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Church Constitution 2010
LOCAL CHURCH
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
This edition of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws contains amendments as approved by the 2008 General Conference. In order for an affiliated local church to enact any of the amendments herein approved by the General Conference, a congregational meeting must duly adopt either this edition in its entirety or such individual amendments of the General Conference as are approved by the local membership. The adoption of such amendments shall be in accordance with the amending article (or by-law as the case may be) of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws.
AND
STATEMENT OF
FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL TRUTHS
THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
2450 MILLTOWER COURT
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5N 5Z6
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
FOR LOCAL CHURCHES
This Local Church Constitution and By-Laws was authorized by the General Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and amended in 2008 for local churches, as defined in this constitution and the constitutions of the General Conference and district conferences of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
In this constitution, the terms church, assembly and congregation shall be considered synonymous.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF
Church ________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________________________
Adopted this ______________ day of __________________________ 20_________
Certified (signed) by ______________________________________________________
(Chair of Church Board)
______________________________________________________
(Secretary of Church Board)
PREAMBLE
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith where the Holy Spirit may be honoured according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in foreign lands, we, whose names appear on the local church roster under the above date, do hereby recognize ourselves as a local church in fellowship with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and shall adopt the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.
All local churches are recognized as self-governing with the inherent right to sovereignty in the conduct of their own affairs. This local church shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with churches of like precious faith associated in the ____________________________
district conference and the General Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, with headquarters at Mississauga, Ontario; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1 NAME: This local church shall be known as
___________________________________________
ARTICLE 2 DEFINITION - LOCAL CHURCH: A local church desiring to
affiliate with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada shall:
2.1 Assume all financial obligations in providing a place of worship and
its operation, and adequate salary for its pastor, together with car
allowance and suitable housing. Suitable housing shall be under-
stood to mean an adequate dwelling, together with utilities such as
heat, water, hydro and telephone or financial provision for such
services, and car allowance.
2.2 Assume responsibility in contributing to the support of the district
office or branch conference with which it is affiliated, and to The
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada international missions, Bible
colleges, and other responsibilities as may be determined by the
General Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
2.3 Have properly qualified leadership of sufficient maturity available
for selection, and be able to maintain standards of discipline and
doctrine over its members.
2.4 Petition the respective district executive for status as a local
church. In order to obtain this status, it is required that a duly
called congregational meeting, presided over by the district super-
intendent or an appointee(s), be held, in which there shall be:
2.4.1 an adoption of the Statement of Fundamental and
Essential Truths; and
2.4.2 acceptance of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws,
as approved by the General Conference, together with a
decision about the required available options; namely, the
size of the Church Board and the decision concerning who
shall be the trustees.
2.5 Ensure that a credential holder of The Pentecostal Assemblies of
Canada is established as pastor of the local church or one whom
the district executive officers of The Pentecostal Assemblies of
Canada approve.
2.6 Be duly registered as a charity under the Income Tax Act.
ARTICLE 3 PREROGATIVES
3.1 This local church shall have the right to govern itself according to the
standards of the New Testament Scriptures, "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 4:3, 13).
3.2 This local church shall have the right to govern itself according to the
General Constitution and By-Laws and district constitutions and by-
laws in force by order of General Conference and district conferences.
3.3 This local church shall have the right to develop policies and
procedures which guide its operation as determined by the church
board or the congregation.
3.4 This local church shall have the right to purchase or acquire by gift,
bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own, hold
in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of
any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance
of its purpose; all in accordance with its constitution and by-laws or
as the same may be hereafter modified or amended.
3.5 The activities of this local church shall be carried on without purpose
of gain for its members, and any profits or other accretions to the
organization shall be used solely to promote its objectives, in
accordance with its constitution and by-laws or as the same may be
hereafter modified or amended.
3.6 In the event of dissolution or winding up of the organization, all its
remaining assets after payment of liabilities shall be distributed to
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada for its continuing ministries.
ARTICLE 4 TENETS OF FAITH:
We believe most assuredly that the Holy Scriptures are God's final
revelation and constitute our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.
This local church, by virtue of its affiliation with The Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada, shall accept the Statement of Fundamental
and Essential Truths, as approved by The Pentecostal Assemblies
of Canada, and which is appended to this constitution.
ARTICLE 5 ORDINANCES AND PRACTICES
5.1 ORDINANCES
5.1.1 The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (Matthew
28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented
of their sins, and have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to
the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their
salvation. (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12)
5.1.2 The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be regularly observed
as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians
11:23-26).
5.2 PRACTICES
5.2.1 Dedication of children
5.2.2 Prayer for the baptism with the Holy Spirit
5.2.3 Prayer for the sick
5.2.4 Christian marriage (as defined by the Statement of
Fundamental and Essential Truths of The Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada)
5.2.5 Christian burial of the dead
ARTICLE 6 MEMBERSHIP
6.1 Persons desiring to become members of this local church shall give
credible profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. They
shall give evidence of compliance with the biblical standard of
Christian practice and manifest spiritual growth by giving evidence of
the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22,23 NIV).
They shall refrain from "acts of the sinful nature: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV). Sexual
immorality shall be interpreted to mean common-law marital relation-
ships, pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships (1 Corinthians
6:15-18; 7:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4), and all forms of
homosexual activity, along with other practices deemed inexcusable
for Christian conduct, and which place a person under God's
judgment (Romans 1:26-2:11).
They shall indicate a desire to live in harmony with this body of
believers, shall accept the doctrinal standards as set forth in the
Statement of Fundamental and Essential Truths, and shall be regular
financial supporters of this local church.
6.2 Membership shall consist of the following:
6.2.1 Regular Members. Persons 18 years of age and over who
fulfill the requirements of Article 6.1 shall be known as regular
members.
6.2.2 Junior Members. Persons between the ages of 12 and 18 who
fulfill the requirements of Article 6.1 may be eligible for junior
membership. Such membership does not qualify for voting
privileges at congregational business meetings.
ARTICLE 7 PASTOR AND CHURCH BOARD
7.1 PASTOR
7.1.1 Nominations for pastor shall be submitted to the local church
congregation by the Church Board, after consultation with the
district superintendent and the retiring pastor.
7.1.2 The pastor must be one who holds credentials with The Pente-
costal Assemblies of Canada or one whom the district executive
officers of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada approve.
7.2 OFFICERS: The officers of this local church shall be the pastor,
secretary, treasurer, and such other officers as may be determined by
this local church from time to time.
7.3 CHURCH BOARD: The Church Board shall consist of the pastor and
not fewer than three (3) board members (if more, the exact number
and the resolution authorizing the same must be duly recorded in the
church minutes). After the setting in order of the church and the
creation of the Church Board, the lay members of the Church Board
shall be selected in accordance with the resolution of this church. The
pastor shall act as chair of the Church Board. When a pastorate
becomes vacant, the district superintendent or the district superin-
tendents authorized representative shall be empowered to act in the
full legal capacity of the pastor in consultation with the Church Board.
The district superintendent shall arrange to supply the pulpit with
suitable ministry until such time as a new pastor has been duly
installed.
ARTICLE 8 BUSINESS MEETINGS
8.1 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETING: The annual
congregational business meeting shall be held in the month of
February each year on a suitable date unless otherwise decided by
the Church Board.
8.2 SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS: Special business meetings may
be called by:
8.2.1 The pastor;
8.2.2
The secretary of the Church Board upon written order of a
majority of the Church Board;
8.2.3
By petition by no less than one-half (1/2) of the regular
members of the congregation. Such petition shall be handed
to the Church Board, whose duty it shall be to give notice of
such meeting.
8.3 NOTICE OF BUSINESS MEETINGS: Two weeks (14 days) notice
shall be given of the annual congregational business and special
business meetings from the pulpit and posted and publicized in the
local church. It shall include date, time and purpose of the meeting.
8.4 AGENDA: The agenda shall be prepared by the pastor and Church
Board. An agenda item may be submitted for consideration to the
Church Board by a member of the congregation in good standing. It
must be in writing, signed, and in the possession of the Church board
at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE 9 PROPERTY: All real estate owned by this local church shall
be held in the name of the respective district of The Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada where incorporated, as trustee for the local
church according to the terms of the Declaration of Trust, or by The
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada where the respective district is not
incorporated as trustee for the local church according to the terms of
the Declaration of Trust, or by the trustees of the local church as a
local church of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and, in the
case of an incorporated local church, may be held by the local church
in its corporate name as a local church of The Pentecostal Assem-
blies of Canada.
The acquiring and disposal of real property shall be decided by a two-
thirds (2/3) majority of the voting members present at a duly called
congregational business meeting. Where property is placed in trust
with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, either district or inter-
national, a 75 percent majority of those voting at a duly called
congregational business meeting shall be required.
In the matter of disposing of any real property of this local church, this
congregation shall be subject to the property regulations in force from
time to time in the by-laws of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
and the district constitution and by-laws, the applicable provincial
laws, and the Declaration of Trust, where applicable.
ARTICLE 10 DEPARTMENTS: The departments of this local church
may be Christian Education, Youth Ministries, Men's Ministries,
Women's Ministries, and Childrens Ministries. The Church Board shall
have authority to institute such other departments of this local church
as deemed necessary from time to time.
ARTICLE 11 AMENDMENTS: This constitution may be amended at any
annual congregational business meeting of this local church or at
any special congregational business meeting duly called for that
specific purpose, provided that a copy of the proposed amendment
has been presented in writing to the Church Board and to the district
superintendent at least 30 days before the date of the congre-
gational business meeting, and providing that notice of said
proposed amendment shall have been given in the announce-
ments of the said congregational business meeting.
A copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be
available to any voting member between the time of the announce-
ment and the time of the congregational business meeting on appli-
cation to the secretary of the Church Board.
An amendment to be adopted shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote of the members present and voting at the meeting. Such
amendment shall not be contrary to the regulations of the General
Conference or the General Constitution and By-Laws or district con-
stitution and by-laws or Local Church Constitution and By-Laws of
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, the applicable provincial
laws, and the Declaration of Trust, where applicable.
BY-LAWS
BY-LAW 1 MEMBERSHIP
1.1 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: A membership committee composed
of the pastor and the Church Board shall receive applications for
membership, shall make investigation relating thereto as it deems
proper, and shall approve for admission into the local church those
applicants who meet membership requirements.
1.2 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION
1.2.1 Application for membership shall be received on a signed
application form whereby the applicant agrees to abide by the
provisions of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws
including the terms of membership as stated in Article 6.1.
1.2.2 Applicants who have been approved by the membership
committee for membership in this local church shall be publicly
received into the local church (Galatians 2:9) and may receive
a membership card. Membership may be reviewed annually
by the membership committee.
1.3 TRANSFER: Members who move from another local church and
desire to have their membership transferred should request a
certificate or letter of transfer from the membership committee of the
former local church for presentation to the membership committee of
this local church. Members who move to another local church shall
be given, upon written request, a certificate or letter of transfer by the
membership committee of this local church.
1.4 DISMISSAL OF MEMBERSHIP: Grounds for dismissal of member-
ship in this local church shall include the following:
1.4.1 VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
1.4.1.1 Voluntary withdrawal from membership in this local
church or reception into the membership of another
congregation;
1.4.1.2 Issuance of a transfer letter;
1.4.1.3 Absence from the regular services of the local church
for three (3) consecutive months, upon issuance of a
letter from the membership committee noting this
voluntary withdrawal.
1.4.2 DISCIPLINARY DISMISSAL OF MEMBERSHIP: Upon the
conclusion of disciplinary procedures according to By-Law 6 of
the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws which finds a
member responsible for a failure under the causes of
disciplinary action.
BY-LAW 2 PASTOR AND CHURCH BOARD
2.1 PASTOR
2.1.1 APPOINTMENT AND CALL: A call shall be extended to a
pastor when the pastor receives a two-thirds (2/3) majority of
the ballots cast at a meeting duly convened for that purpose.
2.1.2 DUTIES: The pastor shall be considered the primary spiritual
overseer of the local church and shall, with the Church Board,
direct all of its activities. (The pastor shall consult with the
Church Board regarding the ongoing health and wholeness of
the congregation and to ensure the appropriate ministries and
programs are in place to accomplish the same.) The pastor
shall arrange for all special meetings, missionary conventions
or revival campaigns. The pastor shall act as chair of all the
business meetings of the local church, and of the Church Board.
The pastor shall be, ex officio, a member of all committees and
departments. The pastor shall provide for all the services of the
local church, and no person shall be invited to speak or preach
in the local church without the approval of the pastor (and as
provided in General Constitution and By-Laws 10.5.8 and
10.5.9). No congregational or Church Board meeting shall be
held in the absence of the pastor without the written
authorization of the pastor.
2.1.3 RESIGNATION: The pastor may resign by giving a minimum
of one (1) month written notice to the congregation or to the
Church Board by a letter addressed to the secretary of the
Church board of the local church. The pastor must also
immediately notify the district superintendent of this resignation.
2.1.4 VACANCY: When the pastorate becomes vacant, the district
superintendent or the authorized representatives of the district
superintendent shall be empowered to act in the full legal
capacity of the pastor, who shall arrange to supply the pulpit
with suitable pulpit ministry until such time as a new pastor has
been duly installed.
2.1.5 PASTOR/CONGREGATION RELATIONSHIP: When
difficulties have arisen between the pastor and the Church
Board or congregation which do not involve the credentials of
the pastor, but only the position as pastor, and which
apparently cannot be resolved at the local level, the pastor, the
Church Board or a quorum consisting of not fewer than one-
third (1/3) of the regular members of the local church shall have
the right to appeal to the district executive for help in resolving
the impasse.
The refusal of a pastor to call a meeting of the Church Board
shall constitute the Church Boards right to appeal to the
district executive.
If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, the district
superintendent may call a congregational meeting, to be
presided over by the district superintendent or the authorized
representative of the district superintendent.
If the district superintendent, or their representative, calls for a
vote of confidence in the pastor, the roster for the vote shall
include only those members who held membership 60 days
prior to the vote of confidence and shall exclude the pastor
and members of the pastoral staff, as identified in the minutes
of the Church Board, and their spouses, who shall not be
included in the quorum necessary to have a congregational
meeting. The vote shall require a simple majority in support of
the pastor, for the pastor to retain the position as pastor. If
such is not achieved, the pastor's duties shall be terminated
immediately, and the pastor shall be given a minimum of one
(1) month salary but not more than three (3) months salary
with benefits and the use of the parsonage during that period,
or the regular housing allowance if the pastor is not living in
the church parsonage. If the pastor has served for a period of
a minimum of two (2) years and has failed to receive the
required majority in the confidence vote, or has complied with
a request from the Church board to resign, the pastor shall be
given a maximum of three (3) months salary with benefits and
the use of the parsonage during that period, or the equivalent
housing allowance if the pastor is not living in the church
parsonage.
2.1.6 CHARGES INVOLVING CREDENTIALS: Charges in matters
involving the pastors right to hold credentials with The Pente-
costal Assemblies of Canada, their morality, integrity or
doctrinal soundness must be made to the district executive in
writing, and properly signed by one who is willing to appear in
person and give testimony concerning the charges. Charges
thus preferred against a credential holder shall be dealt with
according to provisions made in the General Constitution and
By-Laws of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
In the event of a credential holder being charged under the
Criminal Code and ministry is restricted; they shall continue to
receive remuneration for a maximum of three (3) months.
2.2 OFFICERS
2.2.1 SECRETARY TREASURER: The secretary-treasurer shall
be capable of performing such clerical duties as this office
requires, and shall be appointed annually by the Church
Board, and may be one (1) of its own members. The offices
of secretary and treasurer may be filled by the same person,
who may or may not be a member of the Church Board.
2.2.2 DUTIES SECRETARY: The secretary shall be custodian of
the records of the various congregational meetings and shall
record the same in record books provided for that purpose.
The secretary shall preserve the records of the local church
and prepare reports as directed by the Church Board.
2.2.3 DUTIES TREASURER: The treasurer shall be the custodian
of the general funds of the local church and shall deposit the
same in a chartered bank in the name of the local church, and
shall disperse such funds as authorized by the Church Board.
The treasurer shall ensure that an accurate record of accounts
is kept, and shall present a financial statement at the annual
congregational meeting and at any other time when requested
to do so by the Church Board or the local church congregation.
The books shall be reviewed before the annual congregational
meeting by financially qualified individuals appointed by the
Church Board.
2.2.4 DUTIES - OTHER OFFICERS: Departmental officers' terms
of reference shall be outlined in the departmental constitution,
as adopted by this congregation.
2.3 CHURCH BOARD
2.3.1 QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications for service on the
Church Board shall be determined and approved in
accordance with the policy of this local church, as guided by
such scriptural provisions as are cited in Acts 6:3, I Timothy
3:8-13, and Titus 1:5-9. The official Church Board shall be
comprised of members who are of good report and sound
judgment, examples to the congregation in matters of steward-
ship, church attendance, and spiritual maturity, and seeking
constantly, as sanctified vessels, to be filled with the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:4; Ephesians 5:18).
2.3.2 DUTIES
2.3.2.1 The Church Board is chosen to serve the church with
the pastor in matters pertaining to the operation of
the local church. They shall assist in the ministry of
its ordinances and shall act in the examination of
applications for membership, and also in the admin-
istration of the discipline of the local church. They
shall appoint a recording secretary from among their
members to record the minutes of their meetings.
2.3.2.2 A majority present in any meeting of the Church
Board shall constitute a quorum, provided that all the
members have been notified to be present.
2.3.2.3 It shall be the duty of the Church Board to ensure that
an adequate compensation package is provided for
the pastor, together with suitable housing facilities.
Suitable housing facilities shall be understood to
mean an adequate dwelling in good repair, together
with utilities such as heat, water, electricity and tele-
phone or financial provision for such services, and a
vehicle allowance. An annual salary review shall be
made.
2.3.2.4 A majority of the Church Board shall have the right to
ask the pastor to convene an official Church Board
meeting.
2.3.2.5 Where there is need for trustees, the Church Board
shall name at least three (3) of its members to act in
that capacity.
2.3.2.6 The Church Board, with the pastor, shall meet regularly
for the transaction of routine business for the local
church, the time and place to be announced by the
pastor.
2.3.3 ACCOUNTABILITY
2.3.3.1 TO THE PASTOR: To support the pastor in his/her
primary responsibility to his/her family; encourage
and enable the pastor to a continual growth in
leadership through continuing education, develop-
ment, courses, seminars, and resources; assure
administrative excellence in financial reporting,
strategic planning, communication, labour relations
and other assigned duties; assist in creating and
implementing a vision and strategy for the church;
assist in the development of that church as a
disciple-making, equipping community; ensure a
global missions strategy and commitment; respect
and understand mutual accountability (Rom. 1:8);
and provide covering, care, and nurture for the
pastor.
2.3.3.2 TO OTHER MEMBERS OF CHURCH BOARD:
Support the Church Board in their primary respon-
sibility to their family; encourage and enable the
Church Board to a continual growth in leadership
through prescribed courses made available through
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada; assume
responsibility for areas of expertise and giftedness
to assure administrative excellence in the church;
fulfill assigned duties as directed by the Church
board; assist in creating and implementing a vision
and strategy for the church; assist in the develop-
ment of the church as a disciple-making, equipping
community; ensure that adequate resources are
available for touching, reaching and discipling the
community; ensure a global missions strategy and
commitment; respect and understand mutual
accountability (Rom. 1:8); and provide covering,
care, and nurture for each member of the Church
board. It is expected that the Church Board will
function in confidentiality and loyalty, and model
personal discipleship, which will contribute to the well
being, reputation, and respect of the entire Church
Board.
2.3.3.3 TO THE CONGREGATION: Model healthy family
life and teach family values; ensure that adequate
resources are available for touching, reaching and
discipling the community; ensure clear communication
of the vision, strategy and needs to the congregation;
ensure that an adequate membership process is in
place (including education, ministry, accountability
and discipline); assist the congregation in under-
standing their spiritual responsibility to serve, give,
share and be involved; assist the congregation in
understanding their responsibility to support the
leadership in its vision and direction for the future
and health of the church; and assist the congre-
gation to understand its role in, and commitment to,
the community, as an agency of grace and spiritual
light.
2.3.3.4 TO THE COMMUNITY: Understand their role of
modeling Christian values of grace, love and
acceptance to the community; raising church
awareness of the communitys needs, and the
responsibility of the church to the community; to
pray for and encourage the leadership of the
community; and uphold and communicate justice and
truth in the community.
2.3.4 TERM OF OFFICE
2.3.4.1 The term of office of all lay members of the Church
Board shall be for either one, two or three years, as
determined by the local congregation. After a
member has served for six consecutive years, the
member will not be considered eligible to serve on
the Church Board for a period of one (1) year.
2.3.4.2 Termination of membership on the Church Board
shall occur if any Church board member, during the
term of office, shall resign, move away, and cease to
be a member of the congregation or be disqualified
according to By-Law 1.4 of these by-laws. Provision
is hereby made for the remaining members of the
Church Board to appoint a successor until the next
annual meeting.
2.3.5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
2.3.5.1 Church Board members shall not place themselves in
a position where there is conflict of interest between
their duties as Church Board members and personal
interests. Every Church Board member who is in any
way directly or indirectly interested in, or may become
interested in, an existing or proposed contract, tran-
saction, or arrangement with the church or who
otherwise has a conflict of interest by virtue of involve-
ment of a family member or the involvement of an
employer, partner, business associate, or a corporation
that the member is involved with as either a director,
shareholder, officer, employee, or agent, then such
Church Board member shall declare a conflict of
interest fully at a meeting of the board and withdraw
from any discussion or vote.
2.3.5.2 The pastor, who serves as a member of the Church
Board, or any member of the pastoral staff, shall
absent himself/herself from a Church Board meeting
when salary and allowance review is being
considered.
2.4 SERVANTS COUNCIL (if desired)
2.4.1 DUTIES
The purpose of a Servants Council is to assist the pastor and
Church board to effectively serve the local church in practical
ways. The Servants Council will:
2.4.1.1 Be appointed by the members of Church board, for
an unlimited tenure.
2.4.1.2 Serve in other ministries in the local church for a
minimum of two (2) years prior to becoming a
member of the Servants Council. Consideration
provided for transferees.
2.4.1.3 Meet regularly for instruction, direction, account-
ability, evaluation and assignment of duties (e.g.
department heads, usher, Womens Ministry, sound
technician, Mens Fellowship, youth, young adults,
treasurer, children, building maintenance), over-
sight of the administration of Plan to Protect.
2.4.2 QUALIFICATIONS
2.4.2.1 Character qualifications (1 Timothy, Acts 6): servant
heart, ministry orientation
2.4.2.2 Skills required to complete the assigned task
2.4.2.3 Covenant of agreement with vision and direction
BY-LAW 3 SELECTION OF CHURCH BOARD AND BUSINESS MEETINGS
OPTION ONE ELECTED
3.1 NOMINATIONS
3.1.1 The nominating committee shall be comprised of the pastor
and Church Board or a committee appointed by the Church
Board, which shall be constituted of the pastor, one (1) board
member and three (3) non-Church Board members.
3.1.2 The nominating committee, after its appointment, shall invite
submissions from members of the congregation, until 14 days
prior to the annual congregational business meeting, or a
longer period as approved by resolution of the membership
and recorded in minutes of the congregation. The sub-
missions shall be in writing, signed by the local church
member, and submitted without the knowledge of the person.
3.1.3 It shall be the duty of the nominating committee to receive
submissions for each office to be filled and, after determining
if such individuals are qualified and willing to serve, shall
present a slate of nominees for consideration at the congre-
gational business meeting.
3.2 VOTING: All the elected officers of this local church, except the
pastor, shall be declared elected upon receiving more than 50
percent of all votes cast for the office at the annual congregational
business meeting. If the candidate is not elected on the first ballot,
voting shall continue until an election is declared. If no election is
declared as a result of the second election ballot, the name receiving
the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated on each succeeding
ballot.
When the church congregation is voting on business matters, a
definite voting bar shall be made between those who are entitled to
vote and those who are not so entitled. A member of the congre-
gation wishing to challenge the right of another to vote may do so.
In the event of such a challenge, a majority vote of the congregation
shall decide.
3.3 APPOINTED OFFICES: It shall be the duty of the newly elected
Church Board to fill all appointed offices for the ensuing year without
delay.
3.4 ORDER OF BUSINESS: The regular order of business for the
annual congregational business meeting of this local church shall be
determined by the pastor and Church Board which may include
such items as:
-
Devotional
-
Reading of previous minutes by the secretary
-
Report of treasurer
-
Report of committees
-
Unfinished business
-
Selection of officers
-
New business
-
Adjournment
3.5 QUORUM: Twenty-five (25) percent of the voting membership
shall be required to constitute a quorum. Those members who by
reasons of health are unable to regularly attend church meetings
may be omitted from the quorum calculation.
3.6 PARLIAMENTARY ORDER: In order to expedite congregational
business meetings this local church shall be governed by the spirit
of Christian love and fellowship and by the accepted rules of
parliamentary procedure as outlined in Roberts Rules of Order, or
Code Morin.
BY-LAW 4 DEPARTMENTS: All departments of this local church shall
be responsible to the pastor and the Church Board, and shall present
annual reports to the annual congregational business meeting.
BY-LAW 5 MEETINGS
5.1 REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES: The time and place of the regular
church services shall be determined by the Church Board and the
pastor.
5.2 No member or any number of members shall call any private, secret,
business or devotional meetings without the knowledge and consent
of the Church Board and the pastor.
BY-LAW 6 DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATION
6.1 NATURE AND PURPOSES OF DISCIPLINE: Discipline is an
exercise of scriptural authority for which the local church is respon-
sible. The aims of discipline are that God may be honoured, that the
purity and welfare of the local church may be maintained, and that
those under discipline may be brought to repentance and restoration.
Discipline is to be administered for the restoration of local church
members, while fully providing for the protection and advancement
of the spiritual welfare of our local churches. It is to be redemptive in
nature as well as corrective, and is to be exercised as under a
dispensation of both justice and mercy. The following shall be
proceeded with only after all other avenues of Christian counsel and
brotherly admonition have been attempted.
6.2 CAUSES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Any proven act or conduct
which, in the opinion of the Church Board, after a full investigation
of the evidence may be determined to be in contradiction of the
actions and principles as stated in Article 6.1 of the Local Church
Constitution and By-Laws may give just cause for disciplinary action
by the Church Board. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
among such causes for action shall be:
6.2.1 Any moral failure involving sexual misconduct or sexual
deviation (including, but not limited to adultery, homosexuality,
incest, sexual assault, pornography and improper contact
with the opposite sex).
6.2.2 Any moral or ethical failure other than sexual misconduct or
any conduct unbecoming to a local church member
(including, but not limited to deception, fraud, theft and
assault).
6.2.3 Any act or action of a local church member, which is the
cause of serious discord or dissension, with or without
malicious intent (Romans 16:17, 18; Proverbs 6:19).
6.2.4 The propagation of doctrines and practices contrary to
those set forth in the Statement of Fundamental and
Essential Truths of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
6.3 INITIATIVE
6.3.1 AUTHORITY: Occasions sometimes arise which make it
necessary to deal with local church members who have
reached the place where, in the opinion of the Church Board,
endorsement can no longer be given. The Church Board,
which has the authority to approve church membership, also
has the right to withdraw their approval and to dismiss church
membership.
6.3.2 CHURCH BOARD RESPONSIBILITY: The Church Board is
responsible to deal with allegations of misconduct according
to the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws.
In the event that the Church Board finds itself compromised in
any manner, or appearing to lack impartiality, it shall have the
right to appoint a substitute committee to hear charges against
a church member.
6.3.3 STATEMENT OF CONDUCT: Should a local church member
admit to, or confess to a wrongdoing or misconduct to the
board, such as should require disciplinary action, then the
Church Board shall exercise discretion as to the appropriate
form of discipline.
6.3.4 REPORTS, RUMOURS OR COMPLAINTS: Should there be
reports, rumours or complaints, written or unwritten, which
appear to be persistent, serious, becoming publicly known
and posing a detriment to the testimony of the individual or
church, then the pastor shall use their judgment to discuss the
matter with the member being accused, always in the
presence of a member of the Church Board. The pastor and
Church Board member shall exercise their discretion as to
whether or not to commence an official investigation.
6.3.5 INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS OR COMPLAINTS OF
ALLEGED VIOLATIONS: Written and signed allegations of
violations under By-Law 6.2 by a local church member shall
be investigated. The pastor shall appoint two (2) members of
the Church Board to investigate the allegation, having in mind
that it is their responsibility to safeguard the member, the local
church and the fellowship. This shall be done to determine
the credibility of the allegation.
6.3.5.1 Signed written allegations shall be filed with the
Pastor and/or a member of the Church Board, by the
complainant(s) describing the alleged violations.
6.3.5.2 The persons making the allegation shall be inter-
viewed in order to ascertain the facts in the case and
the reasons underlying the allegation.
6.3.5.3 The accused local church member shall be given an
opportunity to be interviewed to discuss the
allegation.
6.3.5.4 Should a local church member, when presented with
the allegations, acknowledge a wrongdoing that
requires disciplinary action, then the Pastor or the
Pastors designate shall report the acknowledgment
of wrongdoing to the Church Board who shall initiate
appropriate disciplinary action and a restoration
program.
6.3.5.5 Should the local church member deny the allegations
made, the investigators shall determine if the
evidence merits a disciplinary hearing.
6.3.5.6 Where an accused local church member serves in a
leadership capacity in the local church, such ministry
may be restricted during the investigation at the
discretion of the Pastor.
6.3.6 LEGAL CHARGES
6.3.6.1 Where a local church member has been legally
charged under the Criminal Code:
6.3.6.1.1 No disciplinary procedures will be followed
until the legal proceedings, including
appeal, have run their course.
6.3.6.1.2 Continuing involvement in the local church
leadership may be subject to restriction
during the time of the legal proceedings at
the discretion of the Church Board.
6.3.6.1.3 A guilty verdict of a local church member
following the legal proceedings, including
appeal, shall automatically precipitate discip-
linary procedures by the Church Board.
6.3.6.1.4 Local church members may be eligible for
participation in a restoration program upon
request for reconciliation.
6.3.6.2 Should the allegations against the local church
member be one of a violation which is required by
law to be reported (including, but not limited to,
offences against minors), the Church Board shall
report the accused to the appropriate legal authorities
and delay their own investigation, until the appropriate
legal authorities have opportunity to investigate.
6.3.7 PREPARATION AND FILING OF CHARGES: Allegations shall
only be investigated when they have been made in writing, dated
and signed by the complainant.
If, after due investigation, it is determined that a disciplinary
hearing should occur, charges should be filed with the Church
Board.
The person against whom charges have been filed shall be
informed by registered mail of the charges at least 15 days before
being called to appear before the Church Board for a disciplinary
hearing. The hearing shall take place within 40 days of formal
charges being delivered to the local church member, or the entire
proceeding shall be rescinded. A copy of the charges shall be
sent to the district superintendent.
The said local church member may be relieved immediately from
local church involvement upon being notified of the charges.
6.3.8 DISPOSITION OF ALLEGATIONS
6.3.8.1 If written allegations are made and signed, but the
investigators conclude under the guidelines of the Local
Church Constitution and By-Laws that no reason exists
for a hearing, then the matter shall be dropped.
6.3.8.2 The pastor, or the pastors appointee, may seek to
counsel all parties involved and to bring to an end any
continuation of rumours or conflicts related to the
matter.
6.3.8.3 The complainant shall be informed in writing that the
investigation has been concluded and the allegations
dismissed.
6.3.8.4 There shall be no record of the investigation kept.
6.3.8.5 The church member shall be informed in writing that the
investigation of the allegations has concluded and no
charges have been laid.
6.3.9 DISCIPLINARY HEARING: In the event the investigators find the
charges merit a hearing they shall request the pastor to arrange
for a disciplinary hearing by the Church Board for the accused
local church member. The local church member shall be requested
to appear at the hearing.
To ensure the ability of the hearing committee to render an
impartial judgment, no member of the Church Board of the local
church may sit on the hearing committee when they have been
party to the details of the investigation or any event or incident
related to the alleged offence.
The pastor may attend the hearing as an observer but shall not
participate nor be present when a vote is taken in the decision as
to guilt or innocence. The role of the pastor is to be redemptive to
all parties involved.
If the accused local church member refuses to appear at the
hearing to offer a defence, the hearing will proceed and the
accused member may be disciplined if found guilty of the charges
preferred.
6.3.9.1 CHAIR: A member of the hearing committee shall be
appointed by the pastor to serve as chair.
The chair of the hearing committee along with the pastor
shall prepare an agenda and arrange for all matters of
the hearing.
The chair shall appoint a recording secretary from the
membership of the hearing committee.
6.3.9.2 ROLE OF INVESTIGATORS
6.3.9.2.1 The investigators shall bring a report to the
hearing and offer evidence as discovered
during the investigation procedures.
6.3.9.2.2 They shall not participate nor be present
when a vote is taken in the decision as to
guilt or innocence.
6.3.9.2.3 No evidence or comment regarding the
evidence shall be given by the investigators
or accusers in the absence of the accused
local church member, unless the accused
local church member has failed to, or has
refused to, appear at the hearing.
6.3.9.3 LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERS SUPPORT: The accused
local church member shall have the right to have a
member of this local church present for support but not
as an active participant in the hearing process. The
supporting person may be the spouse of the accused
local church member.
Legal counsel shall not be present for either side at the
hearing.
6.3.9.4 The agenda and proceedings shall provide sufficient
opportunity for the complainant and complainee to speak,
offer evidence, cross examine, present witnesses, and to
make a summation statement. It will be the role of the
hearing committee to question and make inquiry of the
participants and to seek to have all the facts, evidence
and testimony duly presented and examined to ensure
an objective decision.
6.3.9.5 The verdict shall be made by secret ballot in the absence
of investigators, the complainant and the supporting
member if present and the complainee. A two-thirds (2/3)
majority vote shall be required to determine guilt.
6.3.9.6 If it has been determined that guilt has been established,
discipline shall be administered prayerfully and in the fear
of God, in accordance with the Scriptures and as set forth
in the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws.
6.3.9.7 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE VERDICT
6.3.9.7.1 The verdict shall be communicated to the pastor
and placed in the minutes of the Church Board.
If the verdict is one of guilt, then the minutes of
the hearing and any other relevant documents
shall be maintained in a confidential file until the
disciplinary process has been completed.
6.3.9.7.2 The pastor shall communicate the verdict in
writing to the local church member and the
complainant within five (5) days of the decision
of the hearing committee.
6.3.9.7.3 If a guilty verdict is reached, the local church
member shall be informed in writing of the right
and process of appeal.
6.3.9.7.4 If the verdict is one of not guilty, then no record
of the hearing shall be maintained.
6.3.10 DISCIPLINE: A local church member who has been found
guilty of violating or who has confessed in writing to having
violated any of the principles set forth in the Local Church
Constitution and By-Laws, shall be subject to disciplinary
action by the Church Board. Said discipline shall be admin-
istered in brotherly love and kindness. The Church Board
shall weigh decisions on the basis of the offence itself.
A local church member who has confessed to, or been found
guilty of, the charges may have their membership placed on
probation, or suspended.
A local church member who refuses to enter the restoration
program and does not complete the same shall have their
membership dismissed.
6.3.11 RIGHT OF APPEAL: The local church member shall have
the right of appeal. The purpose of the appeal is to
examine the process and the judgment rendered.
Any appeal of the decision by the hearing committee must
be made in writing within 30 days of receiving the decision
of the committee to the secretary of the Church Board.
The Church Board shall request the district superintendent
to appoint a committee to hear the appeal.
The appeal will be heard within 60 days of receiving the
request for an appeal in writing.
The accused person will be present at this appeal, but if the
accused person neglects or refuses to attend the hearing, it
may proceed in the absence of the accused person. The
decision of this appeal committee will be final.
The decision of the appeal committee will be communicated
in writing to the church member by the chair of the appeal
committee within five (5) days of the appeal hearing.
Legal counsel shall not be present for either side at the
appeal hearing, nor in any other investigative or disciplinary
hearing provided for in these by-laws.
6.3.12 RESTORATION: In the event a local church member who
has been found guilty of offence shows repentance and
indicates a desire for continued fellowship with the local
church, the Church Board shall determine an appropriate
restoration program, which would have in view the com-
pletion of a suspension period or the reinstatement of
membership as applicable.
The program of restoration shall be administered in brotherly
love and kindness.
The restoration program may include limitations of ministry
involvement during the term of restoration.
6.3.13 REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP: Persons who have
had their membership suspended and have successfully
completed the restoration program may apply for rein-
statement of membership by communicating their request
to the secretary of the Church Board.
6.3.14 WAIVER OF CLAIM: Notwithstanding the provisions here-
inbefore contained, certificates of membership of this local
church shall be issued upon the condition that suspension
of the member and withdrawal of the certificate of member-
ship in the manner herein provided shall not give the
suspended member cause for legal action against the pastor
or any member taking part in the suspension proceedings;
and the acceptance of the certificate of membership or
fellowship in this local church shall be evidence of a waiver
by the member of all rights of action, causes of action, and
all claims and demands against the local church or any
member or officer of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
by virtue of suspension proceedings and withdrawal of the
certificate of membership or fellowship in this local church
under the foregoing provision.
BY-LAW 7 RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIVILEGES OF AFFILIATION
7.1 Accepting our responsibility under the great commission of the Lord
Jesus Christ, as stated in Matthew 28 and Mark 16, this local church
shall support the missionary program and policy of The Pentecostal
Assemblies of Canada, and shall take one (1) missionary offering
each month for this purpose.
7.2 Recognizing the responsibility of this local church to adequately
provide for those who are employed in pastoral and staff services to
this local church, including adequate provision for current ministry
and future retirement support; and recognizing that The Pension
Fund (1969) of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada exists to
serve retired ministers, missionaries, and employees of local church,
as an affiliated local church, the Church Board shall ensure that each
credentialed pastor and qualifying local church employee shall
regularly participate in a retirement income plan such as The Pension
Fund (1969) of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and the local
church shall match the contributions of its employees in accordance
with Canadian pension legislation and regulations.
7.3 Recognizing the important services rendered to this congregation by
the international and district offices of The Pentecostal Assemblies of
Canada, this local church shall support the ministry and fellowship
services of the international and district offices, the international
missions objectives of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, The
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Bible college serving this district,
and other responsibilities as may be determined by the General
Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
This shall be done in accordance with the General Conference
resolution that each local church forward an amount equal to ten
(10) percent of its general fund offerings (does not include missionary
offerings, building fund, or any other special fund) to the district office
at regular intervals to support the ministry and fellowship services. The
district office will forward ten (10) percent from these funds to the Inter-
national Office for ministry and fellowship services.
7.4 This local church assumes the responsibilities of paying the moving
expenses of an incoming pastor and the elected pastor's expenses
incidental to attending the district conference and to any district-
sponsored convention held for the benefit of its ministers.
7.5 FINANCES
7.5.1 This local church, prior to the making of application for loan
from any source or incurring indebtedness on a purchase plan
or otherwise when repayment is not to be made in full within
12 months of the date of the intended loan or where the
intended indebtedness, together with all other indebtedness
of the said local church, in the aggregate will exceed ten (10)
percent of the total amount of the previous year's gross
revenues, then the local church shall consult with and obtain
the approval of the district executive before proceeding with
the requirements of By-Law 7.5.2 hereof.
7.5.2 This local church shall then obtain the approval of its congre-
gation to the proposed action by resolution, passed at a duly
called special or regular annual congregational business
meeting.
7.5.3 If the property title of the local church is held in trust by The
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, according to the terms of
the Declaration of Trust, the local church may be eligible to
negotiate a Pension Fund mortgage with the International
Office or receive investment funds from the district office.
Exceptions may be made when deemed appropriate.
A district office shall have the option of lodging a lien with the
International Office where the title is being held or when
registering a mortgage in the regional land titles office on the
title of the local church for the amount of money invested in
the local church by the district office. In the event a lien is
lodged against the said property at the International Office,
the executive officers who have the constitutional right to bind
the corporation shall provide a written undertaking to the
district office that the title of the said local church shall not be
released without the written consent of the district office.
7.6 The district executive has the privilege to create policies which will
allow local churches to request care and intervention from time to
time.
BY-LAW 8 AMENDMENTS: These by-laws may be amended at any
annual congregational business meeting of this local church or any
special congregational business meeting duly called for that specific
purpose, provided that a copy of the proposed amendment has been
presented in writing to the Church Board and to the district superin-
tendent at least 30 days before the date of the business meeting, and
providing that notice of said proposed amendment shall have been
given in the announcements of the said business meeting.
A copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be available
to any voting member between the time of announcement and the
time of the congregational business meeting on application to the
secretary of the Church Board.
An amendment to be adopted shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote. Such amendment shall not be contrary to the regulations of the
General Conference or General Constitution and By-Laws or district
constitution and by-laws or Local Church Constitution and By-Laws of
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, or contrary to the Declaration
of Trust, where applicable.
STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL AND ESSENTIAL TRUTHS
Article 5 of the General Constitution and By-Laws
Adopted by General Conference, 1994
PREAMBLE
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada stands firmly in the mainstream of
historical Christianity. It takes the Bible as its all-sufficient source of faith
and practice, and subscribes to the historic creeds of the universal church.
In common with historical, evangelical Christianity, it emphasizes Christ as
Saviour and coming King. It also presents Christ as Healer, and it adopts
the distinctive position that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence when
Christ baptizes in the Holy Spirit (See Article 5.6.3).
5.1 HOLY SCRIPTURES: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God¹ by
which we understand the whole Bible to be inspired in the sense that
holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to write the very
words of Scripture.² Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all
parts of the original writings. The whole Bible in the original is, there-
fore, without error and, as such, is infallible, absolutely supreme and
sufficient in authority in all matters of faith and practice.³
The Bible does not simply contain the Word of God, but is, in reality,
the complete revelation and very Word of God inspired by the Holy
Spirit. Christian believers today receive spiritual illumination to enable
them to understand the Scriptures,⁴ but God does not grant new
revelations that are contrary or additional to inspired biblical truth.⁵
5.2 THE GODHEAD: The Godhead exists eternally in three persons:
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God,
having the same nature and attributes and are worthy of the same
homage, confidence and obedience.⁶
5.2.1 THE FATHER: The Father exists eternally as the Creator of
heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will
be subjected, so that He may be all in all.⁷
5.2.2 THE SON: The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal and only
begotten Son of the Father, is true God and true man.⁸ He
was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,⁹ and
by His sinless life, miracles and teaching, gave full revelation
of the Father.¹⁰
He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substi-
tution sacrifice.¹¹ He rose from the dead.¹² He is now at the
right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest.¹³
He will come again to establish His kingdom in righteousness
and peace.¹⁴
5.2.3 THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is also God, performing
actions and possessing the attributes of Deity.¹⁵ His personality
is shown by the fact that He has personal characteristics and
that individuals may relate to Him as a person.¹⁶
_____________________________
¹ 2 Tim. 3:16,17
² Pet. 1:20,21
³ Psa. 119:160a; Matt. 5:17,18
⁴ 1 Cor. 2:12-14
⁵ Prov. 30:5,6
⁶ Matt. 3:16,17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14
⁷ Gen. 1:1; 1 Cor. 15:28
⁸ John 1:1,14; 10:30; 17; Phil. 2:6,7;
Heb. 1:8
⁹ Luke 1:26-35
¹⁰ John 12:49; Acts 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26
¹¹ Rom. 5:6,8; 1
Cor. 15:3; 1 Pet. 3:18
¹² Matt. 28:6; 1 Cor. 15:4,20
¹³ Acts 1:9-11; 2:33; Heb. 8:1
¹⁴ Matt. 25:31
¹⁵ Acts 5:3,4
¹⁶ John 16:13-14
_______________________________________
5.3 ANGELS
5.3.1 CLASSIFICATION: Angels were created as intelligent and
powerful beings to do the will of God and worship Him.¹ How-
ever, Satan, the originator of sin, fell through pride and was
followed by those angels who rebelled against God. These
fallen angels or demons are active in opposing the purposes
of God.²
Those who remained faithful continue before the throne of
God and serve as ministering spirits.³
5.3.2 THE BELIEVER AND DEMONS: Demons attempt to thwart
God's purposes; however, in Christ, the believer may have
complete liberty from the influence of demons.⁴ He cannot be
possessed by them because his body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit in which Christ dwells as Lord.⁵
5.4 MAN: Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God.⁶
He fell through sin and, as a consequence, incurred both spiritual and
physical death.⁷ Spiritual death and the depravity of human nature
have been transmitted to the entire human race⁸ with the exception of
the Man Christ Jesus.⁹ Man can be saved only through the atoning
work of the Lord Jesus Christ.¹⁰
5.5 SALVATION
5.5.1 ATONEMENT OF CHRIST: Salvation has been provided for
all men through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross.¹¹ It is
the only perfect redemption and substitution atonement for all
the sins of the world, both original and actual. His atoning work
has been proven by His resurrection from the dead.¹² Those
who repent and believe in Christ are born again of the Holy
Spirit and receive eternal life.¹³ Furthermore, in the atonement,
divine healing was provided for all believers.¹⁴
5.5.2 REPENTANCE AND FAITH: Man can be born again only
through faith in Christ. Repentance, a vital part of believing,
is a complete change of mind wrought by the Holy Spirit,¹⁵
turning a person to God from sin.
5.5.3 REGENERATION: Regeneration is a creative work of the
Holy Spirit by which man is born again and receives spiritual
life.¹⁶
5.5.4 JUSTIFICATION: Justification is a judicial act of God by which
the sinner is declared righteous solely on the basis of his
acceptance of Christ as Saviour.¹⁷
5.6 THE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
5.6.1 ASSURANCE: Assurance of salvation is the privilege of all
who are born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ,¹⁸
resulting in love, gratitude and obedience toward God.
_____________________________
¹ Psa. 103:20; Rev. 5:11,12
² Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Eph. 6:11,12; 1 Tim. 4:1; Jude 6
³ Heb. 1:14
⁴ Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8; 4:1-4
⁵ Matt. 6:24; 1 Cor. 6:19,2
⁶ Gen. 1:26,2:7
⁷ Rom. 5:12; James 1:14,15
⁸ Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-19,23
⁹ Heb. 7:26
¹⁰ John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5,6
¹¹ Isa. 53:3-6; John 12:32,33; 1 Pet. 2:24
¹² Acts 2:36; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:14,17,20; Heb. 10:12; 1 John 2:
¹³ Acts 20:21; 1 Pet. 1:23,25
¹⁴ Isa. 53:4,5; Matt. 8:16b, 17
¹⁵ Isa. 55:7; Acts. 17:30; Gal. 3:22,26; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:10-13
¹⁶John 3:3b,5b,7; 2 Cor. 5:17 - 18a; 1 Pet. 1:23
¹⁷Rom. 3:24; 4:3-5; 5:1-2
¹⁸John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:35-39
______________________________________
5.6.2 SANCTIFICATION: Sanctification is dedication to God and
separation from evil.¹ In experience it is both instantaneous²
and progressive.³ It is produced in the life of the believer by
his appropriation of the power of Christ's blood and risen life
through the person of the Holy Spirit;⁴ He draws the believer's
attention to Christ, teaches him through the Word and
produces the character of Christ within him.⁵ Believers who
sin must repent and seek forgiveness through faith in the
cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.⁶
5.6.3 BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: The baptism in the Holy
Spirit is an experience in which the believer yields control of
himself to the Holy Spirit.⁷ Through this he comes to know
Christ in a more intimate way,⁸ and receives power to witness
and grow spiritually.⁹ Believers should earnestly seek the
baptism in the Holy Spirit according to the command of our
Lord Jesus Christ.¹⁰ The initial evidence of the baptism in the
Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives
utterance.¹¹ This experience is distinct from, and subsequent
to, the experience of the new birth.¹²
5.6.4 THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: The gifts of the Spirit are
supernatural abilities given by God through the exercising of
which believers are enabled to minister effectively and directly
in particular situations.¹³ They serve the dual function of building
up the church, and of demonstrating the presence of God
within His church.¹⁴
5.6.5 DIVINE HEALING: Divine healing provided in the atonement
of Christ¹⁵ is the privilege of all believers. Prayer for the sick
and gifts of healing are encouraged and practised.¹⁶
5.7 THE CHURCH
5.7.1 THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH: All who are born again are
members of the universal church, which is the Body and
Bride of Christ.¹⁷
5.7.2 THE LOCAL CHURCH
5.7.2.1 PURPOSE: The local church is a body of believers
in Christ who have joined together to function as a
part of the universal church.¹⁸ The local church is
ordained by God and provides a context in which
believers corporately worship God,¹⁹ observe the
ordinances of the church, are instructed in the faith
and are equipped for the evangelization of the
world.²⁰
5.7.2.2 ORDINANCES
5.7.2.2.1 THE LORD'S SUPPER: The Lord's
Supper is a symbol, memorial and
proclamation of the suffering and death
of our Lord Jesus Christ. This ordinance
of communion is to be participated in by
believers until Christ's return.¹
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¹ 2 Cor. 6:14; 7:1
² John 17:17,19; Heb. 10:10,14
³ 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Tim. 2:19-22; 1 Pet. 1:14-16
⁴ Rom. 6:11,13,14,18
⁵ 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:22,23; 2 Pet. 1:3-4
⁶ 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2
⁷ Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5; Eph. 5:18
⁸ John 16:13-15
⁹ Acts 2:1-4; 9-17, 39, 1Cor.14:18
¹⁰ Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8
¹¹ 2Cor.3:18; Acts 1:8
¹² Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46
¹³ 1 Cor. 12:4-11
¹⁴ 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:12, 24-25
¹⁵ Matt. 8:16,17
¹⁶ 1 Cor. 12:28-30; James 5:14
¹⁷ 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:25b; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15
¹⁸ Acts 14:23; 1 Cor. 16:19
¹⁹ John 4:23; Acts 20:7
²⁰ Acts 1:8; 11:19-24; 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:2
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5.7.2.2.2 WATER BAPTISM: Water baptism
signifies the believer's identification with
Christ in His death, burial and resurrection
and is practised by immersion.²
5.7.2.3 MINISTRY: A divinely called and ordained ministry is
the provision of the Lord to give leadership to the
church as it fulfils its purposes.³
5.8 THE END OF TIME
5.8.1 THE PRESENT STATE OF THE DEAD: At death the souls
of the believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ,⁴
and these remain in constant bliss until the resurrection of the
glorified body.⁵ The souls of the unbelievers remain after
death conscious of condemnation⁶ until the final bodily
resurrection and judgment of the unjust.⁷
5.8.2 THE RAPTURE: The rapture, the blessed hope of the
church, is the imminent coming of the Lord in the air to
receive to Himself His own, both the living who shall be trans-
formed, and the dead in Christ who shall be resurrected.⁸
This event takes place before the wrath of God is poured out
during the tribulation. Believers then will appear before the
judgment seat of Christ to be judged according to faithfulness
in Christian service.⁹
5.8.3 THE TRIBULATION: The tribulation will be a time of
judgment on the whole earth.¹⁰ During this period the Anti-
christ will emerge to offer false hope to the nations.¹¹
5.8.4 THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST: The return of Christ
to earth in power and great glory will conclude the great tribu-
lation with the victory at Armageddon,¹² the defeat of Antichrist
and the binding of Satan.¹³ Christ will introduce the millennial
age,¹⁴ restore Israel to her own land, lift the curse which now
rests upon the whole creation, and bring the whole world to
the knowledge of God.¹⁵
5.8.5 THE FINAL JUDGMENT: There will be a final judgment in
which the unbelieving dead will be raised and judged at the
great white throne, according to their works.¹⁶
The beast and false prophet, the devil and his angels, and
whoever is not found in the Book of Life, shall be cast into the
lake of fire, not to annihilation but to everlasting punishment,
which is the second death.¹⁷
5.8.6 THE ETERNAL STATE OF THE RIGHTEOUS: The righteous
will share the glory of God in the new heaven and the new
earth for eternity.¹⁸
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¹ Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26
² Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5
³ Acts 6:2b-4c; 13:2-4a; 14:23; Eph. 4:8,11-13
⁴ 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21,23-24
⁵ Rom. 8:22,23; 1 Cor. 15:42-44; 2 Cor. 5:1,4b
⁶ Luke 16:22-31; John 3:36
⁷ Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; Rev. 20:11-15
⁸ 1 Cor. 15:51-57; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:13
⁹ Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
¹⁰ Matt. 24:15,21-22; 1 Thess. 5:1-3
¹¹ 2 Thess. 2:3-12; Rev. 13:11-18
¹² Matt. 24:27,30; Luke 17:24,26-30
¹³ Rev. 16:12-16; 17:8,12-14; 19:11-20
¹⁴ Psa. 2:6-12; Dan. 2:44-45; Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 3:21; 20:6
¹⁵ Isa. 1:24-27; 2:1-4; Zech. 14:3,4,9; Rom. 8:19-23; Rev. 22:3
¹⁶ Dan. 7:9-10; John 12:48; Rom. 2:2,6,11,16; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15
¹⁷ Matt. 25:41b; Jude 6; Rev. 20:10,15; 21:8
¹⁸ Matt. 13:43; John 17:24; 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 11:10; Rev. 21:1-2,10,22-23
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5.9 POSITIONS AND PRACTICES
5.9.1 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY: Marriage is a
provision of God wherein one man and one woman
to the exclusion of all others enter into a lifelong relationship¹
through a marriage ceremony that is recognized by the
church and legally sanctioned by the state.
Marriage establishes a "one-flesh" relationship,² that goes
beyond a physical union and is more than either a temporary
relationship of convenience intended to provide personal
pleasure or a contract that binds two people together in a
legal partnership. Marriage establishes an emotional and
spiritual oneness that enables both partners to respond to the
spiritual, physical and social needs of the other.³ It provides
the biblical context for the procreation of children.
Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship that is maintained
in purity.⁴ It is intended by God to be a permanent relation-
ship. It is a witness to the world of the relationship between
Christ and His Church.⁵
Marriage requires a commitment of love, perseverance and
faith. Because of its sanctity and permanence, marriage
should be treated with seriousness and entered into only
after counsel and prayer for God's guidance. Christians
should marry only those who are believers.⁶ An individual who
becomes a believer after marriage should remain with his/her
partner in peace, and should give witness to the Gospel in the
home.⁷
The Bible holds family life as a position of trust and respon-
sibility. The home is a stabilizing force in society, a place of
nurture, counsel, and safety for children.⁸
Marriage can only be broken by porneia which is understood
as marital unfaithfulness⁹ involving adultery, homosexuality, or
incest. While the Scriptures give evidence that the marriage
vow and "one-flesh" union are broken by such acts and there-
fore recognize the breaking of the marriage relationship, the
Scriptures do recommend that the most desirable option
would be reconciliation.¹⁰
5.9.2 DIVORCE: We believe that divorce is not God's intention.
It is God's concession to the "hardness of men's hearts."¹¹
We, therefore, discourage divorce by all lawful means and
teaching. Our objective is reconciliation and the healing of the
marriage union where possible. Marital unfaithfulness should
not be considered so much an occasion or opportunity for
divorce but rather an opportunity for Christian grace, forgive-
ness, and restoration. Divorce in our society is a termination
of a marriage through a legal process authorized by the State.
While the Church recognizes this legal process as an
appropriate means to facilitate the permanent separation of
spouses, the Church restricts the idea of divorce, in the sense
of dissolution of marriage, to reasons specified in Scripture.
The weight of the biblical record is negative and the explicit
statement is made, "God hates divorce."¹² Divorce is more
than an action of the courts which breaks the legal contract
between partners in a marriage. It is also the fracture of a
unique human relationship between a male and a female.
Divorce has profound consequences for the children. Divorce
is evidence of the sinful nature expressed in human failure.
Jesus gives one explicit cause for the dissolution of marriage:
porneia or marital unfaithfulness.
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¹ Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:6
² Matt. 19:5; Mal. 2:15
³ Gen. 2:18; 1 Cor. 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4
⁴ Eph. 5:3,26,27
⁵ Eph. 5:25,31,32
⁶ 2 Cor. 6:14,15
⁷ 1 Cor. 7:12-14,16
⁸ Eph. 6:4
⁹ Matt. 5:32; 19:9
¹⁰ Eph. 4:32
¹¹ Matt. 19:8
¹² Mal. 2:16
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Where all attempts at reconciliation have failed and a divorce
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