Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

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

F. Prayer meetings, and special seasons of intercession

G. Special convocations and praise gatherings among member churches

H. Sharing same cache of spiritual songs, Christian hymns, and published music

I. Use of Christian art and symbols in Christian worship

J. Use of our outer-cone resources for member congregation care (e.g., work programs, education, medical clinics, camps, etc.)

1. Family camps and conferences

2. Youth ministry programming

3. Adult training and support

II. Standard practice in following up and discipling ( incorporating) new members into association churches

A. Shared evangelistic methods and strategies to equip members to present the gospel within their oikos (households and relational networks)

B. Shared Affirmation of Faith Statement

C. Using common translation of the Scripture (ESV as recommended english-speaking version)

D. Employing a Book of Worship and Discipleship

1. A spiritual and administrative guidebook outlining the association’s faith, worship, and structures (e.g., the concept of the prayer book, similar to the UMC Book of Order , or the Book of Common Prayer )

2. Criteria: Simple, clear, ecumenical, and orthodox

3. Include elements that are distinctive of the movement (i.e., its history, distinctives, and commitments)

4. Small group nurture and placement