BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF TANZANIA CONSTITUTION (BFCT).

                            

ARTICLE I:  NAME AND ADDRESS

1:1       The name of this church is INDEPENDENT BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH OF TANZANIA (IBFCT), fitted under the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania as a non-profit organization, an independent church. This is an Evangelical Church.

1:2       The headquarter of the church will be in Mwanza, P. O. BOX 6292 Mwanza Tanzania; otherwise a reasonable idea is given and allowed by ¾ of the fellowship to change the headquarter to another place as suggested by the board of Leaders.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

II:1       This church exists for the purpose of glorifying God.  As a body of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have five distinct, yet interdependent goals: 

1) Worship of God.

2) Edification of the saints (including fellowship).

3) Evangelism of the lost. 

4) To change and improve Believer’s lives Spiritually and Physically.

5)  Faithfully advocate for development activities like Education, Health, Needy 

      people without segregation, Especially Vulnerable children and Orphans.

II:2       We endeavor to effectively pursue these goals by building relationships and by applying the truth of God's Word.  Such purposes and goals are the functional basis for all church sponsored activities.

ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF FAITH

Independent Bible Fellowship Church of Tanzania teaches the teaching based upon the belief of the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible is the infallible rule of faith and practice.

III:1      The Holy Scriptures

We believe the 66 books of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).

III:2      The Godhead

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4, 2 Cor. 13:14).

III:3      The Person and Work of Christ

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind as a substitution sacrifice; in His literal, physical resurrection from the dead;  that because of the sufficiency of this atoning sacrifice, redemption and justification is assured to all who trust in Him. (Rom. 3:24,25; 4:25; Eph. 1:7; 1 Tim. 4:10; Heb. 2:9; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24; 2 Peter 2:1).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9,10; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1,2).

III:4      The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13,14).

We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth; and, that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20,27; Eph. 5:18).

III:5 The Total Depravity of Man

We believe mankind was created in the image and likeness of God; Mankind fell and became separated from God because of Adam's sin.  Mankind is totally depraved and is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition, or contribute in any way to his salvation, apart from the grace of God (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 3:22,23, 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3,12).

III:6 Salvation

We believe that salvation is the deliverance from the penalty, power and, eventually, the presence of sin; and that salvation is the free gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19).

We believe salvation is always by grace through faith regardless of the time in history in which the believer may have lived.  God's purpose of salvation by grace through faith alone has always been based upon the substitution atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross (Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 11:6, 1 Pet. 1:10-12).

III:7 The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers

We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1,38,39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:5).

We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word; which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

III:8 The Two Natures of the Believer

We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; 8:12,13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9).

III:9 Separation

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, and all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded of God (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Rom. 12:1,2; 14:13; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

III:10 Evangelism & Missions

We believe that it is the obligation and privilege of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:19,20).

III:11 The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts

We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts; and, that the gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; and, that speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (1 Cor. 12:4-11; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7-12).

We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14,15).

We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift and grace of God that is given to him (Rom. 12:1-8; 1 Cor. 13; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

III:12 The Church

We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born again persons of this present age (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).

We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1,4; 1 Cor. 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We believe the ordinances of believer's baptism by water and the Lord's supper are ordained of God as means of testimony and memorials for the church age (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42, 18:8; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

III:13 Satan

We believe that Satan is a created being, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6,7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10).

III:14 The Second Coming of Christ

We believe in that "Blessed Hope," the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth, with his saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom (Titus 3:13;  1 Thess. 4:13-18; Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10).

III:15 The Eternal State

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:5,6,12,13).

We believe that the spirits of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Rev. 20:4-6; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

We believe that the spirits of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with spirit and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-26; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6,7; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 20:11-15).

ARTICLE IV: ADMINISTRATION

This Fellowship will embrace her aim in encouraging each other. Every local church will be independent in conducting her development according to the vision of the whole Fellowship as stated in Article II.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

V:1 Purpose of Membership

Independent Bible Fellowship is receiving all groups of people, gender, age and color in the purpose of following God through Jesus Christ’s Faith, and live according to the Word of God in order to fulfill the aim of the Fellowship Article II. Identifying with a local church body in membership is important to clearly express one's desire to:

1.         Actively serve within the context of IBFCT local churches

2.         Fellowship with that body of IBFCT

3.         Receive spiritual instruction, nurture, care and oversight from the leadership and members

NB: (IBFCT) welcomes any person of like-minded faith in Jesus Christ who purposes to live according to the Word of God and for the glory of God.

V:2 Requirements and Application for Membership

Acceptance into membership shall be based on items listed in this section.  The procedure for application for church membership is:

            1.         The individual desiring membership shall make the request to any church leader (Pastor/Elder/Deacon/Director).  A person of any age may become a member.  However, only those 12 years and above are allowed to be baptized and those with 18 years of age and older are considered to be voting members of the church and be voted for.

            2.         The contacted leader shall, to the best of his ability, examine the individual to determine if they meet the requirements for membership by having:

            a.         Trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

            b.         A desire to live for the glory of God in accordance with the Word of God.

            c.         A willingness to submit to the leadership and membership of Independent Bible Fellowship Church of Tanzania according to the Word of God.

d.         Basic agreement with the teaching of the church as stated in the church constitution's Statement of Faith (Art. III).

i.          Requiring basic (substantial) agreement with the Statement of Faith is intended to preserve the unity of the body and minimize the potential for doctrinal division within the body.

ii.          Individuals do not need to have complete agreement with every aspect of the Statement of Faith. This allows those with minor differences to become members. (Distinguishing between minor and major differences is left to the discretion of the elders.)

iii.         Where there is not complete agreement, the specific issues will be identified and the applicant for membership will agree to not promote any teaching or doctrine contrary to that which is stated in the Statement of Faith.

            e.         An understanding of the content of current written Independent Bible Fellowship Church of Tanzania Policies.

f.          A commitment to minister within the framework of Independent Bible Fellowship Church of Tanzania with a spirit of unity, cooperation, and submission.

g.         Properly dealt with previous church associations.

h.         Indicated a willingness to abide by the membership agreement by signing it.

3.         If the individual has been associated with another church in the past, the examining Elder shall communicate with the leadership of that/those churches to determine the condition of their departure.  (Independent Bible Fellowship Church of Tanzania will not accept as members those who have left another church improperly until attempts have been made to correct the situations.)

4.         The examining leader shall make a recommendation to the governing Board of Directors.

5.         If the examining leader makes a recommendation to accept the individual into the membership, the Board of Directors shall vote.  Approval for membership shall be by unanimous vote of the governing Board of Directors.

6.         If the examining leader is unable to recommend acceptance into membership, or the vote is not unanimous, then the Board of Directors shall communicate with the individual the reason for not accepting them into the membership.  This shall be done very carefully and in a way that exemplifies the compassion and love of Christ. 

7.         Those accepted for membership shall be welcomed into the fellowship of the church at the next regular worship service.

V:3 Responsibilities of Members

Each member is responsible for the following:

1.         Exercising their spiritual gifts toward the benefit of the church body

2.         Maintaining regular fellowship with the body

3.         maintaining the unity of the church

4.         Being responsive to scriptural instruction and correction

5.         Contributing to the needs of the saints

V:4 Termination of Membership

Termination of membership is by unanimous decision of the governing Board of Directors.  Their decision shall be made based on:

1.         The request to affiliate with another church.

2.         The request that their name be dropped from church membership.

3.         The failure of any member to fellowship with the church body for a period of two months if it is reasonably possible for the member to attend.

4.         Teaching or promoting any doctrinal position contrary to that expressed in the Statement of Faith.

5.         Practicing the works of the flesh as stated in Scriptures (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 5:11-13, 6:10-11; and Eph. 4:25-31) with a refusal to confess and turn from their sin to be restored to fellowship.  This may include public discipline before the entire church body.  Every reasonable attempt should be made for restoration prior to termination of membership (Refer to Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1).

6.         Physical death.

ARTICLE VI: ELDERS

The Elders shall be responsible for spiritual oversight of the congregation.  The Elder Board should consist of a multiplicity of Elders of which the Pastor is one.

VI:1 Selection of Elders

1.         The Pastor/Elder Board will identify qualified candidates.  Identification may include solicitation of recommendations from the congregation.  Any church member may recommend consideration of himself or another for Eldership at any time without solicitation of recommendations.

2.         The Pastor/Elder Board shall interview and examine the candidate paying particular attention to the following criteria:

            a.         The qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

            b.         Membership in the church

3.         Each candidate for Elder shall discuss with current Elders their own beliefs and practices including the following:

a.         Personal statement of faith (In addition to Art. III)

            b.         Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures

            c.         Gifts and Memorials Given to the Church

            d.         Miraculous Spiritual Gifts including Apostle

e.         Teachers in the church

f.          Role of Women in the Church

g.         Biblical Giving

h.         Marriage, divorce, remarriage and church leadership

i.          Church Property/Buildings

j.          Purpose of Church Functions and Activities

k.         The Goal of Education

l.          Music in the Church

m.        Church Discipline

n.         Counseling

o.         Church Associations

p.         Personal Philosophy of Ministry/Leadership

4.         The candidate must be unanimously approved by the Elder Board.

5.         Once approved by the Elder Board, the candidate shall be voted on by the congregation at a duly called meeting.  To be elected he must receive at least a 90% majority vote of the membership in attendance.

6.         Elders shall serve for life unless otherwise removed.

VI: 2 Responsibilities of Elders

Elders are to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.  They are responsible for shepherding and overseeing the flock.  These functions encompass a wide variety of activities including, but not limited to:

1.         Providing an example to the Church.

2.         Shepherding the Church

3.         Overseeing the Church; they will discipline and /or remove any church officer who no longer meets the qualifications of the office held.  No Elder shall be eligible to vote on his own removal.

4.         Caring for the Church; they are responsible to ensure that affairs pertaining to the function and well being of the church are transacted in keeping with sound Christian principles and in an orderly fashion.

5.         Teaching

6.         Preaching

7.         Counseling

VI:3 Meetings of the Elder Board

1.         The Elder Board shall meet at least quarterly.  Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or the Chairman as necessary.  A majority of the board membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting church business.

2.         All decisions of the Elder Board shall be reached after prayerful consideration and by unanimous vote.

VI: 4 Termination of Elders

An Elder may be dismissed for any of the following:

1.         Resignation from the Elder Board.

2.         Termination of church membership.

3.         Physical death.

4.         Removal for discipline reasons including failure to uphold the Elder qualifications of 1 Tim. 3:1-8.  In such cases 1 Tim. 5:19-21 must be observed.  An Elder can be removed from office at a duly called congregational meeting if 50% of a simple majority of the active membership desires his removal.

5.         Teaching or promoting any doctrinal position contrary to that of the church as expressed in the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE VII: DEACONS (optional)

The Deacons shall be responsible for assisting the Elders in specific ministries of the church.  They shall pay particular attention to the physical needs of the congregation.  The Deacon Board should consist of a multiplicity of Deacons.

VII:1 Election of Deacons

1.         The existing Elder Board will identify qualified candidates.  Identification may include solicitation of recommendations from the congregation.  Any church member may recommend consideration of himself or another for Deaconship at any time without solicitation of recommendations.

2.         The Elder Board shall interview and examine the candidate paying particular attention to the following criteria:

            a.         He must satisfy the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:3.

            b.         He must be a member of Tanzania Independent Bible Fellowship Church.

3.         The candidate must be unanimously approved by the Elder Board. 

4.         Once approved by the Elder Board, he shall be voted on by the congregation at a duly called meeting.  To be elected he must receive at least a 90% majority vote of a simple majority of the membership in attendance.

5.         Deacons shall serve for life.

VII:2 Organization of the Board of Deacons

1.         A Chairman of the Deacon Board shall be appointed by the Elder Board.  He shall preside over Deacon Board meetings.

2.         The Deacon Board shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish their appointed or assumed tasks.  Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or the Elder Board Chairman as necessary.  A majority of the board membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting church business.

3.         All decisions of the Deacon Board shall be reached after prayerful consideration and by unanimous vote.  Inasmuch as the Deacon Board operates under the authority of the Elders, the Elders must be consulted before taking action on matters of a serious nature or on matters affecting church policy.

VII:3 Termination of Deacons

A Deacon may be dismissed for any of the following:

1.         Resignation from the Deacon Board.

2.         Termination of church membership.

3.         Removed for discipline reasons including failure to uphold the deacon qualifications of 1 Tim. 3:8-13.  Such action should be taken by the Elder Board.  A Deacon can be removed by office at a duly called congregational meeting if 50% of a simple majority of the active membership desires his removal.

4.         Death

5.         Teaching or promoting any doctrinal position contrary to that of the church as expressed in the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE VIII: PASTOR

The Pastor should be considered to have the same duties and responsibilities as any other Elder in the church.  The Elder filling the role of pastor may carry a larger portion of the work as time and opportunity allow. 

VIII:1 Calling of a Pastor

1.         In the event that the church is without a pastor, the Elder and Deacon Boards will together form a Pulpit Committee to find suitable candidates for the pastorate.  The Pulpit Committee will establish criteria, review candidates, and schedule interviews.  The pulpit committee shall ensure that an individual's personal, family and business life is above reproach before recommending them to the church.

2.         Only one man will be presented to the church at a time as a pastor and be approved by the Board of Directors. If the specific church doesn’t have such person, the Board of Directors will be responsible to assign someone to serve for a moment; if accepted by the congregation will be their pastor officially. 

3.         A 90% vote of the membership in attendance at a duly called meeting will constitute a call.  If accepted, the call shall be indefinite.

4.         If the candidate is not recommended, does not receive a 90% vote, or does not accept the call, the Pulpit Committee will recommend another man as stated above.

5.         The Pastor, his wife and believing children shall be considered members of the church when they accept the call to the church.

VIII:2 Termination of the Pastor

1.         Dismissal of the Pastor shall be the same as that listed under "Termination of Elders".

2.         It shall be the responsibility of the Elder Board to take steps toward the dismissal of the pastor when it is required and the Board of Directors will be informed to approve.

3.         Normally a two-month notice shall be required for dismissal or for acceptance of the Pastor's resignation.  This requirement may be waived by mutual consent of the Pastor and the Elder Board or at the Elder Board's discretion in cases of dismissal for cause.

ARTICLE IX: BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1.                  Board of trustees shall consist eight (8) people and in its meeting should not be fewer than four (4) or more than eight (8) people.

2.                  This board shall be elected once by the genera meeting of IBFCT.

3.                  This board shall form a board that will work on registering IBFCT in the government of Tanzania. After registration, their work will be taking care of all properties of the IBFCT including movable and unmovable.

4.                  All movable and unmovable properties of IBFCT will be named IBFCT. But personal properties will be used by individuals as they wish to.

5.                  These members will join other eight members for their own willingness to form  governing board of this Fellowship.

ARTICLE X: MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

X:1 Leaders

1. There shall be chairperson and vice whom will be known as arch-bishop and vice.
2. There shall be General secretary and vice
3. There shall be Project supervisor
4. There shall be Countrywide treasurer and assistant
5. There shall be Evangelical supervisor
6. There shall be District bishops and their assistants
7. There shall be district secretaries
8. there shall be district treasurers and their assistants
9. There shall be local church pastors.
10. There shall be Women and Youth institutions from National level to Local church, which shall work on their matters.

X:2  Executive members.

1. Executive members shall be Chairperson and assistant, Secretary and assistant, Treasurer and assistant, Evangelical supervisor, Project supervisor and Missionaries (optional).
2. All official documents including seal and approved projects shall be known and kept in the executive office.
3. The executive meetings shall be held at least twice annually to evaluate and make sure all responsibilities needed are done effectively according to how the general meetings suggested and approved them.

X:3 Responsibilities.

1. The chairperson will chair all national meetings and in charge of all duties done in the IBFCT in the period of tenure. In case of chairperson’s absence, the vice will play the role of all responsibilities.
2. The general secretary will keep all documents of the Fellowship. Also will be a member of all national meetings held in the fellowship. The secretary shall be responsible to analyze and report all development information when needed in collaboration with the project supervisor. Not only that but also shall be the in charge of all businesses done in the fellowship.
3. The assistant secretary shall collaborate with the general secretary and in case of General Secretary’s absence shall take responsibilities. Also will be writing all minutes of the national fellowship.
4. Treasurer and the assistant shall work on all financial matters including receiving and giving money through receipts. Also shall prepare financial reports and budgets to represent them to the executive meeting and the general meeting for correction and approval.
5. Project supervisor shall prepare all proposals and submit them to the general secretary for approve in collaboration with the chairperson. This shall keep all project documents.
6. Evangelical supervisor shall plan the whole program for evangelism in collaboration with assistant from the districts. Through that shall give suggestions on how and where to start New churches or where to empower for more progress.
7. District Representatives shall be in charge of both spiritual and physical development in their districts.
8. District secretaries shall analyze all development activities done in the district.
9. District treasurers shall work on financial matters in the district.
10. District Project representative shall plan and write proposals for the specific district and send them to the general project supervisor if it cannot be fulfilled within the district for more consideration.
11. District Evangelical supervisor shall plan evangelical meetings and share with the General evangelical supervisor for approval if cannot be done in the midst of the district.
12. Local church Pastors shall fulfill their responsibilities as narrated in their role.

X:4 General Board of the Fellowship

            This board shall consists the following:-

1. Chairperson (Bishop) and vice, Secretary and vice, Project supervisor, Evangelical supervisor, District representatives and their vices, district secretaries, district project supervisors, district Evangelical supervisors, district treasurers, and all ordained pastors.
2. All missionaries are members of this board but optional, but will not be elected to be leaders of the board who is the leader of the whole fellowship.
3. A person can be elected several times as members vote for him/her to be a leader of the fellowship.

X:5 General Board responsibilities

1. Prepare and arrange the system to be used for electing leaders for the fellowship from the Board of Directors/leaders for a period of five years in the tenure office.
2. To give suggestions and ideas to the elected members every year for the progress of the fellowship in order to glorify God.
3. To give final say to something that is contradicting including church properties from internal and outside.

X:6 Termination from board of leaders/directors.

1. Unqualified to the 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, and Act 6:3
2. Practicing fleshly acts as shown in Galatians 5:19-21
3. Personal resignation
4. Joining different faith
5. Unfaithfulness in the Fellowship.
6. Mental illness
7. Death
8. Terminated through vote for district representative after five year.

ARTICLE XI: PLANTING CHURCHES

IBFCT will start her new churches through senior churches. But for a place where there is no IBFCT church, new churches shall be planted through Evangelistic meetings and seminars.

ARTICLE XII: CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

The purpose of all meetings shall be to praise God, enhance the unity of the fellowship, and to communicate the status of the church.

XII:1  Meetings

1.         Board of Director’s meetings will be held at least annually. The required annual meeting will be held as organized by the fellowship leaders. This meeting will be for the purpose of evaluating the implemented agreements and activities for the previous year, receiving and accepting the requesting ministers from the District fellowship representatives, and replacing the missing ministers due to the dismissal of members from the Board of Directors. The other purpose will be giving thanks for the blessings of the previous year, approving annual budget and satisfying the requirements of country law for non-governmental organizations.

2. The Board of Directors will be elected after five years; they will be elected from among the representatives of the Districts fellowship. The Board of Directors will elect 5 leaders and 7 members after one year of their election who will be responsible to decide for special/emergency cases; otherwise the whole Board of Directors will be needed to gather.

3. The Board of Directors meetings will be called by the Board of Directors chairman in cooperation with the General Secretary at any time depending on the need.

4. The District fellowship meetings will be held twice annually and will be chaired by the District Board of Directors representative to evaluate District spiritual growth, church development and receiving new ministers who are elected by local churches.

5. The members of District meetings are all local church pastors.

6. All local church congregational meetings shall be held at least three times annually. The meetings should be announced for at least two Sundays prior to their scheduled date.

XII:2 Conduct of Meetings/election

1.         Voting will normally be by a show of hands.  Written ballots will be used for the election, confirmation and termination of officers and at any other time that the Elder Board deems appropriate.

3.         A quorum will exist if at least 50% of the church membership is present.  Members 18 years and older are eligible to vote.  Unless otherwise stated in this constitution a simple majority vote must be obtained for a motion to pass.

ARTICLE XIII: FUNDS

XIII:1 Finance sources

The church will be getting her finances through Offerings, Tithe, Thanks giving, Fundraising, Projects, and other contributions from friends.

1.         The church will establish an annual budget as a means of dispersing and controlling funds.  The annual budget should be prepared prior to and presented at the annual meeting.

2.         Un-budgeted expenditures of greater than 1% of annual budget or whichever is more must be approved by the congregation.

3.         Budgeted expenses and those less than 1% of the annual budget may be authorized in accordance with the church's written financial Policies. 

4.         No one may take any action which will cause the church to incur a financial debt.

5.         The church will follow a written financial policy.

6.         The church shall periodically audit the handling of church financial resources.

XIII:2 Expenses of Fellowship funds

The whole fellowship will follow this format of expending her finances.

1. 50% from offering will be the allowance of the Pastor.
2. 10% from offerings will be district uses for all matters concerned in the district.
3. 10% from offerings will be used in the National office matters.
4. 30% from offering will be used for local church development.
5. Thanks giving and Tithes will be used by the Pastor as the Bible commanded.
6. 30% and 50% can be changed by the specific local church for the purpose of improving their Pastor’s life and Local church development.
7.  All other contributions will be used according to the need of funds e.g. church construction, instruments, properties etc.
8. Every local church will run her business independently after completing the annual budget as planned.

XIII: Keeping of funds and fellowship properties

1. All funds shall be kept in the bank and be used according to its plan.
2. Fellowship accounts shall have four signatories who are; Chair person, Secretary, Treasurer, and one member from a specific office representative.
3. All offerings given to IBFCT as gift, offering, tithe, grant, contribution, etc will not be returned if a giver leaves the fellowship by any reason; all properties will remain for IBFCT.
4. If a believe migrates from one place to the other will have to handle all documents before leaving.

ARTICLE XIV: AMENDMENT

Amendments or alterations to the Constitution may be recommended to the Board of Directors by any church member.  Any change must be unanimously approved by the Board of Directors and then submitted to the District Representatives who will take it to the congregation in written form for review.  At least three months after the proposed change has been published, the congregation will vote on the change at a duly called congregational meeting.  Approval of the change requires the consent of 90% of a simple majority of the church membership in attendance.

ARTICLE XV: MISCELLANEOUS

XV:1 Dissolution of the church 

If the church will cease, her properties will be handled to another Independent church which have the same faith with IBFCT after paying all her debts.

XV:2 Church policies

The church may establish operation policies and organizational structures to augment and implement this constitution as needed.  Such policies and organization will be approved by the Board of Directors as appropriate. Some of these policies are:-

1. marriage and registration of marriage
2. burial
3. ordination of ministers
4. Blessing children etc.

XV:3  Trustees and their names.

This board shall be permanent otherwise a resignation of an individual, and their responsibility will be are shown above.

This board shall be elected by the first General meeting so as to get the first leaders of IBFCT immediately after registration for five (5) years.

After five years the general meeting shall have election, these leaders are allowed to be elected as defined in this constitution Article X:4:4

This board shall have their meetings, for emergence if one of their member passed away or terminated before time of election shall take an action of appointing someone to take chance.

The following are the names of the board of trustees:-

1. Lucas Maisori
2.  Musuma Marwa
3. Zachariah John
4. James Elias Shija
5. Suleiman Daudi
6. Silas Gibayi
7. James Johannes
8. Laurent Marwa