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National Overseer's Report

Firstly, I want to thank you as IFCC members for the extreme patience and grace you displayed over the last two years in trusting us as your leaders to find the way forward! I am happy to report that the IFCC Executive has made decisions which I would like to inform you in this report. IFCC IS CONSTITUTED AS A FEDERATION BUT OPERATES AS A FELLOWSHIP
The expectations that our members have had for years was that of a denomination. As a result the expectation from many of our members has been, “what can IFCC do for me?”

To be able to operate like this, our structures and financial contributions would have to change. The IFCC administration office would need to become a “Head Office” with more staff who would assist in the needs of the churches! This will require more finances. Incidentally most of the denominations require between 10% and 18% of local churches to contribute to their head office. As you know we have operated for eight years with only a half a percent and in the last two years on one percent of IFCC churches and ministries income.

In the deliberations we had as an Executive the sentiment and general consensus was that it would not be possible to take such a huge step in our contributions as this could have a negative effect in local churches. Therefore, it will be constituted as a Federation but operate as a Fellowship of Churches. We are therefore a federation which is a grouping of churches forfeiting certain rights for the greater good in working together in fellowship with one another!

THE NAME OF GENERAL SECRETARY HAS CHANGED!
The Executive felt that only denominations have a General Secretary and decided to change the functioning name to “National Overseer.” The name in itself indicates that the function and responsibility that the national overseer will play will be more of a spiritual one, rather than solely an administrative one. The fact is that Pastors Chris and Brenda have already been fulfilling this role in consultation and growth of the local church and training and exhorting pastors, as well as assisting in leadership difficulties in local churches. They have also been assisting pastors and wives in marital challenges. They have also ministered in local churches by invitation.

POSITIVE CONTINUATION AND POSITION OF IFCC WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF IT’S FUNCTION
There was a unanimous agreement by all on the Executive that IFCC has a vital role to fulfill for pastors, churches, and ministries, in both the nation and on national religious forum/s. IFCC needs to operate within the framework of its purpose and position as a Fellowship of Churches and Ministries.

The following points were articulated in our deliberations that we considered to be unique in IFCC’s existence.

IFCC PERFORMS THE FUNCTION OF A COVERING FOR CHURCHES AND MINISTRIES

Although churches and ministries are self governed, there is a need for submission and accountability to a covering body like - IFCC - which provides governance without affecting the individual church’s sovereignty. Presently there are many independent churches outside of IFCC operating without any accountability structures, a factor that will continue to affect their integrity and their legitimacy!

IFCC CHURCHES REFLECT A CULTURAL DIVERSITY THAT IS A COMPOSITION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION
This composition of cultural diversity and its complexities has been the one quality that has assisted toward the healing of our nation. There has been a response of appreciation, respect and understanding between the different nationalities of which our churches comprise. The racial challenges that are faced in our churches are constantly worked on with a view of healing misunderstanding, prejudice and bitterness, and releasing forgiveness, acceptance and reconciliation.

IFCC’S LEADERSHIP IS CREDIBLE AND REPRESENTATIVE
All the racial groups are represented on the national leadership level as well as in local churches.

IFCC HAS A UNIFIED PROPHETIC VOICE TO THE GOVERNMENT AND NATION
We are represented by our leaders on the national religious forum.

IFCC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ASSISTS PASTORS, CHURCHES AND MINISTRIES NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
   1. Arrange all national executive meetings as determined by leadership.
   2. Assist national coordinators in anything practical in their function with the churches in their regions or those relating to them.
   3. General Administration
   • Processing membership applications, ordination and probation periods.
   • Membership cards
   • Maintain members’ documentation and database.
   • Assist with PBO status for tax exemption.
   • Apply for marriage licenses.
   • Finances
   4. Chaplaincy services
   5. Communication
   • Membership communication (email; website; post; newsletter; magazine)
   • Communicate with organisations (SACC; TEASA; NIRSA and other religious bodies).
   6. Arrange National Pastors Conference
   7. Manage conflict resolutions and other events.
   8. Supervise international churches affairs.

COMMUNICATION – The value of communication can never be emphasized enough, because it is the lifeline of any relationship! In our discussion we realized that it was an area where we are not strong and that we need to put in place items that assist us in communicating effectively.

   • Firstly, we set up a website for IFCC as a means of communication to whomever logs onto our website. The details of your church or ministry should be on the website. Please log on and check on the details of your church/ministry. If they are not correct please advise the office of your correct details. Should your church/ministry not appear on the website please notify the office of your details. The office did request your correct details about 10 months ago and we have found that there are those who did not respond.

   • Secondly, please notify your regional co-ordinator and IFCC office of any emergency issues like the Xenophobic attacks that have taken place. This will enable our office to respond to you on how to handle the matter and to put you in touch with others who are also involved in the situation. Your prompt response will enable IFCC to be more relevant and effective in those situations!

   • Thirdly, all active members please make sure that we have your correct cell phone numbers as we would like to communicate with you regularly via this tool.

   • Fourthly, please notify the office of any major events that are taking place in your church or area as we would like to place it on our website: www.ifcc.co.za

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