the LMT network. As they met over the last year, they realized the challenge of nurturing relationships and communication when there was no clear definition as to who was a part of the Network and who was not. After looking at what other networks (e.g. Church Planting Canada, Missio Nextus, etc.) have done, they developed a plan to implement membership in the Loving Muslims Together network as a means of clarifying connections.

You may have some questions.

What is the benefit of joining the LMT network?

Membership is an invitation into a community where you can:

• Learn what you cannot learn anywhere else. 
• Meet people and ministries that you otherwise will not meet.  
• Engage in a community like none other.  

What value do members of the LMT network receive? 

• Prayer resources 
  • Weekly GHPL 
  • Monthly Call to Prayer 
  • Ramadan prayer guide 
• Network Digest newsletter
  • Opportunity to share about your ministry/organization, promote events and training  
• Access to events and gatherings 
• Opportunity to feature your ministry or activity on our website 
• Connection to the broader community engaged in Muslim ministry in Canada
• A “seat around the table” giving input to the LMT network. 

How is membership defined? 

Membership is defined by signing a membership covenant form and by the payment of an annual membership fee. The fee is determined by the following categories: 

A. Individual: This is for people whose church or organization are not members. (Suggested amount: $20/year) 

B. Small group: E.g. prayer group, house church, local ministry, etc. (Suggested amount: $50/year) 

C. Larger group: E.g. churches, denominations, national and international mission agencies. (Suggested amount: $200/year) 

Fees collected will be used to offset core operating costs of the LMT network, including helping cover our Network Administrator’s salary. This month, the Network Circle, Cristina, and IT people at Outreach Canada are busy developing the systems to implement the membership plan. We hope to soft-launch this month, and roll it out broadly by November of this year. Stay tuned for more details soon!

Still have questions? The Network Circle members (Howard Moore – Facilitator , Cheryl Walsh, Al Lowrie, Phil Johnston, Cristina Boersma, and Lorna Johnston) are ready to chat with you. You can reach them at networkcircle@lmtn.ca.

May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

Lorna