We began the CSO Network in 2009 with 10 churches. These days, we celebrate God’s goodness in giving us 108 Network churches to serve in the US.
After working with hundreds of churches since 1996 in a more informal way, in 2009 the CSO Board directed the CSO staff to transition to a more formal arrangement in light of the financial challenges of those days. Out of that, we developed The CSO Network. Within this plan, churches actually participate in the funding of CSO, like a teenager might pay for part of his cell phone or her car insurance. The Network involves various levels of participation from churches, each requiring a different level of financial commitment. While we did limited market research and much prayer, we really didn’t know if this idea would actually work given the fact that churches also experienced the financial challenges of those days.
When we launched the Network, 10 churches initially signed on, all churches we were working with at the time. It was a very humble but encouraging start. In the process, we learned that churches value what we offer and even in difficult times would contribute for that help. The number of churches in the Network grew to 15 by the end of the year, 20 in 2010, 27 in 2011, 37 in 2012, and 87 in 2013.
We are honestly astounded at the churches and people God has brought our way. One of the questions we like to ask new churches is “How did you hear about CSO?” and then sit back and praise God for his work in connecting us.
In addition to the CSO Network launch in 2009, we also launched a more concerted effort to utilize the web to acquaint people with the Network. In 2009, we had about 5000 hits to our website for the year. In 2013, that number grew to 50,000. In both our Network churches and our web traffic we have had about a 10-fold increase in 5 years.
In Psalm 145, David declares, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” In this verse, he reminds us that the greatness of God is beyond any one person’s grasp.
However, rather than this declaration of impossibility deterring such efforts, David says it should spur them on. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” While no one person can grasp the greatness of God, we get a better understanding of it when those who see God’s greatness tell others about it.
When we talk about these great works as they unfold before us, David says it reminds the hearers to think about those great works to the point where they begin doing the telling. This is what we hope happens at CSO. God is doing great things in our ministry and lives but those works are not limited to us. They are all around us – everyday.
Think about what you read here and how those works might be evident in and around your life. Then – join in the celebration!
