GC 2020 – The Plain Grace Plan – Is a flow chart worth a thousand words?
Frank Holbrook 3 GC 2020
I’ve recevied several comments that suggest the amount of detailed language in the Plain Grace Plan leads readers to conclude that the plan is too complicated. I decided to create some visuals to help readers understand the processes in the PGP. The plan has a lot of detailed language, but the detail is actually intended to make sure the actual process is both simple and clear.
This is my first effort using an app I downloaded yesterday. This is another milestone in my blogging journey.
It is downloadable and may be enlarged. I hope you find the product worth the effort. I’d appreciate feedback concerning the flow chart. Specifically, I’d like to know if the flow chart is helpful to clarifying the PGP.
The FUll Communion Expression (“FCE’) process occurs during the period from the end of GC 2020 until August 22, 2022. This is intended to allow a reasonable time for new expressions to form but to prevent the process from being open ended for an extended period of time. It’s based on the assumption that people who desire separation already have a fairly clear idea of how they view doctrine and polity and have some rough idea of those people who share similar views. They have roughly one year from the end of GC 2020 in which to file a petition of intent and roughly one additional year to prepare for their organizing conference. To some that may seem excessive, to others it will seem ambitious. Like Goldilocks, to me it seemed “just right”. By 2022, annual conferences and local churches would be making decisions on whether to join a FCE – that is the next flow chart.
Additional future flow charts are tentatively planned such as “How does the FCE invitation process work?” and “How does the idea of missional resource support work?”. Whether these future flow charts are created is contingent on whether readers find this worthwhile; so please leave some feedback. If you find it helpful, please also suggest topics. You can leave feedback in the comments section or by using the contact form.
Thanks for taking the time to take a look. If you support the Plain Grace plan please share your support with others using e-mail, social media and most importantly by word of mouth. The PGP has no institutional support which is both good and bad. The bad part is that it started with a base of zero support. The good side is that it carries no institutional baggage. Without grassroots support the PGP will fail; if it does, at least those who tried can say they gave it their best effort. My hope is that all who serve at GC 2020, no matter what the outcome, will receive their thanks by hearing the words “Well done good and faithful servant”.
3 comments found
betsypc October 1st, 2019
As laity, i fully appreciate that this plan slows down the process–which I think would be beneficial for many local churches. It also has a more intentional feel. Right now everybody is in reactionary mode which is never a good time to make crucial decisions that impacts millions of people.
Frank Holbrook October 1st, 2019
Thanks. I’ve tried to make the process deliberate enough that people can think through the process. I’ve blogged extensively about unintended consequences and unexpected reactions if congregations are caught by surprise. I appreciate receiving a kind word from another person, who like me, sits in the pew on a regular basis.
hookedonchrist September 30th, 2019
For many of us, a picture is often better than a thousand words.
This page is most helpful to those of us who understand from life experiences, that the more we are willing to do the hard work of carefully addressing all of the details in the beginning of a transaction; the cleaner and better the outcomes are for all involved.
Plus, by adopting the Plain Grace Plan process, we can totally avoid, otherwise likely, devastating litigation.
I appreciate your diligent efforts to bring transparency, clarity and understanding to the carefully thought-out process of the Plain Grace Plan.