Local Churches and ACOP

[Juma]

The duties of the ACOP and the Regional Directors are to help the self-governing churches in leadership trainings, provision of resources and assist wherever needed, they can help with international mission programs, and overall support of the partner churches. They may also step in if a church is in need of finding a lead pastor and more.

[Jaylen]

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[Kimberly]

The role of ACOP and regional directors is to provide support, resources, and counsel to local churches. If they see a church struggling they go in with their relational authority to help the church overcome the struggles. I like how Rod Barks commented on being present; showing up when the local church needs help, support, or encouragement is vital to the relationship between local churches and ACOP Fellowship.

[Deleted User]

• The role of the ACOP and the regional director in a self-governing church comes down to the idea of relationship building. The ACOP does not operate in an overbearing or controlling way but instead emphasizes that decisions should be made by the Local Church Pastor with advice and counsel from the ACOP leadership and regional director. I liked how it was pointed out how the concept of just showing up to events and showing up to support the local pastor provides the best opportunities to give the LC Pastor guidance as you know what is going on and give proper resources for the situation.
• I am not very familiar with partnership agreements in other contexts besides ACOP. But one big thing that I have noticed with the partnership agreement in the ACOP is how the idea of relationship-building and partnering with the local church is a big deal. It is not just centralized around the core leadership team but empowers the LC pastor and board to make the decisions with the counsel and guidance of the ACOP lead team.