Q & A  - Why the FGBC?

How much is the membership fee?

Each church that is a member of the FGBC contributes $5.25 per member to the FGBC each year.  For example, if a church has 100 members, it contributes $525 each year.  If the church pays the membership contribution before May 15, that fee is reduced to $5 per member.  Membership fees are approved each year by representatives (delegates) of member churches at national conference.

Does the FGBC have other sources of income?
The 2006 annual budget for the FGBC is $337,000.  Of this amount, $140,000 comes from membership fees, $170 from event registrations (ie: National Conference and Focus Retreats), and $26,250 from contributions from cooperating ministries.  Click HERE for a copy of the 2006 budget.

What are our membership fees used for?

The national office of the FGBC is supported by these fees.  This office provides a vital communication link in the FGBC between member churches and cooperating ministries.  Tom Avey, our Fellowship coordinator and his office (3 part-time staff) publish a bi-weekly e-newsletter, maintain the official FGBC web site, plan and conduct the annual national conference and 5 annual Focus retreats, produce the annual FGBC Handbook, manage the FGBC membership list, and facilitate regular and strategic leadership meetings.  The membership fees also cover costs to gather the Fellowship Council each year and provide help to pastors to attend Focus retreats.

Why should our church be a part of the FGBC?
Acts 1:8 includes the incredible vision that Jesus had for his disciples.  He said they will "be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  This "ends-of-the-earth" vision compels one to form partnerships with others of like passion.  The Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches exists to encourage and enable member churches in equipping and uniting the saints in fulfilling the Great Commission (constitution).  We are committed to Biblical relationships that "spur" (Heb 10:24) one another to obey this great commission.  Our short-term vision is presented as GrowGoLead2010: "Grow" by making disciples of Jesus Christ, intentionally "Going" on mission nearby and far away, and deploy a new generation of leaders that will continue this passion into the next decade.  The FGBC is 1500% larger outside the United State than inside.  We are serious about church planting and are seeing the great fruit of young people who dare to start new churches.  New paradigms for training future leaders are being developed.  Our core commitment to the Word of God is stronger than ever.   The FGBC avoids all the traditional pitfalls of denominationalism while embracing accountability and great commission partnerships.  Are you serious about the great commission?  Do you want to be a part of a team that has a passion for the Bible (Statement of Faith)?  The FGBC is for you!

What are the "benefits" of membership?

The formal membership structure of the FGBC provides the foundation for a "TOGETHER" network...

• TOGETHER we go on mission
• TOGETHER we connect like-hearted saints
• TOGETHER we resist isolationism with loving relationships
• TOGETHER we exercise faith in God and His Word
• TOGETHER we stand on the world platform and testify of Christ
Additionally: Folks that and members of Grace Brethren Churches can officially join the "team" of great missions organizations like Grace Brethren International Missions and Grace Brethren North American Missions.  Member churches have access to funds (for construction loans) from Grace Brethren Investment Foundation.

How is the FGBC organized?
The FGBC is comprised of over 300 churches, districts and cooperating ministries.  Each of these ministries has a strong sense of individual responsibility for the Great Commission that compels us to be accountable to one another for truth and mission.  Each year representatives (delegates) from church elect members of a board of directors call the "Fellowship Council."  They also elect a moderator to lead the council and the FGBC for one year.  Members of Grace Brethren Churches can become corporate members of many of our cooperating ministries like Grace Brethren North American Missions or CE National.  Church also can form districts and do so to cooperate in more localized minstries like district youth programs, camp, ministerial associations etc.

What is the relationship between the FGBC and cooperating ministries like Grace Brethren International Missions or CE National?
Each of these ministries have their own mission, corporate membership, boards and funding systems.  While the FGBC has a board of directors, that board (the Fellowship Council) does not exercise oversight over these ministries.  The strong cooperation between these ministries is based on a shared mission, common doctrinal statement and strong relationships.

Who are our cooperating ministries?

Churches of the FGBC and people in those churches, often form cooperative ministries that wish to cooperate with the FGBC.  These ministries become vital strategic resources in fulfilling our mission.  Our cooperating ministries include:


Where are all the churches?
In the United States, we are in 31 states.  We are also in Toronto Canada and a new church is being planted in Vancouver, Canada.  Grace Brethren Churches are also in 22 other countries outside of the USA and Canada. Click HERE for a list of churches.

What is our history?

The Grace Brethren have a rich history in not only the expansion of the church but also in the formation of our country.  We are grateful for how God has used us to help build his church.  Click HERE for a brief history.

More Questions?

Email Tom Avey at editor2@fgbc.org.