At the beginning of each calendar year, Dr Neil T. Anderson, founder and President Emeritus of Freedom In Christ, and the executive directors of the various national Freedom In Christ Ministries (after obtaining the approval of their respective national Boards) are required to sign and renew their pledge to operate jointly under the name of Freedom In Christ Ministries International (FICMI).
By affixing your name and designation at the bottom of this document you or your national office is agreeing to abide by the terms of the Joint Ministry Agreement as indicated below. You can also download a complete copy of the agreement and the related appendices in a pdf format for your reference.
FREEDOM IN CHRIST MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL (FICMI)
JOINT MINISTRY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT for the year 2015 is made between the following :
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1. Dr. Neil T. Anderson, the founder of Freedom In Christ Ministries (“FICM”), an individual based in Franklin, Tennessee, USA.
2. and, Freedom In Christ Ministries (USA), a non profit making corporation incorporated under the laws of the USA with its head office in Knoxville, Tennessee. The corporation has a Federal Tax ID# 33-0361836 and a State of Tennessee Dept. of Revenue Certificate of Exemption # 780084857.
3. and, Freedom In Christ Ministries (UK), a non profit making corporation incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom with its head office in Reading, England. The corporation is a company limited by guarantee number 3984116 and a registered charity number 1082555.
4. and, Freedom in Christ (Schweiz), a non profit making corporation incorporated under the laws of Switzerland with its head office in Frutigen.
5. and, Freedom In Christ Ministries (Canada), a non profit making corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada with its head office in Regina, Entity No. 290722. The corporation is a registered charity in Canada, Charitable Registration No. 135463180 RR 0001.
6. and, Freedom Ministries India a non profit making corporation incorporated under the laws of India with its head office in Chennai. The corporation is registered under the Public Charitable Trust on the 22nd day of February, 1995. Reg. No.: DIT (E) NO. 2 (483) 95-96.
7. and, Stichting Freedom in Christ Ministries Nederland a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands with its main office in Elst-U (Gemeente Rhenen), Utrecht in The Netherlands. It isregistered under the Chamber of Commerce North Netherlands with KvK-number 56475276 on 15 November 2012, and has a Legal-body and Collaboration Information Number (RSIN) 85214385.
8. and, CREED España (operating LIBERTAD EN CRISTO España) a religious non-for profit entity registered with the Spanish Ministry of Justice under the number 1928-SG/C, with its main office in La Coruña, Spain. The fiscal number with the Spanish government is G70202460.
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Article 1
FICMI Mission
1.1 The signatories to this agreement (“Members”) hereby agree to conduct joint ministry under the name of ‘Freedom in Christ Ministries International’ (FICMI).
1.2 The mission of FICMI is to equip the Church worldwide, enabling it to establish its people, marriages and ministries alive and free in Christ through genuine repentance and faith in God.
Article 2
Organisation
2.1 The Ministry of FICMI shall be overseen by the International Council (“the Council”) whose purpose shall be to oversee the message, ministry and expansion of FICMI.
2.2 The Council shall exercise these areas of oversight in the grace and wisdom of God, seeking to uphold the highest levels of commitment to the FICMI Statement of Faith and Core Values (see Appendix B and C).
2.3 The Members and Regional Directors who form the Council at any one time will be referred to in this document as “Council Members”.
2.4 The Council shall be comprised, until such time as the conditions under Article 2.6 are applicable, of one individual from each current National Office who is designated and authorized by that respective National Board of Directors. This individual can be the executive director or equivalent for each of the National Offices that form FICMI or a member of that National Board of Directors. Dr. Anderson shall also occupy a seat on the Council by virtue of his position as founder of FICM so long as he desires to do so.
2.5 Each time a new organisation is invited to become a party to this Joint Ministry Agreement and accepts the invitation to become a National Office by signing the Joint Ministry Agreement, they will in the first instance become provisional members for a probationary period during which they will function in every respect as full members except that they will not have a vote on any matter concerning their own membership. The probationary period will end at the first Council meeting following the second anniversary of their acceptance of our invitation at which time a vote will be held amongst the other members present to decide whether or not provisional membership will become full membership. In the event that the vote determines that the new organisation's provisionalmembership should not become full membership, the organisation will cease to be a party to the Joint Ministry Agreement with effect from the end of the Council meeting in which the vote was taken.
2.6 As the number of FICMI Members increases, the Council shall intentionally move toward regional representation in order to retain a reasonable size and globally balanced representation. These regions shall be designated as: North America; Latin America (including Central America); Europe; Francophone Africa; non-Francophone Africa; Middle East; Slavic Asia; India/Southeast Asia, China/East Asia; and Australia/South Pacific. The Council reserves the right to revise the number of global regions, the region designations (names), as well as the nations included in each region, as it deems necessary. Any global region revision shall require a vote of the Council.
2.7 At such time that the Council agrees by vote that a particular region is overbalanced in its representation on the Council, the Council shall by vote select a Regional Director who shall occupy a seat on the Council replacing the Council Members previously representing the National Offices in that region. Regional Director candidate(s) will be nominated by the Members operating in that region and, if approved by Council vote, will be responsible to those Members who shall have authority to nominate a replacement if and when they deem that is necessary. The new Regional Director candidate’s selection to the Council will be subject to Council vote. If a Regional Director candidate is not approved by Council vote, the Members of that region shall nominate another candidate for Council vote. Members of a region may nominate multiple candidates for the position of Regional Director at any time.
2.8 A Regional Director may represent up to two geographically close regions at the same time if a suitable candidate from one of those regions is not available and the Council approves the dual representation. The Council may also agree by vote to invite an individual onto the Council to represent a particular region, even if there are currently no Council Members from nations in that region, except that that person will be a non-voting member. Once a Regional Director has been seated as a Council Member, all previous Council Members from that region shall surrender their seats on the Council. However, former Council Members from that region are invited to continue attending Council meetings as participating, but non-voting members.
2.9 Until such time as there is representation on the Council from a particular region (that is, a Regional Director), each National Office within that region shall occupy a seat on the Council and shall appoint annually their delegate to serve on the Council.
2.10 The Council shall make decisions by consensus unless a vote shall be mandated by this Joint Ministry Agreement or agreed upon by the Council. In order for a measure to pass the Council by vote, a two-thirds majority agreement of Council Members shall be required, unless otherwise stated in this Joint Ministry Agreement. In the event that a consensus or vote is taken during the annual FICMI Council meeting, the consensus and/or vote shall be taken of those attending that meeting. In the event that a consensus or vote is taken outside of the annual FICMI Council meeting, the consensus and/or vote shall be taken of all current Council Members.
2.11 Each Council Member shall have an equal voice except for those that are non-voting.
2.12 An International Chairman and International Vice-Chairman will be elected by vote of the Council from among voting Council Members. Their role is to ensure that the business conducted by the Council runs smoothly. The term for both International Chairman and Vice-Chairman shall be three years. The International Chairman and International Vice-Chairman shall be permitted to serve up to two consecutive terms, assuming the Council votes to continue their appointments. (See Appendix E for description of the duties of the International Chairman).
2.13 In the event the Council determines by consensus that the International Chairman is unable to fulfil his duties, the International Vice-Chairman will immediately assume all responsibilities of the International Chairman until such time as the Council determines by consensus that the International Chairman is able to resume his duties.
2.14 The Council shall select one Council Member to serve as global prayer coordinator, so that at all times there shall be an FICMI global prayer coordinator.
2.15 Other Council Members will assume specific responsibilities as the need arises.
2.16 Upon joining the Council, all Council Members shall sign this Joint Ministry Agreement, which includes the FICMI Mission Statement, Purpose Statement, Core Values, Operating Principles, and Statement of Faith.
2.17 Each National Office is an autonomous body, operating under the laws of its respective country and the bylaws, policies and procedures developed by its National Board of Directors. FICMI is not responsible for the finances of any National Office nor is FICMI liable for any legal or other actions taken by any National Office.
2.18 The Council may decide by vote to incorporate FICMI as a non-profit organisation in a country of its choosing providing that the incorporation is done in accordance with the laws of that country.
Article 3
Powers of the International Council
The International Council will:
3.1 Establish international policies that provide guidance for the National Offices as they seek to develop national strategies aligned with the global strategy defined in FICMI’s mission and purpose statements.
3.2 Establish and oversee the position of Executive Director.
3.3 Appoint new Representatives and National Representatives. National Representatives are individuals who are being prepared to establish a new National Office. National Representatives will be under the supervision of a Member. The status of National Representative will normally be temporary, leading to the establishment of a new National Office. Requests for a delay in the establishment of a new National Office by a National Representative shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and may be granted for an extended period of time by the Council, taking into account extenuating circumstances (such as health, finances, governmental) that hinder the normal pace of National Office development. Once a National Office is established (as defined in Appendix A) and qualifies to become a Council Member (subject to the provisions of Article 2), the Board of Directors of that National Office shall appoint its delegate to serve on the Council.
3.4 Invite by vote new National Offices or other suitable organisations to become Members of FICMI provided that they meet the criteria specified in Appendix A and sign a copy of this Joint Ministry Agreement.
3.5 Vote to elect an International Chairman from among its number to serve for three years, starting from 1 January of the following year. The International Chairman shall recommend to the Council a Council Member as International Vice-Chairman who will serve with him. The International Vice-Chairman shall be approved by consensus of the Council. There is no limit to the number of terms a person may serve as International Chairman or International Vice-Chairman save that no person may be appointed for more than two consecutive terms of office.
3.6 The Council will meet at least once a year. At least 90 days’ written notice shall be given of the date and the venue of each Council meeting. Spouses of Council Members are encouraged to attend meetings but not in an official capacity. The Council may invite other individuals to attend meetings when appropriate. All Council Members are expected to attend every annual Council meeting. An absence by any Council Member from two consecutive annual meetings will automatically warrant an investigation by the Council.
Article 4
Functions of the International Council
4.1 To provide an umbrella of doctrine and mission under which all National Offices, National Representatives and Representatives will operate. Governance of National Offices, as well as design, development and implementation of national mission and vision statements and national strategies under that FICMI umbrella of doctrine and mission shall be the sole responsibility of National Boards.
4.2 To elect by vote the FICMI Executive Director. The Executive Director candidate shall not participate in the vote.
4.3 To oversee the Executive Director and ensure that he is implementing the policies and priorities set forth by the Council.
4.4 To elect by vote the International Chairman and approve by consensus the International Vice-Chairman, who shall fulfil the responsibilities itemized in Appendix E. The International Chairman nominee and the International Vice-Chairman nominee shall not participate in the decision-making process for their respective positions.
Article 5
The Office of Executive Director
5.1 The office of Executive Director shall be established effective 1 January, 2012. This position shall be overseen by and be accountable to the Council.
5.2 The Executive Director shall participate in all FICMI Council meetings and discussions and shall function as a full-fledged voting Council Member, except in the case of issues deemed by the International Chairman as constituting a conflict of interest.
5.3 The Executive Director shall serve on terms to be agreed from time to time by the Council. The Executive Director shall serve in that position for as long as both he and the Council are in agreement of his continuance. The Executive Director shall be consulted annually, during the yearly FICMI Council meeting, regarding their interest and availability to serve for another year. If the current Executive Director is either unable or unwilling to serve, or the Council is of the opinion a new Executive Director is needed, the Council shall select by vote a replacement Executive Director.
5.4 The Executive Director shall serve on a volunteer basis until such time as the Council shall determine a salary and benefits package and shall have the financial resources available to fund the package.
5.5 Concerns about the Executive Director’s adherence to the FICMI Joint Ministry Agreement, including Statement of Faith and/or Core Values shall be handled in accordance with the policies set forth in this Joint Ministry Agreement, Article 7.3 and Appendix D, regarding conduct of Council Members.
Article 6
The Responsibilities of the Executive Director
6.1 To implement polices and priorities determined by the FICMI Council, maintaining regular contact with the Council through quarterly reporting
6.2 To delegate responsibilities as needed to FICMI Council members; Council members accepting delegated responsibility from the Executive Director shall be under the supervision of the Executive Director for those responsibilities.
6.3 To encourage and oversee the establishment of new Representatives, National Representatives and National Offices around the world.
6.4 To ensure the development of a Global Prayer Strategy to be adopted and implemented by the Council, with freedom for each National Office to adapt it, as needed.
6.5 To facilitate intentional training designed to help National Representatives establish new National Offices
6.6 To oversee an international website that will direct users to National Offices, National Representatives and Representatives
6.7 To oversee a global publishing strategy.
6.8 To provide leadership in organising regional and international meetings for Representatives, National Representatives, National Directors, and the staff of National Offices as needed.
6.9 To establish an international office at such a time as a consensus of the FICMI Council agrees to authorize the Executive Director to develop such plans. The plans for such an office, including hiring of personnel; procuring of office space; establishing a means of receiving and utilizing funds; filing necessary legal papers required by the nation hosting the international office and any other activities surrounding the establishment of an international office shall be submitted to the International Chairman in writing at least six weeks in advance of any action taken by the Executive Director. The International Chairman shall then be responsible for disseminating said plans to the entire FICMI Council for review and vote.
Article 7
Term and termination of membership
7.1 FICMI shall continue to carry on its ministry until terminated by agreement of the Members. A two-thirds majority vote of Members is required for termination of this agreement.
7.2 Participation in FICMI may be terminated by any party to this Joint Ministry Agreement by giving written notice to the International Chairman. Termination of participation in FICMI shall occur no later than 6 months from the date of mailing such notice or at such other earlier time as the Council may agree.
7.3 In the event that one or more Members expresses concern that another Member’s beliefs and practices do not conform to the FICMI Statement of Faith and/or Core Values, as written in this Joint Ministry Agreement, the process in Appendix D shall be instituted, provided that the Member expressing concern shall have first attempted resolution with the other Member directly but without satisfactory outcome.
7.4 Any National Office whose participation in the Joint Ministry Agreement comes to an end for any reason agrees to immediately cease to represent itself as being associated with Freedom In Christ Ministries and will cease to use the name “Freedom In Christ Ministries” (or local language equivalent), and associated website(s), logos and material developed by Freedom In Christ Ministries offices worldwide that are not available to the general public.
Article 8
Minutes
8.1 The International Chairman may invite or appoint a secretary who will attend Council meetings for the sake of record keeping. This secretary does not need to be a current Council Member. In the case of a non-Council Member serving as secretary, that secretary shall have no vote in proceedings. If the Council enters into executive session (with “executive session” being defined as only voting Council members in attendance), this secretary as well as other guests shall be asked to leave the room until such time as the executive session concludes. The International Chairman will compile and disseminate the minutes of meetings, or decisions taken by the Council outside of meetings. Those minutes shall be disseminated to the entire FICMI Council within 30 days of the completion of the meetings or decision. These shall be judged to be an accurate record after they have been circulated, unless dissent has been expressed in writing within 21 days after dissemination. In cases of dispute, the item concerned will be taken back to the whole Council for correction, if needed.
Article 9
Amendment
9.1 This Joint Ministry Agreement may be amended by a vote of the Council provided that notice of any proposed amendment has been issued to all Members at least two months prior to a vote and any views on the proposed amendment that have been submitted by Members to the International Chairman are disseminated to Council Members prior to the vote.
Article 10
Finance
10.1 The expenses of FICMI Members shall be borne by the National Offices in a manner to be agreed upon by the National Offices, and may be adjusted from time to time. The Executive Director, with Council approval, shall be responsible for the disbursement of FICMI finances, in accordance with Article 6.9.
Article 11
11.1 Relationship of the parties. All parties to this Agreement and any additional party who joins acknowledge that their relationship is one of a Joint Ministry Agreement, i.e. a voluntary cooperation to advance the message and ministry of FICMI around the world. Neither the Council nor any of its Members seeks to create any legal partnership or any Trust that would favour one Member over another.
11.2 Entire Agreement. This Joint Ministry Agreement defines the relationship between the parties agreeing hereto. It supersedes all prior agreements.
11.3 This Joint Ministry Agreement has been reviewed and accepted by the National Board of each National Office listed as a member and signed by the duly authorised Officer of that National Office’s Board; as well as by each Regional Director sitting as an FICMI Council Member.