What we want to cover

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 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 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 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

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

Q & A