Living NEW Ministries International Center for Fellowship and Accountability. Purpose

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1 Living NEW Ministries International Center for Fellowship and Accountability Purpose The purpose of Living NEW s Center for Fellowship and Accountability is to establish and strengthen Biblical foundations by providing Biblical oversight and accountability for pastors, churches and para- church ministries who support and develop the local church. The purpose will be fulfilled by: Relationship Building and Accountability Building relationships with those who join in covenant which will equip, encourage and edify; being accessible for prayer and counsel Visiting churches upon request to evaluate and offer counsel regarding various areas of ministry Emphasizing scriptural integrity in the context of the current move of the Holy Spirit Providing a forum where churches and ministers experience defined relationships and a larger identity by affiliation; an opportunity to be part of something larger than yourself Enlarging your sphere of influence through coordinated missions activities and assistance in coordinating missions effort with affiliated ministries Church Planting / Oversight / Nurturing Assisting affiliated churches with planting and nurturing new churches through the critical stages of development by offering counsel, exhortation and prayer Providing periodic one- day equipping sessions which will address spiritual and practical areas of ministry Church and ministry administrative assistance, donations, collections and disbursement, and state- side office space availability for use Training / Discipleship / Prayer Conducting prayer retreats for pastors that will renew and strengthen their walk with Christ Sponsoring annual gatherings for the deepening of relationships and mutual strengthening of one another while receiving a spiritual challenge Conduct conferences, seminars and training sessions for pastors and church leaders instilling the Father s heart, love for His children, and fresh challenges to walk in Christ- likeness 1

2 Living NEW Ministry International Statement of Faith Living NEW Ministries International is a non- denominational affiliation whose members come from many church backgrounds. We recognize that there are many traditional and denominational preferences that we choose not to use as a true test of fellowship. However, being a New Testament fellowship, we hold fast to the following Statement of Faith. We believe: The Bible is the inspired Word of God that was given to men by the Holy Spirit and is complete and without error (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21). In the one true God who is eternal and exists in the form of three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30). In the deity of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (John 1:14, 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26), His sacrificial death (I Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9), His bodily resurrection (John 11:25; I Corinthians 15:4), and His ascension back into heaven (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9-11). In the visible and physical return of Jesus Christ to earth (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11). That all men have sinned and as a result are separated from relationship with God (Romans 3:23, 5:12), and that eternal redemption is brought about only by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10: 9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9). That if man rejects the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, he subjects himself to eternal damnation and separation from God the Father and will spend eternity in a literal place called hell (Revelation 21:8). In the present and active ministry of the Holy Spirit, who indwells everyone who believes and enables them to live a Godly life (Romans 8:13-14; I Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18). In addition to this Statement of Faith, we also believe: The true biblical form of church government is a plurality of eldership with a Lead Pastor or Chief Elder, who qualifies in spiritual and domestic life, character and leadership ability. (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the last instrument that God is using to extend His kingdom prior to the second coming of Christ. (Matthew 6:18, Ephesians 1:20-23 & 3:7) The local church is completely autonomous, self- governing, self- supporting, and self- propagating in its mature state. Every believer in Christ must be subject to God s authority in a specific local church for protection and long- term fruitfulness. 2

3 Living NEW Ministries International Center for Fellowship and Accountability Statement of Ethics We as Affiliates and ministers of the Living NEW Ministries International are expected to exhibit a Christ- centered servant attitude in the execution of our responsibilities. As ministers we are members of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and take seriously our responsibility to partner with and belong to a local Church. We agree to our Statement of Faith and will refrain from advocating doctrines not included in the Statement of Faith in such a way as to cause dissension. As ministers we will assist in providing care to the congregations in which we are connected in times of need or crisis. We as ministers are radically committed champions of ministry s mission, vision, values and purposes, to which we are called and to the role Living NEW plays in our life and ministries. We will encourage others to assist in the implementation of these foundational beliefs. We will remain teachable in all areas. As ministers we are loyal to others who are in our respective ministries and to those who are partners with Living NEW as well. Concerns or personal conflicts will be dealt with on a personal level with the person(s) involved, following the Matthew 18 principle. We will not communicate negative opinions about a minister to another minister or lay person (there are obvious exceptions in the case of job reviews, performance, leadership thresholds, etc.). Decisions will be thoroughly processed privately (one- on- one, staff meetings, etc.) but will be supported publicly. We will remain above reproach in all areas of contact with the opposite sex, abstaining from the very appearance of evil. We will maintain the highest standards of morality: Although much care will be given on a personal level to restore the individual, sexual sins (such as fornication, adultery, improper use of computers for pornographic material, etc.) may result in immediate termination of affiliation. 3

4 Other public sins (lying, stealing, drunkenness, abuse of others, etc.) that reflect poorly on the cause of Christ and reputation of His church will be dealt with swiftly and may result in immediate termination of affiliation. Financial accountability is of utmost concern when dealing with funds received for ministry, therefore the established practices and procedures set- up for each ministry affiliated with Living NEW will be practiced. Failure to do so could result in the loss of the tax- exempt status for each ministry affiliate and will not be tolerated and will result in immediate termination of affiliation. We will have the highest respect for others. Practical jokes, nicknames and other labels will not be a part of our community. We recognize that a good attitude is invaluable to morale and ministry momentum. Ministers with consistently negative or damaging attitudes will receive counseling to improve attitudes. Through living in authentic community, we the Affiliates of Living NEW Ministries International will be the church in order to build the church through our respective ministries. Living NEW acknowledges the unique pressures of public ministry on ministry families. We also know that God doesn t call one who is married without giving grace needed to the spouse for the ministry as well. We must remember that the family unit represents how the relationship between God, our Father, relates to us, His children, and how the husband and wife relationship represents Jesus and the church. To this end, minister spouses are expected to support their partner by their participation in ministry and hold to the biblical standards for ministry. 4

5 Living NEW Ministries International Center for Fellowship and Accountability We value community Core Values We treat each other with dignity We are loyal to each other, our leaders, and our common vision We do ministry as a team We are not into personal kingdom building We are not a federation of sub- ministries We realize our part in the overall vision We model for the church We are always ministers We realize people are always watching We are committed to serve others We are authentic in our walk We understand that the ministry will only go as far as its leaders We acknowledge that personal integrity is a must We are lifelong learners We value continual training We value growing in maturity We choose positive attitudes We celebrate the victories of others We are committed to encourage one another We care for each other We pray for each other We realize perception matters We have incredible freedom because we have clear accountability We value commitment, passion and ability regardless of age or gender We value the influence and strength of young leaders 5

6 We value the full participation in ministry other than our own area of responsibility We work hard We are people who are driven by God s call to ministry We take ownership of the ministry s vision We take seriously our roles and responsibilities We make significant investments, expecting great returns We strive to walk in balance in every area of life We agree hard work is the norm, not the exception 6

7 Living NEW Ministries International Center for Fellowship and Accountability Affiliation Details Personal Affiliation For pastors, ordained ministers, and those who are in training to receive ordination, all of whom are identified and under authority of a local church: Para- church ministers may participate but are required to be involved in and under the authority of a local church pastor. This is a structured relationship that is pastoral in nature and brings with it a high degree of accountability between the presbyter and the one enjoying this affiliation. This is to be a Paul / Titus or Paul / Timothy type of relationship. Communication and accountability in this relationship is of utmost importance. The responsibility of this communication is the responsibility of all involved. Church Affiliation For churches, regardless of denomination, whose pastor and board request affiliation with Living NEW. Informal: Formal: A less structured affiliation, whereby Living NEW identifies with a church and responds only when requested. A structure affiliation, whereby Living NEW has been requested to provide continual presbytery type oversight. A church that requests this type of affiliation will maintain her autonomy. Living NEW s relationship, in this affiliation, includes offering counsel, leadership insights, steps for conflict resolution, evaluation of spiritual well being, evaluating processes and programs to remain above reproach according to the Word and corporate teaching to the body. This type of affiliation will bring with it a high degree of accountability. Para- church / Missionaries Ministry Affiliation These ministries can have both formal and informal affiliation just like local churches so long as these ministries are designed to enhance and partner with local churches rather than taking the place of the local church. They may also choose to submit to Living NEW as their parent organization for the ministry. This association will bring with it more accountability (spiritually and fiscally), administrative assistance, and the ability to receive tax- deductible donations in the US for the ministry through Living NEW s US tax exempt status. 7

8 Benefits of Affiliation Covering and accountability On- site ministry from members of the Living NEW Leadership Team Regular communication to maintain contact and relationship Administrative assistance and counsel, if requested Help in mediating conflicts Counseling for you and your leadership, should it be needed Relationship with other pastors and churches An opportunity to be part of something larger than yourself Enlarging your sphere of influence Assistance in coordinating mission effort Regular newsletter Help in determining your purpose and mission Opportunity for Biblical Team Ministry training Additional benefits to ministries with Living NEW as the parent organization Spiritual partnership / covering Ability to receive tax deductible donations from the US Administrative support o Monthly financial reporting o Donor database maintenance o Receipt distribution to US donors o Bulk Mailing in the US Office availability when visiting US Access to health insurance for US Missionaries *** Ministry office presence in the US Additional opportunities as the ministry grows *** Currently working to arrange a group insurance policy for affiliated missionaries. Requirements for Affiliation To become affiliated, you must: Submit an application for affiliation Be in doctrinal harmony with the Living NEW Statement of Faith Be in agreement with the overall purpose and vision of Living NEW Have a desire for spiritual covering and accountability Agree with the principles declared in the Living NEW Statement of Ethics and Core Values 8

9 Actively participate and support the functions of Living NEW Maintain your financial responsibility Termination of Affiliation We understand that there are times and seasons for everything according to the Word of God. As a result, we recognize that these affiliations are of a free will nature and may be terminated when desired by either party as God leads. We also recognize that because of the desire to hold fast to the Word of God there may be times, when separation may become necessary due to the lack of commitment to the Statement of Faith, Core Values, Statement of Ethics or financial responsibility. In these instances the leadership of Living NEW reserves the right to terminate the affiliation agreement after first attempting to entreat, reconcile and restore according to the Word of God. For affiliates with Living NEW as the parent organization, the termination process, regardless of reason, will be given a minimum 30- day notice of termination. This will allow for accurate financial accounting and the ability to transfer any remaining funds to or from either ministry. 9