By PMST
DIRECTION FOR CCR LEADERS
GUIDELINES FOR CORE TEAMS CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUPS OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
By PMST
PREAMBLE: The guidelines for core-teams is an initiative of the Peninsular Malaysia Service Team (PMST) of the CCR to give clear direction on the proper functioning of core teams of CCR prayer groups. These guidelines, we believe, could further develop Spirit filled leaders, well planned prayer meetings and a united core team to spur the growth of effective prayer groups for the renewal of the Peninsular Malaysia Church .
1. Guiding principles for core teams .
a. Let Jesus lead – We can easily find ourselves doing something for God rather than allowing God to do something through us . The Lord's servants will be with Him where He is working (Jn 12:26). Allow Him to inspire, form and guide constantly. Be open to the charisms of the Holy Spirit.
b. A commitment to the Word of God – A reading of and listening of the Word of God must be accompanied by a study of the same. This study will give both an authentic understanding of the Word and the power for evangelisation.
c. Expect the Lord to act – The CCR is convinced that the Lord is renewing the Church today for the world. Leaders wanting the Lord's work of renewal through their prayer group should pray, fast and intercede with expectant faith.
d. Proclaim Jesus as our ideal, goal and the source of our life – “Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ ” (1Cor. 3:10-11 )
e. Planning (Luke 14:28-29) – Let the Spirit lead you towards systematic planning, monitoring and evaluation.
f. Pattern your lives by making love your aim (Jn 15:9-12) – God is love. Strive for good and healthy interpersonal relationships. For if we have no love but claim to follow Jesus, preach the good news tirelessly and expect God to act, we deceive ourselves.(1Cor 13:3).
2. The function of the core team
a. Discerning the moving of the Holy Spirit and imparting the vision of the CCR according to “Vision, Mission Statement of the Peninsular Malaysia” adopted in 1999.
OUR VISION
Towards the realisation of the Vision and Mission
of The Peninsular Malaysia Church , we the leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Peninsular Malaysia , endeavour as we enter into the third millennium:
To live fully the Life in the Spirit, which is rooted in the communion of the Trinity and in solidarity with the Church, the whole human family and creation .
OUR MISSION
To foster the grace of Pentecost, including the exercise of charisms as an integral part of normative Christian living.
To deepen the process of Christian discipleship in the Church through on-going conversion, inner healing, daily prayer, daily reading of the Word of God, catechesis, frequent reception of the Sacraments and daily embracing the Cross of Christ .
To deepen the spirit of communion in the Church through participation in the BEC's, dialogue and collaboration with the Church leadership and networking of Charismatic renewal groups & ministries.
To witness Christ by our lifestyle, proclamation, ecumenical & interreligious dialogue and service to the poor & marginalised.
b. To foster unity in the whole prayer group
c. To initiate relevant ministries (music, teaching, intercessory, LSS presentation teams etc) and to provide training for their on-going development.
d . To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the group ( in terms of the weekly praise and worship, use of charisms , teachings etc)
e. To help the core team/ prayer group mature by praying, discerning and planning formation programmes.
f. To intercede for the prayer group's participants and activities
g. To participate in all the programmes organised by the DST and PMST for them.
h. To participate in Parish and BEC gatherings and activities.
4. Composition of the core-teams .
a. The recommended size of core team should be of 3-5 persons for prayer groups of 50 participants and below and 5-7 for those above.
b. Every two or three years, the core team, service team ( not more than two persons serving in ministries including the leader ) and the Parish Priest will come together to discern and decide the composition of the core team and the overall leadership of the core- team.
5. Relationship of the Core team with the DST
The relationship of the Core team with the DST will be according to the guidelines of the DST of the respective dioceses in Peninsular Malaysia. Any matter of concern of the core team can be channeled to the DST.
6. Core team meetings
a. Core teams should meet regularly at least weekly or once in two weeks.
b. Four types of meetings can be held : i) Planning the prayer meetings and evaluation ii) Study iii) Relationship building iv) Intercession.
7. Criteria for selecting core team members
a. Practicing Catholics who have gone through the LSS.
b. Attends prayer meeting and group activities for at least a year
c. Have a sound Christian character based on 1Tim. 3:1-3 , Titus 1:5-9 – (Above reproach, not arrogant, not quick tempered or quarrelsome, not a drunkard, not money minded, hospitable, a lover of goodness, sensible, sober minded, a man of prayer, self-controlled, able to manage his own household, not a recent convert, well-thought of by outsiders)
d. Constantly seeking the Lord through prayer, His Word and the Sacraments
e. Should have at least one of the gifts needed for the functioning of the prayer group e.g. Leading praise & worship, teaching, administration etc
f. Have a servant attitude and be able to work as a team
8. Wrong criteria for selecting core team members
a. Those with political motives and personal agendas.
b. As a reward for contributions.
c. As a punishment (especially for those with a critical nature).
d. Out of fear (member may feel bad if not chosen).