The International Council of Proclaim! International serves the missionary community by coordinating the work, overseeing the ministries and personnel, and insuring doctrinal integrity and spiritual health. Every aspect of the life of the community, including the International Council, should reflect the love of Christ, be empowered by the Holy Spirit and conform to biblical principles. Does such a council, guided by the Spirit and submitted to the authority of Scripture, need operational guidelines? If so what areas should they govern?
There are many examples of the early church engaging in the process of decision-making concerning leadership, mission, and community life. (see Acts 1:21-26, 6:1-7, 13:1-3, 15:1-35, for example). In each case there was a process employed in making decisions about which we may conclude at least three things. First, the decision-makers were dependent upon prayer and the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Second, there was no evident uniformity in the process from one situation to another. Third, the actual process of decision-making is not described except in a few instances.
Prayer and the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit should be foremost and indispensable in our International Council. Operational guidelines enable the community to be involved in the process, to make decisions and plans, and to pursue courses of action. The fact that the church acted in this manner encourages us as the International Council to follow the same example.
Operational guidelines are useful, first because man is sinful, and agreed-upon rules of operation establish accountability. Second, they can allow the establishment of traditions that are useful over time if they are consistent with biblical truth. Third, they can help the leaders of the community to discern the will of God. Operational guidelines should conform to biblical principles. They should serve to regulate the process of decision-making and not be regarded as unchanging canons or laws. They should be open and known and approved by the whole mission community.
The following are the main areas where operational guidelines regulate the decisions and actions of the International Council:
- Identifying areas of responsibility and authority of the council
- Developing the process for reviewing and approving plans
- Recording and making known decisions and actions
- Selecting and replacing council members and leaders
- Establishing procedures for conducting meetings and making decisions
- Outlining the manner in which information is maintained and distributed
- Establishing and maintaining the internal structure and organization of the International Council and mission leadership
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