EFCA Statement of Faith
Adopted by the Conference on June 26, 2008
The Evangelical Free Church of America is an association of autonomous
churches united around these theological convictions:

God
1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.

The Bible
2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

The Human Condition
3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God's saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.

Jesus Christ
4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus-Israel's promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

The Work of Christ
5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.

The Holy Spirit
6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

The Church
7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of
believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

Christian Living
8. We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God's Word, the Spirit's power, and fervent prayer in Christ's name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ's commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in
word and deed.

Christ's Return
9. We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.

Response and Eternal Destiny
10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

Section II: Membership

1. Qualifications of Members

Persons who wish to become members of the church must 1) have received Jesus Christ as personal savior, 2) attempt to live a consistent Christian life as presented in God’s word, 3) submit to the principles of this document, and 4) be willing to support the church in regular attendance, stewardship, and prayer.

2. Age of Members

Membership shall consist of two classes, Active MembersandInactive Members.

          A. Active Members

Active Members are those who regularly attend worship services and take part in the affairs of the church. Active Members shall consist of members 18 years of age and over. Only Active Members are eligible to vote. The Senior Pastor, Associate Pastors and their wives shall automatically be Active Members of the church.

          B. Inactive Members

Inactive Members are those who do not regularly attend worship services and do not take part in the affairs of the church, or are regularly attending worship services at a different church.

3. Membership List Maintenance

The Deacons shall review and update the membership lists biannually. If an Active Member is not regularly attending worship services or taking part in the affairs of the church (stewardship, prayer, etc.), he/she will be placed on the Inactive Membership list. If an Active Member is regularly attending worship services at another church, he/she will be placed on the Inactive Membership list. If an Inactive Member has not been regularly attending worship services or taking part in the affairs of the church, he/she will be removed from membership at the discretion of the Deacons. Persons will not be removed from membership because of inactivity due to illness or disability. The Deacons will notify any active member when they are placed on the inactive list.

4. Procedure for Becoming Members

Prospective members shall submit a membership application to the Deacons and shall meet with them for an interview. Upon recommendation by the Deacons, names of prospective members shall be presented at a congregational meeting. Names of prospective members shall be posted in the bulletin one week before the congregational meeting. Prospective members will be accepted into church membership upon receiving a majority of the votes cast. At the earliest appropriate worship service notification of their acceptance will be made to the entire congregation. Persons transferring from other churches must still go through the above procedure to be accepted as members.

5. Church Discipline

It has been established that if any member of the congregation has ceased to live in accordance with the Word of God and with the “Confession of Faith” he or she shall be dealt with by the Deacons with restoration as the goal. Should the member show no evidence of repentance, the Deacons may remove the member’s name from the membership list. No accusation shall be brought against a member (including all pastors) except on the testimony of at least two members in good standing. Members must personally present the accusations; they must not be anonymous. A member who is accused shall be offered a full hearing before the Deacons and his/her accusers. No person dismissed from membership has any claim whatsoever upon the church property, real or personal. Such persons may be restored to church membership upon recommendation of the Deacons.

Section III: Officers

The elected officers of the church shall be active members of the church. The officers of the church will include the following: Senior Pastor, Associate Pastors, Church Chairman, Deacons, Deaconesses, Trustees, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Christian Education Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, and Missions Coordinator.

1. Church Chairman

The Church Chairman is elected for a two year term.  He shall preside over congregational meetings and Church Board meetings. He is an ex-officio voting member of all church committees and boards. The Chairman of the Deacons will preside in the absence or at the request of the Church Chairman. The Church Chairman is accountable to the congregation.

2. Board Secretary

The Board Secretary is elected for a one year term. He/She shall keep minutes of all business and Church Board meetings. He/She shall be ready to read the minutes and to secure copies for the board members when requested by the Church Chairman.

3. Deacons

Deacons shall be selected on the basis of the qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons shall be elected for 2 year terms that expire progressively. They shall serve as members of the Deacon Board and carry out the duties of that board. A maximum of five Deacons shall be elected.

4. Trustees

Trustees shall be elected for 2 year terms that expire progressively. They shall serve as members of the Trustee Board and carry out the duties of that board. A maximum of five Trustees shall be elected.

5. Deaconesses

Deaconesses shall be selected on the basis of the qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:8-13. Deaconesses shall be elected for 2 year terms that expire progressively. They shall serve as members of the Deaconess Board and carry out the duties of that board. A maximum of five Deaconesses shall be elected.

6. Treasurer

The Treasurer is elected for a two year term. After receiving reports of income from the Financial Secretary, the Treasurer shall pay all bills of the church in keeping with the guidelines of the annual budget. He/She shall keep an accurate record of all expenditures and submit a written report at the regular Church Board Meetings and at appropriate Congregational meetings. He/She shall submit a written report of missions’ financial activity to the Missions Coordinator upon request.  He/She shall  submit a report to the Deacon Board upon request. If necessary, the congregation may vote to hire a treasurer.

7. Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary is elected for a one year term. He/Sheshall receive and be responsible for receipts of the church, make deposits, and submit to the Treasurer, Pastors, Church Chairman, and Missions Coordinator a detailed report and accounting of such income. He/She, along with one other active member, shall count the offerings from all worship services. 

8. Christian Education Chairman

The Christian Education Chairman is elected for a twoyear term. He/She shall oversee all the areas of the department. An associate Pastor may serve as the Christian Education Chairman.

9. Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday School Superintendent is elected for a two year term. He/She shall oversee all areas of the department. He/She shall order curriculum that has been approved by the C/E Committee, fill staff openings after receiving approved names of members from the C/E Committee, and promote the various areas of the department.

10. Missions Coordinator

The Missions Coordinator is elected for a two year term. He/She shall appoint a committee within the church to help promote missions within the congregation. He/She shall follow the mission guidelines as adopted by the deacons board. He/She shall handle all necessary correspondence with the missionaries who are supported by the church and keep the church aware of their personal needs. The Missions Coordinator is accountable to the Deacons and shall give regular reports to the Deacon Board.

 

11. Terms

 No church officer may serve in the same office for more than 2 consecutive terms. He/She may not serve in capacity as two church officers simultaneously.

Section IV: Church Boards and Committees

1. Church Board

The Church Board shall consist of the Church Chairman, Board Secretary, Treasurer, Deacons, Trustees, Christian Education Chairman, and Pastors. The Church Board shall meet regularly to discuss church business. It shall hear reports from the Trustees, Deacons, Christian Education Chairman, and Church Treasurer. It shall handle all decisions pertaining to finances and church property. The Church Board will annually review all salaries. It will appoint a budget committee to submit a proposed annual budget to the congregation for approval. It will take necessary action in order to see that financial obligations are met. It will appoint auditors to examine church financial records at the end of the fiscal year. The Church Board is subject to the wishes of the congregation. All other boards are subject to the church board in respect to financial matters. All active members are allowed to attend Church Board meetings but have no voting rights. Any non-board member attending a Church Board meeting will not be recognized by the Church Chairman unless he/she has an item on the agenda.

2. Deacon Board

The Deacon Board shall consist of the Deacons, Pastors, and Church Chairman. They shall elect their own chairman from one of the Deacons. They shall oversee the spiritual needs of the church in conjunction with the Senior Pastor. They shall assist with communion and baptismal services.  They shall appoint persons to fill any elected positions when vacancies occur. The chairman of the nominating committee shall be appointed by the Pastor and the other four members shall be appointed by the Deacon Board. The Deacons shall yearly appoint the Head Usher and Greeter Coordinator. They shall receive regular reports from the Christian Education Committee, Deaconess Board, Missions Coordinator, Head Usher, and Greeter Coordinator. In the absence of a Senior Pastor they shall obtain pulpit supply and assure that all necessary arrangements are made. The Deacon Board is accountable to the congregation.

3. Trustee Board

The Trustee Board shall consist of the Trustees. They shall elect their own chairman from one of the Trustees. The Trustees are responsible for the upkeep of the church building, all properties and equipment belonging to the church, and the safekeeping of all deeds and official papers.

4. Deaconess Board

The Deaconess Board shall consist of the Deaconesses. They shall elect their own chairperson from one of the Deaconesses. They shall assist with benevolent needs, oversee all women’s ministries, and pray for the needs of the church. When requested, they shall assist the Senior Pastor and Deacons with Communion and Baptismal services and in visiting the sick and bereaved and those with spiritual needs.

5. Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education (C/E) Committee, under the guidance of the Deacon Board and Senior Pastor, shall oversee the educational areas of the church, which include Children and Adult Sunday School/ABF, Youth Groups, Children’s Church, Camp Ministry, Youth Transportation Outreach, Library, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Nursery. Members of the committee may include one representative from each of the educational groups in the church (a member may represent more than 1 group if a leader is in all groups represented). A member-at-large may also be appointed to the Committee. The Christian Education Chairman shall chair the committee. The committee shall secure workers and delegate responsibilities in each of its various departments. It shall select and coordinate curriculum. It shall coordinate and ensure the smooth running of all its departments.

6. Music Leader

The Music Leader is appointed by the Deacon Board for a one year term. He/She is responsible for selecting singers, musicians, and music for each Sunday morning worship service. The Music Leader is accountable to the Deacon Board and Senior Pastor and shall give regular reports to the Deacon Board.

7. Auditors

Three auditors shall be appointed by the Church Board to examine all financial books of the church. They shall submit a written report at the Annual Church Business Meeting. If deemed necessary, the Church Board may hire an accountant to examine all financial records.

Section V: Pastors

1. Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor is called by the church for an indefinite period of time. He shall be responsible for worship services, preaching the word of God, administering the ordinances of communion, baptisms, overseeing the general affairs of the church, and attending to its spiritual needs. He shall oversee all church staff to assist them in their personal ministries and duties. The Senior Pastor is an ex-officio voting member of all church boards and committees. The Senior Pastor may be dismissed by ¾ vote of the active membership present. The Senior Pastor receives counsel from the Deacon Board and is accountable to the congregation.

2. Associate Pastors

Associate Pastors shall be elected by ¾ vote of the active membership present and can be dismissed by the same. They serve under the responsibility of the Senior Pastor in respect to schedule, work load, and pulpit responsibilities. They will be given specific responsibilities according to how they have been hired by the church. They shall receive counsel from the Deacon Board and are accountable to the Senior Pastor.

3. Calling of Pastors

A pastoral search committee shall be appointed by the Board for the purpose of selecting and interviewing possible candidates. Notification must be given to the congregation in the morning worship service one week before the voting on a pastor takes place. The calling of a pastor shall require a ¾ majority vote of the active membership. In the case of dismissal of a pastor, notification must be given during a Sunday morning worship service 2 weeks prior to the vote. Dismissal of a pastor shall also require a ¾ majority vote of the active membership present.

Section VI: Meetings, Quorums, Voting, Procedure, and Property

1. Congregational Meetings

The church fiscal year shall extend from January 1 to December 31. The Annual Meeting of the church shall be held sometime in January. At the Annual meeting, the congregation will establish spending limits for the Church Board and Trustees. All committees shall submit written reports at the Annual Meeting. Quarterly financial reports will be made available upon request from the Church Treasurer. Members may receive copies of these reports upon request. Special congregational meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor, Church Chairman, and/or Church Board. Notification must be given to the congregation in the morning worship service two weeks before a meeting that would involve the following items: the dismissal of a pastor, the purchase or sale of real estate (including building programs), the amending of the constitution, and all items that exceed the spending limits established at the Annual Meeting.

2. Annual Budget Process 

The Annual Budget shall be prepared by a Budget Committee appointed in accordance with Section IV, Article 1. The Budget Committee shall present the proposed budget for discussion and approval in a Budget Approval Meeting to be held no later than the third (3^rd) Sunday of each December. The proposed Budget shall be posted at the Church at least one week prior to the date of the meeting. A simple majority of Active Members present and voting is required for approval of the Annual Budget.

3. Quorums, Voting and Procedure

Twenty percent of the Active Membership shall constitute a quorum to vote at all Congregational Meetings. Forty percent of the Active Membership shall constitute a quorum to vote in the calling or dismissal of a pastor, in the sale or purchase of real estate (including building programs) and in the amending of the constitution. Boards and Committees, including the Budget Committee Meeting, need a simple majority to conduct official business.

Boards and Committees shall use Robert’s Rules of Order as a general guideline for procedure. A majority of the votes cast shall decide all issues. The Senior Pastor may make motions and vote on all boards, committees, and congregational meetings. Associate Pastors may make motions and vote in all congregational meetings and in meetings for all boards and committees on which they serve.

Section VII: Elections

1. Nominating Committee and Election Procedure

A Nominating Committee of five members shall be appointed in October of each year. Nominating Committee shall be appointed as described in Section IV, Article 2. The committee shall place in nomination appropriate names for each position to be filled.  The list shall be made available to the congregation no later than one (1) week before the meeting for Election of Officers. Other nominations may be presented from the floor for all positions at the meeting. The meeting for Election of Officers shall take place no later than the third (3^rd) Sunday of each December and will immediately precede the meeting scheduled for adoption of the Annual Budget. A simple majority of the Active Members present and voting is required for approval of the ballot.

Section VIII: Amendments

The By-Laws may be amended by a ¾ vote quorum as stated in Section VI, Article 3. Notification must be given to the congregation in the morning worship service two weeks in advance before the voting on the proposed amendment. The doctrinal statement may not be changed as long as the church is affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. However, the congregation may choose to adopt any doctrinal changes that the Evangelical Free Church of America proposes.