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About the AECWHistoryChurches sharing the Evangelical faith have much in common. They share common interests, concerns and responsibilities. Although each particular church is given everything necessary fully to constitute it a church by its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, it will rejoice to acknowledge the existence of other biblical churches. It will seek, out of trust and love founded on a common faith and commitment to the Word of God, to commit itself to mutual encouragement and care between churches. The Associating Evangelical Churches of Wales is one expression of such fellowship. The AECW was established in April 1988 when representatives from 26 churches in Wales met for the first Annual Assembly in Aberystwyth. This followed extensive discussions and consultations between churches in fellowship with the Evangelical Movement of Wales. During these discussions it became clear that there was a real desire on the part of many churches in Wales to know closer fellowship and co-operation. By the 2006 Annual Assembly there were 62 member churches. PurposeThe object of the AECW is to promote the fullest possible co-operation in fellowship and witness between all churches that embrace the evangelical faith. In pursuit of this aim we seek to preserve the freedom of each local church to choose its own level of association with other local churches. The AECW provides opportunities for consultation and co-operation at both a national and local level on issues concerning the churches. It provides a basis from which co-operative endeavours may spring, especially in the areas of evangelism and church planting. The AECW is open to both Welsh and English language churches and is committed to the work of the Gospel in both languages. Church ClustersMember churches belong to one of the 11 Church Clusters through which Churches co-operate together at a local level. The Church Clusters are free to decide the level and form of their activity and co-operation together. In some places Church Clusters work together on a regional basis. Ministry TeamsWe also work through Ministry Teams which are proactive in their spheres of responsibility. Team Leaders are responsible for coordinating the team's activities and any meetings. A 3 year plan is being drawn up by each team and all team members are actively involved in working this through. At present we have 8 Ministry Teams working in the areas of:
The fruit of the work of these teams is made available to AECW churches. Annual ConferenceChurches come together in April for an Annual Conference at Newtown. During the Annual Conference the Annual Assembly of the representatives of member churches is held. The Annual Conference provides a day of ministry and fellowship for Christians in Wales and includes main sessions, seminars and corporate prayer. Annual House PartyEvery Spring Bank Holiday we run a house party at Hebron Hall, Dinas Powys, where Christians from AECW churches enjoy good fellowship and biblical teaching on church issues. Coordinating CommitteeThe Coordinating Committee consists of the AECW National Officers; the past Chairman; 1 representative from each Church Cluster and the Team Leaders of the Ministry Teams. The Coordinating Committee arranges the Annual Conference and co-ordinates the work of the Church Clusters and Ministry Teams. The Question of AuthorityChurch authority rests in the local church. All co-operation by a local church in the fellowship of the AECW is voluntary and not imposed. The AECW may not interfere in the affairs of the local churches. When requested by a church, the Assembly or Church Cluster may express opinions and offer advice, but have no power to enforce their decision. Each church will determine whether such opinions are in accordance with Scripture. FinanceAll the work of the AECW is supported by gifts from the churches. Relationships with Other GroupsThe AECW is in full fellowship with the Evangelical Movement of Wales and appoints representatives to its Management Committee. The AECW seeks to support and encourage the ministry of The Evangelical Theological College of Wales. The AECW is represented on the Executive Council of Affinity. Joining the AECWThe churches in the AECW warmly welcome other churches into their fellowship. Further details may be obtained from the Secretary:
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