|
Code of Best Practice for Network Relationships
(March 1, 2001)
NOTE: This is a DRAFT for consideration prior to the GCR in Malaysia and for discussion and acceptance at the conference.
The Code provides guidelines for ministry networks and their members to relate to other networks and to work together in joint projects. It should be reviewed and followed by network leaders and their members.
It seeks to foster integrity in communication and to promote collaboration in ministry.
Networks which are part of the GCR are urged to formally adopt and promote these guidelines throughout their constituency.
The Code provides standards, ethical guidelines and points of common courtesy. It should be used to guide relationships and can also be used when problems arise.
A.Guidelines for Networks Commencing Ministry in a New Area
- Contact the local fellowship of Evangelicals and united mission bodies/alliances where they exist to request information and ask for recommendations regarding the ministry that is proposed.
- Find out what other networks are involved in similar ministries and ask them for recommendations and potential areas for collaboration.
- Investigate the most appropriate form of ministry for the region and the local people rather than "importing" a program from outside.
- Seek to eliminate unnecessary duplication, enhance mutual fellowship and strengthen the unity and witness of the Christian community.
- Discover what approaches to evangelism can be taken so that local Christians are not put at risk or the ministry of others put in jeopardy.
- An insensitive approach may threaten the lives and ministries of existing networks and may lead to imprisonment, assassination, deportation or the closure of a ministry. Local Christians and those who have been working with
them for some time are often building long-term strategies which can be destroyed by new, uninformed operations. Thoughtless actions, though with the best of intentions, may lead to a tightening of restrictions on the preaching
of the Gospel in that country.
- Co-operate with those already "on the ground".
This should maximize effectiveness, cut costs, share expertise and provide a platform for on-going work. Being prepared to liaise with local and already existing networks will help to minimize suspicion and tension, avoid unnecessary duplication and allow for the best use of people and resources.
- Spend much time in prayer before starting a new network and give priority to on-going prayer with local Christians and other networks.
- Be wise in the way your ministry is reported back home as the best intentioned reports to the constituency can backfire and bring attacks on believers.
B.Guidelines for Relationships between Existing Networks
- Meet face to face with the leaders of other networks where possible.
- Pray for each other and with each other.
- Cooperate in projects where possible. This can send a good, positive message to unbelievers who may be observing the way we relate and interact. Partnering in the exploration, planning, launching and coordination of projects is
not always easy, but the results in enhanced relationships and in growth for the Kingdom more than outweigh the difficulties. At the heart of the gospel are restored relationships so time spent listening, appreciating and getting
to know each others is never wasted.
- Be encouragers one of another, serving and submitting to one another as to Christ.
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same
love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the
interests of others". (Philippians 2:1-4)
|
