Don Davis
12-07-2007, 11:21 AM
I am in the process of researching the underlying principles that can create and strengthen a vital urban church network. I have isolated a handful of principles thus far that seem promising in both analyzing current movements and forming new ones. There are ten of them, and they are listed below.
What kinds of things do you think need to be included in understanding how urban churches can collaborate for maximum impact in urban worship and mission? The future of urban church ministry is collaboration and networking, and TUMI is devoted to increasing these opportunities anywhere we can.
1. Common identity rooted in a common confession, spirituality, and vision (urban churches must be grounded in a shared tradition of vital biblical spiritual experience)
2.Representative leaders chosen by and answerable to the whole association (urban churches need identified and resourced leaders)
3. Independent members connected voluntarily, spiritually, and financially (a network is a voluntary association but one rooted in shared conviction and resources)
4. Integrated levels of spirituality: themes, emphases, foci, and mission (a vital association and its churches will embrace a common life, theme, fellowship, and vision)
5. Ongoing contact with and oversight of each participating member church (answerability and camaraderie are key here)
6. Recognized credentials carrying authority and privilege throughout the network (I believe urban churches must authorize their own processes and leaders to represent their congregations and interests)
7. Multiple leaders responsible for varying fields of responsibilities and degrees of duties (leaders are needed, not merely a leader)
8. Contribution to a common resource core available to all (shared monies, resources, and gifts can lead to common projects and missions)
9. Voluntary sponsored ad-hoc projects to address specific needs and opportunities (urban churches must share resources and collaborate on specific tasks for their mission's sake)
10. Standardized protocols and procedures for strategic positions and operations (interconnection in terms of standardized categories, training, and resources makes multiplication possible)
What kinds of things do you think need to be included in understanding how urban churches can collaborate for maximum impact in urban worship and mission? The future of urban church ministry is collaboration and networking, and TUMI is devoted to increasing these opportunities anywhere we can.
1. Common identity rooted in a common confession, spirituality, and vision (urban churches must be grounded in a shared tradition of vital biblical spiritual experience)
2.Representative leaders chosen by and answerable to the whole association (urban churches need identified and resourced leaders)
3. Independent members connected voluntarily, spiritually, and financially (a network is a voluntary association but one rooted in shared conviction and resources)
4. Integrated levels of spirituality: themes, emphases, foci, and mission (a vital association and its churches will embrace a common life, theme, fellowship, and vision)
5. Ongoing contact with and oversight of each participating member church (answerability and camaraderie are key here)
6. Recognized credentials carrying authority and privilege throughout the network (I believe urban churches must authorize their own processes and leaders to represent their congregations and interests)
7. Multiple leaders responsible for varying fields of responsibilities and degrees of duties (leaders are needed, not merely a leader)
8. Contribution to a common resource core available to all (shared monies, resources, and gifts can lead to common projects and missions)
9. Voluntary sponsored ad-hoc projects to address specific needs and opportunities (urban churches must share resources and collaborate on specific tasks for their mission's sake)
10. Standardized protocols and procedures for strategic positions and operations (interconnection in terms of standardized categories, training, and resources makes multiplication possible)