Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

382 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

Advancing the Kingdom in the City Multiplying Congregations with a Common Identity Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis • Winning the World: Facilitating Urban Church Planting Movements . Foundations for Ministry Series . Wichita: The Urban Ministry Institute, 2007.

Acts 2.41-47 (ESV) – So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

koinonia (pronunciation: [koy-nohn-ee’-ah])

Trinitarian Principle: Unity • Diversity • Equality

World Impact seeks to plant churches that are kingdom-oriented communities where Christ is exalted as Lord and the Kingdom of God is advanced in every facet of community life, and, we seek to do this in a way that respects and acknowledges the validity and significance of incarnating this community life in the receiving culture. In order to ensure the viability, protection, and flourishing of these congregations, we ought to explore forming close-knit associations between congregations where a common identity, confession, and faith are practiced, under a common oversight and governance, that connects in a fundamental way the resources and visions of each church without lording over them. Following is a chart that sketches what might be the elements of such a common coalition of churches which would link their lives in a strategic way for the well-being and enrichment of the entire fellowship of churches. (Cf. Imagining a Unified, Connected C1 Church Planting Movement [see www.tumi.org/Capstone under the header Appendices ] which in a comprehensive way suggests what may be included along ecclesial and missional, liturgical, and catechetical lines in such a fellowship).