Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Evangelical Free Church of America?
The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) is an association of over 1300 local churches in the USA who hold a common evangelical Statement of Faith. As a denomination of interdependent and autonomous churches, we also work together for common purposes such as church planting, Christian higher education and seminary training, world missions, evangelism, fellowship, and other ministries which promote the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The EFCA is a charter member of the National Association of Evangelicals. You may visit the web page of the EFCA at www.efca.org.
What are the distinctives of the Evangelical Free Church?
The EFCA is inclusive not exclusive.
Fellowship and active membership in the local Evangelical Free Church are based solely on one's personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Within the EFCA there is room beyond the EFCA Statement of Faith for legitimate differences in areas of evangelical doctrine.
The EFCA is evangelical not separatistic.
While we have deep convictions based on the authority and inerrancy of God's Word, we do not draw battle lines over minor points, nor do we make minor issues of doctrine a test of fellowship in the local church. We are evangelical and believe in separated living and personal holiness for the believer, but we are not separatistic.
The EFCA is ecumenical in spirit though not in structure.
We believe in the spiritual unity of the church though not necessarily in structural union. We join with other Christians and like-minded denominations and organizations that share common goals and ministries to accomplish the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
The EFCA believes in liberty with responsibility and accountability.
We desire to preserve the great doctrine of grace and Christian liberty in Christ. But we also encourage and teach godly living and service under the control of the Holy Spirit, in obedience to God's Word, and in harmony with God's will for life as revealed in the Scriptures.
The EFCA believes in both the rational and relational dimensions of Christianity.
We believe that sound Christian doctrine must be coupled with dynamic Christian experience. Experiencing God goes hand in hand with belief in God and the great doctrines of the faith.
The EFCA affirms the right of each local church to govern its own affairs. We are congregational in government and in ministry.
While affirming strong spiritual leadership and structure in the local church, we hold that the highest human authority under God rests in the congregation.
How does one become a church planter in the Midwest District?
All church planting candidates are expected to go through an assessment process which includes a thorough application and reference checks, objective testing for spiritual gifts, personality, and leadership style and preferences, and one or more interviews including an extensive behavioral interview by a district assessment team. In some instances, participation in a Church Planting Assessment Center may be recommended or required. A church planting candidate will also be asked to submit a church planting proposal and demonstrate his ability to recruit a substantial number of intercessors for his ministry. A testing and processing fee may be required. Potential church planting candidates should request a church planter application form from the district office by snail mail (MWD, 218 West 18th St., Kearney, NE 68845), phone (308-234-5400), or by e-mail: midwestefca@charter.net.
What can a church planter expect from the Midwest District?
The Midwest District is participating with other districts in the EFCA in implementing a national church planting vision and strategy using seven support systems for the church planter and the new congregation. Midwest District church planters benefit from a church planter assessment process, participation the EFCA Church Planters' Bootcamp, individual coaching for the church planter, participation in district and regional ministerials and conferences, provision of the Church Planter's Toolkit, and some initial seed money. The MWD also recruits a Parent or Partner Advisory Team for the new church which provides guidance and support during the early stages of development.
How does an existing church become a member of the Evangelical Free Church?
Like-minded independent or autonomous evangelical churches in Nebraska, Kansas, or the Kansas City metro area are encouraged to consider the benefits of joining the EFCA through the Midwest District. The process for affiliation with the EFCA through the Midwest District begins with an initial contact with Rev. Bill Smith, District Superintendent. A meeting with the church leadership and/or the congregation generally follows this by the Superintendent or Associate Superintendent. During this time both the church and the district leadership exchange communication and information to insure a good "fit" within the EFCA. At the end of the working agreement period, both the congregation and the district board vote on accepting the church into the Midwest District. If both parties are favorable, the MWD Board recommends the "adoption" of the church into district membership and a final vote is taken at the next MWD Conference. Interested churches may request information about the affiliation process by e-mail: midwestefca@charter.net.
How does one become a pastor of an Evangelical Free Church in the Midwest District?
Interested pastors should contact Rev. Bill Smith, the MWD Superintendent, by e-mail midwestefca@charter.net or by phone or mail. Most potential pastors will be asked to enroll in MinisterConnection.net, the official on-line placement service of the EFCA. It is always desirable to have a face-to-face interview with Rev. Smith or his associate. Pastors in MWD member churches are expected to become credentialled with the EFCA and participate in the ministries of the EFCA and Midwest District when possible. Complete and unreserved agreement with the EFCA Statement of Faith is required.
What ministries does the Midwest District provide to local churches?
The Midwest District staff is available to churches to provide assistance and consultation in a number of areas including church planting, conflict resolution, strategic planning, organizational development, placement and credentialling of pastors, leadership development, church revitalization and renewal, stewardship, and church health and growth. Help is also available to churches through the Midwest District Foundation which provides loans to assist in new construction and building expansion. Churches also benefit from participation and fellowship in regional and district conferences, and in specialized conferences for small, middle-size, and large churches. In addition, the Midwest District Office serves as a general resource center for the local church.
What are the expectations of a local Evangelical Free Church?
We expect that the local church will passionately pursue the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. This pursuit will usually be reflected in the church's mission, vision, and values statements and in its priorities as a local body of believers. As a result, we expect that evangelism, missions, church planting, congregational health and unity will be top priorities. Local Evangelical Free Churches are also encouraged to support through regular prayer and giving the ministries of the denominational family. This includes the Midwest District, the EFCA and Evangelical Free Church Missions, and our denominationally sponsored schools: Trinity International University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Western University, and Trinity Western Seminary. It is expected that the local Evangelical Free Church will regularly send delegates to district and national conferences and will remain faithful to the doctrine and distinctives of the EFCA. It is also expected that the local church will encourage and support its pastor(s) in a manner that demonstrates integrity, love, and a positive testimony to the gospel of Christ in the community.