Ancient precedence for accountability structure.

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This topic contains 2 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by Avatar of chris chris 11 months, 3 weeks ago.

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  • May 13, 2012 at 12:34 pm #2109
    Avatar of Frank Palcic
    Frank Palcic
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    Not sure about this box. First time user. Is this where I propose the question/discussion? Can’t tell, so I’ll just do so. As I have read and studied the church fathers one thing that stands out to me as being pretty important is the presence of an accountability structure to help keep the local churches in Biblical alignment. As I make this journey from modern day evangelicism into the ancient future paradigm, I come with the attitude of the absolute necessity of that leadership. One of the great weaknesses of the modern, independent churches is, well, the independence. I just don’t find it in Scripture or the church fathers. So, that begs the question, does AFFN have plans to introduce such a structure, or will it continue to be a loosely connected band of like-minded churches(just my observation mind you) without the structure that so defined the early church? I realize that the world that we live in has some displeasure with the term, “denomination”, but I suppose that is what it would be. As great as the ancient-future paradigm is, I fear that it will be just a flicker in the long history of the church without such a structure. I suppose that what I see is that AFFN churches are not immune from the independent spirit that prevails in so many evangelical churches and, as such, may eventually meet the same demise. As we consider the possibility of a church plant in our area, I am wary of ‘joining up’ with yet another ‘different tune of the same song’, if you will. I am hoping that the application of historical precedent will include some provision for ailing the American church independent spirit. If not, what makes AFFN churches any different from the independent, evangelical churches? Please feel free to provide positive and negative replies related to both Scripture and the early church. One last point,I love the ancient-future paradigm,as long as we don’t ‘fiddle’ with it too much. I am hoping, naively?, that going back to the ancient ways will help prevent the ‘arrogance’ I find so often today in the modern church. I’m not looking for perfection; just a better foci that will glorify my God as we reach the lost for Christ and disciple them.
    Because He Lives, Frank Palcic.

    May 15, 2012 at 3:10 pm #2110
    Avatar of Ron Richardson
    Ron Richardson
    Subscriber

    Frank:
    It seems that as this network has evolved, God speaks direction in more than one ear. Chris Alford and I have been discussing this possibility for a while and spoke of it again at lunch earlier this week (albeit over a hot dog at Costco). As I have found myself joyfully swimming in the newfound river of Ancient-Future worship and all that it involves, it has come at the price of my own drowning to my dreams and desires as well as the (all too familiar) feelings of alienation and feelings of non-support from leadership. I have always felt that what I was able to bring to the congregation was very well received – hence, the need for this site. I feel the support we can give one another when we are going through times of isolation and hostility is and will be a welcome drink of cool water. We don’t know how this accountability structure will eventually take shape, but rest assured that it is being discussed and honed. The “friend” option on this site might be appropriate for a more private conversation. Blessings,

    June 4, 2012 at 10:27 pm #2128
    Avatar of chris
    chris
    Key Master

    Frank, you did great, and this spot is as good as any to post this wonderful question and topic. I’m so delighted that you’ve raised it and it’s a subject that several of us have been talking about lately. I’m also certain that it’s an area that we want to touch on at the first annual gathering of the AFFN next month in Florida.

    When I tell folks that I’m pastoring a non-denominational church (in fact, we like to call it ”pre-denominational”) they tend to ask me about the important issue of accountability. And I’m keenly interested about that very thing, too. The truth is, the Evangelical denominations with which I’ve been associated in the past often talked about accountability but, in truth, had no meaningful structures in place. My hope is that as the AFFN grows, and it already is, we will be able to work together to create a meaningfully accountable relationship among its members, particularly pastors.

    I am hearing weekly from people who are hungry for a non-denominational Network that would help them make inter-denominational connections– they are so pleased to have found the AFFN– and are already wondering, even hoping, that it’ll grow into an association that affirms leaders (perhaps even some kind of credentialing?). My strong desire is that, along the way, we can figure out how to create meaningful and authentic accountability.

    Ancient-Future worship renewal is having an effect on ecclesiology.

    Thank you so much for adding your voice to this discussion. And, also Frank, please thoughtfully consider becoming a member of the Network and adding your picture and bio to our growing numbers. We’re not entirely sure what God is building here, but I am sure that it’s exciting to be a part of it.

    The Lord be with you!

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