ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE. UNITED IN MISSION. From East Tennessee. For the local church.
WTHE WAY FELLOWSHIP NETWORK
SERVICE FIRST. RELATIONSHIPS BUILT WITH CARE.

Partner With
The Way.

Churches can work together in more than one way.
Choose a relationship that serves the gospel and respects your congregation’s next step.

Explore a conversation
Receiving help does not require a partnership. A partnership does not automatically mean affiliation.
THREE DISTINCT RELATIONSHIPS

Clear expectations.
A shared commitment to Christ.

Independent participation, shared ministry, and formal campus affiliation are different choices. We want those differences understood from the beginning.

01
CONNECT & REMAIN INDEPENDENT

Independent network participant

Use the directory, seek ministry leaders, share opportunities, and access practical resources while continuing as your own church.

What this can offer

Broader connections, pastoral search and pulpit supply opportunities, and tools to strengthen local ministry.

Leadership
Your church selects and directs its own leaders.
Governance
Your existing governance and decision-making authority remain with your church.
Financial responsibilities
Participation does not establish shared finances, a giving commitment, or a transfer of assets. Any separately requested service with a cost would need to be discussed first.
Church identity
Your name, identity, affiliation, and property remain your own.
02
COLLABORATE BY INVITATION

Ministry partner

Work together on a defined ministry, outreach effort, leadership-support plan, or revitalization project when both churches want to do so.

What this can offer

Shared experience, coordinated outreach, encouragement, and access to the people or resources agreed for that specific work.

Leadership
Each church retains its leadership unless a specific support arrangement is mutually agreed. Who does what should be clear before work begins.
Governance
A ministry partnership by itself does not replace your governance or make your church a campus. The scope, accountability, and review process should be agreed together.
Financial responsibilities
Any contributions, shared expenses, support, or resource commitments must be discussed and agreed in advance. Financial assistance is not guaranteed.
Church identity
Your church keeps its identity unless you separately agree to a change. Agree how names and branding will be used for shared activities.
03
EXPLORE FORMAL AFFILIATION SEPARATELY

Considering a Way Fellowship campus

A congregation may invite a conversation about becoming part of The Way Fellowship. This is a distinct process, pursued only with mutual agreement.

What this can offer

The possibility of a shared ministry direction, coordinated leadership, discipleship, outreach, and support across campuses, subject to the plan agreed together.

Leadership
A campus would come under The Way Fellowship’s pastoral leadership. Campus pastors are appointed by the Senior Pastor. Proposed local responsibilities and leadership transitions must be discussed clearly.
Governance
Formal affiliation would involve a governance change. The applicable governing documents, approval process, local decision-making responsibilities, and effective date must be reviewed before any agreement.
Financial responsibilities
Budgets, staffing costs, giving, existing debts, property, and any ongoing commitments require a clear written plan and appropriate review. There is no automatic funding or assumption of liabilities.
Church identity
A campus would become part of The Way Fellowship. Naming, branding, worship practices, local ministries, and how the congregation’s history is honored must be discussed before any decision.
A CONVERSATION IS AN INVITATION

No automatic
next level.

These relationships are not a ladder a church is expected to climb. A congregation can remain an independent participant or ministry partner for the relationship it chooses.

We will not treat a request for support as consent to become a campus. Formal affiliation is explored only when both parties want to consider it, and it requires a clear agreement and appropriate authorization.

Simply need help? Start here
BEFORE ANY FORMAL AGREEMENT

Put the important questions
on the table.

Begin with the mission.

Discuss biblical convictions, the people you hope to reach, your church’s strengths, and the reasons for considering a relationship.

Define responsibilities.

Work through leadership, local ministry decisions, finances, property, safeguarding, communications, and how the relationship will be reviewed.

Give the church clarity.

Provide a written proposal, time for questions, and the approvals required by each church’s governing documents before making a commitment.

This page describes the available paths and our approach to discussing them. Specific support, costs, authority, and transition arrangements are established through the agreement for that relationship.

Home / Start a conversation
WE’RE HERE FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

Explore what we could do together.

Explore independent participation, a ministry partnership, or a possible campus relationship by invitation. This inquiry establishes no commitment or affiliation.

A private first step.

No account required. Choose a private conversation or submit an eligible listing for directory review.

PREFER TO EMAIL DIRECTLY?thewaychurchfellowship@gmail.com Baneberry & Oakland · East Tennessee
“To know Christ
and make Him known.”
01

Tell us a little about yourself.

Just a few details so we can respond personally.

02

What brings you here?

Choose the kind of help you’re looking for.

No account required

This inquiry stays private and will not appear in the directory. Please leave sensitive documents and background-check information out of this form.

THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONNECTION.

There is still work to do.
Let’s do it together.

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