In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations are connected to each other and to the whole church by a common covenant that continues to allow for each expression of church life (congregational, regional, and general) to be self-governing and to make decisions that are only binding upon the body that has taken the decision.  Each expression thus has its own rights and responsibilities – all set within a mutual covenantal accountability.  For a fuller description of this covenantal relationship, please read the first section that relates to congregations (paragraphs 1-4 in The Design of the Christian Church).

Structure Diagrams

Covenantal Relationship
A description of how the the three expression of the Church (congregational, regional, and general) are related together in ministry.
General Assembly
How the General Assembly as a governing body relates to the wider Church.
General Assembly and General and Racial/Ethnic Ministries
How the General Assembly relates to the various general ministries and racial/ethnic ministries of the Church.

Regions

Regions are the geographic expression of the church.  There are currently 32 regions. Each is a self-governing ministry – a community of communities that is covenantly accountable to the general church through participation in the General Board and General Assembly. Each organizes itself and makes independent decisions about the region's property, budgets, assemblies, and called leadership. The region nurtures, supports and engages congregations as unique entities that extend the ministry of Christ in mission, teaching, witness, and service.  All regions provide leadership in matters such as standing and credentialing of ministers, relocation of pastors and congregational support, connecting congregations with general church resources. Regional ministers often serve as mentors to local pastors, congregations and clergy. They often offer training and other services to congregations as the regional governing organization sees need.