PRAYER

GROUND RULES FOR THE PROCESS

• We are all brothers and sisters in Christ • Exhibit courtesy to all• Listen to one another• Strive for unity and

understanding

THE DANA ALLIN

FAMILY

Rev. Dr. Dana S. Allin, Synod ExecutiveHighland Park Presbyterian Church

October 2, 2013

What we want to cover:

• Brief History of ECO• Distinctive Elements in ECO• Current Focus in ECO• Q&A

The Desire had been to stay within

–17th Synod–Non-geographic presbyteries–Protection for churches and

presbyteries to hold to evangelical positions for leaders

History of ECO/Fellowship

White Paper February 2011– Before It even looked like 10-A would pass– They no longer believed that the answer was to

reform the denomination by outvoting it– Stronger covenantal relationships within the

PC(USA) and for those who must to move outside of it.

Authors of White Paper

Jim Singleton – FPC Colorado SpringsJohn Crosby – Christ, Edina, MNVic Pentz – Peachtree, AtlantaRich Kannwisher – St. Andrews Newport BeachDavid Peterson, Memorial Drive, HoustonDavid Swanson – FPC OrlandoMark Toone – Chapel Hill, Gig Harbor, WA

Mission: To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:28-29

“It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and

teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may

present everyone mature in Christ.

For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.”

Mission: To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.

• Our energy should be spent on “presenting everyone mature in Christ.” (Col 1:28-29).

• We seek to be an ECO-system of churches that learn from one another and support one another for God’s purpose in the world.

• We should aggressively develop disciples, nurture leaders, and birth churches.

Two problems we are addressing

• Theological problems – This is the presenting issue and the first concern of most congregations.

• Institutional problem – A “denomination” needs to focus on the health of the church and its leaders, not on bickering and/or organizational preservation.

Realities and Projections

Currently: 75 Churches• June 2014: 200 Churches• June 2015: 300 Churches• June 2016: 400 Churches

Distinctive Elements of ECO

Distinctive #1 High Trust/Low Control

In order to have high trust and low control there must be:

1. Agreement on core essential theology AND

2. A desire to think differently about the function of denominations.

Distinctive #2 Micro-Expressions

We often only validate corporate worship as “church”.

2.0502 “The Church exists wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus. Therefore, it is appropriate to celebrate sacraments in these smaller units.”

Distinctive #3 Commission of Elders and Deacons for Greater ServiceIn ECO elders and deacons, when properly

trained can be authorized to do the following: (2.0502-0503)

1. They can celebrate sacraments in micro expressions of church

2. They can be a commissioned lay pastor of a church or a new church development

Distinctive #4 Accountability & Encouragement

Pastors and congregations need deeper relationships that can foster support and accountability.

1. Pastor Covenant Groups – 2.04022. The Mission Affinity Network for

congregations – 1.0104

Distinctive #5 Congregation owns Property

Holding property in trust burdens the congregation and the presbytery.

Distinctive #6 More time and energy in training

• 1% of annual budget is given to support ECO at local and national level.

• Meetings have limited business and more time getting the top quality information and training

Current Focus in ECO Development

Current Focusin ECO

Development

#1 Church Planting

In order to facilitate a church planting movement we are creating:

a. Regional Networksb. Church Planter Assessment

Centerc. On-going training and coaching

#2 Leadership Development

- Coach Training- Missional Community

Development- Officer training- Mentoring

Current Focusin ECO

Development

#3 Living into the Covenant Order

Helping pastors and churches live into covenant groups and Mission Affinity Work.

a. Shift focus away from “winning the vote”

b. How do we both organize, facilitate and share best practices in ministry

Current Focusin ECO

Development

#4 Working on the Theology Project

Greater work needs to be done in areas of theology.

• What is the nature of our confessional heritage? Which confessions do we want to call core?

• How can we flesh out our understanding of missional ecclesiology. (Meaning our theology of church, leadership, and function.)

Current Focusin ECO

Development

#5 Developing Support Structure

a. Emerging Presbyteriesb. Call systemc. Policies and procedures

Current Focusin ECO

Development

Q & A