The purpose of Networking is to maintain biblical accountability and responsibility. The term Networking, for Living Word Christian Center Kingdom Network of Churches International, came from Matthew 13:47. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom in terms of a “net,” that when cast into the sea brought in a bountiful harvest. The Kingdom is not a “fishing pole” mentality, meaning, one at a time, me and mine attitude. It is the concept of a “net,” meaning, multitudes and nations reaped by partners. You fish with a pole for pleasure, but with a net for business.
A net is made of various strands of rope, interwoven and knit together and tied in a knot on the ends. We believe as a covering ministry, God has ordained us to bring together various streams of the body of Christ and be knit together by the Spirit in covenant commitment. We believe all relationships must be prophetic and not political. We are bound to each other spiritually, not legally or financially.
We jointly sponsor missions, missionaries and conferences. We are called to the communities, cities and nations of the world. Many smaller congregations are unable to support missions on their own, but by networking with us, their support becomes more effective. Many congregations are unable to afford the expense of a quality conference, but by networking with us, we provide them with an annual conference.
Living Word Christian Center Kingdom Network of Churches International is an extension ministry of Living Word Christian Center that provides spiritual covering for Pastors, Churches and ministries who believe God has led them to be sovereignly joined in covenant relationship to Bishop Knox for biblical accountability and submits to him as their spiritual covering. We believe all ministry flows out of relationship and that the Kingdom of God is built in trust and the strategy is love.
The Kingdom Network of Churches International is not a club or denomination that you join, but is rather a network that you are divinely connected to that enables you to function in biblical order and authority. Without being under authority, we have no authority. It is a vehicle to connect us to the universal Church and not just our local congregations. It is not exclusive, but inclusive and in no way prohibits fellowship with other organizations. In fact, we encourage interaction with other Christian fellowships and networks.
When you become a member of the Kingdom Network of Churches International, you in no way give us authority over your local ministry except that which is mutually understood to be for the purpose of ministry and admonition. The Holy Spirit remains the Executor of your ministry.
We believe the structure of the local church is threefold: set man, senior pastor or Bishop, supported by presbytery or elders, supported by deacons or ministers of helps.
The set one has final authority and is accountable to his or her Bishop or spiritual father. He or she also looks to elders locally for wisdom and guidance. The set one provides the vision and doctrine of the ministry and provides the oversight and care of the congregation. Elders, or presbytery members, serve the vision of the set one and function as delegated authority or department heads. They provide for the spiritual needs and care of the congregation. Deacons serve the vision under the authority of the elders and serve as helps to take care of the natural needs of the house of God and the people of God.
We believe the government of God is a Theocracy, not a Democracy, and thereby pastors are appointed by the Holy Ghost and are not elected by people. Because of the role of the pastor, he or she should have a Bishop or a pastor of their own in an extra-local way. Each extra-local fellowship or denomination should be connected to the Body of Christ Universal – to not become exclusive but always remain inclusive.
We believe each ministry gift needs other ministry gifts to relate to and of which to be accountable. No one is beyond needing a “covering”. We recognize the five fold ministry as found in Ephesians 4:11 and believe that they should function in the church through and under the structure of bishops, elders and deacons. The five fold ministry is called of God and recognized by man. The structure is appointed by men and recognized by God. Both are necessary. Why bishops, elders and deacons? “. . . that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (I Timothy 3:15)
“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.” Psalm 46:4
We believe the river is deep and does not move as fast as the streams. The streams are shallow until they flow together. We are called to promote unity in all the streams to form the river.
Historically there are three streams in the body of Christ. They are liturgical/sacramental, fundamental/evangelical and pentecostal/charismatic. They should not be viewed as enemies of one another. “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5 – 6). Each stream has a vital purpose to the Lord. We should glean the good from each. The following are positive truths from each stream:
Liturgical/Sacramental –
creeds, the written word, form and beauty in worship, structure, communion
Evangelical/Fundamental –
preached word, evangelism, missions, emphasis on grace, educational facilities
Charismatic/Pentecostal –
freedom of worship, gifts of the spirit, revelation, ministry gifts, intercession
Apostle is the one called of God and sent by God to establish. It is a foundation ministry, not necessarily a bishop. (Ephesians 4:11)
Prophet is one called of God with insight to provide direction. A foundation ministry. It is not just one who prophesies.
Evangelist is an extension of the local church called to evangelize, win souls and minister healing.
Pastor is the chosen leader of God to shepherd the flock. He is joined to the local church.
Teacher is an asset to the pastor, used of God to train the saints to grow up.
Bishop is the overseer or shepherd of a local congregation, but must also have extra-local oversight. A Bishop may or may not be apostolic. Apostle is a ministry gift. Bishop is a structure gift. The term Bishop does not come from the Roman Catholic Church, but from the apostles. (See I Timothy 3:1 – 7)
Elders serve as spiritual advisors or under shepherds. Elders, or presbytery, is a structural gift.
An elder may or may not be a member of the five fold ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11. (See I Timothy 5:1, 17 – 19) Elders work under and with the set man/woman.
Deacons serve the vision of God under the elders. A deacon’s service is on the behalf of the house of God and the people of God. Deacons serve as “ministers of helps.” (See I Timothy 3:8 – 13)