Join The EFCA

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: mwd@efcamidwest.org

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. mwd@efcamidwest.org 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 credentialed 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 credentialing 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.