1. THE CONGREGATION MUST HAVE A PROPER LEGAL IDENTITY. This is necessary for acquisition of land and real properties, which are to be owned by the church or mission. A “Corporate Proprietorship” listing the members of the congregation as legal participants in all business transactions is necessary. Types of corporations not acceptable are: a) sole proprietorship b) churches or missions listed under another another corporation’s legal identity c) a ‘clause’ in land title or deed that allows the property to revert back to someone else for any reason. Properties that are purchased must list the congregation on the title, indicating the church as the sole owner. Trustees of the corporation should be selected from among the membership of the church or mission. The process of acquiring a legal identity with the Philippine government is not difficult nor expensive, and can be done by the Filipino congregation.
2. WHEN LAND IS TO BE PURCHASED a clear title of such property is to be presented prior to consideration of purchase. This title must be verified through proper title research in the province of its location. Further, zoning laws in the area of the property must indicate that it qualifies for development for use as a church. It should be listed as ‘Light Commercial’ or ‘Institutional’ for such use. Additionally, a feasibility study of locating a church in the given area should be presented. Land type, topography, demography of the immediate area, public transportation access, electrification and water source are considerations to be taken in the study.
3. CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS should be of a particular type, preferably concrete and steel construction to reduce risk of fire, render the building termite proof, and lessen maintenance. Construction plans should be prepared by a local (Philippines) engineer and submitted for approval to White Rock MBC and her advisors, or a set of plans for typical construction will be prepared in three building sizes and offered as a standard building type and arrangement by White Rock Baptist Church. This method is preferred as it minimizes cost and maximizes materials as well as time spent in fabrication and erection of facilities.
4. AN ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION must be determined prior to approval.
5. COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION will be done up to 85% by Philippine Mission Development funds. The remaining 15% of construction will be the responsibility of the Filipino congregation for whom the building is being erected. Following this procedure will provide the congregation a worship facility that can be used even though not finished, and at the same time give them the opportunity and responsibility to contribute their own money and labor in completion of the job.
6. ONLY CONGREGATIONS IN THE REGULAR FELLOWSHIP of Missionary Baptist in the Philippines will be considered for receiving Philippine Mission Development funds. A complete accounting of funds received and expended will be required. Photographic and written reports will also be required during any project undertaken with PMD funds.
