Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: In 2018, several brothers initiated a conversation with elder body leadership about more intentional support for ministers in their study of the Bible and Apostolic Christian doctrine. The idea of structured teaching was brought forward with the hope of blessing the church through deeper understanding and greater doctrinal unity. Through the Elder Forums, participants explored the interest, opportunities, and concerns involved. With the Elder Committee’s support, a proposal was presented to the entire elder body in early 2019. The proposal received strong support, leading to the formation of the Elders Teaching Resource Committee.

Answer: We acknowledge that the ETR, in certain aspects, is something different. While it may feel new, the desire to encourage sound doctrine and promote doctrinal unity has been part of our heritage for generations. The Apostle Paul repeatedly called ministers to teach with clarity and faithfulness, urging Timothy to give himself wholly to reading and doctrine for salvation (1 Tim 4:13-16).

In that same spirit, the ETR seeks to help our ministers and teachers grow in their understanding of the Bible and Apostolic Christian doctrine so they may exhort and convince those who contradict instruction (Titus 1:9). This strengthens our unity as a body and helps us remain grounded in the Word amid the challenges of our time.

Though the structured teaching of the ETR may seem unfamiliar, it continues a long pattern of theological engagement in our church history, seen in elder meetings, national conferences, booklets like Walking in the Teachings and Winds of Doctrine, our Statement of Faith, and other publications by our elders over the years. The ETR simply provides a more organized way to build on that foundation and equip our ministers and teachers for the important work of shepherding with wisdom, humility, and doctrinal integrity.

Answer: The concern for false teaching is valid – the danger is real, and Scripture clearly warns us to be vigilant. (Jer 23, Matt 7:15, 2 Pet 2:1). The Apostle Paul described a time when people would reject sound doctrine and follow teachers who distort the truth (2 Tim 4:3-4). This concern is not just theoretical – it’s happening in our world today. The ETR shares this concern and seeks to guide rather than avoid; to engage rather than retreat. The biblical model for responding to false teaching has never been isolation, but careful and courageous rebuttal. From Moses confronting the magicians of Egypt to Paul writing intricate responses to false teachers, the scriptural pattern is to meet error with truth – not in fear but in faith and clarity (Acts 17:2-3, 2 Cor 10:3-5, Gal 1:6-9).

We also recognize that most of our ministers and teachers today already consult outside resources. This is a natural part of deepening one’s understanding, but it also increases the need for discernment. That’s one of the reasons the ETR exists: to help identify and recommend trusted resources from recognized Christian authors – people respected not only for their academic rigor but for their faithfulness to Scripture and their alignment with core Christian beliefs. We draw from publishers and sources known for upholding biblical authority. At the same time, we are deeply committed to faithful reception, interpretation, and application of our own historic Apostolic Christian doctrine. We are cautious about novel teachings and remain diligent in helping our church stay grounded, avoiding the drift toward new but unfaithful doctrines.

So, while we are using a broader array of tools than we have in the past, we are doing so carefully and deliberately. We believe the greater danger is allowing false teaching to spread unaddressed. A healthy response is not silence or separation, but faithful engagement rooted in Scripture. The ETR is one way we hope to equip ministers and teachers to do this in the power of the Holy Spirit and under the supervision of our elder body.

Answer: This is a wise question and one that we take seriously because we believe that doctrine matters deeply. We know there is real concern about being led astray by persuasive but unfaithful teaching. The ETR carefully selects resources from trusted Christian authors – those respected for their faithfulness to Scripture, careful study, and alignment with historic Christian belief. Our goal is not to chase new trends but to teach core truths that are aligned with Scripture and that have produced fruit throughout history.

We study voices from across time and traditions, including some from Catholic or Reformed backgrounds, because Anabaptism itself was shaped in that context. The early Anabaptists, including those who wrote the Schleitheim Confession, assumed agreement with many core teachings of the Reformers. To read and understand someone’s views is not the same as agreeing with them. In fact, we believe it’s respectful and wise to understand other perspectives clearly before forming our response. As C.S. Lewis warned, we don’t want to fall into the trap of only listening to people who think like us and live in our time and place.

Many of our ministers and teachers are already accessing a wide range of outside material. The ETR exists in part to guide this process, helping identify sound resources and encouraging study that is faithful and discerning. One of our core values is “learning in community,” which we believe is the best way to guard against deception, so no one is left to sort these things out alone (Prov 11:14). In all this, we aim for theological hospitality (willing to listen) and humility (willing to learn) as we seek to facilitate our elders’ teaching with clarity, unity, and conviction.

Answer: This concern comes from a healthy place. We agree that the Holy Spirit is the One who truly helps us understand God’s Word and that no doctorate or deep scholarship is required to follow Jesus faithfully. Many believers have lived simple, Spirit-filled lives without advanced study tools. A childlike heart is always essential. But we recognize that teaching or leading others often involves deeper study, careful thought, and seeking wisdom beyond our own. We also have infamous examples of charismatic teachers who refused the counsel of others and went badly astray.

It’s also worth remembering that none of us can read the Bible without help. We read English translations that were built through centuries of faithful work by scholars – praying, studying ancient Hebrew and Greek, and relentlessly pursuing accuracy. This doesn’t mean God’s Word is out of reach, but it reminds us that we’ve always depended on others in the body of Christ. Just as we need help understanding art, science, literature, or history, we sometimes need help understanding Scripture too, especially when we face hard questions or need to explain our faith clearly to others.

We don’t want our churches to become lecture halls. Our elders don’t desire to be “sages on stages,” and teaching is not every minister’s primary spiritual gift. Still, part of an elder’s calling is to protect and feed the flock. For years, our churches have leaned away from academic study, and we honor the good that has come from simple, faithful preaching. But Scripture also reminds us that teaching with clarity, depth, and unity is a serious responsibility. God’s Spirit always leads us, but He also calls us to grow, study, and serve with our whole minds as well as our hearts.

Answer: The spirit of this question is good, and we don’t believe our past has been wrong. God has blessed our church for many generations through simple, Spirit-led preaching, deep love for Scripture, and humble hearts that were willing to obey. That’s something to honor. But it’s also true that as we grow, we sometimes see things more clearly. Like many things in life, when we know better, we do better. That’s not failure but faithfulness.

Over the years, our church has flourished because the gospel is deeply woven into our way of life. It shapes our hymns, our traditions, our families, and our consciences. But as the culture changes around us, we face new questions and challenges. The loud voices surrounding us today are more numerous and available – even inescapable – than in past generations. Our people regularly navigate messages from radio, podcasts, the internet, and billboards. That’s why it’s more important than ever to integrate thoughtful study and strong biblical understanding into the strong, loving community we already share.

Knowledge isn’t the goal by itself. Knowing more doesn’t mean we’re more faithful unless we live it out. The goal of the ETR is to add to our foundation we already stand on. It’s not about replacing the past but being better equipped to serve in the present and prepare for the future.

Answer: This is a real concern, and we deeply respect the weight our leaders already carry. The ETR isn’t trying to add more pressure – we’re trying to help! We’re working hard to create resources that are accessible, clear, and practical so that busy ministers can stay grounded in Scripture without having to sift through mountains of material. We know that time is limited and that’s exactly why we want to make trustworthy study more accessible and efficient.

Ministers and teachers are already studying the Bible when preparing their hearts to preach, leading Bible studies, or answering questions from others. ETR simply offers support – solid, biblically sound resources, carefully curated and organized within the safety of our shared doctrine. We’re not replacing the Bible study of our church leadership; we are walking alongside them in it. The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy to give attendance to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (1 Tim 4:13) and to study to rightly handle the truth (2 Tim 2:15). That call to study is part of the role of a minister or teacher, and we want to help make it as obtainable as possible.

We also believe this investment is worth the cost. Even full-time pastors often say, “I don’t have time to study,” but the truth is, we all make time for what we value. The more we engage with God’s Word, the more prepared and encouraged we become to carry our load. Like building muscle over time, our study skills will grow. And in the end, the flock will be better fed and our ministers better equipped for the glory of God and the good of his people!

Answer: Right now, our focus is helping equip ACCA elders, deacons, and ministers across our churches. While our charter also supports Sunday school and other teachers, our current courses are mostly built for those on the pulpit. If you’re someone in the pews, we may not have a course for you yet. However, we do offer helpful resources on our website that you’re welcome to explore and share!

You can still be involved by encouraging your local minister to take a course or use our materials in your congregation. When ministers study through ETR, they can bring what they’ve learned into sermons, teaching, and conversations – so the whole church benefits. We appreciate your interest and hope more options will be available in the future.

Answer: If you’re a new minister, your first step is easy – you’ll be invited to join our “Intro to Ministry” course. This course brings together new ministers and wives to learn alongside elder brothers and their wives. It covers the basics of serving in ministry and helps build relationships and support early in your journey.

If you’re already an active minister, we’re developing two new courses that focus on our newly updated Statement of Faith. One course is for “What We Believe” and one is for “How We Live and The Role of the Church.” You can also explore any of our five curriculum branches, each of which starts with an “Essentials of…” course. These offer a well-rounded place to begin, and from there you can go deeper based on your interest.

We don’t typically require rigid prerequisites, so if a topic sparks your interest, we encourage you to reach out to a fellow minister, to your elder, or to the ETR directly. We want all our ministers to walk forward together in shared learning and growing strength for the sake of the churches we serve.

Answer: We understand the appeal of self-paced learning. With the demands of lay ministry, it can feel ideal to study when it works best – late at night, early in the morning, or during a lunch break. Or two weeks off during a busy season. Flexible timing would certainly ease some pressure. That’s one reason why part of the course consists of homework assignments which can be completed whenever it’s most convenient for you.

But we’ve found that fully self-paced learning often comes at too high a cost. When ministers engage with theological material on their own, without conversation or feedback, there’s a greater risk of misunderstanding, even when learning from trusted elders and carefully vetted resources. In fact, we’ve seen that misconceptions can arise, and they often get clarified during live, facilitated discussion. Without that shared space, important corrections and insights can be missed, leading to isolation.

One of our core values is learning in community. This reflects the pattern of the apostles and church fathers, who worked side by side to guard against false teaching and to uphold the truth of the gospel. While it may take more effort to coordinate with others’ busy schedules, we believe it’s worth it. Many ministers have appreciated the benefits of building relationships with ministers on their own pulpits and across the world. We grow together, stay grounded together, and keep our unity strong.

Answer: Yes, there are many ways to get involved! We welcome help with things like gathering oral histories, working with ACCA historical archives, joining study groups, taking an internship, or even supporting course facilitation.

If you’re interested, the best first step is to talk with your local elder. We work closely with elders who guide and shape our efforts, and we want to serve under their direction. With their support, feel free to reach out to the ETR team. We’d be glad to explore how your gifts might be a blessing to the broader church.

Answer: We’re so thankful that you pray because it matters deeply! We post prayer requests on AC Central several times a month, and you’re always welcome to join us in lifting these needs before God.

First, please pray for our elder body, who carries the heavy responsibility of leading and teaching our churches in truth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the ETR team in wisdom, love, and humility so we act like Jesus in all we do. Pray for our ministers who are learning and growing while also caring for families, congregations, and holding down jobs. Ask God to grow our knowledge in a way that produces real fruit - stronger faith and more faithful living. Finally, pray that God would raise up trustworthy teachers through the Spirit who defend the gospel in ways that inspire hope and confidence in Christ!

Answer: The Elders Teaching Resource operates under the oversight of the Apostolic Christian Church of America’s elder body. Specifically, the ETR Elder Committee provides direct oversight, ensuring alignment with our church’s doctrine and mission. The day-to-day activities and initiatives of the ETR are managed by an elder/director who reports to this committee. This structure ensures that the ETR remains accountable and faithfully serves the broader church community.

Answer: The ETR is one of several ministries within the ACCA, each serving distinct yet complementary roles under the guidance of the elder body.

• HarvestCall focuses on missions and humanitarian outreach, enabling the ACCA community to proclaim Christ and serve others beyond the capacity of the local church. They support ministry programs domestically and internationally, sending brethren and aid directly whenever possible.

• Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services (ACCFS) provides counseling, education, and support to individuals and families, addressing mental health and relationship needs from a biblical perspective.

• Onward Media serves as the communications arm of the ACCA, producing and disseminating enriching content, including managing AC Central and the Apostolic Christian Bookstore, to equip the church with biblically based materials.

While each agency has its specific focus, they all work collaboratively to support the ACCA mission of spiritual growth, service, and doctrinal integrity.

Answer: The ETR is supported through a combination of church contributions, individual donations, and designated funds. The ACCA website provides access to an official donation platform where you may contribute to the Brotherhood Operations Fund with a credit card. Alternatively, you can mail a check to:

Apostolic Christian Brotherhood Operations Fund

2730 Sedona Drive

Normal, IL 61761

NOTE: Please put “BOF” in the Memo

May God bless your generosity and richly reward you for your selfless giving of prayer, time, labor, and finances.