|
2008 GENERALCONSTITUTION
AND BYLAWS
of the
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD
(INCORPORATED)
Preamble
Whereas, It is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly Father, to call out of the world a people who shall constitute the Body, the Church of Jesus Christ, built and established upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone; and
Whereas, The members of the Body, the Church, are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship and instruction in the Word of God, the work of its ministry, and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament; and Whereas, According to God’s Word, the early Christians came together in such fellowship as a representative Body of blood-washed and Spirit-filled believers, who cooperated with, and sent out, evangelists and missionaries and, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, set over the churches, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, deacons and helpers; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we recognize ourselves as a cooperative Fellowship of Christians, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, till we all come in the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:3-13).
—ARTICLE ONE—
Name, Slogan and Emblem
1. The name of the corporation shall be: PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD (INCORPORATED).
2. Our slogan shall be: “Proclaiming Bible Truth in Pentecostal Power.”
3. The emblem shall be the open Bible, and inscribed, “Proclaiming Bible Truth in Pentecostal Power,” with the borders containing the official church name, along with “Messenger Publications.” The inner space shall be the interlocking letters “PCG” and “EST. 1919.”
—ARTICLE TWO—
Purpose and Prerogative
The constitution of this corporation shall be the objects and purposes thereof, which are as follows:
1. To preach the Gospel and further the cause of the Kingdom of God in the United States of America and foreign lands.
2. To promote and maintain churches and missions in the State of Missouri, the United States of America and foreign lands, to promote fellowship and means of cooperation between churches of similar faith and doctrine, and to promote, establish and maintain certain districts therein, which shall be self-governing insofar as same do not conflict with the objects and purposes of this organization, subject to the jurisdiction and control of the corporation.
3. To promote freedom of worship and liberty of expression, within the limits of its own statement of faith and doctrine, among its own churches, ministers and members.
4. To ordain, license and otherwise qualify ministers to preach the Gospel and provide credentials for the same.
5. To establish and maintain Bible and training schools, inaugurate and maintain charitable institutions, such as homes for the aged, rest homes for ministers and missionaries, orphanages, cemeteries and kindred institutions.
6. To own, operate and maintain such printing and publishing plants as may, in the opinion of the General Board, be necessary to print and publish Bibles, books, pamphlets, periodicals and other religious literature as may be required for its own use; and to sell, give away or otherwise dispose of same in the furtherance of the work of said organization without pecuniary profits to any members of said corporation.
7. To buy, rent, acquire by gift or otherwise, and to own, operate, maintain and use, such real estate and personal and mixed property as shall be necessary for the maintenance, operation and carrying on of the business of the corporation; and to lease, sub-rent, sell, assign, transfer, convey and otherwise dispose of said properties upon such terms and conditions and at such times as, in the opinion of the General Board, be advantageous to the interest of the corporation.
8a. To borrow money for the purpose of purchasing such real estate, personal and mixed property as, in the opinion of the General Board, may be necessary to properly and adequately carry on the objects and purposes of the corporation business and undertakings, and to execute notes, deeds of trust, mortgages and other evidences of indebtedness, on behalf of the corporation, for the repayment thereof, and to satisfy and release notes, deeds of trust, mortgages and other evidences of indebtedness, on behalf of the corporation.
b. For clarification purposes in connection with organizational business affecting church-owned properties, the respective interests in properties, both real, personal and mixed, owned in whole or in part by the Pentecostal Church of God (Incorporated), a Missouri corporation, or any of its districts, shall be construed to be interests in fee simple.
9. To maintain such relations with local, state, federal and foreign governments as may be necessary for the successful accomplishments of the purposes of the organization and for the welfare of the churches, ministers and members thereof.
10. To engage such employees as may be necessary to perform the duties involved in carrying on the corporation business.
11. To make bylaws for the government of the corporation, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, the United States, other states or foreign countries; and to alter, revise and amend the same at will.
—ARTICLE THREE—
Doctrinal Statement
As a Christian constituency of New Testament believers, we, the Pentecostal Church of God, subscribe to the following declaration of the things which are more surely believed among us (Luke 1:1), praying that there be neither harmful nor divisive difference of belief to the injury of any, nor the disturbance of the peace and harmony of the church, and that we may be all of the same mind and same judgment, speaking the same things in love (1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42) and with one voice glorifying God, to the edification of His people, and to give Christian witness to the world.
1. The Scriptures
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) presenting to us the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and constituting the Divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice (2 Peter 1:21).
2. The Godhead
We believe there is but one true and living God, who is everlasting, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness; that He is the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, and Preserver of all things (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16). In the unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one individual essence, who are co-equal, co-existent and co-eternal; namely, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:18, 19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1, 2, 18; 10:33; 14:26; 15:26; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 9:14).
The Son is the eternally begotten of the Father and accepted earthly limitations for the purpose of incarnation, being true God and true man; conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the just for the unjust as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on High as our great High Priest, and He will return again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and justice.
The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, Executive of the Godhead on earth, the Comforter sent by the Lord Jesus Christ to indwell, to guide and to teach the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.
3. Man, His Fall and Redemption
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world (Romans 5:12). “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3: 10). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil, and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man to God (1 John 3:8).
4. Salvation
Salvation is made possible through the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross and through Holy Spirit conviction. Godly sorrow works repentance and makes possible the experience of the new birth, and Christ formed within us is the gift of eternal life (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7).
Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the Law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8).
Man is a free moral agent and can at any time after the new birth experience turn away from God and die in a state of sin; with the consequences of hell to look forward to.
5. The Church
The true Church, built upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20), is the Body of our Lord (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27); Christ being the Head (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). Its earthly constituents are all true believers, born again of the Spirit (John 3:6) and of the Word (1 Peter 1:23), who are living an overcoming Christian life (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:27). To the Church, through its members, is delegated the various gifts and offices of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27, 28) which are necessary for the successful evangelization of the world and the perfecting of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11, 12).
This universal, invisible, sanctified Church is the chaste virgin Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:1, 2; Ephesians 5:26, 27; Revelation 21:9b, 27). It is this Bride for whom Jesus Christ returns, just prior to the Great Tribulation, to catch her away and take her to heaven (John 14:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
6. The Ministry
God, through the Holy Spirit, definitely calls such as He desires to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and specifically endues the one called with the talents and gifts peculiar to that office or offices (Ephesians 4:11-13). Under no circumstances should anyone be ordained or set apart to any such office unless the calling is distinct and evident.
7. Water Baptism
Baptism in water is by immersion, a direct commandment of our Lord (Matthew 28:19), and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39).
The following recommendation regarding the water baptism formula is adopted, “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
8. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11), is a gift from God, as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation, and is received subsequent to the new birth (John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38, 39; 10:44-48). The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is accompanied by the speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance as the initial physical sign and evidence (Acts 2:4).
9. Sanctification
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive, work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 13:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
10. The Lord’s Supper
The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a commandment of our Savior; and being a memorial to His death and resurrection, is strictly limited to Christian believers (1 Corinthians 11:27). The time and frequency of its observance is left to the discretion of each congregation (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Only unfermented grape juice, the fruit of the vine, as recommended by our Lord (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18) shall be used in connection therewith.
11. Foot Washing
Foot washing is recognized among many believers as a Christian practice, and the time, manner and frequency of its observance is left to the discretion of each local congregation (John 13).
12. Divine Healing
Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God, through the prayer of faith, and by the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18; James 5:14, 15). It is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is available to all who truly believe.
13. The Resurrection of the Just
The Bible promises, “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner” (Acts 1:11). His coming is imminent; when He comes, “The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).
14. Setting a Time for the Lord’s Return
It is unwise to teach that the Lord will come at some specified time, thereby setting a date for His appearing. It is also unwise to teach, preach or publish visions of numbers and dates which would tend to fix the time of the second coming of the Lord (Mark 13:32, 33).
15. The Coming of the Lord
We believe the Bible presents the coming of Christ as personal, imminent, pre-tribulational and pre-millennial. We further contend that this position alone admonishes watchfulness, incites holy living, prevents spiritual declension, and provides maximum incentive and motive for urgency and zeal in evangelizing the unsaved. As demonic deception and satanic darkness deepens, we urge our ministers to maintain and proclaim this doctrinal viewpoint as the “blessed hope” of the Church.
Furthermore, we recommend that should any of our preachers hold to the mid or post-tribulation doctrine, they refrain from preaching and teaching it. Should they persist in emphasizing this doctrine to the point of making it an issue, their standing in the fellowship will be seriously affected.
16. Hell and Eternal Retribution
The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire, and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance (Hebrews 9:27). The Lake of Fire is literal (Revelation 19:20). The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned (Matthew 25:41-46) in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence, as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the presence of God.
17. Tithes
We recognize the scriptural duty of all our people, as well as ministers, to pay tithes as unto the Lord (Hebrews 7:8).
Tithes should be used for the support of the active ministry and for the propagation of the Gospel and work of the Lord in general and not given to charity or used for other purposes (Malachi 3:7-11; Hebrews 7:2; 1 Corinthians 9:7-11; 16:2).
—ARTICLE FOUR—
Form of Government
The Pentecostal Church of God now has, and shall always maintain, a representative and congregational form of government.
—ARTICLE FIVE—
Corporate Officers
1. OFFICERS
a. The officers designated as follows, shall sign all deeds, notes, mortgages, leases and other documents of every character and description, and shall attach the corporate seal to such thereof as may be necessary, for and on behalf of the corporation; and shall manage, direct, superintend and carry on the business of the corporation; subject to the approval or disapproval of the General
Board:
1 President.
1 Secretary.
b. The office of president shall, at all times, be filled by the general bishop, and his term, election or appointment shall coincide therewith.
c. The office of secretary shall, at all times, be filled by the general secretary, and his term, election or appointment shall coincide therewith.
2. SELECTION, QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF
CORPORATE OFFICERS
a. General Bishop (President):
(1) The general bishop and president shall be a male member of the organization, an ordained minister with not less than ten (10) years of experience in the ministry and shall not be less than thirty-five (35) years of age. He shall be elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the organization cast at a General Convention, for a term of two (2) years. He shall be required to establish a home and reside in the city in which the General Headquarters is located, and shall be required to spend at least ten (10) days of each month in the General Office. Should said office become vacant, for any reason, the General Board may appoint a suitable, qualified male person to fill the unexpired term.
(2) The general bishop shall have general supervision, direction and management over all undertakings and operations of the organization, to which he shall devote all of his time and efforts, and for which he may be paid a stipulated remuneration. He shall act as chairman of all General Conventions, General Board and General Council meetings, and shall be ex officio member of all standing committees; shall also perform such duties as may be required of him as president of the corporation; and shall report his activities in writing at all General Board meetings and General Conventions.
(3) He shall be requested to represent our organization to other functions at which we should have a voice, and to the government when necessary.
(4) He shall spend more than his required time in the office when possible, being on call to the districts when needed.
b. General Secretary (and secretary):
(1) The general secretary shall be a male member of the organization and an ordained minister with not less than six (6) years experience in the ministry. He shall be elected under the same rules which govern the election of other general officials. He shall devote all of his time and attention to his duties, for which he shall receive a stipulated remuneration.
(2) The general secretary shall be the corporate secretary and legal officer in custody of the corporate seal and shall retain and keep up-to-date such books and records as may be necessary for the corporation. He shall bring all records and documents to current status and maintain the same, including registration with all agencies as needed.
(3) He shall provide information on legal matters from legal counsel to the general and district offices. The proper deeding of properties and other legal documents shall have his oversight.
(4) He will be custodial secretary of the corporate seal and as the corporate secretary shall, with the president, sign all deeds, notes, mortgages, leases and other documents of every character and description and shall attach the corporate seal to such thereof as may be necessary for and on behalf of the corporation.
(5) He shall supervise the official archives of the movement and keep it in good and proper order. As recording secretary, he shall keep a clear and accurate record of the minutes of all meetings of the General Convention, General Board and General Council (and related committees and boards) which shall be read and presented at such meetings. He shall be a member of the General Board, the General Council, the World Missions Board, the Home Missions Board, and ex officio member of all standing committees and boards.
(6) He shall maintain a record of all credentialed members and missionaries, and shall issue the necessary credentials when so instructed by the Credentials Committee of the district from which the application comes provided, however, all requirements of the General Constitution and Bylaws are fully met. In the event an application is in question on any matter, said application will be held for review by the General Council. He shall also issue church membership charters.
(7) He shall keep an up-to-date record of churches, membership and important related data.
(8) He shall carry on such correspondence as may be required by his office.
(9) He will develop and supervise the official office of information, maintaining current data to share with our constituency and national directors.
(10) He will direct communications and public relations and the office of development.
(11) He will develop and direct the stewardship program being involved in acquisition of resources for ministry.
(12) He will be over external affairs and work toward the effectiveness of ministry and clear communication on church purpose.
(13) He will assist the general bishop in communicating the vision and purpose of the church throughout the constituency.
(14) He will administer the ministerial credentials and church charter office along with the church membership roll.
(15) He shall submit written reports as may be required of the activities of his office to the General Convention, General Board and General Council meetings.
(16) He shall reside in the city where the international headquarters is located.
(17) This position is considered a full time resident office position.
(18) He shall be furnished a full job description and shall furnish such reports and data to the general bishop as needed upon request.
(19) The secretary shall procure suitable loose-leaf minutes books, one for the General Board meetings and one for the General Convention, in which he shall record all resolutions, motions and other matters passed upon, the action taken and a complete record of all meetings. These minutes shall be printed and furnished to all general officials and district secretaries.
(20) A roster containing names of all ministers of the organization shall be kept by the general secretary at the General Headquarters office, also by the district secretary in the district office, and the General Office shall notify the district secretary whenever a minister’s fellowship certificate has been surrendered, or withdrawn.
—ARTICLE SIX—
Assistant General Bishops
1. The assistant general bishops shall meet the requirements as set forth in the General Bylaws for the general bishop and must be in the active full-time ministry, but shall not be required to be a member or have been a member of the General Board.
2. They shall be elected by the voting constituency of each of six geographical divisions of the United States in which the assistant general bishop resides. This election shall be ratified by the General Convention. Each must reside in the division from which he was elected and remain in that division during his entire stay in office. In the event he shall move from the area he serves, the office shall immediately become vacant. The assistant general bishop shall reside within the geographical division of the United States of their respective divisions, as follows:
a. North Central Division—Districts: Central, Illinois, Minnesota, North Central, Southern Missouri.
b. South Central Division—Districts: Arkansas, East Texas, Louisiana, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Central Hispanic, Southwest Texas.
c. Northeastern Division—Districts: Capital, Indiana, Michigan, Northeast Hispanic, Ohio.
d. Southeastern Division—Districts: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mid-Atlantic Coast, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia.
e. Northwestern Division—Districts: Alaska, Colorado, Oregon/ Southern Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Utah-Wyoming, Yellowstone.
f. Southwestern Division—Districts: Arizona, Arizona Hispanic, Central California, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern California Hispanic, Northern California, Northern California Hispanic.
3. Duties shall be left to the discretion of the General Board.
4. They shall serve a term of two (2) years. Should any one of these offices become vacant for any reason, the General Board shall appoint a successor to serve the unexpired term.
5. Compensation at a stipulated rate for each mile traveled on business pertaining to this office shall be given, said finance to be paid by the district requesting their service.
—ARTICLE SEVEN—
General Conventions
1. The General Board will determine the location, dates and schedule for the biennial General Convention. The dates should be scheduled between June 15 and July 2.
2. This also applies to the Youth Ministries schedule on the off year. The dates of General Convention shall be established at least two years in advance.
3. The voting constituency shall consist of the following, when duly registered (all ministers’ credentials must be current):
a. All officers of the organization.
b. Ordained ministers.
c. Licensed ministers.
d. Exhorter ministers.
e. General officials from our foreign fields.
f. The saved spouse of each of the above ministers.
g. Spouses of deceased ministers who continue to maintain active membership in local Pentecostal Church of God churches.
h. Each chartered church may elect or duly appoint from its membership two (2) delegates per fifty (50) or a fraction thereof in average Sunday morning attendance as reported on the last Annual Local Church Report. Delegates must be members of the local church and at least eighteen (18) years of age.
4. All the voting constituency shall be present and registered and shall show proper credentials to the Credentials Committee, who shall pass on whether or not they shall be seated.
5. Absentee ballots will not be allowed except those coming from foreign missionaries unable to attend and those who have been present, registered, and who had to leave the convention because of emergencies.
6. All matters coming before the General Convention shall be decided by majority vote, except those requiring a two-thirds (2/3) vote, as set forth in these bylaws.
7. Each department shall submit a proposed budget of convention offerings and expenses to the General Council prior to General Convention for their consideration.
8. The district bishops are asked to report from their territories to the General Convention in session, said reports to be filed with the general secretary sixty (60) days before the General Convention opens. Said reports shall contain a summary of their accomplishments in their respective districts covering accounts of establishment of new churches, dedication of buildings, additions of ministers and workers, or other worthwhile gains among Sunday school, Youth Ministries and Women’s Ministries groups. These reports are to be printed in booklet form, and included in the convention packet, the cost being considered in the registration fee.
9. The Biennial General Convention of the Pentecostal Church of God, convening in regular or special called business sessions shall be the highest ruling and policy making body in the organization. The action taken by said General Convention shall be binding upon the organization in every respect. All officials, both general and district, as well as all boards and committees, shall be bound by this action.
The vote of the General Convention shall not be altered, changed nor ignored by any general official, board or committee and can only be changed by a succeeding General Convention by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
10. A summary of delegates from the various districts attending each General Convention shall be placed in the minutes of that convention.
—ARTICLE EIGHT—
Order of Business
The general bishop shall serve as chairman and the general secretary as secretary at all General Conventions, and the order of business shall proceed as follows:
The General Credentials Committee shall pass upon credentials of delegates, or members, and seat those qualified; and they only shall vote on all subsequent matters considered by the convention.
The chairman shall appoint the various committees prior to the convention as needed:
The meeting shall be called to order by the Chairman.
Report of Registration Committee.
Report of Rules of Order Committee.
Report of General Bishop.
Report of General Secretary.
Report of Business Manager.
Report of Auditors.
General Administrative Financial Report.
Report of Director of World Missions.
World Missions Financial Report.
Report of Director of Indian Missions.
Indian Missions Financial Report.
Report of Director of Home Missions.
Home Missions Financial Report.
Report of Director of Youth Ministries.
Youth Ministries Financial Report
Report of Director of Women’s Ministries.
Women’s Ministries Financial Report.
Report of Director of Discipleship Ministries.
Unfinished Business.
Report of Committees.
Report of Resolutions Committee.
Election of Officers.
New Business (other than resolutions or amendments to the
Constitution and Bylaws).
Adjournment.
—ARTICLE NINE—
General Board
1. The General Board, consisting of the following described officials, shall be the managing directors and the governing body of the organization, and its approval or disapproval of the acts of the officers, hereinafter designated, shall fully bind the corporation:
General Bishop.
General Secretary.
The six Assistant General Bishops.
Director of World Missions.
Director of Home Missions.
Director of Youth Ministries.
Director of Indian Missions.
President of Messenger College.
District Representation.
a. Districts consisting of one (1) to fifteen (15) duly chartered churches shall be represented by the district bishop. In the event the district bishop is unable to attend, one of the other district officials shall represent the district.
b. Districts consisting of sixteen (16) to twenty-five (25) duly chartered churches shall be represented by the district bishop and either the district secretary/treasurer or the district presbyter.
c. Districts with more than twenty-five (25) duly chartered churches shall be represented by the district bishop, the district secretary/treasurer and the district presbyter.
d. This does not exclude honorary board members.
e. Only members of the General Board will pay tithes to the General Office.
2. The general bishop shall act as chairman, and the general secretary shall act as secretary, at all meetings of the General Board.
3. A summary of action taken at all General Board meetings shall be made available, upon request, to any ordained minister of the Pentecostal Church of God, in good standing, said summary to exclude all discussion and comment which reflects negatively on any individual. Each written request shall be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
4. The General Board shall meet on the third Tuesday and the Wednesday and Thursday following of each June and November, with the exception of the General Convention year, in which they shall meet in November only, the June meeting being taken care of at the convention, and providing that the November meeting dates may be adjusted seasonally, upon written notice to each General Board member, mailed to his last known address at least thirty (30) days before said meeting—for the purpose of transacting such business of the corporation as may come before it—and no further notice of such meeting shall be given. In the event of emergencies, special meetings may be called by mailing notices thereof, stating the purpose of such meetings, to each member at his last known address, not less than ten (10) days prior to date of such meetings.
5. The first order of business shall be the roll call of the members. If a majority is present in person, or by proxy, a quorum shall be declared, and they shall proceed with the business at hand. However, if a quorum is not declared, then no business can be legally transacted at that meeting. A majority vote should be required to pass any motion, resolution or other matter before the boards.
6. Such other committees and boards as may be necessary shall be appointed by the chairman of the General Board.
7. New General Board policies which affect ministerial relations, when added, shall be printed in The Pentecostal Messenger for distribution to each minister holding credentials.
8. A scale of representation be established by the Multi-Cultural Division and the General Board for equal representation on the General Board.
9. No in-house Officer or Director shall receive per diem for any meeting attended, whether it be at the General Office or elsewhere. And no committee member will receive more than one per diem per day even though they may attend more than one meeting.
—ARTICLE TEN—
General Council
1. There shall be a General Council of nine people consisting of the following:
1 General Bishop
1 General Secretary
7 Assistant General Bishops with one Assistant General of ethnicity (i.e. Hispanic, American Indian, African American, Asian American, etc.) The Assistant General Bishop of Ethnicity will be nominated by the General Council and the General Board and be voted on by the General Board. A process that will allow ethnics/minorities to serve on the General Council (the same as Assistant General Bishops) shall be established by the Cross Cultural Division and approved by the General Board.
2. The General Council shall serve as the Credential Review Committee and Board of Appeals. The General Council shall function on a quorum basis, a quorum consisting of two-thirds or sixty-six percent (66%) of all members. Any time a meeting is scheduled all members of the Council shall be informed with at least a seven day notice.
3. The General Council shall serve as the Finance Committee for the Pentecostal Church of God.
4. The General Council may be assigned other duties by the General Board as needed.
5. The General Council is authorized to act in behalf of the General Board in emergency situations.
6. Each department of the general organization shall be directed by a "Ministry Director." Ministry Directors shall meet monthly with the General Bishop and General Secretary and shall furnish a financial budget report at this meeting, as well as their vision for their particular department. The General Board shall have the authority to reprimand and if needed to terminate the Ministry Directors who do not adhere to and comply with job description given for such position.
7. The General Council shall meet quarterly with each Ministry Director submitting a financial budget report. Departmental directors shall be consulted when issues arise concerning their departments.
8. The General Council shall be fully accountable to the General Board and General Convention.
9. The General Council shall be elected at each General Convention. Ministry Directors shall be nominated by the General Council (up to three names submitted, with the General Board being allowed to make nominations as well) and elected by the General Board for a term of two (2) years.
10. The General Bishop shall be fully accountable to the General Council, General Board and General Convention and shall give account of activities and vision to each of these. Each Ministry Director shall be accountable to the General Bishop, General Council and General Board.
11. Vision for the Pentecostal Church of God shall flow from the General Bishop's office through each department and the General Bishop shall communicate with Ministry Directors that vision.
Ministry Directors shall promote in unity the overall vision of the Bishop for the movement. Each district is encouraged to follow a similar procedure with the District Bishop having the opporunity to choose the district ministry team to advance one vision of the district.
—ARTICLE ELEVEN—
Districts
1. Our field of labor shall be divided into districts, whose boundaries shall be established by mutual agreement by the officials in the districts and the General Board.
2. Each district shall have its own representative form of government, which shall include a district bishop, who shall have general supervision of the district, and if so desired, one district presbyter, one district secretary/treasurer and as many sectional presbyters as may be deemed necessary.
3. New districts having less than ten (10) churches, and established districts whose number of churches shall fall below ten (10) churches, shall be under the jurisdiction of the General Board. Said General Board shall have full authority to reappoint incumbent officers, or appoint new officers, at will, and to supervise the business of the district. While these authorities are hereby granted, it does not necessarily follow that the General Board will exercise its prerogative.
4. The district bishop, whose qualifications are set forth in these bylaws under Article Twelve, shall be elected at the district convention for a term of two (2) years, unless the district bylaws provide otherwise. However, in the formation of new districts, he may be appointed by the general bishop; he shall report to the general bishop once each month, and shall be a member of the General Board.
5. Each district shall elect its own officers and make its own governmental regulations and bylaws, which shall not conflict with the regulations and bylaws of the general organization.
6. All ministers shall report once each month to their district bishop.
—ARTICLE TWELVE—
District Officers
1. DISTRICT BISHOP
a. The district bishop shall be elected by the district organization. If not otherwise provided in the district bylaws, he will be elected for a term of two (2) years. Each one shall have general supervision of his district; shall be a male member of the organization, an ordained minister with at least seven (7) years experience in the ministry, with three (3) of those years as an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Church of God, in the active ministry. He shall not be less than thirty-five (35) years of age; shall be a member of the General Board, and shall represent his district at General Conventions.
b. In the event this office becomes vacant for any reason, the general bishop sitting as chairman, and the official district board of the respective district, shall appoint some suitable member of that district, who shall properly qualify, to complete the unexpired term, unless provisions have been made by the district.
2. DISTRICT PRESBYTER
a. The district presbyter shall be elected by the district organization—only one district presbyter from each district. He shall be a male member of the organization, an ordained minister with at least seven (7) years experience in the ministry, and not less than thirty-five (35) years of age, and if not otherwise provided for in the district bylaws, he shall be elected in his respective district for a term of two (2) years. He shall, together with the district bishop, represent his district at General Conventions and if applicable, General Board meetings.
b. In the event this office becomes vacant for any reason, the official District Board of his respective district shall appoint some suitable member of the organization, from the district, to complete the unexpired term.
c. The duties of the district presbyter shall be to cooperate with and assist the district bishop; to open new fields, to assist the pastors and evangelists in evangelizing new fields.
3. DISTRICT SECRETARY/TREASURER
a. The district secretary/treasurer shall be a male member of the organization, an ordained minister with at least seven (7) years experience in the ministry, not less than thirty (30) years of age, baptized with the Holy Ghost. If not otherwise provided for in the district bylaws, he shall be elected in his respective district for a term of two (2) years.
b. The district secretary/treasurer together with the district bishop and the district presbyter, shall represent his district at the General Conventions and if applicable, General Board Meetings.
c. In the event this office becomes vacant for any reason, the official district board of his respective district shall appoint some suitable member of the organization from that district to complete the unexpired term.
—ARTICLE THIRTEEN—
Local Churches
1. Title to all local church properties (both real and personal), either purchased by or given to the Pentecostal Church of God, is to be held in fee simple in the name of the recognized district of the Pentecostal Church of God in which the property is located. Each district shall carry a dissolution clause directing, upon the dissolution of the district, that all net assets shall accrue to the Pentecostal Church of God (Incorporated), a Missouri corporation whose headquarters is located in Joplin, Missouri.
a. Property owned, paid for or partly paid for by, or given to, the Pentecostal Church of God or one of its districts may be deeded to the local church (or its trustees), provided the following reversionary clause is a part of the deed:
“In the event of either an attempted conveyance of church property, or disaffiliation with the Pentecostal Church of God, or the dissolution of the local church, the property will revert to the respective district of the Pentecostal Church of God.”
b. The local church which has been granted title to the local church (or its trustees) with the reversionary clause as an integral part of the deed shall have full right, power and authority to sell, exchange, transfer and convey said property, or to borrow money and pledge the said real estate for the repayment of the same and to exercise all necessary deeds, conveyances, etc.; provided the proposition shall first be presented to a regular or special called meeting of the local church where proper notice is given and a quorum (majority) of the members are present, chaired by the district bishop of the Pentecostal Church of God or one he may appoint, and the project is approved by two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the said church present and voting; and, provided the project is approved by a majority of the members of the district board, who shall authorize the necessary “waiver” or “subordination agreement” to facilitate the action.
c. Inasmuch as Indian Missions properties (churches) have land grants, revocable permits, and the others are deeded to the Pentecostal Church of God (Incorporated), Joplin, Missouri, a Missouri corporation, they shall be excluded.
2. When a new church starts, it is to be reported immediately to the General Office for tax status purposes. When the congregation attains a qualified membership of ten (10) members, the church is to be set in order and reported to the General Office to be added to the general assessment roll.
3. Local churches shall elect their own pastors and officers, and shall maintain their own form of government, Constitution and Bylaws, which shall not conflict with those of the district or general organization.
4. Each church shall cooperate by completing an annual survey sent by the General Office which shall include information pertinent to that required by the government establishing chaplaincy quotas. Responsibility for cooperation to fulfill this important need will rest upon the district bishops and the local pastors, to be submitted by January 1 of each year.
5. If any pastor, official, member or any other person or persons of any congregation or church should be found to be conspiring, plotting or planning in any manner against the welfare of the Pentecostal Church of God, for the purpose of gaining control of any real estate or personal property of any congregation, or of the Pentecostal Church of God, or any other situation should arise that might require prompt and definite action; then, and in that event, the general organization or the district organization shall, and are authorized and directed by, and through their proper official to, promptly takepossession of said property or properties, in the name of the Pentecostal Church of God, and so retain possession thereof until the emergency has passed.
6. Since the tithe is God’s plan for financing His church, each church affiliated and associated with the Pentecostal Church of God is encouraged to support general and district ministries with Firstfruits (10%) of their undesignated income (designated income=salaries, missions, etc.). Each church’s Firstfruits shall be sent to their respective district office with the district office forwarding 1/2 of local church contribution to the general office. Districts with 35 churches or less will forward 1/3 of local contribution to the general office.
7. Each chartered church may elect or duly appoint from its membership two (2) delegates per fifty (50) or fraction thereof in average Sunday morning attendance as reported on the last Annual Local Church Report. Delegates must be members of the local church and at least eighteen (18) years of age. Each church delegate to the General Convention shall present his or her credentials from the church he or she represents to the Credentials Committee upon arrival.
8. All churches set in order in the fellowship of the Pentecostal Church of God shall be required to use the Sunday school literature published by the Pentecostal Church of God.
9. Any person accepted for membership in a Pentecostal Church of God must have a born again experience of salvation, and either have or be actively engaged in seeking the Baptism of the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:4.
10. No applicant for ministerial credentials shall be allowed to try out for any of our Pentecostal Church of God churches or be an interim pastor until cleared by the General Office, even though they have been approved by the district board.
11. All churches listed on the Pentecostal Church of God IRS list shall be pastored by ministers credentialed with the Pentecostal Church of God. All district bylaws shall be amended to provide the same.
12. The Pentecostal Church of God recommends the authorized King James text for English speaking churches.
13. The Pentecostal Church of God declares its total opposition to the sin of gambling in any form, including social gambling such as: lotteries, bingo, raffles, etc.
—ARTICLE FOURTEEN—
Ministry
1. MINISTERIAL RELATIONS
a. Our churches are privileged to use the ministers of other churches of like faith, as evangelists only. Any pastor or evangelist is privileged to labor in other churches where he deems it wise to do so for the upbuilding of the cause of his or her district, providing he or she does not lend his or her efforts to a neighboring antagonistic assembly or church, thereby injuring the Pentecostal Church of God congregation in the community.
b. Our ministers shall cultivate mutual fellowship and work in harmony. They shall not lend themselves to any disgruntled element in any local church for the purpose of deposing the present pastor or causing dissension or strife. Those doing such are subject to discipline.
c. Ministers and workers are advised not to interfere with others who may have charge of a church or mission, whether it be contacting the members without the consent of the one in charge, or by corresponding with the members of the church, so as to affect the influence of the leaders. All inquiries or correspondence that concerns the church, such as visiting the field, conducting meetings, etc., should be addressed to the pastor; or where there is no pastor, the correspondence should be addressed to the church secretary and/or trustees.
d. Any minister going from one district to another shall, upon arrival, notify the officials of the district into which he/she enters. After being in said district six (6) months, he/she shall be required to transfer to said district, unless actively engaged in extensive evangelism.
e. No district may refuse the transfer of an ordained minister, who is in good standing with another district, without bringing charges against the minister being transferred.
f. When a minister is transferred from one district to another, a copy of the said transfer should be mailed or given to the minister being transferred.
g. No district may refuse to transfer a minister who is in good standing without just cause. Good standing shall mean that the one being transferred has not violated any general or district bylaws, has no pending charges and has paid all fees and met their obligations. Just cause is to be determined by the District Executive Committee. In the holding up of a transfer, proper notice is to be given to the minister who is seeking to be transferred.
h. A general transfer system for international ministers (which will include a training program) shall be formed by the Cross Culture Division and approved by the General Board.
i. The ministers who are being considered for the pastorate of one of our churches shall be advised of any outstanding obligations to the General Office, and shall be instructed regarding the responsibility to see that such obligations are paid by the respective department of the church for which the obligation was contracted.
j. We shall not be confined in our fellowship and cooperation to those affiliated with us, and we shall not discriminate against any other member of the Body of Christ, and we shall not seek to discourage or boycott any Christian periodical.
k. Whereas, the Bible teaches that we should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, and whereas a Christian’s effectiveness in witnessing would be drastically impaired, if not entirely destroyed, by maintaining membership in a lodge, secret order or secret society, no minister, on any level of the Pentecostal Church of God, shall be permitted to carry credentials with this organization and belong at the same time to a lodge, secret order or society.
l. This shall not refer to trade unions, where membership is necessary for employment.
m. Each District Constitution and Bylaws shall carry this provision.
n. Each district shall, through its proper officials, ordain and license suitable candidates for the ministry, subject to the conditions set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the general organization and the respective district.
o. It is recommended that each candidate first prove his/her ministry, and that a period of license precede the ordination.
p. A minister applying for credentials is required to make that application through the district in which he/she is a resident, unless approval is granted from the resident district for application to be made through another district.
q. Each candidate for ministerial ordination with the Pentecostal Church of God is required to give to his respective district board clear and satisfactory evidence of adequate understanding of, agreement with and ability to teach with ample scriptural references, all items included in the doctrinal statement of the Pentecostal Church of God, as printed in our Constitution and Bylaws. A brief commentary concerning each question of the point of doctrine will be given each candidate for ordination.
r. The personal qualifications for exhorters and licensed ministers shall be identical with those for ordination, which shall be enforced by each district board.
s. In recognition of the fact that ordination is the highest goal to which a minister may attain and, therefore, is reserved for those who have spent sufficient time in the active ministry so as to prove his/her qualifications for this high office, no person shall be ordained to the ministry who is not active in the ministry at the time application is made for ordination and/or who does not give clear evidence of his or her intention to remain in the active ministry.
t. In order to be considered for ordination, the applicant must have fulfilled at least one (1) full year of full-time ministry; if working on a secular job, must have at least two (2) years’ experience in an acceptable ministry. Each District Constitution and Bylaw shall contain this provision.
2. UNIFORM MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS
a. Minister’s Study Series: The Minister’s Study Series, series one and two, shall be the official study course for ministers of the Pentecostal Church of God and shall be a mandatory program for credentials for all new ministers and those advancing from exhorters to license and ordination credentials. Upon completion of Minister’s Study Series I, and upon completion of Series II, a comprehensive test, provided by the General Office, will be given to the minister by his/her respective district. Said minister must receive a seventy percent (70%) score on the test in order to receive a certificate of completion. Should said minister fail to achieve a score of at least seventy percent (70%), he/she must repeat the test until the satisfactory score is achieved. Neither Series I nor Series II will be deemed completed until satisfactory score is achieved. A certificate of completion shall precede acceptance for ordination. Although this is a national program, it shall be processed through the district office. If the minister has completed equivalent studies, this requirement shall be waived. For ministers transferring to us from another organization, a questionnaire shall be established from this series for exhorter, license and ordination, which, at the discretion of the District Credentials Committee he/she shall be asked to take at the level of credentials desired. If passed and everything else is cleared, he/she shall be granted the desired credential. If the minister does not pass, he/she shall be asked to take the course from whatever level was failed.
b. Exhorter: The exhorter credential shall be considered a first step toward ordination. Upon acceptance as an exhorter, by meeting certain minimum qualifications on the present application, he/she shall hold this first step credential for a minimum of one (1) year. During this time he/she may exercise spiritual ministries as his/her gifts may be. The minister and spouse, if saved, may be seated as delegates to the General Convention if current with their credentials and properly registered. The decision as to whether exhorters should be seated in district conventions shall be left to the discretion of each district.
During this one-year period he/she may complete the first series of the Minister’s Study Series and complete the reading of the whole Bible, but this must be completed within two (2) years.
At the end of this one-year period he/she may meet the board with an application for advancement to license. He/She must meet the board for advancement by the end of a two-year period, or it shall be determined by the board if he/she is to retain his/her exhorter credentials. The board may drop the minister’s credentials at its discretion.
c. Preaching License: The license credentials is considered a second step toward the goal of becoming an ordained minister.
Upon acceptance as a licensed minister by having completed series one of the Minister’s Study Series, having read the whole Bible and given evidence of definite plans to be active in the ministry—the licensed minister shall carry license for a minimum of two (2) years, during which time he/she must have become active in the ministry, and have completed series two of the Minister’s Study Series at the time of applying for ordination.
As a licensed minister he/she is at liberty to exercise his/her gift as the Spirit leads and the doors open. The minister and spouse, if saved, have the privilege of being seated as delegates in the district and General Conventions, if his/her credentials are current and he/she is properly registered. He/She may meet his/her respective district board at the end of two (2) years for advancement to ordination.
d. Ordination: Being now ready for the final step toward the goal to be the ordained minister, the minister shall meet his/her district board with an application. It will be necessary to have a certificate of completion of the Minister’s Study Series and be in the active ministry at the time of applying for ordination and to give clear evidence of his/her intention to remain in the active ministry to qualify.
The ordained minister shall enjoy the privileges of spiritual ministry as the Lord leads and be a delegate along with the spouse, if saved, if his/her credentials are current and he/she is properly registered in both his/her district and General Conventions.
No person shall pass through the ordination ceremony without an approval of application for ordination by the general office.
e. Specialized Ministry License: A specialized ministry license may be granted to those who have an evident commitment to devote one’s time to a specialized ministry, such as Christian education, music or other full-time ministries as defined by the General Board.
One receiving such credentials must possess the necessary training, either formal or an adequate equivalency (requirements to be set by the General Board), to enable him/her to serve the church effectively in these specialized areas of ministry.
The minister holding these specialized credentials shall not be eligible for ordination as long as he/she remains solely in these specialized areas.
In the event the specialized minister enters into a pulpit ministry, he/she would then be eligible for regular license and proceed to ordination according to the prescribed procedure.
f. Any licensed minister desiring ordination in any district other than the one from which he/she has been licensed, shall present a recommendation from the bishop and secretary/treasurer of the district issuing the license.
g. Applicants for credentials or promotions may be denied, even though all the required criteria is met, if it is deemed that the acceptance of the applicant for other reasons would be detrimental to the well-being of the church as a whole.
h. The renewal of fellowship certificates shall be made through the district office where membership is held.
i. Any minister holding credentials with the Pentecostal Church of God, cannot hold credentials in any other church organization or religious fellowship that issues credentials to preach the Gospel.
j. The place of women in the Church. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance, and the Holy Spirit divideth upon each as He will. “In the last days our sons and daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:17, 18). When called of God and anointed by the Spirit, our women may freely serve as helpers, pastors and evangelists, but in order to fulfill the admonition of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:12, all corporate positions in the district and the national movement shall be occupied by men.
k. No credentials shall be approved for any candidate, nor any minister renewed, who attended our college, and still owes accounts to the college, until the bill is paid in full or a letter is presented from the college indicating that proper arrangements have been made for payment; and each district office shall be notified by the college not later than December first of each calendar year of the delinquency of payments by the respective student.
l. When an applicant for credentials comes from another organization, a letter of reference will be requested from the former organization.
m. A dated notification from a minister is required to establish his/her date of withdrawal. When this dated notification is not available, such withdrawal/drop date as furnished by the district shall be used.
3. MINISTERIAL PROCEDURES
a. When a minister moves from one district to another, he/she shall be required to present to the district entered a clearance of good standing and conduct from his/her former district office. Any minister who has withdrawn or been dropped from fellowship shall be required to give a letter stating his/her standing while in the movement.
b. The Pentecostal Church of God is opposed to homosexuality and all forms of sex perversion, sorcery and witchcraft, and appropriate questions concerning these areas shall be included on the applications for ministerial credentials.
4. BIBLICAL STANDARD FOR MINISTRY
a. We faithfully pledge our loyalty to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
b. We affirm complete confidence in the infallible Word of God.
c. We affirm our commitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15, 16) and we declare our willingness to go anywhere, do anything and sacrifice everything God requires of us in the fulfillment of that commission.
d. We accept God’s call to preach and teach the Word to all people as God gives opportunity, and we do this because of God’s love for every human being who, apart from faith in Christ, is judgment bound and destined for hell.
e. We endorse the Gospel message of salvation by grace alone through faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross for our sins.
f. The proclamation of the Gospel must include a thoughtful call of every person to repent, to commit to Jesus Christ and to follow Him as Lord and Savior, and to do all these lovingly and without coercion or manipulation.
g. We will stay prayerfully filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit for a deeply spiritual Christ-centered ministry.
h. We will lead lives of holiness and moral purity, appropriately representing Christian ministry to the Church and the world.
i. We will practice a life of regular Bible study and pray for personal spiritual growth and anointed ministry.
j. We will be faithful stewards of all personal and church finances and we will be accountable to all concerned in the finance of our ministry and will be honest in reporting our statistics. We will keep personal and church financial activities separate and inviolate. Following these standards, we will faithfully promote our ministry in the community, “providing things honest in the sight of all men.”
k. Our family is a sacred trust and our responsibility to each family member is to be kept as faithfully as our call to minister to others.
l. We are responsible to the local church and we will conduct our ministry to build up the local body of believers in the larger interest of the Church universal. We will be subject to those whom God has placed in authority over us. m. We are responsible to faithfully discipline all who come to faith under our ministry, to encourage every person to identify with the local church, to work faithfully at evangelism, Christian education and Christian discipleship, and endeavor to train every believer in personal witnessing.
n. We will share the cross of Christ by relieving both the social and spiritual sufferings of humanity, whether rich or poor, healthy or infirmed; we will do our utmost to alleviate human need, following Christ as our example.
o. We will give ourselves to prayer, to evangelism, to revival, to Bible-based counseling, to Christian education, to peacemaking and to our particular office, ministry and calling until Christ returns for His own.
We do solemnly affirm these biblical principles for Christian ministry.
—ARTICLE FIFTEEN—
Discipline and Restoration
1. All ministers are amenable to their respective district boards in all matters of conduct and doctrine, however, no rumor or complaint against any minister shall be brought before a committee or board unless the procedure in Matthew 18:15-17 has been followed or the accused is present to defend him/herself.
2. In actions, other than those taken directly by the respective district boards, to whom each minister must remain amenable, the following procedure shall be strictly adhered to:
All charges against any minister shall be made in writing, in triplicate, and signed by two (2) or more accusers. The original and one (1) copy thereof shall be filed with the district bishop, who shall send one (1) copy to the accused minister, and one (1) copy shall be retained by the accusers; and the district bishop shall designate a suitable time and place for a hearing of the charges, and shall give all interested parties ten (10) days or more written notice thereof, said notice to be mailed to the last known address of the accused.
3. A Court of Inquiry shall hear and pass upon all such charges, so made, which shall consist—except in those cases where the Court of Inquiry and the procedures are specifically set forth in the District Constitution and Bylaws of the respective district—of the district bishop, the district presbyter and such other district and/or General Officers as may desire to be present, whose decision shall be final; except in cases involving a credentialed minister and members of any chartered churches which may be appealed to the General Council, whose decision shall be final in those cases; and the accused shall be considered innocent until proven guilty to the satisfaction of a majority vote. However, in the event of an appeal to the General Board from the decision of the Court of Inquiry, the ordained minister, who has been found guilty by the Court of Inquiry, pending the outcome of the appeal, said ordained minister shall not be accorded voting privileges in either a district or a General Convention. The appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days after he/she has received a decision from the Court of Inquiry. None of these avenues of appeal at any of these levels shall be used until all avenues available to them at the lower level have been exhausted.
4. No testimony or evidence shall be admissible at such hearings, except that which directly bears upon the charges made in writing, as aforesaid; which rule shall be enforced by the chairman of the meeting.
5. If the accused confesses and truly repents, and shows a contrite heart, he/she should be given reasonable consideration and leniency; and, if possible, full restoration, after a suitable and proper probationary period of time. We should not unjustly persecute anyone.
6. If the charges are against the district bishop, the procedure shall be the same, and the Assistant General Bishop or an individual appointed by the General Bishop shall act as chairman. The accused shall have the right to appeal to the General Board.
7. If the charges are sustained and considered of sufficient import, the accused’s name may be ordered removed from the ministerial list, or otherwise dropped, and his connection with the organization fully and finally severed.
8. If the charges against any minister or church fail to be sustained, then the motives of the accusers may be examined; and if the accusers or witnesses are found to be untrue and malicious, then they shall be deemed guilty of malicious slander, trouble-making and causing division and may be disciplined, even to the extent of removal of their names from the ministerial list, if considered of sufficient import.
9. We desire to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, therefore, no minister under charges, of having been dismissed from the Pentecostal Church of God, shall be granted the privilege of having his or her articles published in any of the publications of the organization, unless exonerated or reinstated.
10. Dismissal and Restoration
a. It shall be left to the discretion of the Court of Inquiry as to whether the circumstances of the case call for a minister’s suspension with restoration, or if he shall be dismissed without restoration. In the event restoration is not feasible or fails, the minister shall be listed as having been dropped.
b. Restoration: When it has been determined, either by a confession of the minister involved or by deliberation of the District Board or Court of Inquiry, that there is cause for disciplinary action as a result of a violation of the Pentecostal Church of God principles as set forth in district and general bylaws; it shall then be the responsibility of the district board to determine a program of restoration, if deemed feasible. Recognizing that the underlying principle involved in discipline is redemptive, the following provision for restoration shall apply:
(1) Period of Time. The period of restoration shall not be less than one (1) year.
(2) Procedure and Requirements. The following procedure shall be used by the district board in determining the specific requirements of restoration for the individual minister:
a) Suspension. The minister shall be considered to be under suspension during the entire period of restoration and his/her fellowship card shall be held in the district office. The extent to which he/she may be permitted to minister, if any, shall first be determined by the Court of Inquiry, but may, after a period of restoration, be amended by the district board. Certain offenses may not require complete cessation of ministerial activities, although some restrictions or limitations may be imposed. When formal or felony charges are brought against a minister, or when a victim comes forward with credible allegations against a minister, the district may suspend the minister until the matter is fully investigated and settled.
b) Conditions. The minister must remain a member of the district during the restoration period, unless other arrangements are approved by the district board. While the minister’s credentials are in a state of suspension, his/her name shall not be removed from the ministerial roster. In the event, ministerial activity has been suspended, the minister must become established in a local church, working under the supervision of a pastor designated by the district bishop.
c) Reports. The minister and his/her supervising pastor must submit quarterly reports to the district bishop.
d) Completion of Restoration. When the restoration period is satisfactorily completed, the minister shall be considered in good standing and his status restored.
e) Transfer. The restoration record shall accompany the Certificate of Transfer to another district for administrative purposes only.
c. Eligibility
(1) Previous Dismissal. A minister who has been dismissed or has surrendered his credentials, who shows repentance and indicates his desire for reinstatement shall, upon obtaining the approval of the district board, enter the appropriate restoration program as prescribed herein; with the provision that he shall not be eligible for reinstatement until the requirements of the program have been satisfactorily completed.
In the event a minister has a record of a prior violation(s) necessitating disciplinary action, permission for restoration shall be granted only by the district board.
(2) Right of Appeal. If a disciplined minister desires to appeal the decision rendered by the district board, his request must be filed with the district bishop and with the general bishop within thirty (30) days. Once an appeal is filed with the office of the General Bishop the claimant has three (3) days to withdraw the appeal. When an appeal comes before the National Board of Appeals the appeal belongs to the board and can only be withdrawn by the majority vote of the board. Said appeal shall be considered first by the National Board of Appeals, comprised of the general bishop, general secretary and the assistant general bishops. The recommendation of the National Board of appeals shall be submitted to the General Board which shall have the right to accept the report or grant further review. The decision of the General Board shall be final.
11. No person or group of persons shall be allowed to appeal any matter to the National Board of Appeals for the purpose of challenging a self-governing district’s decision, other than currently ordained or licensed ministers of the Pentecostal Church of God, until all proper procedures in the district and section have been followed.
12. Whereas, the Scriptures enjoin us against delinquent indebtedness, and whereas, all delinquent debts are a disgrace to anybody, a reproach to the ministry, causing undue hardship to those who follow, any minister of the Pentecostal Church of God who has unpaid debts for a period of as much as ninety (90) days without making satisfactory arrangements with his or her creditors shall be brought before the district board for appropriate action and admonition. If reasonable and satisfactory arrangements are not made within a period of sixty (60) days following, his or her credentials shall be revoked by the General Office. Any credential-carrying minister of the Pentecostal Church of God who leaves his or her place of ministry without satisfactory arrangements concerning all outstanding debts shall expect to have such credentials similarly revoked.
13. In no instance will any documents and/or correspondence, which is either the property of the General Office or any of its subsidiaries, or any of its ministers, be made available to any unauthorized person for examination—much less involved with, or a principal of, said property, documents and/or correspondence, except when legally forced to do so by the order of an unsolicited, unavoidable, irreversible subpoena, duty issued by a proper court of record—and then only upon advice of counsel.
Should a violation occur, a prima facie fact of guilt shall be declared and the credentials of the party and/or parties through whom the offense occurs shall immediately be in jeopardy.
14. Allegations of Reporting and Addressing Sexual Abuse of Minors.
I. Recognition of Areas of Authority. As with most complex and emotional issues, there are three areas which must be considered.
A. The first is that of the spiritual well being of the individuals involved.
B. The second is that of the ecclesiastical aspect for proper church administration.
C. The third is that of the interest and regulations of the state authorities.
II. Spiritual
A. At all times the victims, the accused, and the accusers shall be treated with dignity, respect and shall be engaged by pastoral staff with spiritual care.
B. Furthermore, as abuse accusations can precipitate such severe consequences, the family members of the victims, the accused, and the accusers shall be provided with spiritual care.
C. No person shall make any presumptions of innocence, guilt, truthfulness, or falsehood of any party until definitive proof of guilt is established.
III. Ecclesiastical
A. Upon an accusation being made against a church employee, volunteer, or that an incident occurred on church grounds or in a church activity, the senior pastor shall be notified immediately, or in the alternative, the district bishop.
1.The senior pastor or the district bishop shall be the designated representative of the church and shall consult with the executive committee of the district, the church attorney, and the liability insurance carrier representative for the church.
2.The designated representative of the church shall follow the recommendations from these sources.
B. If the accused party is a church employee or volunteer, then the accused party shall be placed on leave.
1. This leave may be paid or non-paid throughout the investigative process, where there are no witnesses other than the accused and the accuser.
2. However, if two adults are present at the time of the alleged incident, one of whom has not been accused and the other adult states in an affidavit that he or she observed no incident, then the accused shall be on paid leave or remain a volunteer throughout the investigative process.
C. Regardless of any other investigation, the church itself shall implement an investigation of the incident.
1. This investigation may include psychological testing for those involved.
2. In the event the accused shall refuse to cooperate with the church investigation, then the accused shall immediately be placed on non-paid leave.
3. The church, through its designated representative, shall on a regular basis (every 30 days) keep all interested parties notified of the progress of the investigation, subject to counsel from the church's lawyer and/or insurance company.
D. If the church's own investigation clearly shows that the accused is in fact guilty, then the church shall immediately terminate its employment or volunteer relationship with the accused.
IV. State
A. Although a unique relationship exists between a parent and child, there exists a limited interest of the state in children as was long ago established by King Solomon and set forth at I Kings 3:22-28.
B. Therefore, if any person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to sexual abuse or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would result in sexual abuse, then that person shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the state authorities.
C. This report need not be written but may be made by a toll free telephone call to 1-800-422-4453.
D. This paragraph IV shall be modified as to each state’s specific laws.
—ARTICLE SIXTEEN—
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Marriage is an institution designed by God and is a sacred covenant relationship between husband and wife for a lifetime. The sanctity of marriage and family is upheld in Scripture. It is understood, therefore, that divorce is the breaking of the marriage covenant and represents less than the ideal. We further understand that sin has disrupted marriage and family relationships. Divorce is not encouraged in Scripture, for the grace of God encourages reconciliation. Yet because of the hardness and stubborness of the human heart, reconciliation is not always possible. The New Testament does reflect a higher standard for the ministry because of the responsibilituy of leadership in the Church and that the minister’s life must model his/her message. We seek to comprehend and practice a balance between God’s grace and holding the standard set forth in God’s Word. Therefore,
1. No divorced and remarried Christian shall be granted credentials with the Pentecostal Church of God except in the following cases:
a. The divorce occurred prior to the first confirmed experience of salvation (Hebrews 9:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
b. The divorce was for the cause of fornication on the part of the applicant’s former spouse (Matthew 5:32; 19:9), where the applicant was faithful to his/her marriage vows.
c. The divorce occurred when an unbeliever departs from a believer (1 Corinthians 7:15). It must be determined that every effort was made personally and legally to save the marriage, and said divorce occurred against the will of the applicant.
2. The following documents shall/may validate the minister’s application: marriage questionnaire, substantiation letters and other definitive, credible, supporting documents. The same supporting documents are needed for the applicant’s spouse as they are for the applicant.
—ARTICLE SEVENTEEN—
Finance
1. BUSINESS MANAGER
a. The business manager shall be nominated by the General Council and appointed by the General Board. He shall be a born-again Christian and a member of the Pentecostal Church of God and shall devote all of his time and attention to his duties, for which he shall receive a stipulated remuneration.
b. The business manager shall be the custodian of the corporate funds and shall have charge of all monies for accounting purposes, received or paid to the corporation, which shall be deposited in such banks as may be designated by the General Board. He shall pay out such funds of the corporation as may be necessary for the maintenance and operation of the corporate business, as directed by the General Board.
c. He shall keep accurate records as shall truly and fully reflect the financial status of the corporate business at all times, which shall be subject to inspection by such auditors as may be designated by the General Board. The General Convention and General Board financial reports shall include a cash flow statement (as under the older accounting system) in addition to the accrual accounting reports.
d. He shall furnish such bond for the faithful performance of his duties as may be required by the General Board, the premiums for which shall be paid by the corporation.
e. His books shall be balanced at the end of the fiscal year, and he shall furnish such written reports and records of the activities of his office as may be required by any and all General Conventions, General Board meetings and General Council meetings. Furthermore, his books shall be audited annually by a certified public accountant.
f. He shall be allowed to be seated on any board or committee that the general bishop deems necessary without a vote.
g. The business manager, along with the general bishop and the general secretary, shall submit an annual proposed budget to the General Council and on the General Board for their approval.
h. The business manager shall supervise internal affairs of accounting, budget and financial affairs and personnel, and shall provide coordination assistance with the general bishop and general secretary.
i. He shall supervise general services on buildings and grounds, and shall provide good stewardship in household management in an efficient manner.
j. He shall reside in the city where the international headquarters is located.
k. He shall carry on such correspondence as is necessary to this office.
l. He shall have a full job description and shall furnish such data and reports to the general bishop as needed, upon request.
2. CONSULTATION
The corporate officers, with the business manager, shall share in an on-call and regular consultation initiated by the general bishop for the purpose of communication and coordination relative to headquarters functions.
3. No claims shall be placed on any funds of the general organization or of the district organizations by any general or district official, who has been succeeded by a duly elected or appointed successor, but shall forthwith turn over and surrender all such funds then in his or her possession.
4. Each minister, ordained and licensed, and each person licensed to exhort, shall participate financially for the maintenance of the General Offices by paying the sum of $25.00 each month, two dollars of which shall go to support Messenger College, one dollar for the support the Department of Youth Ministries, one dollar to the Home Missions Department, with five dollars being placed in the Benevolent Death Benefit Fund to be applied to death benefits only.
5. Included in the monthly contributions shall be the following:
a. The usual application or renewal fee for credentials.
b. The subscription to The Pentecostal Messenger.
c. Benevolent Death Benefit:only current gratis ministers (as of 12/31/2007) will be covered with the $4,000 death benefit (payable to the beneficiary upon death).
6. Where both husband and wife are ministers, either ordained or licensed, or licensed to exhort, the following option is available: One minister may pay $25.00 monthly, which is the usual application or renewal fee for ministers, and the other may pay half the regular rate ($12.50 monthly) and would not be entitled to a separate subscription to The Pentecostal Messenger.
7. If said fees are not paid for a period of 120 days, the credentials will be dropped by the General Office after notifying the district office.
8. The following special provisions are hereby set forth:
When a minister reaches the age of seventy (70) and has carried ordination with the Pentecostal Church of God for twenty (20) years, or more, his credential fees and The Pentecostal Messenger subscription will be granted, courtesy of the General Office, for life, as long as said minister remains in good standing with his/her district. In order for a minister to go on gratis, the minister must be paid current on his/her credentials. It is recommended that those ministers on gratis pay $5.00 each month toward the death benefit.
9. It is recommended that all ministers, ordained, licensed and exhorters, pay their tithe/dues to the district offices.
10. All district bishops and district presbyters (who are members of the General Board) shall send their tithe/dues from whatever source received to the General Office.
11. All monies received by or paid to the General Office shall be placed in the general fund of the organization, out of which salaries and wages of employees, expense of operating the business of the organization, the purchase and payment of real estate and personal property, purchased for the benefit of the organization, shall be drawn.
12. The general bishop, the general secretary and the business manager shall submit a budget at each November board meeting, for consideration as the budget for the following fiscal year. Any balance not covered by anticipated income shall be shared by all districts in the form of a pro-rata assessment, each district using those means that best fit into its district program for meeting its share of the projected budget.
13. The fiscal year of the Pentecostal Church of God shall be established as a period from April 1 through March 31 for all departments. The fiscal budget shall be submitted at each November
General Board Meeting.
14. AUTOMOBILE OWNERSHIP
a. The Pentecostal Church of God may furnish an automobile to any general official, at the discretion of said official.
b. The Pentecostal Church of God may grant said official full and exclusive use of the automobile; however, it is understood and agreed that sole ownership of the automobile shall vest in the denomination, which shall maintain full jurisdiction over said automobile and its use.
c. Payments on the car, insurance coverage and mileage will be withheld from the mileage account of the individual each month.
d. Credit cards for gasoline, in the name of the organization, shall be given any authorized personnel. All mileage, along with invoices, on official business, will be reported to the secretary of the department for which the business was handled.
e. Any repairs and other costs, such as tires, batteries, etc., shall be borne by the individual using them.
f. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall accept the title of the car along with all financial obligations.
g. In all insurance matters a rider shall be attached to insurance policies fully indemnifying the organization against any loss, in order to prevent suit against the organization.
15. The salaries, travel expenses, as well as any fringe benefits of all executives shall be reviewed annually by the General Council with recommendation to the General Board who shall have power to set policy for proper remuneration.
16. No office or employee shall charge goods or services including gasoline, automotive equipment or trailers to the Pentecostal Church of God except as specifically provided for by these bylaws.
17. VACATIONS
A 30-day vacation, with pay, is granted each general executive each year. It shall be taken within the year for which it is granted.
18. MESSENGER COLLEGE SUPPORT PLAN
In order to provide total organization participation/support for Messenger College, which investment will perpetuate the world ministry of the church: the following ongoing support plan is adopted:
a. Districts—A budget based on $25.00 per church per year. When a district is not current in its district college assessment at the time of the Board of Regents meeting, the district bishop will not have a voice or vote on the Board of Regents with the exception of a dependent district that is unable to pay.
b. Churches—A minimum of $10.00 per month. If the district bishop can show just causes of hardship of the churches to the General Council, the churches will be relieved of the obligation; to be reviewed annually.
c. A complete Messenger College financial report is to be presented for discussion to each registered delegate at each General Convention.
19. WORLD MINISTRIES GIVING
In order to stimulate church/district giving, a World Ministries (World Missions, Women’s Ministries, Youth Ministries, Ethnic, Home Missions, Messenger College, etc.) banner shall be established with the details to be worked out by the General Council.
20. RETIREMENT PLAN FOR MINISTERS AND CHURCH EMPLOYEES
We authorize the General Council to implement a self-directed 403 (b) tax sheltered annuity retirement plan for our ministers and church employees, which is to be known as the Pentecostal Church of God Retirement Plan.
—ARTICLE EIGHTEEN—
World Missions
1. The Pentecostal Church of God, being cognizant of the great need for missionary work in the United States and foreign lands, does hereby establish a World Missions Board, which shall be under the direction and supervision of the General Council or General Board.
2. DIRECTOR OF WORLD MISSIONS
a. The director of World Missions shall be a male member of the organization, an ordained minister with not less than ten (10) years of experience in the ministry, and shall not be less than thirty-five (35) years of age. He shall be required to establish a home and reside in the city in which the General Headquarters is located.
b. He shall have general supervision, direction and management over all undertakings, business and operation of the World Missions Department, within the U. S. A. and in foreign countries, subject to the General Bishop, the World Missions Board and the General Board.
c. He shall devote his full time to the work of his office for the purpose of promoting greater interest in, and support of World Missions.
d. He shall be granted a place on the General Board and shall be chairman of the World Missions Board. He shall be paid a salary from the World Missions fund, the amount to be stipulated by the General Board. He shall be paid a stipulated rate per mile for traveling expenses for all travel made necessary by the business of his office.
e. It shall be his responsibility to collect and disburse all World Missions monies paid to or received by the organization, and shall make a monthly report of all receipts which will be published in the official publication of the general organization, and shall make such other accounting thereof as may be required by the General Board.
f. He shall also maintain such correspondence, connected with his office as may be necessary, and perform such other duties thereof as may be required by the General Board and/or the World Missions Board.
3. WORLD MISSIONS BOARD
a. The World Missions Board shall consist of the following members: the director of World Missions (chairman), the general bishop, the general secretary, the six (6) assistant general bishops, the director of Indian Missions, and each area supervisor when home from the field. Should the office of any of the members become vacant for any reason, the General Board shall appoint a suitable man to serve the unexpired term.
b. Semi-annual meetings of the World Missions Board shall convene at the headquarters building in Joplin, Missouri, in the months of June and November, with the exception of the General Convention year, in which the June meeting will be taken care of during the General Convention.
4. DISTRICT MISSIONARY REPRESENTATIVE
It is recommended that each district elect a district missionary representative.
5. MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS
a. All applicants for missionary appointment must have their applications approved by their respective district board in session. Their approved applications, together with medical examination forms for the family, properly executed and signed by a reputable physician, and a 3” x 3” glossy photo of the family group, shall be sent to the director of World Missions. The appointment of missionaries to such fields, domestic or foreign, as it may deem advantageous and proper, is subject to the approval of the General Board. Except in extreme emergencies we will send no person to a mission field where Spanish, French, Portuguese or German is the predominant language, unless they have acquired a working knowledge of the language.
b. The World Missions Board is authorized to grant appointments to nonministerial personnel serving as teachers, vocational tradesmen, etc. for periods of time which shall be determined by the World Missions Board. They shall itinerate and raise that budget the same as our missionaries.
c. Applications of qualified applicants shall be accepted but activation of the appointment deferred until a field opens and the funds are available to send the missionary to the field.
d. Whereas confusion and misunderstanding have been created by some of our ministers among the nationals on our mission fields; therefore, any missionary who resigns his or her appointment and continues to work on the same field as an independent missionary, shall be asked to relinquish his credentials with the Pentecostal Church of God, and shall return all property of the mission to the World Missions Department without delay.
e. The World Missions Department shall furnish each missionary applicant with a standard questionnaire form. This form will include, along with other things, that the World Missions Board shall deem advisable, a questionnaire on our basic doctrinal statement. The applicant must fill out the form each time prior to going to or returning to the field.
6. MISSIONARY ITINERARIES
a. All missionaries on furlough and all prospective missionaries, after they have been properly approved for appointment, shall raise their approved monthly budget and cash budget operating in conjunction with the district officials, pastors and the World Missions Department. All missionaries shall have their itineraries arranged by the director of World Missions, through their contacts with the district bishops of the districts in which they are to itinerate.
b. Missionary conventions shall be organized, under the supervision of the World Missions Department and in cooperation with local and district officials, to aid in raising fares and equipment for outgoing missionaries, for the purpose of reducing the expense and the exhaustion of lengthy and overlapping itineration.
c. All monies raised by any missionary, new or returned, by means of itinerary work or in missionary conventions, for fares or equipment must be sent to the World Missions Department to be placed in the World Missions fund to be used only for that purpose. In the event said missionary, for any reason, does not go to the field, the money shall not be returned to the missionary, but shall be used as deemed wise by the World Missions Board.
d. All equipment raised for any missionary to be used on any mission field, shall be the property of the organization and shall not be kept by the missionary as personal property in the event he or she resigns his or her appointment or leaves the field. This does not include any personal effects such as musical instruments or any item specifically given as a personal gift.
e. We recommend to each district that when scheduling a missionary itineration that consideration be given for setting up some sectional rallies for the missionary to assist him in raising his budget, but this is not to exclude church visits as the district bishop deems advisable.
7. MISSIONARY ALLOWANCES
a. The missionaries’ monthly budget shall include those things necessary to maintain a family. Amounts shall be determined by the World Missions Board due to varying cost of living, with inflation differing on each field. The child allotment shall be thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per month. Each missionary shall receive a fifty dollar ($50.00) per month addition to the allotment each time he returns to the field for a new term after having completed the regular previous term. This increase shall be limited to one hundred dollars ($100.00).
b. Each missionary shall be furnished a ledger upon which a complete record of all monies received and expended for ministerial duties shall be maintained, showing the balances in each separate fund (general, or other specific funds). This ledger shall be subject to an annual audit, if possible, on a thirty-one (31) day notice, by a duly approved person or persons by the World Missions Board.
Said ledger shall remain on the field where used, and shall be turned over to the succeeding missionary, along with all monies shown in the ledger as balances on hand. The missionary may keep an identical ledger for his own personal records.
c. All regularly appointed and active missionaries shall have their ministerial credentials renewed free of charge by their respective districts. Proper notification shall be given to the district offices of the missionaries involved by the director of World Missions.
d. The World Missions Board shall implement plans for an annual vacation for each missionary.
8. EMERGENCY AND RETIREMENT FUND
a. A retirement and help for the infirm plan is established in the World Missions Department. This plan provides for retirement of aged, sick or infirm missionaries. This retirement plan is to be financed by each missionary in his monthly budget. The World Missions Board shall stipulate the amount. Supplemental amounts shall be furnished from the general fund of World Missions.
b. Persons shall be eligible for retirement after having completed twenty (20) years continual service as a missionary of the Pentecostal Church of God, when and as long as funds are available, to be reviewed annually by the World Missions Board.
9. FOREIGN FIELD SUPERVISION
a. The World Missions director and, if possible, his wife, if the World Missions Board deems it financially possible, shall be sent on a world-wide inspection trip of all mission stations at least once every four (4) years.
b. No person shall be sent to represent the World Missions Department with the expense paid from World Missions funds, except he be a member of the World Missions Board. The General Board in regular session has the prerogative to send any authorized representative to a mission field as circumstances prove it to be necessary.
c. Ministers of the Pentecostal Church of God who do extension work on foreign mission fields, where this organization has an appointed missionary, shall be expected to work in coordination with the World Missions Department and the supervising missionary on that field, by obtaining advance approval of the World Missions Department, and do the said work in cooperation with therecommendations of the supervising missionary.
10. FINANCIAL REPORTS
The director of World Missions shall be responsible for the preparation of a printed copy of the World Missions financial report to be distributed to each voting member in our biennial General Convention, before the report is read to the convention.
—ARTICLE NINETEEN—
American Indian Missions
1. The Pentecostal Church of God, being cognizant of the great need of evangelizing the hundreds of thousands of American Indians in the U.S.A., does hereby establish an American Indian Missionary Department. The work of this department shall be under the direct supervision of the director of Indian Missions.
2. DIRECTOR OF INDIAN MISSIONS
Qualifications for the director of Indian Missions shall be the same as those for the general bishop. He shall be granted a place on the General Board. He shall have supervision of North American Indian work.
3. The tithes of our Indian Mission workers and all monies received in offerings on the field for Indian Missions (exclusive of personal offerings for the director of Indian Missions), shall be placed in a fund to be known as the Pentecostal Church of God Indian Mission Fund.
4. From this fund the director of Indian Missions shall receive a stipulated remuneration and mileage for each mile traveled in the |
