What we want to cover History of Fellowship/ECO Distinctive Elements in ECO Current Focus in ECO Q&A

This Stream of Evangelicals Always wanted to differentiate WITHIN for the sake of mission – 17 th Synod – Non-geographic presbyteries – Protection for churches and presbyteries to hold to evangelical positions for leaders

History of ECO/Fellowship White Paper February 2011 – Before It even looked like 10-A would pass – They no longer believed that the answer was to reform the denomination by outvoting it – Stronger covenantal relationships within the PC(USA) and for those who must to move outside of it.

Minneapolis 2012 Multiple options proposed Stay PC(USA) Union Congregation Union Presbytery Full Departure to NRB

Options in times of disagreement Actively concur Passively Submit Peaceably Withdraw

Ethos we want to create Covenantal We are not mad Missional structure Connect where we can

Colossians 1:28-29 “It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.” “It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.”

View Fellowship as an Association of Like Minded Presbyterians Fellowship PC (USA) ECO Other Presbyterian Reformed Denominations Other Presbyterian Reformed Denominations

ECO and PC(USA) are different denominations Training, staffing, encouragement ECO PC (USA) Fellowship of Presbyterians Fellowship of Presbyterians

Mission: To build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.

VISION Baptize more than we bury by 2018

Realities and Projections Currently: 55 Churches Dec 2013 – 120Churches Dec 2014 – 250 Churches Dec 2015 – Churches

Distinctive Elements of ECO

Distinctive #1 High Trust/Low Control In order to have high trust and low control there must be: 1.Agreement on core essential theology AND 2.A desire to think differently about the function of denominations “Ordaining bodies must ensure that all officers adhere to the Essential Tenets of ECO”

Distinctive #2 Micro-Expressions We often say church isn’t just what occurs in corporate worship service, but we often only validate corporate worship as “church” “The Church exists wherever two or more are gathered in the name of Jesus. Therefore, it is appropriate to celebrate sacraments in these smaller units.”

Distinctive #3 Commission of Elders and Deacons for Greater Service In ECO elders and deacons, when properly trained can be authorized to do the following: 1.They can administer sacraments in micro expressions of church (2.0502) (Under the authority of the session and a pastor.) 2.They can be a commissioned lay pastor of a church or a new church development (2.0503) (Under the authority of the Presbytery)

Distinctive #4 Accountability & Encouragement Pastors and congregations need deeper relationships that can foster support and accountability. This happens within Presbytery, but also: 1.Pastor Covenant Groups – The Mission Affinity Network for congregations –

Distinctive #5 Property Not Held in Trust Holding property in trust burdens the congregation and the presbytery.

Distinctive #6 Less Money and Time on Denominational Structure 1% of annual budget is given to support ECO at local and national level. This is usually less than people pay in per-capita. We do ask congregations to consider mission gifts or special offerings to support the work of ECO. Even though ECO is new, the goal or time spent on structure is as much time as needed and no more than necessary.

Distinctive #7 More Time on Training National meetings have limited business and more time getting the top quality information and training, we want to encourage this at the presbytery and affinity network level as well.

Current Focus in ECO Development

#1 Church Planting In order to facilitate a church planting movement we are creating: a.Regional Networks b.Church Planter Assessment Center c.On-going training and coaching

#2 Leadership Development Increasing the leadership capacity (knowledge, skills, and character) of current and emerging leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, and others). Current Focus in ECO Development

#3 Developing Support Structure a.Emerging Presbyteries b.Call system c.Policies and procedures Current Focus in ECO Development

#4 Developing the Covenant Order Helping pastors and churches live into covenant groups and Mission Affinity Work. a.Shift focus away from “winning the vote” b.How do we both organize, facilitate and share best practices in ministry Current Focus in ECO Development

#5 Working on the Theology Project Greater work needs to be done in areas of theology. What is the nature of our confessional heritage? Which confessions do we want to call core? How can we flesh out our understanding of missional ecclesiology. (Meaning our theology of church, leadership, and function.) Current Focus in ECO Development

Q & A