FD/MM/FM — JAN. 2005

The first addendum to "Getting Stronger—Part 2," GN 1109, outlines that an FM Home applying to become an MM Home must submit a questionnaire to their regional desk with their application. This questionnaire, based on the following sections from the Missionary Member Statutes, is designed to help both the FM Home applicant and the regional shepherds (RSs) determine whether or not the FM Home is already living up to the MM Statutes, which is a requirement to apply to become an MM Home. FM Homes should wait to apply to become an MM Home until after receiving this questionnaire and ascertaining from it whether or not they are ready for Missionary membership.

Important note: When filling out this questionnaire, please understand that you are answering only for those people who wish to move from FM to MM, not those in your Home who are not Family members or who do not wish to move from FM to MM. It's possible that you, as an FMer, are living with people who are not Family members, or with other FMers who do not wish to apply for MM status. If this is the case, the answers you give to the questions do not need to reflect the actions, desires, or attitudes of those people. These questions only apply to those that list their names on this questionnaire as applying for MM status. In some questions the term "you" is used, for example, "If you have visited or fellowshipped with an FD Home recently…," and in other questions the term "your Home" is used, such as, "Overall, how would you rate your Home in regards to walking in the fear of the Lord. …" However, we want to clarify that both uses of those terms apply only to those who are filling out this questionnaire in order to gain MM status, whether it be a single person or a communal FM Home.

Copies of this questionnaire, which will also be included in the February 15th mailing to all Homes, are available to download from the MO site or may be requested from your regional desk by email.

We ask that you please understand that the onus is on you to prove that you're fulfilling the Missionary Member Statutes. If your regional shepherds are not sure if you are, they will decline your application to begin the process to become a Missionary member.

Please be advised that in order to make this decision they will look at your stats and TRFs for the last year. They will also see whether you have a bona fide missionary work including getting out Activated, if your children are well cared for and properly educated, if you're working in unity with others, and if you are maintaining a high spiritual standard. They will take the answers to the questions in this questionnaire into consideration. The decision, however, will be a judgment call; it's not black and white. If your RSs are not sure if you are fulfilling the Missionary Member Statutes, then they have been instructed to decline your request, in order to maintain the integrity of the MM category of service. If you are not given permission to begin the process to move to Missionary membership, then please take it as a challenge to improve in the above-listed areas. Thank you! We're praying for you!

Preface to the Missionary Member Statutes

Our hope and prayer through these Missionary Member Statutes is to help Family Missionary members fulfill two of Jesus' most important commandments: to love God and others.

The principle that should be emphasized above all is the Law of Love. We should strive to make the Law of Love the cardinal rule that we all abide by when fulfilling our responsibilities, exercising our rights, and obeying Family rules. The apostle Peter wrote, "And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

The Missionary member category is one of active service.—It is comprised of active Homes and members who are devoted to the Family and to winning and helping the world's lost and needy people. Homes and Family members in this category are those who voluntarily maintain a high spiritual standard and are active in their service for the Lord, witnessing, promoting Activated, and being a positive influence in their community. Those awarded this membership status will need to work hard to maintain it.

Missionary members are expected to be true followers of the teachings of David and to maintain a high spiritual standard. As believers and missionaries, Missionary members are very important to the Lord, to Mama and Peter, to the rest of the Family, and to the lost.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS OF MISSIONARY MEMBERS AND HOMES

Responsibilities of Missionary Members

Missionary members should:

A. Maintain a close connection with God through personal communion with Jesus and hearing from Him; personal and/or united prayer and praise; personal and/or united reading of His Word (both the Bible and the Letters); Scripture memorization; and the minimizing and resisting of worldly, ungodly, and unedifying influences in their lives; thus exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, which are "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23).

As Missionary members, you should strive to maintain a deep relationship with Jesus through prayer, praise, the written Word, and personal prophecy. As Family members you should pray and hear from the Lord, both individually and with others, and strengthen your spirit through regularly reading God's Word, privately and united.

God's Word says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). In order to strengthen your faith and to be in tune with the Lord and the direction that He is giving the Family, it is imperative that you read and study His Word, both the Bible and the Letters and other WS publications, for they contain a wealth of needed counsel, direction, and spiritual feeding.

You should "resist the Devil" (James 4:7) by striving to minimize ungodly and unedifying influences in your lives. These ungodly and unedifying influences could be anything that pulls you away from the Lord or pollutes your spirit, mind, or heart with "junk food" of the spirit and hinders your connection with God. Undoubtedly, in your day-to-day living, work, and outreach you will come in contact with ungodly influences, but you should attempt to minimize them by not intentionally inflicting upon yourselves things that you know to be ungodly or unedifying. Excessive input of worldly influences will weaken your spirit and hinder your connection with Jesus.

Questions:

Are you committed to doing your personal best to live the New Wine and grow spiritually?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

How often do you use the gift of prophecy in your spiritual lives and daily decisions?

[ ] Daily. [ ] Several times a week. [ ] Several times a month. [ ] Very rarely.

How would you rate your Home's sample as far as praise, talking about the Word, sharing lessons learned, quoting key promises, actively trying to find better ways to obey the Word, etc.?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak.

How would you rate your Home as far as following the counsel in the "Shooting Straight" series in regards to System input, and the minimizing of ungodly and unedifying influences in your lives?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak.

Did you participate in the renewal of 2004?

How many hours a week on average do you spend having quality Word time and hearing from the Lord in prophecy?

[ ] 10 hours or more. [ ] 7 hours or more. [ ] 5 hours or less.

How often do you have personal prayer vigil?

[ ] Daily. [ ] Several times a week. [ ] Not regularly.

Are you regularly memorizing the Word—either Bible verses or key promises?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

How would you rate your Home as far as exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak.

Do you visit anti-Family websites?

[ ] Frequently. [ ] Sometimes. [ ] Never.

B. Believe that David was God's Endtime Prophet and that Maria is God's chosen and anointed successor, who has inherited David's mantle as God's Prophetess.

There are a number of differences between the churches and the Family, but the main one is that God gave us David, His Endtime Prophet, as our founder, shepherd, and leader. Through the years Dad trained Maria as his successor, and with his passing, the Lord has anointed her as His Prophetess and Shepherdess of the Family, and David's mantle passed to her. Years ago, in prophecy through Dad the Lord said to Maria, "When David is taken from you, you shall be known as a prophetess, and you shall be heeded as the Oracles of God and you shall become as another one—as the Prophetess of God!" (ML #111:22). We know by the wonderful fruit of Dad and Mama's ministry, the billions reached with the Gospel and the millions of souls saved through the Family, that they are called and chosen of God.

Questions:

Do you believe that David was God's Endtime Prophet and that Maria is God's chosen and anointed successor, who has inherited David's mantle as God's Prophetess?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

C. Believe, uphold, and teach to their children that are Missionary members, the Family's fundamental beliefs, Biblical and revealed, as published in "The Family's Statement of Faith," or otherwise declared in a publication with a ML or GN number.

The Lord, through the Bible, Dad, Mama, and Peter, has poured forth an immense amount of teaching, training, guidance, spiritual truths, revelations, and direction. The Bible and the Letters embody our religious beliefs and doctrine. These beliefs vary in importance, but some are an integral and essential part of our faith, which Family Missionary members must believe and uphold.

"The Family's Statement of Faith" articulates most of the Family's fundamental beliefs, and includes the following subjects: the Holy Scriptures, God and the Trinity, Creation, the fall of man, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, salvation by grace, the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit, the gift of prophecy, angels, departed saints, Satan and his demons, spiritual warfare, prayer, divine healing, the Lord's Supper—communion, the fellowship of believers, the Church, the Great Commission, consecration, our separation from the world, discipleship, cooperative communal living, marriage and children, the sanctity of life, civil government and religious liberty, Jesus' Law of Love, the Bride of Christ, and belief in Bible prophecy indicating that we are living in the Time of the End.

Questions:

Do you have children living in your Home?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Are your children receiving sufficient input regularly to build a solid foundation in the Bible and the Letters in order to help them develop a personal relationship with Jesus and an understanding of the Family's fundamental beliefs?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Do your children have age-appropriate Word time, including memory work, that has variety and is as alive, exciting, and applicable as possible?

[ ] Daily, with few exceptions. [ ] 4 times a week. [ ] Less than 4 times a week.

Are your children learning to use the new spiritual weapons of prophecy, praise, prayer, the keys, etc.?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Needs improvement. [ ] No.

How many hours a week on average would each child spend in the above Word-related activities?

[ ] 10 hours or more. [ ] 7 hours or more. [ ] 5 hours or less.

Do you have JETTs and/or teens living with you who are currently FM members?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

How often do your JETTs and teens have feeding united or individual Word time?

[ ] Over 1 hour daily. [ ] Approximately 1 hour daily. [ ] Less than 1 hour daily.

Is prayer, planning and time being invested into your JETTs' and teens' Word time in order to make these times feeding, inspiring and tailored to their needs?

[ ] Most of the time. [ ] Sometimes. [ ] Hardly ever.

Are your JETTs and teens memorizing the Word?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Are you teaching and shepherding your JETTs and teens in the use of the new weapons?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

D. Live in accordance with the Word by endeavoring to apply the counsel given in the Family publications to their daily lives, in accordance with what is expected of them as Missionary members.

The Letters contain God's counsel for the Family, and as Family members we should do our best to please God by following the guidance He's given in His Word. Missionary members, however, are not required to live the counsel in the Word that pertains to Family discipleship Homes that portray the sample of full-time discipleship as per the Words of David.

Questions:

Are you endeavoring to be doers of the Word, manifesting an obedient spirit overall when it comes to living the practical and spiritual counsel in the GNs?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Rarely.

When there are P&P questions or assignments in the GNs that apply to your lifestyle, do you complete the assignments within a reasonable amount of time, and do you follow up on the guidance the Lord gives you?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Rarely.

E. Endeavor to overcome, and when necessary request united prayer against those personal weaknesses and besetting sins that cause physical or spiritual disruption, and physical, spiritual, or emotional harm to themselves or others.

Questions:

Have you received any kind of shepherding of your personal weaknesses and besetting sins in the last six months (for example, from your mate, other Home members, or local Family members, or the Lord directly through your personal prophecies?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, from whom?)

Do you feel you're actively fighting to make spiritual progress?

[ ] Yes, definitely. [ ] Somewhat, could do better in this. [ ] No, not doing well in this area.

F. Endeavor to apply the principles of the Law of Love; to love, care for, refrain from causing discord, and interact harmoniously with members of their Home as well as all Family members.

Dad succinctly explained the Law of Love in the following quote. "'Love doeth thy neighbor no harm,' for 'thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself': This is God's Law of Love! 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' 'Against such love there is no law.' This is the Lord's Law of Love. Obey it and you can have total love, life, and liberty in the Lord. These are God's conditions [Romans 13:10; Matthew 22:39; 7:12; Galatians 5:22-23]" (ML #302C:15).

We should endeavor to fulfill the Scriptural injunction to "bear one another's burdens" and to love one another by doing all we can to make sure that we are aware of the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of those around us, and do whatever we can to help care for them. We should refrain from discord and allow the Law of Love to govern all of our actions, for it is the basis for all of our Family rules, responsibilities, and rights.

Questions:

Overall, how would you rate your Home in regards to reflecting the spirit of the Law of love in your words, deeds, and interactions with those in your Home and with other Family Homes—the "golden rule" that should govern all our actions and decisions as Christians?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak.

Overall, how would you rate your Home in regards to walking in the fear of the Lord by consistently avoiding such things as gossiping, sowing division or doubts, harboring bitterness, or speaking negatively against Dad, Maria, Peter, the Word, leadership or the Family?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak.

How is your unity with the Family members in your area?

[ ] Good. [ ] Average. [ ] Weak. [ ] There are no other Family members in this area.

Do you have difficulty getting along with others, which could be manifested by such things as arguments, getting upset, feeling slighted, talking negatively about others, thinking you're being treated unfairly, etc.?

[ ] Yes, regularly. [ ] Occasionally. [ ] No.

Do you feel you've been giving, sharing, and generous in your interaction with other Family members?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

G. Conduct themselves as good Christians, showing outgoing love and concern for others and interact lovingly and harmoniously with all people.

As Christians and representatives of the Family, we are responsible to manifest the Lord's love to all men by being good samples of His love; to avoid actions, words, or attitudes that would stumble, hurt or confuse others, or reflect negatively on the Lord, His Word, or His work.

Questions:

Do you conduct yourselves in such a way that you are a good Christian testimony in your interactions with those both in and out of the Family?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Rarely.

H. Recognize that their bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost, and as such not abuse them.

The Family's definition of "abusing the body" also includes the smoking of any substance, which is forbidden, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or any other substance people can smoke. We should also be moderate in the consumption of alcohol, keep a clean and presentable appearance, compatible with the country and culture in which we live, and actively and regularly endeavor to stay healthy and physically fit.

As witnessing Christians, our personal appearance is also part of our testimony and therefore an important part of our witness that can reflect either positively or negatively on our missionary work.

Questions:

When interacting with the public, including visitors, do you dress and behave in a way that would be considered appropriate and a good sample?

Do you smoke?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Do you have times when you drink to the point of getting drunk and out of control, or getting out of the spirit?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Occasionally. [ ] No.(If you answered "yes" or "occasionally," please explain.)

I. Respect the Charter standard and rules in any Family discipleship Home or when fellowshipping with Family disciples.

When visiting Family discipleship Homes, or attending Family disciple fellowships, Missionary members must respect the Charter rules and standard that Family disciples are trying to maintain, including abiding by any alcohol, movie, and Internet usage guidelines, or any other guidelines that the Family discipleship Homes have in place.

Sexual acts or contact between Missionary members and Family disciples are not permitted. Missionary members who violate this rule will be placed on probation for three to six months. A further breaking of the Missionary Member Statutes while on probation may result in the loss of Missionary membership.

Questions:

If you have visited or fellowshipped with an FD Home recently, did you respect the Charter rules, as well as any of the FD Home's specific guidelines?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (Please explain.) [ ] I/we have not visited or fellowshipped with any FD Homes in the last 6 months.

J. Make the decision on medical matters involving themselves or their children.

We believe that divine healing is a privilege available to all who believe in Jesus. The decision to avail yourself of that privilege is a personal matter between you and God. Generally it is recommended to trust the Lord for your healing, but we understand that the Lord works in each of our lives in different ways, and in some cases He may want someone to get the help of a doctor as part of trusting Him. When it comes to healing, the decision whether to trust God completely for healing or to seek medical help is up to you. "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29). Dad said, "God wants you to make your own choice by faith according to your own faith—not mine, not ours, not somebody else's, but yours!" (ML #M:45).

If you are a parent (or legal guardian) with children in the Family, the medical decisions regarding your underage children are your responsibility to make and they should be made in your child's best interests.

K. Fulfill their obligations, financial, legal, and otherwise, to the Family and others promptly and with due diligence.

This also includes maintaining the tool fund they've received from WS, which at present is US$50 per person or the equivalent in distribution tools.

Questions:

Are all of the Home's or its members' financial and legal obligations being fulfilled diligently and promptly?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (Please list all financial and legal obligations you may have, if any; if you answered "no" please explain the circumstances surrounding those obligations that are not being fulfilled.)

L. Engage in active missionary outreach on a regular basis.

The Lord has called all Christians to partake in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). As Family members we have answered that call and have made a commitment to win others to Jesus by preaching the Gospel. As Missionary members you should actively engage in missionary activities, according to your abilities, such as distribution of Family publications and products, personal witnessing and soul winning, signing up people to the Activated magazine course (if available), and follow-up and/or building up a local body of believers. Special attention should be given to the Activated program, if it is available in your area, as distribution of the Activated materials and promoting the Activated magazine course is the required minimum witnessing for Missionary members.

Questions:

How often do your Home's members distribute Activated, if available in your local language?

[ ] Once or twice a week. [ ] Less than once a week. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than once every two months. [ ] Activated is not available in the local language.

How often do your Home's members distribute Family publications and products other than Activated?

[ ] Once or twice a week. [ ] Less than once a week. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than once every two months.

How often do your Home's members engage in some form of personal witnessing?

[ ] Once or twice a week. [ ] Less than once a week. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than once every two months.

How often do your Home's members offer salvation to those they meet in a manner corresponding to your field? (If you are in a country where you can't have an open Christian witness, as specified by your Regional Council, answer this question to correspond to how often you are personally witnessing to people with the goal of eventually bringing them to salvation.)

[ ] Once or twice a week. [ ] Less than once a week. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than once every two months.

If available in your country, how often does your Home offer Activated readership (whether via a subscription from the desk or a personal delivery program) to those you witness to, especially to those you lead to the Lord?

[ ] Once or twice a week. [ ] Less than once a week. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than once every two months. [ ] Activated is not available in our country.

Are you providing sufficient opportunity for your JETTs and teens to go out witnessing, and actively participate in and contribute to your witnessing ministries?

[ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever. [ ] We do not have JETTs and teens living with us who are currently FM members.

1. Missionary members, 16 years of age and older, must, health permitting, spend a minimum of two hours per week, or eight hours per month, of quality witnessing time.

The goal of course, is for able Missionary members to spend many more hours preaching the Gospel and helping others, two hours is the bare minimum for those who simply are unable to witness more. These two hours per week should be "quality witnessing hours." This two hours of focused witnessing does not include fundraising activities that have little or no witness, such as ballooning, face painting, car washing, etc. Quality witnessing hours should focus on witnessing activities, such as signing up people to the Activated magazine course (if available), distribution of Family publications and products, personal witnessing, soul winning, follow-up, and/or establishing a local church.

Questions:

Are all your eligible voting Home members currently meeting the MM required minimum of 2 hours per week, or 8 hours per month, of quality witnessing hours?

[ ] Every month. [ ] Almost every month. [ ] About half the time. [ ] Less than half the time.

Please list your top three outreach ministries:

2. If pastoring or establishing a following, you should teach them by using the 12 Foundation Stones and/or 12 Bridges courses or work towards bringing your following to that level with the goal of teaching them these courses.

The 12 Foundation Stones or 12 Bridges class books might not be translated into your local language; in that case you should at least cover the main points in each 12 Foundation Stones class by using whatever materials you have available in your language, supplemented by whatever Letters or materials referred to in the classes that are available in your local language.

We recognize that among select, non-Christian cultures, some of your sheep may not reach the level of 12 Foundation Stones or 12 Bridges, or that it may take a long time before they do so. Nevertheless, you should be working towards bringing them along spiritually as much as they are able to receive, even if progress is slower than in other cultures or countries.

Questions:

Is your Home engaged in regular follow-up and/or building a local work?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

If pastoring or establishing a flock, are you regularly teaching the 12 Foundation Stones and/or the 12 Bridges courses, or are you consistently working toward bringing your flock to that level?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Generally speaking, how often are you following up on each (or the majority) of your Home's General members (besides those who are taking regular 12 Foundation Stones classes)?

[ ] Once a month or more. [ ] Once every two months or more. [ ] Less than once every two months. [ ] Less than once every three months. [ ] We don't have General members.

___ How many General members does your Home currently have?

Generally speaking, how often are you personally feeding and/or shepherding each of your Home's Active members, whether in person, meetings, or via phone/email/mail?

[ ] More than once a month. [ ] Once a month. [ ] Less than once a month. [ ] Less than every two months. [ ] We don't have Active members.

___ How many Active members does your Home currently have?

Are your Home's General and/or Active members fulfilling the requirements of membership and conducting themselves according to the "General Member Declaration?"

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] We don't have General or Active members.

Are you actively contributing to and/or bringing your sheep to Activated meetings, Church of Love, retreats, etc., held in your Home, city, or area, according to the needs of the sheep, in order to give them the sample of the greater Family?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] No Activated meetings are held in our city/area.

In your follow-up ministries and Bible study groups, are you generally sticking to using Family publications, rather than using teaching material from System Christian groups or other System publications?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Do you witness in the name of the Family?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever. [ ] Exception given by Regional Council due to sensitive circumstances.

Are you introducing your friends, contacts, and supporters to the Family and our teachings at an appropriate time?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

M. Maintain a lifestyle that contributes and reflects positively on their membership in the Family.

Each of us should be a good example of a Christian and of a Family member, for our sample speaks much louder than our sermon. As much as possible, our actions should lift up Jesus, and none of them should defame or blemish either the Lord or the Family.

In different areas of the world, this could mean refraining from different things. Wherever we live, we must take into account the traditions and culture of the community or country and try not to do things that would offend individuals of that culture. This is part of trying to comply with the Biblical counsel to "become all things to all men"

(1 Corinthians 9:22).

There is, of course, a great deal of counsel in the Letters regarding our sample and actions, which applies no matter where we live.

Questions:

Are your Home and yard well maintained, generally tidy, and free from junk; a good sample and standard of cleanliness to neighbors and visitors?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

Is the size of your housing adequate for the number of people living there, meaning spacious, comfortable, and not crowded? (Note: If you have people sleeping/living in the living room or other public areas, or have several people cramped in a small room, it is most likely that your housing is not large or adequate enough to comfortably accommodate all your Home numbers and as such you should answer "no" to this question.)

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Do your vehicles, and anyone who drives them, have all the required paperwork?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Are you familiar with the Family International's Statements and do you know, or are you learning, how to present the Family's work and doctrines?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Do you have weaknesses which have the potential to affect your overall sample, such as problems with overdrinking, being pushy while out witnessing, anger, etc.?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please explain.)

N. Present themselves, their Family membership, and their work in an honest manner and act responsibly in any business or financial dealings, provisioning, fundraising, tool distribution, appeals for support, bookkeeping, and other obligations related to legal entities, humanitarian aid, and the receipt of government benefits.

The Lord has instructed us to "provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17), and it's important that our sample to others reflects that in every part of our lives. As Missionary members you should be open about your membership in the Family when witnessing and in particular when distributing tools and fundraising, provisioning, making appeals, etc. While it's good to present the Family's works, Missionary members or Homes must not present other Homes or members' works as their own.

Questions:

Are you honest about your membership in the Family when asked?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

Are you open about your membership in the Family when fundraising, provisioning, or making appeals?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

If you operate and/or are involved in a legal entity, such as a not-for-profit or for-profit, NGO, or co-work with other organizations, are you open about your relationship with the Family?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. [ ] We do not operate nor are we involved in a legal entity. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

If you operate and/or are involved in a legal entity such as a not-for-profit or for-profit, NGO, or co-work with other organizations, do you fulfill all the necessary legal obligations and accounting requirements?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

If you receive government benefits are you satisfying all legal requirements attached to those benefits?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. [ ] We do not receive government benefits. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

O. Take precautions to keep their Home library, electronic or otherwise, secure. Giving or loaning publications to those not eligible for them will result in probation or loss of Missionary membership.

1. In exceptional cases, the regional shepherds may give members permission to give literature to those who would not normally be eligible to receive it.

Missionary Homes and members must take the necessary steps to keep their mailings in a secure location that is inaccessible to non-Family members at all times. This is especially important for Missionary members that live in a household that also houses non-Family members.

Publications designated for Family disciples and Missionary members only should not be given or loaned to others, published, reprinted, or posted on websites without permission from your RSs or WS. Portions can, however, be read with those you are ministering to, at your discretion. GP publications may be distributed widely and GM publications may be shared with friends and those you minister to.

Questions:

Do you abide by any Family security guidelines outlined in the Fellow Member Statutes and Missionary Member Statutes?

[ ] All of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Rarely or never. (If you answered "most of the time," "some of the time," "rarely or never," please explain.)

Do you take active measures in the area of persecution preparedness, where applicable, in accordance with current GNs and Family publications?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

2. All publications in the possession of Missionary members must have portions deleted or modified, if necessary, in accordance with the World Services pubs purge advisories.

Questions:

Have all your pubs been purged in accordance with the pubs purge requirements?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

P. Receive permission from the Family disciple and Missionary member Homes in that metropolitan area before distributing Family publications or products to the general public, if not residing in that particular metropolitan area.

1. The Regional Council may overrule the decision of the Homes in a metropolitan area if they determine that the members requesting permission should be allowed to witness in the metropolitan area.

2. Missionary members may not distribute Family publications or products to the general public in a metropolitan area its Regional Council has designated closed to those not residing there.

Q. Purchase all distribution tools through their local Production Center or a Family disciple Home unless special permission to do otherwise is granted by the GP Production Board. Printing or obtaining Family products from any other source, unless specifically authorized, could result in the loss of Missionary membership.

1. Missionary members may duplicate World Services-produced black-and-white GP tracts without prior authorization.

R. Submit for approval to a committee appointed by the GP Production Board for their region, any printed, electronic, audio or visual products created for distribution to the general public.

1. Missionary members may create their own tracts, newsletters, or follow-up materials without approval providing they are for follow-up use by their Home only and are not distributed by other Homes or sold to the general public.

S. Refrain from engaging in activities that reflect negatively on other Homes in their area or country, or on the Family in general.

Missionary members and their household are a reflection of the Family to the public and local community and must be in line with Family standards and local expectations in such things as cleanliness, vehicles, property maintenance, adequate living accommodations, homeschooling documentation, and responsible witnessing with children and teens.

Questions:

When witnessing and/or fundraising with minors are you mindful of appropriate hours to do so, local field conditions, local laws, and safety concerns, ensuring that children are properly chaperoned?

Does your witnessing and/or fundraising, including when with minors, reflect positively on the Family?

Do your appeals for funds or goods accurately represent how you intend to use them?

Are donated goods and/or monies used for the purposes for which they were requested?

T. Live in unity by supporting the joint decisions of other Missionary members living in their Home.

If any Missionary member, after counsel, prayer, and seeking the Lord with the other Missionary members he/she lives with, is still in disagreement or unable to cooperate with the other members of the Home, he/she should voluntarily leave that Home by moving to another Missionary member Home or opening his/her own Missionary member Home.

Questions:

If you are a communal FM Home, overall, is your Home in unity, and do the members of your Home abide by the decisions and guidelines that you have set as a Home?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] We are not a communal Home.

Has any significant ongoing disunity occurred within your Home recently, or between your Home members and members of other Homes?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please explain what you have done about it, including whether the situation has been resolved.)

U. Obtain written permission from their Regional Council before engaging in any verbal or written legal agreements in the name of the Family, Family entities, or any Family authorized companies, or acting as an official representative, other than a sales representative, of any Family publications, productions, or companies.

V. Inform and seek counsel from their regional Public Relations board before participating in national, international, or other major media interviews, documentaries, movies, books, written rebuttals, press releases, or articles in the name of the Family.

Questions:

Have you informed and sought counsel from your regional PR board before participating in national, international, or other major media interviews, documentaries, movies, books, written rebuttals, press releases, or articles in the name of the Family?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] We have not been involved in any major media interviews, etc. (If no, please explain.)

If there have been any official inquiries or media contact have you contacted your regional PR board concerning them?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] We have not had any official inquiries or media contact. (If no, please explain.)

1. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MISSIONARY MEMBER PARENTS

Parents or guardians of children are responsible to:

A. Raise their children in a godly manner and impart to them the knowledge of God through His Word. They should love and care for their children, and see that their physical, spiritual, medical, and emotional needs are supplied to the best of their ability, and should protect their children from all forms of abuse, including physical, mental, emotional, sexual, or psychological. They should see to it that their school-aged children are properly and sufficiently educated on an ongoing basis, and ensure that sufficient academic records of their children's educational progress are kept.

1. In certain circumstances, Missionary members might share the parenting of their children with a non-Family member and not have full control over decisions affecting their children's upbringing and training. Nevertheless, the Missionary members should attempt to raise their children in a godly manner as much as is within their ability to do so.

Questions:

Do you have children living in your Home?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Do your children receive the love and care that they need to ensure their spiritual and emotional needs are met?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Do your children have their physical needs met (clothing, shoes, school books, etc.)

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Do your children have regular dental visits and eye/medical check-ups when necessary?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Are your children free from all forms of abuse?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Are any children with special needs* given the proper physical, spiritual, and emotional care particular to their needs? (*Special needs: requirements made necessary by challenges: the particular requirements, especially in education, that some people have because of physical disabilities or learning difficulties)

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Do you have JETTs and/or teens living with you?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Are you raising your JETTs and teens in a godly manner instilling in them character-building qualities such as love for the Lord and the Word, respect, honesty, godly speech, responsibility, personal accountability, stewardship, faithfulness, diligence, obedience, gratitude, etc.

[ ] All or nearly all of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever.

In your interactions with your JETTs and teens, do you treat them in a respectful and loving manner?

[ ] All or nearly all of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever.

Do your JETT and teens have a well-balanced schedule that allots sufficient time for each of the following:

—Spiritual training:

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

—Academics (during school year):

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

—Witnessing (for your Fellow member JETTs and teens):

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No. [ ] Our JETTs and/or teens are not Fellow members.

—Home duties:

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

—Vocational training/CVC courses (for your Fellow member JETTs and teens):

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No. [ ] Our JETTs and/or teens are not Fellow members.

—Physical education:

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

—Fun and relaxation:

[ ] Yes. [ ] Somewhat. [ ] No.

Are you investing sufficient time in your JETTs and teens, so they have the opportunity to develop their interests, talents, and skills?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Do you feel that your JETTs and teens are generally happy, inspired, self-motivated, fulfilled and challenged?

[ ] All or nearly all of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever.

Are all your school-aged children having regular and efficient school, whether at home or in outside school?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Are your children's educational records kept up to date? (If homeschooled, these records should include student attendance, logs and portfolios which clearly show the progress of the student in his/her academic studies, extracurricular activities, life skills, etc.)

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

B. Make the decision on medical matters involving themselves or their children.

C. Discipline their Missionary member children in accordance with the standard in the "Family Discipline Guidelines," so that their children's behavior is not a reproach to the cause of Christ.

See Appendix pg.30 for a summary of the "Family Discipline Guidelines."

1. Missionary members living in a communal Missionary member Home should have a united disciplinary standard with the other members of the Home.

Questions:

Do you have children living in your Home?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Do you have a behavior and discipline standard based on the "Family Discipline Guidelines" and do you follow it?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Are your children well behaved and not a reproach to the cause of Christ?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Is there good communication and unity between parents and other Home members regarding the care, behavior, and shepherding needs of the children, and are any conflicts lovingly resolved through counsel, prayer, and prophecy?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Do you have JETTs and/or teens living with you who are currently FM members?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Do you have a Word-based disciplinary standard for your JETTs and junior teens that you uphold with them?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No.

Is the conduct and deportment of your JETTs and teens a good Christian sample and testimony and a positive reflection on the Family?

[ ] All or nearly all of the time. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Some of the time. [ ] Hardly ever.

Have any of your JETTs and teens, whether FM or not, been in trouble with the law or been involved in illicit activities (e.g., shoplifting, drinking, smoking, physical violence, or substance abuse?)

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please briefly explain what the incident was, when it happened, if it has been repeated, and what was done to shepherd and rectify the incident.)

Are you doing your utmost to be aware of any spiritual or behavioral problems in your JETTs and teens and counseling them in such?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement. [ ] No.

D. Properly counsel and guide their resident teenagers in all matters regarding emotional relationships, sexual interaction and birth control, ethics, community responsibility, the dangers of drugs, the laws of the land, and for those teens who would like to eventually move on, preparation for living independent of a Family Home.

It would be beneficial to those of your teenagers that might not want to remain in the Missionary member Family, or become full-time Family disciples to review the FED course created to help young people who leave the Family. This info can be found on the Members Only site by searching for "info pak" in the FED catalog.

Questions:

Do you have JETTs and/or teens living with you?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please fill out the following:)

Are you providing proper guidance and counsel to your resident teenagers regarding emotional relationships, sex, and birth control?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] Needs improvement.

Are you providing proper guidance and counsel to your teenagers in the areas of ethics, community responsibility, the dangers of drugs, the laws of the land?

[ ] Yes. [ ] Most of the time. [ ] Needs improvement.

Are you preparing teens who would like to eventually move out of the Family for living independently of a Family Home?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] Needs improvement.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MISSIONARY MEMBER HOMES

Missionary member Homes are responsible to:

A. Send a monthly report of their activities and witnessing statistics, as per the instructions received from their reporting office, and tithe to World Services a full 10% of their Home's income, as well as contribute a further 1% to the Family Aid Fund, and 3% to their common pot.

Questions:

Does your Home send in a full tithe to WS with your monthly report?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

In order to cover the cost of mailings and other services, World Services will continue to set a minimum figure for the monthly 10% tithe. Special exceptions from the minimum may be granted in hardship cases by the RSs.

Failure to report and pay the 14% in full on any given month will automatically result in the Missionary member Home being placed on probationary notice.

In cases of no, low, or late 10% tithe, 1% FAF contribution, or 3% common pot contribution, no or late Home monthly report, the Missionary member Home will automatically be placed on probationary notice. If the situation with the no or late tithe, FAF contribution, Common pot contribution or TRF is not rectified within two months, their Missionary membership will be revoked.

MM Homes are eligible to receive the following FAF benefits: Home loans, baby bonuses, pass-on gifts, and tool funds. Pioneer gifts will also be available to MM Homes if the RSs decide they are eligible, according to the Missionary member pioneer Home requirements.

MM Homes will qualify for emergency funds just as FD Homes do, but they will not retain them in their Homes in the form of a HER. To make sure the emergency funds are available to MM Homes quickly, WS will make arrangements to ensure that any qualifying MM Home that requests assistance gets its emergency funds within 48 hours. Remote MM Homes may be given $500 of emergency funds to use immediately in an emergency until more FAF funds can be gotten to them.

As members of the Family, Missionary members are also encouraged to share of their abundance through offerings to World Services and/or Family members, as they choose.

B. Be free from debt to any Family governing body, Family business, another Family Home or individual, or to a business that services the Family.

If a Missionary member Home is in debt to their Production Center, another Family Home or individual, or to a Family business or business that services the Family for two consecutive months they will be placed on probationary notice. If the debt is not paid within 60 days the Missionary member Home will be moved to Fellow membership.

Questions:

Does your Home or any of its members have any outstanding debts to any Family member, Homes, or Family production centers that they are not presently making payments on?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please explain.)

D. Be an example of a positive Christian influence.

A Missionary member Home should not share their living premises with those who are a reproach to the cause of Christ or those involved in criminal behavior.

Questions:

Do you have anyone living on your premises who is a reproach to the cause of Christ or is or has been involved in criminal behavior?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please explain.)

E. Follow directives from World Services and follow area goals sent out by the Regional Council to the Missionary member Family.

b. Missionary member Homes, regardless of size, each count as one vote in an area referendum. A simple majority of the Home's voting members determines the Home's vote, unless the referendum is regarding a financial matter, in which case a two-thirds majority determines the Home's vote.

1) A Home's vote must be conveyed in the quickest possible manner to the regional desk.

c. The outcome of the referendum is decided by a simple majority of all the voting Homes, unless it is regarding a financial matter, in which case the outcome is determined by a two-third majority of the Homes.

1) Once tallied the results of the referendum must be made public to all participating Homes.

F. Belong to the City Council in their city or metropolitan area and operate in accordance with decisions made by that council.

If a city or metropolitan area has more than one Family disciple or Missionary member Home, a City Council consisting of representatives from each of the local Homes should meet at least every two months.

The voting of the City Council will be conducted as follows:

MISSIONARY MEMBER RULES

Questions:

Have you been faithful to report to your regional desk concerning any offenses warranting excommunication that you may have become aware of?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. [ ] I have not been aware of any. (If no, please explain.)

Have you been faithful to abide by the Fellow member rules and statutes?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Have you read the Missionary Member Statutes, and have you begun to abide by the rules and guidelines therein?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If no, please explain.)

Have any members of your Home ever been excommunicated?

[ ] Yes. [ ] No. (If yes, please explain what they were excommunicated for, as well as when and where they were excommunicated.)

3. OFFENSES WARRANTING PROBATION

A. Missionary members will be placed on probation for three to six months if it is determined that they have committed any of the following offenses:

1. Sexual acts or contact with Family disciples.

2. Passing Family-only publications to those outside the Family.

While portions of publications may be shared with friends and contacts, giving FD/MM/FM publications to those not authorized to have them will result in probation.

3. Failure to report an excommunicable offense.

B. Probation might result in a reading list and/or a loss of fellowship with other Family members to varying degrees depending on the offense.

1. Reoccurrence of offenses warranting probation will place a member in jeopardy of losing their Missionary membership.

4. OFFENSES WARRANTING EXCOMMUNICATION

A. Missionary members will be excommunicated from Family membership and receiving all but GP or GM Family literature if it is determined that they have committed any of the following offenses:

1. Substance abuse.

We chose the terminology "substance abuse" to cover the full range of possibilities, both legal and illegal drugs and intoxicants. Some drugs and intoxicants are not illegal, but the use (or overuse) of them is considered abuse, for example, taking certain over-the-counter drugs for non-medical reasons. Even if not technically illegal, those activities could be considered substance abuse. The severity of the offense will be taken into consideration and may result in a lesser discipline.

2. Committing violent, intentionally endangering, or life-threatening acts, except in defense of themselves, others, their family, or their property.

Family members should not commit violent or intentionally endangering or life-threatening acts, except in the rare case of trying to defend themselves, others, or their property. For example, you may, of course, resort to the use of legally sanctioned physical restraint or force if someone is about to bash you—or any innocent helpless person, for that matter—over the head with a bat, or is trying to grab your children or set fire to your property, etc.

This "committing violent acts" clause also covers violence with one's mate or children. If a Family member were to become violent with his or her mate or children, that member would face excommunication. If, however, a mate was defending himself or herself from spousal violence, then it could be judged a matter of self-defense and would not necessarily be grounds for excommunication. (See "Our Stance Against Physical Violence" Statement.)

Violence will not be tolerated in the Family, and those found guilty of violence or repeatedly threatening violence against others will be excommunicated from the Family. The severity of the offense will be taken into consideration and may result in a lesser discipline.

3. Activities that foster schism within the Family, including the continual voicing of doubts, criticisms, or skepticism in a destructive manner designed to foster strife or doubts about Dad, Maria, Peter, the Word, or the Family.

It is understandable that from time to time we have questions or even doubts that we may need to have resolved by discussing them with someone. When such an occasion arises, you should feel free to openly and honestly share your heart with your shepherds so you can get the needed answers and prayer. Such matters are legitimate and need to be expressed, so it's perfectly acceptable to talk about your doubts or your criticisms with an appropriate shepherd when trying to get clarification or counsel, or express an objection to something that you're having a difficult time understanding or following. If you're doing it with the right attitude, and with the right people, whose job it is to try to answer and help you resolve your questions, as well as shepherd you through these things and help you overcome any misconceptions, then there's nothing wrong with it.

However, if you are speaking to members who are not the appropriate shepherds, and if after having been warned against it, you continue airing matters that result in the spreading of doubts or bringing about contention or division, this is unacceptable behavior and will warrant excommunication.

4. Sexual interaction by those 18 years of age and older with minors under the age of 14.

5. Sexual acts or sexual contact by those 18 years of age and older with minors under the age of 16 or the local age of consent, whichever is higher.

6. Male-with-male sexual interaction.

7. Persistent disregard for any of these statutes.

The word "persistent" is defined as "persevering obstinately," and the word "disregard" is defined as "to pay no attention or heed to; to ignore." So if someone is stubbornly and obstinately paying no attention to or is willfully ignoring or disobeying a clause in these statutes, that person will face excommunication, probation or loss of Missionary membership.

Copyright © 2005 by The Family International