THE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We believe, it is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly Father, to call out of the world a saved people, who shall constitute the body or Church of Jesus Christ, built and established upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone; and
That, the members of the body, the Church (ecclesia) of Jesus Christ, are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel and instruction in the Word of God, the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for New Testament Church Order; and
That, it is evident that the early Christian churches came together in such fellowship as a representative body of saved, Spirit-filled believers, who ordained and sent out evangelists and missionaries, and who, under the supervision of the Holy Spirit set over the Church Pastors and Teachers: Therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we recognize ourselves as a co-operative fellowship of Pentecostal, Spirit-baptized saints from local Pentecostal Assemblies of like precious faith throughout the Republic of South Africa to be known as the International Assemblies Of God, whose purpose is not to usurp authority over various districts and local Assemblies nor to deprive them of their spiritual methods and order for worship, unity, fellowship, work and business for God, but to disapprove unscriptural methods, doctrines, and conduct, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace, “till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13.
ARTICLE 2 TERRITORY
The territory shall be the Republic of South Africa.
ARTICLE 4 NATURE
The International Assemblies of God is a co-operative fellowship based upon mutual agreements voluntarily entered into by its membership.
ARTICLE 6 POWERS
Section 1:
1.2 The I.A.G is a body corporate constituted in termsof relevant laws applicable in the Republic of South Africa and this Constitution and shall, subject to the provisions hereof, have all such powers that vest in a body corporate having a legal personality independently from its members.
1.2.1 Within a Dependent Assembly the District Officers exercise authority to effect the aims and objectives of the church subject to the decisions and policies of the District Presbytery, General Presbytery, General Officers and the General Council;
1.2.2 Within a Sovereign Assembly the Board of Deacons exercise authority to effect the aims and objectives of the church subject to the decisions of the local assembly members and also the decisions and policies of the District Presbytery, General Presbytery, General Officers and the General Council.
1.3 Within a District the District Presbytery Officers exercise authority to effect the aims and objectives of the church subject to the decisions and policies of the District Presbytery, General Presbytery, General Officers and the General Council.
1.4 Within Departments in a District the Departmental Executive Committee exercise authority to effect the aims and objectives of the department subject to the decisions and policies of the District Presbytery and District Presbytery Officers, General Presbytery, General Officers and the General Council.
1.5The General Presbytery exercise authority over all the church structures to effect the aims and objectives of the church subject to the decisions and policies of the General Council, and also
serve as the highest decision making body in between the General Council meetings.
1.6 The General Officers exercise authority over all the church structures to effect the aims and objectives of the church subject to the decisions and policies of the General Presbytery, General Council, and also serve as the highest decision making body in between the General Presbytery meetings.
Section 2:
Without derogating from the generality of Section 1 above, the I.A.G and its relevant structures within their jurisdictions shall have the power to, inter alia:
1. Institute, defend or be a party to legal proceedings in its own name. 2. Acquire rights and incur obligations.
3. Enter into and enforce contracts.
4. In its own name acquire, alienate or in any way deal with movable, immovable, corporeal, incorporeal, intellectual or any other form of property or rights in property.
5. Secure, receive and pay loans obtained for the purposes of advancing, promoting or accomplishing its mission.
6. Enter into contracts of employment as an employer, and accordingly remunerate its employees.
7. Open and hold bank accounts in its name.
8. Subject to the law applicable, invest its resources or property in any manner it deems fit.
Section 3:
Notwithstanding anything herein contained, the church may not utilize its income, profits, earnings, or any realization of its assets for any purpose whatsoever other than the advancement, promotion and accomplishment of its mission; and the church is specifically precluded from sharing with, ceding to or passing over to any other person, natural or legal, its income and profits howsoever earned and sourced.
Section 4:
The church structures within their jurisdiction, vis-à-vis their members, shall have the power to approve all scriptural teachings, methods and conduct; and to disapprove unscriptural teachings, methods and conduct.
Section 5:
At least three persons who accept fiduciary responsibility for the public benefit organization, will not be connected persons in relation to each other, and no single person directly or indirectly controls the decision-making powers relating to such organization.
Section 6:
No activity will directly or indirectly promote the economic self-interest of any fiduciary or employee of the organization otherwise than by way of reasonable remuneration.
Section 7
1. When a District cannot or does not fulfil its obligation in terms of policy or the Constitution or takes unreasonable steps that might be prejudicial to the interests of the church, the General Officers may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation or preventing such unreasonable step/s, including-
1.1. Issuing a directive to the District, to stop such unreasonable action or describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations;
1.2. Assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that District to the extent necessary; and/or
1.3. Putting such a District under administration of the General Presbytery, until it is restored.
2. When a Sovereign Assembly cannot or does not fulfil its obligation in terms of policyorthe Constitution or takes unreasonable steps that might be prejudicial to the interests of the church, the District Presbytery Officers may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation or preventing such unreasonable step/s, including-
2.1. Issuing a directive to the Sovereign Assembly, to stop such unreasonable action or describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations;
2.2. Assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that Sovereign Assembly to the extent necessary; and/or
2.3. Putting such a Sovereign Assembly under administration of the District, until it is restored.
ARTICLE 1 NAME AND IDENTITY
1.1. The full name shall be the International Assemblies of God herein after referred to as the IAG.
1.2. Each sovereign Assembly may use any by-name agreed upon by the Assembly, which will include IAG (International Assemblies of God) and must register the name with the district and national office.
1.3. The church will exist in its own right as an independent and separate legal persona apart from its members, office bearers and/or any other organization or institution and will be able to sue or be sued in its own right as a legal entity.
1.4. Any changes to the membership and/or office bearers will in no manner change the identity or the existence of the organization.
1.5. The church will operate in the form and function of a public benefit organization and a non-profit organization.
ARTICLE 3 DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
1. Dependent Assembly – A congregation having less than 50 but more than15 active membersandthat isnot yet self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagating.
2. Sovereign Assembly – A congregation of more than 50 active members that is self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagating.
3. General Council – A body which meets biannually and is comprised of all ministers and spouses, delegates from the Sovereign Assemblies, and General Departmental Committees.
4. 5. General Presbytery – A body comprised of General Officers, District Presidents and Secretaries of all District Presbyteries.
5. General Officers – Executive committee members of the church.
6. District Presbytery – Ordained, Licensed and Certified ministers and their spouses.
7. District Council – District Presbytery with delegates from Sovereign Assemblies and departments.
8. District Presbytery Officers – District Executive committee members.
9. Departments – Ministries specialization suchas the Men, Women, Youth, etc.
10.Missionary Field Fellowship – Missionaries assigned to work with IAG.
ARTICLE 5 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1: To approve all scriptural teachings, methods and conduct; and to disapprove unscriptural teachings, methods and conduct.
Section 2: To encourage and promote evangelism, and missions.
Section 3: To provide a basis of fellowship among Christians of like precious faith.
Section 4: It shall have the right to exercise any of the powers of which true voluntary associations are capable, whose purpose is not the acquisition of gain, under local and provincial authority.
Section 5: To have the right to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, leases or otherwise dispose of, such property, real or chattel, as may be needed for the prosecution of its work. The General Council officers shall be Custodians and Trustees of all real properties.
Section 6: It shall not acquire properties and assets for personal gain, but shall employ all properties and assets for the furtherance of its objectives as outlined in this Constitution.
Section 7: To establish and maintain departments and institutions as may be necessary for the propagation of the gospel, and the work of the ministry.
Section 8: The Church is organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, educational, philanthropic and benevolent purposes and in a nonprofit manner as intended in Section 30 of the Income Tax Act in order that theChurch may qualifyasa Public Benefit Organization and thereby be exempt from income tax in terms of Section 30, Section 10 (1) (cN) and Section 18A of the Income Tax Act.
Section 9:
The care or counselling of, or the provisionof education programs relating to, abandoned, abused, neglected, orphaned or homeless children.
2 The care or counselling of, or the provisionof education programs relating to, physically or mentally abused and traumatized persons.
3 The provision of disaster relief.
4 The rescue or care of persons in distress. 5 The provision of poverty relief.
6 The rehabilitation, care or counselling of persons addicted to a dependence-forming substance or the provision of preventative and education programs regarding addiction to dependence-forming substances.
7 Conflict resolution, the promotion of reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between the various peoples of South Africa.
5
8 The promotion or protection of family stability.
9 The provision of facilities for the protection and care of children under school-going age of poor and needy parents.
10 The promotion or protection of the rights and interests of, and the care of, asylum seekers and refugees.
11 Community development for poor and needy persons and anti-poverty initiatives, including-
12 The promotion of community-based projects relating to self- help, empowerment, capacity building, skills development or antipoverty;
13 The provision of training, support or assistance to community based projects contemplated in item (1).
14 ‘‘Adult basic education and training’’, as defined in the Adult Basic Education and Training Act, 2000, (Act No. 52 of 2000), including literacy and numeracy education.
15 Training for unemployed persons with the purpose of enabling them to obtain employment”.
ARTICLE 7 PRINCIPLES
The International Assemblies of God shall strive to represent the body of Christ as described in the New Testament Scriptures, recognizing the principles inherent in that body as also inherent in this fellowship, particularly the principles of unity and co-operation. Its purpose is to maintain conditions under whichitcan, as afellowship, demonstratetheseprinciples andtheirconsequent development.
ARTICLE 8 STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS
The statement of our Fundamental Truths is based on the belief that the Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths, contained in section 1 to section 18 below, is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e. that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this Statement is not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a Full Gospel Ministry. No claim is made that it contains all Biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these Fundamental Doctrines.
Section 1: The Scriptures Inspired
The Scriptures, boththe Old and NewTestaments, areverballyinspired of God, and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
Section 2: The One True God
The one true God who has revealed Himself in the Three Persons of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Section 3: God the Father
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternal self-existent “I AM”, the Creator of Heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).
Section 4: The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:
1. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35). 2. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22). 3. His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).
4. His substitutionary work of the Cross (1 Corinthians 5:21).
5. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).
6. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians
2:9-11; Hebrews 1-3).
Section 5: The Deity of the Holy Spirit
The Scriptures declare the Divinity of the Holy Spirit.
1. Co-Creator with the Father and the Son (Genesis 1:26; John1:1; Psalms 33:6)
2. His role in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35). 3. He gives life to the believers (2 Corinthians 3:7).
4. He writes God’s Law in the believers’ hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). 5. He is called to continue the work of Jesus Christ (John 14:15)
6. He is the Church’s Comforter and Teacher (John 14:15-17; 24-26; 15:20-27; Ephesians 4:30).
Section 6: The Fall of Man
Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” However, man, by voluntary transgression, fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 3:8; 23-24; Romans 5:12-19).
Section 7: The Salvation of Man
Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
1. Conditions to Salvation
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the Hope of Eternal Life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).
2. The Evidence of Salvation
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).
Section 8: The Sacraments of the Church 1. Baptism in Water
The ordinance of Baptism byimmersion is commanded in theScriptures. All who repent and believe in Christ, as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47; Romans 6:4).
2. Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4; a memorial of His suffering and death
(1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes!”
Section 9: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the Gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the New Birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:4446; 11:14-15; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Spirit come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His word and for the Lost (Mark 16:20).
Section 10: The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.
Section 11: The Church
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfilment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the First-born, which are written in Heaven (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).
Section 12: Sanctification
1. Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of “Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord,” (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command: “Be ye holy, for I am Holy” (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
2. Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11, 8:1, 2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12, 13: 1 Peter 1:5).
Section 13: The Ministry
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the World, and (2) The edifying of the Body of Christ (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13).
Section 14: Divine Healing
Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16).
Section 15: The Blessed Hope
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, is the imminent and Blessed Hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
Section 16: The Millennial Reign of Christ
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our Blessed Hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of general Israel (Ezekiel 37:21, 22; Zephaniah 3:19, 20; Romans 11:26, 27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3, 4).
Section 17: The Final Judgement
There will be a final judgement in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. “Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life,” together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
Section 18: The New Heavens and the New Earth
“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelled righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).
ARTICLE 10 GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
Section 1:
Regular sessions of the General Council shall be held biannually, pursuant to a call by the General Presbytery.
Section 2:
Special sessions of the General Council may be arranged if agreed upon by two-thirds of the General Presbytery.
Section 3:
1. The right of initiative in calling a special session of the General Council may also be granted if a statement of the reasons for calling a special session is signed by a simple majority of the Ordained and Licensed Ministers of the International Assemblies of God and shall be filed with the General Officers.
2. The executive officers shall thereupon issue a call for a special session in accordance with the petition. The petitioning group shall have the right to callthe saidGeneral Councilif the executive officers should refuse to heed the petition within thirty days of the receipt thereof.
ARTICLE 12 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 1:
The General Officers are the executive committee members of the church and shallconsist of theGeneral President, deputyPresident,theGeneral Secretary, assistant General Secretary and the General Treasurer. Their terms of office shall be for four (4) years, with staggered terms of office, and shall begin at the time of election and shall continue until the time of the second biennial General Council following their election.
Section 2:
The Offices of the General President, General Secretary and General Treasurer shall be full-time depending on the availability of funds.
Section 3:
The General Officers shall be entitled to recommend for appointment of members of staff in keeping with the workload and availability of funds.
ARTICLE 14 DISTRICT PRESBYTERY
Section 1:
The District Presbytery shall be comprised of all Ordained, Licensed and Certified Ministers and their Spouses.
Section 2:
The General Council shall recognize such district Presbyteries as may be necessary to the development of its work.
Section 3:
The District Presbytery shall have the oversight of the work of the church in its prescribed area, but shall honour the rights of the sovereign assemblies.
Section 4:
The District Presbytery shall have the authority to examine all candidates for certified license and ordination and to recommend them to the General Presbytery for credentials.
Section 5: The District Presbytery shall elect its own officers and arrange for its own meetings. It shall operate in conformity with this constitution and By-laws.
ARTICLE 9 RELATIONSHIPS
1. TheInternationalAssembliesof God, while being an independent andaself-administrating body, recognizes its mutual relationship doctrinally and co-operatively with the World Assemblies of God Fellowship.
2. The general Council shall prosecute its activities through its general executive officers.
ARTICLE 11 VOTING CONSTITUENCY OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL
The voting constituency of the General Council shall consist of:
1. All credentialed ministers with one of the district presbytery, and their spouses.
2. All executive committee members of Assemblies God World Missions assigned to work with the International Assemblies of God.
3. Each sovereign assembly which has been set in order and holds a letter of recognition from its district, shall be entitled to one delegate from Sovereign Assembly, with a certified letter of recognition.
4. Thechairman andtheSecretary oranytwonominatedmembersof every national departmental committee.
ARTICLE 13 GENERAL PRESBYTERY
Section 1:
The General Presbytery shall consist of:
The Executive Officers, District Presidents, Secretaries and two missionary representatives working with IAG.
Section 2:
Regular sessions of the General Presbytery shall be held at least twice in a year.
Section 3:
The convener of General Presbytery meetings shall be the Executive Officers.
Section 4:
1. The right of initiative in calling a special session of the General Presbytery may be granted if a statement of the reason for calling a special session is signed by a simple majority of General Presbytery members and shall be filed with the General Officers.
2. The General Officers shall thereupon issue a call for a special session in accordance with the petition. The petitioning group shall have the right to call the said General Presbytery if the General Officers should refuse to heed the petition within thirty days of receipt thereof.
Section 5:
The General Presbytery is the highest decision-making body in between General Council meetings and also serve as a final arbiter for any appeal.
ARTICLE 15 DISTRICT COUNCILS
It shall consist of:
1. All certified, licensed and ordained Ministers and their Spouses; 2. One delegate from each Assembly;
3. Chairpersons and secretaries of district departmental committees; 4. The Council shall meet at least once in a year; and 5. The district president shall be the chairperson of the Council.
ARTICLE 16 ASSEMBLIES
Section 1:
Assemblies shall be considered as those groups of believers who qualify under the standards determined by the General Council for Assemblies.
Section 2:
Dependent Assemblies shall be those congregations that do not qualify as Sovereign Assemblies. They shall co-operate with other assemblies and support District activities.
Section 3:
Congregations which qualifyto become SovereignAssembliesshall be officially set in order by the Officers of the District Presbytery. They shall cooperate with other Assemblies in the area. They shall support the District organization and may send one delegate to the District and General Council.
Section 4:
Each Sovereign Assembly has the right of self-government under Jesus Christ and shall have the power to choose and call its own Pastor, under the supervision of the District. It shall elect its own deacons and transact its business as a local unit. It shall have the responsibility to administer discipline to its own members according to the Scriptures, and Constitution, the sovereign assembly constitution and any subsequent amendments should be approved by the District Presbytery and in line with the decisions and policies of the District Presbytery, General Presbytery, General Officers and the General Council.
Section 5:
All Assemblies shall recognize that the General Presbytery has the right and responsibility to approve Scriptural doctrine and conduct and to disapprove unscriptural doctrine and conduct and this will be subject to the decisions and policiesof the District Presbytery, General Presbytery, GeneralOfficers and the General Council.
Section 6:
All Assemblies and members are expected to contribute to the General Fund annually an amount which shall be determined by the General Presbytery from time to time.
ARTICLE 18 DISSOLUTION
Should IAG cease to exist as a religious organization for any reason whatsoever or should it be dissolved, all the net assets including the moveable and immoveable property shall be transferred to:
1. A public benefit Organization, with a like-minded aims and objects, which has been approved in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962; or
2. Any institution, board or body which is exempt from payment of income tax in terms of Section 10(1) (Cn) of the Act, which has as its sole or principal object the carrying on one or more public benefit activities. or
3. Any department of State or administration in the National or Provincial or Local sphere of Government of the Republic, contemplated in Section 10 (1) (a or (b) of the Act; which is required to use those assets solely for the purpose of carrying on one or more public benefit activities.
ARTICLE 17… PROPERTIES
Section 1:
All Property shall be held in the name of the International Assemblies of God, and shall be under the jurisdiction of the General Council Officers.
Section 2:
The sovereign assembly shall have oversight of all property and shall be responsible to the general officers and the district officers for the care and maintenance thereof.
Section 3:
Any assembly joining IAG with its property, will have the right to retain the property when leaving IAG.
Section 4:
In case of a division of the Assembly, the property shall remain with members who adhere to the policies and tenets of faith of the International Assemblies of God regardless of who is in the majority, provided that they still remain part of IAG as cooperative fellowship. If the whole assembly leaves, property shall be handed over to the General Presbytery.
ARTICLE 19 AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any duly called General Council of the International Assemblies of God provided the proposed amendment shall have been submitted first through the District Presbytery to the General Presbytery for their consideration, and then in writing to each Ordained, Licensed and Certified minister of the International Assemblies of God, executive committee members of the Missionary Field Fellowship assigned to work with the International Assemblies of God, to each Sovereign Assembly, and to all National Departments for consideration, prior to the time of the meeting of the General Council. A two–third vote of all the members voting shall be necessary for adoption.
The organization shall submit all amendments to this constitution to the relevant authorities including the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Services.
BY-LAWS Of the INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
ARTICLE 1 PARLIAMENTARY ORDER
In order to expedite the work of the General Council and to avoid confusion in its deliberation the General Council shall be governed by accepted rules of parliamentary procedure, in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.
ARTICLE 3 DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The General President
The duties of the General President shall include the following:
1. Preside at all meetings of the General Council, General Presbytery and General executive.
2. Act as president of the organization in all legal matters, and be an ex officio member of all committees, district presbytery, councils and boards.
3. Sign all official and legal documents.
4. Administer discipline in all cases when requested to do so by the General Presbytery
5. Perform any other functions as presiding officer or such as may be directed by the General Council or the general presbytery.
6. May be called by any Presbytery and/or council for consultation. He shall endeavour to visit each District Presbytery annually.
Section 2: The Assistant General President
The duties of the deputy president shall include the following:
1. Assist the president.
2. Serve as vice-president of the organization and preside at meetings of the General Council, general presbytery and general executive.
3. Perform any other function as directed by the general president or the General presbytery.
Section 3: The General Secretary
The duties of the general secretary shall include the following;
1. Serve as the secretary of the General Council, General Presbytery, General executive committee and keep accurate minutes of these bodies.
2. To serve as chairman of the credentials committee.
3. Serve as the custodian of the official seal and shall issue credentials under the direction of the executive officers and shall keep a record of all Ordained, licensed and certified ministers.
4. Together with the General President, shall sign all official and legal documents.
5. Prepare and distribute reports as may be requested by the General Council and the General Presbytery.
6. To perform any duties as may be directed by the General Council or the General Presbytery.
Section 4: The Assistant General Secretary
The duties of the assistant general secretary shall include the following;
1. Assist the general secretary.
2. Shall perform any duties under the direction of the General Secretary or such as may be directed by the General Presbytery or the general executive.
Section 5: The General Treasurer
The duties of the general treasurer shall include the following;
1. Serve as custodian of all funds.
2. To receive and give receipts for all funds which may be committed to him and disburse the same under the direction of the General Presbytery or the general executive.
3. To keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements and make such reports as may be requested by the General Council, General Presbytery and the general executive committee.
4. To ensure that reports are audited annually by registered auditors.
5. To perform any duties as may be directed by the General Council or the General Presbytery.
Section 6: The Executive Officers
The executive officers’ duties and functions shall include the following:
1. Serve as trustees of the general council of the International Assemblies of God.
2. They shall be empowered to supervise and have general oversight to all departments.
3. They shall be authorized to act for the church in all matters that affect its interests while the general presbytery or the general council is not in session.
4. Hold in trust funds committed to them as trustees, or to dispose of the same as may be directed.
5. Arrange for and announce the meetings of general council and general presbytery.
6. Execute matters delegated by the general presbytery and general council.
Section 7: The General Presbytery
The general presbytery’s duties and functions shall include the following:
1. It shall implement such programs for evangelism and church administration as shall be assigned to it by the General Council.
2. It shall act in all matters pertaining to proper functioning of departments, institutions and districts.
3. It shall issue certified, license and ordination credentials to ministers who have been recommended by their District Presbyteries and who have met the qualifications stated in Article 6 of the By-Laws. Should there be questions concerning the recommendation of the District Presbytery, the General Presbytery may refer the matter back to the District Presbyteries for further investigation.
4. It shall constitute a final court of appeals in matters of ministerial discipline and church administration that are submitted to it by the District Presbytery or any concerned individual member.
5. It shall administer the General Fund.
6. The General Presbytery shall remove any Executive Officer who does not execute his duties according to required standards.
7. Meetings of the General Presbytery shall be called by the Executive Officers as deemed necessary.
8. It shall have the power to appoint the auditors for the church 9. To be the custodian of the asset of the church.
ARTICLE 5 DISTRICTS
Section 1:
The work of the International Assemblies of Godshall be dividedgeographically by the General council into Districtsto facilitate the administrationof thechurch.
Section 2:
Each District shall form a Presbytery composed of all accredited (ordained, licensed and certified) ministers (of the International Assemblies of God) and their spouses. The District shall meet every three months. In districts where a quarterly meeting is difficult, a district shall meet at least every six months.
Section 3:
1. Each District Presbytery shall elect a President, Assistant President, Secretary, Assistant secretary (if necessary,) and a Treasurer.
2. They shall be elected from ministers who have been ordained for at least two years, persons of mature experience and ability, whose lives and ministry are above reproach having at least three (3) years of uninterrupted ministry with the International Assemblies of God.
3. The voting procedure in Article 2 Section 2 of the By-Laws shall apply.
4. The election of officers shall be held in the District Presbytery just after the biennial General council.
Section 4:
The voting constituency shall consist of all ordained, licensed and certified ministers and their spouses who are present at the presbytery meeting.
Section 5:
1. Each District Presbytery shall make the establishment of self – supporting Sovereign Assemblies its goal.
2. Local Assemblies shall fall under the jurisdiction of an accredited minister of the District Presbytery.
3. The District Presbytery shall require a quarterly financial report from each Assembly as a check on the Church’s progress.
Section 6:
All business in the Presbytery shall be conducted by Parliamentary procedure, and decisions shall be made by a majority of those ministers voting at a duly called meeting.
Section 7 … Duties of District Officers
1. The President Shall:
1.1 Preside at allmeetings of the District Presbytery and Council and district Officers.
1.2 Be an ex officio member of all committees.
1.3 May be called by any congregation for consultation.
1.4 Endeavour to visit each congregation in the district annually. 1.5 Officiate when Sovereign Assemblies are set in order.
1.6 Be a member of the General Presbytery.
2 The Assistant President Shall:
2.1 Preside at meetings of the District Presbytery/Council in the absence of the President.
2.2 Perform any other function under the direction of the President or such as may be directed by the District Presbytery.
3 The Secretary Shall:
3.1 Keep an accurate record of all meetings of the District Presbytery.
3.2 Perform any duties as may be directed by the District Presbytery.
4 The Treasurer Shall:
4.1 Receive and give receipts for all funds which may be committed to him and disburse the same under the direction of the District Presbytery in session.
4.2 Keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements and make such reports as may be requested by the District Presbytery.
Section 8:
The District Presbytery shall remove any district officer who does not execute his/her duties according to the required standards.
Section 9: Duties of District Councils
1 District Councils, as provided for in the Constitution Article 15, shall meet at least annually to plan activities of the district. They shall inter alia include the following;
1.1 Information sharing with district departments, 1.2 Sharing information with the District,
1.3 Discussion of district and general projects, and
1.4 Performing any duties assigned by the district presbytery
2 The district officers shall convene council meetings.
Section 10:
In the event where an existing district becomes dysfunctional, it shall be the prerogative of the general presbytery to take appropriate action in the interest of the International Assemblies of God.
ARTICLE 7 STANDARD FOR ASSEMBLIES
Section 1: Dependent Assemblies
1. A congregation of believers who adhere to the Tenants of Faith of the International Assemblies of God and regularly meet for worship, but do not yet qualify for recognition as a Sovereign Assembly, shall be recognized by the District Presbytery as a Dependent Assembly.
2. A Dependent Assembly shall be under the leadership of one of the accredited ministers of the District Presbytery.
3. A dependent assembly may elect its own committee to assist the pastor 4. District Officers shall act in an advisory capacity to Dependent
Assemblies.
Section 2: Sovereign Assemblies
Before a congregation shall be set in order as a Sovereign Assembly in the International Assemblies of God, it shall have met the following standards:
1. It shall have a minimum of fifty (50) active members who have been baptized in water.
2. It shall have fully subscribed to the Tenants of Faith of the International Assemblies of God.
3. It shallhave at least four (4)members who meet theScriptural Standards for deacons and specifically:
3.1 Have been filled with the Holy Spirit according to Act 2:4.
3.2 Have no marriage entanglements; and are member of good report.
4. It shall regularly support its own local Pastor financially.
5. It shall regularly support the District financial program with a tithe of its local income.
6. It shall co-operate with the District Program.
7. It shall implement all International Assemblies of God Policies. 8. It shall have a communion service at least once a month.
9. Each Sovereign Assembly shall regularly meet for the edification of the believers and salvation of the lost.
Section 3:
The status of a congregation shall be determined by the District Presbytery. When a congregation has been delinquent in fulfilling its required standards, the District Presbytery shall be empowered to reclassify it. The District Presbytery shall further have the power to restore such a congregation to the higher standard when it is satisfied that the said congregation has again fulfilled the said requirements.
Section 4
Each assembly is requested to keep accurate records of its membership and to report this information annually, on a form provided to the office of the district secretary and the general secretary.
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 1:
1. The executiveofficersof the GeneralCouncil of International Assemblies of God shall be elected at its biennial meeting according to the manner of election as provided.
2. They shall be chosen from Ordained Ministers who have served at least one term as district Presbytery Officers.
3. They shall be persons of mature experience and ability whose lives and ministry are above reproach having had at least 5 years of uninterrupted ministry with the International Assemblies of God.
Section 2: Voting Procedure
1. All candidates for office of the General President, Assistant General President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and General Treasurer shall be nominated by secret ballot.
2. Two-thirds of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election. 3. If no election has been declared after the third electoral ballot, the two
candidates having the highest number of votes in the last ballot cast shall be nominees to be further voted upon, and all other names shall be eliminated.
4. A two-thirds majority of all votes cast on any nominating ballot shall constitute an election.
Section 3:
In the event any of the General Councils’ offices become vacant through death or other cause, the General Presbytery shall by election fill the office from among the members of the General Presbytery until the next meeting of the General Council.
ARTICLE 4 COMMITTEES
Section 1: Credentials committee
The general secretary and all district secretaries shall constitute the credentials committee. It shall have the authority under the guidance of the executive committee to issue credentials as per district presbytery’s recommendations (Constitution Article 14, Section 4).
Section 2: Standing committees
General Presbytery shall appoint standing committees as necessary. They shall serve for a designated time until their purpose is accomplished.
Section 3: Executive committee forums
The following forums shall be constituted by officers in the general and district offices to discuss common issues pertaining areas of operation;
1. The president’s forum 2. The secretaries’ forum
3. The treasurer’s forum
ARTICLE 6 MINISTRY
Section 1: Ministry Described
1 Christ’s ministry to the church include apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), administrators, leaders and helpers (Romans 12:7-8).
2 We recognize the following categories of ministers: licensed and certified ministers.
prophets, exhorters,
Ordained,
Section 2: Basic Qualifications
The following qualifications that shall be required for all degrees of ministry are: 1 A definite Scriptural born-again experience.
2 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4. 3 A clear evidence of a divine call to the ministry.
4 Adherence to the constitution and By-Laws of the International Assemblies of God.
5 Adherence to the Tenets of Faith of the International Assemblies of God.
6 A blameless Christian life and a good reputation (Titus 1:7; 1Timothy 3:7).
7 Shall have completed theological training at an International Assemblies of God approved institution.
Section 3: Ordained Ministers
1.1 Qualifications for ordination as outlined in the New Testament (1 Timothy3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9).
1.2 Shall have been a licensed minister with the International Assemblies of God for a minimum period of two years.
1.3 No person shall be ordained until he/she shows evidence of a divine call and productive ministry.
Section 4: Licensed Ministers
1. A clear evidence of a divine call and preparation to minister. 2. Practical experience in ministry and preaching.
3. Shall have completed at least a diploma in theology, or an equivalent program at an International Assemblies of God approved institution.
Section 5: Certified Ministers
1. Shall have completed a certificate in theology, or an equivalent program at an approved IAG institution.
2. Shall participate in the ministerial internship program under the supervision of a licensed or ordained minister. A detailed progress report should be submitted to the district presbytery.
3. Shall show clear intention to qualify for a license credential within five (5) years
Section 6: Alternative Academic Qualifications
1. In all listed academic Qualifications it shall be understood that college credit subjects completed with Global School of Theology, whether taken at one of the IAG resident colleges, any non-IAG school using official GST and or Berean School of the Bible material by individual correspondence study, or through any established Extension Bible School shall be considered as acceptable credits towards satisfying the listed academic ministerial qualifications.
2. All non-Assemblies of God qualifications shall be scrutinized by the credentials committee.
3. The General Presbytery shall have the discretion to recognize such qualifications. Additional training may be required.
Section 7: Exceptional cases
In every exceptional case the General Presbytery may grant certificate of ministry or license credentials to persons of proven ministry who do not meet the usual IAG academic qualification, provide that:
1. The applicant has passed an examination set by the General Presbytery 2. The proven spiritual ministry exceeds ten (10) years.
3. The applicant has planted an assembly which belongs to one of the IAG districts.
4. The applicant must have reached the age of forty (40) years.
5. Candidates who fall under this category shall hold these credentials until they meet all qualifications as outlined in Article 6, Section 2(g); Section 4(c) and Section 6(a), before they be considered for advancement to another level.
Section 8: Ministers from other organizations
If a ministers from another reputable body desires to affiliate with the International Assemblies of God, the General Presbytery is under no obligation to accept the applicant’s previous ministerial status, but will treat each candidate on his/her own merits as to the level of credentials to be granted. Such applicant shall be required to:
1. Submit an application for minister credentials though the district presbytery.
2. Submit a letter of recommendation from the body with which he /she was formerly affiliated.
3. Complete such courses as may be required by the General Presbytery 4. All previously ordained ministers shall not be re-ordained but will only
receive the appropriate credentials after two years.
5. Ministers who receive the International Assemblies of God credentials shall relinquish their ministerial credentials with any other organization.
Section 9: Ministers who seek re-admission
Ministers who left and seek re-admission as a minister in the International Assemblies of God shall be considered after a probation period of one year as a member of a local church, according to Article 8 of the bylaws. There after they shall be assessed according Article 6 of the by-laws, for ministry.
Section 6: Ministerial Privileges All ministers holding ordination or license credentials shall have authority to administer communion, baptize believers, dedicate children, pray for the sick and bury the dead. They shall be entitled to perform legal marriages if they have obtained marriage officership. If they are not marriage officers they may
solemnize the marriage after the legal registration of the marriage by a duly appointed marriage officer.
Section 7: Discipline of Ministers
1. Any minister ‘’walking disorderly’’ or guilty of ‘’unscriptural conduct’’, or who changes his doctrinal view to be at the variance with tenets of faith of the General Council, or fails to work in agreement with the District Presbytery of which he is a member, may be placed in Probation, Suspension or Dropped.
2. TheDistrict Officersshall bringthemattersbeforethe District Presbytery.
3. The District Presbytery shall have the power to recommend that the General Presbytery take the following action by placing a Minister under Probation, Suspension or Dropped having regard with the gravity of the offence.
3.1 A minister on Probation would continue with his credential and ministry, but would be under the District’s observation.
3.2 A minister on Suspension would have his credentials withheld and would have no ministry until he had met the conditions set by the District in his case.
3.3 A minister who is dropped would have no credentials and no ministry with the International Assemblies of God.
3.4 Any disciplined minister shall the right of final appeal to the General Presbytery, provided he lodges his appeal within six months of being disciplined. He shall place his appeal in writing and if he so desires may appear in person before the General Presbytery.
3.5 Any minister whose credentials have been placed on Probation, Suspension or Dropped shall automatically be deemed to be removed or suspended, as the case may be, from any office or position held by him in the International Assemblies of God.
Section 8: Reinstatement of Disciplined ministers
1. For District – Before a District makes an application for reinstatement of a disciplined minister it should satisfy itself that the applicant for reinstatement has shown true repentance and has made restitution as fully as possible.
2. For the General Presbytery:
2.1The General Presbytery shall give consideration to any recommendation from a District Presbytery for reinstatement of a disciplined minister. If questions arise, the General Presbytery shall reserve the right to refer such application back to the District Presbytery concerned.
2.2Should the application be accepted by the General Presbytery, the applicant shall be issued with the same credential he previously held.
Section 9: Credentials
All Credentials shall be renewed annually, upon satisfactory completion of a questionnaire prescribed by the General Presbytery.
1. All credentialed ministers who shall withdrawfrom active ministry or shall cease to engage in pastoral, evangelistic or any other form of ministry, be absent from district presbytery meetings without an apology for three consecutive meetings, not paying tithe nor supporting any district and general church programs shall be placed on the list of inactive ministers.
2. A minister who is inactive or has not renewed his credentials for 18months shall be removed from the ministerial list.
3. Should the minister at any time return to active ministry, section 9 above will apply.
Section 10: Changing Districts
A minister changing his residence to another District shall present his credentialsandaletter of recommendationfrom hisprevious District Presbytery for transfer.
Section 11: Pension Fund
All pension or retirement schemes initiated by the church for ministers are subject to ratification by the General Presbytery which shall authorize their administration by the General Presbytery.
ARTICLE 8… MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Any person born of the Spirit (John 3:5), who is living a consistent Christian life, who has been baptized in water, who subscribes to the Tenets of Faith of the International Assemblies of God and who is a regular attendant at services of the Assembly may become an active member of the Assembly by presenting his or her name to the Pastor and Church Board which shall provide proper application blanks. Upon approval by the pastor and the church Board, the name shall be recorded and publicly welcomed into fellowship.
Section 2
Every member of the International Assemblies of God shall pay tithes and offerings. He shall give tenth of all his income, including crops, herds and money. The tithe and offering is for the support of the ministry and provides the financial basis on which the church is built (1 Corinthians 9:13,14).
A member who does not tithe shall not be considered an IAG member.
Section 3
The legal voting membership of the Assembly shall consist of such persons as are in good standing, are eighteen (18) years of age or older and who have been members for at least three months.
Section 4
1. Voting members of the Assembly shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must satisfactorily attend services prior to any regular business meeting of the Assembly before participating.
2. Inactive members shall be those who have wilfully absented themselves from services for three months or more and shall have no right to vote.
Section 5
Any member ‘’walking disorderly’’ or guilty of ‘’unscriptural conduct’’, who changes his doctrinal views so they are no longer in accord with the Tenets of
Faith of the International Assemblies of God may be disfellowshipped. Twothirds votes of the Church Board shall be necessary to drop a member’s name from the roster.
Section 6
The discipline of delinquent members shall be administered upon the action of the Pastor and Church Board, such action being based on complaint reports from other members filed in writing with the Pastor or Secretary by the complainant, and after a proper hearing of the case, the following rules and instructions shall be observed as occasion may require: (Matthew 18:16-20; Romans 16:17,18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:12). Names may be dropped from the Assembly roster by a two-thirds vote of the Church Board. Parties thus dealt with have the right to appeal to the Assembly. The decision of the Church Board shall stand unless reversed by two-thirds votes of the Assembly. Those disciplined, after having shown true repentance and having made restitution, may be reinstated by the pastor and the church board into regular membership.
ARTICLE 9 SOVEREIGN ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP
Section 1
There shall be a Pastor, Secretary and Treasurer and at least three other deacons who shall constitute a Church Board.
Section 2: Duties of a Pastor
1. The Pastor shall be considered as the spiritual overseer of the assembly and all the assembly’s activities. He shall be the chairman of the board and ex- officio member of all committees.
2. The Pastor shall have an oversight of all spiritual services. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the Assembly unless by understanding and in full harmony with the Pastor’s wishes.
3. The Pastor shall have the oversight of all visitation work, and may appoint others to assist him in the area of ministry.
4. In the event of his expected absence the Pastor shall appoint someone to take charge of church services.
5. The Pastor shall have the oversight of all the Assembly’s finances and shall be one of the signatories on all bank accounts.
Section 3: Duties of the Deacons 1. The Deacon shall be a person of mature Christian experience and knowledge, who shall, as closely as possible, meet the requirements as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2, and shall have been filled with the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4.
2. The Deacon shall act in an advisory capacity with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the church in its spiritual and in the administration of its ordinances. They shall act in the examination of applicants for membership and also in the administration of the discipline of members.
3. All matters of Assembly administration shall be carried on by the Church Board except in matters affecting the entire body. In such cases, they shall present their recommendations to the Assembly of ratification.
4. Deacons shall be at least twenty-one (21) years old and shall have been members of the Assembly for at least one year.
5. One of the Deacons shall be chosen to assist the Secretary-Treasurer in his duties so that these two with the Pastor shall be responsible for the counting of the moneys received, the recording, banking and disbursement of the same.
Section 4: Duties of the Secretary / Treasurer
1. He shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the Church Board, the annual and special meetings of the Assembly. He/she shall keep a record of the membership of the Assemblyand perform any other clerical work necessary to the proper discharge of his duties.
2. He shall be responsible, with his assistant, to the Pastor for all financial transactions of the Assembly, and shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements of all moneys. He/she shall make an itemized report at the regular meetings of the Church Board, and a summarized statement at the Assembly’s annual meetings.
3. He shall disburse funds onlyat the direction of the Pastor and theChurch Board.
Section 5: Donations
1. The organization is prohibited from accepting a donation which is revocable at the instance of the donor for reasons other than a material failure to conform to the designated purposes and conditions of such donation including any misrepresentation with regard to the tax deductibility thereof in terms of section 18A: Provided that a donor (other than a donor which is an approved public benefit organization or an institution board or body which is exempt from tax in terms of section 10 (1) (cA) (i), which has as its sole or principal object the carrying on of any public benefit activity) may not impose conditions which could enable such donor or any connected person in relation to such donor to derive some direct or indirect benefit from the application of such donation.
2. The organization may not issue tax deductible receipts in regard of any donation to the extent that the donation will be utilized in carrying on the approved public benefit activity listed in paragraph 5(a), Part I of the Ninth Schedule to the Income Tax Act. The organization may only issue tax deductible receipts in respect of any donation to the extent that the donation will be utilized solely in carrying on the activities contemplated in Part II of the Ninth Schedule to the Act.
ARTICLE 11 MEETINGS
Section 1
The annual business meeting of the Assemblyshall convene at such times and place as the Pastor and Church Board may decide. Due notice shall be given for two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting.
Section 2
Special meetings of the Assembly may be called by the Pastor or the Church Board. Due notice of all special business meetings of the Assembly shall be given at least two weeks before the date of said meeting by announcement in the Sunday services.
Section 3
The business of the Assembly shall be decided by a majority of the voting members present at any of its regular or special meetings.
Section 4
No one, or any number of persons, shall conduct any private or secret business or devotions meetings without the consent and knowledge of the Pastor and/or the Church Board.
ARTICLE 13 INSTITUTIONS
1. The International Assemblies of God Education and Training Institutions shall be the official theological training Institute for the International assemblies of God.
2. The board of directors, as outlined in the constitution of the IAG School, shall be the governing body of the institution on behalf of the general council of the International Assemblies of God.
3. The school will have its own board of administration for the day-to-day running of the school
ARTICLE 15 ORDER OF BUSINESS
The order of business for the General council, General Presbytery and District Presbytery will include the following:
1. Report of the President/President 2. Report of the Secretary
3. Report of the Treasurer 4. Unfinished Business
5. Election of Officers (where applicable)
6. Appointment of Auditor (where applicable) 7. New Business
8. Adjournment
ARTICLE 10 ELECTIONS
Section 1:
Nominations shall be by secret ballot.
Section 2: Elections of a Pastor
1. The Pastor shall be chosen by the Assembly at a meeting called for that purpose.
2. When there is a vacancy in the Pastorate, the Church Board shall act as a nominating committee, and may receive nominations for Pastor from any member of the Assembly for election from accredited International Assemblies of God ministers.
3. A vacancy in the pastorate may be supplied by the district presbytery at the request of the Church Board untila Pastor ischosen bytheAssembly from accredited International Assemblies of God ministers.
4. If at any time a situation should arise where, due to unscriptural conduct, a change of doctrinal views, or inefficiency, a Pastor can no longer serve the Assembly acceptably, it shall be the prerogative of the Church Board to consult with the District Officials and if necessary to call a special meeting of the Assembly. The Pastor’s office may be declared vacant by a two-thirds vote of the legal voting membership present at such a meeting. Such action on the part of the Assembly is not to be considered as affecting the standing of the Pastor with the International Assemblies of God.
5. In the event the Pastor’s services are terminated, he shall be granted a maximum of three months in which to leave.
Section 3: Elections of the Deacons
1. Deacons shall be chosen by the Assembly at the annual business meeting. The term of the office shall be for three years, and arranged, so that one term of the office shall expire each year.
2. Vacancies shall be filled by the Assembly at its annual meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose. In the interim, the pastor and the board may appoint anyone to fill the position.
Section 4: Voting Procedure
1. Two-thirds of all votes cast shall be necessary to constitute an election. 2. A two-thirds majority of all votes cast on the nominating ballot shall
constitute an election.
ARTICLE 12 DEPARTMENTS
1. The International Assemblies of God shall establish and promote Christian Education, Youth Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Evangelism, Literature, Missions, and such other departments as may be deemed desirable in the development of the work.
2. The General Presbytery will be responsible for the formulation and operation of all departments.
3. Departments shall operate within the parameters and guidelines of the general departmental policy document
ARTICLE 14 GENERAL COUNCIL DOCUMENTS
The general presbytery shall be empowered to develop and maintain documents which will outline policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the operation and the structures of the church including position documents.
ARTICLE 16 QUORUM
70% plus one person of all members registered and voting in any session of a duly called meeting of the General Council and the District Presbytery shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE 17 FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year shall be the end of February each year.