How might an ecclesial model help make actionable, theological sense out of a global Church related to myriad, diverse, often diverging local churches? Observations and over 100 interviews during and after the second session of the Synod on Synodality together with abductive analysis shows how network model explains the perennial question of how local churches relate to the universal church. This emphasizes a polycentric structure that facilitates global listening. It offers a way for pastoral councils to represent and listen to the entire local church. Network dynamics account for ecclesial dynamics regardless of scale, giving a common grammar to how the Church works. A network ecclesiology enables a more realistic understanding of power and persuasion in the Church, of the efficacy of ecclesial efforts toward peacebuilding, mission, and integral human development. Such a grammar of ecclesial dynamics informs how the Church handles tensions between local churches and beyond, safeguarding against ecclesial division. Attention to these network dynamics helps focus on discerning God's unifying, reconciling, sanctifying, liberative action.