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ABOUT BELIEFS RESOURCES EDUCATION(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/EDUCATION)

CALENDAR(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/CALENDAR) CONTACT(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/CONTACT)

(http://www.churchofgod.org/) (http://www.churchofgod.org.es/)

BELIEFS DOCTRINALCOMMITMENTS

DOCTRINALCOMMITMENTS ThefollowingDoctrinalCommitmentsrepresentthecorebeliefsofthedenominationasoutlinedinScripture.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/BELIEFS/DOCTRINAL
COMMITMENTS) Repentance.Mark1:15Luke13:3Acts3:19.
Justification.Romans5:1Titus3:7.
PRACTICALCOMMITMENTS Regeneration.Titus3:5.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/PRACTICALCOMMITMENTS) Newbirth.John3:31Peter1:231John3:9.
Sanctificationsubsequenttojustification.Romans5:21Corinthians1:301Thessalonians4:3Hebrews13:12.
DECLARATIONOFFAITH Holiness.Luke1:751Thessalonians4:7Hebrews12:14.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/BELIEFS/DECLARATIONOF Waterbaptism.Matthew28:19Mark1:9,10John3:22,23Acts8:36,38.
FAITH) BaptismwiththeHolyGhostsubsequenttocleansingtheenduementofpowerforservice.Matthew3:11Luke24:49,53Acts1:48.
ThespeakingintonguesastheSpiritgivesutteranceastheinitialevidenceofthebaptismintheHolyGhost.John15:26Acts2:410:444619:1
CHURCHOFGODIS 7.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/BELIEFS/CHURCHOFGODIS) TheChurch.Exodus19:5,6Psalm22:22Matthew16:131928:19,20Acts1:82:42477:3820:28Romans8:1417:1Corinthians3:16,1712:12
312Corinthians6:618Ephesians2:19223:9,21Phillippians3:10Hebrews2:121Peter2:91John1:6,7Revelation21:2,922:17.
MISSIONANDVISION Spiritualgifts.1Corinthians12:1,7,10,28,311Corinthians14:1.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/BELIEFS/MISSIONAND Signsfollowingbelievers.Mark16:1720Romans15:18,19Hebrews2:4.
VISION) FruitoftheSpirit.Romans6:22Galatians5:22,23Ephesians5:9Philippians1:11.
DivinehealingprovidedforallintheAtonement.Psalm103:3Isaiah53:4,5Matthew8:17James5:14161Peter2:24.
BYLAWS(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/BELIEFS/BYLAWS)
TheLord'sSupper.Luke22:17201Corinthians11:2326.
Washingthesaints'feet.John13:4171Timothy5:9,10.
RESOLUTIONS
Tithingandgiving.Genesis14:182028:2022Malachi3:10Luke11:421Corinthians16:22Corinthians9:69Hebrews7:121.
(HTTP://WWW.CHURCHOFGOD.ORG/RESOLUTIONS)
Restitutionwherepossible.Matthew3:8Luke19:8,9.
PremillennialsecondcomingofJesus.First,toresurrectthedeadsaintsandtocatchawaythelivingsaintstoHimintheair.1Corinthians15:521
Thessalonians4:15172Thessalonians2:1.Second,toreignontheearthathousandyears.Zechariah14:41Thessalonians4:142Thessalonians
1:710Jude14,15Revelation5:1019:112120:46.
Resurrection.John5:28,29Acts24:15Revelation20:5,6.
Eternallifefortherighteous.Matthew25:46Luke18:30John10:28Romans6:221John5:1113.
Eternalpunishmentforthewicked.Noliberationnorannihilation.Matthew25:4146Mark3:292Thessalonians1:8,9Revelation20:101521:8.

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PRACTICALCOMMITMENTS

TheChurchofGodsPracticalCommitmentsofferscripturalguidelinesforpracticalChristianliving.

SPIRITUALEXAMPLE(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/spiritualexample")
WewilldemonstrateourcommitmenttoChristthroughourpracticeofthespiritualdisciplineswewilldemonstrateourcommitmenttothebodyof
ChristthroughourloyaltytoGodandcommitmenttoHischurchandwewilldemonstrateourcommitmenttotheworkofChristthroughourbeing
goodstewards.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/spiritualexample)

MORALPURITY(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/moralpurity)
WewillengageinthoseactivitieswhichglorifyGodinourbodyandwhichavoidthefulfillmentofthelustoftheflesh.Wewillread,watchand
listentothosethingswhichareofpositivebenefittoourspiritualwellbeing.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/moralpurity)

PERSONALINTEGRITY(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/personalintegrity)
Wewillliveinamannerthatinspirestrustandconfidence,bearingthefruitoftheSpiritandseekingtomanifestthecharacterofChristinallour
behavior.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/personalintegrity)

FAMILYRESPONSIBILITY(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/familyresponsibility)
Wewillgiveprioritytofulfillingfamilyresponsibilities,topreservingthesanctityofmarriageandtomaintainingdivineorderinthehome.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/familyresponsibility)

BEHAVIORALTEMPERANCE(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/behavioraltemperance)
Wewillpracticetemperanceinbehaviorandwillabstainfromactivitiesandattitudeswhichareoffensivetoourfellowmanorwhichleadto
addictionorenslavement.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/behavioraltemperance)

MODESTAPPEARANCE(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/modestappearance)
WewilldemonstratethescripturalprincipleofmodestybyappearinganddressinginamannerthatwillenhanceourChristiantestimonyandwill
avoidpride,elaboratenessorsensuality.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/modestappearance)

SOCIALOBLIGATION(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/socialobligation)
Itshouldbeourobjectivetofulfillourobligationstosocietybybeinggoodcitizens,bycorrectingsocialinjustices,andbyprotectingthesanctityof
life.
readmore(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/practicalcommitments/socialobligation)

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DECLARATIONOFFAITH

TheChurchofGodbelievesthewholeBibletobecompletelyandequallyinspiredandthatitisthewrittenWordofGod.TheChurchofGodhasadoptedthe
followingDeclarationofFaithasitsstandardandofficialexpressionofitsdoctrine.

WeBelieve:

IntheverbalinspirationoftheBible.
InoneGodeternallyexistinginthreepersonsnamely,theFather,Son,andHolyGhost.
ThatJesusChrististheonlybegottenSonoftheFather,conceivedoftheHolyGhost,andbornoftheVirginMary.ThatJesuswascrucified,buried,
andraisedfromthedead.ThatHeascendedtoheavenandistodayattherighthandoftheFatherastheIntercessor.
ThatallhavesinnedandcomeshortofthegloryofGodandthatrepentanceiscommandedofGodforallandnecessaryforforgivenessofsins.
Thatjustification,regeneration,andthenewbirtharewroughtbyfaithinthebloodofJesusChrist.

Insanctificationsubsequenttothenewbirth,throughfaithinthebloodofChristthroughtheWord,andbytheHolyGhost.
HolinesstobeGod'sstandardoflivingforHispeople.
InthebaptismwiththeHolyGhostsubsequenttoacleanheart.
InspeakingwithothertonguesastheSpiritgivesutteranceandthatitistheinitialevidenceofthebaptismoftheHolyGhost.
Inwaterbaptismbyimmersion,andallwhorepentshouldbebaptizedinthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.
Divinehealingisprovidedforallintheatonement.
IntheLord'sSupperandwashingofthesaints'feet.
InthepremillennialsecondcomingofJesus.First,toresurrecttherighteousdeadandtocatchawaythelivingsaintstoHimintheair.Second,toreign

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ontheearthathousandyears.
Inthebodilyresurrectioneternallifefortherighteous,andeternalpunishmentforthewicked.

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CHURCHOFGODIS

TheChurchofGodwasfoundedin1886upontheprinciplesofChristastheyarerevealedintheBible,theWordofGod.Ithasitsfoundationoffaithand
practiceintheScripturesandthevitalexperienceofitsconstituentsisscripturallyoriented.

CHRISTIAN

Firstandforemost,theChurchofGodisadeterminedlyChristianchurch.ItisbuiltuponthepersonofJesusChrist,theSonofGod.Thedoctrinesandpracticesof
thechurcharebaseduponHisteachings.

PROTESTANT

TheChurchofGodisfoundedupontheprinciplesofProtestantism,althoughitisnotatraditionalfollowerofanyspecificleaderoftheProtestantReformation.
Thedenominationstandsfirmlyforjustificationbyfaith,thepriesthoodofbelievers,theauthorityoftheBible,religiousfreedom,andtheseparationofchurch
andstate.Itstandsagainstabusesandextravaganceofecclesiasticalritualismanddogmatism.

FOUNDATIONAL

TheChurchofGodsubscribestothefollowingfivefoundationalChristiandoctrines:

1.TheinerrancyandinfallibilityoftheBible.
2.ThevirginbirthandcompletedeityofChrist.
3.TheatoningsacrificeofChrist'sdeathforthesinsoftheworld.
4.Theliteralresurrectionofthebody.
5.Christ'ssecondcominginbodilyformtoearth.

EVANGELICAL

EvangelicalisthetermusedtodescribethosewhoaffirmtheprimarydoctrinesrevealedintheScriptures.Thesedoctrinesincludetheinspirationandauthorityof
theWordofGodtheTrinitythedeityandvirginbirthofJesusChristsalvationbyfaithintheatoningdeathofChristHisbodilyresurrectionandascensiontothe
righthandoftheFathertheministryoftheHolySpiritthesecondcomingofChristandthespiritualunityofbelieversinJesusChrist.

TheChurchofGodhasaligneditselfwiththebasicstatementoffaithofNAE(NationalAssociationofEvangelicals)thelargestassociationofEvangelicalsin
theUSA.MembersofNAEsubscribetoacommonstatementoffaith.TheChurchofGodcanbedescribedaspositionedinthemainstreamofEvangelical
Protestantism.

PENTECOSTAL

In1896,manymembersoftheChurchofGodexperiencedaspiritualoutpouringtheyidentifiedasthebaptismoftheHolySpirit.Becauseitwassosimilartothe
experienceoftheearlyChristiansonthedayofPentecost,itcametobecalledaPentecostalexperience,anenrichmentoftheChristianlifethroughthepowerof
theHolySpiritthatempoweredbelieverstobeeffectivewitnessesofChrist.TheprincipledistinctiveoftheChurchofGodasaPentecostalorganizationisits
beliefinspeakingwithothertonguesastheSpiritgivestheutteranceandthatthisistheinitialevidenceofthebaptismintheHolySpirit.

CHARISMATIC

Thecharismata(Gk.)orgiftsoftheSpiritappearedearlyinthelifeandministryoftheChurchofGod.Thegiftscanbedividedintothreecategories:thegiftsof
revelation,thegiftsofpowerandthegiftsofutteranceorinspiration.Thegiftsofrevelationarethegiftsofthewordofwisdom,thewordofknowledgeandthe
discerningofspirits.Thegiftsofpowerarefaith,miracles,andgiftsofhealing.Thegiftsofutteranceandinspirationareprophecy,tonguesandinterpretation.
TheHolySpiritbestowsthesegiftsandthosewhoacceptthevalidityofthesegiftsarecalledcharismatic.

EVANGELISTIC

FromitsinceptiontheChurchofGodhasbeenarevivalmovement.Evangelismhasbeenintheforefrontofallitsactivities.Thechurchhasmaintainedan
aggressiveefforttotakethemessageofChristthroughouttheworldbyallmeansandmethods.Everyprogramofthechurchreflectsanevangelisticattitude:
revivalism,conferences,worshipservices,teaching,preachinganditsmissionaryefforts.

ORGANIZED

ThemagnitudeoftheGreatCommissionrequiresaunitedeffort.Thisunitedendeavorisefficientlyservedbyguidance,support,resourcesandleadershipfroma
commoncenter.TheChurchofGodiscentrallyorganized.Centralizedchurchgovernmentisadministrationfromtheinternational,stateorterritorialandlocal
levels.Ithelpsfacilitatethefulfillmentofthemissionofthechurch.

ThecontroloftheChurchofGodrestswiththelaityandministers,whojointlyformagoverningbodycalledtheGeneralAssemblywhichmeetsbiennially.
Benefitsofcentralizedgovernmentincludethefollowing:uniformityofdoctrineandpracticeprinciplesthatbindtogetherlocalchurchesinthesamemanner
membershipcommitmentsinallchurchesexpansionandextensionoffellowshipaccountabilitycooperativedecisionmakingandunitedeffortsinevangelism
andworldoutreach.

MINISTERSANDLAITY

MinistersintheChurchofGodarerankedasordainedbishops,ordainedministers,exhorters,ministersofmusicandministersofChristianeducation.They
achievetheselevelsofministrythroughaprofessionoffaith,commitmenttothechurch,training,internshipandfulfillmentofcredentialrequirements.The
ChurchofGodemphasizesthedoctrinalpositionofthepriesthoodofallbelieversandencourageslaitytoassumeaBiblicalroleinlocalchurchministry.

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

EmphasisuponeducationandtrainingisapriorityoftheChurchofGod.Educationalopportunitiesareprovidedfromlocalcongregationsthroughinstitutionsof
higherlearningattheinternationallevelofthechurch.

UNIVERSITIES,COLLEGES,ANDSCHOOLS

LeeUniversity(http://www.leeuniversity.edu/"),locatedinCleveland,Tennessee,istheChurchofGod'soldestandlargesteducationalinstitutionatover3,500
students.Foundedin1918,itoffersgraduateandundergraduatedegreesinmorethan55areasofstudy.OtherinstitutionsincludeLeeUniversityCharlotte
Center(Charlotte,NorthCarolina),EuropeanBibleSeminary(Rudersburg,Germany),HanYoungTheologicalUniversity(Seoul,Korea),InternationalBible
College(http://www.ibc.cofg.net/)(MooseJaw,Saskatchewan,Canada),PuertoRicoBibleCollege,SchoolofMinistry(Cleveland,Tennessee)andWestern
SchoolofChristianMinistry(Fresno,California).Inaddition,WorldMissionsmaintains80BibleSchoolsaroundtheworld.Foundedin1975andoneofonlysix
PentecostalseminariesintheU.S.,thePentecostalTheologicalSeminary(http://www.ptseminary.edu/)(Cleveland,Tennessee)isthedenomination'slargest
graduateinstitution.Itoffersmastersanddoctoralprograms.LeeUniversityandHanYoungTheologicalUniversityalsooffergraduatestudies.

ACARINGCHURCH

Fromitsbeginnings,theChurchofGodhasfeltitsresponsibilitytobenevolenceministries.Thechurchoperatesanumberofspecializedprogramsand
institutions.

HomesForChildren
TheChurchofGodoperatesthreehomesforchildrenintheUnitedStates.TheseincludetheSmokyMountainChildrensHome
(http://www.carecampus.org/),Sevierville,Tennessee,NorthCarolinaHomeforChildren,Kannapolis,N.C.,andtheSouthCarolinaHomefor
Children,Mauldin,S.C.Therearealsomanychildren'shomesandmissionworksaroundtheworld.
Widows/RetiredMinisterialCouples/Widowers(http://www.carecampus.org/)
TheIrisB.VestWidowsCenterrecentlychangeditsnametoTheIrisB.VestSpiritCareCentersothatwidows,widowers,andretiredministerial
couplescanhaveaplaceforretirementliving.PleaseviewthewebsiteforanapplicationorcallShaneSmith865.365.0225toreceiveanapplication.
TheCenterislocatedonthecampusoftheSmokyMountainChildren'sHome,Sevierville,Tennessee.
YouthandUnwedMothers
HeartofFloridaYouthRanch,Citra,Florida,andNewRiverRanch,Fayetteville,WestVirginia,offerhelpandcounselingfortroubledboysand
teens.
OperationCompassion(http://www.operationcompassion.org/)
SeveralbenevolenceministriesincludingHelpingHands(providingmedicalassistance),ChildrenoftheWorld(children'sneedsworldwide)and
CaravanofCompassion(innercityministry)operateundertheumbrellaofChurchofGodOperationCompassion.
ChaplaincyMinistries(http://www.cogchaplains.com/)
HundredsofChurchofGodchaplainsserveaworldwideministryinfulltimeandvoluntarypositions.Theyarechaplainsandcounselorsinhospitals,
jails,prisonsandcountlessotheragenciesandinstitutions.

MINISTRYTOTHEMILITARY(HTTP://WWW.MTTM.ORG/)

DuetothevastnumberofU.S.servicemenandwomenworldwide,theChurchofGodmaintainsministrycentersaroundtheworld.Listedbelowarethetwo
areasthatareinvolvedinourministrytothemilitary.

Servicemen'sCenters
TherearemorethantwodozenChurchofGodsponsoredservicemen'scentersoperatingintwelvecountriesaroundtheglobe.Thesecentersoffer
fellowship,counselingandworshipopportunitiesforservicemenandwomenonthefield.
MilitaryChaplaincy
TheChaplainsCommissionisvitallyactiveinministeringtomilitarypersonnelandtheirfamilies.OrdainedmilitaryChaplainsnowserveintheArmy,
Navy,AirForce,andCoastGuardaswellastheNationalGuardandReserves.Morethan100ChurchofGodministersareactiveasmilitary,
reserve,institutional,correctional/lawenforcementorspecializedchaplains.

RESOURCES

PublishingHouse
ThroughtheChurchofGodPublishingHouseandPathwayPress(http://pathwaypress.org/)locatedinCleveland,Tennessee,individualscanhave
accesstoavarietyofprintedmaterialsincludingSundaySchoolliterature,musicandavarietyofinspirationalandreligiousbooks.ThePublishing
Houseproducesdenominationalpublications,suchastheEvangelmagazine,andoffersanavenueforchurchesandministriestoobtainresources.
PathwayBookstore(http://www.pathwaybookstore.com/)
PathwayBookstoreoffersafulllineofinspirationalmaterialsandresourcesforthelocalchurch.

SOCIALCONCERNS

TheChurchofGodstatesitspositiononmanyissuesofimportanceandglobaleventsthroughresolutionsadoptedatthebiennialGeneralAssembly.Morethan40
resolutionsadoptedsince1968areavailableforviewingontheWebsiteunderthe"Beliefs"tabandclicking"Resolutions
(http://www.churchofgod.org/index.php/resolutions)."

WORLDMISSIONS

TheheartofWorldMissions(http://cogwm.org/)ministryistheimplementationofaglobalstrategyofevangelism,churchplantingandtraining.Itsscriptural
purposeistofulfilltheGreatCommissionofChristshareChrist'slovefortheworldministertothetotalityofhumanneedbringmenandwomentothe
knowledgeofGodandHisredeeminggraceandobeyChristbyconfessingHimtotheworld.Today,ChurchofGodmissionsiscarriedoutin157countries
organizedineightgeographicalregions.

Missionaries
WorldMissionsprovidesmissionaryservicesthroughthefollowing:teachingoradministeringineducationalinstitutionsandprogramsservingin
medicalministriesplantingnewchurchesworkinginreliefanddevelopmenteffortsandmanyotherareas.MenandWomenofAction
(http://mwoa.org/)existsasahumanitarianprogram.Itorganizesreliefeffortsfollowingnaturaldisastersandassistsinchurchbuildingprojects
aroundtheglobe.VolunteersinMedicalMissions(VIMM)providesmedicalcareandsuppliestoneedyareasaroundtheworld.TheChurchofGod
providesavenuesofoutreachfortheorganizationandsuppliesareprovidedthroughprivatedonations.

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MISSIONANDVISION

Atthe2004GeneralAssembly,asetofsevencommitmentswasadoptedwhichreflectstheChurchofGod'scorevaluesinregardtofulfillingitsmissionand
vision.

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COMMITMENTSTOOURMISSIONANDVISION

1.PRAYER

Wecommitourselvestomakingprayerthehighestpriorityofthechurchdemonstratedby:

Everylocalchurchbecomingahouseofprayerforallnations.
EmphasizingcommunicationwithGodasthehighestprivilegeandgreatestresponsibilityofeverymember.
Modelingbyallchurchleadershipofanactiveandeffectiveprayerlife.
Unitingwithotherbelieversincorporateandintercessoryprayer.

(Isa.56:7Mark11:17Rom.8:261Cor.14:14,15IThess.5:17ITim.2:14,8James5:14,15)

2.PENTECOSTALWORSHIP

WecommitourselvestogatherregularlyasthelocalexpressionoftheBodyofChristtoparticipateinPentecostalworshipthatexaltsGod,engagestheheart,mind
andsoul,andchallengestodeepercommitmentanddiscipleship.Thiscommitmentwillbedemonstratedby:

Assistinglocalchurchesinplanningandpreparingformeaningful,anointedworship.
Equippingpastorsandotherworshipleaderstoleadauthenticallyexpressed,spirituallyaliveworship.
ModelingvaryingstylesandformsofworshipthatglorifyGodandencouragingoutreachandservice.
EmphasizingtheimportanceofBiblicalstewardshipandthecentralityofGodsWordaselementsofworship.

(John4:24Psalm29:2Rom.12:11Cor.12:411Isa.58Mat.25:3146)

3.WORLDEVANGELIZATION

Wecommitourselvestointentionallyreachingtheunconverted,baptizingtheminwater,andleadingthemtounitewiththechurch.Thiscommitmentwillbe
demonstratedby:

Viewingallthenationsoftheworldasourmissionfield.
Encouragingourlocalchurchestoadoptandintercedeforanunreachedpeoplegroup.ResourcematerialswillbeprovidedbytheWorldMissions
Department.
AskingallnationalchurchesoftheChurchofGodinternationaltoadoptandimplementmeasurablestepstoevangelizeanddiscipleunreached
peoplegroupsinsideandoutsideoftheirownregions(Matthew28:1820Romans15:1924Revelation5:9).
Encouragingeverylocalchurchtoincreaseaminimumof10%peryearthroughconversiongrowth.
CultivatingagenuinepassionforthelostthatwillcompelmemberstopersonallycommunicatethegospelofJesusanddemonstrateHislovetothose
outsidethefaith.
Disciplingnewbelieversandpassingonourfaithtothenextgeneration.
Practicinglifestyleevangelism.

(Mat.9:3738Mat.28:1920Mark16:1518Acts1:8Rom.10:1315)

4.CHURCHPLANTING

Wecommitourselvestoidentifying,trainingandresourcingGodcalledchurchplantersandtointentionallyplantingnewlifegivingchurches.Thiscommitmentwill
bedemonstratedby:

Focusingdesignatedresourcesofthelocalchurch,state/regionaloffices,andtheinternationalofficesforplantingnewchurches.
Startingthenumberofchurchplantsequaltoaminimumof3%ofthetotalnumberofchurchesinastate/region/nationannually.
DevelopingacertifiedtrainingprograminourEvangelismandHomeMissionsDepartmentandeducationalinstitutionsforchurchplantersandhome
missions.
Emphasizingthehealthandviabilityofnewchurchplantsaswellasthenumberofchurchesplanted.
Affirmingthedifferentmodelsofchurchplantingfordifferentsituations.
Recognizingchurchplantingasanapostolicministryforourday.

(Mat.16:18John4:35Acts2:4714:23Eph.5:2528)

5.LEADERSHIPDEVELOPMENT

WecommitourselvestoidentifyinganddevelopingindividualswhomGodhascalledandgivenleadershipgiftsandchallengingthemtobecomeservantleaders.
Wewilldemonstrateourcommitmentby:

Creatinganenvironmentinwhichmenandwomenwithministrygiftsaredevelopedtoserveasservantleaders.
Equipping,empoweringandreleasinglayleaderstoserveasministrypartnersbothinsideandoutsidethelocalchurch.
Providingrelevantresourcesandtrainingopportunitiesforbothclergyandlaity.
Encouragingpastorstoleadthroughvision,tocommunicatethevisiontothecongregationandtoorganizethebodyandeachofitsministrygroupsso
thevisioncanberealized.

(Mark3:13152Tim.2:22:153:1417Eph.4:1113)

6.CARE

Wecommitourselvestothechallengeofbeingachurchthatgenuinelycaresforoneanotherandforthosewhoarelost,hurtingandneedy.Wewilldemonstrate
ourcommitmentby:

Buildingloving,caringrelationshipswithinfamilies,betweenmembers,andwithinthecommunitiesweserve.
ObeyingtheCareCommissionofChristinMatthew25.
Cultivatingcompassionandshowingmercytotheunloved,theundesirableandtheunreachedofoursociety.
Establishingineachlocalchurchsometypeofoutreachministrythatdemonstratesourgenuineconcernandloveforthedisadvantagedoroppressed.

(Psa.86:15Mat.25Luke6:36Acts20:28)

7.INTERDEPENDENCE

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Wecommitourselvestotheprincipleofinterdependence,acknowledgingourinterconnectednessanddependenceonallthemembersoftheBodyofChrist.We
willdemonstrateourcommitmentby:

ReachingouttoothersintheBodyofChristforcollaboration,resourcesharingandlearningopportunities.
Encouraginglocalchurchestobuildrelationshipswithlikemindedandlikeheartedchurchesintheircommunitiestoworktogethertoreachthelost.
Involvingclergyintheprocessesofmentoring,coachingandconsultingonthelocal,state,regional,nationalandinternationallevelstoincreasethe
leveloftrustandsupportamongministers.
Engagingindialogueandpartnershipwithlocal,nationalandinternationalorganizationswhoseektofulfilltheGreatCommission
ofChrist.

(Col.2:191Cor.12:1431Gal.6:16)

"
BYLAWS

(53rdA.,1970,p.27,2867thA.,1998,p.5468thA.,2000,pp.8386)

ARTICLEI

Name
TheofficialnameshallbeChurchofGod(1Corinthians1:22Corinthians1:1).

ARTICLEII

TemporalNature
TheChurchofGodisincorporatedinthestateofTennessee(U.S.A.)asanotforprofitorganizationandisrecognizedasa501(c)(3)corporationunderthe
InternalRevenueCode(U.S.A.)orthecorrespondingsectionsofanypriororfutureInternalRevenueCode(U.S.A.).

ARTICLEIII

Governance
ThecurrenteditionoftheMinutesoftheChurchofGodGeneralAssemblycontainsaJournalofthemostrecentmeetingoftheInternationalGeneralAssembly
andaSupplementthatincludesupdatedchurchpolitystatements,rulesofchurchorderanddiscipline,andthesebylaws.

ARTICLEIV

MissionStatement
ThemissionoftheChurchofGodistocommunicatethefullgospelofJesusChrist(Matthew28:19,20)intheSpiritandpowerofPentecost(Acts2:14,6,1318)
(71stA.,2006,p.44).

ARTICLEV

Members
ThemembershipoftheChurchofGodshallbecomposedofChristianswhohaveacceptedtheteachings,doctrines,andgovernmentoftheChurchofGod,and
whohavebeenformallyreceivedintoitsfellowshippursuanttotheguidelinesestablishedbytheInternationalGeneralAssembly.Proceduresforexcluding
membersshallbesetbytheInternationalGeneralAssemblyuponrecommendationoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.

ARTICLEVI

GoverningBodies
1.InternationalGeneralAssembly
Members
TheInternationalGeneralAssemblyiscomposedofallmembersandministersoftheChurchofGod16yearsofageandabove.Membersandministersofthe
ChurchofGodpresentandregisteredattheInternationalGeneralAssemblyshallcompriseitsvotingconstituency(64thA.,1992,p.7365thA.,1994,Item1,p.
78).
Meeting
TheInternationalGeneralAssemblyshallmeetbienniallytoconsiderallrecommendationsfromtheInternationalGeneralCouncil.
ParliamentaryAuthority
Robert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevisedshallserveastheofficialguideforthebusinessoftheInternationalGeneralAssemblyinallmatterstowhichtheyare
applicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththebylawsoftheInternationalGeneralAssembly.
Elections
TheInternationalGeneralAssemblyshallelectthegeneraloverseer,theassistantgeneraloverseers,thesecretarygeneral,thegeneralYouthandChristian
Educationdirector,theassistantgeneralYouthandChristianEducationdirector,theEvangelismandHomeMissionsdirector,theassistantEvangelismandHome
Missionsdirector,thedirectorofWorldMissions,andtheassistantdirectorofWorldMissions(58thA.,1980,pp.2932,(14).
Officers,Committees
TheofficersoftheInternationalGeneralAssemblyshallconsistofthemoderatorandasecretary.Thegeneraloverseershallpresideasmoderator.Heshallalso
appointparliamentarianstoserveduringtheInternationalGeneralAssemblymeetings.Heshallalsoappointmembersofcommitteescalledforbythe
InternationalGeneralAssembly.

ThesecretarygeneralshallservetheAssemblyassecretary.HeshallberesponsibleforrecordingactionsbytheAssemblyandshallbethecustodianofthe
recordsoftheAssembly.
ParliamentaryProcedure
DebateonallmotionsshallbegovernedbythecurrenteditionofRobert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevised.Eachmemberhastherighttospeakoneveryquestion.
However,hecannotmakeasecondspeechonthesamequestionaslongasanymemberwhohasnotspokenonthequestiondesiresthefloor(Robert'sRulesof
OrderNewlyRevised).Itistheprerogativeofthemoderatortorecognizeeachspeakerandtodetermineabalanceofnegativeandaffirmativespeeches.

Debatemaybelimitedbyapropermotion(Robert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevised).
2.InternationalGeneralCouncil
Members
TheInternationalGeneralCounciliscomposedofallordainedbishopsoftheChurchofGod,whoshallcompriseitsvotingconstituency.
Agenda
1.TheInternationalGeneralCouncilshallmeetbienniallytoconsiderallrecommendationsfromtheInternationalExecutiveCouncil.TheInternationalGeneral
Councilagendashallbemailedtotheordainedbishopsatleastthirty(30)dayspriortotheInternationalGeneralCouncil.(MinutesoftheJuly1966,International
ExecutiveCouncil,page93)
2.TheInternationalGeneralCouncilshallconsiderandpreparesuchrecommendationsasareScripturalandproperinmatterspertainingtothewelfareofthe
church.SuchrecommendationsaretobepresentedtotheInternationalGeneralAssemblyforfinaldisposition.

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church.SuchrecommendationsaretobepresentedtotheInternationalGeneralAssemblyforfinaldisposition.
3.ThecurrenteditionofRobert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevisedshallserveastheofficialguideforthebusinessoftheInternationalGeneralCouncilinall
matterstowhichtheyareapplicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththebylawsoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.Asaguidefortheorderof
business,theagendapresentedbytheInternationalExecutiveCouncilshallclaimtheattentionoftheCouncilfirst.
4.Anynewbusinessshallbepresentedtothechairmanofthemotionscommittee,whichcommitteeshallreceive,classify,clarify,eliminateduplication,and
dispatchforplacementontheagendafollowingthecompletionoftheprintedagenda.Anynewbusinesspresentedtothemotionscommitteeshallbepresentedin
typewrittenformnotlaterthan2p.m.ofthethirddayoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.
5.TheInternationalGeneralCouncilshallnominatetotheInternationalGeneralAssemblythegeneraloverseer,theassistantgeneraloverseers,thesecretary
general,thegeneralYouthandChristianEducationdirector,theassistantgeneralYouthandChristianEducationdirector,theEvangelismandHomeMissions
director,theassistantEvangelismandHomeMissionsdirector,thedirectorofWorldMissions,andtheassistantdirectorofWorldMissions.
6.TheInternationalGeneralCouncilshallelecttheCouncilofEighteen([1972]58thA.,1980,pp.2932(14).
OfficersandCommittees
1.TheofficersoftheInternationalGeneralCouncilshallconsistofthemoderatorandasecretary.Thegeneraloverseershallpresideasmoderator.Heshallalso
appointparliamentarianstoserveduringtheInternationalGeneralCouncilmeetings.HeshallalsoappointmembersofcommitteescalledforbytheInternational
GeneralCouncil.
2.ThesecretarygeneralshallservetheCouncilassecretary.HeshallberesponsibleforrecordingactionsbytheCouncilandshallbethecustodianofthe
recordsoftheCouncil.
ParliamentaryProcedureandAuthority
1.Thenamesofallpersonsonthenominationballotsreceivingtwentyfive(25)orlessvotesforanelectedofficeshallbepostedinanappropriatedesignated
placeinlieuofreadingthosenamestotheInternationalGeneralCouncil.
2.DebateonallmotionsshallbegovernedbythecurrenteditionofRobert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevised.Eachmemberhastherighttospeakonevery
question.However,hecannotmakeasecondspeechonthesamequestionaslongasanymemberwhohasnotspokenonthequestiondesiresthefloor(Robert's
RulesofOrderNewlyRevised).Itistheprerogativeofthemoderatortorecognizeeachspeakerandtodetermineabalanceofnegativeandaffirmative
speeches.
3.Debatemaybelimitedbyapropermotion(Robert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevised).
3.InternationalExecutiveCouncil
Authority
ThiscouncilshallconsiderandactuponanyandallmatterspertainingtothegeneralinterestandwelfareoftheChurchofGod.
Members
Thegeneraloverseer,hisassistants,thesecretarygeneral,andeighteencouncilors[theCouncilofEighteen]electedbytheInternationalGeneralCouncilshall
constitutetheInternationalExecutiveCouncilofthechurch.
Meeting
Atatimesetbythegeneraloverseer,theInternationalExecutiveCouncilshallmeetandadoptrecommendationstobebroughtbeforetheInternationalGeneral
Council.
DutiesandResponsibilities
ThedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheInternationalExecutiveCouncilshallbesetbytheInternationalGeneralAssemblyuponrecommendationbythe
InternationalGeneralCouncil.

ARTICLEVII

ExecutiveBoard
InternationalExecutiveCommitteeTheexecutiveofficersoftheChurchofGodshallbethegeneraloverseer,threeassistantgeneraloverseers,andthe
secretarygeneral.TheseshallconstitutetheInternationalExecutiveCommittee.Theirtenureinoffice,mannerofselection,dutiesandauthorities,andprocedure
forfillingvacanciesshallbedecidedbytheInternationalGeneralAssemblyuponrecommendationfromtheInternationalGeneralCouncil

ARTICLEVIII

Committees
StandingBoardsandCommitteesStandingboardsandcommitteesascalledforbytheInternationalGeneralAssemblyorInternationalGeneralCouncilshallbe
appointedbytheInternationalExecutiveCommittee.Thegeneraloverseershallbeanexofficiomemberofallstandingboardsandcommittees.

ARTICLEIX

ParliamentaryAuthority
ThelatesteditionofRobert'sRulesofOrderNewlyRevisedshallserveastheofficialparliamentaryguideforconductingthebusinessofthechurch.

ARTICLEX

AmendmentofBylaws
Amendment
Thepowertoalter,amend,orrepealthesebylawsshallbevestedintheInternationalGeneralAssemblyandexercisedonlybyatwothirdsvoteofthe
InternationalGeneralAssemblyuponrecommendationofatwothirdsvoteoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.
PreviousNotice
Inordertoamend,alterorrepealthesebylaws,previousnoticewillbeconsideredfulfilledifthefollowingguidelinestonotifytheconstituencyareobserved:
(1)MailtoministerswhoseaddressesareonrecordattheChurchofGodInternationalOfficesinCleveland,Tennessee,U.S.A.,includingnationalandterritorial
leaders,thenoticeandcopiesoftheproposedchange(s)totheBylawsoftheChurchofGodtobeconsideredbytheInternationalGeneralCouncilnotlaterthan
90dayspriortotheopeningoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.Pastorsshouldmakethisnoticeavailablebypublicannouncementand/orpostingtotheir
congregations.
(2)Includethenoticeandacopyoftheproposedchange(s)totheBylawsoftheChurchofGodtobeconsideredbytheInternationalGeneralCouncilinatleast
twoissuesoftheChurchofGodEvangelprecedingtheopeningoftheInternationalGeneralCouncil.
(3)Postthenoticeandacopyoftheproposedchange(s)onthechurch'sInternetwebsite.
(4)Theproposedchange(s)maybeamended,butcannotbeamendedbeyondthescopeofthenotice.AnychangeofthebylawsapprovedbytheInternational
GeneralAssemblywillgointoeffectimmediatelyuponitsadoption,unlessthemotiontoadoptspecifiesanothertimeforitsbecomingeffective.

"
RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions

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