On March 26, 2020 we made an important announcement that The Word Community Church and Central Community Church have been pursuing the intention of merging our two church bodies into one under the senior leadership of Bishop Coleman. The initial announcement answered several questions that have arisen as a result of a several-month-long discussion with leadership from both congregations.

Because we were transitioning from “conversations” to “action”, it was necessary to inform both congregations of the intent. We asked for all questions to be submitted so that Bishop Coleman and Pastor Henry could answer them. Here are the answers to those questions.

Transcribed & Abridged

1.   How will bonding occur between congregations?

We will do our leadership training, retreats, and other activities together.

2.   How will we unify campuses?

  • Shared events – we’ll have regular opportunities for gatherings where members from both campuses will be together and fellowship.
  • Shared Leadership – leaders from both campuses will periodically alternate, from one campus to the other including worship teams.
  • Shared Mission – When we serve together, we grow together. We are fully on board with the local mission’s efforts that CCC is already involved with, and want to see those thrive. Therefore members from Olive Campus will serve alongside those from Central Campus and Vice Versa. We hope and expect people from Central Campus to serve alongside the various missions (local and abroad) that the Olive Campus is already engaged in.

3.   How do you handle someone who errs Biblically, i.e. adultery, pornography, error?

With the Word of God, Matthew 18:15-20. We take church discipline very seriously for TWO reasons: 1. purity in the church (a little leaven leavens the whole batch), 2. for restoration of the one who is in sin. We have carefully walked through scripture as to how to handle these situations, and it’s all spelled out in our doctrinal statement on our website.

4.   Will both congregations do all the same events?

75 percent of the time I hope yes so that we become one church on two campuses. 25 percent continue what you have already been doing.

5.   Will there be one leadership team comprised from both congregations?

Yes For the first 90 days, both leadership teams will meet together and function as we currently are in our individual campuses. At the end of 90 days, I will make a determination as to how, if at all we will restructure our leadership hierarchy.

6.   Will current CCC leadership such as deacons and elders’ be part of the new structure?

Yes of course and after the 90 days as I said I will make changes as needed.

7.   Will TWCC be grandfathered into Converge PacWest?

My goal is to not change anything for at least 90 days… I want to make sure we give a good assessment of everything before any changes are made. For this relationship, I have no context with working with them. If we find the relationship is beneficial to advancing our mission, then we’ll stay. If not, we’ll change.”

8.   Does TWCC do leadership retreats; bonding events?

Yes most of the time local because of the number of people. But I’m open to a 1 or 2 day retreat for leaders out of town.

10.  How would current CCC ministries continue under combined model?

After the 90 day assessment period, I will assess and make the necessary changes if needed in:

a.   Children’s

b.   Small Groups

c.   Women’s

d.   Men’s

e.   Prayer Team

f.     Youth

g.   Meals Ministry

Also I will bring in a strategist to help facilitate this discussion with both campus teams.

11.  CCC will donate its assets to TWCC?

Yes and this will be an ongoing process over the first 6 months as all of the other changes are being made. No rush want to do things correctly and in order.

12.  Will there be a unified budget?

After the 90 day assessment period, I would like to move towards a unified budget – our goal is to be financially healthy.

13.  Will staff offices be combined?

Both offices will remain open throughout the week to meet the needs of the individual communities. Staff meetings will be held at one location (Olive Campus). Some select staff will float between both campuses.

14.  Will CCC retain its worship team or will they be combined?

Our heart and desire for worship is to be an expression of our diversity. Therefore we believe it’s important to have a mixture of different teams and styles of worship, and so our hope is to have alternating teams using musicians from both campuses.

15.  Will there be combined events in one location?

Yes and I hope very often, because were 1 church.

16.  How does TWCC handle membership?

We have covenant partners, which is basically the same just different verbiage. Covenant partners sign a agreement to be faithful to God and the ministry.

17.  Will the service time for CCC change to allow pastors to commute between campuses?

Yes CCC will start at 1100 am and TWCC will start at 9:30 am on Sundays. We are open to changing in the future to accommodate growth for both campuses.

18.  What happens if growth at CCC happens will there be a second service?

We are not only open to growth, but seeking it. We plan to cross those bridges when they come, but are open to any model (whether that means additional service times, or more campuses) so long as the gospel is spreading and we’re effective in reaching the community.

19.  What will Pastor Henry’s role be? What will his title be?

He will still be Pastor Henry. He will oversee pastoral care – as well as serve on our elder team.

Contingent upon when shelter-in-place orders ease, we plan to have a live event where both congregations can meet and connect. Any further questions can be submitted to info@thewordfresno.org. Thank you, and God Bless!

– Bishop Coleman.