Evangelical Alliance Churches brochure

JOIN IN Half a million individuals 3,300 churches 750 organisations Across 79 denominations

TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER www.eauk.org/joinin

TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER In my role as General Director of the Evangelical Alliance I am privileged to travel the country visiting churches and being exposed to the amazing works that God is doing here in the United Kingdom.

Everywhere I look I see new life. Again and again I am reminded that, in God’s strength, the local church truly is the hope of the world.

That is why I need you to join in with the Evangelical Alliance - working together in unity with over 3300 churches and 750 organisations, as part of a Christ-centred movement to transform society.

Together we can do mission in a way that is a greater witness to society. As Jesus himself says in John 17:23: ‘May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me’.

Together we have a more powerful voice to government and the media. Everytime a church joins the Alliance our mandate to speak for Christians gets stronger. Each time we train church leaders in media and political engagement we have new voices bringing Christian values into the public square.

Together we can share resources and expertise to ensure that we learn from best practice and don’t waste time and money on duplication.

Together we can network and build relationships that will form the basis of future ministry on a local and national level.

Together we can tackle the huge issues facing the church and society.

For example our Biblefresh campaign in 2011 aims to bring the Bible back to centre-stage in the British church.

At my very core I am a church leader, so I understand and empathise with the struggles and joys of leading a church. Together we can celebrate the joys and share the burdens. Please join in with the work of the Evangelical Alliance because together we’re better.

In Christ,

Steve Clifford

John 17:23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

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The Alliance nationwide Evangelical Alliance

Scotland Uniting leaders in our forums; uniting people to pray through Pray2Transform events; uniting young adults for God’s heart for justice through Just Generation, or acting as a united voice into politics and the media - unity is at the heart of all we do. As we come together, God will transform Scotland.

Fred Drummond, National Director, Scotland

Evangelical Alliance

Wales

Our mission is to help the Church proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel. We do this by representing Evangelicals to the National Assembly and media.

Enabling the Church to work together in evangelism, community transformation and mentoring younger leaders is our passion. The key to the way we work is through coalitions like Gweini, New Generation Leaders and Cymru Institute for Contemporary Christianity.

Elfed Godding, National Director, Wales

Evangelical Alliance

Northern Ireland We have never been more convinced of the need for evangelical unity!

Whether in mission to impact every part of our community with the good news, or in engaging with government on issues crucial to the well-being of society, our most effective way will be ensuring we do it together! This is happening through our interactions with the National Assembly, through events like Kingdom Come, our Emerging Leaders Network and through work with Mission Agencies Partnership (MAP).

Stephen Cave, National Director, Northern Ireland

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I chose to become a member of the Alliance the moment I understood its purpose and potential to me as an evangelical. A network of Christians in an Alliance will only impact the world in a positive way. The Alliance offers me helpful resources to deal with the changing world.

Tayo Awolaja, London

Membership of the Evangelical Alliance shows me time and again that Christians like me do have a voice into the government, mainstream media and the world. I may not agree with the viewpoint 100% of the time, but at least it is a Christian perspective on life’s issues that is being pushed out there regularly.

Mark Blythe, Surrey

Who we are The Evangelical Alliance was founded in 1846 and is the oldest alliance of evangelical Christians in the world.

We are the largest body serving evangelical Christians in the UK.

We really value the professional expertise available in and from the Alliance and their commitment to keep up with relevant public issues. We appreciate the time and effort invested in researching such issues and making that research available to local churches who do not have the resources to do it themselves.

We also appreciate their bold yet sensitive approach to the media - making the voice of Christians known in an ever suspicious world with great sensitivity.

Kings Christian Centre, Mold, Flintshire

To us, uniting to change society is about promoting unity and acting as an evangelical voice to Government, media and society. We work collaboratively with Alliance members and other evangelicals to present Christ credibly as good news in transforming communities.

The way we like to work is in coalition and partnership with other organisations. For example with Micah Challenge UK, Global Connections and initiatives such as Biblefresh.

The Evangelical Alliance in the UK is part of a worldwide network of national alliances, and is a member of the European Evangelical Alliance, as well as the World Evangelical Alliance.

I rate very highly the Alliance’s professionalism, their friendly approach and sensitivity and openness to the public. I value the expertise and advice on mission that the Alliance offers, and their passion to see the gospel come alive in unreachable places.

The Alliance is a catalyst for change. Churches of all denominations and traditions can benefit immensely from the variety of resources, activities and training courses. They are a resource that helps to make the gospel relevant for contemporary society.

Pam Daniels, St Mark’s Kennington

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I find the IDEA magazine very useful and most relevant. The campaigning that the Alliance does, along with Care, is also extremely important. The PQ emails I get are a focussed and easily accessible way to keep informed about the parliamentary issues of the moment.

Do please keep up your good work - your country needs you!

Mary Douglas, Salisbury

What we do promote unity

For example in helping you set up a Local Evangelical Fellowship (LEF) with other local churches in your area.

speak on your behalf

Your evangelical viewpoint is represented to Government, the National Assemblies, the media and key decision-makers.

network you

We facilitate and encourage collaboration with Alliance members and others to help network you in achieving your church’s mission.

resource you

Providing up to the minute resources for you and your church to be relevant and fully engaged in your community.

We marvel at the way the Alliance has developed over the years and are so delighted the Alliance represents Christians in high places and is achieving so much.

Ken and Phyl Whitlock, West Midlands

I have just been reading the brilliant news about the forthcoming Equality Bill and I wanted to say to you how much I, along with many other Christians, appreciate the enormous amount of effort that you have put in to draw together Christians to speak with a common voice and to pray with a common petition. What you are doing is enormously strategic… Well done for all that’s been achieved so far!

Rev Eric Delve, St Luke’s, Maidstone

What I love is the Alliance’s passion to help and support churches through active engagement with Alliance individual members, churches and organisations.

Sunita Selvarajan, London

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Membership benefits to churches Use of the Alliance members logo

member of

Your church can use the logo on your stationery and website, instantly helping people to identify you as part of our network.

Church listing facility on our website

Your church will be listed on our website. This is a popular facility for people looking for a local church.

Free events advertising

Your church’s events will be listed and advertised for free under the Events section of our website.

Admission to certain Church of England schools Your church’s membership of the Evangelical Alliance can, in some cases, help to meet the admission criteria required by some Church of England schools for the children in your congregation.

Discounted training and seminars

The Alliance provides heavily discounted training courses on how to help equip your church to engage with the local media.

I am a member of the Alliance because I can be part of a positive change in our society. The Alliance makes a difference that I can't make on my own; what impact can one Christian have? The Alliance helps us all make a difference together.

Shân Dobson, Worcester

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By being a part of the Alliance and its South Asian Forum, we can be a voice together and stand in solidarity to affirm and defend the Christian values in our communities and nation. A transformed nation with a healthy future is the result.

Pastor Joe Kurian Director, Church of God, UK Cross Cultural Ministries

Free copies of idea magazine to circulate among your church congregation

You will receive free copies of the Alliance’s membership magazine six times a year highlighting our resources and campaigns, with stories from our member churches and organisations to inspire you.

Information Service

You will have access to all kinds of information including registering as a charity, employing staff, finding Christian service providers and statistics to support your sermons.

We connect you to a worldwide network of Christians

Membership of the Alliance links your church to the European Evangelical Alliance and the World Evangelical Alliance and churches in 120 countries and regions.

Conflict arbitration

The Evangelical Alliance at times facilitates conflict resolution between member churches when relationships become broken or damaged within the body of Christ.

Free Student membership

Free Alliance membership for all higher education students for the first year and only £5 per year of study thereafter.

Gazetting

If your church needs listing in the London Gazette according to The Sharing of Church Buildings Act of 1969, you can have access to our gazetting service.

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Resources to equip you idea magazine keeps you and your church

informed about what’s happening across the Alliance, members’ news, and takes an evangelical look at some of today’s most challenging issues.

cMail

www.eauk.org/idea

cMail is a fortnightly e-newsletter reporting how we’re working with you, our

member churches and organisations, to realise our shared vision of social and spiritual transformation across the UK.

www.eauk.org/monthlycomms

PQ (Parliamentary Questions) is monthly news and Christian comment on public affairs

for those interested in politics. It is accompanied by a Prayer and Campaigns bulletin to inform your prayer in this area and provide you with action points for current issues.

www.eauk.org/pq | www.eauk.org/public-affairs/pqprayerandcampaigns

press release

Press Releases, Statements and Articles from the Communications

department keep you up to date with an evangelical perspective on breaking news.

www.eauk.org

FNT (Friday Night Theology) is an evangelistic comment on an event of the week to help you engage with the world over the weekend. It provides insight behind the news, helping you bring Jesus into your conversations and sermons. www.eauk.org/fnt

Slipstream is a monthly e-newsletter which encourages, equips and networks

leaders across the denominations and generations. It highlights special interest events and podcasts from respected Christian leaders, and features a Facebook group for online discussions

www.eauk.org/slipstream

PrayerWatch is a monthly e-newsletter highlighting areas of The Alliance’s activities prayer watch and wider issues requiring your prayer support praying for transformation - alltogether

www.eauk.org/prayerwatch

The Alliance Notice Board is designed to meet your spiritual and practical

needs if you’re looking for a Christian event, a new job, a good book or other resources. It features these and a wide range of other products and services, is published as an online version and is mailed bi-monthly with idea magazine.

www.eauk.org/anb

Join us

Become a personal member Members of your congregation can be part

of our vision of uniting to change society. Personal membership of the Alliance makes your Alliance more influential in being a voice to the Government, media and society. Personal members receive regular idea magazines, youMail e-newsletter updates and a variety of equipping resources.

www.eauk.org/joinus

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Programmes and campaigns to equip you and your church Biblefresh is a partnership of nearly a hundred agencies, festivals, colleges and de-

nominations, who are joining forces to help churches grow in appetite and confidence in the Scriptures during 2011. This coincides with the 400th anniversary of the King James version of the Bible. Biblefresh offers a whole host of ideas and resources to equip you and your church to read and live the Bible.

www.biblefresh.com

Square Mile is an Evangelical Alliance initiative which aims to catalyse and equip Christians to take a truly integrated approach to mission, expressed in four dimensions: Mercy, Influence, Life Discipleship & Evangelism.

www.eauk.org/squaremile

Simplify is a call to discipleship; to examine the spiritual hold money has on our lives by taking a month to consciously spend less and give more. For some, it’s a challenge to live on £5 a day and give away what you save to charity. www.eauk.org/simplify

Life Beyond Debt is the Evangelical Alliance’s response to the current economic crisis. We firmly believe that the Bible is outspoken on issues of poverty and injustice and we want to encourage churches to be equally vocal.

www.eauk.org/lifebeyonddebt

Don’t Be a Stranger campaign aims to remind us, and the nation, of the JudeoChristian injunction to help the stranger. The campaign showcases stories from migrants who have come to the UK and the churches working with them, as well as resources for churches who want to find out how they can do more to help.

www.eauk.org/nostrangers

Micah Challenge UK is a coalition of Christian organisations and churches in Britain, united in their concern to fight global poverty, in which the Alliance is a partner.

Micah Challenge UK is part of the international Micah Challenge movement of churches and Christian agencies uniting to hold their governments to account for the promises they made towards the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Together with the Alliance you will be contributing towards fulfilling these goals.

www.micahchallenge.org.uk

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How can our church become a member?

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Has your church been established for a minimum of 2 years?

Is your church geographically based in the UK?

Can you assent to the Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith?

Can your church abide by and practise the Evangelical Relationships Commitment?

Is your church in good standing with local evangelical churches?

Can you provide references from 3 local evangelical churches, willing to act as referees in support of your application, with at least one of them being an existing. Evangelical Alliance member?

Can you commit to supporting Evangelical Alliance initiatives and programmes* through prayer and a minimum donation of ÂŁ1 per head of congregation (based on average attendance at your main meeting) per annum? This is subject to a minimum of ÂŁ80. If this is a problem, please contact our Membership team to discuss on 0207 207 2138.

Join us by applying online at: www.eauk.org/join

or using the paper application form (to request one, please email membership@eauk.org or call 0207 207 2138)

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*From time to time the Alliance will send information on specific initiatives and programmes that you may want to give an additional freewill gift to.

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Important information before you sign up Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith We believe in...

1 The one true God who lives eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2 The love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, redeeming and judging the world.

3 The divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures, which are the written Word of God— fully trustworthy for faith and conduct.

4 The dignity of all people, made male and female in God’s image to love, be holy and care for creation, yet corrupted by sin, which incurs divine wrath and judgement.

5 The incarnation of God’s eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ—born of the virgin Mary; truly divine and truly human, yet without sin.

6 The atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin and defeating evil, so reconciling us with God.

7 The bodily resurrection of Christ, the first fruits of our resurrection; his ascension to the Father, and his reign and mediation as the only Saviour of the world.

8 The justification of sinners solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ.

9 The ministry of God the Holy Spirit, who leads us to repentance, unites us with Christ through new birth, empowers our discipleship and enables our witness.

10 The Church, the body of Christ both local and universal, the priesthood of all believers—given life by the Spirit and endowed with the Spirit’s gifts to worship God and proclaim the gospel, promoting justice and love.

11 The personal and visible return of Jesus Christ to fulfil the purposes of God, who will raise all people to judgement, bring eternal life to the redeemed and eternal condemnation to the lost, and establish a new heaven and new earth.

Evangelical Relationships Commitment Living out our faith does more to promote genuine Christianity than merely professing it. So we seek to promote good Christian practice, as well as true Christian doctrine, not least by the manner in which we conduct our relationships with each other.

The Evangelical Relationships Commitment is intended to stand alongside our Basis of Faith, and to express how we should be treating each other. It should be seen as an integrated expression of the responsibilities we owe each other in the Body of Christ.

Affirmations 1 We welcome as Christian brothers and sisters all who experience the grace of new birth, bringing them to that fear and knowledge of God which is expressed in a life of obedience to His word.

2 We recognise our Christian duty of trust and mutual encouragement to all who serve Christ as Lord, not least to those who conscientiously prefer not to be identified with the same churches, alliances or councils as ourselves.

3 We respect the diversity of culture, experience and doctrinal understanding that God grants to His people, and acknowledge that some differences over issues not essential to salvation may well remain until the end of time.

Actions 4 We urge all Christians to pray as Christ prayed, that we may be one in the Father and the Son, and so by the Spirit promote personal relationships of love, peace and fellowship within the Body of Christ, His universal Church.

5 We encourage all Christians earnestly to contend for biblical truth, since only as we are open to learn from others and yield

fuller obedience to the truth will we be drawn closer to Christ and to each other.

6 We call on each other, when speaking or writing of those issues of faith or practice that divide us, to acknowledge our own failings and the possibility that we ourselves may be mistaken, avoiding personal hostility and abuse, and speaking the truth in love and gentleness.

7 We owe it to each other, in making public comment on the alleged statements of our fellow Christians, first to confer directly with them and to establish what was actually intended. Then to commend what we can, to weigh the proportional significance of what we perceive to be in error, and to put a charitable construction on what is doubtful, expressing all with courtesy, humility and graciousness.

8 We rejoice in the spread of the Gospel across the world and urge all Christians to commit themselves to this task, avoiding unnecessary competition and co-operating, wherever possible, in the completion of Christ’s kingdom of peace, justice and holiness, to the glory of the one God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We look forward to receiving your application! uniting to change society

The Evangelical Alliance A company limited by guarantee Registered in England & Wales No. 123448.

Registered Charity No England and Wales: 212325 , Scotland: SC040576.

Registered Office:

membership@eauk.org www.eauk.org

Whitefield House, 186 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BT Tel 0207 207 2100