NEXT STEP FOCUS TEAM - INITAL REPORT A COVENANT ORDER OF EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIANS (ECO) (History, Structure, Governance/Polity, etc. as copied from their web site, April - 2015)
In the summer of 2010, seven pastors from the Presbyterian Church (USA) met, to encourage each other in faith, ministry, and mission. They were concerned by the declining membership within their denomination (from four million to two million in 40 years). And they worried that growing denominational disputes over theology and bureaucracy stole focus from their pastoral calling of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping a new generation to lead. In January 2011, these pastors sent out a letter to PC(USA) pastors around the country, asking if others wanted to join in a crafting new way forward. August 2011, nearly 2,000 men and women gathered in Minneapolis; the result was the birth of The Fellowship of Presbyterians, This was a small like minded group which remained within the larger group (PCUSA) But some pastors and congregations felt God calling them to leave the PC(USA) denomination, and many young seminarians were looking for a different context for ordination. As a result, in January 2012, at a conference in Orlando with more than 2,200 in attendance, a new denomination was formed: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). The current Synod Executive, Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, explained to a 2013 PCUSA Presbytery meeting why he and his (then) Ft. Pierce, Fla. congregation left PCUSA to join ECO under the Gracious Dismissal policy. He said the PCUSA "tent has moved to the left" regarding: a. authority of scripture
b. book order has functionally put itself above scripture - in 2010-2011 when changes were made to ordination standards; 2 changes "fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness which was a requirement to live in obedience of scripture" was replaced by new standard is to "be guided by scripture". c. questioning about the erosion of the authority of Jesus
d. new ordination standards (which now allow ordination of persons who live with another person of the same sex) creates a problem for the ordained people who believe in the old ordination standards (which required fidelity in marriage or chastity in singleness).
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ECO represents a new "Third Way" -- to find "collaborative partnerships on an ecumenical basis believing, if we have the right spirit, we can accomplish more for the kingdom of God together, if we are apart denominationally.
The name ECO reinforces our passion for strengthening the ecosystems of local churches. We believe the church is a living organism that needs life-giving resources to help it grow, thrive, and multiply. ECO is committed to cultivating a healthy, diverse, resource-rich ecosystem where pastors and congregations can flourish. ECO core commitments
1. Covenant - To connect leaders in accountable relationships and encourage collaboration.
2. Evangelical - To advance the gospel of Jesus Christ and plant new missional communities. 3. Order - To commit to a shared way of life as we unite around a shared theological core.
4. Presbyterian - To stand within our Reformed heritage and celebrate the life of the mind. Our Work
Today ECO is a rapidly-growing Presbyterian denomination that exists to serve the local church and reclaim a sense of covenanted biblical community. ECO's Four Priorities
• • • •
Lift up the centrality of the gospel. Grow with an emerging generation of leaders. Prioritize a wave of church innovation. Create an atmosphere of relational accountability. Our Mission
To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ. Core Values: • •
• • • •
Jesus-shaped Identity Biblical Integrity: we believe the Bible is the unique and authoritative Word of God, which teaches all that is necessary for faith and life. …. The unrivaled authority of the Bible directs our actions to be in concert with Christ’s very best for our lives. Accountable Community: we want to connect leaders to one another in healthy relationships of accountability, synergy, and care. Thoughtful theology Egalitarian Ministry Missional Centrality, center-focused spirituality, leadership velocity, kingdom vitality
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ECO Governance/Polity We aspire to reclaim a sense of covenanted biblical community, where unity is derived from a shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ more than structural mandate. Congregations will gather together not to debate process or policy, but to collaborate, share best practices, encourage a Jesus way of life, and spur one another on to love and good deeds. The Distinctive Elements of Our Polity • • • •
Flat, nimble structure to facilitate an atmosphere of high trust and low control Affirmations of micro-expressions of church, with smaller worshiping bodies supported Commissioning of elders and deacons for greater service Fostering accountability and encouragement through the local presbytery and Mission Affinity Groups • Churches retain full ownership rights to their property • Less time and money invested in maintaining a denominational structure • More time invested in training pastors and leaders
Nature and purpose
THE CONGREGATION
Congregations have these ends in common: (1.0101) • • • •
Sharing the Good News of Reconciliation Gathering people for divine worship Nurturing relationships for spiritual accountability and mutual ministry Preparing disciples to be the sent people of God in the World
Membership
Baptized Member •
Through Baptism, an individual is joined to the Church Universal , but has not made a profession of faith (1.0301) Covenant Partners •
Those who wish to embrace the congregation’s covenantal expectations, and who have completed a “meaningful preparation process” as determined by the session (1.0303)
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Duties and Responsibilities Covenant Partners • • •
Receives encouragement, support, and correction that the Lord promises to those who share spiritual fellowship (1.0304) Has voluntarily submitted to the government of the church, and participates in worship and work, and is eligible to vote. (1.0402) Leaders shall be spiritually mature, agree with Essential Tenets of ECO, be carefully selected, trained, mentored, supervised and be members for at least a year (1.0305)
The Congregation •
Shall be a part of a Mission Affinity Group in order to increase accountability and encouragement (1.0104)
Meetings • •
Annual Meeting and special meetings as needed. quorum is 10% of covenant partners (unless congregation , by its own rule, decides to alter) (1.0501)
Business that must be conducted (1.0503) • • • • •
Electing elders and trustees Calling pastor, head of staff, associate, or to request dissolution of calls Buying mortgaging transferring or selling real property Requesting that presbytery dismiss the congregation to another presbytery or another reformed body (req 2/3 vote) Approving amendments to the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other corporate governing documents
Accountability • • • •
Covenant Partners put themselves under the spiritual leadership of the session and wider councils (1.0103) Leaders submit to the spiritual authority of their colleagues (1.0102) Subject to Judicial process: disciplinary cases (act or omission that is contrary to scripture or the constitution (Rules of discipline 2.1) A congregation shall also be a part of a Mission Affinity Group (MAG) (1.0104)
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THE SESSION Nature and Purpose •
Elders, elected by covenant partners govern the congregation (1.0601)
Membership (1.0601) •
•
By its own rule, the congregation shall determine the number of elders, their length of service, and the ordering of the session. The minimum shall be three active elders plus the moderator
Duties and Responsibilities (1.0603) • • • •
• • •
Worship, educational life of congregation Baptism, Lords Supper Plan for and provide means of discipleship Elect elder members to presbytery o Maximum number elders equal to number of pastors with voting authority Shall arrange for congregation to participate in synods plan of health and welfare benefits, unless synod and congregation agree to an alternative providing comparable coverage. Independent annual financial review, publish report to congregation and presbytery Evaluate ministry and mission and report to Presbytery.
Meetings (1.0602) • •
Shall hold stated meetings at least quarterly Pastor serves as moderator.
Accountability • • • • •
Evaluates the congregation’s ministry and mission and reports to presbytery Participate in MAG (annual meeting, 1/3 Session must attend) Ordaining bodies (Session for Elders and deacons, Presbytery for Pastors) ensure that all officers adhere to Essential Tenets of ECO – failure to adhere is grounds for removal (2.0101) Ordination Vow: “will you be governed by ECO’s polity and discipline? And will you be accountable to your fellow elders, deacons, and pastors as you lead? (2.0103) Ordination Congregational Question: Agree that elders and deacons to lead us in the way of Jesus Christ according to the Word of God and the Constitution of ECO? (2.0104)
Delegation of Responsibilities
• Officers may be commissioned to provide pastoral leadership and administer sacraments within a congregation under supervision of pastor, or may be commissioned to serve as pastor for a congregation or a new church development (2.05) • Session serves as governing board of nonprofit corporation, unless corporations documents provide for a separate corporate board that operates under the authority of the session (4.0102) 5
THE PRESBYTERY Nature/ Purpose (3.0101) Exercises apostolic authority for the nurture/benefit of its congregations Membership (3.0102) • At least 10, and no more than 20 congregations, geographically connected • Each congregation represented by eligible voting pastors and an equal number of elders. Duties (3.0103) •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Promote the health of the covenant community to the end that its congregations and members may bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Charter and receive new congregations into the presbytery Dismiss congregations to other presbyteries or denominations. Exercise special care and oversight of congregations that do not have an installed pastor, and appoint the moderator of such sessions. Dissolve congregations when their mission work has ceased. Authorize the celebration of the Lord’s Supper beyond particular congregations. Receive, dismiss, examine, install, provide pastoral care for, and discipline pastors. Enroll, dismiss, and examine candidates and ordain them to called service. Validate the call of ministers to service beyond a congregation. Settle differences between congregations and pastors. Propose and vote on amendments to the Constitution. Elect commissioners to wider councils including the Synod Promote and encourage missional effectiveness Elects a governing council (3.0104) Establish processes and procedures for recruiting, training, and encouraging candidates to the ministry (3.0109)
Meetings (3.0104) Shall meet twice a year.
• Member pastors with voting authority may vote at stated meetings. Required Committees: Committee on Ministry, Permanent Judicial Committee
Accountability (Rules of Discipline 2.1)
Subject to judicial process: remedial cases (erroneous decision/ action or omission / failure to act) Delegation of Responsibilities (3.0106) •
• • • •
Voting members may also delegate to the presbytery governing council authority with respect to any such matter, other than the chartering or dissolution of congregations. Governing Council consists of a number of individuals to be determined by presbytery, equal number of elders and pastors Council is responsible for records finances, policies, and procedures of the presbytery Shall have authority to elect corporate officers (including CEO), and to hire staff. Serves as corporate board of nonprofit (4.0102)
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THE SYNOD Purpose 3.0201
• Give support and guidance to the presbyteries and congregations • Assess and proclaim the missional vision and theology of ECO Membership • The synod, by its own rule, shall determine the number of commissioners from each presbytery, and each presbytery shall be entitled to at least one elder and one pastor commissioner. Duties and Authority 3.0202 • • • • •
Provide linkage of presbyteries to one another for mutual encouragement. Correspond and connect with global mission partners, other denominations and ministry partners Maintain the Constitution and Essential Tenets of Eco Where appropriate and necessary, provide services (ie pension and health insurance) for ECO Commissioners shall have the authority o elect and remove members of the synod executive committee o amend and vote on proposed amendments to the constitution submitted to the synod by at least two presbyteries
Meetings of Commissioners 3.0203 • •
Meets at least bi-annually Governed by Robert Rules of Order, unless by its own rule has adopted other procedures and practices
Accountability
Delegation of responsibilities •
Shall have authority to elect and remove members of the Synod Executive Committee
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SYNOD EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Membership (3.0204)
Consists of six between six and nine individuals, with at least three being elders and the remainder being ordained pastors Powers (3.0204) •
• • • • • • •
Constitute, divide, and dissolve presbyteries, and settle disputes between them, provided any such action is approved by two-thirds of the members of the council then in office Receive and approve union presbyteries into ECO, provided any such action is approved by two-thirds of the members of the governing board then in office. Adopt an annual budget and may receive, hold, manage, sell and expend funds and other assets. Elect corporate officers (including a president) and hire staff. Represent ECO to ecumenical and mission partners when needed. Develop a manual of operations for its activities and functions. Own the distinctive trademarks, trade names, and other intellectual property of ECO and protect against unauthorized use thereof. Exercise all other powers of a nonprofit corporation under applicable law.
Meetings
Accountability
Delegation of Responsibilities
The synod corporation (nonprofit) shall in all matters be subject to the direction, review, and control of the synod exercised through the synod governing board.
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CONSTITUTION The Constitution of ECO includes (6.01) (although the PC(USA)'s Book of Confessions is not expressly stated to be part of the ECO Constitution, it is affirmed in the Essential Tenets to be a faithful exposition of the Word of God) • • •
Essential Tenets Polity Rules of Discipline
Amendments to Constitution (6.02)
Two presbyteries must concur on proposed changes and overture the larger body • •
The synod may amend and transmit the proposed changes to the presbyteries, (simple majority? – not specified) adoption requires 2/3 majority of presbyteries
Amendment to Essential Tenets • •
requires affirmative vote of 2/3 of voting members of the synod present The affirmative vote of each presbytery shall require an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the voting members of such presbytery present and voting ECO SYNOD COUNCIL
Synod Class 3 * • Eric Jacobsen (p) Moderator - Presbytery of Northwest and Alaska • Linda Gray (e) - Presbytery of the West • Bobby Austel (e) - East Central Presbytery Synod Class 4 • Laura Smit (p) - Great Lakes Presbytery • Larry Moffet (e) - East Central Presbytery • Jay Lee (p) - Presbytery of Texas
Synod Class 5 • Scott Palmbush (p) - Presbytery of Northern California and Nevada • Greg Smith (e) - Presbytery of Florida • Jennifer Holtz (p) - Presbytery of the West * Note : "class 3" term expires with end of next Synod meeting, replaced with "class 6" newly elected members.
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ECO STAFF •
Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, Synod Executive
•
Sarah Arnoult
• • • •
Rev. Beth Allin,
Church Planting Assessment Coordinator
Brenda Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Skye Stevenson, Shelby Goss
Assistant to the Synod Executive Executive Administrator Financial Administrator
•
Emily Day,
Director of Communications
•
Bill Young
Director of Global Engagement
• • •
Rev. Anna Kent, John Terech,
Patricia Terech,
Director of Mission Affinity Groups Director of Operations
Assistant to the Director of Operations Presbyteries **
** A presbytery is to provide support, flexibility, a resource and encouragement for local churches to pursue their Kingdom purposes. Beginning 2015, ECO is preparing for more growth by forming additional presbyteries in the East. As of 4/6/15 there are 9 Presbyteries and 189 Sessions + 2 church plants, shown (xx). Presbytery of the Northeast (16) Presbytery of East Central - Moderator Brian Stewart, FPC Greenville, SC (33) * Presbytery of Florida (15) Presbytery of the Great Lakes (23) Presbytery of Texas & Louisiana (11) Presbytery of the West (18) Presbytery of Northern California & Nevada (24) Presbytery of the Northwest & Alaska (27) Presbytery of Southern California (24)
* 8 Georgia churches - FPC, Fitzgerald; Sharon Presbyterian, Hartwell; Church of the Redeemer, Snellville; Evergreen Church, Peachtree City; Eastminster Presbyterian, Marietta; Fellowship Presbyterian, Jasper; Oak Mountain Presbyterian, Carrollton; FPC Douglasville.
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ECO Resources Training/Equipping ECO Church Planting Process - 3 interconnected components to the church planting process. 1. Regional Church Planting Networks - Networks consist of 10-15 churches located in close proximity to each other. The pastors in each network will collaborate to: • • • •
Cast a vision for church planting in their region Provide a pipeline of potential church planters Provide internship opportunities for potential church planters who need experience Provide accountability and encouragement for new church planters to be trained
2. Church Planting Assessment Process When someone expresses interest in planting a church, they will be led through a Church Planting Assessment process. The assessment will review the character, competency, and calling of each candidate (and his/her spouse, if applicable). The goal is to determine the readiness of each candidate and what environment will be most conducive to his/her success. The assessment will also provide a practical plan for the candidate to address weaknesses and maximize strengths. If you are interested in entering the Church Planting Assessment process, we recommend you review the 20 questions in our document “Is City Church Planting for Me?” as part of your discernment process. 3. Ongoing Training After someone completes their assessment, they may begin ECO’s 18-month church planting training program. This training brings together cohorts of church planters across the country to learn the developmental stages and strategies for church planting. The training also includes an individual component, where each candidate receives coaching for a particular ministry context. Church Planting Goals: We envision a thriving church planting system that continues to multiply upon itself. We are prayerfully and passionately pursuing the following goals:
June 2015 Church Planting Goals • • • •
7 Regional Networks in place 20 churches in beginning stages of being planted 45 church planting candidates will have been through assessment; 80% of them actively engaged in planting churches or placed in internships for further preparation First group of 8 planters have finished the 18-month training program
June 2020 Church Planting Goals • • • •
15 Regional Networks in place 50 church plants are self-sustaining 75% of new church plants are in the process of planting at least one daughter church 150 church planting candidates will have been through assessment 11
One of our Core Values is “Leadership Velocity". Identifying and developing gospel-centered leaders is critical for the Church. Great leadership culture is risk-taking, innovative, and organic.
Missional Leader Training One of the greatest ways to bring about transformation in a local church is to activate the missional DNA inside every believer. Missional Leader Training is designed to help leaders catalyze transformation in their congregations. This six-month process both educates participants on how to create missional communities and walks alongside them as communities are formed. For more information about hosting a Missional Leader Training event, or learning about integrating a missional ministry model into your church, contact Dana Allin.
Mentorship & Coaching As church leaders pour into the lives of others, they need relationships with mentors and coaches who are pouring into them. We encourage every pastor to establish an intentional relationship with an older leader who might serve as adviser, encourager, and wise counselor in navigating the challenges of ministry. ECO is pleased to offer the Coach Certification Process for those interested in becoming coaches using curriculum developed by CoachNet. This process begins with pre-orientation sessions with a Coach Mentor, continues with a two-day onsite training event, and concludes after six months of coaching practice, plus additional sessions with a Coach Mentor and a final evaluation. Once certified, coaches can be added to a resource list of recommended coaches for congregations, pastors, Mission Affinity Groups, and other ministry leaders. Certified coaches may also submit their training in a portfolio to the International Coaching Federation for further accreditation. For more information on pursuing the Coach Certification with through ECO, contact Dana Allin.
Sharing Best Practices ECO seeks to facilitate leaders coming together regularly so as to share best practices and collaborate. We do this through Mission Affinity Groups. And we do this through a regular rhythm of Regional Gatherings and National Gatherings where leaders can come together, both through breakout sessions and in informal ways, to share what they’re learning and spur each other in ministry. Learn about upcoming events.
Training Conferences Future Travelers Sponsored by Exponential, and facilitated by Alan Hirsch, the Future Travelers Program is comprised of a cohort of 25 ECO and Fellowship ministry leaders from across the country. The program intends to support ministry leaders by helping to facilitate missional transformation in their churches. Ministry leaders will also be supported within the program through various 12
opportunities to build relationships with one another. Spots are still available. If you’d like to be included in the cohort, contact the synod office email at
[email protected].
PARTNERSHIPS As part of ECO’s passion to join in God’s work around the world and support the global Church, we maintain partnerships with three Presbyterian mission agencies.
The Outreach Foundation The mission of The Outreach Foundation is to engage Presbyterians and global partners in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. They seek to be a resource to congregations to help them catch a vision for the amazing things that God is doing around the world and to partner in it. Their priorities are to: build the capacity of global church partners; send and support missionaries; care for vulnerable children; expand support for mission; and transform lives through mission involvement.
The Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship The Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF) works with Presbyterian congregations to help establish indigenous churches among unreached people groups and to find new places to be involved in frontier mission. PFF exists as a resource in helping churches create or enhance their vision for taking the gospel to all people groups in the world. They are driven by a two-fold vision — For Every People: An Indigenous Church and For Every Church: A Mission Vision.
The Antioch Partners The Antioch Partners (TAP) is a missionary sending agency that partners with local Presbyterian churches in the U.S. to send out followers of Jesus to participate in God’s mission in the world. Those serving through TAP have been called by God to long-term, cross-cultural 13
ministry and are engaged in many aspects of Kingdom work, including: evangelism, social justice, discipleship, supporting church-planting movements, leadership development, and business as mission.
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