Rather than looking to “the corporate world” to define our structure, we choose to honour our values and look to Biblical Hebrew understanding. Judges 6:15 says, ‘So he said to Him, “Oh my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”’ In this verse it is clear that the Hebrew people lived in family, clan, tribe and nation.

The structure of COTN is built on a similar foundation and the language used is as follows:

The structure of local churches in COTN varies.

This is a grouping of churches and ministries relating to a spiritual father or fathers.

Church of the Nations International

The international body of Christ.

From this point we will therefore refer to church, cluster, COTN and the body of Christ.

COTN is protected and watched over internationally by “The Apostolic Council”, served by the Apostolic Steering Team.

The Apostolic Council is made up of the Apostolic Steering Team plus leadership recognised by the Apostolic Council. Additions to the Council will be at the discretion of the Council.

Function:

- Fellowship and accountability within the Apostolic Council and shepherding and bishoping each other.
- Overseeing doctrine.
- Overseeing the upholding of COTN values.
- Casting corporate vision, and maintaining and executing the vision for COTN.
- Receiving input from the Apostolic Steering Team.
- Nurturing unity and relationships within COTN.
- Recognising and releasing clusters and their leaders.
- Overseeing the moral and personal lifestyles of cluster leaders.
- Initiating international events.
- Building unity with the wider Body of Christ.