MEMBERSHIP IN THE NACCC
Why Join the NACCC?
Benefits. As a member of the NACCC, your church joins with other churches around the country for mutual encouragement and support. By sharing fellowship through the NACCC, each church is made stronger by having access to a multitude of resources and expertise. The NACCC is there when you need:
Local Church Control. The NACCC honors the fact that God has given the local church every power and gift necessary for its spiritual life and decision for ministry. Because Christ alone is the head of the church, each church is free to determine its statement of faith, select and ordain its clergy and maintain stewardship of its resources and property. Respecting the ability of each church to discern God’s intentions and purposes for them, the NACCC does not pass resolutions on social or political issues nor does it make statements on behalf of or binding upon the member churches.
Membership in the NACCC is:
Brochures. Introductory brochures to the NACCC for your congregation may be ordered from the NACCC office at no charge. To preview the brochure, click here. Additionally, the NACCC created a Fair Share brochure, which outlines our Fair Share Giving Program. Click here for more information.
Use. Use these brochures in your literature rack, during an NACCC appeal for the Shared Ministry Funds, to introduce your leadership and other members to the NACCC, for new member and confirmation classes and any other appropriate occasion.
- Help finding your next minister
- Resources to start a new church
- Training for church leaders
- Assurance that your mission dollars are making a difference
- Advising during times of structural change and conflict
- Resources for stewardship, Christian education, youth ministry and revitalization
- Better understanding of the Congregational Way
Local Church Control. The NACCC honors the fact that God has given the local church every power and gift necessary for its spiritual life and decision for ministry. Because Christ alone is the head of the church, each church is free to determine its statement of faith, select and ordain its clergy and maintain stewardship of its resources and property. Respecting the ability of each church to discern God’s intentions and purposes for them, the NACCC does not pass resolutions on social or political issues nor does it make statements on behalf of or binding upon the member churches.
Membership in the NACCC is:
- Voluntary
- Enriching
- Encouraging
- Faith-filled
Brochures. Introductory brochures to the NACCC for your congregation may be ordered from the NACCC office at no charge. To preview the brochure, click here. Additionally, the NACCC created a Fair Share brochure, which outlines our Fair Share Giving Program. Click here for more information.
Use. Use these brochures in your literature rack, during an NACCC appeal for the Shared Ministry Funds, to introduce your leadership and other members to the NACCC, for new member and confirmation classes and any other appropriate occasion.
How to Join
It Starts with a Phone Call. The NACCC values personal and substantial relationships. To begin gathering information about whether the NACCC is a good and fitting fellowship for your church, call the NACCC’s Executive Director at 800.262.1620.
Applying. Formal application begins with your church formally adopting a resolution to seek membership in the NACCC. After doing so, you may request an application form from the NACCC office and begin gathering your paperwork for submission including:
Process. Your complete application packet will be sent to the Membership Committee of the Leadership Council for their recommendation. After reviewing your information, they will either request more information from you or will present your application to the Leadership Council with a recommendation for approval. If approved, your church is granted Provisional Membership with access to all NACCC resources, until the Delegates of the next Annual Meeting and Conference can vote upon your formal admission to the NACCC.
Applying. Formal application begins with your church formally adopting a resolution to seek membership in the NACCC. After doing so, you may request an application form from the NACCC office and begin gathering your paperwork for submission including:
- A copy of your Articles of Incorporation
- A copy of your Constitution and Bylaws
- Evidence that you are meeting and worshiping together regularly, as a church (such as a worship bulletin)
- Your church covenant (if it is not included in your Constitution and Bylaws)
- Evidence that your church is in fellowship with other Congregational Christian Churches
- A dated copy of the resolution seeking membership
Process. Your complete application packet will be sent to the Membership Committee of the Leadership Council for their recommendation. After reviewing your information, they will either request more information from you or will present your application to the Leadership Council with a recommendation for approval. If approved, your church is granted Provisional Membership with access to all NACCC resources, until the Delegates of the next Annual Meeting and Conference can vote upon your formal admission to the NACCC.
Useful Handbooks
Church Member Handbook puts at your fingertips practical information useful to your congregation as a member of the NACCC. It is divided in sections for ease of use and updating. We suggest you put these pages in a three-ring binder and keep it accessible to your church leaders and staff.
Misconduct in Ministry. This handbook will help you make decisions and craft policies that can reduce the likelihood of misconduct in your church and can help guide you if you encounter misconduct. Please don’t wait until there is a crisis. This handbook gives you the opportunity to be proactive in strengthening the safety of your church.
The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way. This handbook lifts up the practices that are hallmarks of Congregationalism and highlights the historical and theological underpinnings of our way. If you are new to Congregationalism, this handbook is a good introduction as to what gives Congregationalism its distinguishing characteristics. If you are a church leader already familiar with the workings and values of a Congregational church, this will help you better understand why we do what we do the way we do it. It is an appropriate resource for your leadership boards, new member classes and confirmation classes.
Misconduct in Ministry. This handbook will help you make decisions and craft policies that can reduce the likelihood of misconduct in your church and can help guide you if you encounter misconduct. Please don’t wait until there is a crisis. This handbook gives you the opportunity to be proactive in strengthening the safety of your church.
The Art and Practice of the Congregational Way. This handbook lifts up the practices that are hallmarks of Congregationalism and highlights the historical and theological underpinnings of our way. If you are new to Congregationalism, this handbook is a good introduction as to what gives Congregationalism its distinguishing characteristics. If you are a church leader already familiar with the workings and values of a Congregational church, this will help you better understand why we do what we do the way we do it. It is an appropriate resource for your leadership boards, new member classes and confirmation classes.
