Hello and Welcome!
We are glad the Lord has crossed our paths and hope your time here is helpful and informative.
Who Are We?
The Association of Evangelical Churches is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1981 by former Evangelical United Brethren Churches. It has expanded into an organization of like-minded, independent, evangelical churches that have unified for ministries, missions, spiritual enrichment, and fellowship. It organizes an annual slate of ministry events for its churches such as Summer Family Camp, Winter Youth Retreat, Men's Retreat, Ladies Retreat, Ministry Retreat for licensed ministers and spouses, and Young Adult Spiritual Advance.
The Association Executive Board oversees annual ministry events and provides administrative assistance to churches when requested. They are amenable to the Annual Conference of member churches and ministers. The Association Board of Ministry assists churches with pastoral search and transitions, spiritual guidance, and provides training and credentials for Christian service.
Unity
The Association brings like-minded evangelical churches together for annual events of spiritual enrichment. Like-mindedness is the result of each church agreeing with the Association's doctrinal statement before membership. Through the unity of the churches the Association's ministries introduce people to Christ, nurture their faith, strengthen individual groups within churches, support mission work around the world, and provide training and credentials for Christian service.
Autonomy
The Association respects each member church's independence. As churches consider membership they are often relieved to discover the Association's by-laws prohibit making any claims of ownership on churches. Also, the Association exercises no authoritative control over churches nor imposes any financial requirements on them. Each church's financial support is voluntary and self-determined. Presently, all support goes into ministries, as Association officers and ministry event staff serve voluntarily.
Membership
Churches, Christian schools, Camp Associations, and para-church organizations considering membership may want to arrange for the Chairman of the Association to come and meet with Boards or Members for a more comprehensive presentation of the Association. To officially apply for membership, first an organization or church cannot be a member of an organized denomination. It then must agree with the Association's doctrinal statement, and finally, churches must obtain a two-thirds vote of its active membership duly announced two weeks in advance. Affirmation of these three items must be included in a request for membership letter and mailed to the Association Chairman. The letter should also be accompanied with a copy of historical, doctrinal, and by-law documents.
Chairman Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport charter member church, is available to meet and present the Association to Boards or in Sunday services. See the contact menu above to make arrangements.
We are glad the Lord has crossed our paths and hope your time here is helpful and informative.
Who Are We?
The Association of Evangelical Churches is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1981 by former Evangelical United Brethren Churches. It has expanded into an organization of like-minded, independent, evangelical churches that have unified for ministries, missions, spiritual enrichment, and fellowship. It organizes an annual slate of ministry events for its churches such as Summer Family Camp, Winter Youth Retreat, Men's Retreat, Ladies Retreat, Ministry Retreat for licensed ministers and spouses, and Young Adult Spiritual Advance.
The Association Executive Board oversees annual ministry events and provides administrative assistance to churches when requested. They are amenable to the Annual Conference of member churches and ministers. The Association Board of Ministry assists churches with pastoral search and transitions, spiritual guidance, and provides training and credentials for Christian service.
Unity
The Association brings like-minded evangelical churches together for annual events of spiritual enrichment. Like-mindedness is the result of each church agreeing with the Association's doctrinal statement before membership. Through the unity of the churches the Association's ministries introduce people to Christ, nurture their faith, strengthen individual groups within churches, support mission work around the world, and provide training and credentials for Christian service.
Autonomy
The Association respects each member church's independence. As churches consider membership they are often relieved to discover the Association's by-laws prohibit making any claims of ownership on churches. Also, the Association exercises no authoritative control over churches nor imposes any financial requirements on them. Each church's financial support is voluntary and self-determined. Presently, all support goes into ministries, as Association officers and ministry event staff serve voluntarily.
Membership
Churches, Christian schools, Camp Associations, and para-church organizations considering membership may want to arrange for the Chairman of the Association to come and meet with Boards or Members for a more comprehensive presentation of the Association. To officially apply for membership, first an organization or church cannot be a member of an organized denomination. It then must agree with the Association's doctrinal statement, and finally, churches must obtain a two-thirds vote of its active membership duly announced two weeks in advance. Affirmation of these three items must be included in a request for membership letter and mailed to the Association Chairman. The letter should also be accompanied with a copy of historical, doctrinal, and by-law documents.
Chairman Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport charter member church, is available to meet and present the Association to Boards or in Sunday services. See the contact menu above to make arrangements.
Visitors, a brief scan across the menus at the top is a good way to familiarize yourself with the Association. On the Word from the Chairman menu you'll find updates on activities and events. If you have any questions or curiosities for the Chairman or Webmaster see the Contact menu.
