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What is Freedom Christian Ministries Association and why do we need it?  Since before the Protestant Reformation, since before the split between the Roman and Greek Orthodox churches, there have been divisions among Christians.  Leadership issues were more often the cause of the divisions than doctrinal issues in early times, and perhaps such issues have continued in various degrees even into modern times.  However, in the early church, decisions of doctrine, such as whether Christians must be circumcised, were made which were followed by the whole church and did not cause factions to be formed.  Christians supported Christians, regardless of their doctrinal views. 

I am not suggesting that all Christians must believe the same things. I believe there is one truth and there is one answer to each of the questions.  However, I will follow my heart in determining what I believe and I hope each of you will do the same.  We may, and indeed probably will have, different beliefs on at least one issue, but does that need to split us into a thousand separate islands of faith?  I don't think so, and that is the core of FCMA.

 Therefore, if you wish to learn more about FCMA for your church or ministry, please contact us.  If you believe that Christians need not war with each other and feel your group shares that ideal, join with us so that we can see it become reality.

Dr. Kevin Alton Church  General Director

Why Freedom Christian Ministries Association?      The Freedom family doesn't see associate or member churches as independent entities left on their own to struggle against the odds. We purpose to  accomplish the task of sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  Rather than an institution, FCMA, an outreach of Concepts of Freedom Ministries, Inc., is a living organism; an integral part of the Body of Christ as a whole, looking forward to the Final Day.   As a philosophy, we support our ministers through conferences, fellowship, and prayer, ensuring that each and every one of those whom God has placed in our sphere of influence is having his or her spiritual needs met and are given the tools necessary to succeed in ministry.     Those individuals involved with FCMA either through FCMA itself or through Freedom Bible College & Seminary, are men and women of vision with a desire to cast off the stereotypes of Christian fellowship and desire a return to first-century, apostolic fellowship models.  The church planting and organization are a natural development of outpouring of the fulfillment of the mandate to "make disciples of all nations" - regardless of economic, doctrinal or demographical influence.  We firmly believe that this is a process that God himself has put into motion. Purpose:      Churches throughout the world are experiencing a decline in membership.  The reason?  It is difficult to determine with accuracy, however, we can see that one of the contributing factors is the church's collective inability to answer the difficult questions of our place in God's plan.  Churches have dedicated far too much of their time

concerned with issues that are not essential to the Great Commission and the Christian community as a whole has grown tired.  To be certain, the Holy Spirit is present and active where the Word is rightly preached, however, we need more churches that are serious about their preaching and teaching ministries.  Our prayer is that yours will be a church that people can turn to as a true sanctuary - a place where worship and fellowship are not pretentious but are Christ-centered and unified under the banner of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
     Our goal is to offer churches that honor and glorify Christ and do not give license to the non-believing world's ridicule or scorn.  It is also important that the reputation of FCMA, FBCS or any other outreach ministry of CFM not be defamed in any way.

 Association with FCMA is an asset:

   Freedom Christian Ministries Association has within its ranks some of the most gifted and talented individuals in the Christian community.  We have published authors, recognized speakers, other pastors, professors, counselors, and Christians whose undying commitment to seeing the Gospel of Christ furthered is quite unique.  These men and women have dedicated their lives to Christian service and we encourage you to take advantage of their knowledge and experience.
     Although FCMA is not a denomination, we make no apologies that our ministry and outlook is sincerely denominational (not doctrinal) in nature. We provide many of the services that denominations do such as; continuing education, counseling, ministry seminars, annual pastoral conferences, and pastoral placement.  The primary difference is that we accept differing eschatological, soteriological, and worship practices within our family.  One Freedom Fellowship may be extremely liturgical in worship, another may be contemporary in worship.  We are flexible in the non-essential issues and believe very strongly in the saying of Augustine, "In essentials, unity.  In non-essentials, liberty.  In all things, charity."

Services Provided by Freedom Christian Ministries Association:

Pastoral Conferences
   Freedom Christian Ministries Association will host pastoral conferences centered around specific topics such as; homiletics, missions, evangelism, exegetical studies, hermeneutics, society and culture, pastoral counseling, financial security in the church, and many others.  The goal is to equip FCMA pastors and non-FCMA pastors with the tools necessary to fulfill their ministry objectives in a manner that is biblical and lends itself to increased ministerial productivity.

   Presently, these conferences and workshops are included in our annual spring retreat which is held in the Rogers, AR area.

Continuing Education
    Through Freedom Bible College & Seminary, over two hundred courses are available for FCMA pastors at discounted rates.  All these courses are designed to equip the pastorate in intense theological studies which will increase preaching and teaching capabilities resulting in a more prepared congregation.

Guest Speakers
    The staff and faculty of Freedom Bible College & Seminary is available to visit your church to speak on any range of topics.  Whether it be a revival service, or in-depth discussion on contemporary theological issues or even evangelical media, our faculty are professionals and highly gifted in these areas of expertise.

Pastoral Placement
    In the event of pastoral dismissal or pastoral retirement, FCMA will assist you if you need help in filling vacancies by attempting to send a fill-in for short term service or for permanent placement.

What form of leadership does Freedom Christian Ministries Association expect?

Theological leadership
    Colossians 1:18: "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."  Christ is the head of the body, the church.  Regardless of how we may toil and strive for excellence, the moment we take our eyes off of the Magnificent, we stumble and will fall.  CFM/FCMA has a leadership hierarchy, but the primary focus must be on the glorification of Christ and His principles.

Local leadership
    1. We expect that as a minister of the Gospel you will, to the best of your ability, meet the biblical requirements of leadership as found in 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Romans 12:6-7.
    2. We expect you to guide your staff and leaders to conduct themselves in a manner fitting the call of the ministry and to maintain positive relations within your community.   As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:7, "He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap."  With the recent revelations of impropriety within the Church, it is even more important that your leadership maintain only the highest level of Christian accountability.
    3. As a part of the FCMA family, it is our recommendation that you hold quarterly accountability meetings with the elders and deacons of your fellowship.  This serves a twofold purpose:  First it ensures that you, as pastor, are exegetically sound and meeting the needs of those entrusted to your care.  Secondly, it ensures that you are keeping a close watch over those who are also in leadership within your fellowship.  There is much work to be done within the ministry parameters of the local church and it can only be accomplished when there are open and candid lines of communication and accountability.

International leadership:

    Freedom member churches are unique in a number of ways, but one way that stands out above others is the accountability systems that have been established. Freedom member church pastors will have not only their local systems of accountability, but they also have the leadership of FCMA  to rely on for accountability as well.   Our goal is to ensure that you are empowered to do what God has called you to do, and we're here to ensure that you are faithful to such a calling. You are important to God, you are important to your flock, and you are important to Concepts of Freedom Ministries and Freedom Christian Ministries Association.

Summary of leadership:

    Leadership is an important role in the vitality of a congregation.  So as the head travels, thus follows the rest of the body.  We at FCMA will always strive to maintain high ethical standards of conduct and will do everything within our power to ensure that our members are empowered to do the same.  We require high standards because Christ himself requires high standards - to do anything less is to belittle the efficacious calling of our Lord.

The local church and FBCS

     We offer a  highly effective way to increase the name recognition of your fellowship as well as increase the individual and collective theological knowledge of your members is to establish a Freedom Bible College & Seminary Resident Campus.  This will provide you with ample teaching experience as well as increase your level of academic excellence.  Though the tuition costs are minimal,  it is an excellent opportunity to assist in financing your ministry.

    If you are interested in establishing a branch of FBCS we will provide you with additional information.

Local Constitution and bylaws:

    A copy of your constitution and bylaws are to on file at the FCMA offices. You must including any changes and addendums that are added at later dates.  This ensures an understanding of the operation of your church in the event that FCMA is requested or required to take part in pastoral replacement or disciplinary actions.

Local Membership Requirements:

   FCMA affords you autonomy in your decision making process of church doctrine and belief systems as long as they include the fundamental elements of the Christian faith as published in our Statement of Faith. No matter what your doctrinal tenets include, your ministry model should include some form of membership requirements.  The choice is completely yours.

In closing:

    Concepts of Freedom Ministries is not be right for everyone, but if it seems right for you fill out the the Information Profile return it to FCMA. If your application package is in order, a representative from FCMA will contact you.

    We pray that you prosper in your ministry.