Winning the World

142 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

we welcome people into the church while at the same time challenge each confessing member to use their gifts for the sake of the body and the mission of the Church.

3. Description of the problem: the tendency to focus either on formally incorporating new members into the structure of the church itself or concentrate on the vitality of the spiritual expression as the true markers of saving faith in Christ 4. Deepening our perspective and practice: Emphasize both the formal incorporation of confessing believers into churches where they are recognized as followers of Jesus, baptized, and participate in worship, witness, and good works as well as encouraging informal, spontaneous, and responsive signs of discipleship in all areas of life outside of the formal church structures.

C. Complimentary Concept Three: organic dynamism through relationships alongside clear, definite organizational structures

1. Key text: Rom. 12.4-6 (ESV) – For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, [5] so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith. 2. Definition of the pair: We must strive to see that effective spirituality and mission occurs in the context of the dynamics of organic relationships rooted in the Spirit’s leading as well as formal organizational structures which are governed by clear, specific, and enforced protocols, policies, and processes.