ECO Core Values

The First Core Value: Jesus-Shaped Identity
by Rev. Paul Votaw

As members of ECO – The Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians – we covenant with other congregations. In other words, there are essentials we agree on and that form the foundation of who we are and whose we are. It is in the keeping of that covenant relationship that we find meaning, unity, and purpose, and are free to create ministries that flourish in the love and grace of God.

Over the next few months I would like to share with you the six points that form the Covenant for Congregations within ECO. Westfield Presbyterian Church is committed to honoring this covenant so it is critical that we embrace these values and beliefs individually.

The first point of our covenant is grounded in Philippians 2:9-11. “Therefore God exalted him (Jesus Christ) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus Christ is Lord of all. God has given him the highest place. We affirm and celebrate that reality. What goes with that affirmation is not only the willingness but also the desire to be subject to Jesus Christ in all things spiritually, materially, and physically. In Philippians 1:21 the Apostle Paul writes, “For me to live is Christ…” Later in Philippians he proclaims “I count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.” In these statements there are several convictions:

First of all, our aim in life is to know and glorify Christ. While we can never do it perfectly our purpose each day is to glorify and share the love of Christ in all that we do. Not only should we avoid anything that would reflect poorly on Christ, we should also find those things offensive.

Secondly, life as God intended it to be lived and enjoyed can only be found in Christ. While some may find the disciplines of the Christ-centered life restrictive, they are in fact where true freedom is found. So often we equate freedom with being free from any restrictions. What happens is that we become enslaved by our desire to be free and mired in the negative consequences of a life with no boundaries. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” It is in Jesus that we find truth and it is in Jesus that we find freedom.

Third, when we accept Jesus as Lord we are willing to lose anything for the sake of knowing Christ. This, I believe is the hardest thing of all, simply because this is where we see whether or not Jesus is truly Lord of our lives. Are we so committed to Jesus that we are able to give up anything? Do we trust Jesus to the extent that we can let go with confidence that Jesus will bless beyond anything we can imagine?

All this is written understanding that we are on a journey. Some days we live the faith well, and other days we struggle. This covenant isn’t about doing anything perfectly. It is about a deep and abiding hunger for Jesus and to have him first in our lives. May we honor our commitment and support one another as we grow in Christ together.
originally published June 2014

The Second Core Value: Biblical Integrity
by Rev. Paul Votaw

Last month I began a newsletter series presenting the basis for the covenant we have with other congregations in ECO. These areas in which we covenant can also be described as Core Values. I indicated that there are six. I was incorrect. There are actually eight. Last month I discussed the first core value (covenant that we make). That is to have a Jesus-shaped identity or to embrace Jesus as the center of our lives, the Lord of all.

The second core value is Biblical Integrity. Our covenant is to accept the Bible as the unique and authoritative Word of God and to model our lives by the teachings we find in Scripture. This involves the following:

To believe that the Bible teaches us all that is necessary for faith and life. We find in life many organizations, individuals, and special interest groups who will try to tell us what life should be. Through various arguments and pressures people may seek to convince us that the Bible is antiquated or over the years has been misinterpreted. While many of the arguments the world offers may sound good—may even match our own desires—if they do not square with scripture then we cannot accept those particular teachings/arguments. Our covenant is to measure everything against what the Bible teaches. Society may try to tell us what life should be, but the Bible tells us what life is.

The commitment to study the Bible and know what it says. We don’t believe something because that is what we have always been taught, or because something is in our comfort zone. Rather, our beliefs are grounded in what the Bible teaches. To have credibility we must be able

not only to tell people what we believe but why we believe it. This requires that we know the Bible and in order to know the Bible we must study and learn. So when we covenant to accept the Bible as the authoritative Word of God we are covenanting to take personal responsibility for learning what the Bible teaches.

The willingness to take difficult and unpopular stands. Quite often when we take certain stands we are characterized as narrow, unloving, uncaring, hypocritical, out of touch, to name a few. We may be treated unfairly. Part of the covenant we make is to stand firmly in God’s word even to the point of rejection and persecution. At the same time as we stand firm we must respond with forbearance, respect, and love, welcoming all into our family of faith. This takes us back to our first point. Our faith in God and in his Word is essential for us to have any hope of standing firm. The Bible tells us that the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world, and at times it may even seem foolish to us. Nevertheless we remain faithful to the Word

The Bible will shape our life. In some respects this is a reiteration of the first three points. Yet how often do we say one thing and do another? How often do our convictions give way to temptation? Our covenant is to shape our lives according to the Word of God., to allow God and his Word to have absolute sway over our thoughts, words and actions. It is as we make and keep this covenant that we will know the abundant life that Jesus talks about. It is as we make and keep this covenant that we will become true instruments of God’s love and goodness.

In summary, the first two covenants we make are: To embrace Christ as the Lord of our lives and to accept the unique and unrivaled authority of the Bible, God’s Word. In the next newsletter we’ll consider the importance of Reformed Theology as part of our covenant.

Second in a series on ECO Core Values. You can learn more at eco-pres.org

originally published July 2014

The Third Core Value: Thoughtful Theology
by Rev. Paul Votaw

This newsletter article addresses our third core value as part of ECO: Thoughtful Theology. One of the hallmarks of the Reformation was a focus on theological education and a life of learning. This value extends not only to the clergy but also, and just as importantly, to the laity. Prior to the Reformation the Bible and theological interpretation were in the hands of the clergy and any knowledge was passed down from the clergy to the church members. The Reformation opened up a whole new world to church members. They were given both the privilege and responsibility to read, learn, and discuss that which up until then had been reserved for the clergy.

As a result, the discipline of theology was broadened and interpretation was guided by church leaders rather than dictated by church leaders. This was freeing. At the same time it brought with it an increasing possibility for theological and doctrinal error. In some respects we are experiencing that right now in our world. Some base their beliefs on personal preferences and feelings rather than on sound theology. This has always been true, but in a post modern world with the propensity for extreme individualism the potential for error grows.

This core value challenges all of us in several ways: First, thoughtful theology is grounded in biblical authority. If we do not accept the authority of scripture then we have no basis for discussion.

Second, thoughtful theology challenges us to study scripture and make use of the many resources that are available so we can faithfully interpret scripture and understand individual passages in relation to the whole biblical witness and to everyday life. We must constantly be in a discovery and growth mode.

Third, it reminds us that even though some biblical truths are uncomfortable they are nevertheless essential to our relationship with God and to experiencing the fullness of this life.

Fourth, thoughtful theology challenges us to listen respectfully to views that may conflict with our own, but to always view everything through the lenses of sound biblical interpretation.

Fifth, sound biblical theology can put us in difficult situations, but sound theology does not require a majority vote. God is a majority of one. Proper theology reinforces God’s authority, points us back to scripture, and reassures us that God’s plan is the best plan even though we may wish it was different.

One of the strengths of our new denomination (ECO) is its commitment to the authority of scripture and to providing resources to help all of us grow in our faith and strengthen our resolve to live faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ.

May God bless you as you study and learn, and may He give you a thirst for His word.

originally published September 2014

The Fourth Core Value: Accountable Community
by Rev. Paul Votaw

We believe guidance is a corporate spiritual experience. We want to connect leaders to one another in healthy relationships of accountability, synergy, and care.

One of the more difficult aspects of the Christian life is accountability. We all, to varying degrees, have an independent streak in us. We want to do our thing in our own way and woe unto anyone who would call us into question. And having that desire/drive for independence is a good thing. However, that does not free us from being accountable to one another.

At the same time a right view of accountability is essential for healthy relationship. Accountability is not about keeping someone under our thumb, or having to approve of everything someone does. Accountability is not about finding fault. What accountability is in a Christian context is having relationships that encourage us and support us in our walk with Christ and with one another while holding to Christ-driven values, morals, and ethics. Naturally, this involves a core set of values upon which we agree, as well as an openness and a willingness to be transparent.

On the other side of things accountability involves a commitment to put aside any temptation to condemn and judge in favor of a commitment to help one another be better and walk more fully with Christ.

A core value for ECO is to develop and nurture such relationships between churches, within churches, and among pastors. Each church will be in a Missional Affinity Group. Sessions will meet annually to discuss their church’s faithfulness in fulfilling its mission, in upholding our essential tenets, and to evaluate our personal growth in our walk with Christ. Pastors will be involved in a similar activity. Pastors will meet more often to review worship, ministry focus, personal struggles and successes.

As we continue to grow as a church within ECO a focus at Westfield will be on mutual accountability. We are not going to be “in your face” about it, but you will hear a fairly consistent theme around the subject of accountability relationships. For now I would simply ask you to be open to this important dimension of Christian community and how you might enhance your personal accountability and our mutual accountability as part of the body of Christ.

originally published November 2014

The Fifth Core Value: Egalitarian Ministry
by Rev. Paul Votaw

Egalitarian Ministry: We believe in unleashing the ministry gifts of women, men, and every ethnic group.

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I Corinthians 12:7

Whenever I hear the word egalitarian my first thought is what does that mean? My second thought is that it must have something to do with eagles, and then I have to look it up to remind myself of its definition all over again.

Egalitarianism is a philosophical thought system that emphasizes equality and equal treatment across gender, religion, economic status and political beliefs. Translated for the church is means that we believe God has gifted all believers for ministry and that the dynamic church will encourage all people to use those gifts to the glory of God. As with each of the core values this approach to ministry is guided by the teachings of scripture.

But let me go back to the “second” thought I expressed above. Thinking about eagles when I hear the word egalitarian is not all that far off. (at least in my opinion) The reason is that eagles soar. They are powerful and rule skies. The church should always be committed to helping people soar and live in the power of the Holy Spirit using the gifts with which they have been blessed.

People are not in the church by accident, and this applies to Westfield. Each person in our faith community is here by God’s design and has gifts to offer. And it is our responsibility and privilege to help each one find his or her place of service, fulfillment and joy. This requires several things:

1. That we know our people (develop relationships) and understand their gifts and passions

2. That we encourage and create ministries in which people can serve

3. The we create a church culture that values and supports creativity, boldness, out of the box thinking, initiative and is willing to risk occasional failure

4. That we encourage people to get involved

5. That each of us is willing to accept direction and advice about where we might serve most effectively

6. That we celebrate people and show gratitude for their contribution to Christ’s ministry at Westfield

7. That we remember that the gifts we have been given are to be used for the glory of God and the building up of His people

8. That we see each person as a gift from God who has much to offer

The list could go on but there is only so much room in the newsletter. One of Westfield’s strengths is the way she values, encourages and involves people. Let’s continue and build on that strength. In Luke 12:48 Jesus reminds us that much will be required of those who have been given much. We have been blessed with incredible people and we have a great responsibility for their care and growth. We have a responsibility to help each other soar thereby unleashing the power of God’s people.

The Sixth Core Value: Mission Centrality
by Rev. Paul Votaw

Core Values #6: We believe in living out the whole of the Great Commission—including evangelism, spiritual formation, compassion, and redemptive justice—in our communities and
around the world.

For the last 3-4 years Westfield has been developing a missional focus which is exactly where a church’s focus should be. That is one of the reasons ECO is such a good fit for Westfield. There is the danger, however, that through over use, being “missional” could become a catch word rather than a visionary, directive, and engaging approach to ministry. We are not the church for our own sake. It is true that we experience fellowship, learning, spiritual growth and encouragement by being part of the church, but it doesn’t stop there. All these things must be lived out in the larger community in an effort to introduce people to Jesus Christ.

When Jesus said, “Go into all the world…” he wasn’t simply talking about missionaries, he was speaking to each one of us. Your church leaders are aware of this as they plan various activities and ministries. We are sensitive to it when we plan worship services. And as a part of Westfield church each of us is called to be missional in our homes, the work place, at school, sports, drama…you get the idea. Everywhere we go we are ambassadors for Christ. Obviously, the form this takes will vary with time, place, and circumstances, but whether it is in word, action or attitude our goal is to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that people will see in us something different, something that will point them to the Master.

We are not simply part of the church’s ministry, rather each of us is called to have a ministry of our own. How can you be missional? How can your daily life be a conduit, an invitation, an encouragement, a testimony to the Lord of life, Jesus Christ?

originally published December 2014

The Seventh Core Value: Center-focused Spirituality
by Rev. Paul Votaw

In recent months my newsletter articles have focused on the core values of our denomination. So far we have addressed the first six core values. Jesus-shaped Identity, Biblical Integrity, Thoughtful Theology, Accountable Community, Egalitarian Ministry, and Missional Centrality.

The seventh core value is Center-focused Spirituality.

In center-focused spirituality “we believe in calling people to the core of what it means to be followers of Jesus – what ‘mere Christianity’ is and does – and not fixate on the boundaries.”

I must admit that I am struggling a bit with how to approach this core value. My understanding is that the last six words (and not fixate on the boundaries) mean that we are not to be “the truth police,” going around being sure everyone is staying on the straight and narrow. Yet, ECO came into being in large part because the truth, the straight and narrow, was being compromised. So we cannot disregard the need for biblical truth and upholding that truth.

At the same time when being “truth detectors” takes so much of our attention and effort that we ignore the call to service, compassion, and sharing the good news we fail to live out the very truth we seek to protect.

Given the above, center-focused spirituality is living the truth of God’s word so that his truth comes alive within us. For example:

• Rather than making sure everyone else is following the rules, I focus on applying God’s word to my life.

• Rather than getting up in arms because there are so many poor people, I do all I can to help the poor.

• Rather than condemning people who are caught up in sin, I find ways to love people and help them find ways out of their bondage.

• Rather than simply talking about theological concepts, I translate those and apply them to everyday life.

Center-focused spirituality has to do with discipleship, being a student of the Master, learning from him, and living in his way. What does center-focused spirituality mean for you?

It has been helpful to me to think through this core value. I hope it has been helpful for you as well.

originally published February 2015

The Eighth Core Value: Leadership Velocity
by Rev. Paul Votaw

We believe identifying and developing gospel-centered leaders is critical for the church. A great leadership culture is risk-taking, innovative, and organic.

The eighth core value of the Covent Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) is leadership velocity. Church leaders often, in many ways, send the message that success, growth and ministry depend on the involvement and commitment of members. Then when things don’t happen, when growth doesn’t come, those same leaders will often point the finger at the members and claim that it is because the members just did not do their part. And there may be some truth to that, but that is not the entire picture.

A prominent church leader once commented that everything rises and falls with leadership and I believe he is right on target. Yes, the church needs every member to be active in order to reach its full potential. But it is the responsibility of leadership, both clergy and lay, to cast the vision, motivate involvement and provide energy for the cause. The impact of leaders can be witnessed whenever there is a transition in leadership. Quite often when a leader leaves the energy and vision are depleted. It’s the same group of people, so what happened? By the same token it is not unusual to have a new leader come and a lethargic church suddenly is filled with excitement and people can’t wait to get involved. It’s the same group of people, so what happened?

Leadership happened. I can give you example after example.

This is why ECO’s focus on leadership is so important. This is why the responsibility placed upon Pastor Nominating Committees and Church Lay Leader Nominating Committees is so critical. The challenge is not to find warm bodies who will say “yes”. The challenge is to be led by God’s Spirit to identify people who are ready and willing to lead and not just attend meetings.

Next month I will continue our discussion of Leadership Velocity and write about leadership qualities and responsibilities. In the meantime pray for your church leaders and consider ways in which you can lead in the days ahead.

originally published March 2015

Part Two

Last month’s article was the first of two that has to do with ECO’s eighth core value. Please reread it or read it for the first time to lay the foundation for what follows. Perhaps we need to begin this article by being sure we understand the culture that is described in the eighth core value. I think we all know what it means to be risk-taking and innovative. But what does it mean to have a culture that is organic?

The term organic organization was created in the late 1950’s by Tom Burns and G. M. Stalker to refer to a flexible organization that values external knowledge. In other words it looks outside itself for ideas and wisdom. In organic organizations there is less hierarchy, fewer classifications and job descriptions. Organic organization thrives on the power of personalities and relationships, lack of rigid procedures and communication, and can react quickly and easily to changes…thus it is said to be the most adaptive form of organization. (D. A. Morand (1995) “The Role of Behavioral Formality and Informality in the Enactment of Bureaucratic versus Organic Organizations,” Academy of Management Review, 20 831-872.)

This can be quite a challenge for people who are used to structure and definition. And even people who consider themselves flexible and innovative resist flexibility and innovation if it runs contrary to their idea of how things should be. Needless to say this organizational model requires co-operation and constant adjustment from all the members. This may seem academic but we need to understand it and embrace it in order to live out the 8th core value. With this back ground let’s think a bit about leadership qualities and responsibilities that are necessary within this type of organizational culture.

Leaders are Gospel centered – In the church our priority is not financial profit or growth for the sake of growth. Our priority is sharing the good news about Jesus and inviting people into a relationship with him. Part and parcel to this is a passion when it comes to caring for people. The Gospel must be the driving factor in all decisions that we make. It supersedes innovation and risk taking.

Leaders practice what they preach – We can call this integrity. The point is, if we proclaim the gospel, leaders must live the gospel. If we ask people to participate we must participate. If we ask people to tithe (give 10% of what they earn to Christ’s Church) then we must do it ourselves. Leaders will set the tone by what they do more than by what they say.

Leaders look for the possibilities – Leaders respect traditions but are not bound by tradition. They think about what could be just as much as they think about maintaining what is. When someone says, “Hey, what about this?” they consider ways to make it happen rather than rehearse all the reasons it cannot happen. Leaders support and provide resources for people with ideas and passion. That doesn’t mean we do everything or that we don’t prioritize. What it does mean is that we encourage and celebrate creativity and innovation.

Leaders take risks – I think it is safe to say that we worry too much about failure. That does not mean that we are careless or cavalier. It simply means that we are willing to get out of the safe harbor into the vast ocean of possibilities and discovery. At the core of risk taking for Gospel Centered leaders is seeking and finding God’s will and trusting God to provide wherever God leads. If we aren’t a little nervous about some of the things we try to accomplish that may be a sign that we are content with people-sized tasks and are ignoring God-sized tasks.

Leaders believe success is possible – A positive spirit is essential in any successful organization. We want to identify the challenges and problems, but we do this in order to become better. Negativity is insidious. It often masquerades as “constructive criticism” or “speaking the truth in love.” So leaders must set the tone through their attitude, how they listen, how they respond, and how they do not participate in negativity.

Leaders build consensus – I once had a denominational “leader” claim that good leaders don’t worry about building consensus; instead they cast the vision, make decisions and move forward. His idea of consensus building is different from mine. He seems to take consensus to mean that you take a vote and the majority wins. Actually, consensus building has little if anything to do with taking a vote. Consensus building has to do with casting a vision in such a compelling way that that vision ends up being shared by the organization as a whole. Consensus building is grounded in relationships and mission. It takes time and a lot of effort. In the end the vision may be adjusted a bit, but it becomes the vision of the entire organization and not simply the vision of the leaders.

Leaders say “thank you” – Need I say more?

Leaders are secure enough to share credit – In my view a strong leader makes sure that others get the applause. There have been times when I have witnessed people getting credit, pats on the back, etc. for something they did, yet they failed to give credit to the person(s) who gave them the idea and supported them in their efforts and perhaps worked right alongside them. The issue for a good leader is not “who gets the credit.” The issue is successful ministry.

Leaders accept responsibility – Leaders are willing to say, “We tried it and it didn’t work.” They don’t spin it. They don’t try to come out smelling like a rose. Leaders don’t look for someone to blame, they look for solutions. I’m the first to admit that it is hard to say “I was wrong” or “I could have done it better”. And it is hard to take criticism when the criticism should be directed elsewhere. But taking responsibility speeds up the corrective process and helps avoid getting mired down in the “blame game.”

Leaders don’t have to have their own way – Effective leaders do not fight for their way; rather, they seek to discover the best way.

This certainly doesn’t cover all the complexities of leadership, but I hope there is something here to help, to inspire, to encourage all of us to grow in our understanding of leadership and our ability to be effective leaders.

Originally published April 2015

The Ninth Core Value: Kingdom Vitality
by Rev. Paul Votaw

Kingdom Vitality – We believe congregations should vigorously reproduce new missional communities to expand the Kingdom of God.

In mainline denominations this core value is often referred to as “church planting”. At its foundation it challenges us to live out the “Great Commission” given by Christ at the end of Matthew’s gospel account. “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you; and behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

One of the things Westfield tries to do is give people mission experiences, whether that is at Camp Lambec, through Habitat for Humanity, working in Peoria, IL or New Mexico. These experiences are important as a way to grow and serve Christ and His people. But being missional is more than that. We must also provide the resources…material, spiritual and human to plant, develop and sustain the Christian Community in areas outside of our own. We are to participate in planting and helping sustain new missional communities (churches).

This can be done in a number of ways; on our own, in cooperation with other missional communities, by providing funding for church plants, etc. The church plant may be in Youngstown, Pittsburgh, Montana, Guatemala, Sudan… That said, we don’t just go out and start planting churches for the sake of planting churches. This process is undergirded with prayer, research and planning and could take years. Right now our tasks are to begin the conversation, pray for God’s guidance and do all we can to strengthen our own missional community (Westfield) so we are ready to respond when God calls.

Originally published June 2015