Winning the World

Append i x 233

Appendix 45 Authority and Indigenous Church Planting Movements Making the Case for Spiritual Identity Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Do CPMs require decentralization of authority and looseness of common identity in order to be dynamic?

Denominations and church structures that impose a hierarchy of authority or require bureaucratic decision-making are ill-suited to handle the dynamism of a Church Planting Movement. It is important that every cell or house church leader has all the authority required to do whatever needs to be done in terms of evangelism, ministry and new church planting without seeking approval from a church hierarchy.

~ David Garrison. Church Planting Movements . Richmond: Southern Baptist Convention, 1999.

Why Identity is fundamental to healthy C 1 church planting among the poor

1. Shared vision, spirituality, and identity: C 1

s desire and want to

have a sense of belonging

2. Friendship, camaraderie, cooperation among congregations plagued with sense of isolation

3. Protection against the fertile ground of heresy in the city

4. Cross-pollination and ever-ready supply of leaders and gifted team members

5. Exponential increase for maximum impact through shared resources

6. Leveraging the community’s resources and commitment on its priority issues and concerns

7. Coordination of training for leaders and workers in terms of curricula, processes, and personnel

8. Development of common resources for worship, discipleship, and spiritual growth