Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

144 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 2

Frequently Asked Questions Exploring the Ramifications World Impact

The following questions explore some of the implications of leading and feeding urban church plant teams. Carefully analyze both the questions and answers below related to leading teams, and feeding them as MTLs. Question 1 In leading and feeding church plant teams, what should I understand my authority to include? In other words, what is the scope of my authority to make decisions regarding the ongoing ministry of the church plant(s) I oversee? Answer to Question 1 The Team Leader is authorized to supervise ministry strategy and make provision for the safety, health, and ongoing effectiveness of his/her team members. The Team Leader reports to the MTL for the duration of the church planting endeavor for as long as the Team Charter indicates. The MTL provides updates and status reports to the World Impact City Director and/or governing church or denominational authority over seeing the church plant. If, for any reason, critical ministry issues exist that need to be considered, the governing authority will have the final word. (Generally, for instance, personnel issues are handled by Local Directors or the church authorities with whom we partner). However, in most cases, the Team Leader will be allowed to lead his/her team according to its Charter, and the MTL you will be given broad latitude to assist the team consistent with its chartered authority. Please note: The MTL has no direct-line connection with the National structure of World Impact. Question 2 Leading an urban church plant team obviously requires much communication. To whom is a leader most responsible for communicating his/her findings, suggestions, observations, and/or questions? Answer to Question 2 The Team Leader is responsible for meeting with his/her team members, communicating regularly with them and with those volunteers, supporters, and partnering churches which have aligned themselves with this effort. He/she is also responsible for communicating regularly with their MTL for counsel, input, and updating of the team’s status.