Church and Organisation membership applications are dealt with by the Alliance's Membership Committee on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Membership of the Evangelical Alliance UK is an important commitment to evangelical unity in the UK and one which brings both privileges and responsibilities.
The following criteria are set out in order to provide clear guidelines within which to maintain biblical unity among evangelicals:
- The church/organisation must agree with the Evangelical Alliance's Basis of Faith
- The church/organisation must agree to abide by the guidelines of the Evangelical Relationships Commitment and the Alliance's Mission Statement. In addition, members should ensure that their integrity, both personal and corporate, is beyond question in all aspects of their life and ministry so that the credibility of the gospel is maintained. In particular, all members should seek independent corroboration where public claims are made in respect of their work.
- The church/organisation should have been established for a minimum of two years. Applicants linked with an international ministry should have a congregation established in the UK for at least two years.
- The church/organisation must be in good fellowship with other evangelicals - particularly in the local area. All applicants are asked to submit the details of three local evangelical churches or organisations (one of which must be a member of the Alliance) that would be willing act as referees in support of your application.
- An application may be refused if the Membership Committee is satisfied that:
a) The applicant is unable to accept the Alliance's Basis of Faith, Mission Statement or the guidelines of the Evangelical Relationships Commitment.
b) The applicant's relationship with other evangelicals falls short of the given criteria - Refusal of membership may be challenged by an appeal to the Board of Trustees and must be:
a) made within 90 days after formal refusal from the Evangelical Alliance.
b) in writing.
c) supported by at least one other local church, preferably a church member of the Alliance.
The Board of Trustees, having considered the appeal, may arrange for a formal meeting with the leadership of the church applying for membership. - Members will be expected to renew their commitment to the Alliance's Basis of Faith through a simple form with their annual donations.
