Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

P ART I: D EVELOPING U RBAN C ONGREGATIONS • 81

incorporation is necessary if the congregation is to purchase and hold title to real estate or intends to secure a loan from a recognized lending agency. 168 It is advisable to consult an attorney to insure proper filing of incorporation papers required in the state where the church will be incorporated. During the writing of a constitution and bylaws church leaders should re-evaluate the philosophy of ministry that was formulated when Celebration began. 169 Input should be gathered from the congregation to arrive at a document that reflects the vision and consensus of the congregation regarding church structure, procedures and mission. 170 The philosophy of ministry is the foundation of the constitution and bylaws and will determine their form. Close cooperation between the church and World Impact during the constituting phase will lay the foundation for a supportive relationship after the church becomes self-sustaining. The constituting service should be a unique and memorable day for the new church and its founding mission. The service should be well organized in advance to convey the significance of constituting the church. During the service the founding mission recommends independence for the church, the congregation formally adopts the constitution and bylaws and formally voices and approves the motion to incorporate. Letters of support from neighborhood churches or sister Celebration churches in other cities may be received and read at the service. The church proclaims its vision and recieves new members. “If carefully prepared and carried out, the constitution service will have intense meaning. All churches, like all God’s children, need milestones along the way for guidance and encouragement.” 171

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168 Moorhous, p. 35

169 See Robert E. Logan and Jeff Rast, Church Planters Checklist , (Pasadena, CA: Charles E. Fuller Institute, 1987), p. 12

170 See Jones, p. 128-130

171 Redford, p. 100