Alliance churches serve widely diverse communities and people groups. They vary in ways that significantly impact the organization and ministry structure of their age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs. However, there are several principles foundational to a strong and healthy ministry. These guidelines are designed to provide direction for those needing a starting point yet remain flexible enough to allow for the unique needs of each individual local church.

Purpose

The Bible-teaching ministry programs of the church exist to fulfill Jesus’ command to make healthy disciples of people at every age level by teaching them to obey everything He commanded. Since the ministry of teaching is a continuous one, and the study and application of Scripture is essential throughout life, it is imperative that the church provides an effective Bible-teaching ministry for children, youth and adults.

Purposeful Bible-teaching ministry programs are designed to make healthy disciples of children, youth, and adults through comprehensive Bible instruction and life application. Healthy disciples are individuals capable of reproducing themselves as followers of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:2) and reflecting balance in winning the lost, building believers, equipping workers, multiplying leaders, and sending called-ones.

Organization

It is highly recommended that a class structure be established to most effectively disciple individuals at every level. The organizational needs of age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs are influenced by such factors as the number of participants at a given age level, available facilities, and the relationship to other church ministry programs. While there is no universal structure appropriate for every church, there are three basic principles that play an important role in establishing and effective age-graded ministry program.

Accountability

Age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs are ultimately the responsibility of the church Governing Board. The Governing Board may give oversight of the Bible-teaching ministry programs to the Disciplemaking Ministries Council or a designated person.

Authority

Leaders, teachers, and workers may be elected or appointed as specified in church bylaws or by the Governing Board. Leaders, teachers, and workers should give clear testimony of salvation, demonstrate a growing faith and spirit-filled life, agree with the Statement of Faith of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, and be committed to the mission of the local church and the objectives of their Bible-teaching ministry program.

The Disciplemaking Ministries Council or other appointed leadership team is responsible for such things as vision casting, planning, organizing, recruiting, spiritual nurturing, screening and training leaders, teachers, and workers, purposeful curriculum selection, record keeping, and regular evaluation of ministry programs.

Adaptability

Factors such as the number of participants, available resources, age groupings, and facilities will influence organizational form.

Leaders are responsible for developing a ministry program structure that will best serve the needs of their people. Leaders must be flexible to accommodate changing needs.

A Disciplemaking Ministries Council may be appointed as specified in the church bylaws. The committee shall oversee the Disciplemaking ministries for children, youth, and adults. Where there is no appointed Disciplemaking Ministries Council, the Governing Board shall assume the responsibility of the committee.

#1. Sunday School Department Constitution and Sunday School Age-Group-Directed Constitution (C&MA Manual, sections A7 and A8)

Since these constitutions are not in regular use by churches or districts, they have been deleted from the C&MA Manual. They have been edited and will be offered as guidelines in the National Church Ministries Policy and Procedure Manual.

#2. Article II. Section 6, Disciplemaking Ministries (page A4-8) of the Uniformed Constitution for Districts of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, NOW READS:

The ministry of Disciplemaking Ministries shall be implemented according to the following:

1. There shall be a district director for Disciplemaking Ministries. The director shall be appointed by the District Executive Committee or elected by the District Conference. The district superintendent, in conjunction with the District Executive Committee, shall define the duties of the director for Disciplemaking Ministries. The director shall be amenable to the district superintendent.

2. There shall be a District Disciplemaking Ministries Committee consisting of a children’s coordinator, and others as defined in the bylaws of the district. The District Executive Committee shall appoint the members of the District Disciplemaking Ministries Committee. Their duties shall be defined in the bylaws of the district. The director for Disciplemaking Ministries shall be the chairperson of this Committee.

3. The District Disciplemaking Ministries Committee may appoint commissions, committees, or task forces as needed to function effectively.

#3. Article X, Section 7, Committee on Disciplemaking Ministries (page A5-8), of the Uniform Constitution for Accredited Churches The Christian and Missionary Alliance, NOW READS:

Disciplemaking Ministries Council. A Disciplemaking Ministries Council shall be appointed as specified in the local church bylaws. The Council shall oversee the disciplemaking ministries for children, youth, and adults.