association

Why we need each other

No local church or independent leader can afford to be alone like an island in the sea! The true nature of the Christian Church is interdependence for as scripture states, "we are members of one another." God has created human beings and human society to be interdependent. Usually relationship with others keep us balanced, and increases output because we are stimulated, challenged and pull together.

How to associate with CRI as part of the network

Before commencing this section you should first have read the vision and aims of CRI and the Belief Statement. If you have not already done so please go back to those sections and make sure that you are in agreement before you apply to associate. Thank you!

The Philosophy and Dynamics of Association

Here are the advantages:

1. By teaming up with others you will accomplish more. Teaming up stimulates, challenges, gives you fresh ideas. The total skills of the team is more than the individual.

2. Being associated with others protects your ministry. The loner ministry is more vulnerable to attack and has no committed relationships to come to their assistance.

3. Association protects your church. If the shepherd is struck down, the flock scatters. For the sake of your people, develop strong ministry relationships beyond your local church.

4. Association together (networking) gives you new ministry resources to tap into. First up is communication with key ministries using primarily email and the internet. Second is the training resources. Third is the opportunity to open a Training School for leaders, a Bible School for evangelism and church planting. Fourth is other resources and so on.

5. Association can link you with other similar ministries in your own nation.

6. Association will help you enlarge your ministry.

7. Association will help you plant more churches.

8. Association will help new ministries starting off.

9. Association will help senior ministries lead younger ministries better.

10. Association will assist women ministries and youth ministries. In some countries these are neglected or devalued.

11. Association will greatly assist Christians where persecution against them is strong.

12. Association will help travelling ministry to visit and strengthen you.

13. Association keeps ministry standards high. With CRI it is always the standard that Bible standards apply as to life and conduct. We want excellence to the glory of God.

14. Association means that the integrity of your leadership in the local scene where you minister is always respected. No one in CRI has the right to go in on your church without your consent. You always remain in charge. No one controls you from outside.

15. Association is comforting! Yes! Leadership can be a lonely road sometimes. It is a genuine comfort to know that you are recognized and connected with others.

16. Association means that we have accepted your application to be part of CRI. Your ministry and leadership is recognized. We will issue a ministry credential appropriate to your experience in ministry. While some leaders and groups associating will already have their own ministry recognition system, many other independent or emerging leaders will have none. We therefore will issue a certificate to all, appropriate to experience.

Once again, have you read over the vision and aims of CRI? Have you read and understood the Belief Statement? If yes, then you are now ready to proceed with your application.

Please click on the application button in the navigation bar for information on how to apply for association.