A. It is the earnest
desire of The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship that New
Testament Christianity be an active force in every
community. Locations for new work will be chosen by the
board of directors using the following criteria:1.
The community
a. The need: population , percent of population in
different age groups, nearby Christian Churches/Churches of
Christ, etc.
b. Nature of the community and its growth potential.
2. Interested people
a. number of individuals and family units
b. potential leadership available
c. worthiness of motive
d. degree of commitment
3. Neighboring churches
a. The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship will seek the
cooperation and support of the existing Christian
Churches/Churches of Christ in the surrounding area.
B. Requests for Assistance
A group or congregation requesting assistance of The
Christian Evangelizing fellowship should furnish the
following information:
1. location and type of present or proposed facilities.
2. if the group is just forming, the reason (and facts
supporting the same) that make this a desirable location for
a congregation.
3. if the congregation is already established , a brief
history
4. five year plan and timetable
5. copies of relevant documents including the
constitution and by-laws, minutes, reports, financial
records, and attendance.
6. type of help requested, length of commitment needed,
and a plan for reduction and termination of support.
C. Financial Support of Projects
1. The primary support from The Christian Evangelizing
Fellowship should be in the area of selecting, directing,
and financially supporting the minister.
The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship's general practice
shall be to reduce ministerial support by the following
schedule: first year -- full support, second year --
two-thirds support, and third year --- one third support.
Any exception to this schedule will require approval of the
current Christian Evangelizing Fellowship board of
directors.
2. It is desirable for a new congregation to become fully
self-supporting within three years.
The congregation will be made fully aware of these
stipulations at the outset and will be appraised of plans to
reduce support well in advance.
D. Relationships and Expectations
1. Once it has been determined that The Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship and the congregation will work
together, the relationship will be guided by the following
principles:
a. The congregation should consult with The Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship on all major decisions. This would
include, but not be limited to, the calling of the
minister(s), the purchase of property, and the building of a
house of worship and other facilities.
b. The group (congregation) shall submit to The Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship board of directors a written monthly
report summarizing:
1. financial status
2. attendance
3. actions of governing bodies
4. activities of minister(s)
All members of The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship
executive committee are to be placed on the congregation's
mailing list to receive copies of the newsletter, meeting
notices, etc.
c. At least one representative of The Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship will attend all meetings held by the
body (steering committee, church board, elders,
congregation, etc.) to advise and counsel. His presence at
such meeting shall not be construed as approval by The
Christian Evangelizing Fellowship executive committee for
items of business that are transacted.
d. The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship and the
congregation reserve the right to terminate their direct
working relationship at any time.
e. The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship urges
congregations to continue as financial supporters of the
organization after the completion of financial support. It
is also stipulated that the contributions of The Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship be recognized in the church's
history.
f. In the event of a Christian Evangelizing
Fellowship-supported congregation's dissolution, an
appropriate part of that congregation's remaining assets
shall be returned to the Christian Evangelizing Fellowship
and any other supporting organizations.
E. Minister for Congregation Receiving Support
1. Selection
a. The Christian Evangelizing Fellowship Board of
Directors will chose a church planter and a location for all
Christian Evangelizing fellowship initiated congregations.
b. Search for a minister to serve and existing church
supported by the Christian Evangelizing Fellowship shall be
conducted by a pulpit committee composed equally of members
of the congregation and representatives of the Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship. In addition to the usual
qualifications of faith, character, and ability, the
prospect will need to possess a vital interest in
establishing new churches. The committee will pursue
recommendations, resumes, inquiries, and interviews leading
to the choice of one candidate to be recommended to the
congregation. The congregation, in turn, will pursue
satisfactory acquaintance with the candidate before voting
on his employment. If the first candidate is not accepted,
the committee will pursue the same course in choosing and
recommending another.
2. Direction
The newly selected minister must communicate and work
with the Christian Evangelizing Fellowship directors. He
will meet regularly with them, giving written reports to
indicate activity, plans, progress, and problems. No major
programs are to be undertaken without the knowledge and
consent of the Christian Evangelizing Fellowship directors.
3. Termination
A minister's employment with the supported congregation
may be terminated on sixty days' notice by either the
minister or by the congregation and the Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship directors acting together. A
different length of termination notice would require mutual
consent of all parties (or sixty days severance pay could be
given in lieu of such notice).
4. Church Leadership
Until such time as scripturally qualified elders and
deacons are available, the congregation shall function under
a steering committee that is composed of the church planter,
selected members of the congregation, and representatives of
the Christian Evangelizing Fellowship.
F. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
For a newly created congregation the Christian
Evangelizing Fellowship will provide Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws under which the congregation will
function until it assumes autonomous status.