Christian Music Association, Inc.

Administration

Christian Music Association, Inc.

National Headquarters

P O Box 694

Carthage, TX 75633

903-694-9422 phone

903-694-9436 fax

email: info@cma1.org

website: http://christianmusicassociation.org

Government

The governing body of Christian Music Association, Inc. shall consist of the General Council.

The General Council consists of individuals who have been or who will be appointed by the President, and will also serve as the Board of Directors of the Organization and the Chapter Credentials Committee.

The Advisory Council consists of individuals who are registered CMA Ambassador’s Club Partners and have been or who will be appointed by the President as Executive Directors of the Regional Chapters, industry groups and/or ministries described below, and who are responsible for developing and implementing plans to further the individual Regional Chapters, industry groups and ministries.

Both the General Council and the Advisory Council may be increased or decreased as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

General Council:

Linda Bowley, President * Lee Bowley, Jr., Vice President * Kristopher N. Young, Director

Advisory Council:

The Advisory Council consists of the following individuals who have been or who will be appointed in the positions described below:

Executive Directors of Each Christian Music Association Regional Chapter

Executive Director, Performance Industry

Executive Director, Recording Industry

Executive Director, Media Industry

Executive Director, Retail Industry

Additional CMA Ministries which have been or will be established and appointed are:

Executive Director, Seniors Ministries (Includes Retirement Communities)

Executive Director, Youth Ministries (Junior High & High School)

Executive Director, Children’s Ministries (Pre-K & Elementary)

Executive Director, Christian Education (Continuing Education, Sunday School Materials, Home School, and Ministry Instruction and Advancement)

Executive Director, Church and Ministry Planting (Includes planting churches, coffeehouses, youth centers and other ministry venues)

Executive Director, Young Adults Ministries (Includes College Campus Outreach)

Executive Director, Women’s Ministries

Executive Director, Men’s Ministries

Executive Director, Church Music and Praise & Worship Ministries (Includes Worship Leaders, Instrumental Bands, Choirs and Praise Teams)

Executive Director, Foreign Missions & International Ministries

Executive Director, Home Missions

Executive Director, Evangelism

The Christian Music Association is a cooperative fellowship based on mutual agreements voluntarily entered into by the partnership. The partnership consists of those who are involved in various areas of the Christian Music industry, Christian Ministry and Christian Business throughout the world. The Christian Music Association, Inc. is a non-profit religious organization and qualifies for all privileges and protections granted by the laws of the United States of America and the State of Texas and other states where the organization has established Regional Chapters. The Christian Music Association is not associated with any denomination. For more information, see the Christian Music Association’s Statement of Faith, Mission Statement and Scripture Base, attached.

The Christian Music Association was formed for the purpose of advancing the message of Jesus Christ by supporting, promoting and encouraging all genres of Christian music as well as Evangelistic Ministry, and to further the cause of Christ by developing a means for that cause to be fulfilled through each partner. The CMA partnership program was developed with the mission of coordinating a networking environment that will benefit partners involved in Christian Music, Ministry and Business, from the Performer to the Listener and all those in between and behind the scenes. However, the CMA’s purpose is not limited strictly to “music”. Our goals include organizing and developing ministries under each of the Advisory Council categories, and to be a Ministry of Encouragement to those who are involved in the Christian Music Industry, in Christian Ministry, and to those who are Individual Worshippers and Supporters of the same. (John 18:37, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”)

The main goal of every Christian Minister, Music Minister, Evangelist, Teacher, Preacher, Pastor or Layman is to reach the lost for Jesus. We must show them His love, mercy and saving grace. We must bring them into the knowledge of His power, His healing and His ways, and let them feel His love through us so they can have the assurance and peace that comes from knowing Him. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son; that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. Acts 18:19

A joint venture, collaboration, alliance. To share and work toward the same goal in a covenant relationship.

Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 2 Corinthians 8:23

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Philemon 1:17

OUR VISION……THINGS TO COME

CMA is committed to the following faith actions in order to further the cause of Christ:

A strong burden of the Christian Music Association is to promote, encourage and support those who are in active, on-the-ground Christian Ministries, whether they be through music, music related businesses or individual worshippers. We will continually be seeking ways that the organization can help Regional Chapters and Partners become fore effective in their goals and increase their exposure, reaching as many for Christ as possible.

Some ways in which this will be accomplished in the future include development of the Christian Music Association’s Industry Guide, promoting artists through compilation cds and tapes, being active in media marketing and promotion, organizing occasional events and annual awards, offering group medical insurance and much, much more.

The CMA welcomes and encourages input from Executive Directors and Partners about new ideas and industry needs that will be instrumental in the growth and effectiveness for Christ through the organization.

We are confident that God will direct the steps of the leadership of the Organization and each Partner, and that He will supply everything we need to fulfill the calling he has placed on us both as a united team and individually.

Those in the Christian Music Industry and Ministry have needs just as every other growing believer does. Those who invest their lives in caring for and ministering to others also need to be pastored, nurtured, and cared for by spiritual mentors. The Christian Music Association is designed to promote healthy relationships and provide encouragement, nurture and care to its partners. There will always be CMA leadership and partners available for advice, counsel, encouragement, wisdom and support.

Leaders are crying out for practical ways to be accountable in their lives and ministries. While there are many beneficial methods for accountability to occur, we believe that this fellowship can provide mutual accountability through ministry relationships.

God's leaders are too frequently overworked, abused, and overcome by the pressures of ministry and the wounds of people. Ministry designed to restore leaders to lives of wholeness is a goal of this fellowship. CMA intends to provide grace-filled and Bible-based restoration for spiritual leaders who have fallen into sin or destructive life patterns with the goal of seeing full and complete restoration whenever possible.

The Christian Music Association is committed to grow toward an aggressive and strategic church and ministry planting effort. By training and mobilizing teams from within the fellowship, we will produce a mighty force for the end-time harvest. This CMA program will be about raising up local churches and ministries such as coffeehouses, youth centers, seniors centers and a multitude of other types of ministries, that reproduce themselves.

Those involved in the Christian Music Industry as well as ministers and churches have the same need for fellowship on a peer level as do other believers, but frequently it is difficult to find peers of a like mind on a local level. A network of spiritual leaders is a perfect place for genuine and vital relationships to be established and nurtured. In the Christian Music Association, partners can enjoy fellowship, community, and mutually supporting relationships with those of like mind and vision. It is an open and honest commitment to one another. CMA is a catalyst for bringing partners together in a spirit of unity and community. It is our prayer that as time goes on, many interpersonal relationships will develop among our partners. We believe this will happen spontaneously as we spend time together at local, regional and national gatherings and get involved in cooperative projects. CMA plans to make full use of the Internet to enhance relationships and networking. Through our Web site we will provide time-saving links to our Partners’ web pages as well as ministry resource sites which are approved and recommended by CMA.

Together, working cooperatively, much can be achieved for the Kingdom. A concert, event, missions or church planting or ministry project may be too massive for only one ministry or individual to undertake, but with several partners combining resources and strategy, great progress in world evangelization can take place.

Several partners networking together for the purpose of sharing resources, ideas, and proven programs can bear much fruit. For example, worship teams can share and exchange worship songs to maintain a fresh flow of worship in participating churches; ministers can share revelation; drama teams can share skits that touch hearts; and so forth. This networking will be achieved through relationships, the Internet, and conferences.

Assisting ministers and leaders to find God-ordained opportunities, and helping churches locate candidates for ministry positions can meet a growing need and strengthen the body of Christ.

Assisting Evangelists with ministry opportunities through relationships and networking among partners and churches.

Seminars on topics that help partners and congregations apply Biblical principals to their daily lives will be presented by gifted leaders. These seminars will serve as excellent resources for partners involved in the Christian Music Industry and will result in sharpened ministry skills.

Annual conferences and family retreats will provide opportunities for renewal, skill-enhancements, and bonding between the partnership. CMA leaders and other renowned speakers will provide life-changing ministry resources.

It is our vision to publish many of our own manuals, tools, books, cds and tapes to promote, train and build up partners. From time to time we may ask Partners to participate in this effort by submitting writings, stories, instruction and discipleship manuals and other sources of information that may be in their area of expertise. We also desire to make available a regularly updated inventory of resources through our Web site. We will research to find the best available resources for the recommended courses of study.

The operation of the fivefold ministry gifts described in Ephesians 4:11 is imperative for the maturing of the church. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are essential for equipping God's people for the work of ministry. Partners are encouraged to receive from the and use the grace-gifts of fivefold leaders, as well as the individual gifts of the Spirit.

We believe that teamwork and ministry teams are the right approach to ministry. We are committed to the success of one another and place a higher value on team accomplishments than on individual accomplishments. (Ecclesiastes 4:9,“ Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”)

We will model and fan the flames of a passionate and pervasive prayer movement in the local communities of our CMA Partners. We desire that fruitful personal and corporate prayer be a hallmark of our partners. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”)

We will emphasize the priority of resources to reach the younger generations to prepare them to give leadership in the greatest harvest in history. We will strive to coordinate youth and children’s rallies, crusades and camps on a regional basis that will optimize Christ in the lives of our young people. Conversely, we will implement resources and programs to reach senior citizens, homebound and nursing home residents.

We consider healthy, authentic relationships to be indispensable for spiritual leaders. Our network will be based on the foundation of interpersonal relationships which the Holy Spirit inspires and nurtures. We maintain that an effective organization must emerge from personal relationships. We will encourage the practical relational designs of mentoring, coaching, and discipling.

We recognize servant leadership, integrity, and a Godly character as the standard for all ministry. As humans we tend to value gifts and skills as the most important, but God places the priority on character and heart issues. We believe that while talents and gifts are useful, they must function from a foundation of godly character and a desire to live consecrated lives. We urge all believers to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15, 16). In its teaching regarding worldliness, the Scripture warns against participation in activities which defile the body or corrupts the mind and spirit; the inordinate love of or preoccupation with, pleasures, position or possessions which lead to their misuse; the manifestation of extreme behavior, unbecoming speech or inappropriate appearance; or any fascination or association with lessens one’s affection for spiritual things.

We understand the local church as God's chosen and preferred instrument. The foundational instruments of. A growing, functioning and healthy local church is the greatest visible expressions of God's love, grace, and purpose on earth. It is the intention of the fellowship to provide every means available to help the local church grow. Every Partner is encouraged to be an active part of the family of God through a local church and under pastoral leadership.

We believe in the full expression of the spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:8–11) manifested through a filter of love and compassion. We further affirm that the purpose of power ministry is to validate the spoken message in the continual effort to evangelize the lost and complete the Great Commission.

We believe in upholding the highest standards of ministerial courtesy. All ministering partners are advised against interfering with pastors or their church congregations in a discourteous or contentious manner, whether by spoken word, song or correspondence.

According to the Scriptures, personal tithes should be used for the support of the active ministry and for the propagation of the gospel work of the Lord and not be used for other purposes. We recognize the duty of personal and individual tithing and urge all partners to be generous in their giving of tithes and offerings to God through their local church. The Christian Music Association does not require members who hold Regional Chapter Credentials to send a set portion of their own personal tithes to the national office over and above their pledge and commitment as an Ambassador’s Club Partner.

It is suggested that monthly offerings from the Regional Chapters to the National Organization are in accordance with Biblical standards of giving is appropriate and will be applied where applicable to supporting and promoting the Regional Chapter from which it came when possible, as well as to provide a base of support for the operation of the administrative office and the development and furtherance of benefits, compilation cds, study materials, and support of partners in need. All giving should be done in faith, with a heart of love and a commitment to sowing seed into good soil. (Luke 21:1-4, “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”; 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”)

Please understand that this Agreement and Guide does not necessarily represent or include all details of the Christian Music Association’s vision or plans for the future. The organization is and should be continually growing in all areas, and as changes take place amendments will be made.

Blessing
It is the desire of the Christian Music Association as a unified organization that each of us involved prosper and grow in the grace of God, in love and in the ability to reach the lost for Christ and bring others into a greater knowledge of Him.