prayer ground rules for the process we are all brothers and sisters in christ exhibit courtesy to...
TRANSCRIPT
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 #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 Service
In 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 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
