1. While the word “embassy” is not found in
scripture, references to The Household of God is the same
definition referring to the governmental representation &
management of God’s Kingdom on the earth.
2. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, we
represent the King of Kings - Jesus. Every ambassador has an
official headquarters, or an embassy. Even though, by geography,
embassies are located in foreign lands, the embassy proper and
it's ambassador are considered sovereign property of the
government they represent
3. God's embassy on earth is His collective
network of churches across denominational lines.
4. Embassy is a group of persons sent on a
diplomatic mission, an ambassador and his staff. We are called
Christ's Ambassadors. 2 Corinthians 5:20
5. Protocol is defined herein, not as an
institutional or legalistic regulation, but a breathable
relational structure of progressive mantle & maturity between
leaders
6. Code of conduct is a set of correct or
appropriate behavior of a group, organization, or profession
Functional relational agreement: a formal agreement between
authorities, leaders, government and officials concerning
operational procedures.
7. Ethics and etiquette observed by ambassadors,
diplomats, and heads of corporate organizations, governments, or
nations.
8. The process of operation and negotiations.
9. A locally, regionally, and globally recognized
standard of relational structure for clear and smooth
collaborations and interconnectivity between those who are
connected through functional leadership and accountable
relationships.
The Specific Aspects of Protocol
Accountability:
Ministerial
conduct with other ministers in a region involving cases of
oversight and permission for guidance, personal aspects.
Correction needed in violations of ethics and protocol it will be
done in the scriptural order seeking ultimate reconciliation and
restoration. Accountability addresses responsibility, respect and
reliability in ministers.
Arbitration:
The process through which a controversy is submitted to an
impartial person called an arbitrator, to resolve a dispute
outside of the court system.
Agendas:
Appropriate guidelines for presentation of events, goals, and
invitations to ministers, ministries, and specific congregants
based on the locations, involvements of regional leadership
counsel, and neutrality of any one individual entity being
highlighted for drawing to itself.
Access/Transition:
Of
ministers from one location to another ministry within the same
regional scope, and/or the healthy transition of people from one
church to another church.
Agreement:
Minimize
differences, maximize unified purpose, if disagree do it
agreeably, never allow issues to affect our resolve for
relationship. Seek diversity, embrace another’s viewpoint, and
celebrate rather than tolerate each one.
Accountability
Ministerial Ethics:
On a regional level: A standard of conduct implemented according
to biblical principles and relational protocol. Affiliates of
this Network will conduct themselves in a Christ like manner one
toward another and never become critical, disruptive, or
derogatory of one another. If there are genuine differences
between ministers we will operate on the principle set in
Matt.18:15-17. The Network reserves the right to remove anyone
involved in unsettled strife or unresolved conflicts between
ministries. We can have differences of opinions, but we must
disagree agreeably. Regional & Community Unity: Our purpose is
not to meddle into the individual churches and ministries, but to
only address those issues that affect a region or community’s
ability to be networked as ONE.
Arbitration
The process through which a controversy is
submitted to an impartial person called an arbitrator, to resolve
a dispute outside of the court system. This arbitration is
available for disputes: Between churches in the Network; Between
ministers in the Network; Between church attendees within the
churches of the network; Between churches & ministers (one in the
Network & one outside); Between inner Church conflicts (only when
called upon).
Agendas
Appropriate guideline for presentation of events,
goals, and invitations to ministers, ministries and churches.
There is a need for appropriate guidelines in INVITATIONS that
extend to a COMMUNITY to prevent unethical enticements of people
to leave their churches. Is the invitation a COMMUNITY EVENT
designed to invite many community leaders in on planning and
purpose? Is the event primarily focused on building and drawing
to one local church body? Are the pastors of that community being
contacted for support and agreement? Are the calendars and
programs of the local churches being taken into consideration in
the planning of a regional event.
Access/Transition
This is the transition of a minister from one location to another
ministry within the same regional scope and can involve the transition of
people from one church to another church within the same region.
Lead Minister:
The lead minister who leaves a ministry to relocate within the
same general region is to start a new church should exercise
consideration of ministers within a 10 to 20 mile radius.
Associate
Minister:
who leaves a ministry to relocate within the same general region, if
starting a new church, should have consideration of the ministers
within a 10 to 20 mile radius. Seek agreement with the lead pastor
where he/she has just left. If agreement is sought and not
granted, then the regional leaders are available to help reach a
resolution.
It is strongly advised that a
minister starting new ministry in the same geographic region where
they have ministered elsewhere should have limited and guarded
communication with people of the former church body for a season
of time to eliminate stress on the leadership of the church they
have come out of. Relationships continue because we are the Body
of Christ, but if a minister has moved on from active leadership
of that former church there needs to be transition for proper
closure and reopening. Open communication between pastors is
wisdom.
Any minister actively encouraging and motivating
people to leave another church is operating in violation of
scriptural protocol and will be expected to cease from such action
or be removed from network membership.
Agreement
The Body Network was birthed by God's Spirit to
connect ministries by the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. We are here to COMPLETE not compete with each
other. We are encouraged to Minimize differences and Maximize
unified purpose, and distinctive diversities. In God's household
there are only walls to distinguish each room, and Jesus is the
DOOR that connects each room in the household of God. Genuine
unity celebrates common agreement that Jesus is Lord and never
compromises our individual convictions. True unity comes through
COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS that grow through integrity, honesty, and
good fruit. We are NOT an “exclusive” fellowship. Oversight is not
“smothering” but the Body Network provides intense networking
through covenant relationships. Even at the accountability level,
a minister can still continue to be part of their current
denomination, fellowship or Christian organization. Our goal is to
be a NETWORK of various ministries and backgrounds in the Body of
Christ that make us a diversity (diverse-city) as vital parts of
the Body.