The Evangel Dean Basic Training Resource Handbook

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

c. Poorly coordinated outreach and mission: the need for coordinated efforts at outreach, evangelism, social service, and mission, Acts 15.22.

5. Principles and practice of the locale church relationships

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

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

(1) Regional relationships are key to connecting pastors and churches.

(2) Regional relationships ensure the sharing of provision among churches which cannot meet their full need alone. (3) Regional relationships establish some level of self- chosen oversight for pastors who are accustomed to functioning as Lone Rangers. (4) Regional relationships open up the possibility of new outreach and mission by connecting believers of good will around issues and projects which require our attention as believers in our locale.

IV. Challenges to the Locale Church

Please refer to Defining Our Convictions, Distinctives, and Applications on the following page.