Reason for Developing a Council of Apostolic Fathers

It is important that ATM International continues to honor, acknowledge, and receive input from the Apostolic Fathers of the network even after their sons have risen to succeed them.  It is obvious from the teaching of the law (Exodus 20:12) and the admonition of Jesus in Mark 7:9-13 and the words of Paul in Eph. 6:1-23, that both the blessing and longevity of the offspring are dependent on a proper Biblical relationship with the parents.  Therefore, I offer the following motions with potential definitions and descriptions, as discussion items for the Directors at this time.

Motions[1]

1.    I move that ATM International permanently establish a “Council of Apostolic Fathers” to assist the future directors of ATM in their work and to oversee the core values and philosophy of the network at large.

2.  I move that the initial council members be the three original Founding Directors of Apostolic Team Ministries who pioneered the early work of ATM throughout the Midwest in the middle to late 1970’s.  I submit the names of Gary King, Ron King and Roger Pugh for appointment to the council immediately upon its creation.

3.      I move that the initial council members draft a document fully describing their responsibilities, authority, tenure and censure if necessary, to be ratified by the Directors and placed into the polity and bylaws of ATM upon ratification. 

4.      I move that the council’s term of existence be perpetual once ratified by the directors

II         The following definitions and descriptions are presented as discussion items for the convenience of the directors.

Ø The items as they pertain to the motions made in section I above and as modified by the Council of Apostolic Fathers (CAF) in their meeting on September 1, 2005 are as follows:

1) Purpose

The purpose of the Council of Apostolic Fathers (CAF) can be succinctly summarized in three words ~ honor, continuity, and preservation.

Ø Honor[2]

Ø Continuity[3]

Ø Preservation[4]

The CAF shall not dictate nor interfere in matters that pertain to the operation of ATM; rather they shall serve the Directors in areas of interpretation and definition of the by-laws, core values, and adopted guidelines of ATM. They exist to uphold the honor of all those who have faithfully sacrificed and served the network, to maintain the continuity of the history and heritage, and to preserve the values, vision and philosophies of ATM.

2) Dual Membership

Dual membership on the Council of Apostolic Fathers and the directorship of ATM shall be allowed until the initial council members would choose to relinquish their directorship in the future. To facilitate communication between CAF and the ATM Directors, no less than one CAF member shall also serve as a Director of ATM.

3) Sphere of Authority

While we recognize change is inevitable and we must always maintain a flexible wineskin, we also acknowledge that there are certain foundational values, principles, and truths that have been clearly articulated in the bylaws, adopted guidelines, and handbook that have defined and identified ATM from its inception. Therefore, greater caution must be exercised in changing these concepts and principles. The role of CAF is to work in conjunction with the Directorship to insure these convictions are upheld. It shall be understood that the ATM Directors or the CAF can call a joint meeting if either or both have any concerns or discussion items that need to be communicated. Whenever an amendment to the bylaws (constitution?) is under consideration, the CAF will be invited to meet with the Directors. Notice of intent to amend the bylaws and the proposed amendment shall be sent to the ATM Directors and CAF members at least 90 days prior to any action being taken. Within 14 days of the notice being sent, the Administrative Director shall personally contact all Directors and CAF members to ensure receipt of notice. No change or amendment shall be made to the bylaws or adopted guidelines of ATM without an 80% consensus of all the directors and CAF members voting at the meeting or by absentee ballot rounded down to the nearest whole number. Additionally, the 80% consensus must also represent a simple majority of the total members of each board. Any departure from the historical philosophy, core values, or traditions of ATM shall be handled in a similar manner.

4) Requirements for Membership

Requirements for membership on the Council of Apostolic Fathers include the following.  Council members on the Council of Apostolic Fathers of necessity shall fulfill all requirements of a Director of Apostolic Team Ministries.  They must have previously served as a Director of Apostolic Team Ministries Int’l. for not less than five years. Additionally, they must have proven themselves to have the original core values and “DNA”, of ATM and have demonstrated themselves to be a wise master builder by planting these same values in churches and individuals.

5) The title of a council member

The title of a council member for the purpose of ATM publications, web site and Bios, etc. shall be as follows:

The council shall be referred to as the “Council of Apostolic Fathers”.  Individual members of the council shall be referred to as “a council member” of the “Council of Apostolic Fathers”.  When a council member has resigned his directorship in ATM., he shall be referred to as “Director Emeritus” and a member of the Council of Apostolic Fathers of ATM International.

6) A Council member’s term of service

A council member’s term of service shall be for the lifetime of the council member or until such time as he may voluntarily resign.

7) The initial council members

The initial council members are as stated in section I motion 2 above.

8) Number of council members

The number of council members shall not be less than 3 nor more than 7.

9) Additions to the Council of Apostolic Fathers

After the initial council members have been appointed with the establishment of the Council of Apostolic Fathers, additional council members will be selected and appointed by the unanimous affirmation of the existing council members.

10) The removal of a council member

The removal of a council member should that become necessary due to sin or incapacity, will be accomplished by unanimous consent of the remaining council members.  In the event of a common disaster or other such occurrence, the council members are reduced to less than 2 members, the Directors of Apostolic Team Ministries International along with any surviving council member shall appoint enough additional council members to reach the minimum number of 3 council members.  At that point in time, the council shall begin to function again as described above.

11) The benefits and privileges of the Council of Apostolic Fathers

The benefits and privileges of the Apostolic Council shall be the same as the Directors of ATM International as defined or amended in the By-Laws and the Financial Guidelines of ATM.  Additionally, they shall be entitled to compensation for their work on the behalf of ATM as may be required from time to time.  They may also continue to serve on other councils and or teams of ATM International, at the pleasure of the Directors.  They shall be encouraged and supported in their apostolic labors in the USA and abroad by financial support from ATM International, coverage in the ATM publications and exposure of their efforts through the web site of ATM International etc.