Click here for a printable version of an Oikos Network Map Template with built in markers.
Where to from here? You have a group going that is hopefully starting to make other groups. You need to keep track of how everyone is going. One way to do this is with a Network Map.
In the beginning you can just sketch one up in a notebook or on your refrigerator using a white board marker. This helps in many ways.
Firstly it keeps you motivated! Secondly it keeps others motivated. (Be very selective who you show this too as it may contain sensitive data.)
It keeps up a high level of accountability between you and the groups under you. Information, motivation, queries, requests all flow up and down the chain. It helps to keep you focused and your prayer more detailed if you know who you are dealing with.
The censored picture above is a real example of an early network. Out of one group of 2 people, 13 groups now exist in various states of health and maturity. This is messy but normal. You can see who is mentoring who and what stage of development groups are at. The couple at the top do not really know the people at the bottom. They may hopefully meet at a large gathering from time to time or for mid-level training of leaders but essentially the one above is responsible for the people directly below them. That is where the highest degree of accountability and partnership exists. (A Paul and Timothy type of partnership.)
This level of interaction makes large networks manageable and keeps everything on track with the goals as well as health as they grow naturally. Large networks that are controlled by one or two people are unwieldly, become unhealthy and eventually collapse under their own weight.
Your first mud map or spaghetti map will only take you so far as a tool.
There will come a time where you will hit problems. Maybe it will not be with this network group but perhaps an unrelated distant group. It may have a different people group target or culture.
If you have hit a wall and seem to not be able to break through in your network then looking at the larger Oikos Marker Map may help you find some patterns that you can work on.
Transcribe your mud map onto a more organised map that has maturity details included. This can include details such as:
- Leader/mentor
- Number in the group
- Nationality/demographic
- Red, Yellow or Green Status
- Etc.
Examining your map you may find that a part of your DNA has failed to filter down and you have gaps in your 5 Roles Maturity check. This can represent a health issue as the DNA that you are trying to reproduce. When mapped out you will clearly see this. You can then go back up to the source of the problem to inject some corrective training in the form of SOS and brainstorming. Done correctly these changes will then filter down the chain and self-correct.
This type of mapping helps you see where the Holy Spirit is leading you to work, where more prayer is required or a rethink of how to reach a particular people group.
We caution you not to post these maps up in social media. In our experience an oikos map can quickly jump from the burbs of Sydney or Darwin into the middle of mainland China or Indonesia. Oikos networks have no boundaries. Posting public information may put members of your groups at risk. Please be discerning where and how you use these maps.
Click here for a printable version of an Oikos Network Map Template with built in markers.