The following twelve values are the foundation of this plan and will remain as constant principles guiding our goals and activities from the proposed congregation’s inception onward. The first five define our faith and purpose, and the remaining seven represent the qualities that define a healthy spiritual community in the human form.
- The Lord Jesus Christ is the one and only God, and the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Heavenly Doctrines are His Word, and the foundation of all we do.
- We teach truths, and use those truths to help people to live good and useful lives.
- We love and serve one another, so that together we may love and serve the rest of the Lord’s children.
- We value marriage between a man and a woman and honor the unique, complimentary nature of each gender.
- We launch new, healthy congregations that share these values, and we inspire, instruct, support and advise others who are also called to do so.
- Survival – a healthy congregation has the ability to continue on despite outside events, despite the change of pastor, and despite the change of culture within the group.
- Growth – a healthy congregation has the intent to grow, in depth of involvement and in numbers involved.
- Reproduction (Fruitfulness) – a healthy congregation will eventually spawn, sponsor, and/or support additional fledgling congregations and missions, and will become a net producer of future ministers and pastors.
- Sovereignty (Freedom) – a healthy congregation is not financially beholden to other organizations, denominations, corporations or individual benefactors, although it may associate freely with them.
- Harmony – a healthy congregation has a focused purpose and unified mission around which there is a small harmony of goals that its membership organizes itself around and clearly agrees to.
- Service (Use) – a healthy congregation is outward focused and service-oriented, leading to a compassionate dedication to serving not just one another, but those outside the organization.
- Integrity – a healthy congregation keeps a fearless, unapologetic adherence to the principle teachings of New Christianity regarding the Lord, the Word, and the life of charity.
[This is excerpted from the Launch Plan for New Way Church in Austin, TX. Yesterday we posted “The Point“. Tomorrow: “Purpose“.]
#1 by Brian on 2010.01.28 - 2:31pm
like it. (Well, actually quite thrilled and inspired by it).
#2 by Mac on 2010.01.28 - 5:58pm
Good! Thanks!
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#3 by Stephen Simons on 2010.01.28 - 9:31pm
Solid.
Independent Local Mission-Focussed Community Christian Churches.
Love it.
You and I are very much on the same page.
#4 by Mac on 2010.02.01 - 10:15am
Awesome.
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#5 by Elise on 2010.01.30 - 11:16am
Why does this feel like a breath of fresh air? I am especially struck by #6 in respect to a fledgling congregation where it seems much of the “success” is due to the charisma, focus, and integrity of the pastor heading it up. I could see quite a wobble in a congregation which FEELS healthy when the original pastor is called somewhere else, depending on how it is handled and how well matched the new one is….
#6 by Mac on 2010.02.01 - 10:09am
The particular issue of pastor succession in church plants is one I wrestled with throughout my time in theological school. I think an essential key is to have intense lay involvement throughout the church, and to be sure that the vision of the church is picked up by more than just the pastor himself. I powerful vision will outlast a particular pastor, such that when the next guy comes along, the local members are able to clearly and powerfully convey that mission to him.
Even better though, is to also strive to raise up the next pastor out of the ranks of the congregation itself, rather than import some guy from across the country or the world.