Hopewell Network of Churches

Definitions of Terms

Apostolic - The gift or office of apostle has been given to the church by Christ to provide leadership, direction, and vision to churches within a network or region. Apostles are seen as fathers to leaders and as master builders of the church.

Life Flow - Every network or movement has a certain DNA or life flow that God has given to bless the rest of the Body of Christ. The Hopewell life flow is described in our value statements. These are things from which we draw our identity, and which give us purpose as a group of churches working together.

Mutual/Relational Accountability vs. Structural/Authority Accountability - Every healthy network or church has healthy accountability within its group. Accountability works best when it comes from the heart and not just from authority structures. Where healthy relationships are being nurtured, mutual or relational accountability happens naturally between leaders and followers. Structural accountability also needs to be defined because in our humanness relationships sometimes break down and a person must still respond to those set in authority over them. Structural accountability is based on authority structures and provides protection to the people in the organization from potential misuse of authority.

Network Apostolic Leader and Team - The Apostolic Leader is called by God and affirmed by the spiritual advisors and pastors to lead this team; he is the primary vision carrier and apostle of the network. The Apostolic Leadership Team is responsible for the overall vision and decision making of the Hopewell Network.

Spiritual Advisors – These are respected leaders in the Body of Christ who have been asked to provide accountability and encouragement to the Apostolic Leader and the Apostolic Leadership Team. They assist in setting in the Network Apostle and the Leadership Team.

Spiritual Oversight - Our network functions with the autonomy of the local church but with structures for accountability. Oversight is focused primary on the encouragement, training, equipping, and accountability of the pastor and elders, not on the operation of the local church and its ministries..

Theocratic - In contrast to congregational rule that is based on a democratic system of rule and decision-making, theocratic rule is how we believe the Kingdom of God is designed to function. The early church functioned with this type of church government, wherein God directed his church through leadership gifts that he set in place. Instead of discerning God’s will through voting, leaders have the God-given responsibility to set direction and discern God’s will. Theocratic leadership operates with a balance of team leadership and an openness to congregational wisdom and discernment.