Kirche aus der Netzwerkperspektive: Metapher - Methode - Vergemeinschaftungsform

[Church from a Network Perspective. Metaphor - Method - Form of Communitarisation]
The topic of networking and church is attracting much interest. One of the reasons for this is certainly the publication of the fifth church membership survey of the EKD (V. KMU). The broad field of network research proves to be very disparate, but it can act as an catalyst for theology and church. The mission of the church, the communication of the Gospel, takes place mainly locally without being limited by it. It is building on relationships, neighbourhoods, interchange, and accessibility. Many insights of network research can help congregations, the church, and theology to better understand social change and to challenge their own practice. New forms of communication and corresponding attitudes could help to share the Gospel with people who are curious, distant, indifferent, or non-demoninational.