Authentic Community​

Mandate: To lead classis to encourage God’s people by intentionally sharing life and story together so that classis is being transformed into a community of grace and truth.

Living it out:

1.  At the Classis meetings: Each Classis meeting will contain an intentional time of shared stories. Typically, many of these come through the reports of the various missional communities and campus ministries, however, every church has a story
to tell about what is currently living in their community. An invitation could go out with the agenda for one or more
churches to share at each meeting – giving every church a voice.

2. Connecting with the local churches: Ideally the pastors of churches in close geographical proximity would be encouraged to meet monthly for lunch. The Regional Pastors would be encouraged to also be part of these informal
gatherings to foster deeper relationships within classis.

3. Each year or at a minimum every two years, Classis will hold a retreat. May is the most suitable month since business could be
contained to the AGM. The retreat could include times of social interaction, times of prayer, speakers, outdoor activities, etc. These retreats are intentionally geared to enhance authentic community.

4. Led by: The Authentic
Community champion could work with the other core value champions, especially in planning the retreat, but could also invite a few others to form a team for this purpose.