Polity

Question 1

How do we define “Church”?

Answer 1

Wherever believers are gathered in the name of Jesus

Question 2

What is Polity?

Answer 2

meant to facilitate the mission of the denomination

Question 3

What are the five irreducible questions of leadership?

Answer 3

1. What do we do?
2. Why are we doing it?
3. How are we doing it?
4. When are we successful?
5. Where is God taking us?

Question 4

What are the 4 understandings of Church?

Answer 4

1. Church Universal
2. Denominations, networks:
3. Local Church:
4. Micro-expressions of Church:
   a. Church people move out into the world to bring people to Jesus Christ.

Question 5

What does the Presbytery do?

Answer 5

Transitions a church plant into a congregation within ECO

Question 6

What is the purpose of the congregation?

Answer 6

• Grow into missional disciples
• Fulfill God’s purpose in our natural environments (where we live, work, and play)

Question 7

What are the requirements needed to be an elder?

Answer 7

1. Have a deep and vibrant relationship with God
2. Spiritual maturity
3. Understand the totality of Scripture
4. Establish believers even more deeply into the life of faith

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Presbytery?

Answer 8

1. Transition church plant into congregation within ECO
2. Settle differences between congregation and pastor
3. Elect officers to serve on the governing Council
4. Vote on amendments
5. Change bylaws

Question 9

What is core to our denomination?

Answer 9

Egalitarian (both men & women serve in church)

Question 10

What are our values?

Answer 10

1. The Complete Local:
   a. Local church is a complete expression of church
2. Our Mutual Spurring:
   b. Establish relational partnerships within our churches
3. A Livable Theology:
   c. How we live out our understanding of our theology
4. Leadership:
   d. Every leader always taking their ‘Flourishing Next Step’

Question 11

What are the characteristics of a ‘Flourishing Church?’

Answer 11

1. Knows its unique identity and calling
2. Normalise risk-taking
3. Nurture missional living
4. Expect disciple making
5. Generates multiplying leaders

Question 12

What is the Presbytery?

Answer 12

regional body (a collection of 10 to 20 churches)

Question 13

How do we define the Presbyterian Church?

Answer 13

Spiritually mature people who make higher level decisions together
a. Elders who collectively represent congregation

Question 14

What are the requirements for ordination in ECO?

Answer 14

1. Spiritual maturity
2. Biblical knowledge
3. Ministry skills
4. Mdiv strongly encouraged

Question 15

Who makes up the Presbytery?

Answer 15

Churches: leaders (pastors) and elders

Question 16

What are the voting requirements?

Answer 16

1. Equal number of eligible elders, and pastors
2. Individual must be tied to local congregation

Question 17

Who can vote in presbytery meetings?

Answer 17

1. Pastor/Head of Staff
2. Associate
3. Assistant
4. Serving as Pastor/Head of Staff