A new fellowship group, the Berean Network, is being launched for mutual encouragement of EPC pastors and congregations who share common values and ministry philosophies. Pastor Andy Schuster of Mooresville, N.C., describes the new group:
“The Berean Network is an informal network of EPC churches seeking fellowship so that we might support one another and collaborate in ministry. We share a particular set of convictions and are committed to living them out in our ministry decisions. Our heart is to partner with like-minded churches who (1) adhere to the orthodox Christian faith of the last two thousand years, (2) embrace historic Reformed theology, (3) practice the historic pattern of male leadership (e.g., exclusive male eldership) (4) affirm the enduring relevance of the gifts of the Spirit, (5) practice grassroots Presbyterianism that grounds authority in the courts of elders (sessions and presbyteries). It is our shared belief that careful study of the Scriptures and church history affirms these five tenets.”
Many denominations have networks or affinity groups among their churches that encourage the work of the local church, collaborate on projects, and mutually support one another through fellowship and shared ministry. The EPC, for example, has a number of these supportive partnerships for pastors of large churches, small churches, women ministers, church planting, and world missions. These networks encourage the work of congregational ministry and outreach, and strengthen the overall work of the denomination. Church officers and members are encouraged in these networks to faithfulness in their specific ministry callings.
American Presbyterians have always created networks or affinity groups within their denominations. Often, the groups are centered around a common set of convictions on a variety of issues. Many of us in the EPC participated in these kinds of fellowships during our years in the PCUS, UPCUSA and the PC(USA). These denominations had networks (to name a few) such as the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, Presbyterians Pro-Life, Presbyterian Charismatic Communion, Presbyterian Layman, Presbyterians United for Biblical Concerns, Covenant Fellowship of Presbyterians, Presbyterians for Renewal, and New Wineskins. They were networks that functioned within those denominations, seeking to support and encourage congregations through meaningful cooperative fellowships — often focused on particular issues, concerns, or ministry objectives. Over the years, many of these groups and others served the church well.
For more information about the Berean Network, contact [email protected].
Leave a Comment