About ACTS²

A fellowship of churches committed to shared faith, mutual support, and faithful ministry.

Our life together is shaped by shared values that guide our relationships, our leadership, and our ministry.

These values reflect our shared commitment to the Gospel, our Anabaptist heritage, and faithful ministry within the church and community.

Constitution and By-Laws for ACTS2 Fellowship of Churches

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this Association is ACTS2 Fellowship of Churches (Association of Anabaptist Churches Connecting for Teaching and Training, Support and Service) herein referred to as ACTS2.

ACTS2 is an association of like-minded congregations who enter into fellowship with one another to fulfill Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that we walk together relationally in unity and oneness.  The Association provides a place of relationship, connection, discernment and accountability to congregations who seek innovative, relevant and effective ways to be faithful to the Gospel and their Anabaptist heritage as they minister in the world.   

  1. GOD – The nature of God as a Trinitarian being, One nature in three persons, eternal and Almighty, (Mt. 3:16-17; Acts 2:32-33,38; Rev. 1:4-5), 
  2. JESUS CHRIST – The person and work of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son (John 1:18; 3:16; 1 Jn. 4:9), our Lord and Savior (Lk. 2:11; Acts 5:30-32; 1 Jn. 4:14), including His deity (Jn. 1:1; Phil. 2:6; Col. 2:8-10), virgin birth (Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:26-37), sin-pardoning work on the cross (Jn. 1:29; Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:17), resurrection from the dead (Lk. 24:1-8; Acts 2:22-32; 1 Cor. 15:1-8), ascension into heaven (Lk. 24:50-51; Acts 1:9), intercession for the saints (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1) promised return (Mt. 25:31; Acts 1:10-11; 2 Thess. 1:7), and ongoing ministry in and through His body and bride, the Church (Eph. 5:25-32).  
  3. THE HOLY SPIRIT – The presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Cor. 12:7-11), 
  4. THE BIBLE – The sixty-six books of the Bible, in the original language are the only inspired and therefore the inerrant Word of God. The Bible is the final authority for all we believe, and how we are to live (Pr. 30:5; Mt. 24:35; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), 
  5. FINAL DESTINY – The final state of the righteous and of the wicked: the blessedness of Heaven for believers and eternal suffering in Hell for unbelievers (Mt. 25:31-46; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 20:11-15). 

We affirm the following Scriptural understandings of: 

  1. That there are only two biological human sexes, male and female, as established by God at creation (Gen. 2:21-24), and one’s gender corresponds to their biological sex. 
  2. The sanctity of marriage between one biological male and one biological female and that sexual intimacy is only to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage (Lev. 18; 1 Cor. 6:15-20; Heb. 13:4), 
  3. The sanctity of all human life from conception until death (Gen. 1:27; Ex. 20:13; Ps. 139:13-16), 
  4. The importance of the care of the poor and weak (Gal. 2:10),  
  5. The importance of the witness of the church to go into the world to evangelize and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). 

We value Anabaptist and Pietist emphasis on:   

  1. Believers’ baptism (Acts 2:38), 
  2. The importance of discipleship and following Jesus in daily life (Mt. 28:19-20; Lk. 14:25-35; Rom. 1:5), 
  3. The church as a gathered community (Heb. 10:25) of encouragement, accountability and equipping (Eph. 4:14-16),  
  4. The need for peaceful, non-violent resolution of conflict: personal, corporate, national, and global (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 6:1-8),   
  5. The priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:4-5; Rev. 1:6), 
  6. The importance of living transformed lives in the world (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23-24), 

The present reality of the kingdom of heaven breaking into this world, with the beliefs, practices, priorities and values of the reign of God (Mt. 6:10; Jn. 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:3-4).   

We value both the autonomy of the local church and voluntary, mutual submission of leaders to one another in Christ, acknowledging that the tension that lies between these two ideals fosters integrity and maturity, leading to relational accountability. 

We value the autonomy of the local church along with the accountability of the greater Church. 

Participation in ACTS2 shall consist of congregations and pastors who affirm the Constitution and Bylaws of ACTS2 and desire to be in fellowship with other congregations who do likewise for the purpose of fellowship, accountability, training, support and mutual service for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Participation is voluntary and non-binding. Congregations may be members of other Christian affiliations. ACTS2 is not a denomination, but an association of like-minded congregations.   

BY-LAWS

Section 1 - ASSOCIATION OF ACTS² FELLOWSHIP OF CHURCHES (ACTS²) RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. ACTS2 shall be Board-led, meaning that while the Board will seek counsel and input from partnering congregations, the authority for all final decisions lies with the Board.
  2. ACTS2 shall hold no authority over congregations or their leaders beyond their participation in the Association.
  3. ACTS2 does not require ‘dues’ but gladly accepts donations from any congregation affiliated with ACTS2. All funds will be solely used for ministry purposes of ACTS2.
  4. All gifts and funds of ACTS2 shall be deposited in such banks, trust companies as the Board may select.
  5. An annual financial report will be made available to all partner congregations and individual contributors upon request.
  1. Congregational participation in ACTS2 shall occur by affirming the Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the Association, by a decision of its officiating body, and then receiving approval from the Association. A congregation may choose to disconnect from the Association by the decision of its officiating body. Or the Association may ask a congregation to leave the Association due to discrepancies with the Purpose, Statement of Faith or Core Values of the Association.  
  2. Congregational appointed representatives are recommended to participate in scheduled meetings.
  1. ACTS2 does not ordain or hold ordination of clergy.  However, pastors who are ordained, yet whose congregations are not members of ACTS2 may participate in ACTS2 by affirming the Purpose, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the Association; and then receive approval from the Association. An affiliated pastor may choose to disconnect from the Association, or the Association may ask a pastor  to leave the Association due to discrepancies with the Purpose, Statement of Faith or Core Values of the Association.  
  2. Participating ordained pastors, whose congregations are not affiliated with ACTS2, may serve on the ACTS2 Board
  1. Board members shall affirm the Constitution and Bylaws without reservation to ACTS2.
  2. No salaried employee or spouse of any salaried employee shall be eligible to serve as a Board member. 
  3. Board members shall meet as needed.  
  4. Board members shall be from a participating congregation or a participating ordained pastor.

The fiscal year shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.

  1. Board membership shall be made up of at least five (5) members but not to exceed nine (9) members.  
  2. Board officers shall be elected at the last board meeting of the fiscal year. The term of service for all Board members shall be three (3) years.  Board member terms are open ended.  
  3. Terms of service upon the Board should be staggered in such a manner that no more than one-third of the full Board members will complete their term of service in any given year. 
  1. Board Members shall receive no compensation for their services.
  2. The Board may authorize the reimbursement of expenses incurred by any Board Member in the performance of official business for ACTS2 or the Board.
  1. The Board shall oversee the continuing operation of ACTS2 and oversee ACTS2’s business affairs. The responsibilities of the Board shall include, but not be limited to, making policy, acting on matters of personnel including hiring and firing pursuant to other provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws, and overseeing the general purpose of ACTS2.  
  2. The Board shall elect annually its own secretary, treasurer, chair and any other position deemed needed by the Board. 
  3. The Board shall meet to discuss business and make plans to provide spiritual leadership and coordinate direction for Association activities. 
  4. A majority of the Board must be present at a Board meeting to transact any business. With prior consent, a Board member may attend and give approval electronically via Zoom or its equivalent. 
  5. The Board may authorize any officer directed by these By-Laws to enter into any contract on behalf of the Association. All checks, drafts, or orders for payment of money issued in the name of the Association, shall be signed by the Treasurer plus one other officer so determined by the Association. 
  6. Amendments to these articles and/or By-Laws, if any, shall be made at a meeting of the Board called for such purpose, by a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Board who are present at the meeting. Notice of the meeting and of the proposed amendment shall be given to each Board member at least thirty (30) days before the date of the scheduled said meeting.
  1. The adoption of the By-Laws supersedes previous rules and decisions of the Association. 
  2. Decisions of the Board will be made using a biblical model of prayerful, spiritual discernment resulting in consensus.  In the rare times when consensus cannot be reached, the Board chair may call for a vote using the guidelines of Robert’s Rule of Order.   
  1. New Board Members 
    1. Vacancies on the Board shall be deemed to exist in the case of a member’s expiration of term, resignation before expiration of the term, death, or removal from the Board.  
    2. Nominations for Board Members.  
      1. Candidates for the Board shall be nominated by the Board after seeking  suggestions from participating congregations or participating ordained pastors.  
      2. Such candidates must be interviewed prior to appointment to determine interest, suitability, and eligibility. All candidates shall meet the qualifications of Board members as set forth in these Bylaws. 
  2. Appointment of Board Member.  Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority resolution of the remaining Board Members. In the instance of an unexpired term, each Board Member so appointed to hold the vacated position shall hold office until the expiration of that term. Otherwise, the newly appointed member shall serve a full term.   
  3. Resignation or Dismissal from the Board  
    1. Any Board member may resign from office. He or she shall tender the resignation in a letter to the Board Chair.  
    2. Any Board member may be removed from the Board, for excessive absence from regular and special meetings of the Board, or whenever such removal in the judgment of the Board would be in the best interest of ACTS2. Removal shall require a two-thirds vote of the Board. 
    3. Dismissal from the Board shall be a matter of “last resort.” Any unpleasantness surrounding such action shall be dealt with quickly and take into account the dignity and personal privacy of the individual in question.  
    4. In the event a Board member who has left the Board was an officer, another member shall be designated by majority resolution of the Board to assume the responsibilities of the office now vacant.
As an organization incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania, to the full extent permitted by stated statutes, or by other provisions of the law, every director or officer of the association, or other persons who have undertaken or are about to undertake any liability on behalf of the association or any company controlled by it, and their heirs, executors and administrators, and estate and effects respectively, shall at all times be indemnified and saved harmless out of the finds of the association, from and against all costs, charges and expenses whatsoever which director, officer or other person incurs in any action, suit claim or proceedings brought or prosecuted against said person, or in respect of any act, deed, matter or thing done or permitted by said person, in or about the execution of the duties of his or her office or in respect of any such liability; and all other costs, charges, or expenses as are occasioned by his or her own willful neglect or fault. The indemnification provided by this article shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be an officer or director and shall inure to benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, and estate and effects, respectively, of such indemnification party.
  1. Account Books, Minutes, Etc. The Board shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board and committees. All books and records of ACTS2 may be inspected by any Board member for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.  
  2. Designated Contributions. ACTS2 may accept any designated contribution, grant, bequest, or devise consistent with its general tax-exempt purposes, as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation. As so limited, donor-designated contributions will be accepted for special funds, purposes, or uses; and such designations generally will be honored. However, ACTS2 shall reserve all right, title, and interest in and to, and control of, such contributions, as well as full discretion regarding the ultimate expenditure or distribution thereof in connection with any special fund, purpose, or use. Further, ACTS2 shall retain sufficient control over all donated funds (including designated contributions) to ensure that such funds will be used to carry out ACTS2’s tax-exempt purposes. 
  3. No Private Inurement. ACTS2 is not organized for profit and is to be operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare in accordance with the purposes stated in the Articles of Incorporation. The net earnings of ACTS2 shall be devoted exclusively to charitable, religious/educational purposes and shall not inure to the benefit of any private individual. No Board Member or person from whom ACTS2may receive any property or funds shall receive or shall be entitled to receive any pecuniary profit from the operation thereof, and in no event shall any part of the funds or assets of ACTS2 be paid as salary or compensation to, or distributed to, or inure to the benefit of any Board Member; provided, however, that (a) reasonable compensation may be paid to any Board member while acting as an agent, a contractor, or an employee of ACTS2 for services rendered in effecting one or more of the purposes of ACTS2, (b) any Board Member may, from time to time, be reimbursed for such Board Member’s actual and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the administration of the affairs of ACTS2, and (c) ACTS2 may, by resolution of the Board, make distributions to persons from whom ACTS2 has received contributions previously made to support its activities to the extent such distributions represent no more than a return of all or a part of the contributor’s contributions. 
  4. References to Internal Revenue Code. All references in these Bylaws to provisions of the Code are to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and shall include the corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.  
  5. Severability. The invalidity of any provision of these Bylaws shall not affect the other provisions hereof, and in such event these Bylaws shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted.
The Board of Directors shall have power to alter, amend, or repeal the Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws by a two-thirds approval of the Directors. Changes to ARTICLE III Statement of Faith and Practices require a three-fourths approval of the Board.

Amended and Approved: December 3, 2024
Amended and Approved: July 2025

ACTS² Fellowship of Churches is a network of Anabaptist congregations and leaders committed to walking together in faith, encouragement, and shared ministry.

We exist to strengthen the church through relationships marked by trust, accountability, and mutual care.

Board Members

Ruby Bean

Ordained Pastor / Conewago Community Church
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Paul Bentzel

Ordained Minister / New Fairview Church
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Eric Brubaker

Ministry Member / Middle Creek Church
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Tim Fleener

Senior Pastor / Akron Community Church
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Todd Graybill

Primary Contact / Coventry Church
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Galen Hackman

Founding Pastor / ACTS² Fellowship of Churches
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Peter Johnson

Lead Pastor / Hanoverdale Church
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David Krape

Moderator & Teacher / Yorkana Congregation
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Jeffrey Stauffer

Interim Lead Pastor / Blue Ball Community Church
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Congregation Locations

      Congregations in ACTS² Fellowship

      Akron Community Church

      Akron Community Church is located on Main Street in Akron, PA. We are one of the founding churches of the ACTS2 Fellowship of Churches. We acknowledge that we are not meant to go through life alone. Our mission is to love Jesus, live our lives according to His word, and share the saving power of grace that only Jesus gives. To contact us go to www.akronpacc.org

      Coventry Church

      Coventry Church is a multigenerational congregation located at 946 Keen Rd in Pottstown, PA. In 2024, our congregation celebrated 300 years of ministry in northern Chester County. We seek to be a Christ‑centered family of faith practicing one‑another love from generation to generation. Our Anabaptist and Pietist roots continue to guide and nourish our discipleship and outreach ministries. Coventry Church is a founding member congregation of ACTS2 Fellowship of Churches.

      Hanoverdale Church

      Hanoverdale Church is located at 577 Hershey Road in Hummelstown, PA. Founded in 1798 as the Big Swatara Church of the Brethren, it was home to several Church of the Brethren congregations in the greater Harrisburg area until they grew large enough to stand alone. In 2024, Hanoverdale Church began separating from the denomination while still holding to its Anabaptist and Pietist roots. The church is known in the area for Biblical preaching, dynamic outreach to the community, and a growing family ministry.

      Blue Ball Community Church

      Blue Ball Community Church is located along 1005 Main Street, between New Holland and the intersection of Route 23 & 322 in the town of Blue Ball, Lancaster County, PA. Blue Ball Community Church is served by a team of ministers - all bivocational - who have been called from the congregation to serve. Their core value believes the Bible is the Word of God (Deut. 4:1-2). It was written by men who were divinely inspired. God the Father is the one and only true and living God. God the Son was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. God the Holy Spirit is a divine Person distinct from the Father and Son, and yet united to both the Father and the Son in the mysterious oneness of the holy trinity.

      Conewago Community Church

      Conewago Christian Fellowship is located at 2181 Baltimore Pike, East Berlin, PA. We are a small group of Anabaptist believers in the East Berlin, PA area. Conewago Christian Fellowship exists to provide a place where God’s children can collectively glorify God our Creator and Sustainer, honor Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, and embrace the Holy Spirit as our Guide and Teacher. We prioritize relationships, first in love for God with all our hearts, souls and minds, and second in loving others as we want to be loved. We place a high value on love and a forgiving attitude in all of our relationships. We demonstrate respect for each other through clear and honest communication.

      The name ACTS² reflects the shared commitments that shape our fellowship.

      We exist to encourage and equip congregations and leaders to live faithfully to the Gospel of Jesus Christ—strengthening one another through shared ministry, discernment, and support.

      We live out this shared life together through practices that strengthen both our relationships and our ministry.

      Walking Together — strengthening fellowship and unity among churches

      Shared Wisdom & Training — engaging in theological reflection and learning together

      Support & Counsel — providing encouragement, guidance and care

      Mission & Outreach — serving and engaging our communities with the gospel

      We invite congregations and pastors to participate in this shared life of faith, encouragement, and ministry.

      Connect with ACTS²

      Download and print resources, forms, and informational materials describing ACTS².

      Downloadable Resources
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      Ruby Bean

      Ruby Bean is an ordained pastor.  She is the lead pastor for the Conewago Community Church and their representative on the ACTS² Board.  She is a graduate of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer Seminary).  Before God called Ruby to pastoral ministry she was a Certified Prosthetist and Orthortist and was a Physical Therapist Assistant.   She enjoys doing crafts, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and nature photography.

      Paul Bentzel

      Paul Bentzel has been a part of ACTS² Fellowship of Churches before we had a name. He is an ordained minister actively serving on the ministry team at New Fairview Church in York PA where he served as lead minister from 2002 to 2017.  He is a retired building contractor, but continues to be active in certain phases of the business.  He and his wife Betty live in eastern York County.

      Eric Brubaker

      Eric is a member of the Middle Creek Church (Lititz, PA) which has a plural, nonsalaried ministry team, of which he is a part. As a bi-vocational minister, he is owner of Brubaker Building Design and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Messiah College and a Master of Divinity from Evangelical School of Theology. He and his wife, Linda, live in Ephrata and have four children and two grandchildren.

      Tim Fleener

      Tim Fleener, one of the initial organizers of ACTS² Fellowship of Churches. Tim serves as Senior Pastor at Akron Community Church in Lancaster County, PA. Tim and his wife Sarah live on a farm where they raise sheep and beef cattle.

      Todd Graybill

      Todd Graybill joined the ACTS² Board in 2025.  Todd has served in a variety of lay leadership roles (deacon chair, board chair, and moderator) in his local congregation, Coventry Church.   As moderator, Todd helped guide the congregation through the difficult decision to leave the Church of the Brethren denomination.  Todd retired in 2023 after a 30-yr career as a medicinal chemist (GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville PA).  Todd and his wife Louise live in Pottstown PA.

      Galen Hackman

      Galen Hackman is part of the team that founded ACTS² Fellowship of Churches. He has served in the ministry for 50 years, as a pastor, missionary and teacher. Currently he engages in an entrepreneurial ministry of consulting, coaching, speaking and leadership training for a variety of congregations and overseas locations. He holds ordination in the Church of the Brethren and the Commissioned Ministers Network, along with several degrees and certifications. Galen and his wife live in Akron, PA, and enjoy three married children and twelve grandchildren.

      Peter Johnson

      Peter Johnson joined the ACTS² Board in 2025.  He has served the Lord in missions and pastoral ministry since 1977, serving as a teacher and church planter in Kenya, East Africa for seven years and pastoring churches in NH, NJ and PA.  He currently serves as lead pastor at Hanoverdale Church in Hummelstown, PA.  He and his wife, Karen, live in Hershey, PA.

      David Krape

      Called to the ministry in 1981, David Krape has served the Yorkana Congregation as a free minister, Sunday School teacher, assistant moderator and moderator. Raised in the Church of the Brethren, he felt that the denomination had left the local church. David, serves on the ACTS² Board, seeking to maintain the Anabaptist heritage. Retired from teaching Technology Education at the York Suburban School District for 35 years, David and his wife Nancy lead in worship, have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.

      Jeffrey Stauffer

      Jeff has been part of the ACTS² Board for the past two and a half years. He serves on the ministry team at Blue Ball Community Church and currently serves as interim lead pastor. Jeff is self-employed in a variety of business interests. He and his wife, Darlene, and their seven children live in New Holland, PA.