In the EFCA Central, we truly believe that we are better together. Our desire is to have a life-giving church in every community. We are excited that you are interested in joining our movement of churches. This guide will provide you an overview of the process for becoming one of our affiliated churches. We look forward to hearing from you!

1 . Read content on the theology, culture, and offerings of the EFCA and the EFCA Central 

• Read: The Benefits of Affiliation
• Read: the EFCA Central website on Credentialing and other Ministries
• Read: the EFCA Statement of Faith

2 . Church leader(s) connect with EFCA Central leader(s) for Q&A 

3 . Church Elder team/board affirms moving forward 

4 . Congregational membership connects with EFCA Central leaders for Q&A 

5 . Congregation affirms moving forward 

1. Amend church constitution as needed to include: (a). EFCA Statement of Faith, (b). Membership in the EFCA Central District of the EFCA, (c). Dissolution Clause that frees assets in event of closure for future church planting
2. EFCA Central representative(s) visit(s) the church, congregation and leaders 
3. Constitution and bylaws are reviewed by EFCA Central leaders to confirm alignment 
4. Final version of governing documents affirmed by elders and members 
5. Affiliation application with EFCA Central filled out by church pastor and/or elder 
6. EFCA Central Board votes to affirm church to EFCA Central delegates 
7. Informational announcement regarding church is shared with EFCA Central churches two weeks or more before EFCA Central Leadership Conference 
8. Church leaders are presented and prayed for during conference followed by a vote to affirm membership 
9. Church leadership is notified regarding vote and presented a certificate of membership in EFCA Central 
10. Church and leaders are added to church communication channels of EFCA Central. 

1. Affiliation application with the EFCA is filled out by church pastor and/or elder 
2. EFCA National sends the church their 501(c)3 determination letter under the EFCA 
3. Church is added to the communication channels of the EFCA