This is the first quarterly report from the Cooperation Service Team that was appointed at the I am finding the learning curve is steep in our first months of the Cooperation Service Team but at the same time, it is encouraging to see that our new simple structure is both flexible and working.
The Cooperation Service Team is composed of the chairmen of the eleven service teams which are listed on www.icocco-op.org and published on DisciplesToday.org. They are based in service, not authority. Over the last three months we have been assembling these new teams based on criteria similar to what we what would want from a deacon.
Click this link for a list of the 2008 members of the various Service Teams.
Click this link for a further explanation of the service teams. Service Teams FAQs.
We believe that God is working among us to bring more substance to the unity we share among our churches. And with the new Cooperation Service Team that the Delegates appointed in October, we are seeing more servant-leaders from around the world coming together to identify needs of our churches and work together to help meet those needs.
It has been helpful that the Cooperation Service Team is serious about applying the Gospel to our relationships by developing a “from this point forward” model concerning the past, whenever possible—especially regarding pre-meltdown sins and being quick to resolve new matters as they arise (Matthew 5:25). And, fortunately, the Shepherding Team can assist us when conflicts develop. With various needs being addressed, it appears that each team will be able to develop and launch greater initiatives to the glory of God.
Initiatives and Articles
The decisions that are being made in these service teams and among them are subject to input and cooperation with each other. Unlike a one-voice hierarchy, this process involves a number of mature brothers and sisters that represent the wide scope of cultures and countries that we are reaching with the gospel. This helps us reach new ground with the ligaments of love, trust and experiences of a variety of those who can provide special guidance. We expect to see meaningful initiatives and articles from each of the service teams who are being asked to report to the Delegates and the members every quarter.
Initial Team Reports
HOPEww & Benevolence Service Team
As a result of the great hearts and work of disciples, HOPE worldwide has been asked by the Red Cross to be a national and international partner for "Disaster Preparedness" and "Disaster Response". This is a great honor and encouragement. HOPEww will distribute information to churches describing how they can participate in great local service opportunities if they so wish.
Women's Ministry Service Team
Communication and Administration Service Team
Reports from the Service Teams will be posted on both the ICOC Co-op site and on DToday.net. As well, we hope to see an early 2008 update article on new churches committing and affiliating with the Co-operation Churches. Disciples Today and Mission Memo will continue to perform an annual survey of information from churches and publish results while continuing to maintain a published Church Directory, Eventsand Links. Disciples Today is cooperating with ICOC Hot News and Mission Memo to provide surveys and information that is relevant and helpful to our ministries and history.
The Communication and Administration Service Team is looking for ways to improve communication among churches and from the Service Teams to the membership.
Missions Service Team
This team is beginning with two missions. First, the formulation and development of sound conflict resolution paradigm is needed for leaders and churches. This will include input from trained mediators. Secondly, the team will address how to assist our churches in the training of more men who desire eldership.
While only the chairmen of all the other teams were appointed in October, the Delegates selected all of the members of this Service Team. They already met with an ad-hoc group of evangelists from large churches in San Antonia in November. Their two main quests, in conjunction with providing material for the Co-op website is to write articles to describe or define a healthy church from a biblical perspective in our current world, and, present analysis material of examples of healthy churches using biblical criteria. These articles will begin to appear with the release of the new website February 1, Lord willing.
The first phase is to develop more ministry education among our churches. Six of the eight members of our team will focus on comparing notes from our main education efforts around the churches. We hope to eventually develop a plan that will benefit a larger audience as well as examine the benefits of onsite teaching: both seminar and extended, online and other combinations.
We recognize we need more experience. For instance, Gordon Ferguson is moving further along helping to develop the Asia / Pacific Leadership Academy (See the DToday article, Fergusons' New Adventure Begins in 2008). Douglas Jacoby, though declining to be on the team because of the pressure he is experiencing from his publishers—has agreed to serve as an advisor. He developed the AIM program used by many Christians. In Chicago we are launching a five year effort in February in a unique format designed to focus on competency on a broad range of topics. In Mexico City Arturo Elizarraras developed a Latin America Diploma program in use for the last five years and is using online teaching for multiple sites with multiple teachers from around the world.
Campus Service Team
Teen & Family Service Team
Singles Service Team
International Leadership Conferences
Conclusion
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to acknowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Cooperation Service Team Chairman, 2007-8
Click here for the messages from the 2007 International Leadership Conference.
