CCT offers a new way for churches and Christian organizations to come together in local communities. Perhaps the following CCT signposts can point the way for you, together with others, to create CCT space in your community.

CCT space must be inclusive of diversity
CCT spent some time considering what it meant to be inclusive in the American context. Initially, the participants spoke of families of churches – referring to the major theological traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, historic Protestant, Evangelical/Pentecostal) as a way to ensure that everyone was included. They soon realized, however, that theological inclusiveness did not sufficiently address the divisions among churches in the US context. They needed to address the social/racial issues in order to portray the wholeness of Christ’s body. So they added a racial/ethnic family to the traditional faith families in order to ensure that CCT space engaged all the churches. These five families play an important role; no decision can be made without a representative of the five. This CCT commitment serves both as a discipline of inclusiveness and as a mark of integrity. CCT also decided to include national Christian organizations as well as churches, so that the wisdom and experiences of those with specific ministries were also part of the CCT space.

What is the challenge to inclusivity in your community? How can the CCT space in your community be designed so that each one feels welcome and needed? You might find the “families” designation a helpful organizing tool, or you might find another way to ensure that everyone is represented. Make it your goal to have representatives of the diversity of churches in your community.

CCT places a priority on building relationships, getting to know each other, praying and worshipping together
When CCT established its purposes, the first four focused on “being together”: (1) to celebrate a common confession of faith in the Triune God, (2) to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer and theological dialogue, (3) to provide fellowship and mutual support, (4) to seek better understanding of each other by affirming our commonalities and understanding our differences. CCT space is marked by an emphasis on relationship building.

It is important to remember that the process of building relationships takes time; there are no shortcuts. This may be one of one of the more difficult tasks in our American context of instant everything. Relationships do not necessarily flourish just because people hold meetings, theological discussions or engage in advocacy actions. CCT has experienced that building relationships flourishes in contexts where there is shared worship and prayer, common meals and time for informal conversations.

CCT actions grow out of the process of relationship building and praying together
CCT is not a program agency. It is not doing some action together that brings participants together in CCT space; rather, it is out of being together, that participants discern what to do together in witness to our society. The bylaws mention three specific tasks: 5) to foster evangelism faithful to the proclamation of the gospel, (6) to speak to society with a common voice whenever possible, and (7) to promote the common good of society.

It is sometimes difficult to resist the impulse to do something immediately. As CCT participants get to know each other’s concerns and reflect prayerfully on the needs around them, consensus will emerge around certain actions or issues that all participants feel are important to address together. Many churches or organizations already have effective ministries addressing specific needs. You will want to consider what CCT can contribute that is unique; in what ways does its broad and diverse participation offer a new perspective, a new approach to the issue?

CCT decisions are made by consensus
The consensus model for decision making ensures a careful process of listening and discussing; it grows out of, as well as strengthens, relationships among participants. Participants have three options with regard to any proposal: 1) agree, 2) disagree, or 3) stand aside (not in support of the proposal but will not block it). All participants have either to agree or to stand aside for any proposal to be adopted. The participants could also agree by consensus to decide an issue by majority vote or to issue majority and minority opinions. At no time should participants have to sign on to any statement with which they disagreed.