THE FLAME Newsletter 2/2002 Issue

Updated : 28/06/2002

FGBMF Malaysia Newsletter  Cyber Edition

 Apr-Jun 2002

National Board News

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The 3rd National Consultative Council (NCC) met on 22 March at Genting Awana. One of the major items is the adoption of the following principles for the leaders:

1.

National and Regional leaders must recognise the personal and spiritual calling to the ministry in the FGBMF and shall remain true to the Vision and Mission that God has given to its founder, Demos Shakarian in what is now a recognised world-wide ministry.

2.

Members of the National and Regional Boards are advised against holding or accepting positions of active responsibility in other organisations which may dilute their commitment and effectiveness in the FGBMF. This does not apply to positions of an advisory nature provided the National Board's views have been sought and consent obtained.

3.

Leaders are, however, encouraged to be loyal and to help in their local churches with their time, effort and finances. However, it is not appropriate for a member of the National Board to hold positions on the Board of Directors, Board of Deacons, Board of Elders or any other similar oversight management or spiritual authority in any church as the holding of such positions may affect the perception of churches who are our partners on the neutrality of the FGBMF ministry at the National Board level. It is also not appropriate for any member of the National Board to head any non-FGBMF projects even on a one-off involvement.

4.

Members of the Regional Board who are currently serving in an oversight role or similar positions of leadership in the churches should examine their commitment and whether they can also be effective in the FGBMF ministry. Such members should seek the Holy Spirit wisdom and be guided by the advice of the National Board. If a leader is invited to serve actively in the church or para-church ministry, he should notify the National Board. He would have to decide how his calling could best be expressed for the good of the Christian community. Should the National Board decides that his main ministerial focus is better served in a non-FGBMF organisation he shall be released from his leadership role in the FGBMF within a time frame agreed. He can and will be encouraged to remain as a member of the FGBMF and can continue to serve in another capacity. The National Board's views shall also be sought and consent obtained even if the position is of an advisory nature or for a specific short-term project which is not promoted by the FGBMF.

5.

Leaders are encouraged to support in their personal capacity the evangelistic effort of churches and other ministries. However, the injunctions in holding simultaneous positions on the board or governing body of such organisations also apply as such plurality in roles can cause confusion in the Christian community and more particularly among the FGBMF members. Further the declared neutrality of the FGBMF can be compromised and its platform can unwittingly be used to promote the vision and mission other than that of FGBMF. Where they are led to help out any social concerns and good works, this can be directed through the local churches or ministries set up specifically for such purposes through their individual commitment and contributions.

6.

All members in leadership are advised against taking on positions of responsibility in social services organisations and social and recreational clubs as such involvement does require a great commitment of time, energy and finances and will certainly dilute their effectiveness in the work of the FGBMF. This principle does not preclude membership and active participation in such organisations as an ordinary member.

Membership as at 5 June 2002. Some statistics for you to ponder over:

1.

Northern Region: 12 EC with 121 members, 5 CC with 53 members 

2.

Central Region: 48 EC with 319 members, 9 CC with 46 members, 1 TC with 2 members

3.

Southern Region: 7 EC with 55 members, 4 CC with 45 members

4.

Sarawak Region: 4 EC with 39 members, 1 CC with 10 members 

5.

Sabah Region: 4 EC with 57 members, 4 CC with 42 members, 1 BC with 5 members 

6.

East Coast Region: 3 EC with 13 members, 1 CC with 8 members

7.

Total 104 Chapters with 818 members comprising 78 EC (75%) with 604 members (74%), 24 CC (23%) with 204 members (25%), 1 TC (0.9%) with 2 members (0.2%) and 1 BC (0.9%) with 5 members (0.6%).

 
EC=English Chapter CC=Chinese Chapter
TC=Tamil Chapter  BC=Bahasa Chapter

National Office 
After nearly 20 years of ministry, it is felt that the present office needs a facelift. Renovation will begin in June and may take one month. During the renovation period, the National Office will shift to an office space opposite the existing one. Phone and fax numbers remain unchanged. Members are still welcome to visit.

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