Affiliate Application

1.  AFFILIATION:  Companionship, fellowship, partnership, having common/similar interests, connection of ideas, associated with; connected with.

Believing that Christian denominations each provide spiritual guidance through the Holy Spirit and the Word as found in the Holy Scriptures, but also knowing that each has its own man-made interpretations, dogma, and sets of beliefs and, also believing that (unfortunately) in some cases, these man-made interpretations have hindered the individual’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the American Evangelical Christian Churches would like to propose the following:

Recognizing that each church/ministry is autonomous (self-governing) and are free to worship in the style most fitting and proper for them as long as it is based on the Bible, the AECC wishes to have churches/ministries establish an affiliation as long as the following basic tenets of the Christian faith are agreed upon and adhered to:

Articles of Faith – American Evangelical Christian Churches. Inc.

1. The Bible as the infallible written Word of God.
2. The Holy Trinity – One God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. The virgin birth of Jesus, the Christ.
4. The deity of Jesus, the Christ.
5. The salvation of sinners by faith through the atonement of Jesus, the Christ.
6. The guidance of our life through prayer to the Father, through Jesus the Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
7. The visible and eternal reign of the Savior – Jesus, the Christ.

These “Essentials” are simple and to the point.  Each church/ministry will view each detail differently, but that is okay as long as the basic belief is agreed to.  That is why our motto has always been – Liberty with Security.

Each church/ministry has the authority to govern and use man-made rules in their own setting as long as the Bible is the ultimate authority and the AECC Constitution, By-Laws and Articles of Faith are adhered to.

1. THE AECC – WHAT IT IS

The AECC is a conservative and evangelical Christian fellowship whose main focus is learning, teaching and living out the inerrant Word of God as written in the Holy Bible.

The AECC is a fellowship of independent Christian churches/ministries who are linked together by a common bond – Jesus Christ, and not by man-made rules and regulations.

It is a rejection of higher ecclesiastical authority above the local church/ministry, especially in the area of denominational rituals and/or formalism. Each church/ministry has the right to form and operate as they see fit, as long as it is in accordance with the Scriptures and the basic tenets of the Christian faith as outlined in the AECC Constitution and Articles of Faith.

Each church/ministry has the authority to govern and use man-made rules in their own setting as long as the Bible is the ultimate authority and the AECC Constitution and Articles of Faith are adhered to. The AECC does not govern your church/ministry.  We will only act as mediator on ecclesiastical matters and offer our advice.  If your pastor is licensed or ordained through the AECC and is found to be in violation of the AECC Constitution or Articles of Faith, he/she (depending on the severity of the offense and if found to be in error) will either be put on probation or removed from our roster.  If the local church is found to be in violation, they may also be placed on probation and/or removed from the AECC roster.

REASONS FOR FORMING AND BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AECC

In the 1930’s, legalism and, in many cases, liberalism began to creep into the “mainline” church world. During the year 1944, a group of evangelical ministers, being impressed with the need of true fellowship and conference in the things of God (as concerning the ministry of God’s infallible Word) met in Chicago, Illinois and launched a work known as the American Evangelical Christian Churches.

The American Evangelical Christian Churches, Inc. was composed of groups of individuals who have the same doctrinal views concerning the “Essentials” of the Christian faith and have united in fellowship to proclaim these views as their common denominator. Due to spiritual, moral, and evangelical issues besetting our nation and world, the founders keenly realized that such a work of the Lord (as manifested in the AECC) can stand and grow only by the superintendence and care of God and by nurture afforded through Godly people of evangelical passion and missionary zeal. And so, it was to this end that the American Evangelical Christian Churches, Inc. was formed.

Now there are growing, vibrant ministries around the world, a spirited home, a foreign missions program, and a Christian Bible College(American Evangelical Bible College and Seminary), which has been established so that many can be trained for the ministry God has called them to, without being cost-prohibitive.

2. AECC BASIC PRINCIPLES AND MINISTRY GUIDELINES

• According to the Scriptures, the local church/ministry is the right form of the Kingdom of God on earth.  The local church/ministry is made up of believers in the Triune God who, by means of God’s grace seek salvation and eternal blessings for themselves and their fellow men and women. A church or a mission may, as a body, become Affiliated Members of the AECC.  The local congregation or mission may elect their own officers and may recommend called men or women for licensure or ordination in the AECC.
• The affiliated ministry directs its own affairs, subject to the authority of the Word of God.  Every individual, group or ministry shall remain independent and sovereign, answerable to God alone in matters of conduct, deportment, and business.  However, the AECC Board of Directors may withdraw affiliated membership status or ministerial credentials for any reason they deem necessary in order to maintain and protect the integrity and original purpose of the organization.
• The AECC affiliated church or ministry will always own its property now and in the future.
• The local church/ministry esteems and cherishes all the spiritual gifts which the Lord gives for its edification.  The AECC is not Pentecostal by nature but allows congregations to seek these gifts in accordance to the guidelines found in Scripture.
• The local congregation should eagerly seek fellowship, gladly accept and offer mutual assistance to other local congregations whether they are members of the AECC or not.  This could be in the areas of local conferences, joint worship, lay activities, evangelism, home and foreign missions, and other local charities and events.
• The Affiliated Member of the American Evangelical Christian Churches shall not impose their opinion, will or judgment or decision upon any other local congregation.

 ANNUAL AECC CONFERENCES

The United States of America is divided into nine regions based on population and distance needed to travel.  Each Regional Coordinator schedules an event each year for fellowship, worship and to discuss issues facing the AECC and local congregations and ministries.  These dates are posted on the AECC website (www.aeccministries.com).

The AECC holds an international conference biennially.  This two-day conference is when reports of the AECC ministries are presented.   The program also includes times of worship, music, teaching on various subjects that concern members, along with great fellowship.  Dates, times and location are posted on the AECC website. The AECC desires to minister to you and we request that affiliated ministries send a delegation of at least one person to either a regional or to the international conference each year. 

3. WHAT BENEFIT WOULD AFFILIATION WITH THE AECC GIVE YOUR CHURCH OR MINISTRY?

 Affiliation with the AECC (especially for the independent church or ministry) will provide:

• The opportunity for common fellowship, spiritual and organizational covering for your church.
• A database of AECC ordained and licensed ministers.
• Access to affordable Christian higher education through the AEBC.
• Counseling, mediation and pulpit supply.
• A common organization that joins together to provide a voice for the Christian church.
• Upon acceptance, each AECC Affiliated Ministry will receive a document indicating our association with each other.
• Each year, you will receive the updated AECC Membership Directory with your ministry's name listed as an Affiliated Member.
• Each quarter, you will receive a copy of our AECC Magazine.

WHAT WILL YOUR CHURCH’S MEMBERSHIP DO FOR THE AECC?

It will provide us with a greater voice in matters of faith.  It will allow us to provide more in the areas of home and foreign missions.  It will demonstrate to the world that Christianity is not a jumble of denominations or vast set of man-made rules.  It is living out the relationship God established for us and His people.  Realizing there are and will always be varying opinions on any number of subjects, it is putting those issues secondary to our relationship with Jesus Christ, with God the Father, through the Holy Spirit.

HOW IS THE AECC SUPPORTED?

In the past, the AECC has been supported by member clergy through their annual membership dues, along with other tithes and offerings.  The AECC does not set a minimum or maximum for each ministry's affiliation.  We do, however, ask that you support the AECC as you are able through free-will offerings or as a line item on your annual budget.  We would ask that an offering of $100.00 be given with your application.

Funds received will help provide funding to promote the establishment of churches, missions and ministries and provide assistance for the day-to-day operation of the AECC and its programs.  Of course, without your support the AECC cannot exist and if support is not coming, affiliation will have to be terminated.

AECC CONTACT INFORMATION

AECC Magazine

The official publication of the AECC is the AECC Magazine, which is published and distributed quarterly either by mail.  To request a free subscription, please contact the AECC at info@aeccministries.com

 

AMERICAN EVANGELICAL BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY (AEBC)

 

Enclosure: AECC Constitution, By-Laws and Articles of Faith

Condition for Affiliation:  Although an independent ministry, AECC Affiliated Members must agree and adhere to the Constitution, By-laws and Articles of Faith of the American Evangelical Christian Churches.

With the belief that God has called us through the Lordship of His Son, Jesus, the Christ, and the guidance of His Holy Spirit to confess the gospel in its purity, this ministry has voted to become an Affiliated Member of the American Evangelical Christian Churches, Inc. and subscribes to the Constitution, By-Laws and Articles of Faith of the American Evangelical Christian Churches, Inc. and pledge to support the American Evangelical Christian Churches, Inc. as God leads.