This is a one-day seminar about FGBMFI, and about being a leader in the Fellowship.

You need to bring to it:

An openness to be instructed in what God is doing
and wants to do through FGBMFI

A willingness for the Vision of FGBMFI to be refreshed
in you

An eagerness to be used by God as He chooses to
help bring in the great end-time harvest of souls that
He has planned.

 

We hope you will get from it:

From man to man we have seen the multiplication of the FGBMFI. Today, in about 160 nations of the world, because of the renewed guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, over one million are finding Christ each year.

It is God’s purpose to accelerate our work in this time of history. By vision, obedience, and by His grace we shall see additional millions. Yes, believe with me for a 10 x increase (yes that’s God’s way—a tenfold increase) to ten million and more finding Christ each year through our work together in the FGBMFI.

It is my prayer that today will be a day of great encouragement to you. A day when your vision is renewed and you are equipped with the practical concepts and tools as we, together, fulfill the vision—and God’s great commandment and great commission!

Committed to you,

Richard Shakarian

International President

Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International is the largest network of Christian businessmen in the world.

We are in every part of the world—160 nations, and working to reach every nation. We are made up of men of every race, every color, every culture, and many languages.

Our membership includes:

Kings, Prime Ministers,
Presidents and former Presidents

Senators and Members of Parliament

Generals and Judges

Business executives and Captains of industry

Scientists, educators, doctors, lawyers,
and other professionals

Salesmen and office workers

Factory workers and laborers

Retirees and young people just getting started.

Our Leader is Jesus Christ.

Our Guide is the Holy Spirit.

Our task is to fulfill the VISION God has given us.

The history of the Fellowship and its roots goes back to Armenia. Demos Shakarian, the grandfather of the Demos Shakarian who started the Fellowship, had several daughters but no sons. On May 25, 1891, his wife was weeping before the Lord because she had no son. All of a sudden, one of the Armenian prophets prophesied to her that in one year’s time she would have a son.

Throughout the small village of Karakala, the prophesy became well known that one year from that date they were to expect a son. On May 25, 1892, a baby boy, who was to become the father of Demos and grandfather of Richard, was born. He was named Isaac—"son of promise."

A few years earlier the "Boy Prophet" had given a prophetic word that some day it would be necessary for the Armenian people of that small village to leave their homeland. Through the birth of Isaac The Lord was teaching them to believe the prophetic word by demonstrating the reality of His promises.

Many of the people of Karakala understood that it was now time to leave. They set out on the journey God had directed according to the written prophesy of the Boy Prophet, and settled in California, where it was promised they would be blessed and they would be a blessing to the nations. It is obvious that the blessing to the nations has occurred through the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International.

In 1951 Demos Shakarian had a desire to reach businessmen for Christ. He started with the first meeting at Clifton’s Cafeteria, with Oral Roberts as the first speaker. Brother Roberts gave the encouraging word that the Fellowship could grow to a thousand chapters. However, after one year, nothing had happened. They still had about as many people as they started with, and no additional chapters. Demos’s wife, Rose, said to him, "Don’t you know when you’re whipped, when it’s time to give it up? You’ve spent thousands of dollars and this Fellowship has gone nowhere."

In addition, one of the key leaders, Minor Arganbright, had said to Demos, "Demos, I wouldn’t give you a plug nickel for this Fellowship." Demos received discouraging words like this from many of the people who were closest to him.

On a Friday night Demos gave up. He decided that the next morning he would close down the chapter he had started at Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles. However, before he did so, he thought he would prostrate himself before the Lord in his living room and pray. He told Rose not to wait for him, but go on to bed without him. He also asked a house guest, evangelist Tommy Hicks, to go on to bed, because he was going to spend time in prayer to the Lord.

After Demos had prayed for some time, Rose came back into the living room and started playing the organ softly.

In deep prayer God was birthing this Fellowship. The Spirit was speaking.

"I understand, Lord Jesus. And I thank You."

With that the Lord allowed me to rise to my knees. Lifted me, almost, as though the power which had pressed me to the floor was now bearing me up. To my amazement the ceiling of the room seemed to have disappeared. The cream-colored plaster, the ceiling light—they were simply gone, and instead I found myself staring up into the sky, a daytime sky although outside it must have been pitch dark.

Although I remained on my knees, I felt as if I were rising. Leaving my body. Moving up, away from the living room. Down below me I could see the rooftops of Downey. There were the San Bernardino mountains, and over there the coast of the Pacific. Now I was high above the earth, able to see the entire country from west to east.

But though I could see so far, I could also see individual people on the earth—millions and millions of them standing shoulder to shoulder. Just as a camera can zoom in at a football game to show first the stadium, then the players, then the very laces on the football, my vision seemed to move in on these millions of men. I could see tiny details of thousands and thousands of faces.

And what I saw terrified me. The faces were set, lifeless, miserable. Though the people stood so close together, shoulders touching, there was no real contact between them. They stared straight ahead, unblinking, unseeing. With a shudder of horror I realized that they were as dead.

Then the vision changed. Whether the world was turning, or whether I was traveling around it, I didn’t know. But now beneath me was the continent of South America. Then on to Africa. Europe. Asia. Once more the startling close-ups occurred, and everywhere it was the same. Brown faces, black faces, white faces—every one rigid, wretched, each locked in his own private death.

"Lord!" I cried. "What’s the matter with them? Lord, help them!"

Suddenly Rose began to speak. "My son, what you see next is going to happen very soon "

The earth was turning—or I was moving around it—a second time. Below me again were millions upon millions of men. But what a difference! This time heads were raised. Eyes shone with joy. Hands were lifted towards heaven. These men who had been so isolated, each in his prison of self, were linked in a community of love and adoration. Asia, Africa, America—everywhere death had turned to life.

And then the vision was over. I felt myself returning to earth. Below me was Downey, California. There was our house. I could see myself, kneeling. I got slowly to my feet and looked at my watch. It was 3.30 in the morning.

Demos then explained to Rose what he had seen. She said, "Don’t you understand, Demos? This Fellowship must go on."

By this time, it was very early in the morning. Demos walked by the room where Tommy Hicks was sleeping and noticed a light under the door. He knocked on the door and said, "Tommy, are you awake?" Tommy said, "Come on in, Demos." When Demos opened the door he saw Tommy lying on the floor with his suit and tie still on. He had not gone to bed. He said to Demos, "Demos, I don’t know what has taken place in this house tonight, but I felt the power of God moving through this home like nothing I have ever experienced before." Since Tommy was a traveling evangelist, a few days later he went to Argentina. While he was there he experienced the greatest revival ever in the world to that time (250,000 people every night for 30 nights). Tommy, too, was very much a part of the outpouring of God’s Spirit that evening when Demos saw the vision.

The Lord had spoken to Tommy Nichols, an editor, about the same time Demos saw the vision, and he started to drive from Fresno, California to Los Angeles, which takes several hours, so that he could be there when the breakfast began that Saturday morning. He became the original editor of Voice magazine.

When Demos went to the meeting that Saturday morning, Minor Arganbright handed him a check for $1,000 and told him that God spoke to him in the night that the Fellowship must continue. Thus he was one of the men God used to provide some of the early funding for the Fellowship. God sent money, talent, and vision.

Several people were awakened by the Lord during that night that Demos saw the vision. Within a few months other chapters started opening across America.

Demos had tried, as a man, to keep the Fellowship going, and had failed. But when he cried out to God, the Lord answered his prayer and let him know that "not by might, not by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord." This Fellowship is not man’s idea; it has come directly from the mind of God Himself, and that’s why it will continue. It is, and always has been, a God-given vision. People must be careful not to do anything to offend God by hindering or denigrating the work which He Himself has brought forth into this world.

Today the Fellowship is established in approximately 160 nations of the world, with almost 5,000 chapters worldwide, and is winning more souls to the Lord than at any time in its history.

"I understand, Lord Jesus. And I thank You."

With that the Lord allowed me to rise to my knees. Lifted me, almost, as though the power which had pressed me to the floor was now bearing me up. To my amazement the ceiling of the room seemed to have disappeared. The cream-colored plaster, the ceiling light—they were simply gone, and instead I found myself staring up into the sky, a daytime sky although outside it must have been pitch dark.

Although I remained on my knees, I felt as if I were rising. Leaving my body. Moving up, away from the living room. Down below me I could see the rooftops of Downey. There were the San Bernardino mountains, and over there the coast of the Pacific. Now I was high above the earth, able to see the entire country from west to east.

But though I could see so far, I could also see individual people on the earth—millions and millions of them standing shoulder to shoulder. Just as a camera can zoom in at a football game to show first the stadium, then the players, then the very laces on the football, my vision seemed to move in on these millions of men. I could see tiny details of thousands and thousands of faces.

And what I saw terrified me. The faces were set, lifeless, miserable. Though the people stood so close together, shoulders touching, there was no real contact between them. They stared straight ahead, unblinking, unseeing. With a shudder of horror I realized that they were as dead.

Then the vision changed. Whether the world was turning, or whether I was traveling around it, I didn’t know. But now beneath me was the continent of South America. Then on to Africa. Europe. Asia. Once more the startling close-ups occurred, and everywhere it was the same. Brown faces, black faces, white faces—every one rigid, wretched, each locked in his own private death.

"Lord!" I cried. "What’s the matter with them? Lord, help them!"

Suddenly Rose began to speak. "My son, what you see next is going to happen very soon."

The earth was turning—or I was moving around it—a second time. Below me again were millions upon millions of men. But what a difference! This time heads were raised. Eyes shone with joy. Hands were lifted towards heaven. These men who had been so isolated, each in his prison of self, were linked in a community of love and adoration. Asia, Africa, America—everywhere death had turned to life.

And then the vision was over. I felt myself returning to earth. Below me was Downey, California. There was our house. I could see myself, kneeling. I got slowly to my feet and looked at my watch. It was 3.30 in the morning.

Yea, O Brother Shakarian, saith the God unto thee. I have ordained thee that thou shalt follow in the steps of thy Father. Thou shalt move in leadership in this organization. Thou shalt be as Solomon. Thou shalt follow the steps of thy Father, yea in this ministry. For yea, I have ordained thee, saith God. Thou art a unicorn in the making. I shall strengthen thee. Fear not to take this position, saith God unto thee, for I have ordained that thou shalt move forward. I shall gather about thee strong leadership, far stronger than thy Father which has gone forth through the years. Thou shalt not fear. Thou shalt move, for I have strengthened thee in administration, in multiplying investments of God. I will give you the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Thou shalt be unmovable if thou fasteneth thine eyes upon Jehovah-Jirah, saith God.

There has been several things that have been trying to pull you away.

There’s been people that said, "You are only in it because of your father, you only have it because of your father." But YOU KNOW .... YOU KNOW YOUR TIME.... you know your CALLING. It has not really been developed yet, BUT YOU KNOW that you have been CALLED WITH THIS MAN (pointing at Demos). You have been CALLED TO WORK WITH THIS MAN. YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED in the Spirit of God to CARRY THAT WHICH YOUR FATHER WAS GIVEN FROM HEAVEN, and the people that have been rejecting you, and attacking you, I WILL DEAL WITH THEM, says the Spirit of God, BECAUSE I DO NOT SEE AFTER THE FLESH. I say GO! GO (do) what I’ve put into men’s hearts! So BE BLESSED and LIFT YOUR BEAD UP, and do not let people put you down, BECAUSE I HAVE PUT YOU IN A POSITION, and I WILL strengthen you. I WILL strengthen you, and more REVELATION WILL COME, and some of the businesslike ways that you are so used to, WILL just cease and you WILL see in the Spirit instead and there WILL be an easier way to go and that WILL add strength.

And then, oh, in the future. Ho, oh in the future for the second part of your calling. THE CROWDS!... THE CROWDS!... THE CROVVDS! ....preaching and the teaching of My word, says God."

Thus says the Spirit of the Lord: You did not come here by coincidence nor accident. You came here for the preparation for the future. For as I, according to My Word, have thrusted you into that which I have called you to do. Yes, I’ve set you there. I separated you even before you were born to carry on the work of your father, only in a different measure and different way, than both him and you understand or think. So I speak to you tonight. Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. Be bold and courageous for I am with you, says the Lord. I am with you more than you are willing to believe. So this very night, I remove rejection. I render you totally insensitive to what man is thinking about you. For what I root and I plant, I keep and I guard. I will let my Servant stand. Other people say, will he fall? Will he be able to accomplish or will he fail? Right now fear of failure is going. Right now I put a steel bar in your spinal cord, and you will become insensitive to the schemes of man, it will not bother you.

I’m with you, says the Lord. I am with you. Oh, there will be changes. There will be new directions. But there is a mantle, a mandate, a calling and anointing for a new time, new ways, new people, new waves. Oh, just wait and the wave will come. It will lift you. It will carry you into your destiny. When it is fulfilled you will laugh and rejoice. You will lead with strength and an easiness—an anointing to lead.

And on you, my dear sister, says the Lord, there’s an anointing to assist and discernment of spirits, and a beautiful union between you. I’ve heard your cries, says the Lord, you’ve been interceding for your husband. Now it’s time for much rejoicing. Do not be afraid for the future. Those enemies like dry leaves that fall on the ground and will amount to nothing. Those that rebelled, the earth swallowed them. Again, people will be swallowed up. You’ll not hear them. You’ll not see them. They will not bother you. They are gone. The wisdom of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the discernment, not just in catastrophes, but in the daily work. Oh, your heart is bubbling over. As I put a steel bar in your spine, I also put a guard by your heart to discern the motives of man and the limitations of your ministry and the fulfillment of My plan. Be anointed, says the Spirit of God.

You need to change your mind about something. Yes, your father had a great anointing. He had an anointing to originate, to found, and to build. Your anointing is not smaller than his. Your anointing is the same anointing that he had, which he fathered in you.

But your anointing is like Joshua’s. It’s the anointing of Moses, plus the anointing of Joshua. Moses did not have the anointing to go to war. Joshua had the anointing to bring down great enemies, and walls, and territories, which was an anointing that Moses did not have.

You have an anointing to go on in this generation and step out into what God was introducing to the world. A Holy Ghost-anointed business community that would far outstrip anything the world had ever seen in its ability to do business for God and do business among men, with an anointing that no man in history has ever seen.

This is a new generation. Walk in it, stand in it, and know that this was what God called your father, Demos, to do. And he turned, and he knew by the Spirit that you had that anointing, and that you would go on with another anointing married to that, that would produce more souls, more deliverances, more healings, more of what your dad saw, that he had to go home to heaven before he had the chance to complete. Glory to God! Hallelujah!

No, it will not die. God gave it light, and you walk in that light, and you walk in power and in strength in the name of Jesus, as a minister of the Gospel, as a prophet of God. I set my hands upon you, and the portion of that anointing that has lived and resided inside of you, but which is now time to come forth, will rise up within you and give you insights, and give you ideas, and give you concepts of those things that up to now have been a mystery to you.

You say, l don’t see how that’s going to work. But you will rise up and see it now, saith the Lord, in the name of Jesus. Now release all of the money necessary to get the job done. To get the job done.

Our mission today, as in the past, is described by the following Mission Statement:

More recently, it is summarized in the following Motto:

As Full Gospel Businessmen, we commit to

To our LORD, our families, and our Fellowship brothers, we pledge

These are our core values.

Yes, the vision given from the heart of God to my father, Demos, is the vision we follow today.

Our vision today is to actually fulfill the vision!

Recently God gave me seven prophecies for the nation of Nicaragua. The result of their obedience to this prophetic word is over 200,000 commitments to Christ in Nicaragua, and 250,000 commitments in Central America in just a few months.

Obedience is not always easy.

Men, God has spoken to me about America. Relevance is the word—relevance to today’s working Americans. It is God’s plan that the FGBMFI have thousands of chapters affecting millions of Americans in the marketplace, beginning with small unit "Fellowship Chapters."

We will see this come to pass if we are obedient—if we change our ways—if we meet the need.

God is sending a new wave.

Let’s ride the wave.

International President

This is how your town’s next FGBMFI Fellowship Chapter is launched!

Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while
we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged
and give up. —Galatians 6:9 TLB

Obedience. God has already spoken This is His plan. We need to be obedient to implement it.

Member Duplication. If every man brings in one member, our membership doubles.

Chapter Duplication. Every chapter president, along with one other leader, should start a new small unit "Fellowship Chapter." This duplicates the current chapter.

A Fellowship Chapter is two or three men, committed to having lunch every week at the same time and place, even if no one comes. Each man must become an FGBMFI member in order to become a chapter member. Each new Fellowship Chapter must register immediately with the International Headquarters.

The chapter grows by inviting other men to lunch. First-time guests should be treated to a free lunch. The chapter may pay for it from the offering.

Men who are in agreement with the FGBMFI doctrinal statement should be invited to become members. When membership reaches ten, the Fellowship Chapter becomes a regular (chartered) chapter. When it reaches twelve, the chapter should start a new Fellowship Chapter, again duplicating itself.

The Fellowship Chapter and the original chapter should support each other by attending each other’s meetings. Monthly or quarterly they should have a combined banquet meeting with a special speaker.

 

The meeting must begin promptly at 11:55 a.m. so that business people can get back to work on time. Therefore, at 11:55 a.m. sharp, begin the welcome and prayer, even though people are still arriving, finding seats, organizing their food, and eating. The focus is immediately upon the meeting. All elements are keys to the success of your weekly chapter luncheon.

Minister to those who want to receive salvation or have prayer needs.

Others may stay after the dismissal to visit and have fellowship.

How can you get people to attend your meetings, so that we can meet their needs? The following information is from an actual survey of meeting attendees:

—————————————————————

Use this card prayerfully to learn how to make your meetings more attractive and beneficial to those who attend.

Our chapter wants to serve you better.
Would you give us your opinion, please? Thanks!

This is what I noticed first:

This is what I liked best:

This is what I liked least:

Date attended

Don’t prepare.

Don’t know what you are going to say.

Don’t dress up.

Look sloppy, unkempt.

Be sure and tell every detail!

Take longer than the allotted time.

Tell how great the unsaved life was.

Talk about all your troubles since you got saved.

Stammer, hem and haw, correct yourself.

Apologize.

Attack someone’s faith.

Make ethnic or nationalistic remarks.

Don’t make Jesus the center of your talk.

Don’t have a spiritual punch.

Above all—be sure to brag about yourself.

 

THE NEEDS OF UNBELIEVERS DETERMINE OUR PROGRAMS

Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." —Mark 2:17 TLB

Every weekend 55 million people listen to one billion words in sermons given across America. Yet, research shows that the number one complaint people have is that the sermons are boring and are not relevant to their lives.

Testimonies are relevant. A testimony, properly given—interesting, with humor and tears, with life experiences to which people can relate—will reach the unsaved with the Good News of the Gospel, and will encourage and strengthen current members.

A testimony should be written out for your own benefit. It should be rehearsed, both for familiarity and to get the time right. If you do your homework, it will become a part of you, and you will be ready "in season and out of season" to share it when called upon.

What you were like before you found Christ. Tell the truth, don’t hold back; but also don’t over-dramatize, and don’t give the devil any glory.

How you came to Christ.

How your life has changed for the better since you were saved.

Remember, anyone can be won to Christ if the key to his heart can be discovered. The key lies somewhere among his needs, his hurts, his problems, his interests. JESUS can find the key, meet the needs, heal the hurts, solve the problems, become his abiding interest. The HOLY SPIRIT can quicken the word of your testimony to turn the key.

Let’s have a business lunch together just as if we were
a weekly Business Fellowship Chapter

We will use the weekly Luncheon Meeting format, as given above, except that we will hold the main testimony to nine or ten minutes.

Four segments showing ministry highlights from 1999

There is a serious problem with those who say, "Give, so that the Lord can bless you." What they are usually implying, and sometimes bluntly saying, is, "Invest money in my ministry, so that the Lord can return your money with multiplied interest, and you will be able to afford the Lincoln Town Car that you’ve been wanting."

This is bad theology. It is misusing Scripture to deceive the elect. It is wrong, and we who desire to honor and serve God must be careful not to do it.

Let’s look at some Scriptures that apply.

What is to be one’s motive for giving? It is the spirit of generosity, the exercise of the spiritual gift of generous giving, that is to be the motive. What does God intend by abundantly blessing the giver? That he may thus be able to give more and more generously to the Lord! God wants to build up the habit of generous giving! This is borne out by Paul, quoting Jesus’s words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35). The blessing is in the giving, not the return. The return will produce more and more blessing by enabling the giver to give more and more.

The above passage continues:

Do you want to get rich? Don’t count on it! God may choose to make you rich, but if He does, it will be for His purposes, not yours. Do you want to be able to give generously to the Lord’s work? Then start giving, and He promises to "enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" by increasing your ability to give.

There are strong Scriptural admonitions against giving-to-receive. Here are some of them:

By all means, encourage people to give thankfully, cheerfully, generously for the Lord’s work, as the Holy Spirit leads. But teach them to give with the right motives and the right expectations. Tell them to forget the Town Car; to get with God’s program to build a generous giving habit. That is the blessing that comes from giving.

You should maintain the following for each member:

Name and address for postal (snail mail) communications.

E-mail address (if any) for instant messages.

Fax number (if any) for rapid distribution.

Modern advertising includes:

Free meals for first-time attendees.

E-mail.

Fax.

Business cards, distributed to local businesses, saying,
"Business Fellowship—free lunch for first-time guest."

Training of members in effective inviting techniques.

Flyers—if used, they should be either an 8½ x 11 mailer or a 4 x 6 post card.
The information should have a business look and feel, and not be "churchy." It should be limited to what (business luncheon), who (speaker’s name and brief credentials; NOT the essence of his testimony); where (location), and when (date and time).

Free announcements on community cable TV channel.

Free local newspaper announcements

Free local radio announcements

Voice Magazines with your chapter information stamped on them.

 

Voice gives credibility and substance to the vision for today
and the worldwide work of the Fellowship in fulfilling the vision.

The testimonies are inspiring, and worth sharing with others.

It encourages the men to share their own testimonies.

It provides a quality gift for first-timers.

It can be a great place to find speakers.

The chapter Voice Chairman can encourage the men to use it.

In 1955 I attended my first World Convention of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in Denver, Colorado. It was only the third convention of the Fellowship. Richard and I were married that summer, and since that time we have been working together for the Lord in almost every part of the world.

Through the years I’ve seen God do tremendous things through the Fellowship, but I believe we are now in a time of destiny like we have never seen before. God wants to use the Full Gospel Business Men and women in a unique and powerful way in this last day harvest. God needs the strong bond of the husband and wife, flowing together to do mighty exploits for Him.

Vangie Shakarian

To the wives of FGBMFI members:

The Bible says that husbands and wives are one! God created marriage to be a living example of our relationship with Him. It is meant to be one of the most beautiful experiences we can have on earth. FGBFMI wants to help strengthen your marriage and make it the beautiful creation that God wants it to be.

The Bible also says that if one is worth a thousand, two are worth ten thousand. As your husband’s wife, you add a dimension to his ministry that is unattainable to him alone. Just as your life complements his in marriage, God’s gifts in you complement your husband’s in ministry. FGBMFI can help you both discover and release that special ministry that God has entrusted only to you as a married couple.

Your chapter is the perfect place to discover how this partnership with your husband in ministry works. God can use the story of His influence in your lives to heal broken marriages and shattered lives of others. Ministering with your husband, you can both see the sick healed, the tormented delivered and new lives birthed into the Kingdom of God!

God’s purpose for your marriage includes a partnership in ministry with your husband. Let FGBMFI help release that ministry relationship!

Seek God. Deepen your relationship with Him, your commitment to Him.
Spend quality time with Him each day.

Lead an exemplary life, above reproach. Let go of worldliness.
Allow the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in you.

Have a heart for winning souls, and seeing people saved and filled with
the Holy Spirit. If that is not your heart’s desire, ask God to make it so.

See FGBMFI as a tool in God’s hand, and yourself as an element of that tool.
Take ownership of your part in the FGBMFI vision and mission.

Support the local and worldwide work of FGBMFI with your prayers, your skills,
and your generous giving, as God directs. Set goals for yourself, and meet them.
Here are some guidelines:

Pray daily for the Fellowship, its leaders, and its work. Also pray for any
chapter members who need intercessory prayer.

Meet weekly with other chapter men to lift up the same prayer requests.

Say "Yes" when asked to serve, if you can.

Participate faithfully in chapter meetings and other activities.

Invite and bring guests to chapter meetings regularly.
If appropriate, invite them to join the fellowship.

Make sure that your chapter supports the International Fellowship in
important ways—for example, with regular giving, financial reports, and
delegates to the World Convention.

Attend the World Convention yourself if you possibly can.

Set an example for others by giving at least a dollar a day to the work of
the International organization.

Participate in an outreach event (airlift, Fire Team, or other) once
a year or oftener.

 

Seek God. Deepen your relationship with Him, your commitment to Him.
Spend quality time with Him each day.

Lead an exemplary life, above reproach. Let go of worldliness.
Allow the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in you.

Have a heart for winning souls, and seeing people saved and filled with
the Holy Spirit. If that is not your heart’s desire, ask God to make it so.

See FGBMFI as a tool in God’s hand, and yourself as an element of that tool.
Take ownership of your part in the FGBMFI vision and mission.

Have a zeal for growth—for growing existing chapters and starting new ones.
The more we grow, the more souls there will be in that great end-time harvest.

Support the local and worldwide work of FGBMFI with your prayers, your skills,
and your generous giving, as God directs. Set goals for yourself, and meet them.
Here are some guidelines:

Pray alone daily for the Fellowship, its leaders, and its work. Also pray for
FGBMFI members you know of who need intercessory prayer.

Meet often with chapter leaders and other FGBMFI men to pray.

Help identify and enlist men to serve as future chapter leaders.

Attend each of your chapters’ meetings at least quarterly; oftener if you have
only a few chapters. When you do, always report on recent worldwide ministry activities. Set a good example by bringing an unsaved guest.

Help each of your chapters to duplicate itself every two years.

Make sure all of your chapters support the International Fellowship with
regular giving, financial reports, and delegates to the World Convention.
Monitor the election of officers for each chapter every year.

Attend the World Convention at least every other year.

Set an example for others by giving at least $1000 each year for
worldwide outreach, or more, if you are able.

Participate in an outreach event (airlift, Fire Team, or other) at least once
a year.

 

Seek God. Deepen your relationship with Him, your commitment to Him.
Spend quality time with Him each day.

Lead an exemplary life, above reproach. Let go of worldliness.
Allow the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in you.

Have a heart for winning souls, and seeing people saved and filled with
the Holy Spirit. (If that is not your heart’s desire, how did you get to be a
Director? Ask God to make it so in a hurry!)

See FGBMFI as a tool in God’s hand, and yourself as a key component of that tool.
Take ownership of your part in the FGBMFI vision and mission.

Have a zeal for growth—for growing existing chapters and starting new ones.
The more we grow, the more souls there will be in that great end-time harvest.

Support the local and worldwide work of FGBMFI with your prayers, your skills,
and your generous giving, as God directs. Set goals for yourself, and meet them.
Here are some guidelines:

Pray alone daily for the Fellowship, its leaders, and its work. Also pray for
FGBMFI members you know of who need intercessory prayer.

Meet often with Field Reps, chapter leaders and other FGBMFI men to pray.

Help identify, enlist, and train men to serve as future leaders.

Attend each of your chapters’ meetings at least annually, if possible,
depending on how many chapters are under you. When you do, always
report on recent worldwide ministry activities.

Work with the Field Reps to encourage each of your chapters to duplicate
itself every two years.

Make sure all of your chapters support the International Fellowship with
regular giving, financial reports, and delegates to the World Convention.
Ensure that elections are conducted properly each year.

Attend the World Convention every year, with your wife, if possible.

Set an example for others by giving at least $3000 each year for
worldwide outreach, or more, if you are able.

Participate in one or more outreach events (airlift, Fire Team, or other)
each year.

 

How do you rate each status? Describe why.

Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

a. Next 30 days

b. Next 6 months

c: Next 5 years

 

 

Chapter Name

Chapter Mailing Address

Fax: (____) E-mail

Chapter Meeting Day Time

Meeting Place Name

Address

President’s Name

Address

Phone- Home:(____) Work: (____) ext

Cell: (____) Fax: (____) E-mail

Vice President’s Name

Address

Phone- Home:(____) Work: (____) ext

Cell: (____) Fax: (____) E-mail

Treasurer’s Name

Address

Phone- Home:(____) Work: (____) ext

Cell: (____) Fax: (____) E-mail

Secretary’s Name

Address

Phone- Home:(____) Work: (____) ext

Cell: (____) Fax: (____) E-mail

Signed: Date

Print Name Position

Our Doctrinal Statement is not a creed. In a sense, the whole Bible is our creed. We recognize the existence of many differences in interpretation among genuine Christians. We are, however, convinced that to avoid a looseness which might result in the admission of unbelievers to our Fellowship, or even of Christians who are unprepared to cooperate in the fellowship and work to which God has called us, certain minimum Biblical doctrinal tests must be established, the rejection of any of which shall be grounds for ineligibility to membership. These essential doctrinal statements follow in Section 2.

We believe in one God. Maker of all things and being in Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, became incarnate, was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.

We believe the Bible, in its entirety, to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and conduct.

We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal happiness of the saved, and the eternal punishment of the lost.

We believe in personal salvation of believers through the shed blood of Christ.

We believe in sanctification by the blood of Christ, in personal holiness of heart and life, and in separation from the world.

We believe in divine healing, -through faith, and that healing is included in the Atonement.

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost, accompanied by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (Acts 2:4) as distinct from the new birth, and in the nine gifts of the Spirit, listed in I Corinthians 12, as now available to believers.

We believe in the Christian's hope-the imminent, personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe in intensive world evangelization and missionary work in accordance with the Great Commission, with signs following.

The acceptance of the 10 doctrinal points stated above in Section 2 of this Article is essential to membership in the International and in the Chapters, and while we recognize the obligation of maintaining spiritual love and union toward all true Christians who may not accept all of these doctrinal points, and welcome them to our Fellowship gatherings, they are not permitted any voice in the conduct of our activities and are ineligible to the membership in the International or in the Chapters.

Now, therefore, we, the International Board of Directors of Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, hereby resolve that the work of this Fellowship is to call men back to God and to comfort, encourage, help and train men of every nationality, race, culture and social economic stature to do the work of Jesus.

We further resolve that the following Code of Honor shall be a condition of membership:

Realizing that our Fellowship was founded on the principle of brotherly love and good will (John 15:12); and Realizing that in the last days people shall take free speech as a license to reject authority and speak evil of dignitaries (Jude 8), and shall ... walk according to the flesh ... and despise authority... becoming ... presumptuous, self-willed and not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries... (II Peter 2:10)

As a member of the FGBMFI, I choose to submit myself to the following Code of Honor:

I shall honor God and the leaders of this Fellowship, and submit myself to my brothers in this ministry in the fear of God as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I further agree to be governed by the decisions of the !international Officers, the International Board of Directors, and the International Delegates. (Eph. 5:21)

I shall be sober and watch in prayer for my leaders. (I Tim. 2:1-3)

I shall walk in fervent love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace among my brothers because love covers a multitude of sins. I further agree to be courteous, and I will bless, knowing that I am called to inherit a blessing. I shall choose love for my brothers and walk in the light, rejecting darkness which would blind me. (I Pet. 4:8; Eph. 4:3, Prov. 10:12; 1 John 2:10-11)

I shall submit myself to every ordinance of this Fellowship. (1 Pet. 2:13)

I shall walk worthy of the call to which God has chosen me in this Fellowship, and shall walk in all lowliness and gentleness toward my brothers. (Eph. 4:1-3)

I shall let no corrupt communication proceed out of my mouth concerning my brothers in this Fellowship, but I shall speak only those things that will edify and impart grace to the hearer, for all have determined that I shall not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. (Eph. 4:29-30)

I shall not deceive myself by saying I love my brother and then proceed to say all types of hateful things about him.

I shall pursue peace and holiness with all men so that other men shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:4)

I shall not gossip or distribute a bad report about any member of this Fellowship, I shall not devise wicked plans against the leaders of this Fellowship, and I shall not sow discord among the brethren.
I choose to walk in love, and I refuse to walk in a fleshly, carnal manner as characterized by envy, strife and division, for those who do so cannot please God. (Rom. 8:8, 1 Cor. 3:3)

I recognize that the Body of Christ has many members, and that the FGBMFI is just one part. If I find myself placed in an unresolved conflict with my leaders, I will not cause strife and division, but I will seek God's direction and will move to that part of the body which He has chosen for me.

I understand that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct shall result in the suspension of my membership rights in the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International.

As God places a desire in you to be a part of the Fellowship's worldwide vision, call 10 or more men together for prayer and discussion about starting a chapter in your community.

Write to the International Office–Chapter Department, FGBMFI, 20 Corporate Park Drive, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92606-5116; FAX: 714-260-0718; e-mail: fgbmfi@ix.netcom.com. Ask for (1) a Chapter Starter Kit; (2) the name and address of the nearest National Director or Field Representative. Make arrangements for this person to meet with you and your group. He will help you get organized, and assist in the appointment of temporary officers.

Complete (1) the Chapter Update Form; (2) the Chapter Officers Update Form; and (3) the Application for Chapter Affiliation. Include (4) at least ten (10) Membership Applications of men with the Regional Dues.

Mail the completed application to the Chapter Department at the International Office.

The Chapter Charter Certificate will be sent to your National Director, who will present it to the Chapter at your chapter meeting. A copy of this certificate, along with a Charter Agreement, will be sent to the Chapter President. He must sign the Charter Agreement and return it to the Chapter Department of the International Office.

Initial Planning. Schedule a time and place for weekly men's prayer-and-planning meetings. The primary purpose of these meetings is to pray and prepare for the first regular chapter meeting, called the organizational meeting.

Preparations should include the following:

Set a day and time with your National Director for the initial organizational meeting.

Decide upon a weekly or monthly meeting.

Decide upon the meeting place (hotel, restaurant, other). NOTE: The Fellowship always meets in a neutral location, not in a church.

Plan a variety of ways to advertise the first meeting. (A) Prepare a printed announcement which includes date, time, place, and speaker information. Be sure that this announcement is of good quality and creative, in order to stimulate interest and to make a good first impression for the chapter. This announcement should be directed to all those men interested in starting a local chapter of FGBMFI. Be certain that your first impression is positive. Some other things you may do are: (B) Take these announcements to churches and, with permission, put them on their bulletin boards. (C) Place an advertisement in local newspapers, perhaps on the religion or church news page. Remember too that men read the sports section and the financial page. (D) Advertise on local radio and TV stations. (E) Make a mailing of the printed announcement to friends, businessmen, pastors, church members, and civic leaders. (F) PLEASE NOTE: The chapter should not allow any person or organization to use its mailing list for any purpose.

Have the National Director or his representative appoint temporary officers for the chapter. Be sure to have various churches and denominations represented. Have prayer over the appointed officers. These men usually will serve for three to six months, after which there will be a general election.

The officers may appoint chairmen of committees: (A) Membership (B) Prayer (C) Worship (D) Hospitality (E) Ushers (F) Publicity (G) Meal coordination/ticket sales (H) Sponsorship of Voice (I) FGBMFI literature and tape sales (J) Outreach.

For the monthly dinner meeting determine the expenses: (A) Speakers' honorariums and expenses (B) Special music (C) Advertising, including mailings (D) Tithing to the International Office. Ten percent (10%) of all offerings received are sent directly to the International Headquarters. This tithe of chapter finances to the International Office is the responsibility of every chapter and helps to support the Voice, the television ministry, the expansion to new Nations and the extensive World Wide infrastructure.

Determine methods of meeting expenses. (A) Pledges from chapter members (B) Sale of literature and/or meeting tapes (C) Offerings at meetings.

Establish a local telephone listing.

Welcome/opening prayer— Ask everyone to stand, and have a minister or member to lead in prayer. Before the people are seated, encourage them to greet and become acquainted with those at their table.

Meal— At meal time encourage people to get acquainted, network and share.

Announcements— (A) Introduction of the chapter's temporary officers and committee chairmen. (B) Introduction of the National Directors, Field Representatives, pastors, and special guests. (C) Explanation of the purpose of FGBMFI and worldwide outreach. (D) Membership. (E) "Our Chapter Welcomes You"—Have a member of the hospitality committee invite attendees to provide their name, address and telephone number on the registration cards. This will set in motion a follow up, mail and information program. It also provides a record of names and addresses for local chapter and International Office mailing lists. (F) Voice Magazine Ministry—- (1) Order bundles (2) It is important to have copies of this magazine available. Voice Magazines can be ordered from the International Office. This will help your Chapter grow as Voice Magazine is capable of causing many men to turn to Christ. (G) Give date, time, location, and speaker for next month's chapter meeting.

Singing and praise— Have the worship chairman and a piano accompanist prepared to lead appropriate songs which emphasize worship to the Lord.

Tell The Vision—

Testimonies— Select men who will give short testimonies. Introduce them by their full name, occupation, and where they live. Testimonies should be brief.

Special music—

Offerings— Use men who are givers and who understand the benefits of giving to receive the offering. Emphasize that this is an offering unto the Lord. Present the needs, tell those present that checks should be payable to Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International.

Worship—

Speaker— Briefly introduce the speaker. Limit the length of his testimony/message to 30-40 minutes. Avoid long, drawn-out meetings.

Closing prayer—

Ministry time—

 

Set a date for a monthly men's meeting to handle the business of the Chapter. This meeting should be held one or two weeks before the Chapter meeting, either a Sunday afternoon or a week night. Chapter officers and committee chairmen are required to attend. Members are encouraged to come.

The Holy Spirit is calling many in your Community but it is "not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts." Yes the Holy Spirit prepares our hearts. He imparts revelation knowledge, guidance, anointing, the power to do and the Word to hear God's direction for your community.

Other items include:

Follow-up on guests, new people to invite, planning for future events, and the business of the Chapter.

Reaching out to the community with Voice, Television, and outreaches encouraging the involvement of all members.

Receive reports from the Treasurer, Secretary, Voice, TV outreach. Encourage a spirit of giving.

Evaluate the Chapter meetings (helpful suggestions only please), number of people reached, quality of fellowship, speakers, music, the flow of the Holy Spirit, spiritual strategy, chapter outreaches, spiritual and leadership training.

Encourage the release of the gifts and talents of the members ... direct involvement with the FGBMFI worldwide outreaches: International Regionals, World Convention, Airlifts to other nations.

Have a time of rejoicing with fresh praise reports.

Minister to each other ... Yes, the leaders have needs as well!

All officers and committee chairmen should be present 30 to 60 minutes before the starting time of the meeting. The ticket and FGBMFI literature tables must be set up; the public address and recording systems must be checked, visitor forms must be available at each table.

Very important!— A table must be set up at the entrance for sale of meal tickets. Do not provide a meal at "no Charge" and then take a "love offering" to pay for the meal. Sell meal tickets for the meal, then take the offering for the Chapter.

As people arrive, they should be invited to sign the guest book and should be given color-coded identification tags. All of the members should be available to welcome all guests, ushers should seat them. Every member should consider himself a host and should function as one!

The head table should include the president, speaker, song leader, several chapter officers, the men who will be giving their testimonies, and special guests. The head table should not have any empty chairs. The head table should have six to eight seats per 100 in attendance, with a maximum of 12 to 15 people.

Punctuality is a positive force for any type of meeting, regardless of the number of people present. If you start late you will end late, which can produce hardships for those attending the meeting, including creation of excessive fatigue, and could discourage attendees from attending future meetings.

There are several very important requirements needed to maintain your Chapter’s official status.

Chapter Update Information Form

This form must be sent to the International Office any time changes occur in:

Any Chapter officers

Chapter official mailing address

Chapter meeting time and place

This information is also necessary to periodically update the Chapter directory.

Annual Election

The FGBMFI Bylaws require that all Chapter officers vacate at the conclusion of each year (December 31st), and that officers be elected or re-elected. An election form is automatically sent to each Chapter by the International Office. Complete this form with the names of your newly elected officers and return it to the International Office prior to December 15. (See "Election of Officers." For term of office, refer to the Constitution and Bylaws. If you have not received the Form, please contact the International Headquarters.

Financial Reporting

It is required by the FGBMFI Bylaws and the IRS that every Chapter file a year-end financial report with the International office. This form is available upon request from the Chapter Department. It is recommended that this report be prepared by a CPA.

Minimum Chapter Membership

FGBMFI Bylaws require that a Chapter must maintain a minimum of 10 dues-paying male members at all times.

Chapter Procedures

Every Chapter must operate in accordance with the FGBMFI Constitution and Bylaws and International policies.

If the above requirements are not met, a Chapter may be closed or lose its nonprofit status. A nonprofit status enables a Chapter to issue tax receipts for contributions and to hold a nonprofit mailing permit.

Each year the Chapter president receives two ballots from the International Office imprinted with the name of the appointed National Director. The ballots are used to ratify or disqualify the National Director. Prayerfully decide, then mail the ballots to the International Headquarters Office.

At the international/national conventions, a business meeting of national delegates is held. Each Chapter is entitled to two delegates which may cast votes during this business meeting. The two Chapter delegates must have a letter naming them as a delegate. It should be signed by your Chapter President, Chapter Secretary or a National Director.

Following is a list of forms necessary to the operation of a Chapter. They are available by writing Chapter Department, FGBMFI, 20 Corporate Park, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92606-5116.

All officers must be born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. They must be Spirit-filled, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. They must be current paid FGBMFI members.

Each officer should have a deep love for God and for people. The ability to organize and to delegate authority.

Each officer should be a man of integrity, trustworthy and dependable, a leader of men whom other men will respect and follow, and a man of Christian maturity, able to maintain a calm spirit under all circumstances. He should never be jealous, envious, overbearing, or a "one-man show." (I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus l.-6-9)

Chapter officers must attend a training seminar once a year. They should attend one regional convention and the World Convention each year. They should be present at all Chapter meetings. Their wives should be able to feel they are a part of this ministry.

He is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the Chapter.

He has the responsibility for Chapter activities, usually serving as emcee for Chapter meetings, but delegates to other officers and members responsibilities for certain specific activities.

He conducts the monthly business meeting with officers and committee chairmen.

He approves speakers and musicians and selects those giving testimonies.

He approves advertising and promotion for all Chapter meetings.

He is a liaison with the National Directors, Field Representatives, and The International Office.

He enthusiastically promotes the International Office, and the larger Vision.

 

A man who is spiritually sensitive. He will be capable of handling Chapter meetings if the president is absent. He should perform certain duties delegated by the president, such as assisting in the selection and hosting of speakers, music, and testimonies.

Some Chapters have more than one vice-president. In a large Chapter, this allows responsibilities to be delegated more effectively and makes use of leadership talent that otherwise would go unused.

He is responsible for keeping Chapter members informed of future meetings and other matters of mutual interest. He keeps the mailing list up to date and keeps the minutes of business meetings.

He is responsible to the International for the Chapter giving 10% of its income to the International Office.

He must-keep up-to-date records of all Chapter finances, including income and payout, with all payments being made by check. (All Chapter checks should have the dual signature of treasurer and president, or treasurer and person designated.) He must prepare reports for the president regarding offering amounts which have been signed and dated by the treasurer.

He is also responsible for submitting the Chapter's Annual Financial Statement to the International Office at the end of each year. If this is not done, the Chapter jeopardizes its tax-exempt status.

He is a man that prays over the finances of the Chapter with the Chapter President.

These men are appointed from the membership by the Chapter officers. They serve as chairmen of the following committees: (1) Worship and music (2) Publicity (3) Membership (4) Ushers (5) Meal coordination/ticket sales (6) FGBMFI literature and tape sales (7) Prayer (8) Hospitality (9) Voice (10) Outreach (11)Sound system.

Every Chapter must have an election each calendar year, preferably in October or early November. The date of the election should be coordinated with the National Director or Field Representative. A notice should be sent to every member of the Chapter, notifying him of the election 15 days in advance.

It is suggested that Chapter officers select a nominating committee for the selection of qualified candidates from different denominational backgrounds whenever possible. Nominations should also be accepted from the floor.

The annual business meeting for elections should be held in December.

At this annual business meeting, each person nominated should share his heart, his vision of the future and what God has spoken to him about this office. Existing officers may be re-elected for another term to the same office. A National Director or Field Representative should be present to moderate the meeting. If he is unable to be present he should appoint someone to take his place.

All elections should be by secret ballot. Remember, only current, paid-up members of the Chapter are eligible to be candidates and to vote.

The president calls the meeting to order and turns the meeting over to the moderator. The moderator conducts the election, asking each one nominated to speak, and instructs the ushers to pass out ballots to all members. Elect one officer at a time, starting with president, vice-president(s), secretary, treasurer, etc. All officers must be elected by a majority of the members present.

All information on new officers must be mailed to the International Office before December 15, no new officers will be recognized by International until they have received the Chapter Election Report Form. In addition, any change of meeting place or date and time of meetings must be reported immediately.

It is important that the Chapter’s Charter and account be passed on to the new officers at the time of the election, along with all correspondence and other pertinent information regarding Chapter business. Remind the officers to use the Chapter number, the charter name (preferably the name of your city) as the "official