PREAMBLE

 

CONSTITUTION

            Article I........................Name

            Article II.......................Prerogatives

            Article III......................Affiliation

            Article IV.....................Tenets of Faith

                        1.   The Scriptures Inspired

                        2.   The One True God

                        3.   The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

                        4.   The Fall of Man

                        5.   The Salvation of Man

                        6.   The Ordinances of the Church

                        7.   The Baptism in the Holy Ghost

                        8.   The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost

                        9.   Sanctification

                        10.  The Church and Its Mission

                        11.  The Ministry

                        12.  Divine Healing

                        13.  The Blessed Hope

                        14.  The Millennial Reign of Christ

                        15.  The Final Judgment

                        16.  The New Heavens and the New Earth

            Article V………………Further Statement of Biblical Issues

            Article VI.....................Ordinances

            Article VII....................Membership (Active, Honorary, Inactive, and Pastors and Spouses)

            Article VIII...................Government

            Article IX.....................Meetings

            Article X......................Departments, Committees and Specialized Ministries

            Article XI.....................Finance

            Article XII....................Property

            Article XIII...................Amendments

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BY-LAWS

           

Article I..................Government

                        The Pastor, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Secretary, Treasurer

Article II................Elections and Vacancies

The Pastor, Secretary, Treasurer, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Pastoral Staff and 

             Employees

Article III...............Membership

                        Standard, Reception, and Discipline

Article IV...............Conflict Resolution

Article V................Confidentiality

Article VI..............Ministries and Departments

Article VII…………Property Rights

Article VIII…………..Order of Business

Article IX..………….Amendments

      

 

 

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 Ghost may be honored 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 upon the Assembly roster under the above date, do hereby recognize ourselves as a local assembly in fellowship with and a part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and the Pennsylvania-Delaware District of the Assemblies of God, and the following articles of church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.

 

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CONSTITUTION

 

 

ARTICLE I - NAME

 

The name of this assembly shall be Philadelphia Myanmar Community Church, of the city of Philadelphia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

 

ARTICLE II - PREROGATIVES

 

The prerogatives and purposes of a General Council affiliated assembly shall be:

 

1.     To Govern

 

This assembly shall have the right to govern itself and to conduct its own affairs according to the standard of the New Testament Scriptures and of the District Council and the General Council of the Assemblies of God. This right shall specifically include such matters as the calling of a pastor, the election of the board of deacons, and the discipline of its members and the conducting of its own services and the church program.

 

2.     To Acquire and Dispose

 

In connection therewith, or incidental thereto, this assembly 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 purposes, and to exercise all other powers conferred upon its by-laws as the same may be hereafter amended.

 

3.     To Worship, Fellowship, and Propagate

 

Statement of Purpose: This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (with a corresponding provision of any future United States revenue law), including, but not limited to:

a) The establishing and maintaining of a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father.

(b) The maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of God to establish.

 

 4.  To Cooperate

 

This assembly shall cooperate with the District Council to extend the work and kingdom of God throughout the world. It shall support the missionary program as agreed upon. It shall participate in District and General Council sessions through its chosen delegates and share in the support of the ministries of these bodies.

 

5.  To Recognize

 

     This assembly shall recognize that the District Council and the General Council have the

     authority and right to approve scriptural doctrine and conduct; also to disapprove unscriptural    

     doctrine and conduct and to withdraw their certificates of membership if deemed necessary. See

     Article IX of the by-laws of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

 

 

ARTICLE III - AFFILIATION

 

While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this Assembly shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with the Assemblies of like precious faith associated in the Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God, with Headquarters at Springfield, Missouri; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

 

As a member of the General Council, this assembly has the right to request the assistance of both the General Council and the District Council in dealing with any of its problems, upon the request of the pastor, a majority of the church board, or a petition signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the active voting members of the assembly. Only those members who have regularly attended services of, and supported, this assembly for a period of at least three consecutive months prior to signing the petition shall be counted.

 

 

ARTICLE IV - TENETS OF FAITH

 

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths 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.

1. The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired 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).

2. The One True God

The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally 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 Ghost (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

The Adorable Godhead

(a) Terms Defined

The terms trinity and persons, as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from "gods many and lords many." We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God, who is One Lord, as a Trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural (examples, Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16,17).

 

(b) Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead

Christ taught a distinction of persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but that this distinction and relationship, as to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained (Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Matthew 11:25-27; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3,4),

(c) Unity of the One Being of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes Him the Father and not the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and there is that in the Holy Ghost which constitutes Him the Holy Ghost and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore the Father is the Begetter; the Son is the Begotten; and the Holy Ghost is the One proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these three persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name one (John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9).

(d) Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are never identical as to person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Ghost is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority. Hence no person in the Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others (John 5:17-30,32,37; 8:17,18).

(e) The Title, Lord Jesus Christ

 

The appellation Lord Jesus Christ is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament either to the Father or to the Holy Ghost.  It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God (Romans 1:1-3,7; 2 John 3).

(f) The Lord Jesus Christ, God with us

The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is, therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man, is "Immanuel," God with us (Matthew 1:23; 1 John 4:2,10,14; Revelation 1:13,17).

(g) The Title, Son of God

Since the name Immanuel embraces both God and man, in the one person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title Son of God describes His proper deity, and the title Son of Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God belongs to the order of eternity, and the title Son of Man to the order of time (Matthew 1:21-23; 2 John 3; 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 7:3; 1:1-13).

(h) Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ

Wherefore, it is a transgression of the doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title Son of God solely from the fact of the Incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption. Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God; a denial of the Father and Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (2 John 9; John 1:1,2,14,18,29,49; 1 John 2:22,23; 4:1-5; Hebrews 12:2).

(i) Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord

The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him. And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Ghost that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

(j) Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son

Wherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Ghost to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of deity, and to give Him all the honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead except those which express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, and d), and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father (John 5:22,23; 1 Peter 1:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Philippians 2:8,9; Revelation 7:9,10; 4:8-11).

 

 

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

(a) His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).

(b) His sinless life(Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).

(c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).

(d) His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

(e) His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

(f) His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).

4. 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 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

5. The Salvation of Man

Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

(a) 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).

(b) The Evidences 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).

6. The Ordinances of the Church

(a) Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior 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 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).

(b) 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 a prophecy of His second corning (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!"

7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost

All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost 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 enduement 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; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Ghost 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).

8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost

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.

9. Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). 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). 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 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; f Peter 1:5).

10. The Church and Its Mission

The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general

assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews

12:23).  Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason-for-being of the Assemblies of God as part of the Church is:

a. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16).

b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13).

c. To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians12:28; 14:12).

 

The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New

Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:

a. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4).

b. Adds a necessary dimension to a worshipful relationship with God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12-14).

c. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29).

11. The Ministry

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) worship of God (John 4:23,24), and (3) building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11,16).

12. 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).

13. 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).

14. 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 national 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).

15. The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment 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 burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

16. The New Heavens and the New Earth

'”We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter. 3:13; Revelation 21 and 22).

 

V.  Further Statement of Biblical Issues

 

The Assemblies of God Position Papers and Beliefs present Biblical perspectives on many issues facing people in our society and may be of assistance in determining the best course of conduct in a given situation, (e.g. when confronting the issue of homosexuality).  These papers may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.ag.org or through the Church staff.

 

The Position Papers are not a contract, and the statements of position contained in them should not be taken as legal requirements for this local assembly to perform or refrain from any particular course of action. 

 

ARTICLE VI - ORDINANCES

 

Section 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 who 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)

 

Section 2. - The ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the scriptures.  (Luke 22:19, 20; I Corinthians 11:23-26)

 

 

ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership shall be open to any person regardless of race, ethnic origin or gender who give evidence of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and qualifications as set forth in the by-laws.  They shall be classified as follows:

 

Section 1. – Active Membership - All those who meet the scriptural standards for membership, whose names appeared on the original membership roll of the Assembly at the time the Assembly was first organized, together with those names which shall be added from time to time, shall constitute the legal voting membership of the Assembly, provided they are eighteen years of age or over, that they regularly attend the means of grace and take part in the services, that they are living consistent Christian lives and are in agreement with our distinctive testimony.

 

Section 2. -  Honorary Membership - Honorary members shall consist of those members who at the time of any annual or special business meeting, may have entered the ministry as District Officers, Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Religious Educators, those serving in the Armed Services, those away at college, shut-ins, or those absent for extended periods of time with good cause, which makes it impossible to serve as active members.  The board of deacons may approve honorary members at any regular or special meeting.  Honorary membership recognition shall continue as long as the member maintains a consistent Christian life, remains sound in doctrine and maintains a cooperative attitude toward the home assembly. 

 

Section 3. – Inactive Membership - Enrolled members who shall without good cause absent themselves from the services of the Assembly for a period of three consecutive months or more, and who cease to contribute of their means to its support, who may be out of harmony with its teachings or its ministries, or who shall be under charges for misconduct, or who may have fallen under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices, shall be considered as inactive members and shall lose their voting privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, their standing to be settled by the definite action of the Assembly through its elected officers.  If a member remains on the inactive membership list for 24 months, they will be removed from the membership roll and must reapply if they desire to become an active member once they have been removed from the inactive membership list. 

 

Section 4. - Pastors and Spouses – By virtue of office all pastors and their spouses shall be considered active voting members of the church during their tenure.

 

ARTICLE VIII - GOVERNMENT

 

Section 1. -  There shall be a Board of Deacons of at least three members or more as the need arises of whom, together with the Pastor, shall be committed the spiritual management of the Assembly.  Of this board, one shall be the Recording Secretary and one the Treasurer. They shall be the custodians of all the church property.

 

Section 2. - In the operation of specialized ministries, there may be a department leader or president or other officers appointed by the Pastor in consultation and by approval of the Board of Deacons for each established ministry. All leaders of specialized ministries are under the general supervision of the pastor and board of deacons.

 

 

ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

 

Section 1.  Meeting for public worship shall be held on each Lord's day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

 

Section 2.  There shall be an annual business meeting of the Assembly, at which time the election of officers shall take place and the report of all officers shall be given.  This meeting shall be held before the month of April, the time and place to be announced by the Pastor.  Due notice is to be given on the two Sundays prior to the date of meeting by announcement from the pulpit.

 

Section 3.  Special business meetings of the Assembly may be called when necessary after proper notice has been given by the Pastor, or by the secretary of the Assembly, provided the meeting has been agreed upon by a majority of the Board of Deacons.  Special meetings may also be called by petition having been signed by not less than one-fourth of the active membership of the Assembly, the petition to be placed in the hands of the Pastor or the secretary and announcement made on the two Sundays prior to the date of meeting.

 

Section 4.  (QUORUM)  No record of any special or regular business meeting of the Assembly shall be made unless one-fifth or more active members are present to constitute a quorum.  One-third of the membership shall be present to sell the church property.

 

Section 5.  The Board of Deacons, with the Pastor, shall meet monthly for the transaction of routine business for the assembly.  The time and place to be announced by the Pastor. 

 

Section 6.  All business meetings of the church shall be governed by parliamentary procedure in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.

 

 

ARTICLE X – DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES AND SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES

 

The Assembly shall hereby provide for Christian Education departments, missions committees, youth ministries or any other departments or committees or specialized ministries as the needs of the work may require.  All such departments shall be subordinate to the Assembly, and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole.  They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and the Deacon Board.  The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all committees or departments.  The immediate supervision of the preceding ministries may be delegated to a staff pastor or designated leader as the need arises.

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI - FINANCES

 

All funds for the maintenance of the Assembly shall be provided by the voluntary contributions or the tithes and offerings of the members and friends of the organization.  Offerings shall be accepted by the Assembly at such time and in such ways as agreed upon by the Pastor and the Deacon Board, and shall be administered by the Treasurer under their direction.  (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1, 2; II Corinthians 9:6-8)

 

 

ARTICLE XII - PROPERTY

 

All property of the Assembly shall be deeded to the Assembly and held in its name.  No property of the Assembly shall be sold, leased or mortgaged or otherwise disposed of without the same shall have first been recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds of the voting membership who are in attendance at a regular meeting, or a special meeting of the Assembly which has been called for the consideration of the proposal.  The Pastor and the Secretary of the Assembly shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage, that the same has been duly authorized and recommended by a vote of the Assembly.  Such certificate shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

 

 

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS

 

This Constitution may be amended or changed by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the Assembly, who are in attendance at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose, provided due notice of such proposed change shall have been made at all the services on at least two Sundays preceding the time of such meeting.

 

 

 

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I - GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The Board of Deacons

A. In General

The government of this assembly shall be vested in the board of deacons which shall consist of the pastor and at least three deacons, to the extent that such authority is not limited by district supervision as provided for by-laws of the District Council.

 

B. Duties of the Board of Deacons

(1) The board of deacons shall have general charge and management of the affairs, funds, and property of the assembly. The board of deacons shall have the authority to carry out the purposes of the assembly according to its charter and these by-laws.

(2) The board of deacons shall act in the examination of applications for membership and in the administration of discipline.

(3) For so long as the church is temporarily without a pastor, the remaining members of the board of deacons shall be empowered to select a temporary chairman of the board of deacons.

(4) The board of deacons shall elect a secretary from among its members.

(5) The board of deacons shall elect a treasurer from among its members. 

(6)  The board of deacons shall assist the pastor in the ministry of the ordinances of the church and be assigned portfolios as the need arises. 

Section  2 .Officers

A. In General

There shall be a president, secretary, and treasurer. The pastor, by virtue of office, shall be the president
and chairman of the board of deacons. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held simultaneously by the same individual.                                                                                                                                                                         .

B. Qualifications

(1) Pastor

The pastor shall be in good standing with both The General Council of the Assemblies of God and the District Council, holding a current fellowship card.

(2) Secretary

The secretary shall be an active voting member of this assembly for at least 1 year immediately preceding election, to office, and shall be a member of the board of deacons.

(3) Treasurer

 

The treasurer shall be an active voting member of this assembly for at least 1 year immediately preceding election to office, and shall be a member of the board of deacons.

 

C.  Duties of Officers

 

(1)  Pastor

(a) Shall be the spiritual overseer of the assembly and shall direct its activities.

(b) Shall be recognized as a member of the board of deacons, president of the assembly, and shall act as chairman of all the business meetings of the assembly and of the board of deacons.

(c) Shall provide for all services of the assembly and shall specifically arrange for all special meetings, conventions, and revival campaigns. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the assembly without his approval.

(d) Shall, as chairman of the board of deacons, be chairman of the nominating committee for the selection of deacon nominees. The pastor shall privately interview those nominated, ascertaining their eligibility and availability to serve as deacons.

(e) Should encourage ongoing training opportunities on the responsibilities of deacons, trustees, secretary, treasurer, and other church leaders especially as new leaders are elected or appointed to leadership. Training shall be based upon the scriptural directives for church leadership and the church by-laws.

(f) Shall be an ex officio member of all committees.

(2) Secretary

(a) Shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the board of deacons and of the annual and special business meetings of the assembly.

(b) Shall keep a record of the membership of the assembly and perform any other clerical work necessary to the proper discharge of his duties.

(c) Shall be the custodian of all legal documents.

(d) Shall file such annual corporation reports with the secretary of state as may be required by state law.

 

(3) Treasurer

 

(a) Shall be entrusted with all the finances of the assembly, subject to the supervision of the board of deacons, and shall deposit all funds in federally insured accounts in the name of the assembly.  All checks issued on behalf of the church must be signed by two authorized signers.

(b) Shall keep an itemized account of receipts and disbursements, shall present a report for each regular meeting of the board of deacons, and shall present an annual report to the assembly in its annual business meeting.

(c) Shall assist the assembly in acquiring and maintaining available tax exemptions under state and local law.

(d) Shall provide a record of all identified giving to each donor at least annually.

(e) Shall be the custodian of all the financial records of the church.

(f) The above duties may be delegated to the church bookkeeper under the supervision of the treasurer and board of deacons. 

 

Section 3.  Qualifications of Deacons

(a)  The deacons shall be full of the Holy Spirit or earnestly seeking the baptism in the Spirit, (Acts 6:3;  2:4; Ephesians 5:18).

(b) The deacons shall be persons of mature Christian experience and knowledge, who shall be expected to meet the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Acts 6.

(c)  Deacons shall be at least 23 years old, and shall have been members of the assembly for at least one year.

(d)  They shall currently support the church with their tithes and offerings, have a cooperative spirit, and regularly attend church services.

(e)  They shall not hold ministerial credentials or be a Philadelphia Myanmar Community Church employee or a member of an employee’s immediate family. 

 

Section 5.  Fiduciary Duties

 

The law imposes several fiduciary duties on officers, deacons, and trustees, including of duties of due care and diligence, loyalty, avoiding of self-dealing, expending designated contributions for the purposes specified, and commingling personal and corporate funds. 

 

 

ARTICLE II - ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES

 

Section 1.  Elections

 

A.  Pastor

 

The pastor shall be elected to serve for an indefinite period of time.  He shall be nominated by the Board of Deacons.  Election shall be by secret ballot at the annual business meeting of the Assembly or at a special meeting called for that purpose.  A two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast shall be required to constitute an election.

 

B.  Secretary

 

The secretary shall be elected by the board of deacons from among its members. Their term of office shall be one year, and the secretary may serve consecutive terms without limitation.   

 

C.  Treasurer

 

The treasurer shall be elected by the board of deacons from among its members. Their term of office shall be one year, and the treasurer may serve consecutive terms without limitation.   

 

D.  Deacons

 

Deacons shall be nominated by a nominating committee appointed by the board of deacons and elected from the active membership present at the annual business meeting by a majority vote.  The nominating committee for church board members shall be composed of an equal number of those members of the board whose terms do not expire together with additional members of the congregation appointed by the deacon board.  The total committee is to have five members with the pastor serving as the chairman of the nominating committee. Nominations for deacons shall not be accepted from the floor during any business meeting.  Their term of office shall be for three years from time of election.  Deacons can serve two consecutive terms.  Following two consecutive terms, they may not be nominated for election for one year.

 

 

Section 2.  Vacancies

 

A.  Pastor

 

(1) In the event a pastor has serious charges preferred against him or his ministry has ceased to be effective, or no provision has been made for the termination of his ministry, power is vested in the board of deacons to ask for the resignation of the pastor at any of its regular business meetings provided that all deacons are present.  If such resignation is refused, the pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the board of deacons has been confirmed by a majority vote of the congregation at a meeting called for the purpose; such meeting to be presided over by the District Officiator.  When a vacancy in the pastorate shall occur, candidates shall be arranged for by the board of the deacons, together with the District Superintendent, until a pastor shall be chosen as prescribed in section 1.  In the case of the pastor's removal from office, a report of such action shall be made to the District Officiator.

 

(2)  It shall be agreed between the pastor and the church at the time of election that, should he resign, he will give the church at least thirty days notice before vacating the pulpit.  It shall be further agreed that should the church request the pastor’s resignation, (except in cases involving moral failure), at least sixty days severance pay will be given. 

 

 

B.  Officers and Deacons

 

(1)  Any office may be declared vacant by an act of majority of the membership of the board of deacons at any regular or special business meeting.

(2)  Ground for such action shall be:  (a) - Unscriptural conduct; (b) - Doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith; (c) - Incompetency in office; (d) - For any good and sufficient cause.

(3)  Any incumbent under charges shall have opportunity for a fair and impartial hearing of his case

before the Assembly if he so desires.

(4).  If a deacon is unable to fulfill their deacon term, the deacon board can nominate and approve a deacon nominee to fill the unexpired term.

 

C.  Pastoral Staff and Church Employees

 

(1)  Each pastoral ministry position and church employee position is to be established by the board of deacons at the recommendation of the pastor based on the current needs of the assembly.  The selection of the pastoral staff members and church employees will be done by the pastor in consultation with and by the approval of the deacon board.  Such pastoral staff members are to report to and be directly accountable to the pastor and are to share in carrying out their responsibilities and duties as delegated by the pastor.  All pastoral staff members are expected to be faithful in church attendance and in the giving of tithes and offerings. 

 

(2)  The term of office shall be commensurate with the continued approval of the pastor and the deacon board.  The pastor has the right to terminate pastoral staff positions and church employee positions in consultation with the board of deacons. In the event the pastor resigns, the pastoral staff and church employees will be requested to stay for the health of the church body during the transition period of selecting a new pastor.  The continued employment of pastoral staff and church employees will be determined by the newly elected pastor and the board of deacons.

 

 

                                                            ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.   The standard of membership of this Assembly shall be:

 

a. Evidence of a genuine experience in regeneration (the new birth).  (John 1:12, 13; John 3:3-8;

I Peter 1:18-25).

b. Evidence of a consistent Christian life.  (Romans 6:4, 8:1-4, 13:13-14; Ephesians 4:17-32, 5:1, 2, 15;

I John 1:6, 7)

c. To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution.

d. Readiness to be governed by the constitutional rules of order adopted by the Assembly.

e. Willingness to contribute regularly to the support of the Assembly with tithes and offerings, (Genesis 14:20; Malachi 3:10;  Luke 6:38;  I Corinthians 16:1-2;  II Corinthians 9:6-7)

f. A faithful attender for at least six months unless transferred from an Assembly of like precious faith.

 

Section 2.  Reception of Members

 

A.  Persons desiring to become active members of the Assembly shall make the fact known to the pastor, who shall examine the applicant according to the standard of membership.  Persons desiring to be an active member should be willing to attend membership classes offered by the church. 

 

B.  The Pastor shall present the names of those who apply for membership to the Board who shall act upon said applications and render a final decision.  All persons who shall have met the membership requirements and have been passed on favorably, shall be received into the Assembly publicly at any of the regular services and their names inscribed on the roster.

 

 

Section 3.  Discipline

A.  Grounds: Discipline is an exercise of scriptural authority for which the church is responsible (Matthew 16:19; 18:15-20; Luke 17:3; John 20:23; Acts 16:4; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:17). The purpose of discipline is to promote repentance and restoration through exposing sinful behavior. It is to be redemptive in nature as well as corrective. Any member of the assembly is subject to discipline on the basis of unscriptural conduct or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith of this assembly. The discipline of pastors is administered by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District Office.

(1)  Any member of the church who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three consecutive months, or shall be under charges, shall be temporarily suspended from active voting membership pending investigation and final decision in this case.

(2)  Members who have been suspended from voting due to their willful absence shall be required to resume attendance at services for at least three consecutive months and give satisfactory evidence of their willingness to comply with the Constitution and By-laws before they shall again be granted the right to vote or be considered eligible for election to any office. The Board of Deacons shall have the right of final decision in such matters.

B.  Procedure: The assembly will follow the disciplinary procedure set forth in Matthew 18:15-20. This procedure consists generally of the following steps:

(1) The Pastor or a designated member of the Church Board discusses the charges with the member in an effort to resolve the matter.

(2)  Then the member shall meet with the Pastor and Church Board, or with a designated committee of the church board, in an effort to resolve the matter privately;

 

(3)  If the first or second steps do not resolve the matter, then the member, or the church board, may submit the matter to the membership of the assembly in a special business meeting called for that purpose. Only the active voting members of the church shall be permitted to attend such a special business meeting. The decision of a majority of the voting members present at such a meeting shall be final. A member found guilty may be dismissed from membership in the church, (Matthew 18:17).  However, lesser disciplinary sanctions may be imposed as appropriate, depending on the circumstances of each case.

C.  Resignations: Members who are under discipline by this assembly forfeit and waive the right to resign from membership in this assembly. Resignations from the membership are possible only by those members in good standing who are not under any disciplinary action.

(1) Termination of Membership: Members in good standing who may want to terminate their relationship with the church, or who may desire to be transferred to some other congregation, may apply to the Secretary of the Church Board for a letter, which shall be granted on the approval of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.

2). Removal of Members from the Membership Roll:   The Pastor and Board of Deacons shall be authorized to revise the membership roll annually and to remove from the list of active members all the names of those who may have become deceased during the year, together with the names of those who may have withdrawn from the fellowship, or who may have fallen into sin and whose lives may have become inconsistent with the standards and teachings of the church. If the name is removed for such a cause, the one whose name is removed shall be notified of the action of the Pastor and Board of Deacons through the Secretary. If an appeal is made to the Board of Deacons for reconsideration of their action and reinstatement is not granted, the dismissed member may appeal to the congregation. The action of the church, by a majority vote of the members present, shall be considered final (Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16).

ARTICLE IV – CONFLICT RESOLUTION  

Section 1. This church is committed to resolving, in a Biblical manner, all disputes that may arise within our body. This commitment is based on God's command that Christians should strive earnestly to live at peace with one another (Matthew 5:9; John 17:20-23; Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:1-3); and that when disputes arise, Christians should resolve them according to the principles set forth in the Holy Scriptures (Proverbs 19:11; Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Galatians 6:1). We believe that these commands and principles are obligatory on all Christians and are absolutely essential for the well being and the work of the church. Therefore, any and all disputes in this church shall be resolved according to biblical principles as provided in the Bible.

Section 2. When a member of this church has a conflict with another member, he shall attempt to resolve the matter as follows:

A. The offended or concerned person shall prayerfully examine himself and take responsibility for his contribution to the problem (Matthew 7:3-5), and he shall prayerfully seek to discern whether the offense is so serious that it cannot be overlooked (Prov. 19:11; 12:16; 15:18; 17:14; 20:3; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13; 1 Peter 4:8).

B. If the offense is too serious to overlook, the offended or concerned person shall go, repeatedly, if necessary, and talk to the offender in an effort to resolve the matter personally and privately, having first confessed his own wrongdoing (Matthew 18:15).

 

C.  If the offender will not listen and the problem is too serious to overlook, the offended or concerned person shall return with one or two other people who will attempt to help the parties to resolve their differences (Matthew 18:16). These other people may be officers or members of the church, other respected Christians in the community, or trained mediators or arbitrators (conciliators) from a Christian Conciliation Ministry. At the request of either party to the dispute, the church shall make every effort to assist the parties in resolving their differences and being reconciled.

 

Section 3. Conflicts involving doctrine or church discipline shall be resolved according to the procedures set forth in the by-laws on church discipline (Article III, Section 3).

 

Section 4. If a dispute arises within the church, or between a member and the church, and cannot be resolved through the internal procedures described above, it shall be resolved as follows, if both parties are willing:

 

A. The dispute shall be submitted to mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of Peacemakers Ministries, and judgment upon, or an arbitration award, may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction.

 

B. All mediators and arbitrators shall be in agreement with the Statement of Faith and our basic form of government, unless this requirement is modified or waived by all parties to the dispute. If the dispute involves an attempted revision of the Statement of Faith or our form of government, the mediators and arbitrators shall be in agreement with those documents as they existed prior to the attempted revision.

 

C. If a dispute submitted to arbitration involves a decision reached by an official judicatory (court or ruling body) of this church, the arbitrators shall uphold the highest judicatory decisions of matters of doctrine and church discipline.

 

D. This section covers the church as a corporate entity and its agents, including its pastors, officers, staff and volunteers with regard to any actions they may take in their official capacities.

 

E. This section covers any and all disputes or claims arising from or related to church membership, doctrine, policy, practice, counseling, discipline, decisions, actions, or failures to act, including claims based on civil statute or for personal injury.

 

F. By joining this church, all members agree that these methods shall provide the sole remedy for any dispute arising against the church and its agents; and they waive their right to file any legal action against the church in a civil court or agency, except to enforce an arbitration decision.

 

Section 5.  If, in the opinion of one or the other parties, the issue of conflict is considered trivial, he or she may request of the Board whether the process needs to be continued.

 

ARTICLE V – CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Section 1. The Bible teaches that Christians should carefully guard any personal and private information that others reveal to them. Protecting confidences is a sign of Christian love and respect (Matthew 7:12). It also discourages harmful gossip (Proverbs 16:28; 26:20), and invites confession (Proverbs 11:13; 28:13; James 5:16), and encourages people to seek needed counseling (Proverbs 20:19; Romans 15:14). Since these goals are essential to the ministry of the gospel and the work of this church, all members are expected to refrain from gossip and respect the confidences of others. In particular, our Pastors, Deacons, Leaders, Teachers and trained Altar Workers shall carefully protect all information which they receive subject to Section 2 a-d and 3 below. The same standard of conduct shall apply to non-members who are workers and teachers in the Christian Education Department as to members under By-laws Article III, Sec. 3: Discipline. Unscriptural conduct or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith held by this church shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which any person may be disqualified as a teacher/helper (Matthew 18:15; Romans 16:17,18; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 1:8,9).

 

Section 2. Although confidentiality is to be respected as much as possible, there are times when it is Biblically necessary to reveal certain information to others. In particular, the Pastors, Deacons, Leaders, Teachers and trained Altar Workers of this church may disclose confidential information to appropriate people in the following circumstances:

 

A.  When a Pastor, Deacon, Leader, Teacher or Altar Worker is uncertain of how to counsel a person about a particular problem, they may need to seek advice from other Pastors, Deacons, or Leaders in this church, or, if the person attends another church, from the Pastors, Deacons, or Leaders of that church (Proverbs 11:14; 13:10; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18; Matthew 18:15-17).

 

B.  When the person who disclosed the information is in eminent danger of serious harm or threatens serious harm to another unless others intervene (Proverbs 24:11-12).

 

C.  When a person refuses to repent of sin and it becomes necessary to institute disciplinary proceedings (Matthew 18:15-20).

 

D. When child abuse or neglect is an issue.

 

Section 3. Scripture commands that confidential information is to be shared with others only when a problem cannot be resolved through the efforts of the people within the church (Matthew 18:15-17). Therefore, except as provided in Section 2, a-d, a Pastor, Deacon, Leader, Teacher or trained Altar Worker may not disclose confidential information to anyone outside this church without the approval of the Board of Deacons or the consent of the persons who originally disclosed the information. The Deacons may approve such disclosure only when it finds all internal efforts have been exhausted (e.g. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8) and the problem cannot be satisfactorily resolved without the assistance of individuals or agencies outside this church (e.g. Romans 13:1-5).

 

Section 4. The Pastors, Deacons, Leaders, Teachers and trained Altar Workers may, but need not, provide counselees with written notice of these confidentiality provisions, but these provisions shall be in effect regardless of whether such notice is given.

 

ARTICLE VI – MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS

 

Section 1.  Ministries and Departments

Specific ministries or departments directed to children, youth, men, women, singles, families, etc. may be established to advance the work of the Assembly.  These ministries or departments shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.  They shall  be conducted as branches of the activities of the Assembly.  These ministries or departments may be supervised by a staff pastor, a leader, or president or by other officers or leaders as determined by the organization or structure of the ministry or department

 

Section 2.    Appointment of Ministry or  Department Leaders

Qualified nominees for the leadership of a specific ministry or department shall be presented to the Board of Deacons by the pastor on annual basis or as needed.  The Board of Deacons will appoint one of the nominees for a one year term. The newly appointed leaders in consultation with the Pastor will select qualified leaders or officers to serve on their leadership team if needed.  These leaders or officers’ names will be presented to the Board of Deacons for approval. All ministry or department leaders or officers will serve a one year term and may serve consecutive terms without limitation.

 

Section 3.  Ministry or Department Leadership Qualifications

(a)  The ministry or department leader or president shall be full of the Holy Spirit, or earnestly seeking the baptism (Acts 6:3;  2:4; Ephesians 5:18) 

(b) The ministry or department leader or president shall be a person of mature Christian experience and knowledge, who demonstrates leadership abilities.

(c)  All ministry leaders or officers shall have been members of the assembly for at least one year.

(d)  All ministry leaders or officers shall currently support the church with their tithes and offerings, have a cooperative spirit, and regularly attend church services.

(e)  All ministry leaders or officers should be willing to attend any training sessions or meetings necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of leadership.

 

ARTICLE VII - PROPERTY RIGHTS

 

(Sec. 1)  All property, real or chattel, shall be conveyed, taken, held, sold, or transferred in the corporate name of the Assembly.

 

(Sec. 2)  No real or chattel property of the Assembly shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without the same shall have been authorized by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present.

 

(Sec. 3)  The Pastor and the Secretary of the Assembly shall certify in such conveyance, lease, or mortgage, that the same has been duly authorized by the vote of the membership.  Such certificates shall be held to be conclusive evidence thereof.

 

(Sec. 4)  In case the church shall be divided by doctrinal views, or for other causes, the members holding to the original tenets of faith standards and practices, as set forth in the General Council of the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri, regardless of majority, shall retain title to the property.

 

(Sec. 5)  In the event that the Assembly herein mentioned ceases to function as a church body, then the said property real or chattel, shall revert to the Penn-Del District Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc.  The Penn-Del District Council of the Assemblies of God shall have full authority to use or dispose of the property at their discretion.  In the event of the sale of the property by the Penn-Del District Council of the Assemblies of God, the proceeds derived there from shall be used by the said District Council in furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - ORDER OF BUSINESS

 

The regular order of business for the annual meeting of the Assembly shall be as follows:

 

            1.  Devotional

            2.  Reading of previous minutes by the Secretary

            3.  Report of Treasurer

            4.  Report of Committees

            5.  Unfinished business

            6.  Election of Officers

            7.  New business

            8.  Adjournment

 

ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS

The by-laws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the Assembly by a majority vote of the membership present, provided the proposed amendment has been announced publicly on the two Sundays prior to the date of meeting, announcement to be made by the Pastor or the Recording Secretary.