4.1 Why Is ACOP Called a Fellowship?

[Zach]

I think I would define the ACOP (and the little time I have spent as part of it so far) as a movement, if that were to be defined as “a group of people with shared purpose and values who create change together.” It is clear that there are shared values and purpose, and the thrust to extend grace and ignite hope clearly qualify as an effort with tangible fruit towards creating change together. This course itself is proof of providing resources, my engagement with the Regional Director has certainly qualified as investing in people, and at the Christmas event for the Region in Regina, I certainly experienced networking opportunities, shared goals, and the fostering of an esprit de corps. As I have experienced, momentum is a key factor when considering movements, something I pray that is experienced as each of these elements grows, expands, and deepens in the ACOP.

[Anna]

I believe that ACOP, like many other North American churches have been stagnant for many years. Not necessarily through any fault of the association itself but movement would not the word I would have used to describe us. However, in the past couple of years, I have seen and experienced, through our little church, some movement that I find very encouraging. The ACOP is moving toward a more active discipleship model and we are seeing more and more people going out into the world and taking the gospel and the power of Jesus Christ with them. I do believe we are on our way to becoming a movement, so we must continue to move forward, reaching the lost and sharing the love of Christ in power and in humility, shining His light and making a difference in our broken world.

[Afraz]

I would like to think that ACOP is a movement, but I think it still operating at the level of a fellowship. ACOP has the long history for sure, and has come a long way from when it started. Moving toward a true movement is slow.

The ACOP brand is unknown to a lot of the christian in the east of Canada 🇨🇦. We have work ahead to truly make the machine (ACOP) a movement.

[Jessica]

ACOP is for sure a fellowship. I’ve attended a couple churches that are covered by ACOP and they are very like minded. I am hoping to work together with churches in our community as one body and help create that movement the earlier ACOP members desired. Praying for God’s will and opening these churches to allow him to knit us together.