Biblical Counseling Institute

“Bringing practical scriptural answers to life’s problems”

Women of Grace: Time is running out to register for our annual ladies retreat March 9-10. Price is still be $65 for a shared room at the Comfort Suites in Millersburg, including dinner on Friday, continental breakfast at the Comfort Suites and a yummy lunch at the Hotel Millersburg on Saturday. Our speaker will be Monica Pasquele (Kathy Wilhelm’s sister-in-law). She will speak about “The Fruitful Life”.  Of course, we’ll have a late evening Chonda Pierce movie and hopefully they will keep that warm pool open late for us if we behave ourselves!  Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center and are due back February 26, 2012 with check and roommate information.  See Betty Harris if you have questions.

Join us for our Good Friday Service on April 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Communion will be served.

AWANA Grand Prix.  Saturday, March 3, 2012.  Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.  Race begins at 10:00 a.m.

The AWANA Grand Prix was a success once again!  Great fun and lots of laughs!

Best Design:

Cubbies:  Cayden Coffey

Sparks:  Russell Andersaon

T&T:  Lauren Housley

Speed:

Cubbies:   1st Place   Colbie Curall

2nd Place  Rose Wilhelm

3rd Place  Cayden Coffey

Sparks:  1st Place   Riley Curall

2nd Place   Grace Longstreth

3rd Place   John Wilhelm

T&T:  1st Place   Hunter Burdett

2nd Place  Lauren Housley

3rd Place  Allysa Reinagle

Join us for our Christmas Eve Candle Light Service on Saturday, December 24, at 6:oo p.m. 

AWANA PARENT BOOKLET 2011-2012

Ordered Learning Schedule – Fall 2011

Grace Church of Rootstown A Provisional
Church Planting Strategy
January 16, 2011 By Ron Regas
Foreword
The past 10 years have been an incredible journey into my understanding of church-based theological education and the mission that spawns from that deep soil. This is largely in part to Jeff Reed of Oakwood Road Church in Ames, IA, BILD International and the many resources provided, summits attended, ministry opportunities, personal instruction and care from many at Oakwood Road Church. From my observations of 21st Century mission models, I have come to a clearer understanding of church planting and mission. With the years of training, the age of my family, and the convergence of opportunity, I can see my path for ministry for years to come.
One of my mentors, George Stagg, has stepped out of his comfort zone in Ames, IA to begin a church plant known as Twin Cities Church in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I have used his description of their church plant as a template for my written strategy. For that I am very grateful to George.
I call this a provisional plan as it is a work in progress and I am continually refining and seeking counsel from others. Recording my thoughts has also helped crystallize the paradigm.
Grace Church is a church – the Household of God
The term used in the New Testament for church is ekklesia. In non-religious uses, it meant “an assembly of citizens.” In the New Testament, it was “a called out assembly of believers, a congregation of Christians, implying interacting membership.” In our times, the term “church” is usually defined as a place to go, a building, or an event to attend on Sundays. This is an incorrect view. Biblically, the term always means a gathered group of people.
Another prominent term used to define the people of God is “household”1. In non-religious uses, the term could mean “in or of the house,” or “of the same family.” In the New Testament, the term was used in exactly the same way, and always meant “family” when speaking of God’s people.2
If we take these two ideas and combine them, we can define “church” in this way:
Church: A group of Christians that gather together and interact as a family – God’s family. The church then is a family of families in a real sense.
1 This is a literary genre common at the time of the New Testament church. It set forth guidelines for the ideal family life and the ideal community life. It was common in Greek literature, especially referring to the ideal city- state. 2 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 4:17
Page 2
How important is God’s Family to His Eternal Purposes?
The importance of the church is seen in the fact that Christ died for the church.3 The church is central to the plan of God and thus should have our priority as well.
Because churches are literally all around us (or at least the buildings that churches meet in), we have grown apathetic to the significance and importance of the local church. The town of Rootstown claims 6 churches; Ravenna 35, Kent 10, Aurora 11, Brimfield 9, Windham 10, and two counties, Portage boasts 98 while Stark claims 245 churches.4 Reportedly Portage County has the least number of churches per capita than any county in the state of Ohio. Let’s examine two passages that speak to the significance and importance of the local church:
Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
1 Timothy 3:14-15 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
In the first passage, we see that God is working through the Church to show His manifold wisdom (every aspect of His nature and character) and that His plan has been in place from eternity past and was accomplished in Jesus’ death and resurrection. There is no other entity on earth with this calling!
In the second passage, Paul states the church is the pillar and support of the truth. Jesus is the truth5, but the church holds up and shows it to the world. When Jesus is living in us and changing us, then Jesus is reflected in our conduct – we are the picture of truth in the world! There is no other entity on earth with this calling!
Conclusion: We are God’s family, called to reflect the wisdom and truth of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, through our conduct with each other.
3 Ephesians 5:25 4 Chamber of Commerce 5 John 14:6
Page 3
We Are Preaching the Gospel
What are we doing?
The gospel is the news of Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, which provided that He was the Anointed One of God, the promised Son and King that would establish. Since God desires all people to be saved, it is the task of the church to proclaim this message6. We are sharing the gospel aggressively with our neighbors, friends, and family members through our Red Book studies7 designed for one-on- one or small groups.
We Are equipping Christians and Christian Households
All Christians are called to maturity in order to be useful to the ongoing ministry of the gospel. Mature Christians embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in the church reflect the truth and love of Jesus Christ and fulfill Christ’s calling upon their lives. We are teaching the Apostles’ doctrine handed down from Jesus Christ. 8
A household is a family unit, which can consist of an unmarried person, a couple, or a family with children. As households are the foundation of local churches, the Scriptures call households to a way of life that embody the teaching of Jesus Christ. As households mature, their effectiveness as witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ is enhanced, resulting in a greater number of mature believers – long lasting fruit.9
We Are Training Leaders
To ensure the continued growth and expansion of the church, those planting churches are called to train leaders to watch over or shepherd local churches, to train leaders to preach the gospel and plant more churches. We have developed a multi-level leadership training process to successfully implement our training.10
We Are Engaging the City in Love and Good Works
We are not simply called to maturity, but to service in the example of Jesus, we recognize that our maturity as Christians, households, and leaders enables us to respond to the pressing needs of the church and the world around us. In meeting these pressing needs through good works,
6 John 20:30-31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; 1 Timothy 2:4 7 How To Know God, written by Wesley Rowe and Chris Norman 8 Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:28 9 Titus 2:1-3:15; Colossians 3:18-4:1; Ephesians 5:22- 6:9 10 Acts 20:17-38; Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:2
Page 4
humility, consideration, love, and sacrifice, we demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus, making Him attractive to a world in need of a savior. We must strive to seek the welfare of the city.11
We have a long way to go but have made our building available to the community for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, gym sports, and voting. We are looking to implement participation with our community’s parade by providing refreshments. I have met with the School Superintendent and offered our help as well as met with the school curriculum director, as well as working with the school sports teams and coaches.
We are Assisting Churches
To strengthen the intensity of impacting the world with the gospel, we are committed to encouraging and equipping other churches and their leadership. Our goal would be for each church to reach maturity which will engage them in the church planting strategy of the first century as well. We will do this by prayerfully considering approaching churches in need and responding to requests of other churches as well.
We Are Planting Churches
Because churches are central to the eternal plan of God through Jesus Christ, we are following in the example of the Apostle Paul and the early church. The book of Acts shows that when the gospel was preached and people believed, they were assembled into local churches. 12 Our desire is to begin Gospel Communities in Portage, Stark, and Summit Counties as well as being open to any area the Lord may direct. We believe the Great Commission is fulfilled through the multiplication of churches. The goal is to reach non-churched people with the gospel.
What Will This Look Like?
People believing in Jesus, repenting from sin, being baptized, and sincerely walking with Him People building transformed lives in the power of the gospel and the word of God People building long-term, real friendships with their brothers and sisters in Christ that demonstrate love, forgiveness, the bearing of burdens, and the building up of one another in all areas of life
People and families practicing hospitality and engaging in good deeds in their love for the world, which causes others to know Jesus. Their homes literally become ministry centers Leaders getting trained to preach the gospel, start churches, establish churches, and equip leaders
Receive from and give to other churches in Portage, Stark, and Summit counties Rich people using their money to help others in need (benefactors) Poor people who are poor because of laziness develop diligence and become providers and helpers of others
11 Romans 12:13; Ephesians 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:10; 5:10; 6:18; Titus 2: 7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14; 1 Peter 2:12; Hebrews 10:24; James 3:13; 1 John 3:18; Jeremiah 29:7 12 Acts 13:1-14:28
Page 5
Mediation into the lives of poor people who are poor because of oppression and free them from oppression People of different ethnicities and social classes are attracted to Jesus because of the diversity of the church and the liberality of our love, commitment and sacrifice
People enslaved in addictions find freedom and life through Jesus Children are growing up with a clear vision of work, family, and community purpose coupled with the knowledge, skills, and character to fulfill these purposes Knowledge of our faith and love in our midst is heralded around the world
How Do We Preach the Gospel?
The preaching of the gospel occurs publically and privately.
Public preaching of the gospel happens regularly in the public meetings of Grace Church, which usually occurs on Sunday mornings. We typically approach the preaching by working through books of the Bible, with an intentional emphasis on the gospel as it is portrayed in each book and how people are called to participate in the eternal purposes of God, again guided by the intentions of each particular book. In this way, those who are not yet Christians are exhorted to understand and believe in the gospel and God’s calling upon their lives and those who are Christians are strengthened in their own faith. The work of Apollos, who was a gifted preacher and teacher, is a clear example of how effective public gospel proclamation not only draws people to Jesus, but also encourages those who have already believed. We also emphasize the gospel in our festal preaching, particularly during Easter and Christmas celebrations.13
Private preaching of the gospel should occur all the time through the efforts of everyone in the church. The New Testament’s dominate model of evangelism for the church is through the relationships we build as individuals and households through the intentional engagement in good deeds. These relationships form the context for interaction and discussion. Everyone in the faith is commanded to live prayerfully and with wisdom towards those not in the church, using our time well and responding appropriately to each person that inquires of our faith and hope.14 Additionally, Jesus calls us to display respectful and attractive behavior. Through wise, well- chosen words, the gospel is proclaimed and people come to know Jesus. We encourage each family to use their family meal as an opportunity to develop relationships. We also encourage everyone, after relationships are established, to study through the kerygmatic study entitled, How to Know God, which gives a clear proclamation of the gospel in a ten week study.
13 Acts 18:24-28 14 Colossians 4:2-6; 1 Peter 3:15
Page 6
How Do We Plant Churches?
Using the church at Antioch as an example,15 Grace Church of Rootstown will be considered the Antioch Center or hub for a church planting network. Understanding there are two types of leaders found in the book of Acts, we will have elders who will have responsibility for the shepherding and care for the local flock in Rootstown. This is “modal” or local leadership and is vital to the church plant network. Without an established church, mission endeavors will not be effective. Presently Grace Church has 8 elders to handle this. Ron Regas, the teaching pastor of Grace Church, will function in the “sodal” or non-local role helping to birth Gospel Communities, train its leaders, oversee the development of these Gospel Communities into churches, and continue to move among them for strengthening, encouragement, and accountability.
My present emphasis will be to be the teaching pastor of Grace and will continue to be part of the shepherding and work with the Gospel Communities especially on Sunday nights.
The church at Antioch had five teachers and prophets engaged in leadership and teaching. After prayer and fasting the leadership recognized the Holy Spirit sending Saul and Barnabas to the work He had called them to (sodality), while Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch remained in Antioch to carry out the local shepherding of the flock (modality). Barnabas and Saul did return at different times and no doubt shared the shepherding role until it was time to go out again into the network that had been established by the planting of churches. A mutual respect and love continued to exist between the Pauline Team and the church at Antioch. They were mutually beneficial to each other. In a microcosm, we desire to see this happen through Grace Church. This innovative approach is modeled in the book of Acts and our desire is to flesh this out in the 21st Century.
We start with gatherings of households, made up of roughly 8 – 15 adults. We call these gatherings Gospel Communities. Gospel Communities are the foundational building blocks for Grace Church’s network of churches. Our household churches will begin as groups of people deciding to intentionally meet together each Sunday night with the objective of becoming a church. Other Gospel Communities will be birthed by separating from a household church that has grown beyond the size appropriate for a single house. They are started by gathering people that live in particular geographical areas in a formal household church community. We began to launch our first Gospel Community in 2010 in Stark County and hope to begin more Gospel Communities as led by the Holy Spirit. It is possible that not all Gospel Communities will develop into a church plant.
Our Gospel Communities are to meet preferably on Sunday nights possibly centered around a meal, the Lord’s Supper, worship, and a kerygmatic bible study16. Those invited to participate in these Gospel Communities are family members, neighbors, friends, and work associates. We see this pattern for such gathering in our study of the early church in the book of Acts. To begin with
15 Acts 13:1-3 16 Going to Church in the First Century, Robert Banks
Page 7
we are asking the Gospel Community members to continue to gather with Grace Church on Sunday mornings until the Gospel Community become autonomous. They will be busy throughout the week, doing the work of the ministry with their Gospel Communities and will not be available for the ministries of Grace Church.
These Gospel Communities may become churches when there is sufficient leadership developed. It is possible that Gospel Communities may combine to form a larger church. Due to the size limitation of household gatherings this “church” may meet in separate homes on a weekly basis.
Grace Church desires to serve as a hub for Portage County. Other hubs will need to develop to serve the Gospel Communities and household churches geographically (i.e., Stark and Summit Counties). These Gospel Communities and county church hubs would meet together for mutual reporting, baptisms, encouragement, training, celebration, festal preaching, and gospel preaching.
As you can see, this strategy for church planting is organic – that is natural and relational at its core. It is financially sound in that little to no financial layout is required to begin a Gospel Community. We are not forcing the issue but moving as the Holy Spirit opens hearts to the gospel and new believers are gathered into clusters to begin the establishing process. Our group from Stark County has been trained and is now ready and willing to spawn our first Gospel Community.
Note of warning: A common problem set of church plants includes sexual immorality, lack of work ethic, and doctrinal error.17 We must be aware and be proactive to prevent this problem set from derailing our young gospel communities or church plants and the leadership.
How Do We Equip Christians and Christian Households?
A family can only be strong and grow stronger if it has good foundations. In a family, those foundations are the parents, particularly fathers, which is why we need to have an aggressive training and communication with the male heads of households. In a church family, those foundations are its leaders (elders/pastors/overseers). The Spirit of God, recognized by other leaders, appoints leaders to carry out the necessary work to bring the church to maturity. Those leaders are to be positioned and used to fulfill their gifting and calling.
We are developing leaders to lead these Gospel Communities and/ or church plants as we desire for at least two elders to be responsibility each Gospel Community. We recommend having four or five elders in each County Church, functioning as a hub, who would have responsibility of training and encouraging the local leadership18
17 Outlined in Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica 18 Ephesians 4:11-16; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 3:1-15
Page 8
We establish the Church in the Teachings of Christ
These instructions were left with us before Jesus left planet earth.
Matthew 28:16-20 “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
After people believe in Jesus and are baptized into the church, we are to teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. These teachings are made up of those instructions that Jesus gave to the disciples during His time on earth and through the Spirit after Jesus had departed. We carry out Jesus’ command through a an ordered learning within our Gospel Communities and all churches19
How We Equip Leaders
Leadership development, as with all training, requires context and content. The context of our development is the mission or preaching the gospel and planting and establishing churches. All leaders-in-training are required to be actively committed to the learning process. They are trained by the leaders of the church and are used in the ministry needs of the church as maturity and competencies permit.
We utilize the Scriptures and other resources deemed appropriate by the leadership for the equipping of our leadership. Many of our resources derive from our working relationship with BILD International. These resources are divided into two categories:
Training in Character, Ministry Philosophy, and Ministry Skills
Acts: Keys to the Establishment and Expansion of the First-Century Church Pauline Epistles: strategies for Establishing Churches Leaders and the Early Church Understanding the Essentials of Sound Doctrine
Shepherding, Counseling, and the Early Church Character of a Leader Habits of the Heart Evangelism and the Early Church
The Family and the Early Church Ministry Priorities and Personal Management Ministry Perspectives: Conflicts Without, Fears Within Covenants, Unity of Scripture, and Biblical World View Interpreting the Word I: Principles and Procedures
19 Matthew 28:16-20; John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 3:14-18
Page 9
Interpreting the Word II: Language Tools and Study Aids Preaching, Teaching, and Worship in the Early Church
Training them in Comprehensive Biblical Theology and Culture
Toward a Theology in Culture: A New Encyclopedia Old Testament Theology: The Law Old Testament Theology: The Former Prophets Old Testament Theology: The Latter Prophets
Old Testament Theology: The Writings New Testament Theology: Matthew and Mark Theology: Luke and Paul New Testament Theology: The General Epistles New Testament Theology: Johannine Literature Theology in Civilization: Pathways to Constructing Theology in Civilization
Other resources are used in the development of leaders:
Conferences Mentorship Resources to develop character, skills, Biblical soundness, spiritual gifts, life preparation, home management, and ministry competency Other resources would include and not be limited to:
 Biblical Leadership, Strauch     Minister of Mercy: the New Testament Deacon, Strauch  The Book on Leadership, MacArthur  The Measure of A Man, Getz  Desiring God, John Piper
We have developed a multi-level leadership training module and are in a constant mode of training people of all ages and backgrounds. Our elders are mentoring elders-in-training and all deacons and elders are engaged in life-long learning together to promote one mindedness. We approach our training realizing that we are working with heads of households, who are leading other heads of households in our family of families, the church.20 Trained leaders are essential for the establishment of the church, which necessitates the continual training of leaders as the church grows and develops.
20 Leaders and the Early Church; Building a Multi-Level Training Program. By Ron Regas. November 2009
Page 10
How Do We Engage “the City” in Love and Good Deeds?
NAS Jeremiah 29:7 ‘And seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’
We are called to be ready and zealous to meet the needs of and to show love to strangers. We accomplish this as individuals, households, household churches, Hub Churches, and Grace Church by meeting the needs of their communities.
Engaging the City as Individuals and Households
Needs are always around us as individuals and families. Being aware of those needs requires us to be involved in the lives of those around us-being a neighbor rather than just occupying a house in a neighborhood. This means that we are regularly attending the events and activities around us, as well as initiate opportunities such as summer BBQs, holiday parties, informal get- together, etc. Initiating efforts with neighbors will then provide opportunities to meet pressing needs of those around you, such as helping with childcare, helping a family with a new baby, house and yard work, or comforting in the sickness or death of a loved one. Eventually, these efforts will lead to opportunities to share the gospel and engagement with the church community. We recommend that families make an effort to engage a neighbor at work, school, or at home in a significant way at least 2-3 times/week.
Paul says again and again that they need to engage in good deeds.21    Church communities are to be zealous for good works and committed as local churches to meeting pressing needs in the cities and culture in which they reside. The instruction in 2:14 picks up two ideas very clearly. Meeting pressing needs refers to things that fall into community-wide needs, which come from things like famines. Good deeds literally means “good occupations.” The members of God’s households are to serve in the community by being involved in good work—work that benefits the city. This means that churches are to be benefactor communities22 in the villages, towns, and cities where they exist. That is why it is so critical that they are ordered according to God’s design with strong families, harmonious relationships, and productive, responsible lives marked by good deeds and a benefactor type lifestyle. This will adorn the gospel of Christ.23
Engaging “the City” as Household Churches
Each house church can pray, plan, and initiate as a cluster of individuals and households to meet pressing needs. Each house church will covenant together for a common mission for their geographic area.
21 Titus 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8,14 22 This speaks to the idea that a church should view itself as a community within a community (within a city, town, or village) – a community committed to benefitting (benefactor) the community at large, both as authentic caring and by creating an attraction to the gospel. 23 Titus 2:10
Page 11
Engaging the City as Hub Churches
Individual churches and Gospel Communities may choose to combine in a unified effort to meet a large need in the area they serve.
What is Your Role?
Many Christians think that the most important thing they can do as a Christian is get involved in some type of “missions work” or have some formal role in teaching, preaching, or being an evangelist. It is one of the greatest and most destructive lies in the history of Christianity.
There are a few core aspects that all Christians should always focus on, regardless of their gifting or calling. For those beginning their Christian lives, maintaining faithfulness to these things will help them find their specific role and function within the household of God.
Those core aspects are as follows:
1. Learn to walk in Jesus.24 Make a commitment to participate in your appropriate church community and work thorough Grace Churches’ establishment training. This will help you learn what it means to walk in Christ.
2. Love your family. If you do not have a spouse or children, you probably have brothers, sisters, a mom or dad, or grandparents that could use some love, encouragement, and attention. One of the depressing things in the ministry is seeing people give their lives to ministry and ignore their own family. People living this way see ministry as a means in self- glorification, not a means to serve others. A person’s ministry grows out of their faithfulness to their family.
3.    Commit to faithful participation in your appropriate church community. People were made to be in close community with each other. Get to know the people personally and think about ways to love and encourage others. Be open and vulnerable with those in your group. Share your burdens and anxieties and fears so that others can love and encourage you. Meet the pressing needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Out of your income, give to support those who are leading and shepherding the churches. In doing this, the Spirit of God in you will stir up gifts and skills that you never knew you had and begin to use those for the building up of the church.
4. Work hard in whatever you do, whether it is working, taking care of your family, or preparing for your future work or calling. Out of the fruits of your labor give to the ongoing efforts of the church and help those around you in need.
24 Romans 13:13, 14; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:1-7; Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:12
Page 12
5.    Commit to love those who are not in the church and don’t know Jesus. Start with simple acts of love and kindness in order to get to know people. Set aside specific time to have neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and anyone else over to your house for dinner or take them out for meal. Simply start making consistent efforts to love those around you. Opportunities will arise for you to help them see the life that is found in Jesus Christ.
If you and your family are doing these things, more formal or specific roles may emerge for you in the church or in missions. If that is the case, be mindful of any promptings or desires you have. Pray about them and communicate these desires to someone in leadership. If you truly have gifts and callings beyond these five things above, usually the leadership will spot you out and initiate that conversation.
Leadership and Accountability Phase 1: Gospel Community
During the Gospel Community Phase, the authority of this group is the elders of Grace Church, specifically the elder(s) assigned to each Gospel Community. The elders then will appoint a leader or leaders who will be accountable to the overseeing elder. For our first Gospel Community in Stark County, Ron Regas will be overseeing this gathering hopefully maturing it to a church plant. If you ever see character flaws in the lives of the leadership, and have confronted them without resolve, please contact the elders at Grace Church of Rootstown.
Each Gospel Community will have at least two leaders (couples) to direct this gathering. The leaders will meet with their elder for accountability and training as well as participate in the leadership training provided by Grace Church.
Any leader, regardless of his position and even if he is primarily the sole authority for a time, will not be a very effective leader if he does not win the trust of those following him. Trust is the product of character and competency. Both qualities are required. Positional authority is nothing without relational trust based upon character and competency.
Leaders may be appointed by the elders; however, some of you may sense a leading to be part of this team, which may include offering the use of your home. Please share your desire with the elders.
Phase 2: Church Plant
When the leaders of a Gospel Community are sufficiently developed, and a leadership structure is in place, the Gospel Community will begin its transition to becoming an autonomous church. This transition will be officially made when the elders of Grace Church sense the Gospel Community is ready. When a Gospel Community becomes a church, it will no longer be under
Page 13
the direct authority of the Grace Church eldership, but mutual respect and accountability will continue as the church becomes part of the developing network of churches.
It is the responsibility of the church planter, or elder, to train leaders to oversee and care for the church. These men will come from the training provided and qualified men will be commended to that position. Any man desiring to serve in a leadership capacity, should contact the elders at Grace Church. In all cases, the church family (including those in leadership), are commanded by Christ to respect, esteem, and follow the leadership of the church, as a means to peace, harmony, unity, and effectiveness.25
Financial Practices Donations and Reporting
In the early stage, any offerings and financial gifts given through the Gospel Community will go directly into the general offering of Grace Church. Reporting of contributions will be handled by Grace Church as well.
As the Gospel Community matures and is ready to become a church plant, the elders will help them establish their own giving and budget to meet their growing needs, including remuneration for leadership, outreach expenses, and mission involvement. Until the church plant becomes incorporated all monies will flow through Grace Church for IRS purposes. Financial reports will be made known to the house church members and the elders of Grace Church.
Staff salaries are suggested by the leadership of Grace Church, in collaboration with the leadership of the church plant, and are based upon comparable salaries for people in similar positions, ministry climates, skills, experience, and capacities. Additional consideration may be made depending on the circumstances of the person in question.
25 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; Hebrews 13:17
Page 14
Partnerships and Collaboration
We understand the necessity and value in partnership and collaboration for the participation of the gospel and the establishment of the church. Those relationships include:
BILD International, Ames, IA First Baptist Church of Rittman, OH Twin Cities Church, MN Antioch Initiative Australia BILD Ensenada, Mexico Financial Peace University AWANA
Endorsement
The elders of Grace Church have worked through this document in 2010 and are in agreement as we move forward toward the progress of the gospel. Please continue to pray for us as we lead this Family of God in the way of Christ and His Apostles and submit to Christ’s headship.
Page 15
4808 Tallmadge Road P. O. Box 208 Rootstown, OH 44272 330-325-7174 www.GraceChurchRootstown.com
Page 16