The Evangel Dean Basic Training Resource Handbook

288 • T HE E VANGEL D EAN B ASIC T RAINING R ESOURCE H ANDBOOK

S EMINAR Church Plants and Urban Church Associations The Need for a Local Embrace Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

My last request is, that all the faithful ministers of Christ would, without any more delay, unite and associate for the furtherance of each other in the work of the Lord, and the maintaining of unity and concord in his churches. ~ Richard Baxter. The Reformed Pastor, 1656.

I. The Theology of the Locale Church

Once a church has been planted, the work for spiritual formation and multiplication has begun. Every healthy assembly must not only grow in its theology, worship, discipleship, and witness, but it must also extend a hand of fellowship, connection, and shared mission with other pastors, congregations, and movements in its distinctive locale. No urban church can possibly survive (let alone thrive) without the cultivation of ongoing love, support, and camaraderie with other congregations. This was true in the time of the apostles, and is equally relevant today.

A. The intimate relationship between Movements and Associations

Please refer to The Threefold Cord of Urban Cross-Cultural Church Planting Movements on page 299.

B. Leadership authority and responsibility has historically corresponded to the various dimensions of Christian community.

Please refer to The Communal Context of Authentic Christian Leadership on page 300.

C. Whatever the model, Association is mandatory!

Please refer to Church Planting Models on page 301.