PREFACE
DISTRICT CONSTITUTION
CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION
ARTICLE I. NAME
WHEREAS, It is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly
Father, to call out of the world a saved people, who shall
constitute the body or church of Jesus Christ, built and established
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone; and
WHEREAS, The members of the body, the church (ekklesia) of
Jesus Christ, were enjoined to assemble themselves together for
worship, fellowship, counsel and instruction in the Word of God
and the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual
gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament; and
WHEREAS, It is evident that the early apostolic churches came
together in such fellowship as a representative body of saved,
Spirit-filled believers, who ordained and sent out evangelists and
missionaries, and who, under the supervision of the Holy Spirit,
set over the church pastors and teachers; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we recognize ourselves as a cooperative
fellowship of Pentecostal, Spirit-baptized saints from local
Pentecostal Assemblies of like precious faith throughout the State
of Illinois, to be known as the Illinois District Council of the
Assemblies of God, whose purpose is not to usurp authority over
the various assemblies, nor to deprive them of their Scriptural and
local rights and privileges, but to recognize and promote
Scriptural methods and order for worship, unity, fellowship, work
and business for God; and to disapprove un-Scriptural methods,
doctrines, and conduct, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit
in the bonds of peace, "till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians
4:13).
WE FURTHER BELIEVE that God's purpose concerning
mankind finds fulfillment in a priority reason-for-being: 1) to be
an agency of God for evangelizing the world, 2) to be a corporate
body in which mankind may worship God, and 3) to be a channel
of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the
image of His Son.
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The name of this body shall be ILLINOIS DISTRICT
COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD.
ARTICLE II. TERRITORY
It shall include the work of the Assemblies of God in the State
of Illinois.
ARTICLE III. NATURE
The Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God is a
cooperative fellowship based on mutual agreements, voluntarily
entered into by its members.
It shall be incorporated as a NOT FOR PROFIT
ORGANIZATION, under the laws of the State of Illinois.
ARTICLE IV. PURPOSE
The principles and purposes of the Council shall be in keeping
with the broad principles of Christian fellowship and cooperation
as set forth in the Constitution of The General Council of the
Assemblies of God, which Constitution shall hereby become a
part of the Constitution of this District.
Said corporation is organized exclusively for charitable,
religious, and educational purposes, including, for such purposes,
the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt
organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the
benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or
other private persons, except that the corporation shall be
authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for
services rendered and to make payments and distribution in
furtherance of the purposes set forth in these Bylaws. No
substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the
carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or
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intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of
statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to
any candidates for public office. Notwithstanding any other
provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any
other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation
exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue code, or the corresponding provision of any
future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to
which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal
Revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax
code.
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
ARTICLE V. PREROGATIVES
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.
(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 (example, 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, and 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 neither Person in the Godhead either
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1. To approve all Scriptural teachings, methods and conduct
and to disapprove un-Scriptural teachings, methods, and conduct.
2. To encourage and promote the evangelization of our
District, our country, and the world.
3. To provide a basis of fellowship among Christians of like
precious faith.
4. To establish and maintain such departments, institutions,
ministries, and churches as may be necessary for the propagation
of the Gospel, Pentecostal fellowship, and the work of the
Assemblies of God.
5. To have the right to purchase, own, hold in trust, use, sell,
convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of such property,
real or chattel, as may be needed for the prosecution of its work.
6. To examine candidates for the ministry and to approve for
credentials those who meet scriptural standards (1 Timothy 3:1-8,
Titus 1:5-9), and the requirements of the District Council and the
General Council.
ARTICLE VI. STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL
TRUTHS
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 the 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 out
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; Phil. 2:8, 9; Revelation 7:9, 10; 4:8-11).
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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 (I 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 coming
(1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!"
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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). The scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man
shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we
are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15,
16).
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his
identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith
reckoning daily upon the facts 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; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 2:12, 13, 1 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).
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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 Corinthians
12:28; 1 Corinthians 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 worshipful relationship with God
(1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 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), (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 1:26, 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
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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 21,22).
meetings shall be considered members for that council year, with
the understanding that the local Church reserves the right to
withdraw the appointment of its delegates.
a. Assemblies with a membership of not less than 12 or more
than 50 shall be entitled to one delegate.
b. Assemblies with a membership of 51 or more shall be
entitled to two delegates.
ARTICLE VII. RELATIONSHIPS
Section 1. To the General Council and other District Councils
The Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God is an
integral part of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, a
not-for-profit religious corporation with headquarters at
Springfield, Missouri, is subordinate and amenable to the said
General Council as prescribed in its Constitution and Bylaws, and
has a cooperative working relationship with other District
Councils in matters of mutual concern.
Section 2. To the Regions and Sections
The Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God shall
promote its activities through its District offices, Regions and the
geographic Sections.
Section 3. To Local Assemblies
The local churches of the District, which are in full fellowship
with the District, shall recognize and be subject to the District
Council as set forth in Article XI.
ARTICLE VIII. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Ministers
All ministers of the gospel holding ordained, licensed,
specialized license or certified minister accredited Fellowship
Certificates from the General Council and having their credential
assigned to the Illinois District, shall be recognized as members.
Section 2. Assemblies
All General Council and District affiliated churches, the
individual members of which are considered members of the
Assemblies of God, are considered to be member churches.
Section 3. Delegates
Delegates chosen by District Council or General Council
affiliated Assemblies to represent them at District Council
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ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Councils
The District Council shall meet annually. The District
Presbytery shall decide the time and place and cause
announcement to be published not later than thirty (30) days prior
to the time of meeting.
Section 2. Special Councils
Emergencies arising within the District which may necessitate
the call of a special session shall be met by the District
Presbytery, who shall be empowered to make such a call when
necessary.
Section 3. Right of Initiative
The right of initiative shall be granted to any member of the
Council, when occasion demands. A statement setting forth the
reason for a special session of the Council, signed by not less than
twenty (20) percent of the voting constituency of the last District
Council shall be considered sufficient reason to call a special
Council.
Section 4. Region and Section Councils
The Region and Section Councils shall be conducted in each
Region of the District. The schedule for such Councils shall be
arranged by the District Superintendent and the Region
Presbyters. The District Superintendent or authorized appointee
shall preside.
ARTICLE X. OFFICERS
Section 1. Executive Officers
The Executive Officers of the District Council shall consist of
the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and such District
Executive Presbyters (Resident and Nonresident) as may be
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elected by the District Council in session (one {1} shall be elected
from each Region). The number of Nonresident District Executive
Presbyters shall at least equal the number of Resident Executives
serving. A secretary and treasurer of the corporation shall be
elected by the Presbytery from among those Resident Executives
serving.
Section 2. District Executive Presbytery
The District Executive Presbytery shall consist of the Executive
Officers with such other officers as may be elected in the future.
Section 3. District Presbytery
The District Presbytery shall consist of the District Executive
Presbytery together with the Section Presbyters, and any
Presbyters-at-Large so elected.
Section 4. General Presbyters
The General Presbyters shall be the District Superintendent, the
Assistant Superintendent, and one other ordained minister who
shall be elected to a four year term by the District Council, and
who shall be the pastor of a church located in the District.
approve Scriptural doctrine and conduct. When in need of counsel
or advice, the local assembly should appeal to the District Council
for help. It may appeal a decision of the District Council to the
General Council.
d. If for any reason the membership of the sovereign assembly
shall decrease to the point where the active membership roll is
less than twenty (20) members, it shall be advised that they
surrender their authority as a sovereign assembly, and shall be
classified as under District Supervision.
e. Any local assembly affiliated with the District or General
Council, at any regular or special called church council may, by a
majority vote of the members present, request to come under
District Supervision. The length of time that this church shall
remain under District Supervision shall be determined in
consultation with the District Presbytery.
Section 2. District Supervised Churches
a. Any local assembly which has, by a vote of membership,
requested to come under District Supervision;
b. Any church whose membership has decreased to the point
where the active membership is less than twenty (20) members; or
c. Any local assembly that has not applied for District or
General Council affiliation.
ARTICLE XI. LOCAL ASSEMBLIES
Section 1. Affiliated Assemblies
a. The local assembly is recognized as God-ordained
(1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Phil 1:1; Revelation 1:11,
20.) Groups of believers associating themselves in local bodies for
the maintenance of Scriptural order in the local body, and having
a standard of membership in keeping with Scriptural principles,
shall be recognized as eligible to be an affiliated Assemblies of
God church.
b. We recognize that each affiliated assembly has the right to
self-government under Jesus Christ its living Head, and shall have
power to choose or call its pastor, elect its official board, and
transact all other business pertaining to its life as a local unit. It
shall have the right to administer discipline to its members
according to the Scriptures and the Bylaws of the assembly. It
shall have the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of its property in
its own right in its corporate name as a self-governing unit.
c. The fact that a local assembly is affiliated with the District
or General Council shall in no wise destroy its rights as above
stated, or interfere with its sovereignty. The local assembly shall
recognize that the District or General Council has the right to
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Section 3. District Home Missions Churches
District Home Missions churches are started with the approval
of the District Missions Board.
Such churches shall be governed according to the District
approved Bylaws (Article VII).
Section 4. District Affiliated Churches/Satellite Churches
There shall be two categories of District affiliated churches:
those under governance of the District (Sections 2 and 3) and
those satellite or dependent churches under the governance of a
sponsoring church.
a. Listing and recognition - A General Council assembly, when
opening a satellite or dependent church, shall inform the District
leadership that a satellite or dependent church is opening and the
church shall be listed on District Council and General Council
records as a District affiliated church.
b. Recognition as General Council affiliated - Upon mutual
agreement of the sponsoring church, the satellite or dependent
church, the District Council - in accordance with District Council
and General Council Constitutional and bylaw procedures, the
satellite or dependent church sponsored by a sponsoring church
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may be recognized as a General Council affiliated assembly. At
such time of recognition, the governance of the satellite or
dependent church shall be transferred from the sponsoring church
to the newly recognized General Council assembly.
c. Definition of terms:
(1) Satellite Churches are an extension of a sponsoring
church; they may have similar vision and mission and may
even have the same name.
(2) District Affiliated Church. Any local assembly that has
not applied for District or General Council affiliation.
(Constitution Article XI. Local Assemblies; Section 2.
District Supervised Churches; paragraph c).
Section 5. Cooperating Assemblies
Provision may be made by District Councils and the General
Council Executive Presbytery for the status of a cooperating
assembly, which would allow for churches that subscribe to
Article V, (Statement of Fundamental Truths) of the General
Council Constitution to enter into a cooperative status with a
District and the General Council on a cooperating basis (4-year
term, renewable by the request of the local church congregation at
the discretion of the District Council in cooperation with the
General Council Executive Presbytery) before officially affiliating
with the District Council and the General Council.
Section 6. Intervention of District in a Local Assembly
a. Circumstances Requiring Intervention:
While the right of a local assembly to self-government is a
basic General Council principle, it is also recognized that the
assembly has a responsibility to the District Council and General
Council, and both have a responsibility to the assembly. Some of
the circumstances which require intervention by the District
Officiary are as follows:
(1) Division resulting in disruption;
(2) Assumption of dictatorial authority by the pastor or
board;
(3) Prolonged absence of pastoral leadership;
(4) Deviation or departure from Assemblies of God
principles and practices;
(5) Attempt to disaffiliate from Assemblies of God
Fellowship; or
(6) Pastoral incompetence because of health--physical or
mental;
b. Intervention Procedure:
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(1) The District has the right to initiate a meeting with the
board or congregation;
(2) The church may extend an invitation to the District
Officiary by:
(a) request of the pastor;
(b) action of the board; or
(c) petition of the congregation according to the
By-law provision.
Section 7. Discipline of Assemblies
Since the approval of an assembly is the prerogative of the
District and General Councils, and is indicated by the issuance of
appropriate certificates of affiliation, the Illinois District has the
right to request a meeting with the assembly if for some valid
reason its status is in question. The General Council of the
Assemblies of God has the right to withdraw its certificate of
membership if deemed necessary.
Section 8. New Assemblies Resulting from a Division
(General Council Bylaws Article VI, Section 7)
a. Criteria for Recognition: When efforts to maintain unity and
harmony in an assembly have failed, and a division results in a
new congregation being formed, the District should exercise
strong and wise leadership in ascertaining the facts, and seek to
preserve Assemblies of God adherents for the Fellowship. Within
the bounds of ethical principles, sound doctrine, and District
policy, the District should seek to retain any meritorious group
within the Assemblies of God.
b. Criteria for Discipline of Pastor Who is Involved:
Circumstances of the occasion would determine whether the
minister should be disciplined or denied ministry in either the
original church or the dissident group, or even residency in the
area where the division occurred. If a minister is guilty of wrong
conduct and wrong attitudes resulting in a split, the District
Presbytery shall deal appropriately with him as provided in
Article IX, Section 2, of the General Council Bylaws.
Section 9. Private Ownership of Church Properties
Disapproved
The General Council disapproves of the ownership of any
church properties by other than the entire church body through its
duly elected trustees.
Constitution Page 14 (Revised June 2016)
ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
In the event this District Council shall cease to function for the
purposes herein set forth, then all property, real or chattel, and all
assets remaining after satisfying debts and obligations, shall revert
to the parent body, THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation,
with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri. The General Council
of the Assemblies of God shall have full authority to sell such
property and to use the proceeds derived therefrom for the
extension of the work of the Assemblies of God. In the event of
cessation of this District Council, its board of Trustees (or
Directors) shall transfer all properties and any remaining assets, in
accordance with the foregoing provisions, within one year after
the date of such cessation. If such transfer is not made within the
time prescribed above or if the aforesaid General Council shall be
unable or unwilling to accept the aforesaid transfer as an
organization operated exclusively for religious purposes and is
exempt from taxes under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code, then disposition thereof shall be made by the court
of the county in which the District Council headquarters office is
located to a non-profit fund, foundation or corporation which is
organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes, and
which has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501
(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and which has purposes
nearest to those of The General Council of the Assemblies of
God.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution may be made by a two-thirds
majority vote, provided the proposed amendment has been
published and mailed to the membership not later than thirty (30)
days prior to the District Council in session.
DISTRICT BYLAWS
ARTICLE I. PARLIAMENTARY LAW
Section 1. Authority
In order to expedite the work of the Council and avoid confusion in
its deliberations, the Council shall be governed by the accepted rules
of parliamentary procedure (Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised)
in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.
Section 2. Parliamentarians
The District Executive Presbytery shall appoint persons of proper
capability to act as parliamentarians for District Council sessions;
said appointees shall be ratified by the District Presbytery and shall
be notified of their appointments at least thirty (30) days prior to the
District Council meeting. They shall be expected to attend all
business sessions of the District Council.
ARTICLE II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Voting Constituency
The voting constituency shall consist of all accredited members
present and registered. This shall include all ministers of the District
as ordained, licensed, specialized license or certified minister,
together with lay delegates approved by affiliated assemblies. Lay
delegates must be at least 18 years of age and shall be elected in a
regular or special business meeting by the church which they
represent; or they may be appointed by the church board. Each lay
delegate shall present a letter or form provided by the District signed
by the pastor or secretary of the assembly certifying his or her
election by the assembly or appointment by the board.
In all District meetings, proxy and/or absentee ballots will not be
allowed.
The Nominating Process for District Leadership should include
effort to maximize participation by the use of advancing technologies.
Section 2. Officers
a. The officers of the Council, except as hereinafter provided, shall
be elected at its annual meeting, according to the manner of elections
provided. They shall be chosen from the membership of the District
Council, and shall be ordained ministers of mature experience and
ability.
Constitution Page 15 (Revised June 2016)
Bylaws Page 1 (Revised June 2016)
b. The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and District
Executive Presbyters must have been members of the District Council
for at least two years. The Region Presbyters must have been
members for at least one year. Any candidate receiving the required
two-thirds majority votes on the nominating ballot shall be declared
elected.
In addition, the Council will nominate two individuals from its
membership to be presented as nominees for additional representation
to the Executive Presbytery [General Council Bylaws Article II.
Section 2.c.]. One nominee will be an ordained pastor under 40 years
of age at the time of election, and one will be an ordained female (no
age requirement).
c. The nominees for the offices of Assistant Superintendent and
such Resident District Executive Presbyters as shall serve will be
presented to the Council by the District Presbyters at the time of
election. Nominees for Non-resident District Executive Presbyters
shall be presented at the time of their election.
The selection of all nominees for General Council Executive
Presbyter shall be determined by a majority vote.
Section 3. District Executive Presbyters
a. The Illinois District Council at its annual meeting shall elect the
Nonresident District Executive Presbyters to serve. Nonresident
District Executives shall be elected from among those who are
ordained senior pastors in the Illinois District. One (1) Non-resident
District Executive Presbyter shall be elected from each Region. The
number of Nonresident District Executive Presbyters serving shall at
least equal the number of Resident Executives serving. (See
Constitution Article X Officers, Section 1)
b. Upon election to office, the Nonresident District Executive
Presbyters will cease serving as Region Presbyter. The prescribed
process for filling that vacancy (Bylaws Article II, Section 9,
paragraph b) will apply.
Section 4. General Presbyter
In addition to the District Superintendent and the Assistant
Superintendent who serve as General Presbyters by virtue of office,
one other shall be elected by the District Council in session. The
General Presbyter shall be an ordained pastor of a church located in
the District; a minimum of five votes shall be required for a name to
be placed in nomination before the District Council. He shall take
office the first day of January following election.
Section 5. Nominees for General Council Nonresident Executive
Presbyter
The Illinois District at its annual meeting prior to the General
Council session shall nominate two ministers from its District, one of
whom shall be the District Superintendent by virtue of office, and one
of whom is not an elected full-time District official, to be presented to
the General Council as nominees for Nonresident Executive Presbyter
(General Council Constitution Article IX, Section 2; Bylaws Article
II Section 2.c).
Bylaws Page 2 (Revised June 2016)
Section 6. Nomination and Election of Executive Officers
a. The offices of Superintendent and Nonresident District
Executive Presbyters shall be nominated by secret ballot.
A minimum of five votes shall be required for a name to be placed in
nomination before the District Council for these offices. The offices
of Assistant Superintendent and Resident District Executive
Presbyter(s) shall be nominated as prescribed in Article II. Section 2.
b. Names thus presented shall be balloted upon until a candidate
shall have received a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.
c. If after the second elective ballot no election results, all but the
five candidates receiving the highest number of vote, shall be dropped
and elections proceed. If after the fourth elective ballot, no election
results, all but the two candidates receiving the highest number of
votes shall be dropped and elections proceed.
Section 7. Nomination and Selection of Section Presbyters
a. Nominations for Section Presbyters will be by secret ballot at
Section Councils.
b. Nominees so consenting will be presented to the members of
each section for election.
c. A Presbyter and Assistant Presbyter will be elected from each
Section.
d. Names presented shall be balloted upon until a candidate shall
have received a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.
e. If after the second elective ballot no election results, all but the
three candidates receiving the highest number of votes, shall be
dropped and elections proceed. If after the fourth elective ballot, no
election results, a majority vote will constitute an election.
Section 8. Ethnic/Language Presbyters
When an ethnic or language group recognized by the Executive
Presbytery functions as a fellowship within the Illinois District, and
represents an ethnic/language group consisting of 10 or more
churches, a presbyter shall be elected from the ethnic or language
fellowship to represent the ethnic or language fellowship within the
Bylaws Page 3 (Revised June 2016)
district, as per Bylaw Article VII – District Divisions. Section 2.
Ethnic Fellowships. A local church may express its desire to the
Executive Presbytery to affiliate with an ethnic or language
fellowship.
a. Qualified ethnic fellowship churches shall meet to elect an
Ethnic Presbyter at a special called meeting to be held prior to
the annual District Council in odd numbered years. The place
and time of the special called meeting shall be announced by
the District Superintendent and shall be presided over by an
Executive Officer of the District.
b. All nominees for the position of Ethnic/Language Presbyter
must be a member of an Illinois District Ethnic/Language
Fellowship and must comply with the requirements for a
Section Presbyter as described in the Bylaws; Article II.
Election of Officers; Section 2 Officers; paragraph (b).
c. Ethnic Presbyters shall serve on the District Presbytery along
with the Presbyters chosen from the geographical sections of
the District.
d. The terms of office for Ethnic Presbyters shall be the same as
Section Presbyters.
Section 9. Honorary Presbyters
Honorary Presbyters shall be nominated by the District Presbytery
and ratified by the District Council. They shall:
a. Provide counsel to the District Presbytery, when requested;
b. Serve in Ordination and communion services of the District;
c. Provide a resource of pulpit supply to churches of the District,
as needed; and
d. Be afforded the respect and honor that their years of service
have merited.
Section 10. Presbyters-at-Large
The Executive Presbytery may nominate 4 persons as Presbyters-atlarge. These persons shall be chosen to increase the diversity of the
District Presbytery in ethnicity, gender, generational or ministry
assignment. They shall be ratified by the District Presbytery.
(4) Incompetency in office.
Any incumbent thus affected shall be fully informed of the action
and the reason for it, and shall have the right of appeal to the District
Council in its next regular session, provided such appeal is made in
writing to the District Executive Presbytery at least thirty (30) days
prior to the District Council.
b. In the event of a vacancy of an executive office, this vacancy
shall be filled by a specially called or regular District Council at the
discretion of the District Presbytery.
ARTICLE III. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Duties of the Superintendent
It is the duty of the Superintendent to:
a. Be the president of the corporation;
b. Serve as the Superintendent of all ministries related to the
District, to be the head of the office, and to supervise the work of that
office during the interim between sessions of the Council;
c. Preside at meetings of the Council;
d. Preside at all the meetings of the Presbytery and to receive all
communications directed to that body;
e. Preside in all meetings of the Credentials Committee and to sign
all credentials;
f. Investigate alleged offenses, administer disciplinary action in all
cases when requested to do so by the District Presbytery;
g. Nominate committees;
h. Perform any other function usual and customary for the
presiding officer, or such as may be directed by the District
Presbytery or Council;
i. Be an ex-officio member of all committees; and
j. Serve as a General Presbyter by virtue of office.
Section 11. Vacancies
a. Any office of the District (elected or appointed) may be
declared vacant by an act of the District Presbytery. This action must
be supported by at least two-thirds of the District Presbytery. Grounds
for such action shall be:
(1) Resignation;
(2) Unscriptural conduct;
(3) Doctrinal departure from the faith; or
Section 2. Duties of Assistant Superintendent
It is the duty of the Assistant Superintendent to:
a. Serve as the vice-president of the corporation;
b. Assist the Superintendent in the supervision of the work of the
Council and perform any other functions under the supervision of the
Superintendent or such as may be directed by the District Presbytery
or Council;
c. Upon the request of the District Presbytery to perform all the
duties of the Superintendent in the event of his prolonged absence or
incapacity;
d. Be a member of the District Executive Presbytery;
e. Be an ex-officio member of all committees;
Bylaws Page 4 (Revised June 2016)
Bylaws Page 5 (Revised June 2016)
f. Serve as General Presbyter by virtue of office.
Section 3. Duties of the Executive Secretary
It is the duty of the Executive Secretary to:
a. Serve as the secretary of the corporation;
b. Keep a true record of the proceedings of the Council Meetings,
meetings of the District Presbytery, District Executive Presbytery,
and Credentials Committee;
c. Record in the Minutes of the District Council Sessions only the
results of elections, resolutions considered and results thereof,
motions made and results thereof, recording of committee reports,
and any other pertinent details essential to administrative matters of
the District; and
d. Be custodian of the seal of the Council and to issue credentials
under the direction of the Credentials Committee, and keep a record
of all ministers and Assemblies in the District.
Section 4. Duties of Resident District Executives
a. The District Superintendent shall, in consultation with the
District Presbytery, give assignment to such Resident District
Executives as shall be elected.
b. One portfolio assigned shall be the supervision of all Credential
and Church Status matters;
c. One portfolio shall be assigned to the Resident District
Executive who is selected as Corporate Treasurer. This office shall
supervise all District finances, including duties to:
1. Receive and record all offerings and monies to be used for
the work of the Council and pay out the same as directed by
the Presbytery;
2. Give a report of the finances from time to time as requested
by the Presbytery.
Section 5. Duties of District Executive Presbyter(s)
It is the duty of the District Executive Presbyter(s) to:
a. Assist the Superintendent and other Officers in fulfilling the
duties of their offices, and in carrying out the ministry of the Illinois
District; and
b. Be a member of the District Executive Presbytery.
c. Non-resident District Executive Presbyters will serve as chair of
the Credentials Committee in their respective Regions.
Section 6. Duties of District Executive Presbytery
a. The District Executive Presbyters shall act as trustees and
directors of this fellowship under the direction of the District
Bylaws Page 6 (Revised June 2016)
Presbytery between Council sessions and the Council while in
session.
b. The District Executive Presbytery shall be authorized to act on
behalf of the District Presbytery between sessions of the District
Presbytery, and shall make a thorough and prompt report of any such
action to the District Presbytery.
c. The Superintendent, as President of the Corporation, and
the Executive Secretary shall as directed by the District Presbytery,
sign all papers required to fulfill the provisions of Article V, Section
5 of the Constitution.
d. The fiduciary responsibility of oversight imposed upon the
District Executive Presbytery requires that all Presbyters be given full
access to all District records in order for them to fulfill the duty of
care imposed by law and scripture.
Section 7. General Presbyters
The General Presbyters shall represent the District in the annual
and any special-called meetings of the Assemblies of God General
Presbytery. A report, written or oral, of information that would be of
benefit to the ministers and churches of the District Council shall be
communicated to the District constituency.
Section 8. District Presbytery
a. District Responsibilities:
(1) The District Presbytery shall have the general oversight of
the activities of this fellowship during the interim between
Council sessions. It shall be authorized to act for the
fellowship in all matters that affect its interest while the
Council is not in session, and shall make a report to the District
Council as requested. It shall provide for its own meetings and
its decisions shall be final unless reversed by the District
Council.
(2) The District Presbytery shall make appointments for the
filling of any office which may become vacant between
sessions of the District Council.
(3) It shall elect committees presented in nomination by the
Superintendent.
(4) It shall appoint representation for the District Council in
inter-church relationship groups.
(5) The fiduciary responsibility of oversight imposed upon the
District Presbytery requires that all Presbyters be given full
access to all District records in order for them to fulfill the
duty of care imposed by law and scripture.
(6) The District Presbytery shall, in consultation with the
District Superintendent, elect one Resident Executive officer to
Bylaws Page 7 (Revised June 2016)
serve as Secretary of the Corporation, and one Resident
Executive officer to serve as Treasurer of the corporation (See
Article III, Section 4). They shall also make such other
portfolio assignments as shall be deemed necessary.
b. Region and Section Responsibilities:
(1) To promote and supervise the work of the Region and their
individual Sections.
(2) To work in cooperation with the Region and Section pastors.
(3) To encourage the minister to support the Council spiritually,
morally, and financially.
(4) To make periodical reports of the work in the Section to the
Superintendent.
(5) To provide a written summary of the business conducted at
the Presbyter’s meeting.
(6) To be responsible and facilitate the efforts of:
the planting of churches;
the care and supervision of HM/DS churches;
the Assemblies of God credential process;
the setting in order of the churches;
the care and nurture of fellowship and community throughout
the Region and Sections;
other work that may develop.
(7) Presbyters shall have regular meetings with all Region
Committees for the purpose of united counsel to promote the
ministry of each of these efforts in the Regions.
(8) Sign all documents with the State of Illinois that may be
required of District Home Missions and District Supervised
(HM/DS) churches.
(9) The fiduciary responsibility of oversight of all Home
Missions/District Supervised churches imposed by law, and
the District Bylaws, requires that the Region Committees be
given full access to all District Home Missions/District
Supervised (HM/DS) church records and finances.
c. Ethnic Presbyter Responsibilities
While serving as a voting member of the District Presbytery,
the Ethnic Presbyter shall function under the direction of the
District Superintendent with all of the duties in relation to the
district of other district presbyters; additionally the Ethnic
Presbyter will support in the following areas:
(1) Evangelizing ethnic/language groups in the district;
(2) Mentoring pastors of ethnic/language group congregations;
(3) Encouraging independent ethnic/language group churches
who share our doctrine to consider Assemblies of God affiliation;
Bylaws Page 8 (Revised June 2016)
(4) Assisting area presbyters in dealing with issues concerning
ethnic/language group pastors and churches;
(5) Assisting ethnic/language congregations in their
relationships with the district; and
(6) Helping all district churches reach out to surrounding
ethnic/language groups.
Section 9. Meetings
Members of the Presbytery, Executive Presbytery or any committee
designated by the Presbytery or Executive Presbytery may participate
and act at any meeting through the use of a conference telephone or
other communications device by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can communicate simultaneously with
each other. Participation in such meeting shall constitute attendance
and presence in person at the meeting of the member or members so
participating. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the Presbytery or Executive Presbytery may be taken
without a meeting if all members consent thereto in writing, and the
writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the meeting.
ARTICLE IV. TERM OF OFFICE
Section 1. District Executive Officers
a. The term of office of the District Superintendent shall be four
(4) years. The outgoing Superintendent shall hold office for thirty
(30) days following the election of a successor.
b. The term of office of the Assistant Superintendent shall be four
(4) years, staggered to expire one year following the term of the
District Superintendent. The outgoing Assistant Superintendent shall
hold office for thirty (30) days following the election of a successor.
c. The term of office of the other Resident Executive Presbyter(s)
as shall be elected shall be two (2) years. The outgoing Resident
Executive Presbyter(s) shall hold office for thirty (30) days following
the election of a successor.
d. The term of office for the Nonresident District Executive
Presbyter(s) shall be two (2) years. Three (3) two-year terms may be
served before at least one year of ineligibility will occur. The
outgoing Nonresident District Executive Presbyter(s) shall hold office
for thirty (30) days following the election of a successor.
e. In the event of a mid-term election, the District Presbytery will
recommend and the District Council shall approve, prior to voting,
the length of the first term of office.
f. The salaries of the Superintendent and the Assistant
Superintendent and such other Resident District Executive
Bylaws Page 9 (Revised June 2016)
Presbyter(s) as shall be elected, shall continue thirty (30) days after
they leave office.
Section 2. Section Presbyters
a. The Section Presbyters and Assistant Presbyters shall be elected
at Section Council sessions, and shall hold office until successors are
elected, or they move from their Section. Terms of the Presbyters
shall be staggered to create a rotation of selection.
b. The term of office of a Presbyter shall automatically expire
within thirty (30) days of leaving the Section. The vacated office shall
be filled by the District Presbytery until the next Council
c. Presbyters shall serve for two-year terms. After serving for three
(3) terms, a person serving as Section Presbyter will be ineligible to
serve for at least one (1) year.
Section 3. Presbyters-at-Large
Presbyters-at-Large will serve a one-year term, beginning
September 1, and may be re-appointed annually for up to 3 terms,
before rotating off for at least one year.
ARTICLE V. COMMITTEES
Section 1. District Committees
Committees may be created by the District Council in session or by
the Presbytery between sessions of the Council or as may be required.
Section 2. Superintendent’s Advisory Council
The District Presbytery shall be authorized to appoint a
Superintendent’s Advisory Council of 15-20 members who will meet
regularly with the Superintendent and the Presbytery.
a. Members shall be comprised from a broad representation of the
Council (Credentialed Ministers, Spouse of Credentialed Minister,
and/or Lay Leaders of member churches).
b. Two-year terms of service will be staggered to facilitate a
rotation of members.
c. The Advisory Council will serve to advise in matters of planning,
evaluation and participation in District life.
The Credentials Team will be chaired by an Executive Presbyter from
the Region. All other teams created will be chaired by a Presbyter or
Assistant Presbyter, in addition to members of the District from that
Region who have experience, passion or skill for the assignment.
Section 4. Section Teams
Teams as needed within the Sections, may be established by the
Presbyter and Assistant Presbyter. These teams will include, but not
be limited to: Credentials; Church Planting; Pastoral Transition; and
District Supervision of churches.
Section 5. Departmental Committees
Department leaders may secure Section of Region representatives,
and/or field-based resource teams in order to facilitate resources and
training for local church ministry leadership. Members assigned will
be nominated by the Department Leaders and approved by the
Presbytery.
Section 6. Budget and Finance Committee
a. The District Superintendent shall appoint the Budget and
Finance Committee, ratified by the Presbytery.
b. The Budget and Finance Committee shall analyze and approve
all District and Departmental Budgets and recommend the same to
the Presbyters for approval and action.
c. The Budget and Finance Committee shall participate in
monitoring the performance of all approved budgets, and shall report
regularly to the Presbytery.
Section 7. Committee on Ethnicity
a. The District Superintendent shall appoint the Committee on
Ethnicity, ratified by the Presbytery.
b. The committee shall be available to consult with any member of
the District regarding concerns of ethnic diversity.
c. The committee shall be apprized of and/or have presence in
planning sessions of District and Region events.
ARTICLE VI. MINISTRY
Section 3. Region Teams
Teams to facilitate the work of each Region may be established by
the District Presbytery. These teams will include, but not be limited
to: Credentials; Church Planting; Pastoral Transition; and District
Supervision of churches.
Bylaws Page 10 (Revised June 2016)
Section 1. Ministry Described
a. Christ's gifts to the Church include apostles, prophets,
evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), exhorters,
administrators, leaders and helpers (Romans 12:7-8).
b. Three classifications of ministry are recognized and transferable
among all Assemblies of God Districts: the ordained minister, the
Bylaws Page 11 (Revised June 2016)
licensed minister (including specialized licenses) and the certified
minister. A fourth classification of ministry, a local church credential,
may be provided by a local General Council affiliated church under
basic guidelines adopted by the General Presbytery and such
additional guidelines adopted by the District Council.
c. An applicant for ministerial recognition must:
(1) Give testimony to having experienced the new birth (John
3:5);
(2) Give testimony to having received the baptism in the Holy
Spirit according to Acts 2:4. The Spirit-filled life will enable
fulfillment of the three-fold mission of the church;
(3) Give testimony to a definite call of God into the Ministry.
Section 2. Qualifications
a. Local Church Credential
A local church credential may be issued by a General
Council affiliated church pursuant to the basic guidelines
adopted by the General Council.
b. Certified Ministers
(1) Must have a thorough understanding of and agreement with
our Tenets of Faith.
(2) Must have an active loyalty to our Constitutional
agreements.
(3) Qualifications for recognition at this stage of the ministry are
as follows:
(a) Clear evidence of a Divine Call;
(b) Membership in an Assemblies of God church for at least
one year;
(c) Recommendation from the local pastor;
(d) Recommendations from the local assembly; and
(e) Complete the first phase of the Berean School of the Bible
or an equivalent.
c. Licensed Ministers
(1) Must have a thorough understanding of and agreement with
our Tenets of Faith.
(2) Must have an active loyalty to our Constitutional
agreements.
(3) Qualifications for recognition at this stage of the Ministry
are as follows:
(a) Clear evidence of a Divine Call;
(b) Membership in an Assemblies of God church for at least
one year;
(c) Recommendation from the local pastor;
(d) Recommendations from the local assembly;
Bylaws Page 12 (Revised June 2016)
(e) Complete the first and second phase of the Berean School
of the Bible or an equivalent.
(4) Completion of academic studies alone does not qualify for
license without the evidence of mature, ongoing, and wise
Christian leadership.
It is further recommended that studies be made in human
and public relations and church leadership.
d. Ordained Ministers
(1) Qualifications for recognition at this stage of the ministry are
as follows:
(a) Minimum age for Ordination - 23 years.
(b) Shall have had a license to preach and shall have been
engaged in active work as a pastor or evangelist or some
other recognized full-time ministry for at least two
consecutive years and shall evidence the ability to contribute
to the growth and progress of the church or fields of
ministry.
(c) Complete the Berean School of the Bible or an equivalent.
e. Active Ministry
Ordained and Licensed ministers who preach less than fifteen
times per year shall have their names placed upon the inactive list
for one year. If such inactivity shall continue for a second year,
they shall be removed from the ministerial fellowship. It shall be
understood that this shall not apply to inactivity caused by
infirmity, old age, ill health or to those who are in other full-time
ministry. Should the minister at any time return to active ministry,
his or her name may be restored to the active list upon an
application for reinstatement bearing the endorsement of the
Executive Secretary.
f. Voluntary Cooperation and Commitment to the Fellowship
An active loyalty to our Constitutional agreements, a
cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel
of mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
By voluntary it is meant that, upon learning the principles,
doctrines, and practices of the Assemblies of God, and by seeing
the benefits to be derived from being associated with such an
organization, persons of their own free choice decide to become
members, thus subscribing to all that for which the organization
stands.
For the minister, by cooperation, it is meant, to the best of one’s
ability, complying with all decisions setting forth and defining
duties and responsibilities incumbent upon members of the
organization. It includes active participation and will respect the
will of the majority expressed through Constitutional processes.
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Hence, for the minister, voluntary cooperation means that when
the minister decides to become a cooperating member of the
Assemblies of God, this cooperation and participation thereby
becomes obligatory and not optional.
Section 3. Credentials
a. The District Presbytery shall serve as the District Credentials
Committee. All applications for the credentials of ordained, licensed,
specialized licenses and certified minister will be presented to the
District Credentials Committee for further action.
b. The Region Credentials Committee shall function in the
examination of applications for License, and Certified Minister
credentials. Their recommendation shall be brought to the District
Credentials Committee for granting credentials.
c. All credentials are issued from the office of the General
Secretary in Springfield, Missouri.
d. Each candidate for License and Certified Minister credentials
will take a written examination, be interviewed by the Region
Credentials Committee, and meet any other requirements as may be
prescribed by the District Credentials Committee.
e. Candidates for Ordination shall be nominated by the District
Credentials Committee, shall make application, take a written
examination, and be interviewed by the District Credentials
Committee. Applications are then presented to the General Council
for processing.
f. All credential holders shall be required to renew annually.
g. All ministers receiving credentials through the General Council
and the Illinois District Council will have mandatory screening
through a designated screening agency.
Section 4. Ministerial Relations
The Illinois District Council and its members (ordained, licensed,
specialized licensed and certified ministers) affirm and endorse the
principles as set forth in the Bylaws of the General Council of the
Assemblies of God, Article IX.
a. Discipline
The Illinois District Council and its members (ordained, licensed,
specialized licenses and certified ministers) affirm and endorse the
principles as set forth in the Bylaws of the General Council of the
Assemblies of God, Article X.
b. Rehabilitation and Reinstatement
The Illinois District Council and its members (ordained, licensed,
specialized licenses and certified ministers) affirm and endorse the
principles as set forth in the Bylaws of the General Council of the
Assemblies of God, Article X.
Bylaws Page 14 (Revised June 2016)
c. The Local Church Credential
All local church credential holders shall be amenable to their local
church under guidelines established by the General Presbytery and
District Council in matters of doctrine and discipline.
ARTICLE VII. DISTRICT DIVISIONS
Section 1. Regions and Sections.
The District shall be divided into Regions and Sections as
determined by the District Presbytery, and ratified by the District
Council in session.
Section 2. Ethnic Fellowships
Any ethnic/language group consisting of 10 or more Illinois
District Assembly of God churches, who are members of an Ethnic
Fellowship, recognized by the Illinois District Council for the
purposes of exchanging information, facilitating evangelism and
establishing churches in cooperation with the District.
a. Churches so recognized shall adopt a resolution requesting
membership in the approved Fellowship,
b. Fellowships will be non-geographical.
ARTICLE VIII. WORLD MISSIONS
Section l. Scope
Since the Master has declared "go ye into all the world " (Mark
16:15), the Illinois District Council shall assume the responsibility to
do all in its power to spread the Full Gospel, both at home and in
foreign lands.
Section 2. Organization
a. Officers
The District Presbytery shall be the District Missions Board. The
District Superintendent shall serve as Director. The District
Presbytery shall appoint a District Missions Secretary.
b. Committees and Representatives
The District Missions Board is empowered to appoint such
committees and representatives that shall expedite the work of
Missions (both World and U.S.) through the churches and ministers
of Illinois.
c. Governance
Governance of all District Home Missions and Supervised
churches shall comply with all directives of these Bylaws (Article III,
Bylaws Page 15 (Revised June 2016)
Sec 7 and 8) and such operational manuals as will be developed and
approved by the District Missions Board.
(1) The Region District Supervised Church Committee and the
District Executive Officers shall serve as the official board of
all District Supervised and District Home Missions churches.
(2) The Region District Supervised Church Committee and Region
Church Planting Committee will work to ensure partnership
of churches exists to provide resources and nurturing of
dependent churches.
(3) The District Missions Board shall serve as final authority of
review or appeal in all matters of governance for District
Supervised or District Home Missions churches.
d. Finance
(1) Sources of District Home Missions Funds
All offerings, designated for District Home Missions, from local
assemblies, individuals, legacies, and any other funds which may
be devised.
(2) Disbursements of District Home Missions Funds
(a) All Home Missions Funds shall be distributed by the
Executive Treasurer, under the supervision of the District
Missions Board.
(b) All funds that have been designated for some particular
project shall be sent directly from the Executive Treasurer to
the Home Missions church or Home Missions worker.
(c) The Missions Board, together with the workers concerned,
should seek to open all projects with a minimum expenditure
of Home Missions funds consistent with maximum
efficiency. Every effort should be made to encourage each
project to become self-supporting as soon as possible.
(d) Loans, grants, and other financial assistance to new
churches and workers may be recommended to the District
Missions Board by the respective Region Committees.
(e) Each Home Missions project shall operate on a budget
approved by the Region Church Planting or District
Supervised Missions Committee and District Missions
Board.
ARTICLE IX. FINANCE
Section 1. Income
a. The principle of voluntary cooperation upon which the District
Council of the Assemblies of God is based involves the following: By
"voluntary" is meant that, upon learning the principles, doctrines, and
practices of the Assemblies of God, and by seeing the benefits one
could derive from being associated with such an organization, a
Bylaws Page 16 (Revised June 2016)
person of one’s free choice decides to become a member, thus
subscribing to all that for which the organization stands. By
"cooperation" is meant that, to the best of one’s ability, one will
comply with all decisions setting forth and defining duties and
responsibilities devolved upon members of the organization, and will
respect the will of the majority, expressed through democratic
process, as long as one remains a member. Hence, "voluntary
cooperation" means that one of free will decides to become a
cooperating member of the Assemblies of God, this cooperation
being obligatory and not optional. Each should be willing to carry
one’s share of the expense of the District work, voluntarily.
b. All visiting evangelists and workers ministering within the
boundaries of the District are expected to support the District by
sending to the District Office at least fifty percent (50%) of their tithe.
c. One hundred percent (100%) of the tithe of all credentialed
ministers from all ministry sources of income shall be contributed to
the District treasury on a regular basis. Credentialed ministers without
ministry income shall contribute the following dues to the Illinois
District Council on a regular basis: Certified, $5; Licensed, $7;
Ordained, $10 per month. Ministers may elect to deduct dues from
their local church tithe.
Nationally appointed missionaries and chaplains shall conform to
the policies for financial support to the Illinois District as mandated
by the Bylaws of the General Council.
Illinois ministers whose ministry is in Districts other than Illinois,
such as evangelists and Bible college personnel, shall contribute fifty
percent (50%) of their tithe from all ministry sources of income
derived from out of District ministry to the Illinois District.
Senior-active and senior semi-retired ministers shall continue to
contribute 100% of the tithe from all ministry sources of income, as
stated above. Ministers officially classified as “Senior Active”,
“Senior Retired” or “Disabled”, are not required to contribute dues to
the district, but are to tithe on their non-ministerial income to the
church they are attending. Any adjustments in dues will be
recommended by the District Presbytery to be decided by the District
Council in session.
d. Free-will offerings from assemblies and individuals shall be
transmitted to the District Treasury. At least one offering a year
should be contributed by each assembly to help in the District work.
e. Advance - It is recommended that two percent (2%) of each
church's general fund be given to the Illinois District Council.
Section 2. Disbursements
a. The Presbytery shall have the authority to make such drafts
upon the District funds as may be necessary to maintain the District
Bylaws Page 17 (Revised June 2016)
administration office. All salaries and wages of District officials and
employees, including provision for paid vacations when warranted,
shall be determined by the presbytery.
b. The Presbytery is authorized to arrange travel expenses to
enable the Executive Officers and General Presbyters to attend the
General Council sessions. They are further authorized to provide for
reimbursements for mileage and incidental expenses for the District
Executive Officers, Presbyters, and others employed on District work
assignment, pursuant to an authorized accountable reimbursement
plan.
Section 3. Banking of Funds
District funds shall be deposited in a bank or banks which shall be
selected by the Presbytery. The funds shall be deposited in the
corporate name of the Council. Funds shall be withdrawn upon the
signature of two of the District Executive Presbyters or that person or
persons whom they may designate.
Section 4. Auditing
a. The financial records shall be audited at the close of each fiscal
year by a certified public accountant, prior to the District Council
meeting. The auditor shall provide a report suitable for reproduction
as needed. One copy shall be filed with the District records. A copy
of the complete audit will be made available to any church or
credentialed minister, upon request.
b. In the event of a change of the Executive Officer assigned as
Treasurer during the fiscal year, the District Executive Presbytery, in
cooperation and counsel with the District outside Auditor, shall
supervise the orderly transfer of responsibility and records for District
Finances in a way consistent with generally accepted accounting
principles and procedures. The District's fiscal year shall consist of
the calendar year.
c. All Region accounts shall be reviewed by a Ministerial Financial
Review Committee, appointed by the Presbytery. The members of
this committee shall be persons of mature and trusted judgment, who
are not currently serving on the Region Committee. Their written
report shall accompany the presentation of reports to the Members of
the Region.
d. A report of the activity of all Region funds shall be presented to
the Region Council. Detailed printed reports shall be provided for all
in attendance at the Region Council. An official copy will be filed
with the District each year by the Region Presbyter.
e. The Council reports shall be mailed to all ordained ministers,
licensed ministers, certified ministers, and churches for delegate
study approximately ten (10) days before the Council convenes.
Bylaws Page 18 (Revised June 2016)
ARTICLE X. ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE OR ACTIVITIES
Section 1. District Attitude Towards Pastor's Term of Office
a. The Illinois District Council recommends that pastors be
selected by local assemblies after prayerful and careful consideration.
b. The Official Board or Pulpit Committee shall prayerfully
consider all recommendations for the office of Pastor, after which it
shall place one name in nomination before the membership of the
church. Election shall be by secret ballot and a two-thirds majority of
all votes cast shall be required. The pastor shall be elected for an
indefinite term.
c. The Pastor's office may be declared vacant by a majority vote of
the local membership or as governed by the local bylaws.
Section 2. Pastor's Installation
Since the coming of a new pastor to a church is a most important
and opportune time for an emphasis of the proper relationship of
pastor and church, and since the Illinois District Council desires to
clarify and encourage that relationship, we recommend that, if
possible, during the first month of a new pastor's service in the local
church, the local church and pastor arrange a service of official
installation, and that the Superintendent be called to officiate in the
installation service. In the event that the Superintendent is not
available to conduct the service a substitute shall be recommended.
Section 3. Local Constitution
All Assemblies should adopt a local Constitution and Bylaws by
which they should be governed. Such governing articles will be
compatible with models recommended by the District Council, or
District approved governance models that provide for adequate
accountability, amenability, and safeguards. In the event such has not
been adopted, it shall be governed by the suggested Constitution and
Bylaws.
Section 4. Membership and Organization
a. Pastors are encouraged to forward to local pastors information
concerning persons who move into their area.
b. Members seeking to transfer from one assembly to another
should request a transfer of their church membership. Assemblies
should use the transfer form recommended by the General Council.
c. We recommend that all assemblies secure a State of Illinois
Certificate of Incorporation.
Bylaws Page 19 (Revised June 2016)
ARTICLE XI. DISTRICT MINISTRIES
Since the command of our Lord is "Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature," in obedience to this commission
and to effectively answer our Lord's call, the Illinois District Council
of the Assemblies of God shall carry out its activities and ministries
through District designated ministries.
These ministries shall be created and re-organized as the need
arises by the action of the District Presbytery.
The work of all District ministries shall be under the oversight and
amenable to the District Presbytery.
ARTICLE XII. QUORUMS AND CALLINGS OF MEETINGS
Section 1. Quorum
All who qualify as voting constituency in the Bylaws, Article II,
Section 1, responding and present at a properly called business
meeting of the Illinois District Council shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2. Calling of Council Meetings
The District Presbytery shall call all District meetings. Notice shall
be mailed to ministers and churches at least ten (10) days prior to all
District meetings.
Section 3. District Presbytery Meetings
a. A majority of District presbyters assembled for a meeting of the
presbytery shall constitute a quorum.
b. A presbyters' meeting may be called by the Superintendent, or
by any two presbyters. Announcement must be made to all available
presbyters.
This may be changed by a majority vote to expedite the work of the
Council. All business sessions of the Council shall commence with
prayer.
ARTICLE XIV. RESOLUTIONS
Section 1. Filing
All resolutions to be presented to the District Council, with the
exception of those presented by the District Presbytery, must be
submitted to the District Council Resolutions Committee no later than
sixty (60) days prior to the District Council Session.
Section 2. Publication
All resolutions to be presented to the Council, except emergency
measures, shall be published and mailed to the Council members and
delegates no less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the
Council.
Section 3. Appropriateness
The Resolutions Committee shall, by a two-thirds vote, determine
the appropriateness of a proposed resolution, including the following
criteria in its decision:
a. Possible conflict with the corporate charter, Constitution or
Bylaws;
b. Those proposals absurd in substance.
Section 4. Right of Sponsor
If the Resolutions Committee determines that a resolution is
inappropriate, it shall so advise the author and inform of the right to
present the proposed resolution to the house for determination as to
appropriateness.
ARTICLE XIII. AGENDA
ARTICLE XV. REGIONAL OWNERSHIP OF NCU
The regular order of business by the Council shall be:
1. Report of the Superintendent
2. Report of the Executive Officers
3. Report of Various Committees
4. Unfinished Business
5. Election of Officers
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
Bylaws Page 20 (Revised June 2016)
Section 1. Regional Ownership
The Illinois District shares in the regional ownership of North
Central University.
Section 2. Board of Regents Representatives
a. The District Superintendent shall serve as a member of the
Board of Regents by virtue of his office. In addition, a District
Pastoral Representative and a District Layperson Representative shall
Bylaws Page 21 (Revised June 2016)
be appointed to serve a term of two years. Representatives can be
reappointed to serve consecutive terms.
b. Appointment of the District Pastoral Representative and the
District Layperson Representative shall be made by the District
Superintendent in consultation with the President of North Central
University and ratified by the District Presbytery.
Inasmuch as the scriptures require all Christians to take their
disputes to the saints and not to the civil courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8),
all disputes which may arise between any member of this District and
any other member or the District itself (including any officer or
director thereof), shall be resolved by binding arbitration, if efforts to
mediate or conciliate the dispute have failed. Either party to the
dispute may initiate the arbitration process by filing with the other
party a written request for arbitration within a reasonable time after
the dispute has arisen and efforts to mediate or conciliate have failed.
In such a case, both parties shall each name an arbitrator, and the two
so selected shall name a third. All arbitrators must be credentialed
members in good standing of the Assemblies of God. The third
arbitrator chosen by the other two shall disclose, before accepting the
appointment, any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the
arbitration, and any existing or post financial, professional, family, or
social relationships which are likely to affect impartiality or which
might reasonably create an appearance of partiality or bias. Either of
the parties to the arbitration, on the basis of such disclosures, may
disqualify such a candidate from serving as the third arbitrator. A
third arbitrator who serves without objection from either party has a
continuing duty to disclose relationships or interests which may
impair impartiality. Either party, regardless of the stage of the
arbitration process, may on the basis of such disclosures disqualify
such a person from further participation. The arbitration process shall
not proceed until the third arbitrator is selected.
The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with
the principles found in the Bible, with particular reference to
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 and Matthew 18:15-20. The arbitrators shall
appoint the time and place for the hearing and cause notification to
the parties to be served personally or by registered mail not less than
twenty (20) days before the hearing. Appearance at the hearing
waives such notice. The arbitrators may adjourn the hearing from
time to time, as necessary, and, on request of a party and for good
cause, or upon their own motion, may postpone the hearing to a later
date. The arbitrators may hear and determine the controversy upon
the evidence produced notwithstanding the failure of a party duly
notified to appear. The parties are entitled to be heard, to present
evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses
appearing at the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by all the
arbitrators, but a majority of them may determine any question and
render a final award. If, during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator
for any reasons ceases to act, the person shall be replaced in the same
manner originally selected. The arbitrators may in their absolute
discretion admit as evidence any affidavit or declaration concerning
the matters in dispute, a copy thereof having been given at least
twenty (20) days previously to the party against whom the same is
offered, but the person whose evidence is so taken shall be subject to
cross-examination by such party. The arbitrators shall have the power
to order and direct what they shall deem necessary to be done by
either of the parties relating to the matter in dispute. Costs of the
arbitration shall be assessed at the discretion of the arbitrators. Any
submission of a dispute to arbitration shall not be revoked by the
death of any party to the dispute, and any award will be binding upon
such person’s heirs and successors.
The decision of the arbitrators shall be binding on both parties, and
both parties shall submit themselves to personal jurisdiction of the
courts of Illinois, both state and federal, for the entry of a judgment
confirming the arbitrator’s award. The arbitration process is not a
Bylaws Page 22 (Revised June 2016)
Bylaws Page 23 (Revised June 2016)
ARTICLE XVI. OTHER POLICIES
The District Presbytery may, from time to time, authorize or create
certain policies to further the ministry of the Illinois District Council.
These approved policies are recognized, but are also understood to be
subservient to these Bylaws as adopted, and the District Council in
session.
ARTICLE XVII. INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSE
To the full extent permitted by section 108.75 of the General Not
For Profit Corporation Act of 1986, the Corporation shall indemnify
any person so long as the indemnifier is acting within the scope of
their authority, who was or is a party, or is trained to be made a party
to any threatened pending or completed action, suit or proceeding
whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative by reason of
the fact that he is or was an officer, director, employee, or agent of
the corporation.
ARTICLE XVIII. MODEL CHURCH ARBITRATION
PROCEDURE
substitute for any disciplinary process set forth in the Constitution
and Bylaws of the Illinois District, or the General Council of the
Assemblies of God, and shall in no way affect the authority of the
church to investigate reports of misconduct, conduct hearings, or
administer discipline.
ARTICLE XIX. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Bylaws may be made by a two-thirds majority
vote of the District Council in session.
Bylaws Page 24 (Revised June 2016)