Winning the World

246 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

Looking toward the Horizons, continued

II. Establishing Rules of Membership A. Admission: association versus denomination B. Recognition of autonomy of each local congregation C. Articles of Faith of association membership D. Terms and conditions E. Privileges and benefits F. Responsibilities of member congregations G. Processing initial applications and guiding superstructure III. Hosting Cooperative Ventures among Congregations A. Discussion of congregational concerns and priorities B. Fellowship, encouragement, and edification C. Credentialing leaders D. Providing pastoral care supports E. Sponsoring mission projects and ministry internships F. New urban church plant endorsements and support G. Association representation among larger Christian community IV. Providing Pastoral Support Care A. Credentialing and recognition of association-approved pastors B. Supplemental income support for new churches C. Home and/or parsonage allowances

D. Facilities grants and/or loans to new churches E. Pastoral retreats, counseling, and equipping

F. Term life insurance aid G. Health insurance support H. Mentoring and supervision V. Sponsoring Association Gatherings A. How often 1. Quarterly 2. Semi-annually 3. Annually 4. Bi-annually 5. Tri-annually B. Sponsored in specific locales 1. Local meetings

2. Regional meetings 3. National meetings