The Go Network is a decentralized, voluntary network of Lutheran congregations, ministries, schools, and leaders.
Not a denomination, no dues, no authority over your ministry. What you get instead is practitioners helping each other identify and take their next faithful step in mission, discipleship, and multiplication.
Who we are
We are here for people who are already in the harvest field.
We connect ministry leaders and everyday missionaries who support each other as they bring the gift of salvation to their neighborhoods. This is a community where ministries grow in effectiveness and people experience the joy of participating in Christ's mission.
Everyone here holds five things in common:
What we do
Those who need help and those who could offer it often don't know each other.
Mission-minded, confessional Lutherans like us want to reach lost people in our communities with the Good News of Jesus. However, too often we work alone, unsure of our next faithful step, even though there are experienced practitioners out there who could offer that exact help.
Here is what changes.
We help you connect in cohorts with other practitioners to build trust, spark collaboration, and spur each other on in mission, discipleship, and multiplication. When your cohort reaches the edge of what it knows, there are mentors, certified coaches, and process providers to call on.
You're joining a cohort, not a mailing list.
A cohort is two or more practitioners who meet to build trust, encourage each other with the Gospel, and spur each other on toward their next steps.
Facilitators are initiators, not experts. They pick the date, keep the conversation moving with the Go Network Conversation Tool, make sure every voice is heard, and write down the next steps people name.
Local
Practitioners within driving distance of each other, usually meeting in person.
Regional
Practitioners spread out geographically, meeting online.
Affinity-based
Practitioners in a shared ministry context, such as church planters, schools, rural or urban congregations, dual parishes, or youth and family ministry.
What we value
Five values that shape how a cohort actually behaves.
The Teachings and Mission of Jesus
His teachings reveal what His mission is and how He accomplishes it, for us and through us.
Being Spirit-led
Praying continuously, seeking what He is already doing, and responding with the gifts He gives.
Unifying Trust
Humble, honest, and accountable with each other, especially in disagreement, and committed to forgiving and reconciling.
Innovation
Creativity, curiosity, and courage that let us fail forward and learn, as God's people have always done.
Generous Collaboration
God gives different gifts to each of us, so more is achieved together than alone.
What we believe
We accept the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions without reservation.
We accept without reservation the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice, and all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord.
We believe that Christ has called all believers to be His ambassadors to the world, and that the local congregation is the highest authority on ministry and mission within its community.
What it is and isn't
Advisory, never governing.
- A voluntary association that advises those who take part rather than directing them
- Congregations, ministries, and individuals who embrace and champion the five Mission Targets and share the confessional statement
- Freedom to leave at any time
- Freedom to maintain membership or partnerships with other ecclesial entities or associations
- Support for the network by permitting it to solicit donations for network-wide work
No claim on your property, your people, or your money.
- No right to the property or assets of any participating ministry or individual
- No direction or governance of the activities of those who take part
- No financial assessment, ever, and no retirement, health insurance, lending, endowment, or funding services created, owned, or administered
Questions
Questions people often ask.
Is this a new denomination?
No. It is voluntary, decentralized, and advisory. Congregations may remain fully affiliated with their denomination or association while participating.
What is expected of a church that joins?
Respecting our Lutheran theological framework, embracing the five Mission Targets, and taking part in a cohort. There are no institutional mandates and no financial assessments.
What theological confession are we held to?
We accept without reservation the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
Will you govern, evaluate, or interfere with our congregational activities?
No. There is no authority to direct, govern, or control congregational life, and no claim over assets, property, or personnel. The role here is to connect congregations with the mentors, tools, and partners they need, not to own, control, or direct those resources.
How does accountability work if there is low control?
Through a relational, Matthew 18 model. Alignment happens through peer cohorts and a shared vision of mission, discipleship, and multiplication rather than policy enforcement.
What does our church actually gain?
Ministry leaders gain support from a cohort of practitioners, collaborate and spur each other on to make progress with the five Mission Targets, and have access to the Go Network's curated list of proven mentors, certified coaches, and process providers who can provide specific help.
Will this create duplication or conflict with denominational leadership?
No. Since it is voluntary and advisory rather than governing, congregations can participate fully in denominational or district life while benefiting from additional mission-focused collaboration.
What is the purpose of the Five Mission Targets?
The targets are reflections of how Jesus equips His followers to pursue His mission in the Gospels. They provide a pathway to mark progress and are intended to be incremental, contextual, and engaged at your own pace. They describe ministry practices, not the worth of a ministry.
What does it cost?
There are no required dues, assessments, or benefit programs. Donations are received, but participation is not tied to giving.
How do I actually get involved?
Go to Get Involved and pick the step that fits. If you're ready, find a cohort and contact its facilitator directly. If you would like more information first, there's a short form for that. If you have experience to offer other practitioners, let's talk!