Just an Update - Denominational Restructuring and the 2026 DOP

This short post is addressed to those of you who may be wondering about the status of denominational restructuring and the proposed 2026 Declaration of Principles.

Regarding the first, the work of the task force to examine any possible restructuring of the denomination is nearing its conclusion. The task force was composed of two groups, one chaired by myself and the other chaired by Nathaniel Bickford. We are now at the stage of synthesizing the conclusions of both groups, working together with Paul Dean to prepare a single report to the Executive Council when it next meets in February 2026.

As for the 2026 Declaration of Principles, it is worth highlighting that it has received the endorsement of the Eastern Regional board and the Maine State conference board; these endorsements join those given by the boards of the Heritage, Maranatha, and New Life conferences. 

I presented the 2026 DOP to the Executive Council in our September meetings. In keeping with the ACGC Constitution and Bylaws, it was decided a task force should be appointed to examine the proposal. I am looking forward to working with the task force in doing whatever I can to see this proposal move forward.

On the whole, if these proposed changes do in fact move forward (and in a timely fashion), the 2026 Triennial could very well define the course of the Advent Christian denomination in the 21st century. Please pray, as I have been praying, that God would renew our denomination. Pray that where there are challenges, they will be overcome and that we will become who God is calling us to be.

I never thought any of this would be easy, but I do believe God can move mountains. Pray with that belief. 

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.