Team Decision Making
(for FCP in Rhode Island, USA) "But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure..."
2 Cor. 10:13

Any discussion of decision making requires us to understand the sphere of authority and responsibility which God has given to the team and to the individual members. We have always held that God gives whatever authority is necessary to carry out the responsibility he gives and individual or a team. We want to be careful not to overextend our authority so that we overextend ourselves (v. 14) and encroach upon another's authority. We need to distinguish between two different spheres of authority and responsibility. One is the responsibility for personal shepherding of each member of the team. The second is the responsibility for the team to make decisions with respect to the ministry of the team.

1. We will start with the second, that is, decisions with respect the ministry of the Fellowship of Church Planter, Rhode Island (FCPRI). In order to do this we need to define the RI teams responsibility and sphere of authority. FCPRI is responsible to 1) start reproducing churches in parts of RI where there are none, and 2) Help churches in RI which may request help to enter into a ministry of reproducing congregations.
   
   Therefore the RI team is responsible to make decisions about God's will on how to carry out the above tasks. They are also responsible to discern how the resources of the team will be used. Therefore the following types of decisions need to be made by the team:
   1. When the team should get involved in a new work in RI.
   2. When the team should pull out of a work.
   3. Who should be involved in such a work.
   4. When a new member should be received by the team.
   5. When an intern should come on the team.
   6. When a member should be disciplined by the team.
   7. When the team would enter into covenant with other teams which would require ongoing involvement by different team members. (i.e. the TEAM is entering into covenant).
   8. When the TEAM would enter into a covenant with a church (say for the purpose of helping them start a work).
   9. Financial decisions which affect the ongoing ministry of the team.
   
   Types of decisions beyond the sphere of the team:
   1. Decisions for other teams outside of RI (and its sphere).
   2. Individual covenants where a team member covenants with someone in another area and which will not affect other members of the team or the functioning of the team.
   3. Financial decisions of other teams.
   4. Decisions affecting ministries outside of RI.
   
   
2. The other sphere of authority we talked about was the ongoing responsibility to shepherd members of the team in personal matters. The above scenarios allow a great latitude in decision making on the part of each member regarding decisions outside of the sphere of RI. (Presently Jim Frost and Dick Scoggins have many such opportunities. This is new to us which will require careful discernment so that we don't either inhibit the freedom of the Spirit to try new avenues of ministry or stumble badly and injure the team or team members.).
   
   However, there is still the responsibility as a team to care for each member. If we believe that individual decisions are being made in a carnal or unwise manner, then we need to confront our brother in love. Although it is understood that there is great freedom in making such decisions outside of the sphere of FCPRI, we would still recommend the following guidelines:
   
   1. "In many counselors a matter is established." Decisions should not be made alone or in a vacuum. Wise counselors should be sought out whether on the team or off the team. Teammates should feel free to inquire as to who is the counselors are and the background of any decisions. The one entering into the decision should not be defensive but freely offer such information and keep the team informed of such decisions.
      
      "He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom". Proverbs 18:1
      
      But the team needs to take care not to usurp authority which is outside it's sphere of responsibility by vetoing such decisions or being critical of them.
      
      
   2. In the event that teammates feel that a decision is unwise or wrong, they should advise the team member allowing him still the freedom to make the decision. This may involve the process in which the decision is made or the actual decision itself. Godly processes are probably more important than the actual decision itself since carnal tendencies are more likely to be exposed in processes.
      
      
   3. If the concerned team member feels there is sin or extreme danger to the person making the decision, then he should go with another team member to show the level of concern. They may also approach the chief counselor involved. Obviously if there are several friends who feel this way, the person would be wise to reconsider the decision.
   
   Teammates who are involved outside of RI should keep the team informed as to who are their chief counselors. Presently Glynn Evnas has agreed to be Dick's older mentor. Jim Frost is consulted as a peer. For Jim it is Harold Burchette as an older mentor and Dick Scoggins as a peer. Dick's will ask Greg Livingstone to serve as a practical advisor in England, but Dick has asked Glynn to remain as an older mentor who he feels more comfortable seeking character coaching and issues not related to Frontiers. Last year Dick was in contact with Glynn on a monthly basis. Dick and Jim will be in touch at least monthy when Dick is away this year seeking counsel from one another.
   
   Dick and Jim will continue to seek wisdom from the other team members as well. And acknowledge the need for personal shepherding and the place of the team in this.