Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

P ART II: C HURCH P LANTING T OOLKIT • 267

C. The early Church was a network of congregations and their leaders bound together by their common parentage by the Holy Spirit and their shared oversight by the apostles, along with their shared persecution and opposition from both Jewish and Roman sources, e.g., 1 Cor. 12.13; 2 Cor. 11.9. D. Urban churches today desperately require the benefits of ongoing connection, oversight, partnership, and support from one another. 1. Scattered, alienated, and disconnected flocks : the importance of the unity of the Church in our witness to Christ, John 17.21-23 2. Under-supported, financially strapped congregations : need for interconnected livelihood and growth of urban congregations, 2 Cor. 8.1-4; Acts 11.27-30 3. Poorly coordinated outreach and mission : the need for coordinated efforts at outreach, evangelism, social service, and mission, Acts 15.22

E. Principles and practice of the locale church relationships

1. Recognize the truth that all pastors need to be pastored .

2. Further acknowledge that, in spite of the “self-” principles of church governance, all churches need relationships with other churches if they are to mature. 3. Acknowledge the historical benefit of having congregational oversight (i.e., bishop or council) in the life of vulnerable, fledgling congregations and their leaders.

a. Regional relationships are key to connecting pastors and churches .

b. Regional relationships ensure the s haring of provision among churches which cannot meet their full need alone.

c. Regional relationships establish some level of self-chosen oversight for pastors who are accustomed to functioning as Lone Rangers.