1. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMUNION OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (CCM):
A. DEFINITION OF THE CCM ALIGNMENT:
This is a NON-DENOMINATIONAL ASSEMBLY or ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT and AUTONOMOUS CHURCHES which are biblically evangelical and walks according to the “ancient paths”.
This association has a shared Biblical Philosophy of Ministry characterized by the following.
A. A High View of God
B. Recognition of the total sufficiency of Scriptures
C. An accurate view of man
D. An understanding of the purposes of the church
This serves as an ADVISORY BODY to all MEMBER CHURCHES dedicated to upholding the truth of Scripture in life and ministry.
All member churches are ACCOUNTABLE to both MAJOR DOCTRINES and PRACTICES of this aligning body. Non-compliance to doctrine and practices mean that membership in this aligning body will be revoked.
Above all, this is a BIBLE-BELIEVING, CHRIST-HONORING body that seeks to SUPPORT one another by guarding and strengthening each other’s walk with God in the spirit of LOVE and UNITY.
This aligning body believes in the local autonomy of each church as it is ruled by a set of elders, either appointed or elected. It believes that governance is with the local body. Moreover, it believes in the accountability of the local church to the universal body, upon which the alignment is seen as a manifest expression of it. In instances, however, where there is a conflict between CCM perspectives and decisions, submission to local eldership must be upheld over submission to a CCM.
B. THE ROLE OF CCM IN GOD’S PROGRAM
Shepherding
Contend for the purity of Biblical faith
Disciplers of one another
Edifying non-CCM brethren
Evangelizing unbelievers
Modeling biblical leadership to fellow ministers outside of CCM
C. PURPOSE OF THE ALIGNMENT
The association is bound by a mutual respect for each other’s calling, office and ministries, but at the same time seeks to enhance each other’s professionalism and excellence in calling, office and ministry as God’s Word is embraced as the rule for ministerial conduct.
The association seeks to help in defining the essential vision and direction for the churches.
This body recognizes the dangers of unaccountability and desires to serve as a check and balance or a safeguard to all pastors against doctrinal and moral compromise. This body is likewise designed to monitor standards for ministry office and would be of assistance in somehow reminding and admonishing each other to embrace and adhere to the aligning body’s doctrines and practices. Of course, liberty is to be tolerated in matters of minor doctrines and practices. This aligning body, likewise, recognizes the need for mutual support, encouragement, etc. This may come in different forms like financial support, ministerial and spiritual advice, exchange of pulpits, joint seminars, annual conventions and the like.