About the Intercontinental Church of God
in
Dallas - Fort Worth
The Intercontinental Church of God in Dallas - Fort Worth is a group of individual members of the Body of Christ who are dedicated to supporting the mission of the Intercontinental Church of God which has its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
It is our desire to become Christ-like by emulating the example of our elder brother Jesus Christ. That example is one, of love and obedience to God the Father and two, of love and compassion for our fellowman. In the words of Jesus Christ, "By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another" (
For a better understanding of church doctrines and beliefs please scroll down to the Constitution and Bylaws, Statement of Beliefs, and Church Doctrines.
Location
Currently, the D/FW congregation meets locally
at 719 Ryan Plaza Drive in Arlington, Texas. Sabbath services are open
to anyone who desires to learn more about the truth of God and the
Gospel of the Kingdom. For further information please contact us by
email or go to the link below for a map to our Arlington location.
MAP TO CHURCH LOCATION IN ARLINGTON
Directions to our meeting location
From Dallas or Fort Worth take I-30 to the Lamar/Cooper St. exit. Go
east on Lamar. Go past the Cooper St. intersection. Ryan Plaza will be
on your right about 1/2 mile past Cooper, just before Collins St. Turn
right on Ryan Plaza. We are located in the business complex right behind
the Guitar Center store. The address of the church is 719 Ryan Plaza.
Sabbath Service Schedule
Service 1:00
pm on Saturday
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF
THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS,
Jesus Christ commissioned His true church, "Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), and said, "Go ye
therefore, and teach [make disciples of] all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew
28:18-20), and
WHEREAS Jesus Christ commanded Peter, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:16,17),
and whereas Jesus Christ said, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18),
of which He was to remain the Perpetual, Living, Spiritual Head
(Ephesians 1:22), and whereas Christ inspired the Apostle Paul to write,
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ ... "
(Ephesians 4:11,12), and
WHEREAS, Jesus Christ promised He would never leave nor forsake His
church (Matthew 28:20),
COVENANT
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We, therefore, proclaim that we are members of the spiritual organism
that is the body of Christ, the church, and do hereby dedicate ourselves
to fulfilling the task of fulfilling the GREAT COMMISSION Jesus Christ
placed upon His church; a two-part commission which includes preaching
the gospel of the kingdom of God to the world as a witness and caring
for the flock of Christ, "... 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 fulness of Christ;" (Ephesians 4:13),
and proclaim that we will strive to live according to every word of God
(Matthew 4:4), being examples to our brethren in the church and our
fellow citizens in the world of whatever race, color, creed, faith, or
political persuasion; being "subject to the powers that be" in our lands
insofar as the laws of human governments do not conflict with the
Divinely-revealed laws of God (Acts 5:29); that we will earnestly strive
to maintain the "faith once delivered to the Saints" (Jude 3), and that
we will, insofar as we are humanly capable, obey God's commands that we
"...grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby [we] are sealed unto the
day of redemption [and that we shall] let all bitterness, and wrath, and
anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from [among us], with
all malice: and [that we will be] kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven [us]"
(Ephesians 4:30-32).
We do further covenant with God and with each other that, in obedience
to the example and commands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we
humbly accept, as a primary prerequisite to become and remain a member
of the body of Christ, the church, that we must always be prepared to
forgive one another, even as God has forgiven each one of us.
ARTICLE I
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This church, a legally-incorporated body, and a non-profit corporation,
shall be known as THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD.
ARTICLE II
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The primary mission of this church shall be to fulfill the two-part
commission of Christ given to His apostles, and incumbent upon every
generation of His church, to preach the good news of the coming Kingdom
of God to all the world as a witness, and to "feed the flock of God ...
taking [accepting] the oversight thereof, not by constraint
[compulsion], but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the
flock" (I Peter 5:2,3).
FURTHER, the mission of this church shall be:
(1) To ordain qualified ministers and servants in the church according
to the Divinely-revealed pattern for the purpose of furthering the
primary purpose of the church; i.e., to feed the flock of God as stated
in ARTICLE II, and in the PREAMBLE and COVENANT.
(2) To raise up local churches of converted, baptized believers as God
adds to His church through His calling as expressed by Christ Himself
Who said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) and Who said to His disciples, "Lift
up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to
harvest" (John 4:35), and Who inspired Luke to write, "And the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47).
(3) The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD recognizes that there are many
different functions within the ministry (servants) of the church,
including, but not limited to, prophets, evangelists, pastors and
teachers, "helps, governments," deacons and deaconesses. Further, the
church is cognizant of its Christ-ordained powers of "binding and
loosing" within the confines of Holy Writ, and declares that the
expression "helps, governments" allows the ministry of the church to
"ordain" or "appoint" those who are qualified to serve the brethren in
any capacity deemed necessary in order to fulfill the mission of the
church. to the top
(4) The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD hereby adopts as its doctrines
the whole word of God, as revealed in its most ancient manuscripts, and
declares that it is in accordance with the doctrines of the CHURCH OF
GOD, INTERNATIONAL, founded by Garner Ted Armstrong in Tyler, Texas, in
1978, which doctrines are set forth in the booklet authored by Garner
Ted Armstrong entitled, "Everything You've Always Wanted To Know About
The Church Of God, International, and Weren't Afraid To Ask," and as set
forth in the entire inventory of books, booklets, brochures, articles,
magazines, newspapers, newsletters, radio, television, and sermon tapes
produced by Garner Ted Armstrong from the date of the incorporation of
the Church of God, International in 1978 until his disassociation with
said church organization as of December 31st, 1997. Further, the
INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD hereby adopts the "Statement of Beliefs"
as published by the Church of God, International on or before March
14th, 1998,
(5) The church will establish and maintain such organizations for the
youth of the church as expedient and required, such as Sabbath schools,
field trips, sports and/or arts and crafts competitions, and strive to
provide for the youth of the church as many programs and activities as
are possible within the church's financial and physical means.
ARTICLE III
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AFFILIATION/ASSOCIATION:
THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD declares that it is in affiliation
with, and in support of the evangelistic outreach programs of the
"Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association," so long as said
Association continues to adhere to the truth of the Gospel as set forth
in ARTICLE II, and so long as said Association cooperates with the
INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD in referring those requesting baptism
and/or church affiliation to the local churches or hosted fellowship
groups of the ICG.
In return for such referrals, the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD
recognizes that it is incumbent upon each chartered church,
non-chartered local congregation or hosted fellowship group to remain
staunchly faithful to the doctrines of both bodies, and to remain in
close cooperation and mutual support with the Garner Ted Armstrong
Evangelistic Association. Thus, both legal entities form an inseparable
part of the two-part commission Christ gave to His church, and both
legal entities consider themselves identical parts of the spiritual body
of Christ, the Church of God, of which Christ is the living Head.
ARTICLE IV
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THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD declares that it is an "open arms,
open door" church. Any person, regardless of nationality, race, color,
creed, religious or political persuasion, is welcome to fellowship with
the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD at any of its regular worship
services, Bible studies, annual festivals or other church occasions, so
long as all such persons refrain from espousing, preaching, teaching,
handing out tapes, literature, or materials of any kind which set forth
anything contrary to the doctrines and practices of the INTERCONTINENTAL
CHURCH OF GOD, and so long as such fellowship remains passive,
worshipful, cooperative and cordial. The ICG has no prohibitions
regarding who may attend its worship services, recognizing the need of
those of all nations, deceived of Satan (Revelation 12:9), following the
way of this present world and the "works of the flesh" (Galatians
5:19-21) to hear the truth of the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and the
way of salvation preached by Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE V
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EVANGELISM:
The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD, as expressed in the COVENANT, is
established for the purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus
Christ; that of preaching the gospel to every person, and baptizing
those who believe, with special emphasis on the second part of Christ's
Great Commission: that of feeding the flock. The ICG fully accepts the
responsibility of each of its members to be a "light to the world," like
a "beacon on a hill" which "cannot be hid", and accepts that each
minister or lay member should always " ... sanctify the Lord God in
[our] hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear,
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conduct in
Christ" (1 Peter 3:15,16). Further, the church recognizes the
responsibility of each lay member to live his or her life as a witness
and an example to the world; to engage in personal evangelism through
prayer, through personal example, and through participating actively
through the local church in helping support evangelistic campaigns,
Bible studies, lectures, seminars, or church social events to which the
general public is invited.
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FURTHER, the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD encourages each individual
member to participate in telephone campaigns, placing advertisements,
distributing waybills, announcements, or literature, and zealously
taking part in all local efforts to attract people to the evangelistic
outreach programs of the GTAEA, as well as local church programs
designed to build the church. This may include, but are not limited to,
word of mouth invitations, distribution of GTAEA and/or ICG literature
or printed materials from the local church, placing of advertisements in
publications of any kind, purchasing billboards, setting up fair booths,
and reaching out to the general public through any and every Biblically
sanctioned means.
The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD eschews the practice of "going from
door to door" and attempting to teach those who have not asked, or force
literature upon those who have not asked for it. Thus, each church
member and each hosted fellowship group or chartered church considers
itself an active part of the body of Christ, assisting in every Godly,
Scripturally authorized way in proclaiming the Good News of Christ's
soon-coming Kingdom to this earth, but does not attempt to force its
faith, hope and belief upon others.
ARTICLE VI
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THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD recognizes the absolute sovereignty
of each individual, and the deeply PERSONAL nature of the relationship
of each individual lay member to Jesus Christ, Who is the Living Head of
the church. All members are in VOLUNTARY association with the church and
its ministry. Each minister, local church and/or hosted fellowship group
is in VOLUNTARY association with the BOARD OF DIRECTORS and the church
at large.
ARTICLE VII
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MEMBERSHIP and BASIS FOR FELLOWSHIP: Since Jesus Christ said, "No man
can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him" (John
6:44), and since each member is "added to the church" following
repentance, water baptism, and the laying on of hands (Acts 2:38; Romans
6; Acts 19:3-6), it is recognized that each member of the church is
drawn by the Spirit of God, personally convicted by the Holy Spirit of
God, and is then joined to the spiritual body of Christ through the rite
of baptism and the laying on of hands by Christ's ministers and servants
who are authorized to perform baptismal rites. Thus, at the instant of
begettal by the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12:13), a "new creature in
Christ" is begotten (2 Corinthians 5:17), and is automatically a
"member" of Christ’s body, which is the church. THEREFORE, the
INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD rejects traditional concepts of "joining"
the church through application, required periods of indoctrination or
study, placing one's "letter" in the church, or any other method
requiring documentation, and accepts as members those who declare their
membership and affiliation, whether from a previous baptism and church
association, or as a result of having been baptized by an authorized
representative of the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD, or by voluntary
association and attendance with local churches, fellowship groups and
annual Holy Days of the church.
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The most important criterion for fellowship is the spirit of forgiveness
and tolerance; an absence of judging or condemning others, and a
willingness to be obedient to Christ's instructions in Matthew 18 of
going to one's brother (or sister) in the case of any conflicts and
resolving the issue in dispute. Fellowship with the church may not be
denied because of "personal problems" in one's private life such as a
smoking habit. Rather, it is the belief that all such persons need the
buttressing of church worship services and fellowship with brethren of
like mind who are themselves striving to live a life of overcoming
Satan's wiles, their own human natures, and the world around them.
ARTICLE VIII
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RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CHURCHES, FELLOWSHIP GROUPS, OR CORPORATE
BODIES: The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD is an "open arms, open door"
church. Therefore, it welcomes cooperation with any other church body,
insofar as such body desires. The ministry of the church shall not
prohibit members of the church from attending church services with any
other church, Bible study or fellowship group. However, the church will
not allow guest speakers from any other churches who espouse doctrines
or concepts not held by the ICG, or who engage in proselyting on behalf
of any other groups. The ICG specifically welcomes the ministry and
membership who are Sabbath-keepers, and who recognize their need to
attend the annual Holy Days of the church, including the "Feast of
Tabernacles" in the Autumn.
The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD welcomes close cooperation with any
independently-incorporated church groups, and does not regard an
independently incorporated local church as estranged, or in competition.
The ICG will not seek to bring any independently-cooperating church
under its corporate documents, or under its organization or church
structure. As an "open arms, open door" church, the ICG hopes that any
such independently-incorporated local church will freely fellowship with
the ministry and membership of the ICG; that its ministers will be
invited to participate in any conferences of the ministry of the ICG;
that its ministers will be invited to participate in the speaking
schedule at the annual Holy Days of the church, and that its members
will be welcome at any regular Sabbath service or annual Holy Day of the
ICG.
ARTICLE IX
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DISFELLOWSHIPMENT; The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD rejects the
traditional concept of "excommunication" or "marking" as practiced by
various religious hierarchies. Instead, the church accepts the
admonition of Jesus Christ, "... if thy brother shall trespass against
thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall
hear thee, thou has gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee,
then take with thee one or two more that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear
them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglects to hear the church,
let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican" (Matthew
18:15-17). Further, the IGC accepts the admonition of Paul, "Now I
beseech you, brethren, mark [take note of] them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them" (Romans 16:17). Paul wrote to the lay membership, thus placing the
responsibility for avoiding heretics or unruly persons on the shoulders
of the individual. Each minister or host of a fellowship group is
charged with the responsibility of keeping peace in the local group, and
may, as required, deny fellowship to any person who is disorderly or
contentious, or who attempts to espouse contrary doctrines or practices.
The ministry of the church shall adhere to Paul’s instructions to
Timothy, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome
words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine
which is according to godliness:
"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of
words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, "Perverse
disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself" (1 Timothy
6:3-5).
The church urges each lay member to obey God's word which commands us,
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, YE WHICH ARE SPIRITUAL,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, let
thou also be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
ARTICLE X
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Section One: Limitations of Power
A. The Board of Directors accepts as its fiduciary responsibility the
sacred trust of guarding, preserving and maintaining the spiritual,
philosophical and ideological underpinnings of the church, i.e., the
goals, missions and purposes of the church.
B. The Board of Directors further accepts as its secondary fiduciary
responsibility to hold in trust any physical assets of the church, and
will be responsible for having an annual audit and publishing the
auditor's report.
C. The powers of the Board do not extend to the private lives or worship
of its membership, except that the Board retains the power to revoke the
credentials of any minister and/or host of a fellowship group who
refuses to support the stated goals and mission of the church, causes
division or dissension among the brethren, or who abandons the doctrines
of the church. to
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D. It is recognized that the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD does not
represent the body of Jesus Christ in its entirety, but is a body of
believers from that larger body who have associated themselves together
in a legal corporation to accomplish a specific mission as set forth in
this constitution and in these by-laws.
E. The Board of Directors shall never appoint a "Council of ministers"
or any other committee of any kind to which it delegates control over
the board.
F. The Board of Directors shall consider all ordained ministers of the
church to be fully qualified to assess and appraise the spiritual
qualifications of those among them in the local churches and fellowship
groups, and to recommend, in writing, any such individuals for
ordination or appointment to the Area Coordinators. An Area Coordinator
may ordain any qualified man to the office of teaching elder or deacon,
or any qualified woman as a deaconess, and may, at his own discretion,
appoint other local officers as may be required for the peaceful and
orderly conduct of worship services and other activities of the local
church.
Section Two A: Chairman of Ecclesiastical
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A. The Chairman of Ecclesiastical Affairs shall serve for a term of one year, unless otherwise directed by a unanimous resolution of the Board of Directors, and may be re-elected by majority vote for any number of terms.
B. The Chairman of Ecclesiastical Affairs shall approve all ordinations or appointments recommended by the Area Coordinators and the ministry except in the case of teaching elders, deacons, or deaconesses.
C. The Chairman of
Ecclesiastical Affairs shall ensure, as his primary duty toward the
church, the faithful preaching of the doctrines of the church, at all
worship services or evangelistic campaigns, and through books, booklets,
articles, articles, magazines, newsletters or literature of any
description, and through electronic media of any description, including
the Worldwide Web, E-mail, and video and audio-taped sermons which shall
be distributed to the local churches and hosted fellowship groups at
their request.
D. In the event of the partial disability or death of the Chairman of
Ecclesiastical Affairs, the Board shall receive recommendations from the
Area Coordinators and the entire ministry of the church, and after
fasting and prayer, shall choose a successor by acclamation. Should the
Chairman of Ecclesiastical Affairs be partially disabled, but sound of
mind, he shall make known to the ministry of the church and the Board
his recommendation for a successor. Such successor shall be appointed
only by a unanimous vote by the board.
Section Two B: The President of Operations
A. The President of Operations shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Church. The Chairman of Ecclesiastical Affairs and the President of Operations shall preside over all regular and special meetings of the Board.
B. The President of Operations
shall carry out the day-to-day operations and conduct the business of
the church in regard to the faithful preaching of the doctrines of the
church, at all worship services or evangelistic campaigns, and through
books, booklets, articles, magazines, newsletters or literature of
any description, and through electronic media of any description,
including the Worldwide Web, E-mail, and video and audio-taped sermons
which shall be distributed to the local churches and hosted fellowship
groups at their request.
Section Three: DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
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A. The Chairman shall preside over all regular and special meetings of
the Board.
B. The Vice-Chairman shall preside over all meetings of the Board in the
event of the absence of the Chairman, or in the event of illness,
disability, or death.
C. A Secretary shall keep all minutes of Board meetings.
Section Four: COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
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A. The Corporation shall be controlled by a Board of Directors which
shall consist of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7)
officers, who shall also be trustees.
B. The officers of the Board of Directors shall consist of the Chairman,
a Vice Chairman and a Secretary.
Section Five: ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
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A. Candidates for Board membership may be recommended from the ministry,
hosts, or lay members at any time by sending such recommendation in
writing to the Chairman and the entire Board. Recommendations shall
include a biographical sketch, at least three written references, a
recent photograph, and a written recommendation by at least two ordained
ministers of the church.
B. No person may be considered for membership on the Board who has not
been a member of the church for at least ten (10) years, and who has
been in regular attendance at church worship services and annual Holy
Days.
C. No person may be considered for membership on the Board who is not
willing to support the goals, mission, and doctrines of the
INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD without reservation, and who is not in
agreement with the association of the ICG with the Garner Ted Armstrong
Evangelistic Association.
D. An Area Coordinator may not be appointed as a Director, since this
would represent clear conflict of interest, in that the Board of
Directors must approve the appointment of each Area Coordinator. The
Area Coordinators are not a self-perpetuating body, but a group of
peers, serving the brethren in their respective areas of responsibility.
Section Six: Board Meetings
A. The Board shall be required to meet at least once annually.
B. The Chairman may call special meetings as required.
C. Any member of the Board may request a meeting of the Board at any
time, in writing, and the Board shall acknowledge such request and
schedule a meeting within one week or other reasonable period of time
from the receipt of such request.
Section Seven: TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP
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A. Each member of the Board shall be elected to serve for a term of five
(5) years.
B. A Director may be removed by default if he or she fails to attend
annual board meetings except in the case of reasons of health, accident,
family illness or other emergency.
Section Eight: BOARD BUSINESS
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A. Each annual meeting of the Board shall be for the purpose of
assessing the spiritual condition, growth, and activities of the church,
receiving the annual financial report, and assessing future plans. It is
acknowledged that the Board is not an executive body; that the President
is the Chief Executive Officer, and shall manage the day to day business
of the church, and that the Board shall not "micro-manage" the church.
B. The Chairman shall present to the Board an annual "State of the
Church" report, including but not limited to the spiritual well-being
and physical growth of the church; attendance at local worship services
and annual Holy Days, and any other relevant appraisal of the progress
of the church during the past year.
C. The Chairman shall present to the Board projections for future
growth, adoption of any church programs including Sabbath Schools, youth
programs, local building programs, purchase of local church buildings,
and/or an annual appraisal of cooperative local evangelistic efforts in
concert with the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.
D. The salaries of all executives of the church shall be set by the
Board. All salaries shall be within comparable standards for the
industry
ARTICLE XI
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ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL CHURCHES:
A. A chartered local church of the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD shall
consist of not less than twelve (12) persons, of which ten (10) must be
of legal age.
B. A church charter will be issued to any local church which is served
by an ordained minister, or a deacon and/or host who has been issued
speaking credentials. Charters will be submitted to the appropriate Area
Coordinator, consisting of a signed petition from the minister, elder,
deacon or host, and issued by headquarters upon receiving a
recommendation from the Area Coordinator. Speaking credentials shall be
in the form of a certificate issued by the Board, and may be issued upon
petition by any local church or hosted fellowship group to the nearest
Area Coordinator, following his recommendation to and approval by the
President.
C. Worship services of each local church shall consist of the standard
format of services as conducted over the past fifty years in the
(former) parent organization, the Worldwide Church of God (The Radio
Church of God), and the Church of God, International; i.e., a song
service (optional, if no piano or music, or no qualified song leader),
opening prayer, announcements, a short sermonette (optional; not to
exceed twelve minutes), another congregational hymn, followed by a
sermon and/or video sermon tape, closing hymn and prayer.
D. No host or volunteer may bring sermonettes or sermons without having
been authorized to do so either by the President of the Church, the
nearest Area Coordinator, or the minister of record, or until he has
been issued speaking credentials. All preachers, speakers or teachers
shall speak at the pleasure of a majority of the group assembled. No
preacher, speaker or teacher, regardless of ordination or speaking
credentials, may impose himself upon a local church or hosted
congregation in which the majority of those attending do not wish to
hear him speak. Any conflict in this regard should be referred to the
Area Coordinators for advice and counsel, and to the President. The
decision of the President, upon carefully appraising the wishes of the
majority of any local church or hosted fellowship group and the advice
of the Area Coordinators, shall be final.
E. No host or volunteer, regardless of whether holding speaking
credentials, may preempt a sermon tape from church headquarters if a
majority of the hosted group prefers to view a tape. Hosts are
authorized to call the meeting to order, open with prayer, make any
announcements necessary, and fulfill all the voluntary duties as host,
but may not deliver sermons unless possessing the Speaking Credential.
F. The INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD, adhering to Holy Writ, expressly
forbids women to preach, or speak to the church during worship services,
except that women can speak during seminars or conferences when
scheduled, or can teach other women and children as permitted by
scripture.
G. It shall be the policy of the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF GOD to
obtain building sites and construct or purchase local church buildings
as God provides the financial resources.
ARTICLE XII
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF AREA COORDINATORS
Each Area Coordinator is a peer among equals, selected from among the
ministry of the church for the purpose of overseeing the ministers,
chartered or unchartered churches. hosted fellowship groups or
individual lay members in his assigned area. It is understood that, as
God adds to His church, He will raise up more members and ministers, and
that the original areas assigned to each Area Coordinator will
eventually be reapportioned to admit such expected growth. The Board has
delegated far-reaching authority and responsibility to the Area
Coordinators, who are in turn accountable to the Board. The
responsibilities of the Area Coordinators are as follows:
(1) Responsible for the spiritual well-being and doctrinal faithfulness
of each chartered or unchartered church, hosted fellowship group, or
individual lay member in his assigned area.
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(2) Responsible as an organizer, counselor, teacher, spiritual example
and friend.
(3) Responsible for putting in place church development programs, such
as developing local church mailing lists, conducting leadership
seminars, establishing speaking clubs, ladies’ clubs, youth clubs and
activities, approving those who are capable of being song leaders,
appointing or approving those who are authorized to deliver sermonettes,
approving the issuance of Speaking Credentials, and approving any others
whom he may deem qualified to assume positions of leadership in the
local churches. to
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(4) Responsible for seeking out, working with and developing potential
teachers and speakers. As Paul instructed Timothy to "ordain elders in
every church", so the Area Coordinator, together with other ministers in
his area, shall determine the qualifications of men who can be ordained
as "Elders" or Deacons, and may also ordain deaconesses. An Area
Coordinator does not require approval by the Board for ordaining men &
women to such offices as stated above.
(5) Ordination above the level of "elder" will be upon the approval of a
clear majority of the Area Coordinators, and are subject to final
approval by the Board.
(6) Responsible for approving as "hosts" those he feels are qualified to
lead an hosted fellowship group; for raising up new churches; for
promoting local and regional evangelistic campaigns, leadership
seminars, and youth activities.
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(7) Responsible for preserving and maintaining the "faith once delivered
to the Saints", and dealing with any aberrations in doctrine, divisions
or dissensions which might arise among the churches in his area, bearing
in mind what Paul commanded Timothy, "Preach the word: be instant [keep
at it] in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering [patience] and doctrine. For the time will come when they
shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they shall
turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (I Timothy
4:2-4). Responsible for pointing out to his fellow Area Coordinators,
and to the Board of Directors, any false teacher and who would lead the
flock away from the doctrines and practices of the Intercontinental
Church of God.
(8) The Area Coordinator is responsible for maintaining financial
records of all Churches of which he is the pastor. (He may wish to
appoint his wife, an assistant pastor, a deacon, or responsible lay
member to assist him) so that the brethren can receive full benefit
allowed by the Internal Revenue Service under Tax Code 501(c)3 for
deduction of charitable contribution to the church and/or Evangelistic
Association. These should be submitted to headquarters quarterly, and he
should encourage other churches in his area to submit financial records
directly to headquarters, and they should be on time.
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(9) Responsible for faithful attendance at the Church's annual "Feast of
Tabernacles", and encouraging all those in his area to do so.
Responsible for programs to assist the poor and elderly to attend the
feast, and responsible for helping to search out and locate potential
feast sites for the future.
(10) Each Area Coordinator is accountable only to his peers and to the
Board of Directors if he should act contrary to the policies, doctrines
and practices of the church. Otherwise, he has full authority to act
within the "job description" as explained above, and the Board of
Directors pledges not to interfere, intervene, or "micro-manage" the
activities of any Area Coordinator who is acting within the parameters
of his responsibilities.
ARTICLE XIII
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AMENDMENTS:
A. This CONSTITUTION and these BY-LAWS of the INTERCONTINENTAL CHURCH OF
GOD may not be amended except at a meeting of the full Board of
Directors, and only after any proposed amendment has been submitted to
the Board in writing.
B. Adoption of constitutional amendments shall only occur upon a
unanimous vote by all members of the Board.
ARTICLE XIV
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This corporation is a non-profit church, and is not formed for the
pecuniary gain or profit of its Directors, Officers, Ministers or
Members. No dividend shall be paid and no part of the income of this
corporation shall be distributed to its Directors or Officers,
Ministers, Members, or Associates, excepting that reasonable
compensation in the form of salaries or reimbursement shall be paid to
administrative officials of the corporation or reimbursements and/or
salaries paid to ordained ministers of the church for services rendered.
All salaries and benefits must be approved by the Board. No bonuses
shall be paid to any Director, Officer, Minister or Member, and no
Officer, Minister, Member or Employee of the church may borrow from the
corporation at any time.
ARTICLE XV
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DISSOLUTION: In the event of dissolution of this corporation, after all
debts and obligations are satisfied, no portion of the assets or
financial instruments of any kind shall accrue to the personal benefit
of any Director, Officer, Minister, Employee or Member. In the event of
dissolution, any assets or financial instruments shall be transferred to
such Church, Evangelistic Association, Religious Organization or Charity
as shall be determined by the Board, so long as such body is a
non-profit corporation with identical or similar goal and purposes, and
so long as such Church, Evangelistic Association, Religious Organization
or Charity has been approved as a Tax-Exempt organization under
appropriate Federal (Internal Revenue) Statutes and State Law.
Statement of Beliefs for
the Intercontinental Church of God
1. GOD
God is the supreme creator and sustainer of the entire universe who is
eternal, all present, and all powerful. God is a single spirit family
presently consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. God is
a loving, kind, and merciful being who is sharing His magnificent and
eternal existence by reproducing Himself through mankind.
Psalm 19:1; 50:, 6-7; Isaiah 44:6; Nehemiah 9:6,16-17; John 1:12-13;
3:16; 4:10; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 John 3:1-2
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2. BIBLE
The entire Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God which contains His
plan of salvation, and the record of His participation in history. The
Bible is God's method of revealing knowledge that man cannot discover
for himself; the foundation of knowledge and the guidebook of life.
God's written Word, is revealed in two parts, the Old and New
Testaments. Together, they form the basis of Christianity as taught by
the church and as practiced by the true Christian.
Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 17:17; Romans 8:16; 1
Corinthians 2:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20
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3. JESUS CHRIST
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God and the Son of man. He
is the Messiah who was prophesied in the Old Testament and described in
the New Testament as being fully human and fully divine. He has existed
throughout eternity as the "Word" and is the second member of the God
family. He divested Himself of His power and His majesty, to become a
human being in order to live a perfect life, thereby re-qualifying for
eternal life, but then died anyway as a sacrifice for the sins of all
mankind as our loving and merciful Savior. He was then resurrected and
ascended to heaven to become our Lord and High Priest. Jesus Christ will
return to earth to establish the Kingdom of God where He will rule as
King of kings with His saints as co-rulers forever.
Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 16:15-17; John 1:1-14; 3:16; Acts 2:32-33;
Romans 5:8; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 4:14-15; Revelation 1:13-16
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4. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the spiritual extension of God, containing the
essence, power and mind of God. God uses His Holy Spirit to beget
Christians as His sons and daughters. The Holy Spirit spiritually
strengthens Christians, converting their minds to be more like God’s
mind. The Holy Spirit also serves as an earnest or guarantee of future
eternal life.
Acts 1:8; 2:38; Romans 8:9, 14; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 1:13-14
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5. MANKIND
Humans have no inherent immortality as flesh and blood physical beings;
however, they can receive eternal life as a free gift from our loving
and merciful creator God. Although mankind was created by God as flesh
and blood, He did so in His own image. He added a spiritual component to
mankind’s brain to create the human mind.
Genesis 1:26-2;, Job 32:8; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 John 5:11-13
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6. ANGELIC REALM
The angels were created by God as powerful spirit beings then used by
God as His agents and messengers. These spirit beings also function as
ministering spirits, helping mankind attain salvation and have done so
since man's creation. Like mankind, angels also have free moral agency.
Although angels were created to help God, some of them, led by Satan the
devil, rebelled against God and His government. Their rebellious acts
caused them to be transformed into demons.
Psalm 91:11-12; Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 1:7
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7. SALVATION
The penalty for sin is death, but salvation is the means by which God
saves mankind from the penalty of sin so that he may be given eternal
life. Working through His Son, Jesus Christ, the salvation process
includes one's calling, repentance, baptism, justification, receiving of
the Holy Spirit, then living a life of faith and obedience, and finally,
birth into God's Kingdom as a spirit being. Salvation is a gift freely
given through grace by God, with our ultimate reward given according to
our works.
Matthew 16:27; John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 6:1-2
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8. FAITH
Faith is the absolute knowledge that God exists and that He can and will
fulfill His promises. Faith is necessary for salvation, of which, the
basic elements are courage, action, and risk.
Romans 1:17; 10:17; Ephesians 3:17; Hebrews 11:1-2; James 2:22-24
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9. REPENTANCE
Repentance is the act of acknowledging one's sins, and then resolving to
fully obey God and then is manifested by positive change. It begins when
God opens a person’s mind to see himself in comparison with God and His
law. True repentance is the first step toward reconciliation with God,
and therefore ultimate salvation.
Acts 2:38; 3:19-21; 8:22; 1 John 3:4
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10. BAPTISM
Baptism is a ceremony, symbolizing the renunciation of the past sinful
way of life, the burial of the old man in a watery grave, and the
emergence of a new, Spirit-led person living with Christ's mind and
following in His footsteps. The ceremony can only take place after true
repentance and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, then by full immersion
in the symbolic watery grave. After this ceremony, and as a result of
all these actions, one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit through
the laying on of hands.
Matthew 3:13-16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12
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11. LAYING ON OF HANDS
The laying on of hands is an act performed for the receiving of God's
Holy Spirit after baptism, at ordinations, anointing of the sick, or for
other special purposes.
Matthew 19:13-15; Acts,6.5-6, 8:17-18; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:1 4; Hebrews
6:2
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12. KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is the government of God ruled by the family of God.
It will be the world ruling government set up by Jesus Christ upon His
return. Jesus Christ will be the King of Kings and will rule for all
eternity with the resurrected spirit-composed saints ruling with Him. In
the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is referred to as a "mystery". It
was first preached and explained by Christ, then by His church. The
Kingdom of God will be established on earth for a thousand years
following Christ's return. It shall be complete when New Jerusalem and
God the Father come down out of heaven to dwell on the New Earth.
Mark 4:11; Revelation 5:10; 20:4; 21:1-3, 7, 10
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13. GOSPEL
The gospel is the message preached by Jesus Christ and His church about
the history of Jesus Christ and the future coming Kingdom of God to be
established by Jesus Christ, the restoration of God’s government on
earth, and how mankind can enter that Kingdom and government. It
includes the message of what Jesus Christ has done in the past, is doing
now, and shall do. Ultimately, it is the message of the entire Old and
New Testaments. The primary purpose and commission of God’s church is to
"Go ye therefore, and teach [make disciples of] all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
"
Matthew 3:2; 24:14; 28:19-20; Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47
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14. RESURRECTIONS
The hope of all mankind and the promise to the Christian is that they
will be resurrected from the dead. The Bible refers to four
resurrections. (1) the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstborn of
God and man from the dead to become the pioneer of our salvation; (2)
the resurrection of the saints at the return of Jesus Christ when the
true believers shall become spirit-composed members of God's family.
This is called the "first resurrection" (3) the resurrection of all who
have ever died without having understood God's way, back to physical
life for their first opportunity for salvation; (4) the resurrection of
those who have refused to repent and have rejected God's way and are
called the incorrigibly wicked, to be consumed in the lake of fire. This
is called the "second death".
John 5:28-29; Acts 2:32; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1
Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 20:4-6, 13-14
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15. JUDGMENT
The time of a person’s judgment is the time of his opportunity for
salvation. That begins from when a person is called by God until his
death changed into spirits upon Jesus Christ's return. The overwhelming
majority shall qualify for God's Kingdom and will inherit eternal life,
but and those who deliberately reject God's way shall suffer the second
death and be consumed in the lake of fire.
Matthew 13:49-50; 25:34; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 20:15; 21:8
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16. LAW OF GOD
The law of God is a perfect expression of God’s love toward man. It is a
good, right, and perfect system of eternal directives and principles
that reflects God's character and love. God’s law teaches mankind how to
properly worship God, how to love his fellowman, how to live an abundant
life, and how to prepare for an eternal spiritual life as a full member
of the family of God. The law of God is taught in both the Old and the
New Testaments. It requires both physical actions and spiritual
convictions.
John 14:15, 21; Romans 7:12; 1 John 5:2-3
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17. BIBLICAL COVENANTS
Both the Old and New Testaments record that God made certain specific
"contracts" or promises called "covenants" with mankind. These covenants
define the terms of God's relationship with individuals and groups in
various circumstances and eras throughout mankind’s history. The best
known covenants were made with the physical nation of Israel. That
covenant was re-established as the New Covenant with "better promises"
and will be fully confirmed with spiritual Israel after the return of
Jesus Christ. The New Covenant makes God's law even more relevant by
expanding it to include one's mental attitude and spiritual intent. It
also applies to the New Testament church from the time of the original
apostles.
Matthew 5:21-22; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; Hebrews 8:6-13
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18. TEN COMMANDMENTS
The Ten Commandments were revealed by God to Moses who then codified
them. They were then ratified and magnified by Christ, are the perfect
expression of God's love. They are the foundation of all biblical
teaching and much of man’s law. They show mankind how to express love
toward God and his fellowman, and are consequently the focal point of
Christian life.
Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5; Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians
7:19; Revelation 12:17; 22:14
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19. SABBATH
The seventh-day Sabbath was instituted at creation. It is to be taught
and kept holy in accordance with the biblical instruction. The Sabbath
was reaffirmed to Israel as a part of the covenant at Sinai, and taught
by Jesus Christ, who is the Messenger of the New Covenant. The keeping
of the Sabbath is fundamental to a Christian's relationship with God.
Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16; 20:8-11; 31:12-17; Mark 2:27-28; Luke 4:16
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20. ANNUAL HOLY DAYS
The seven annual holy days or "appointed feasts" depict God's plan of
salvation for mankind. They are ordained by God and were kept by the
ancient Israelites. Keeping the holy days have been continued by the
early New Testament Christians and are still kept today by modern day
Christians.
Leviticus 23; Zechariah 14:16; John 7;8-10; Acts 2:1; 12:3; 20:6, 16;
27:9; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 16.8
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21. TITHING
Tithing is a private matter between the individual and God because it is
an act of worship. It is not the job of the church to "enforce" or
"police" tithing, but simply teaches the responsibility to tithe. Each
individual has the responsibility to "honor the Lord with his substance
and with the firstfruits of all his increase." Tithing and free will
offerings are the method by which the gospel is proclaimed to the world.
Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:21; 23:23; 2 Corinthians 9:7
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22. SIN
Sin is the transgression of God's law. It is failing to meet the
standards set by the character of Jesus Christ. The penalty for sin is
death in the lake of fire, but all sin can be completely forgiven by
God, who desires that all men be saved. God forgives sin upon the
repentance of the sinner. God therefore accepts the shed blood and
sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment in full for the penalty of a
person’s repented of sins.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; I John 3:4
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23. THE CHRISTIAN
A true Christian is one who has repented of past sins, was baptized and
in whom the Holy Spirit now dwells.
Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13
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24. THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY
The core of a stable society is the family and the marriage relationship
is the basis of the family. Although men and women’s roles are clearly
defined in the Bible, both have equal spiritual potential before God.
The husband, wife and children form the family that is the primary
physical analogy of God's plan for mankind. Therefore, marriage, child
rearing and the family are given a preeminent place in the teachings of
the Bible and the church.
Exodus 20:12; Malachi 4:5-6, Ephesians 5:22-29; 6:1-3; 1 Peter 3:7
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25. HEALING
Divine healing is a miracle and gift of God. He may bestow it in His
mercy and love upon those who call upon Him in time of need, but often,
according to their faith. The healings of Jesus Christ described in the
Bible depict and represent His power to express compassion, to forgive
sin, and ultimately, to resurrect the dead and eventually to establish
the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Matthew 9:1-7; James 5:14-15
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26. THE CHURCH OF GOD
The church is the spiritual body of Christ. Physically, it is group of
persons called out by God and impregnated with His Holy Spirit. As a
spiritual body, the church is made up of baptized, Spirit-led people
scattered all over the world.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27; Colossians 3:15
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