The Evangelical Church Alliance is an interdenominational organization of pastors, evangelists, chaplains, missionaries and parachurch ministers.
The ECA offers Associate Membership to independent churches and non-profit organizations allowing for association with other evangelical churches and ministries of the same faith and purpose, including a means to work together in promoting the cause of Christ.
The ECA does not exercise control over the property and affairs of the church or organization but does require each to abide by the ECA Tenets of Faith and be subject to the ECA Disciplinary Procedure.
The ECA does not provide a covering for Associate Members under its tax exemption or federal Employment Identification Number (EIN).
Associate Membership for churches
The ECA also offers Associate Membership to churches (with a constitution and a minimum of 25 members), thus providing accountability among and association with other evangelical churches and ministers of the same faith and purpose. The ECA does not exercise control over property and affairs of the church but does require that it abide by the ECA Tenets of Faith and Ministerial Ethics, as well as be subject to the (ECA) Disciplinary Procedure. The ECA does not provide a covering to Associate Members under either its tax exempt status (with the US Internal Revenue Service) or (US) federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Though neither is required by the ECA for Associate Member churches, should a church desire to have one or both, it must secure its own.
To apply for Associate Membership for churches:
- Fill out the application for Church Membership.
- Provide a copy of the church constitution (required) and bylaws (if drafted) to the ECA
- Provide a copy of church statement of faith to the ECA
- For a US applicant, enclose a copy of the IRS letter granting the federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), though not required by the ECA. Non-US applicants may submit an equivalent form of identification, if available.
- For a US applicant, enclose a copy of the IRS letter granting Tax Exempt status, though not required by the ECA. Non-US applicants may submit an equivalent letter, if available.
Associate Membership for your non-profit organization
To qualify for membership in the Evangelical Church Alliance, a nonprofit organization must be incorporated or properly organized and have a governing body (such as a board of directors or trustees), a constitution and a 501(c)(3) tax exemption (or equivalent for non-US applicants), which will satisfy all of the requirements of the state (or province) in the country in which it is organized. The ECA does not provide a covering to Associate Members under its tax-exempt status (with the US Internal Revenue Service) or (US) federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Though neither is required by the ECA for Associate Member organizations, should an organization desire to have one or both, it must secure its own. The ECA does not exercise control over property and affairs of the organization but does require that it abide by the ECA Tenets of Faith and Ministerial Ethics, as well as be subject to the (ECA) Disciplinary Procedure.
To apply for Associate Membership for your non-profit organization:
- Fill out the application for Non-Profit Organization Membership.
- Provide a copy of the church constitution (required) and bylaws (if drafted) to the ECA
- Provide a copy of the statement of faith to the ECA
- For a US applicant, enclose a copy of the IRS letter granting the federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Non-US applicants may submit an equivalent form of identification, if available.
- For a US applicant, enclose a copy of the IRS letter granting tax exempt status. Non-US applicants may submit an equivalent letter, if available.
Associate Membership for church and non-profit members receive a membership certificate and are allowed one delegate to vote at the International Conference. Associate Members are required to submit an annual report and pay annual membership dues.
Additional Associate Membership Information for Nonprofit Organizations
A Certificate of Membership shall be issued after all requirements per this application have been met per the Committee on Standards and Credentials.
Each Associate Member must submit an annual report. The report is dues April 1 and is an account of activities for the previous calendar year.
Organizations are allowed one delegate to vote during the annual International Conference.
The Associate Membership dues are payable January 1 and due no later than April 1 of each year.
In addition to the annual dues, the ECA depends entirely upon its members for additional financial support. Please recognize this responsibility and contribute to the ECA as the Lord enables and directs you to.
