Commissions

How Is the FEBC Organized?

We have a congregational form of government in that each congregation appoints delegates, giving them direction on how to vote. At the annual convention, delegates elect officers and commission members and vote on other issues that are brought before the body. Delegates may also bring items of business before the convention as directed by their home church.

How Does it Function?

The Executive Committee presides over the annual conventions and workshops Footnote . It coordinates the work of the commissions. Seven commissions develop and facilitate policy and program decisions.

Policy is not established by paid staff or, for that matter, by the Executive Committee. Policies may be initiated in extension, committee or Executive meetings, then receive approval of the Executive Committee before ratification by the churches through their delegates.

Commission Quick Links
Executive Churches
Church Planting Education
Missions Outreach
Trustees Women’s Ministries
   

Executive Committee

Composed of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Administrator, Ministries Coordinator (Ex Officio) and the chairmen of six commissions, the Executive Committee is responsible for clarifying vision, goal setting and evaluation. It gives leadership to the organization and coordinates the ministries of our Fellowship.

The Executive Committee:

  • Coordinates the work of commissions
  • Protects the integrity of our constitution and doctrine
  • Nominates or appoints individuals for Executive and commission positions
  • Plans annual Workshop (February) and Convention (July)
  • Maintains fraternal relationships (NAE, EFC, etc.)

Commission on Churches

Though we are a fellowship of autonomous churches, the Commission on Churches provides services and advice which enables and protects local churches.

The Commission on Churches:

  • Examines and recommends candidates for licensing and ordination
  • Assists in pastoral search and screening
  • Advises and assists FEBC churches with internal conflict
  • Encourages pastoral and lay leadership training
  • Develops new pastors through internship program

Commission on Church Planting

When the first missionaries from FEBC churches went out in 1906, one couple was commissioned to India and the other to Chicago. Since then the FEBC has tried to encourage both world missions and church planting in North America.

The Commission on Church Planting:

  • Establishes and maintains church planting policies, guidelines, goals and strategies
  • Works with regional extensions and church planting committees
  • Approves selection of church planting personnel
  • Provides financial assistance

Commission on Education

One of the issues that led to the formation of the FEBC was the conviction that a church should be a training center as well as a worship center. The Commission on Education seeks to encourage our people to learn God’s character, activities, will, and plan throughout their lives.

The Commission on Education:

  • Assesses curriculum and education tools for FEBC churches
  • Supports a variety of educational ministries to children, youth and adults
  • Manages the Christian Ministry Scholarship program
  • Maintains the FEBC Video Library
  • Publishes the bi-monthly magazine Fellowship Focus

Commission on Missions

The first convention of the FEBC established a Missions Committee. In the intervening years, hundreds of missionaries have been sent out by FEBC churches. Missionaries from our churches have served under evangelical faith mission boards such as Avant Ministries, SEND International and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Today twelve of our missionary units serve in leadership of the home staff of mission boards.

The Commission on Missions:

  • Promotes world missions in FEBC churches
  • Encourages missionaries from FEBC churches
  • Assists church planting among FEBC Churches in South America
  • Provides grants for college students engaged in short-term missions
  • Encourages students to consider careers in missions

Commission on Outreach

The Commission on Outreach provides resources and approaches to assist individual churches in establishing and maintaining an outreach passion throughout their respective congregations.

This commission was formed in July 2004. Thus specific details are not yet identified.

Commission of Trustees

The FEBC owns or co-owns the property of many of our churches. Because churches are sharing their equity through co-ownership, the FEBC is able to co-sign capital improvement loans for member churches. It also holds various ministry funds in trust. The Commission of Trustees oversees these properties and funds.

The Commission of Trustees:

  • Oversees FEBC funds and investments
  • Manages FEBC real estate
  • Insures integrity in accounting procedures and government reporting
  • Provides grants & loans for church building programs
  • Represents the FEBC in corporate and legal matters

Commission on Women’s Ministries

Fellowship and service have long been a tradition among the women of the FEBC. Their projects have been a valuable encouragement to missionaries and needy people throughout the world. The Commission on Women’s Ministries seeks to affirm the ministries of our FEBC Women and offers guidance to local women’s ministries groups. This commission is represented on the Executive Committee by the FEBC Vice-President.

The Commission on Women’s Ministries:

  • Promotes spiritual fellowship and growth among FEBC women
  • Provides resources for local women’s ministries groups
  • Encourage FEBC missionaries through projects and prayer