When the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) established The Design in 1969, much of the structures and practices were adapted from the existing structures. As our church has grown more expansive and diverse, we’ve made adaptations on the model. However, the changing composition of the church and a growing desire to have our structures reflect our commitment to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world means rethinking how we engage and relate to one another. Put simply, if we are going to be the church we say we are, we need to dismantle structures that aren’t working well and reimagine how we relate to one another as the body of Christ. We want to be more connected, not less. We want congregations to be more connected to one another and the General Board, have more of a voice in the present and future of the church. These changes will allow congregations to be able to provide feedback, set agendas and weigh in on the present and future of the church. They will allow the General Board and General Assembly to to hear with more frequency and with more nuance from congregations so that more voices are heard and shape the church.