what we want to cover
DESCRIPTION
What we want to cover. History of Fellowship/ECO Distinctive Elements in ECO Current Focus in ECO Q&A. This Stream of Evangelicals. Always wanted to differentiate WITHIN for the sake of mission 17 th Synod Non-geographic presbyteries - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
What we want to cover
• History of Fellowship/ECO• Distinctive Elements in ECO• Current Focus in ECO• Q&A
This Stream of Evangelicals
Always wanted to differentiate WITHIN for the sake of mission– 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.
Minneapolis 2012
Multiple options proposed• Stay PC(USA)• Union Congregation• Union Presbytery • Full Departure to NRB
Options in times of disagreement
Actively concurPassively Submit
Peaceably Withdraw
Ethos we want to create
CovenantalWe are not madMissional structureConnect where we can
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.”
View Fellowship as an Association of Like Minded Presbyterians
Fellowship
PC (USA)ECO
Other Presbyterian
Reformed Denominations
ECO and PC(USA) are
different denominations
Training, staffing,
encouragement
ECO PC (USA)
Fellowship of Presbyterians
Mission: To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.
VISION
Baptize more than we bury
by 2018
Realities and Projections
Currently: 55 Churches• Dec 2013 – 120Churches• Dec 2014 – 250 Churches• Dec 2015 – 400-500 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 AND2. A desire to think differently about the
function of denominations.
2.0102 “Ordaining bodies must ensure that all officers adhere to the Essential Tenets of ECO”
Distinctive #2 Micro-Expressions
We often say church isn’t just what occurs in corporate worship service, but 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:1. They can administer sacraments in micro
expressions of church (2.0502) (Under the authority of the session and a pastor.)
2. They can be a commissioned lay pastor of a church or a new church development (2.0503) (Under the authority of the Presbytery)
Distinctive #4 Accountability & Encouragement
Pastors and congregations need deeper relationships that can foster support and accountability. This happens within Presbytery, but also:
1. Pastor Covenant Groups – 2.04022. The Mission Affinity Network for
congregations – 1.0104
Distinctive #5 Property Not Held in Trust
Holding property in trust burdens the congregation and the presbytery.
Distinctive #6 Less Money and Time on Denominational Structure• 1% of annual budget is given to support ECO at
local and national level. This is usually less than people pay in per-capita. We do ask congregations to consider mission gifts or special offerings to support the work of ECO.
• Even though ECO is new, the goal or time spent on structure is as much time as needed and no more than necessary.
Distinctive #7 More Time on Training
National meetings have limited business and more time getting the top quality information and training, we want to encourage this at the presbytery and affinity network level as well.
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
Increasing the leadership capacity (knowledge, skills, and character) of current and emerging leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, and others).
Current Focusin ECO
Development
#3 Developing Support Structure
a. Emerging Presbyteriesb. Call systemc. Policies and procedures
Current Focusin ECO
Development
#4 Developing 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
#5 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
