How is church governance structured in the Assemblies of God?

The governance structure of the Assemblies of God is characterized by a district and fellowship model with elected leadership. This means that local churches function with a degree of autonomy while still being connected to a broader network of churches through districts. Each district has elected leaders who provide oversight, guidance, and support to the congregations within that district.

This model emphasizes collaboration and accountability, as local church leaders are elected from within their communities and must adhere to the core tenets and guidelines established by the Assemblies of God. It fosters a sense of community and mutual support among congregations while ensuring that there is oversight to uphold the doctrinal and operational standards of the fellowship.

This structure contrasts with a hierarchical governance model, where a single leader has overarching control, or a completely autonomous church governance style that lacks any organizational oversight. Additionally, the reliance solely on volunteer leadership could lead to inconsistencies in governance and accountability. In summary, the district and fellowship model with elected leadership provides a balance of local autonomy and communal accountability within the Assemblies of God framework.