Age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs have a prestigious history in evangelical churches including The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Although the structure and the name often vary, the Bible-teaching time continues to be an essential and vital disciplemaking ministry in the life of the local church.

Alliance churches serve widely diverse communities and people groups. They vary in ways that significantly impact the organization and ministry structure of their age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs. However, there are several principles foundational to a strong and healthy ministry. These guidelines are designed to provide direction for those needing a starting point yet remain flexible enough to allow for the unique needs of each individual local church.

Purpose
The Bible-teaching ministry programs of the church exist to fulfill Jesus? command to make healthy disciples of people at every age level by teaching them to obey everything He commanded. Since the ministry of teaching is a continuous one, and the study and application of Scripture is essential throughout life, it is imperative that the church provides an effective Bible-teaching ministry for children, youth, and adults.

Purposeful Bible-teaching ministry programs are designed to make healthy disciples of children, youth, and adults through comprehensive Bible instruction and life application. Healthy disciples are individuals capable of reproducing themselves as followers of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:2) and reflecting balance in winning the lost, building believers, equipping workers, multiplying leaders, and sending called-ones.

Organization
It is highly recommended that a class structure be established to most effectively disciple individuals at every age level. The organizational needs of age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs are influenced by such factors as the number of participants at a given age level, available facilities, and the relationship to other church ministry programs. While there is no universal structure appropriate for every church, there are three basic principles that play an important role in establishing an effective age-graded ministry program.

Accountability
Age-graded, Bible-teaching ministry programs are ultimately the responsibility of the church Governing Board. The Governing Board may give oversight of the Bible teaching ministry programs to the Dsiciplemaking Ministries Council or a designated person.

Authority
Leaders, teachers, and workers may be elected or appointed as specified in church bylaws or by the Governing Board. Leaders, teachers, and workers should give clear testimony of salvation, demonstrate a growing faith and spirit-filled life, agree with the Statement of Faith of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, and be committed to the mission of the local church and the objectives of their Bible-teaching ministry program.

The Disciplemaking Ministries Council or other appointed leadership team is responsible for such things as vision casting, planning, organizing, recruiting, spiritual nurturing, screening and training leaders, teachers, and workers, purposeful curriculum selection, record keeping, and regular evaluation of ministry programs.

Adaptability
Factors such as the number of participants, available resources, age groupings, and facilities will influence organizational form.

Leaders are responsible for developing a ministry program structure that will best serve the needs of their people. Leaders must be flexible to accommodate changing needs.

A Disciplemaking Ministries Council may be appointed as specified in the church bylaws. The committee shall oversee the disciplemaking ministries for children, youth, and adults. Where there is no appointed Disciplemaking Ministries Council, the Governing Board shall assume the responsibilities of the committee.