The Association for Christian Development
The Association for Christian Development is a non-denominational Christian ministry dedicated to proclaiming the Good News of the coming Kingdom of God. We believe God has a Grand Plan for mankind, which at its core calls us to become like him—after his image in character and mind. We believe God has given us all Scripture (OT & NT) to guide us in discovering him, his true faith, and his way of life. Therefore ACD is committed to restoring and teaching the original Gospel message of God’s soon-coming Paradise Kingdom, and proclaiming his invitation to all people to have an eternal part in it.
MISSION: To make plain the Grand Plan of God to as many people as possible, inviting one and all to join the everlasting Kingdom of God now, and to taste now of the powers and blessings of the Age to Come.
To nurture the spiritual, mental and emotional development of the widest possible audience through a serving ministry dedicated to the educative process of helping all to grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ.
PHILOSOPHY: Our approach stresses education not indoctrination; respect for law, not legalism; edifying doctrine, not dictatorial dogma; a helping hand, not a "holy hierarchy"; tolerance for other Christians and faiths, not the tyranny of "one true church"—teaching above all, love of God, his Son, and our fellow humans. . .male and female, friend and enemy alike. This nurturing way—utilizing professional pastoral care and expertly trained, balanced scholarship—aids us in the process of:
- Discovering God;
- Forming Christian character and identity;
- Learning how to live exciting, joyful and fulfilled lives, both in community with one another and before God.
BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVES: Dedicated ministers and members—concerned about the widespread need for personal understanding of the Judeo-Christian Bible and meaningful spiritual growth on a continuing basis—founded ACD in 1974 to facilitate the following three objectives:
- To help people come to know the living God and his Word;
- To help people read, understand and apply the Bible for themselves so as to become more like God;
- To help Christians grow and mature throughout their lives—for their own personal fulfillment and for the benefit of others.
STRUCTURE: ACD operates as an international, board-governed, legally incorporated (1974) religious association. ACD is the outreach ministry of the Associated Churches, Inc. (recognized by the IRS as a non-profit religious organization—donations, gifts and bequests are all tax-exempt in the USA).
OUTREACH: Perhaps the greatest commission given to Christians is the one that urges us to share with a hurting humanity the greatest of all possible gifts: Membership in The Kingdom of God. This gift of God has the power to change lives now, and beyond that, gives sure hope for eternal life in a beautiful, peaceful age to come. Sadly, that magnificent Gospel message remains hidden, except in name only, to most of earth’s six billion inhabitants. The task of evangelizing the human race is a daunting one—one that may require Christ marshalling his entire body into the noble effort. Each Christian as a member of the Body must find and take up his part in Christ’s mission of salvation. We at ACD believe that individual evangelism is a part every Christian is called to take—it is the single most effective outreach method there is. ACD is committed to supporting personal ministry with training and educational materials.
In addition, virtually any media can be used to share The Message, including: radio, TV, advertising, publications, tapes, videos, seminars, public evangelism, or even the World Wide Web, which you see here. ACD has, at one time or another, used them all, and will continue to reach out with the Good News as long as God gives us breath.
MEMBERSHIP: If you would like to share in Christ’s urgent mission, we invite you to associate yourself with others who are likewise committed to Christ’s Commission – to a cause much bigger than all of us. ACD is an association of Christians united by certain core beliefs (please see Statement of Faith) and by a common love and allegiance to our heavenly Father and his Son. By associating with each other we pool talents, complement abilities, make our individual contributions, and mutually support the accomplishment of God’s business. The organizational principle of synergy (the product is greater than the sum of its parts), when utilized, is a powerful multiplier of effort. Christ’s body is intended to work in cooperative synergistic units which he, as the head, energizes with his Spirit, uses and coordinates as he wills. We pray Christ will continue to produce much fruit for his Cause through our association, established in his honor. We welcome your membership.
For more information on membership or on supporting ACD’s mission, click on: Help Support ACD.
This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer 9:23-24)
Association for Christian Development
27013 Pacific Hwy. S. # 400
Des Moines, WA 98198
USA
acd@Godward.org
westby@Godward.org