Excerpt from our Faith and Practice (2009 update)
Church Planting
A new church planting effort may be initiated by the elders of an existing local church, by several churches working together in their Area, or by the NWYM Board of Local Outreach (BoLO) in cooperation with the local Area. When a group desires to be recognized within NWYM as an official church plant, the people involved will work with the BoLO, or its church planting subcommittee, to discern their readiness and sense of fit as a Friends church within NWYM. All recognized church plants and their sponsoring groups agree to work under the support and guidance of the BoLO.
Church planting efforts within NWYM will seek to develop healthy, well-functioning local churches. These may be of varied form and expression and will reflect the values of Friends in ways that are appropriate to the local community in which they exist. Regardless of whether a local church is more traditional in form, is designed to be a network of house churches or takes on a more innovative or fluid expression, NWYM is committed to seeing our local churches grow to be mature communities of worship, fellowship and service.
A process for identifying, equipping and releasing church planters and establishing church plants is detailed in the BoLO policy manual.
Ministry Points
From the time a church planting effort is officially recognized by the BoLO, it will be assigned “ministry point” status within NWYM. Generally, a ministry point is either a new church plant or an ongoing outreach effort that is attempting to establish a clear sense of mission, stability, functional structures, and appropriate autonomy. At times, a ministry point may meet infrequently, have very little organization, and meet in a variety of places.
Some ministry points may differ significantly from established NWYM churches in their leadership style, form of worship, and ministry function within their community. It is the desire of the BoLO to use this flexible approach of church planting to see otherwise unreached people evangelized and the ministry and impact of NWYM increased.
The process of becoming a recognized ministry point within NWYM is detailed in the BoLO policy manual. It includes an initial interview between leaders of the church plant and either the NWYM superintendent or representatives from the BoLO; education and orientation about NWYM Friends provided by the NWYM staff or board; and a commitment to work under the care and support of the BoLO. There must also be a primary pastoral contact or leadership group that will be accountable to and committed to the Faith and Practice of NWYM when the group is to be recognized as a ministry point. As a ministry point within NWYM, the group will receive the spiritual care, support and available resources of the NWYM Yearly Meeting and staff to help the ministry grow and mature.
After being approved by the BoLO as a ministry point, the church plant may receive financial support from either NWYM or a local church or Area churches, depending on the needs of the ministry point and availability of resources. General guidelines for financial support are detailed in the BoLO policy manual. Sources of financial support for ministry point leadership include bi-vocational employment, a multiple-church support network, BoLO funds and/or raising personal support. The BoLO will assist released ministers in developing a composite plan for raising adequate financial support.
In the event a fellowship undergoes a change in pastoral leadership, the ministry point will work with the BoLO church planting subcommittee to identify and approve a replacement. Other major decisions affecting the mission, direction or future of the ministry point will also be made in consultation with the BoLO church planting subcommittee.
A ministry point is responsible to contribute to the financial support of NWYM. Its proportionate share of the Yearly Meeting budget is considered the same as any NWYM local church. All property rights involved in connection with a ministry point are vested in the Yearly Meeting through its Trustees.
Ministry Points normally will not be incorporated and most will not own real property. Exceptions might include local churches who have moved into ministry point status or existing congregations which have been adopted. Incorporation or ownership of real property in its own name by a ministry point shall be considered an exception which will require approval of the BoLO. (Also see the section on “Nomenclature,” p. 30).
Each ministry point will be part of a NWYM Area as determined by the NWYM office. All ministry points may designate one member to serve as a representative to NWYM annual sessions.
A group may remain as a ministry point for an undetermined length of time. While most ministry points will be encouraged in steps toward being designated as a local church within NWYM, some types of outreach ministries may appropriately continue on as a ministry point.
From Ministry Point to Local Church
A ministry point may request the BoLO to take proper steps toward its establishment as a NWYM local church. Upon receiving notification of BoLO approval, the ministry point is authorized to proceed with full organization as a local church. A ministry point may petition the BoLO to become a local church when the following conditions are met:
- A historical statement has been written and approved by the participants. This statement should include the history of the group, the names of leaders and participants, and the founding purpose of the group.
- A written mission statement describing their current purpose and objectives.
- A written statement of agreement with Friends beliefs as recorded in the Faith and Practice and a stated desire to be actively involved in the common mission and fellowship of NWYM.
- Agreement between the BoLO, any sponsoring church, and the ministry point on pastoral leadership for the new local church.
- Evidence that an effective and adequate organizational structure is in place. At a minimum, the group will have identified officers (clerk, Recording Clerk, treasurer) and a committee of at least three elders. If property is owned or being rented by the group, at least three trustees will also be named. Other committee or task groups should be created and maintained as part of a functional structure that enables the church to carry out their ministry priorities.
- All property rights involved in connection with any new local church are vested in the Yearly Meeting or, at the discretion of the BoLO, in some incorporated NWYM church. When a change in status from ministry point to local church has been approved, the new local church is encouraged to incorporate in its respective state. (See “PROCEDURES AND FORMS. Incorporation of Local Churches,” p. 71).
- A process of teaching and welcoming members into the local church. Membership records will be accurately kept and communicated to the NWYM office.
- The church is generally self-supporting financially, including adequate pastoral support when appropriate.
- The church demonstrates and is committed to continuing financial support of NWYM.
- The church has demonstrated the capacity to accomplish its goals and objectives without outside supervision beyond its normal relationship to the NWYM staff, boards and ministries.
- The local church will name and assign the appropriate number of representatives to the NWYM sessions.
Adopting an Existing Congregation
Occasionally an existing, independent church from outside NWYM will desire to become part of NWYM. In such a case, a process for discerning the appropriateness and timing of such a partnership will be governed by the following guidelines:
In the case of an independent, unaffiliated congregation:
- The church leadership will contact the NWYM superintendent for an initial meeting to discuss the reasons for interest, history of the church, compatibility with NWYM Faith and Practice, and other practical matters of possible affiliation.
- The superintendent (or delegate) will schedule a meeting to visit the church for worship (or another gathering) and talk with other members of the fellowship about a relationship with NWYM.
- After reviewing the NWYM Faith and Practice and agreeing to the steps necessary to become a ministry point within NWYM, the interested church will make formal application to the NWYM superintendent and the BoLO to be recognized as such.
- In the event that the church has a long history and well-developed structure, they may work with the BoLO on a process for becoming recognized as a local church within NWYM, using the same guidelines as other ministry points after one year of involvement in NWYM. Otherwise, movement toward local church status will proceed as the fellowship naturally matures and develops under the care of the BoLO.
- If the existing congregation is incorporated at the time it is accepted to become a part of NWYM, it shall file amended or restated articles of incorporation within its state of incorporation which comply with the provisions of Faith and Practice section “PROCEDURES AND FORMS. Incorporation of Local Churches,” (page 71). This expectation will apply whether the congregation is accepted as a ministry point or a local church. The NWYM Trustees will provide assistance in filing amended or restated articles of incorporation.
Merger of Churches
When two or more local churches or ministry points propose to unite into one new local church, each fellowship must give careful consideration to the merger. After they have consulted the superintendent and after each has taken official action to approve the merger, the superintendent will carry their request to the NWYM Board of Elders. When sanction by this Board has been secured, the churches proceed to unify their business sessions, their officers and committees, their services, and their holdings. They will consult the Yearly Meeting Trustees about proper handling of real estate and other assets and meeting state corporation department requirements. The united church will select its official name and choose the site and facilities appropriate to its need. Membership of merging churches will be transferred en bloc to the new church. If the constituent churches are located in different Areas, the new church will petition the NWYM office for affiliation with the Area of its choice.
Under the Care of the NWYM Board of Elders
When a NWYM local church is experiencing a significant crisis, loss of spiritual vitality and impact or another serious impediment to ministry, the church may request to come under the care of the NWYM Board of Elders (BoE).
When a local church comes under the care of the BoE, the goal will be to strengthen and equip the church to spiritual vitality, effective ministry and loving fellowship. Being under the care of the BoE is never punitive but rather restorative.
At the time a local church comes under their care, the BoE will appoint a Local Church Care Committee (LCCC) to assess the situation within the local church. The LCCC may include skilled and gifted individuals not serving on the BoE. It will include at least one member of the NWYM staff and at least one member of the local church pastoral staff (if one is present). Expenses related to the service of these individuals will be met by the local church. The BoE may provide financial assistance if necessary.
After assessing the situation and determining areas of need, the LCCC will discern a plan for restoration and redevelopment. This may include a reorganization of the local church structure, conflict resolution and mediation, a revised budget proposal, initiating a long-range planning process, etc. The plan will be appropriate to the particular needs and circumstances of the local church. Engaging the professional services of others may be considered at this point, if it is determined they would be useful. Expenses related to the service of these individuals will be met by the local church. The BoE may provide financial assistance if necessary.
While under the care of the BoE, decision-making authority in the church will be shared between the LCCC and selected members of the local church. Those members of the local church will be named by the LCCC after their period of assessment is complete.
The church will remain under the official care of the BoE until, upon recommendation by the LCCC, it is discerned by the Board of Elders that the church is ready to return to independence. Such a recommendation will generally come to the BoE after the local church has completed work and/or changes outlined in the initial plan for reconciliation and redevelopment. Until then, the leadership team will make regular reports to the BoE regarding progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the effort.
While the decision to come under the care of the Elders is usually initiated by the local church, there are times when the BoE may choose to propose such an arrangement first. Exceptional cases where the church is in severe decline, is experiencing unresolved conflict, or is out of compliance with Faith and Practice in a way that is shattering to the local church or Yearly Meeting community, may prompt the BoE to intervene and place the local church under their care.
In situations in which a ministry point or local church continues to deteriorate, remains ineffective or out of unity with NWYM Faith and Practice, the BoE, acting for the Yearly Meeting, may discontinue the church or the association of the church with Northwest Yearly Meeting, or it may effect a union with another Friends church. It will then transfer the membership en bloc. Upon discontinuance of a church or the discontinuance of its association with Northwest Yearly Meeting any owned real or personal property shall be transferred to the Yearly Meeting. The Trustees, the Elders, and the Administrative Council may consider an arrangement in which the property would be transferred to the continuing church.
Nomenclature
Local churches and ministry points within NWYM are joined together in a covenantal relationship. Spiritually, we are connected to each other in the common bond of fellowship and united by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Organizationally, we agree to be united in purpose, through our joint identity and mission, and by our willingness to affirm and be guided by our Faith and Practice. We are committed to mutual support, accountability, and to being a people who love one another as we have been commanded by Jesus. In doing so, we witness to the world that we are, indeed, His people.
As NWYM Friends, we expect all of our local churches and ministry points to closely identify with the work of our Yearly Meeting. We believe it is important to speak the truth and have integrity as we communicate who we are to the world around us. At the same time, we recognize there is value in being flexible about how each local church communicates within their immediate context. Therefore, in regard to the matter of nomenclature, we believe there are three expressions of the name of a local church that should be considered and selected using the following, common guidelines:
1) The legal name is the name which will be shown in the articles of incorporation of incorporated local churches and in the names of other local churches and ministry points which are registered with the respective states. The legal name should be carefully chosen and it is strongly encouraged that the legal name be used for all other purposes. Anything else may cause problems and additional cost. If the legal name is significantly different from the published name or common name, it may be necessary to register the published and common names with the respective state as an “assumed” or “trade” name. All three states in which we operate require such registration and it may protect the name from use by others.
Legal names of incorporated local churches are registered through the incorporation process. Legal names of unincorporated ministry points should be registered with the applicable state by the Yearly Meeting or by another sponsoring incorporated local church. Unincorporated local churches should register their name with the applicable state, or preferably incorporate in accordance with Faith and Practice section “Incorporation of Local Churches” (see Procedures and Forms). Whenever a legal name is changed, the change must be registered with the applicable state. Proper registration will identify the group as a part of Northwest Yearly Meeting.
The legal name of any local church or ministry point must identify it as a Friends organization. Examples may include:
- Flowing Water Friends Church
- Flowing Water Friends Meeting
- Flowing Water Community Friends Church
- Flowing Water Community Church, a ministry of Friends
- Flowing Water Fellowship, a ministry of Friends
2) The published name is applicable to local churches and ministry points, and will be used on bulletins, stationary, fliers, brochures, and websites. It should in some form associate the worshipping community with Friends or Quakers. Examples may include:
- Flowing Water Friends Church
- Flowing Water Friends Meeting
- Flowing Water Community Friends Church
- Flowing Water Community Church, a ministry of Friends
- Flowing Water Fellowship, a ministry of Friends
3) The common name is applicable to local churches and ministry points and will be used on the sign and in conversation. It may be shorter than the legal and published names but should include the first words of the legal name. Identification with Friends is strongly encouraged. Examples may include:
- Flowing Water Friends Church
- Flowing Water Friends Meeting
- Flowing Water Community Friends Church
- Flowing Water Community Church
- Flowing Water Fellowship
Obviously, there are many possible combinations. What is required is that the legal and published names include a phrase of association with Friends/Quakers. The published name would be used on all promotional material or bulletins in order to authentically represent ourselves to our community. It is also encouraged that a reference be made to the association with Northwest Yearly Meeting someplace in the published materials.
A local church may apply to the Board of Local Outreach for an exception to the requirement that the published name include a phrase of association with Friends/Quakers, if the church discerns that its outreach and relationship with its community would thereby be improved.
