Starfish network

Why Starfish?

The idea comes from the book The Starfish and the Spider. A starfish network has no head: if you cut one of the legs off, the whole survives and grows a new limb. 

We want our network of pioneers to be self-sustaining, responsive to our needs in our different contexts and willing to try stuff out that might not work. I am here to support and facilitate, but it’s success or failure ultimately rests with you, and how much you’re willing to invest to see yourself and your fellow pioneers go from strength to strength in their calling to start new things for the kingdom of God!

Founding story

I love the story of the person standing on the beach surrounded by starfish. They start to throw them back into the sea one at time. They feel overwhelmed and wonder if what they’re doing is making any difference at all. Yet for each starfish that makes it back into the water, they’ve made all the difference in the world.

I think it’s good for us as pioneers to be constantly reminded of this narrative. I know in my own work in Kingston and among spiritual seekers, I often feel completely overwhelmed by the need I see around me, and totally inadequate in how to meet it. However, I remain faithful to what God has called me to, even if it is just for the one or two, and trust that each encounter is significant. After all, Jesus is the one who specialises in multiplication.

The five ‘legs’

As a helpful reminder of what the Starfish network is all about, I see each of the five points, or legs, as relating to a different activity. They are:

1. Centralised touching points
   Information on annual gatherings for pioneers put on by CMS and other networks including a retreat, conversations day, Fresh Expressions conference, Breakout.
2. Regional groups/interest groups
   You might like to set up a group for pioneers in your region or get together others who are engaged in mission to a particular people group, for example.
3. Mentoring/skills exchange
   I would love to see us mentoring one another and offering specific skills if someone in the network is lacking help in a particular area. I’ve found I’ve learnt as much from being a mentor, as I hope those I’ve been seeking to support have gained from me.
4. Sharing resources
   A place to share resources that we’ve found useful or materials we’ve created ourselves.
5. Disseminating best practice
   As well as sharing what’s working for us within the network, we want to tell our stories more widely so that others can learn and be inspired by our practice.