The Assemblies of God recognizes three main types of church governance, based on a church’s development, structure, and relationship to the wider Fellowship:

1. Parent Affiliated Church (PAC)
A PAC is a new church or ministry that begins under the spiritual covering of an existing Assemblies of God church—either a General Council or District Affiliated church. While it has its own worshiping community and identity, it remains under the oversight and authority of the “Parent Church” that launched it. This model allows for strong spiritual guidance and accountability during the early stages of church development.

2. District Affiliated Church (DA)
These are churches that are still growing toward full autonomy. They are affiliated with and accountable to the district for spiritual oversight, leadership development, and administrative support. DA churches commit to the Assemblies of God's Statement of Fundamental Truths and strive to follow biblical patterns of leadership and conduct. This status helps provide stability and structure during formative seasons.

3. General Council Affiliated Church (GC)
These churches are fully autonomous—self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating—while still in voluntary cooperation with the Assemblies of God Fellowship. GC churches have mature leadership, healthy organizational systems, and a history of faithful ministry. Their autonomy empowers them to lead boldly in their context, while remaining connected to the wider movement.

1. Minutes of Advisory Council Meetings

Have the meeting minutes prepared immediately after the meeting. Send a copy to the sectional presbyter within one week after an Advisory Council meeting.

2. Financial Reports

The Network secretary-treasurer and sectional presbyter receive the Monthly Report, Balance Sheet, and Profit and Loss Statement.

3. Annual Church Ministries Report (ACMR)

Complete the ACMR at year’s-end, and return it to the addresses indicated. Forward an additional copy to your presbyter.

4. Annual Reappointment Questionnaire

Complete and submit to your presbyter before the time of the Annual Ministry Review.

5. Insurance Coverage

All current requirements for insurance coverage of District Affiliated Churches are found in the appendices. Coverage must include general liability, worker’s compensation, vehicle coverage, and also youth/children’s activities.

6. Church-owned vehicle information

Please detail information pertinent to each vehicle owned by the church.

7. Risk Management

Our district and insurance require that each church implement the risk management program, the provisions of which are set forth herein.

8. Advisory Council Members

Proposed additions or deletions to the Advisory Council are to be made on the appropriate forms in this Policy Manual.

9. Network Support

Monthly, the treasurer of the church is to send to the Arizona Ministry Network funds in the amount of three percent (3%) of the general fund income.

{Two percent (2%) of this amount will be used for Network support and one percent (1%) to support the camp.} (Separate checks need to be made out to Arizona District Council and Granite Hills Retreat and Conference Center respectively.)

10. Church Planting

This church is encouraged to give to World and U.S. Missions, including Strategy 2000 Church Plant, to plant and strengthen other Assemblies of God churches within the Network.

11. Records

This church shall cause a copy of its important corporate records to be kept on file at the Arizona Ministry Network office. Such records shall include, but not be limited to, the current:

a. Articles of Incorporation

b. Annual Financial Report

c. Copies of property deeds with Arizona District name on deeds

d. Copies of all property tax bills

e. Completed Annual Church Ministries Report (ACMR) required by General Council

f. Copies of Insurance Coverage

12. Accountability

The pastor is responsible to know and implement all current Arizona mandated requirements for District Affiliated Churches, including the most current Arizona Ministry Network Bylaws.

To transition to General Council Affiliated status, a church must meet a few key requirements that reflect organizational health and readiness for autonomy:

• Approved Governing Document – The church must adopt a set of bylaws that align with Assemblies of God polity. The Arizona Ministry Network provides a recommended template to help churches with this process.

• At Least 20 Voting Members – A stable and engaged congregation is essential for healthy self-governance.

• A Board of Directors with a Minimum of 3 Members – This ensures accountability and shared leadership in overseeing the church’s mission and operations.

These requirements help position the church to thrive as a fully autonomous part of the Assemblies of God Fellowship.

Yes. The Arizona Ministry Network affirms the value of sabbaticals as a biblical and practical rhythm for long-term health in ministry. Just as God established the Sabbath as a pattern of rest and renewal (Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 6:31), we believe extended rest is vital for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being in those who serve.

The Executive Presbytery recommends a sabbatical development model that local churches and district offices can adapt. The length and structure of a sabbatical should be prayerfully considered and based on:

• the minister’s tenure and credibility,

• the expressed needs of both the minister and the church or district,

• the financial capacity of the organization, and

• the availability of leaders to provide support during the minister’s time away.

Sabbaticals are not time off from ministry—but time for renewal, vision, and strengthening the calling God has placed on a leader’s life.