Working in a Covenant Relationship
Pat Jones
Director of Healthy Church Ministries
The United Brethren movement under Otterbein and Boehm was strongly influenced by the Methodist movement of the day because of the intimate friendship shared by Philip Otterbein and Francis Asbury. Asbury was the representative for the Wesleys in America. Therefore John Wesley's "class" system was used as a pattern for discipleship in the early United Brethren Church.
The class system was established as a covenant relationship among believers to help individuals grow in their pursuit of Jesus Christ. It was a system of mutual accountability and support. While elements of the covenant selected by each group varied, each group covenant was based upon the "General Rule of Covenant Discipleship." The stated purpose was. . .
"To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit."
The purpose of the groups was not to do discipling, but to make sure that discipleship was taking place in the life of the believers who covenanted together.
As a denomination, we have faced the fact that we, as a group, have not been effectively fulfilling the Great Commission and Great Commandment of our Lord. Therefore, we have launched major changes in how we operate. We are moving from a traditional denominational structure to more of a covenant association of churches who are deeply committed to effectively carrying out our purpose of bearing witness to Christ in the world and proving ourselves as His disciples by obeying all of His commands.
There are a number of reasons why we need to step up into this covenant relationship and why it is valuable.
1. We already have a significant network of relationships with which to work.
If a church or pastor chooses to separate from this new covenant relationship, they would have to be in relationship with someone. We are not islands unto ourselves in the Body of Christ. Corinthians makes that clear. We belong to and need each other. Rather than having to start fresh with building rapport with a new group, it seems more beneficial to use our existing network in a healthier way to move forward with Kingdom business.
2. We are raising the level of intentionality regarding relationships and responsibility for effective ministry.
By creating the position of Director of Healthy Church Ministries, our denomination has shown its commitment to help churches be effective through this cluster network. In response to this commitment, local churches are asked to respond with their commitment to pursue being Great Commission/Great Commandment healthy churches. That is what the covenant represents. The Director is not "The Great Enforcer" who will hold every local church hostage to some ill-defined standard of achievement. Rather, he is a trainer committed to building a network of leaders, coaches and resources dedicated to helping each local church be effective.
3. Some have questioned how "success" will be defined.
That is something that is great about this covenant. The covenant standard focuses on two things: sound doctrine and practice and Great Commission fruit. Are people being brought into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Being taught to "obey everything that the Lord has commanded"? Being encouraged and freed to use their spiritual gifts for building up the body of believers? And is the local church embracing the sound biblical teachings upon which we were founded?
4. This should receive more support than anything we have tried in recent decades.
No matter where someone stood on the issue of joining the Missionary Church, the common thread is that we expresed a desire to change to be effective. We have now decided this is the way we want to attempt to do that. So it seems that everyone should be on board with making the attempt if what we expressed as our intent truly represents our heart's desire.
5. We all want to know where we can make the greatest impact for the Kingdom.
In the past, we have heard story after story about how people have been resistant to change. What would make them change their minds now? Good question. My answer is that I (and hopefully you) want to be healthy, not sick. And being healthy requires us to constantly change. We must develop an atmosphere of healthy change that focuses on the right, good, lovely, praiseworthy things (Philippians 4) and not the negative "we shall not be moved" things. We all need (and most want) to be part of something bigger that is changing our world. Here is our chance. And for those who still choose to not participate--the Lord bless them, but we are moving on.
My reasons may not seem convincing to those who are looking to find a different path that seems right to them. But in the overall picture, I hope it will at least challenge the borderline thinkers to give this a chance.
There is a scene in the movie "Gettysburg" where Col. Joshua Chamberlain (a theology professor) gives a stirring speech to some mutinous hotheads from another unit. He appeals to them based on the purpose for which they were fighting the war: to bring other men freedom. And he appealed to them with the reality that to win this war, they needed every man available to join the fight in this upcoming battle.
I appeal to you. The time is short and the Kingdom is at hand. We have the opportunity to enter into a new era of contribution from the Church of the United Brethren in Christ to the on-going battle for the Kingdom. This is our last and best shot at making a difference in this generation. And we need every man and church to join in the endeavor if we are to be successful.
I'll end with the same words as Chamberlain:
If you would chose to join us, I would personally be very grateful.
|
