EFCA Southeast

Multiplying Disciplemaking Churches of Biblical Integrity and Spiritual Vitality

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Affiliation

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

The EFCA Southeast District shall, on behalf of the Evangelical Free Church of America, receive into affiliation churches that request membership and meet the following requirements:

  • Churches shall adopt, verbatim, the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America as a part of their constitution.
  • Churches shall have Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws that are consistent with the policies and practices of the Evangelical Free Church of America. The congregation, after being informed and educated about the policies and distinctives of the Evangelical Free Church of America, shall vote to seek affiliation.
  • Churches shall have a policy consistent with congregational government defined as “that form of government wherein the highest authority under Christ in a local church resides in the corporate understanding of the mind of Christ and in which a realistic process and reasonable opportunity exists by which that understanding is determined and carried out, especially as it affects such matters as: determination of membership, selection or appointment of the principal governing board (elder, deacon, etc.), selection of the senior pastor, approval or alteration of constitution/by-laws, approval of any major purchase or dissolution.”
  • Churches shall have read and subscribe to “What It Means to Be an Evangelical Free Church“ (see link or contact district or national office).

Having met these requirements, the church shall be received into affiliation by vote of the EFCA Southeast district (SED) Board of Directors. This will initiate a transition period of membership during which all rights and privileges attendant to affiliation with the EFCA applies. Permanent affiliation will be granted when the Board of Director’s decision is ratified by delegates of the member churches of the EFCA Southeast district at the next scheduled business meeting.

PROCEDURE

Introductory Reading

¨ “What It Means to Be a Free Church”

Theological Compatibility

¨ EFCA Statement of Faith

¨ EFCA’s Noted Distinctives

Church Constitution Compatibility

¨ Note: While the form of church government is flexible, ultimate authority must rest in the congregation under Christ, the Head of the Church.

Church Health

¨ Provide mission & vision statements, and current strategic plan.

¨ Provide last two annual reports.

Credentialing Capacity

¨ Pastor’s application for EFCA credential.

Transition Period

¨ Up to a twelve month time period.

District & Denominational Commitments

¨ Agreement to meaningfully participate the life of the district and national ministries.