Governance Change

A high-level overview explaining why this proposal is being considered, what it is designed to accomplish, and what is not changing.

Downloads: 

• Level 1 Slide Deck
• Level 1 Brochure

A more detailed explanation of how the proposed governance model works, including the Governing Board, Executive Committee, elder roles, ministry committees, and decision-making process.

• Level 2 Slide Deck

Proposed bylaws for those who wish to review the complete governance document

• Proposed Bylaws

Healthy churches periodically evaluate whether their governance structure continues to best support the mission God has entrusted to them. ACAC’s current governance model has served the church faithfully for many years, and this proposal is not a response to a crisis or failure. Rather, it reflects a desire to steward the church well by considering whether a simpler, more integrated structure could provide clearer accountability, stronger alignment, and better support for ministry.

The proposed changes have been developed through months of prayer, study, discussion, and collaboration among pastors, elders, lay leaders, and members of the Governance Change Team. Before any changes can be made, the congregation will have multiple opportunities to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and prayerfully consider whether to adopt the proposed bylaw changes.

The proposal does not change ACAC’s mission, theology, or commitment to biblical leadership. Our purpose remains the same: to faithfully make disciples of Jesus Christ and serve our community in the name of Christ.

The congregation will continue to elect church leaders and vote on matters reserved to the membership. Elders will continue to provide biblical and spiritual oversight, ministry committees will continue their important work, and ACAC will remain part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The proposal changes how governance responsibilities are organized, not the church’s beliefs, mission, or identity.

The proposal recommends combining the current Board of Elders and Board of Operations into a single Governing Board that integrates spiritual, legal, strategic, and financial oversight. Today, responsibilities are divided between two governing bodies, which can require matters to move through both boards multiple times before decisions are finalized.

A unified Governing Board is intended to provide clearer accountability, reduce unnecessary complexity, and allow leadership to spend more time focusing on the health and mission of the church. The goal is not to centralize authority but to simplify governance while maintaining appropriate checks, balances, and congregational accountability.

The current elder structure includes a large number of individuals, making it difficult for every elder to participate meaningfully in governance discussions and decision-making. The proposal envisions a smaller governing elder body with clearer expectations and more active engagement.

At the same time, the proposal recognizes that many elders are called primarily to shepherding, prayer, pastoral care, counseling, and member support. Those important ministries continue and remain essential to the life of the church. The goal is not fewer shepherds, it is a clearer distinction between governance responsibilities and pastoral care.

No. Congregational authority remains an important part of ACAC’s governance model. Members will continue to elect leaders, vote on bylaw amendments, participate in calling a lead pastor as required by Alliance polity, and exercise the authority reserved to the congregation.

The proposal is intended to clarify how governance operates between congregational meetings while preserving the congregation’s biblical and constitutional role. Accountability to the membership remains a foundational principle of the proposed model.

No. The Executive Committee would not be a separate governing body. It would function as a committee of the Governing Board and possess only the authority specifically delegated to it by the board.

Its purpose is to address selected matters that require more timely attention or focused review while allowing the full Governing Board to remain focused on its broader responsibilities. The Governing Board retains overall governance authority and receives reports on the Executive Committee’s actions.

The proposal distinguishes between two primary areas of elder ministry: governing elders and shepherding elders. Governing elders would participate directly in the work of the Governing Board, while shepherding elders would focus primarily on member care, prayer, counseling, discipleship, and spiritual oversight.

All elders continue to share the same biblical qualifications and commitment to guarding doctrine, shepherding the church, and supporting ACAC’s mission. The distinction reflects differing responsibilities, not differing levels of importance or spiritual maturity.

These ministries are not being eliminated. Finance, Missions, Trustees, Deacons, andother ministry committees continue to play essential roles in the life of ACAC by providing expertise, recommendations, and ministry leadership within their respective areas.

The proposal primarily clarifies how these ministries relate to the church’s governance structure. Each committee would operate under a clearly defined charter and continue serving the congregation while bringing appropriate recommendations to the Executive Committee or Governing Board when required.

The proposal is the result of an extended process of prayer, research, discussion, drafting, and review involving pastors, elders, lay leaders, and members of the Governance Change Team. Throughout the process, the team has carefully considered biblical principles, Alliance polity, nonprofit governance practices, and ACAC’s unique ministry context.

As the proposal has developed, it has been refined through ongoing feedback, discussion, and legal review. Before any changes take effect, the congregation will have opportunities to review the materials, ask questions, attend an information meeting, and vote on the proposed bylaw changes.

If the congregation approves the proposed bylaw changes, the church will begin a planned transition to the new governance model. This will include establishing the new Governing Board, adopting committee charters, determining initial terms and rotations, orienting leaders, and communicating progress throughout the implementation process.

If the proposal is not approved, ACAC will continue operating under its current governance structure. Regardless of the outcome, the church remains committed to serving faithfully, leading biblically, and pursuing its mission together in unity.