Purposes of the Northwest Association

From the Annual Report for the September 2000 - August 2001 church year. (Amendment to our by-laws)

According to our constitution, our purpose is "to glorify God by helping churches provide contextualized, New Testament congregations where they are needed across Northwest Pennsylvania." Below are three basic and more specific purposes, similar to the five purposes of a church. Also included are some actions to help us accomplish these purposes.

I. Helping churches accomplish their purposes related to Evangelism, Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, and Service

a. Creating networks in which churches can enlist ministry partners, both within and beyond the association, reinforcing our churches' efforts in accomplishing their purposes;

b. Creating awareness for churches of:

1. possible ministry ideas for accomplishing their purposes, and
2. available resources for putting those ideas into action ;

c. Creating training opportunities for churches, pastors, and potential pastors in order to help churches more effectively accomplish their purposes;

d. Creating a support network for churches and church plants in crisis.

II. Being catalytic in church planting

a. Researching and probing possible fields for church planting;

b. Recruiting church planters;

c. Assessing and training church planters;

d. Processing requests for church planters and necessary funding;

e. Starting Bible studies with a view to planting churches.

III. Engendering a spirit of partnership among our churches

a. Initiating fellowship opportunities for pastors and churches;

b. Coordinating mission trips;

c. Ensuring that every associational event (whether it is an Annual Meeting or a training opportunity) includes rich fellowship.