Reading: Applying Chapter 19

APPLYING CHAPTER 19 

1. Is there a ministerial association or other regular gathering of clergy in your area? 

a. If so, do you attend it? Why or why not? 

b. If not, pray about inviting others to join you in starting one. 

2. If you are part of a denomination or association: 

a. Why are you? 

b. What do you or your church gain from it? 

c. What does it cost you or your church in money, time and freedom? 

3. If you are not part of a denomination or association: 

a. Why not? 

b. How do you make up for the advantages in resourcing, voice and oversight that such a group can give you and your church? 

c. Is there a denomination, association, or group of churches that you would consider joining? If so, how will you explore that possibility? 

4. Do you sometimes tend to see other pastors and churches as competition for you and your church? If so: 

a. Is this appropriate? 

b. What will you do about it? 

5. List all the things your church does in cooperation with another church or group of churches in your area. For each, write why you do it and any results. 

6. List some ideas of things you and the other churches in your area could do together. For each, write why you would do it and the results you would hope to see. 

7. Does any person or group outside your local congregation have authority to hold you accountable for your actions or to correct your teaching? If not, are you willing to make yourself accountable, at least far enough to seriously listen to their concerns and pray about them? 

a. Who would that be? 

b. How will you make those arrangements?