CONSTITUTION
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BIBLICAL EDUCATION (IABE)
1. NAME
The name of the organization shall be the International Association for Biblical Education, Inc. (IABE).
2. MISSION
IABE exists to foster unity in biblical and theological education by encouraging collaboration, upholding excellence in academic quality and spiritual formation, and empowering theological institutions to prepare graduates for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and effective service to the Church.
3. OBJECTS
1. To promote excellence in biblical education by accrediting theological institutions that demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and service.
2. To empower accredited institutions to produce graduates who are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission and advance God’s Kingdom.
3. To establish, maintain, and publish standards for accreditation of theological institutions.
4. To conduct periodic evaluations of accredited institutions to ensure continued compliance with IABE standards.
5. To maintain transparent and consistent quality assurance and accreditation processes, including institutional self-evaluation, external peer review, evaluation visits or virtual reviews, evaluation reports, accreditation decisions, and appropriate follow up activities.
6. To foster a community of institutions and individuals committed to the highest standards of biblical education.
7. To represent and advocate for the interests of theological institutions in relevant forums and with governmental and non-governmental bodies.
8. To organize conferences, seminars, workshops, and other educational activities to promote the objects of the IABE.
9. To engage in fundraising activities and seek donations, grants, and other funding to support the activities and objectives of the IABE.
10. To do all such other lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects.
4. MEMBERSHIP
1. The membership of the IABE shall be open to theological institutions, and organizations that subscribe to the objects of the IABE and meet the criteria for membership as determined by the Board of Directors.
2. The procedure for admission to membership and the rights and obligations of members shall be prescribed in the by-laws of the IABE.
5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. IABE shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall be responsible for the governance, oversight, and management of the affairs of the Association.
2. The composition, powers, duties, and procedures of the Board of Directors shall be prescribed in the By-laws of IABE, consistent with this Constitution.
3. Each Director shall serve a term of three years and may be reelected for one or more additional terms in accordance with this Constitution and the By-laws of IABE.
4. The Board of Directors shall provide governance and oversight of IABE’s accreditation and quality assurance activities and shall ensure that these activities are conducted in accordance with IABE’s published standards, policies, and procedures, with appropriate safeguards for impartiality, transparency, and accountability.
6. OFFICE BEARERS
6.1 PRESIDENT
1. The President shall preside over all the meetings of the Board of Directors and general meetings .
2. The President shall direct other officers to execute the resolution of the Association.
3. The President works in consultation with the Executive Director of the Association to establish agendas for the meetings of the general assembly and the executive committee.
6.2 VICE PRESIDENT
1. The Vice President shall assist the President in the performance of their duties and shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
2. In the absence or inability of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President.
6.3 SECRETARY
1. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the records of the IABE, including minutes of all meetings, membership records, and other official document.
2. The Secretary shall issue notices of meetings and shall be responsible for the correspondence of the IABE.
6.4 TREASURER
1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the IABE, including the custody of funds, maintenance of financial records, and preparation of financial statements.
2. The Treasurer shall present financial reports to the Board of Directors and the General Meetings and shall perform all such other duties as are incidental to the office.
6.5 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
1. The Executive Director shall serve as the chief executive officer of IABE, subject to the authority and oversight of the Board of Directors.
2. The Executive Director shall oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of IABE and implement the policies, decisions, and strategic directions approved by the Board of Directors.
3. The Executive Director shall represent IABE in external affairs, partnerships, and official communications within the authority delegated by the Board of Directors.
4. The Executive Director shall be accountable to the Board of Directors and shall perform such duties as are assigned by the Board in accordance with this Constitution and applicable policies.
5. The Executive Director may attend Board meetings and participate in discussions but shall not have voting rights solely by virtue of holding the office of Executive Director.
7. MEETINGS
7.1 GENERAL MEETINGS
The IABE shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) once a year, within six months of the end of the financial year, to transact the following business:
1. Presentation and approval of the annual report and financial statements.
2. Appointment of auditors.
3. Any other business as may be prescribed in the by-laws or as decided by the Board of Directors.
4. Special General Meetings may be called by the President or by a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a written request of at least one-third of the members.
7.2 BOARD MEETINGS
1. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly to discuss and decide on the management and administration of the IABE.
2. The President shall preside over the Board Meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside.
3. Notice of Board Meetings shall be given to all members of the Board at least seven days in advance.
7.3 QUORUM
1. The quorum for the General Meetings shall be one-third of the total membership.
2. The quorum for the Board Meetings shall be a majority of the members of the Board.
7.4 VOTING
Decisions at all meetings shall be made by a majority vote of the members present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this Memorandum of Association or in the by-laws.
Each member shall have one vote. In the event of a tie, the presiding officer shall have a casting vote.
8. COMMITTEES
1. The Board of Directors may establish committees as deemed necessary to carry out the objects of the IABE.
2. Each committee shall have a chairperson appointed by the Board of Directors.
3. The duties and responsibilities of each committee shall be defined by the Board of Directors.
4. The Board of Directors may establish a Commission on Accreditation as a specialized body responsible for overseeing the accreditation and quality assurance functions of IABE.
5. The Commission on Accreditation shall operate under the authority and policies established by the Board of Directors and shall be accountable to the Board.
6. The Commission on Accreditation shall consist of three (3) voting members appointed by the IABE Board of Directors. The qualifications, terms of service, duties, procedures, and decision-making responsibilities of the Commission shall be established by the Board through appropriate policies or Terms of Reference.
7. Accreditation evaluations shall be conducted by appropriately qualified peer reviewers or evaluation teams in accordance with IABE's published standards, policies, and procedures.
9. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
1. Directors, officers, Commission members, peer reviewers, and other individuals involved in IABE accreditation and quality assurance activities shall disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.
2. An individual with a conflict of interest shall not participate in the evaluation, recommendation, or accreditation decision relating to the institution or program concerned, as determined by applicable IABE policies.
3. IABE shall maintain appropriate procedures to protect the integrity, impartiality, and independence of its accreditation and quality assurance activities.
10. ACCREDITATION
1. IABE shall conduct its accreditation and quality assurance activities in accordance with its published standards, policies, and procedures.
2. Accreditation evaluations, recommendations, and decisions shall be based on documented evidence and established processes and shall be protected from inappropriate influence or interference.
3. IABE shall maintain appropriate safeguards to promote the fairness, consistency, transparency, and integrity of its accreditation activities.
11. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
1. The fiscal year of the IABE shall be from 1st April to 31 March of every succeeding year.
2. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors.
3. All funds of the IABE shall be deposited in accounts designated by the Board of Directors.
4. All disbursements shall be made by checks signed by the Treasurer and one other designated officer, or by other means as approved by the Board of Directors.
5. An annual audit of the IABE’s financial records shall be conducted by an independent auditor appointed by the Board of Directors.
12. RECORD KEEPING
1. The Secretary shall maintain accurate minutes of all meetings of the IABE, including General Meetings and Board Meetings.
2. The Secretary shall maintain a register of members, including their names, addresses, and other relevant details.
3. All records of the IABE shall be open to inspection by members at reasonable times.
13. CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Members of the IABE shall adhere to a code of conduct as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
2. Any member found to be in violation of the code of conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership, as determined by the Board of Directors.
14. AMENDMENTS
Any amendment to this Memorandum of Association shall be made in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the by-laws of the IABE and shall be approved by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a General Meeting.
15. NON-PROFIT NATURE
The IABE is a non-profit organization. All income, earnings, movable or immovable properties of the IABE shall be solely utilized and applied towards the promotion of its aims and objects only as set forth in this Memorandum of Association.
16. ESTABLISHMENT
1.The IABE was established in the year 2015 with the aim of promoting excellence in biblical education.
2.The IABE was officially registered as a non profit organization in USA.
17. DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution or winding up of the International Association for Biblical Education (IABE), no part of the remaining assets or property of the Association shall be distributed to, or for the benefit of, any member, director, officer, or private individual, except as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
After payment or adequate provision for the payment of all debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Association, all remaining assets shall be distributed exclusively for one or more charitable, religious, educational, or other exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or to one or more organizations that are qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and whose purposes are substantially similar to those of IABE, in accordance with the Association’s Articles of Incorporation, this Constitution, and applicable Florida law.
This Memorandum of Association is hereby adopted by the founding members of the International Association for Biblical Education (IABE) in the year of 2021.
