IFCA REGIONAL LEADERS' HANDBOOK - IFCA International

IFCA INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP
by Dr. Richard I. Gregory
IFCA International is a fellowship of independent men, churches and
organizations committed to maintaining purity in doctrine, the autonomy of the
local church and a partnership in ministry. One of the important concepts in
accomplishing this common cause is commitment. Commitment is manifested
through a mutual agreement we call membership. It is our understanding that
membership is characterized as a covenant between participants committing
them to common beliefs, goals, and purpose. When one becomes a member of a
fellowship such as ours, he is asked to heartily agree with the IFCA International
doctrinal statement, constitution and by-laws. It is expected that one's
commitment would include regular voluntary financial, prayer and attendant
support of the regional and national organizations. In addition, programs such as
church extension, Chaplaincy, benevolence projects and other special ministries
of the fellowship would receive one's careful consideration and eventual
support.
In order to assure that these distinctives do not become diluted by lack of
attention, individual members are required to renew their commitment of
membership each year. Churches and organizations are asked to reaffirm that
they have not changed their original doctrinal positions.
Applications for membership must be sent to the Executive Director. He will
refer all applications to the Credentials Committee. Members are received into
the fellowship through the action of the Credential Committee. This committee is
appointed each year by the Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of this
committee to request information from references, including one from the
regional in which the applicant resides. These references are examined along
with the application of the individual in order to ascertain the applicant's
agreement with the fellowship's doctrinal positions and membership
requirements. When it is determined that the applicant reflects the doctrinal and
deportmental characteristics of our fellowship, the committee votes to approve
the application. The individual's name is then published in the Voice magazine
and he is welcomed into the membership of IFCA International. Similar
procedures are followed with respect to organizations and churches. However,
these must file copies of the constitution, by laws, articles of incorporation (if
incorporated) along with a recent financial statement. Each organization must
demonstrate that a legal dissolution clause is included in its articles of
incorporation (if incorporated) or constitution, whichever is required by the State
in which it exists.
29
IFCA International Regional Leadership
Handbook