Estatuto

CONSTITUTION
 
CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION - WE BELIEVE
 
That God's purpose for man finds fulfillment in a primary purpose, namely: 1) to be an agency of God for the evangelization of the world, 2) to be a fraternal body in which man can worship God; ) to be a channel of God's purpose for the edification of a body of saints being perfected in the image of his son.
 
That the Brazilian District Council of the Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuous emphasis to this primary purpose in the New Testament apostolic pattern, teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit (which will enable them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit, accompanied by supernatural signs, adding a necessary dimension to a relationship of worship to God), and enabling them to respond to the full work of the Holy Spirit in fruitful expression and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the building up of the Body of Christ.
 
Thus, we recognize ourselves as a fraternal convention of Pentecostal and Spirit-baptized saints belonging to local Churches and Ministries of the same precious faith in the Brazilian District Council of the General Conference of the Assemblies of God, whose purpose is not to usurp authority over the various assemblies local and biblical rights and privileges, but is to recognize and promote biblical methods and order for worship, unity, fellowship, work, and business for the Kingdom of God so that the results of our efforts can be preserved and churches established and developed within our distinct testimony; and to disprove unscriptural methods, doctrines and conduct, seeking to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, "Until we all come to the unity of faith, and to the knowledge of the Son of God, to the perfect man, to full measure of stature of Christ "(Ephesians 4:13)
 
ARTICLE I. NAME
 
It should be the name of the body, "Brazilian District Council of Assemblies of God." It should be incorporated as a nonprofit religious organization under the state of Florida.
 
ARTICLE II. TERRITORY
 
It should include the work of the Brazilian District Council of the Assemblies of God of the United States of America and wherever it is represented. For work efficiency, the District should be divided into regional councils.
 
ARTICLE III. NATURE The Council of the Brazilian District of Assemblies of God is a fraternal convention, based on a common statute, voluntarily voted for its membership.
 
ARTICLE IV. PRINCIPLES FOR THE FELLOWSHIP 
 
The Council of the Brazilian District of the Assemblies of God should, as best as possible, represent in detail the body of Christ as described in the New Testament scriptures, recognizing the principles inherent in this body as also inherent in this fraternization, particularly the principles of unity, cooperation, and quality. It recognizes that by observing these principles, it will be enabled to achieve its highest purpose, and to maintain the conditions under which it may, as fraternization, demonstrate these principles and their consequent development.
 
ARTICLE V. PRERROGATIVES
 
A. Encourage and promote the evangelization of the world.
 
B. Encourage and promote worship of God.
 
C. Encourage and promote the edification of believers.
 
D. Provide a basis of fraternity between Christians of the same and precious faith.
 
E. Supervise all activities of the Assemblies in their prescribed field in accordance with the rights conferred by Article X of the Constitution of the General Conference.
 
F. Establish and maintain the subdivisions, departments, and institutions that are necessary for the propagation of the gospel and the work of the Pentecostal fellowship.
 
G. Establish churches and support their development.
 
H. Examine and approve candidates qualified as certified ministers and licensed ministers. Applications from approved candidates shall be endorsed by the district and submitted to the general secretariat of the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God for the provision of appropriate credentials. The District Council will also have the authority to examine and ordain ministers after receiving approval from the Credentials Committee of the General Conference. Any degree of academic education shall never be a requirement for credentials, but shall be required of those who apply, complete any course, and pass any examination that may be prescribed by the District Council in agreement with the Credentials Committee of the General Conference.
 
I. Approve all teachings, methods, and biblical conduct, and disprove all unbiblical teachings, methods, and conduct. As a creature of the General Council of Assemblies of God, it is subordinate to it, and can not in any way be authorized to violate the principles of the statutes and constitution of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. In the performance of the work in its prescribed field, the District Council will be expected to remain vigilant and vigilant against any violation of the principles of spiritual union and co-operative fraternization, to which the fraternization of the Assemblies of God is especially and unchangeably dedicated.
 
J. Elect its own leaders and committees, organize its own meetings, and govern itself.
 
K. (Incidental to, or in connection with?), Should you have the right to own, hold, use, sell, donate, mortgage, rent or otherwise dispose of any real property or chattel? necessary for the performance of their work.
 
ARTICLE VI. CREED
 
This District Council adopts the Declaration of Fundamental Truths adopted by the General Conference, revised in 1974, as follows:
 
DECLARATION OF FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS
 
1. The Inspired Scriptures
 
The Scriptures, Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired by God and constitute the revelation of God to man, the infallible and authoritative rule of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3: 15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1 : 21).
 
2. The One True God
 
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existing "I AM," the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the Redeemer of mankind. It has also been revealed as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6: 4, Isaiah 43: 10-11, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:22)
 
THE ADORABLE TRINITY
 
The. Defined Terms
 
The terms trinity and persons, related to Deity, though not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with the Scriptures, through which we may acquaint others with our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ, respecting the Being of God, distinguished from "many gods and "So we can speak with propriety of the Lord our God, who is One Lord, as a trinity or as a Three-Person and yet absolutely Biblical (examples, Mt 28:19, II Cor 13.14, Jn 14:16 -17).
 
B. Distinction and Relationship in the Trinity
 
Christ taught the distinction of persons in the trinity, which he expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but that this distinction and relationship (as to its mode?) Is inscrutable and incomprehensible because it is unexplained (Luke 1:35, I Co 1.24, Mt 11.25-27, 28.19, 1 Co 13.14, 1 Jn 1.3-4).
 
W. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ("the One Being"
 
Consequently, therefore, there is that which in the Father constitutes him as Father and not Son; there is that in the Son who constitutes him as Son and not the Father; there is that in the Holy Spirit which constitutes the Holy Spirit and not the Father and not the Son. Therefore, the Father is the one who generates; the Son is the only begotten of the Father; and the Holy Ghost is that which proceeds from the Father and the Son.Therefore, because these three persons in the Trinity are in a state of unity, there is only one Lord God Almighty and His name is one (John 1:18, 15:26, 17:11, 21, Zec 14: 9)
 
d. Identity and Cooperation in the Trinity
 
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are never identical as persons, neither confused as to relationship, nor divided in respect to the Trinity, nor opposites in cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son, as to relationship. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son, as to fellowship. The Father does not come from the Son, but the Son comes from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority. Thus, no person of the Trinity exists or works separately or independently of others (John 5: 17-30, 32, 37, John 8: 17-18)
 
and. The Title, Lord Jesus Christ
 
The denomination, Lord Jesus Christ, is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament to the Father or the Holy Spirit. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God (Rom 1: 1-3, 7, II John 3).
 
f. The Lord Jesus Christ, God with us
 
The Lord Jesus Christ, because of his eternal and divine nature, is the Father's own and only begotten Son, but because of his human nature, He is the Son of Man himself. He is therefore both God and man, and because he is God and man, is Emmanuel, God with us (Mt 1:23, 1 Jn 4.2, 10.14, Rev 1: 13,17).
 
g. The Title, Son of God
 
As the name Emmanuel includes both God and man in a person, our Lord Jesus Christ, proceeds that the title Son of God describes his own deity, and that the title Son of Man to his own humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God belongs to the order of eternity, and the title Son of Man is the order of time (Mt 1: 21-23, (Jn 3), I John 3: 8, Heb 7: 3, 1: 1 -13).
 
H. Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ
 
It is therefore a transgression of the doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ obtained the title Son of God only from the fact of the incarnation, or because of his relationship to the economy of redemption. To deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is to deny the distinction and relationship in the being of God, to deny the Father and the Son, and to displace the truth that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (II John 9, John 1: 1-2, 14, 18, 29, 49; 1 John 2: 22-23, 4: 1-5, Heb 12: 2).
 
i. Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord
 
The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens, angels and principalities and power having been made subject to Him. sent to the Holy Spirit that we, in the name of Jesus, might bend our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father to the end, when the Son is to submit to the Father for God to be all in all (Heb 1: 3, 1 Pet 3:22, Acts 2: 32-36, Rom 14:11, 1 Cor. 15: 24-28).
 
j. Equal Honor to the Father and the Son
 
Therefore, since the Father has discharged all judgment in the Son, it is not only the express duty of everyone in heaven and on earth to bend his knees, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Spirit to ascribe to the Son all the attributes of deity, and to deliver him all honor and glory contained in all Trinity names and titles except those who express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, d) and thus honor the Son as we honor the Father (John 5: 22-23, I Peter 1 : 8, Rev 5: 6-14, Phil 2: 8-9, Rev 7: 9-10, 4: 8-11).
 
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
 
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:
 
The. His virginal conception (Matt 1:23, Lk 1:31, 35).
 
B. His immaculate life (Heb 7:26, I Peter 2:22).
 
W. His miracles (Acts 2:22, 10: 3, 8)
 
d. His substitutionary work on the cross (I Cor 15.3, II Co 5.21)
 
and. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matt. 28: 6; Luke 24:39; I Cor. 15: 4)
 
f. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1: 9, 11, 2:33, Phil 2: 9-11, Heb 1: 3)
 
4. The Fall of Man
 
Man was created good and just, because God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man fell by voluntary transgression and thus incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Gen 1: 26-27, 2:17, 3: 6; Rom 5: 12-19)
 
5. The Salvation of Man
 
The only hope of redemption is through the blood shed by Jesus Christ, Son of God.
 
The. Condition for Salvation
 
Salvation is received by repentance to God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By the cleansing of the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 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; -15, Eph 2: 8, Titus 2:11, 3: 5-7).
 
B. The Evidence of Salvation
 
The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The external evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Eph 4:24, Titus 2:12).
 
6. The Ordinances of the Church
 
The. Water Baptism
 
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is ordained in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe in 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 risen with Him in order to walk in newness of life (Mt 28:19, Mk 16:16, Acts 10: 47-48, Rom 6: 4).
 
B. The Holy Supper
 
The Lord's Supper, which consists of the elements - bread and the fruit of the vine - is the symbol that expresses our participation in the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1: 4); a memorial of his suffering and his death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy about his second coming (I Cor. 11:26); and is ordained for all believers "until HE comes!"
 
7. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
 
All believers are entitled to and should earnestly expect and earnestly seek the Father's promise, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and with fire, according to the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of everyone in the early Christian church. With this comes the attribute of power for life and service, the conferring of the gifts and their use in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49, Acts 1: 4, 8, I Cor 12: 1-3).
 
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 Spirit, such experiences are accompanied by an overflowing abundance of the Spirit (John 7: 37-39, Acts 4: 8), a deep reverence for God (Acts 2:43, Heb. 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 Baptism in the Holy Spirit
 
The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance (Acts 2: 4). Speaking in tongues in this instance is essentially the same with the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 12: 4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.
 
9. Sanctification
 
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is perverse, and from dedication to God (Rom. 12: 1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Heb 13:12). The Scriptures teach a life of "holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the commandment: "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 15:16).
 
Sanctification is performed in the believer by the recognition of our individual identification with Christ in his death and resurrection, and by faith daily believing in the fact of this union, and continually offering all faculties to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Rom 6: 1-11, 13, Rom 8: 1-2, 13, Gal 2:20, 1 Pet. 1: 5, Phil 2: 12-13).
 
10. The Church and its Mission
 
The Church is the body of Christ, the indwelling of God through the Spirit, with divine designations for the fulfillment of his great commission. Every believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Eph 1: 22-23, 2:22, Heb 12:23).
 
Since God's purpose for man is to seek and to save that which was lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build up a body of believers according to the image of his Son, the primary purpose for which the Assemblies of God as part of the church is:
 
The. To be an agency of God for the evangelization of the world (Acts 1: 8, Mt 28: 19-20, Mark 16: 15-16).
 
B. To be a body (corporate body?) In which man can worship God (I Cor 12:13).
 
W. To be a channel of God's purpose to build up a body of saints being perfected in the image of his Son (Eph 4: 11-16, 1 Cor 12:28, 1 Cor. 14.12).
 
The Assembly of God exists expressly to give continuous emphasis to this primary purpose in the apostolic pattern of the New Testament through teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:
 
The. It enables them to evangelize in the power of the Holy Spirit and with supernatural signs that accompany them (Mark 16: 15-20, Acts 4: 29-31, Heb 2: 3-4).
 
B. It adds a necessary dimension to a relationship of worship to God (1 Cor 2: 10-16, I Cor 12-14).
 
W. It enables them to respond to the full work of the Holy Spirit in the expression of the fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the building up of the body of Christ (Gal. 5: 22-26, 1 Cor 14.12, Eph. I Co 12.28, Cl 1:29).
 
11. The Ministry
 
A divinely called and biblically ordained ministry was provided by our Lord for the triune purpose of leading the Church in:
 
The. Evangelization of the world (Mark 16: 15-20).
 
B. Adoration to God (John 4: 23-24).
 
W. Building up a body of saints being perfected in the image of the Son of God (Eph 4: 11-16).
 
12. Divine Healing
 
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Freedom from sickness is provided in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Is 53: 4-5, Mt 8: 16-17, James 5: 14-16).
 
13. Blessed Hope
 
The resurrection of those who sleep in Christ and their translation to those who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thess 4: 16-17, Rom 8:23, Titus 2:13 , I Co 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, accompanied by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for a thousand years (Zec 14: 5, Mt 24: 27-30, Rev 1 : 7, 19: 11-14, 20: 1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of the nation of Israel (Ezekiel 37: 21-22; Sf 3: 19-10, Rom 11: 26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Is 11: 6-9, Ps 72: 3-8). , My 4: 3-4)
 
15. The Final Judgment
 
There will be a final judgment where the wicked who have died will be raised and judged according to their works. All who are not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be delivered to perpetual punishment in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Mt 25:46 , Mc 9: 43-48, Rev 19:20, 20: 11-15, 21: 8).
 
16. The New Heaven and the New Earth
 
"But we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet 3:13, Rev 21:22).
 
ARTICLE VII. RELATIONSHIPS
 
Section 1. From the General Council and the District Councils
 
The Brazilian District Council and the other district councils are an integral part of the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God, a non-profit organization based in the city of Springfield, Missouri, and are subject to and subject to the amendments and amendments of the General the provisions of these Statutes and Internal Rules, and have a cooperative working relationship with the other district councils regarding matters of mutual interest.
 
Section 2. Of the Conventional Sessions
 
The Brazilian District Council of the Assemblies of God will develop its activities through its Offices and Conventional Sessions. 
 
Section 3. Local Assemblies
 
Local Assemblies, or Local Churches, or Local Ministries, or Ministerial Churches, and Ministers of the Brazilian District Council, who are in full communion with the Brazilian District Council, shall recognize and be subject to the Brazilian District Council. 
 
ARTICLE VIII. MEMBERSHIP 
 
MEMBERSHIP of the Brazilian District Council consists of the following:
 
Section 1. Ministers of the General Conference
 
All ministers holding recognized Certificates of Communion issued by the General Conference of Assemblies of God and having their immigration status legalized within the United States in accordance with the General Council, members of a local church or ministerial church affiliated to the District Council, whose certificates have been approved by the district council accreditation committee.
 
ARTICLE IX. OF MEETINGS
 
Section 1. Biennial Sessions
 
a) District Council - should meet biennially. The time and place shall be announced by the district presbytery, and the announcement shall be made to the members of the District Council within six months prior to the date of the meetings when AGO and two months when ELAD.
 
b) The AGO - shall occur every four years and be announced within a period of at least six months from the date of its
 
c) Elad - Meeting of Leaders of the Assemblies of God, should occur every four years alternating with the AGO. The date and place must be announced by the District Presbytery at least 60 days before it is held.
 
Section 2. Extraordinary Sessions
 
The. Extraordinary sessions of the District Council - AGE (Extraordinary General Assembly) shall be announced, as agreed by a majority of the members of the District Presbytery. The date and place shall be announced by the Executive Board at least 30 days prior to its
 
ARTICLE X OFFICIALS OF THE DISTRICT CONCILIA
 
Section 1. Designated Officers
 
The. Executive Board - Executive Officers
 
Members: The Superintendent, the First Vice-Superintendent, the First Secretary, and the Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Board. 
 
B. Executive Board or Executive Presbytery
 
The Executive Board or Executive Presbytery shall be composed of the President (Superintendent), 1st Vice-President (Assistant Superintendent), 2nd Vice-President (2nd Assistant Superintendent), 1st Secretary (Executive Secretary), 2nd Second Secretary, 1st Treasurer Executive), 2nd. Treasurer.
 
W. General Presbyters - General Presbyters 
 
Representatives in the Sessions of the General Presbytery of the General Conference
 
The District Council shall be represented in the General Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God by three ministers, in accordance with the Statutes and Bylaws of the General Conference of the Assemblies of God.
 
d. Regional Presidents - District Presbyters 
 
The Regional President shall be elected in accordance with Article XXXX (of the elections) and shall represent his regional and the District Council in the performance of his duties as provided in the bylaws. 
 
and. Executive Council - District Presbytery
 
The Executive Council shall be composed of the members of the Executive Board or Executive Presbytery, and the Regional Presidents or District Presbyters. 
 
Section 2. Honorary Priests
 
Ministers of high esteem who have served as ordained ministers for twenty-five years or more, and have reached the age of sixty-five, may be chosen as honorary priests.
 
The District Presbytery shall serve as the nominating committee for such honor and shall submit to the consideration of the District Council for due election. Two-thirds of the valid votes are required for the election of the Honorary Presbyter.
 
ARTICLE XI. OF THE LOCAL ASSEMBLIES
 
All true believers who uphold the doctrines and principles espoused by the General Conference of Assemblies of God, joining in local congregations as Assemblies, shall have the right of recognition by the District Council as provided in the bylaws Article X, Session 2, paragraphs a and e B. They should be classified as follows:
 
Section 1. Sovereign Ministries - Responsibilities
 
Local Ministries or Ministerial Churches that have matured sufficiently to accept their full responsibility for maintaining doctrinal order shall be entitled to recognition as provided in Article 10, Session 2, letters A and B (sovereignty) the district council recognizes as churches ministerial bodies, those assemblies implementing congregations as provided in Article 10, Session 2, letters A and B. 
 
These shall be formed under the auspices of the District Presbytery and subject to the District Council in doctrine, conduct, and other matters affecting the peace and harmony of the General Conference. They should have the right to choose their pastors, elect their officers, have their property in the name of their guardians or corporation, discipline their members, and other transactions pertinent to their life as a local church or ministerial church. They should also adopt the membership standard that is consensually adopted by the District Council. They should cooperate with the organization of the District Council in both financial and moral terms.
 
ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
 
In the event that the Brazilian District Council ceases to function for the purposes set forth herein, and / or dissolves, all assets of any kind, after having satisfied the debts and obligations, shall be revoked to the General Council of the Assemblies of GOD, a corporation without established and headquartered in the city of Springfield, Missouri. The General Council of the Assemblies of God will have full authority, freedom and autonomy to give to the aforementioned patrimony the destiny that seems to him well, secondly, the expansion of the work of the Assemblies of God. The transfer of assets to the General Council of Assemblies of God shall be effected within one year after the date of the dissolution of the District Council. If such transfer is not made within the period specified above, or if the General Council of Assemblies of God is not available or otherwise disposed of, such other provision shall be made by the County Court in which the offices of the District Council are situated. 
 
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS 
 
Section 1 - Amendments to the Statutes shall be made at any session of the AGO, ELAD or AGE of the District Council, specially convened for this purpose. 
 
The. The proposed amendment shall have been first submitted to the Executive Board within 180 days of the session of the District Council, which shall refer the Statutory Reform Commission for further analysis of the District Presbytery. 
 
B. The amendment shall receive a majority vote of the District Presbytery or have at least ten signatures of ordained ministers from the District Council to be considered in plenary. 
 
W. The convocation must be made to the district council at least 30 days before the meeting. d. Two-thirds of the votes of all members present and voting shall be necessary for the adoption of the amendment.
 
DISTRICT INTERNAL REGIMENT
 
INTERNAL REGIMENT 
 
ARTICLE I. PARLIAMENTARY ORDER
 
Section 1. Parliamentary Order
 
The work of the District Council shall be governed by parliamentary procedures as set forth in the current edition of the Robert Rules of Order Newly Revised, thereby maintaining the spirit of and love and fellowship. 
 
Section 2. Courtesy in Plenary
 
Visiting ministers from other district councils and others may be received in plenary at the discretion of the chair of the working table and / or plenary approval. 
 
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
 
Section 1. Executive Officers - Executive Board.
 
The Executive Officers of the Brazilian District Council shall be the Superintendent, 1st Deputy Superintendent, 1st Secretary and 1st Treasurer, and except by statutory or bylaw provision, shall be elected at the fourth session of the District General Assembly, in accordance with the statutory provision and regimental. 
 
Section 2. Qualifications
 
The. Executive Officers - Executive Board 
 
All officers shall be selected from among the members of the District Council. They must be ministers who have been ordained or pastors, long experienced, mature and skillful, and who have been members of the Brazilian District Council for at least two consecutive years immediately preceding the election, who are considered to be fully cooperative and irreproachable in all issues of the district council, including the financial one.
 
B. General Presbyters
 
The members of the District for the general presbytery shall consist of: District Superintendent, Secretary and treasurer executives; who shall have the same qualifications as the Executive Board. 
 
W. District Priests
 
All officers shall be selected from among the members of the District Council. They shall be ministers who have been ordained or pastors of mature experience and noted ability, and who have been for at least two consecutive years immediately preceding the election, who are considered to be fully cooperative and irreproachable on all matters of the district council, including financial management.
 
Idem ao. 
 
and. Other Officers of the District Council
 
(1) Young and Adolescent Youth District Director, Youth Assistant Director, and Secretary: See Article XIV, Session 4.
 
(2) Director of Christian Education: See Article XV, Section 3, paragraph a.
 
(3) Director of the Ministry of Gentlemen: See Article XVII, Section 4.
 
(4) Director of the Ministry of Women: See Article XVI, Section 4.
 
(5) Director of the Ministry of Children.
 
(6) Secretariat of Missions: See Article XI, Section 3, paragraph d.
 
(7) Director of the Ministry of the Elderly: See Article XXIII. 
 
f. Other Regional Council Officials
 
The regional vice president, secretary and eventual treasurer, should have the same qualifications as the regional president. 
 
Section 3. Election and Appointments
 
The. ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
(1) - The new board shall be elected by secret ballot. In case there is plate
 
election shall be by acclamation.
 
(2) - The term of office of the Board of Executive Officers shall be for a period of four years without prejudice to re-election.
 
(3) Candidates who have been bound by the Convention for more than two (2) years and who are not involved in matters in dispute with the Convention, their members and churches of the same faith and order may only run for the election of the Board of Directors.
 
(4) The following are ineligible for the offices of the District Council:
 
I. - Affected by disciplinary measures;
 
II. - Absent from the Conventional Assembly;
 
III. - Failures with contributions to the District Council
 
B. Nominations
 
According to ART. V, Sections 1 and 2.
 
Session 4. Duration of Positions
 
The. District Offices
 
The term of office shall be four years for all district executive officers and heads of departments. The term of office shall be four years for the General Presbyters and members of the Executive Committee.
 
B. Executive Priests 
 
The term of office shall be four years for Executive Priest
 
W. Regional President 
 
The term of office shall be four years for the members of the regional council and all Regional Presidents and representatives.
 
d. Effective Date
 
The posting should begin immediately after the election.
 
and. Definition 
 
The "year" of the District Council may be more or less than a normal year of twelve months, depending on the date of the General Assembly of the Council established by the District Presbytery. 
 
Session 5. Vacancies
 
The. Regional President 
 
In case of vacancy of the regional presidency, the new president shall be elected by secret ballot at a Regional Council meeting (presiding pastors) previously convened and directed by the Presiding Board or representatives. The convocation of the Board of Directors for the new election shall be no later than ninety days from the said vacancy.
 
Candidates must necessarily be members of said Regional Council, in compliance with their obligations established in Article II of our Bylaws. The election shall be by secret ballot. The candidate who obtains the largest number of votes, which shall not be less than one-third of the valid votes, shall be elected. The President-elect shall serve for the remainder of the vacancy.
 
B. Regional Departments
 
In case of vacancy of any other regional position, the vacancy shall be filled in a special section of the Regional Council for the purpose of the succession. 
 
W. Regional Officials
 
In case of vacancy of the vice-presidency, secretariat and / or treasury, the Regional Board of Directors shall call a new election within a maximum period of ninety days from the said vacancy.
 
Candidates must necessarily be members of said Regional Council, in compliance with their obligations established in Article II of our Bylaws. The election shall be by secret ballot. The candidate who obtains the largest number of votes, which shall not be less than one-third of the valid votes, shall be elected. The elected candidate shall serve for the remainder of the vacancy.
 
ARTICLE III. OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Section 1. Superintendent
 
The. He shall preside over all sessions of the District Council, of the District Presbytery, and shall receive all communications addressed to them.
 
B. He must be the director of the offices of the District Council and oversee the work of the district council during the term of office, as well as supervise the entire staff of the offices and delegate their responsibilities.
 
W. You must serve as the chairman of the district council corporation for all legal matters.
 
d. He shall have oversight of all the work of the District Council and shall apply discipline in all cases when such deliberation is required by the Executive Presbytery.
 
and. He shall oversee all departments of the District Council, the Youth Ministry, the Director of the Ministry of Women, the Director of the Ministry of Gentlemen, the Department of Missions, the Finance Department, etc., and in conjunction with department leaders, coordinate plans and promote all District operations.
 
f. He shall serve as a General and Executive Presbyter by the authority of his office and shall represent the District Council in all sessions of the General Conference and the General Presbytery.
 
g. It shall administer the emergency funds of the District Council to the member ministers in accordance with the regulations.
 
H. He shall be the chairman of the Executive Committee and Executive Presbytery, the District Presbytery, and the Regional Councils of the District Council, and, at his discretion, preside over all of its meetings.
 
i. Must be the Executive Editor of all departmental publications of the District Council.
 
j. He shall perform any other customary and customary function of the presiding officer, or as designated by the District Presbytery or District Council.
 
k. It must be an ex-officio member of all committees and committees. 
 
Section 2. First Vice President - Assistant Superintendent 
 
The. The District Superintendent must attend
 
B. Must assume all Superintendent's duties in the event of abstinence or disability of Superintendent.
 
W. He shall assist the Superintendent in supervising the work in the field, and perform any other function under the supervision of the Superintendent of the District Council, or in accordance with the direction of the District Presbytery or the District Council.
 
d. He shall act as deputy superintendent of the corporation of the District Council in all legal matters. 
 
and. He must be a member of the Executive Committee and the Executive Presbytery of the District Presbytery.
 
f. It should serve in the editorial group of the official publications of the District Council. 
 
g. It must be an ex-officio member of all committees.
 
H. You should have the privilege of attending all or some meetings of the Regional Councils.
 
Section 3. District Secretary
 
The. It shall draw up and keep the reports and minutes of the proceedings and meetings of the District Council and shall publish them after approval and guidance by the Executive Committee.
 
B. You should attend the Superintendent of the District Council in the work of the council.
 
W. He shall have under his responsibility and custody in the archives of the District Council the register of all ministers and churches affiliated to the District Council, available for consultation with the officers of the Executive Committee. 
 
d. He shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Executive Committee, the Executive Presbytery, and the District Presbytery.
 
and. He shall act as secretary of the corporation of the District Council in all legal matters. 
 
f. He must be a member of the Executive Committee and the Executive Presbytery of the District Presbytery.
 
g. Must perform other functions of the secretariat under the supervision of the District Superintendent, or in accordance with the guidance of the Executive Committee and the Executive Presbytery. 
 
H. It should serve in the management of the editorial of the official publications of the Council 
 
i. It must be an ex-officio member of all committees.
 
j. You must make all necessary arrangements for the new district directory to be sent to affiliated ministers within ninety days of the closing date of each District Assembly.
 
k. You should take the necessary steps to send the directory to the ministers within 90 days after the end of each annual district council.
 
Section 4. District Treasurer
 
The. He must have custody of the District Council funds.
 
B. He must ensure accurate reports of the receipts and disbursements of the funds of the District Council and his departments, and must conduct the work of the treasury according to the methods approved in the business. 
 
W. It must present to the Executive Committee every four months and annually to the District Assembly the Financial Report for proper approval.
 
d. The books of the Finance Department shall be completed and duly audited at the end of each district year by the Audit Committee. 
 
and. Must perform other functions of the secretariat under the supervision of the District Superintendent, or in accordance with the guidance of the Executive Committee and the Executive Presbytery. 
 
f. He must be a member of the Executive Committee and the Executive Presbytery of the District Presbytery.
 
g. It must be an ex-officio member of all committees.
 
Section 5. Executive Officers 
 
The. They should serve as trustees Brazilian District Council. They will have authority to oversee and adjust all departments. They shall have general oversight of the activities and departments of the District Council during the interim between the Assemblies of the District Council, unless the District Council shall provide in a different manner. They shall respond to the Institution in all matters affecting their interest in the inter-conventional period. They shall have authority to endorse the applications of the candidates for Specialized Minister, Certified Minister, Licensee and Ordinances to the Executive Presbytery of the General Conference. 
 
B. They shall have the right and duty to interpret norms, strategies and other rules and procedures originated by the statutes and by-laws of the Executive Presbytery, the District Presbytery and the District Council. Such an interpretation shall be final unless reversed by the body which has given rise to such a proceeding.
 
W. They should have the right to buy, take, rent / lease, or acquire, own, hold custodians, or have custody, use, agree, finance, rent or lease to others, or otherwise provide real estate, personal and mixed , tangible and intangible assets of any kind, deed, financing, debentures and notes; to make contracts, whatever is normal and appropriate to the work of the District Council provided that such transactions are approved and authorized in accordance with what is established in Art X, section 1, paragraph b. 
 
d. They should have in their custody such funds as are conferred upon them by the faithful custodians, or dispose of them as directed. 
 
f. All properties of the corporation shall be purchased, received, guarded, sold, transferred, financed, leased, assumed or covenanted, duly authorized in the name of the corporation by the Executive Officers, as trustees therefore, and the President (superintendent), secretary and the treasurer shall be authorized, as they are hereby authorized, to execute and sign all documents relevant to such transaction duly approved according to what is stated in the statute. Article X, Section 1, paragraph b.
 
g. In matters of great importance, Executive Officers should consult the Executive Presbytery, which in turn may consult the District Presbytery. 
 
H. Executive Officers shall, at their discretion, convene a meeting of the District Presbytery when they deem it prudent. 
 
Section 5. General Presbyters
 
The. They shall be members of the Executive Committee, the Executive Presbytery and the District Presbytery and shall be present at all meetings of the District Presbytery. 
 
B. They shall represent the District Council at all meetings 
 
W. They shall assist the District Superintendent in all ways to promote harmony, fellowship and development of the district program.
 
Section 6. District Executive Presbytery (Board of Trustees)
 
The District Executive Presbytery shall interpret and facilitate the decisions of the District Presbytery, and assist the District Executive Committee, Leaders of District Departments, and Sectional Presbyters (Regional Presidents)
 
Section 7. District Presbytery 
 
The. District Presbytery 
 
The District Presbytery shall serve as the Court of Appeal, and its decision shall be fine; unless changed by the District Council, or greater appeal shall be to the Executive Presbytery of the General Conference. A majority present at any District Presbytery meeting shall constitute a quorum. In the event that the Sectional Presbyter (Regional President) can not attend the meeting of the District Presbytery, the Assistant Regional Presbyter (Regional Vice-President) shall represent the Regional Council (Section) and shall be given the privilege and right to discuss the issues at stake as well as the right to vote.
 
B. Sectional Presbyter - Regional President
 
The Sectional Presbyter - Regional President shall be the leader of all sectional functions (Regional Council) in the respective section. Any pastor or church, wishing to alert and / or assist, shall appeal to the Section Priest who shall investigate and, if possible, bring the case to an adjustment. In case the Priest can not solve the problem satisfactorily, it should be referred to the District Superintendent and, if necessary, to the District Presbytery for a final disposition. 
 
ARTICLE IV. Regional Councils 
 
Section 1. Purpose
 
The District Council is divided into Regional Councils. They should promote the activities of the departments of the District Council, provide opportunity for communion and ministerial interaction, and promote fellowship among the churches of the Regional Council.
 
Section 2. Scope
 
The Regional Councils are located in the following regions: 
 
a) Middle Atlantic
 
b) New England
 
c) West
 
d) Center
 
e) Southeast
 
ARTICLE V. Committees
 
Section 1. Permanent Committees
 
Standing Committees should be established and appointed as required by the need. They shall be appointed by the Superintendent of the District Council upon ratification of the District Presbytery, with a term of four years beginning immediately after the ordinary general assembly (district council) biennially in the year of the election of the elders. Commissions deemed necessary in the future will be included.
 
Section 2. Provisional Committees
 
Provisional Commissions may be created by the District Council in session, or by the Executive Presbytery in the inter-sessional period, as necessary. They shall be appointed by the Superintendent of the District Council with the ratification of the Executive Presbytery.
 
ARTICLE VI. THE MINISTRY
 
Section 1. Description of Ministry
 
Christ's gifts to the Church include Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Masters (Eph 4:11), to exhort, administer, lead, and serve (Rom. 12: 7-8). We understand that God's call to these Gifts Ministerials are wholly within His sovereign discretion regardless of race, disability or nationality. In terms of Ministry maturity, three classifications are recognized, Certified Minister, Licensed Minister / Specialized Minister and Ministered Minister. Someone applying for ministerial recognition must bear witness to having experienced the new birth (John 3: 5), to have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2: 4 and to be faithful tithes. A life filled with the Holy Spirit enables one to fulfill the threefold mission of the Church. (Article V, paragraph 11 of the Statutes of the General Conference).
 
Section 2. Qualifications 
 
The. General Qualifications 
 
(1) The qualifications for ordination of ministers are outlined in the New Testament, I Tim. 3: 1-7; Tt 1: 7-9.
 
(2) Qualifications for licensing ministers should be two categories.
 
(a) Ministry of Preaching the Word 
 
FIRST: Clear evidence of a divine call, practical experience in preaching the gospel.
 
They shall preach at least fifteen times a year except in the case of infirmity. 
 
SECOND: Compliance with the requirements for candidates for the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God regarding intellectual formation (Middle Level Theology Course), readings and other training (lectures, seminars, etc.)
 
(b) Specialized Ministry 
 
An obvious purpose for someone to devote their time to a Specialized Ministry such as Christian Education, Youth, Music, or another full-time ministry. The same requirements as in Art. VI, Section 1 should be applied.
 
(3) Efficient Cooperators in the gospel who devote part of their time to the Christian Service may eventually be recognized as Certified Ministers. They must preach the gospel at least twelve times a year, except in the impossibility for reasons of infirmity or those involved in other aspects of intergral time ministry. 
 
B. Specific Qualifications 
 
(l) To qualify for Ordination, the candidate must have:
 
(a) Attained the age of at least 23 years.
 
(b) Be a Licensed Minister for at least two years.
 
(c) Completed satisfactorily the courses for the ministerial diploma, or completed the prescribed ministerial studies of Berean College and / or JW Bible College scheduled for ordination or its equivalent of ministerial studies in a Bible College recognized by the Brazilian District Council.
 
(d) Have maintained the practice of an "active" ministry.
 
(e) Have received a favorable opinion from the Regional
 
(f) Have received (assent) approval from the Accreditation Committee.
 
(g) If licensed by a district council other than the Brazilian District Council, the candidate must have been a member of the council for at least two years, and fulfill the required requirements.
 
(2) In order to qualify for Licensee, the applicant must have:
 
(a) Evidence of a divine call.
 
(b) To be Minister Certified for at least two years.
 
(b) Has maintained the practice of an "active" ministry.
 
(c) Intention to devote full time to ministry
 
(d) Have completed at least a minimum of the courses for the ministerial diploma, or completed prescribed ministerial studies of Berean College and / or JW Bible College scheduled for licensure or its equivalent of ministerial studies in a Bible College recognized by the Brazilian District Council. 
 
(e) Have received a favorable opinion from the Regional
 
(f) Have received a favorable opinion from the Accreditation Committee
 
(g) Qualifications in accordance with those of the Certified Minister.
 
(3) In order to qualify as a Certified Minister, the candidate must have:
 
(a) Have been saved at least two years prior to consecration
 
(b) Have been an active member of the Assemblies of God for at least (two)
 
years. 
 
(c) Have shown evidence of divine calling.
 
(d) Have demonstrated a reasonable ability for a 
 
successful. (I Tm 3 ...)
 
(e) Have completed at least the minimum prescribed courses of Berean College and / or JW Bible College scheduled for accrediting studies at a Bible Institute recognized by the Brazilian District Council. 
 
(f) Be at least 18 years of age.
 
(g) has been approved by the Regional
 
(h) Have a favorable opinion from the Accreditation Committee
 
(4) In order to qualify as Specialized Minister, the candidate must have:
 
Completed the Berean College and / or JW Bible College program of study for Specialized Ministries including elective subjects or equivalent. 
 
**** Section 3. Application for Ministerial Recognition 
 
The. Procedure
 
The procedures should follow the following order:
 
(a) Applicants shall be examined by the local church ministry which shall forward the assent to the Regional Council. 
 
(b) The Regional Council is responsible for bringing together the applicant's personal documents, applications and forms duly completed and signed by the candidate and the spouse, and forwarding them to the District Accreditation Committee 
 
(c) The District Accreditation Committee, after verifying and analyzing the documents and issuing its opinion, shall forward the final opinion to the Board of Directors. 
 
(d) The consecrations must be made at the conventional meetings except by deliberation of the Board of Directors.
 
(e) Ministers from CGADB, duly registered at SENAMI, will be automatically / recognized. 
 
B. Ministers of other Organizations
 
If a minister of another reputable denomination wishes to join the Assemblies of God, a letter of recommendation should accompany the relevant applications. However, the Accreditation Committee is not obliged to issue a favorable opinion regarding its previous ministerial status, it will judge in the meantime in the light of the criteria established by the Assemblies of God. No minister may carry credentials of the Assemblies of God and another denomination simultaneously. 
 
W. From Ministers from Other Districts
 
Due to the cultural characteristics of the Brazilian District Council, the Credentials Committee and / or the Presb Distr Exec, are not obliged to accept applications from ministers from other district councils, but will judge each candidate according to their merit in the light of the criteria of the Assemblies of God. 
 
Section 4. Renewal 
 
All credentials expire annually and renewals of these are subject to the approval of the Accreditation Committee under the following conditions.
 
To qualify for renewal, the Ordained Minister must:
 
The. Ordered
 
(1) Submit to the District Secretary a complete request for renewal found on the forms provided for this purpose. 
 
Be a minister in active (check below the paragraph "and" for the definition of "active") 
 
B. Licensed / Licensed Specialist 
 
To qualify for renewal, the licensed minister must:
 
(1) Maintain an "active" ministry. (see paragraph "e" below).
 
(2) Submit to the District Secretary an application for renewal found on the forms provided for this purpose. 
 
(3) Meet with the Regional Commission on a date designated prior to the Regional Council or send a written report in the description of the Regional Commission, before the commission meets. Cases that present problems will be referred to by the Regional Commission for the Presbytery. 
 
W. Certified Minister
 
To qualify for renewal, the Certified Minister must:
 
(1) Have preached at least twelve times during the year, except in cases of health problems or infirmities, in any Ministry of the Assemblies of God. 
 
(2) Submit to the District Secretary an application for renewal found on the forms provided for this purpose.
 
(3) Meet with the Regional Commission on a date designated prior to the Regional Council or send a written report as described by the Regional Commission, before the commission meets. Cases that present problems will be referred to by the Regional Commission for the District Presbytery.
 
d. Ministerial support
 
Each ministry should contribute to the Administration of the Brazilian District Council, with US $ 1.00 per day. (Observe the General Regulation of the Council, Article VII, Section 8, paragraph c for special provisions for missionaries). Affiliated churches should contribute with an offer in accordance with General Council procedures.
 
and. Ministerial Status
 
(1) Ministers "Active"
 
(a) Ordered 
 
All ministers who will withdraw from ministerial activities for a period of one year or more shall notify the District Office, which shall inform the Secretary General. They will be authorized to remove the names of such persons and place them on the inactive list. Ministers who preach less than fifteen times a year should have their names on the inactive list for one year. If such inactivity continues for a second year, their names should be removed from the ministerial list. This should not apply to those who inactivity occurs because of health problems, or those who are fully engaged in other aspects of the ministry, or those who have reached the age of sixty, or those ministers who have worked twenty-five years and had their ministry approved as ordained minister in the Assembly of God, regardless of age. You must at any time return the minister inactive, your name may be restored to the active list under application necessitating the endorsement of the District Official.
 
(b) Licensed
 
Such ministers should preach at least fifteen times a year. 
 
(c) Specialized License 
 
Such ministers should be involved in a recognized ministry.
 
(d) Certified Ministers 
 
They should preach at least twelve times a year.
 
(2) Ministry "Inactive"
 
Ministry inactive means that the minister does not preach during the year the number of times required. The name of such minister shall be placed on the list of "inactive" for one year, unless the minister is sick or incapacitated.
 
(3) Senior Ministers 
 
In respect and honor to those ministers who have given years of service to the Ministry, senior status will automatically be given to all credential holders who have attained the age of sixty-five, whether they continue in ministry altogether or not. 
 
(a) Terminology
 
1. The senior-active Term shall be used for credential holders who continue to serve in the ministry in full or three-fourths full-time. 
 
(b) Guidelines
 
1- Financial Responsibilities of Senior Retired Ministers. Senior Retired Ministers are free to distribute as they please their portions of tithes previously paid to the District Council.
 
2 - Reports. Active senior ministers and senior semi-retired ministers should continue filing their annual reports and pay the District and General Council a portion of their tithes regularly. Senior retired ministers should file an abbreviated report keeping the address correct for correspondence and insurance purposes. 
 
Section 5. Promotion
 
The. Ordering
 
(1) The Ordinance Recommendation should originate with the Regional Commission at the annual interview for the renewal of the credential and be approved by the Executive Committee in time for the Presbytery in January. 
 
(2) All applications must be known prior to regional interviews.
 
(3) The Council of the Executive General Presbytery constitutes the Accreditation Committee of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and has the authority to recognize as approved the ordained ministers who are nominated and recommended for the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Commission by the Brazilian District Council.
 
B. Licensed
 
(1) Promotion for License can be reviewed by the District Executive Committee and the Regional Commission in the annual renewal of the credential when certified ministers are interviewed. They must hold the credential of ministers certified for one year prior to a promotion to Licensee.
 
(2) The recommendations of the interview committee on renewal of credentials should be reviewed by the Accreditation Committee at the next scheduled meeting. The Accreditation Committee will give you a final decision on what you are applying. 
 
(3) All applications must be known prior to regional interviews. 
 
Section 6. Certificates Ministry
 
The Ministry Certificates of all ministers expire on 31 December of each year. 
 
Section 7. Reinstatement of Credentials.
 
Ministers whose credentials have been lost as a result of non-renewal must complete a credential reinstatement form.
 
Those ministers who have withdrawn their credentials without having filed complaints against them will be reviewed for a possible credential restoration when they complete the reinstatement form, and with the approval of their Regional Commission, may be required to meet with the District Presbytery for consideration.
 
Those ministers who have withdrawn for doctrinal or practical reasons inconsistent with the principles of the Assemblies of God, or those who have been under discipline but who qualify for reinstatement of credentials in accordance with the minimum time required by the General Council, both categories of ministers shall follow the procedures determined by the District of Regulations, Article VI, Section 3, paragraph a.
 
Section 8. Ministerial Relations 
 
Representation of our Distinguished Pentecostal Witness:
 
The ministers of the Assemblies of God are expected to correctly and properly represent our Distinguished Pentecostal Witness in teaching, practice, and personal conduct. 
 
All accredited ministers are to be submissive, to the District Council and to the General Council of Assemblies of God in what respects doctrine and conduct. 
 
The. District Affiliation
 
All accredited ministers shall affiliate with the District Council within the confines of where they reside, and work in co-operation with the District Council. In cases where the minister resides in one region but pastors a church located in another, the minister must request to be a member of the region where the church he pastures is located. Ministers should cooperate with the other District Councils in which they may work temporarily. 
 
B. Downloads
 
When a minister obtains a residence in another region, a transfer certificate shall be issued within six days by the District of which he is a member, unless fees are outstanding. The transfer certificate must be accepted by the region in which he moves. Exceptions may be made to ministers who move to serve at the Assemblies of God headquarters for those who are appointed as missionaries retaining membership in their original districts, to ministers having membership in another District and an address in another District only, to students in schools outside their original District, for those who are deployed churches involved in cross-district ministry, or for those who serve an institution that is not an Assembly of God that proves:
 
(a) Have a regular ministerial reach that reaches beyond district boundaries.
 
(b) Both districts agree to exception.
 
(c) The institution is acceptable to both districts.
 
In order to assist ministers transferring to another district, a transcript giving useful information concerning them and their spouses must accompany the transfer certificate.
 
W. Address change
 
Every minister shall keep the District Office informed of his present address. When a change of address occurs, the District Secretary shall be notified of the change of address by mail. 
 
d. Ministers who leave congregations 
 
It is advised that no pastor or evangelist of the District Council leave an unprotected church without a pastor to guide its destination. The pastor or evangelist first communicate Regional Presbytery and follow the instructions received. It is advised that if a congregation becomes available, a minister who is not a member of the council, will not be recommended to the church, nor will an inexperienced minister be left in charge of an assembly, nor a layman, except upon the approval of the Superintendent of District.
 
and. Adherence to other Doctrines 
 
A person who has a stated change in doctrinal opinions that is inconsistent with our Statement of Fundamental Truths is no longer eligible for endorsement as a minister of the Assemblies of God. The General Council also declared itself disapproving of the doctrinal ramblings as outlined in the Regulation District Article XXVIII.
 
Section 9. Privileged Communications
 
Ministers of the Assemblies of God are encouraged to respect as sacred and confidential information entrusted to them while performing their ministerial capacities as spiritual counselors and are encouraged not to disclose such confidential information except with the permission of the confidant. 
 
Article VII. subject
 
Section 1. District Action
 
The. The Nature and Purposes of Discipline
 
Discipline is an exercise in Biblical authority for which the church is responsible.
 
The objectives of the discipline are that God be honored, that the purity and well-being of the ministry be kept, and that those who are under discipline be brought to repentance and restoration. 
 
The Discipline is to be administered for the restoration of the minister while completely providing for the protection of the spiritual welfare of our local churches. It is to be redemptive in nature as well as corrective, and is to be exercised under the dispensation of grace.
 
B. The Relationship between the District Council and the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee of the General Conference.
 
The Executive Presbytery of the General Conference is the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee of the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God (General Council Statute Article X, Sections 4 and 6). He should have ultimate authority in matters of doctrine and personal conduct of all ministers. The actions of the District Council relating to the suspension of credentials or discipline for recovery and rehabilitation shall be made in the form of a recommendation to the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee of the General Conference.
 
W. Disciplinary Acts and their causes
 
Violations of the principles of the Assemblies of God as set forth in this Constitution and Regulations may result in disciplinary actions by the Accreditation, Ethics, and Disciplinary Commission.
 
Are they: 
 
(1) Any moral failure involving sexual misconduct.
 
(2) Any ethical failure beyond sexual misconduct.
 
(3) General inefficiency in ministry.
 
(4) Failure to properly represent our Pentecostal Witness.
 
(5) Rebellion - contentious and non-cooperative spirit.
 
(6) Abuse of Authority. 
 
(7) An arbitrary rejection of the District Council.
 
(8) A stated change of doctrinal view. 
 
(9) Habit to be in debt, which brings bad repercussion of the gospel. 
 
(10) Marriage in violation of our marriage and divorce standards. (To observe General Council of Regulation Article VIII, Section 1)
 
(11) Breach of Ministerial Courtesy. (See Article XXVIII, Section 1, paragraph g).
 
(12) Ministry without prior approval in a Church not belonging to the Assemblies of God. (See Article VIII, Section 1, paragraph h).
 
(13) Manifestation or supportive behavior directed at those who are removed from the council. (See Article XXVIII, Section 1, paragraph i).
 
d. The right of initiative
 
(1) Authority. 
 
Sometimes occasions arise that it is necessary to deal with ministers who, for some reason, seem to have reached a state where, in the church's view, there is no such ministers, a condition for continuing to work. The General Conference Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Commission, which has the authority to ordain and recommend ministers, also has the authority to withdraw its approval and recommend the collection of credentials. 
 
(2) District Affiliation Liability 
 
If the District, in which an alleged offense is recorded, for some reason, fails to take the necessary action within the period provided for in Article VII Section 1, item d, item 3, the General Conference Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee it shall submit to a new District Council, to which the minister may join, the matter together with the facts and instruments of support. 
 
(3) Deadline for Presentation of Disciplinary Measure
 
After registering the offense, the District Council will have a maximum deadline of 180 days to present the necessary disciplinary measures to the CCED of the General Cincílio, observing the procedural steps. 
 
and. Investigation of reports or complaints of alleged infractions or confession of infractions of the Principles of the Assemblies of God. 
 
(1) Within the Districts of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
 
Reports or complaints of alleged violations of the principles of the Assemblies of God (Article IX, paragraph a) or confessions made by a minister shall be investigated. When an alleged offense is reported, it is the judgment of the District Superintendent to personally investigate the report or appoint a representative and / or commission to conduct the investigation to determine the source, truthfulness, and validity. It is the responsibility of the District Superintendent to safeguard the Church, the minister, the District, and the Ministry. In the event that such reports or complaints against the Minister are filed with the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee of the General Conference, the General Conference shall address the District Council in which the offense occurred for the investigation.A copy should be sent to the District Council whose minister is affiliated. 
 
(a) Interview with the accusers. 
 
The persons involved should be interviewed for the purpose of ascertaining the facts of the case and the underlying reasons that persist in the reports or complaints. 
 
(b) Interview with the accused minister. 
 
The accused minister should be given an opportunity to be interviewed to discuss the complaints received in the hope that the situation can be resolved. 
 
(c) Signed complaints. 
 
In the case of a required investigation, the signed complaints must be filed with the District Office by the complainants, describing the alleged violations. 
 
(d) Conditions for the Ministry during the investigation. 
 
The condition to continue ministering may be subject to restraint during the investigation period in accordance with the appropriate discernment of District Council officers based on the evidence in hand and the nature of the alleged infraction. Such conditions are subject to review at three-month intervals until the investigation has been completed resulting in the acquittal of the accused person or the continuation of the proceedings in progress.
 
(2) Outside the United States
 
(a) In the event of alleged misconduct outside the United States, the provisions of Art. VII, Section 1, Paragraphs "d" and "item 1" shall apply to the District Council. 
 
(b) The investigation shall be conducted in cooperation with the Convention to which the Minister is affiliated in that country.
 
f. Preparation and Formalization of Accusations.
 
If it is determined after the investigation that the charges are to be formalized, appropriate charges must be prepared and filed with the District Council Office. If the accusers do not appear to sign the charges, District Council officers can formalize them based on the evidence in their possession. The person who received the indictment shall be informed in writing in certified correspondence in accordance with Article VII, Section 1, paragraph c. 
 
g. District Hearings and Discipline.
 
(1) District Hearings
 
In the event that the reports or accusations can not be treated in particular to the satisfaction of all concerned, the District Council Superintendent in whose District the accused allegedly occurred, or the Superintendent of the District Council whose minister is affiliated, shall arrange for the accused minister a hearing by the Commission on Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline. The Minister will be obliged to attend this event in the hope that the matter can be resolved.
 
(2) Suspension of the Rights of the Defendant.
 
The hearing will not be considered as final disposition of the case until the accused is present and communicated of all their rights and privileges guaranteed. However, the accused member may be found guilty of all charges and disciplined if he refuses to appear at the hearing, or if evidence of intentional negligence on the part of the accused is found wanting to take advantage of his or her rights and privileges. 
 
(3) Discipline
 
(a) Causes for Discipline. A minister who has been found guilty of violating any of the principles of the Assemblies of God outlined in Article VII, Section 1, paragraph c, whether by confession of the minister concerned or by deliberation of the District Presbytery, shall be subject to disciplinary action. 
 
(b) (Determination) of the Discipline. It will be the responsibility of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee to suggest to the Executive Board whether the merit of the circumstance of the case is rehabilitation or withdrawal. The Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee shall take into account: (a) the basis of the offense per se, (b) the manner and fruit of repentance, (c) the offending minister's attitude toward discipline, (d) expressed a desire to cooperate.
 
(c) Administering Discipline. If the District Presbytery determines that guilt has been established, discipline shall be administered with prayer and in fear of God, according to the Scriptures, Statutes, and Internal Rules of this ecclesiastical body. (Regulations Article VII, Section 1, paragraph a).
 
(4) Return of Credentials
 
Disciplined ministers must return their ministerial and convention credentials to the District Office. In case of rehabilitation, the credentials must remain in the District Office. In case of dismissal, the credentials should be forwarded to the Secretary General of the General Council of Assemblies of God. Refusal to return the ministerial and / or conventional credentials may result in additional charges against the minister. 
 
(h) Rehabilitation
 
Recognizing that the fundamental principle involved in discipline is to redeem, and that the person's consciousness often brings the person's mind to judgment and confession, and that justice can sometimes be better served with misercord, effort must be made to guide the minister of offender, through a path of rehabilitation, administered with brotherly love and kindness. The following provisions for rehabilitation shall apply:
 
(1) Base. Those who have violated any of the principles of the Assemblies of God (Article VII) may require a rehabilitation program rather than a disengagement. The granting of such a request must be guaranteed by the board of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee.
 
(2) Period of time. The rehabilitation program shall continue for at least one year, except where the violation involves misconduct defined in (Article VII), which in this case shall continue for at least two years. 
 
(3) Procedures and requirements. The specific terms and conditions of the rehabilitation program, recommended by the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee, are to be passed on to the General Accreditation Council for approval. After this approval, these must be delivered to the minister.
 
1. Suspension. The minister should consider being suspended throughout the rehabilitation period.
 
2. The Ministry Extension. The extent to which ministry will be allowed, if any, to be determined by the District Presbytery, subject to approval by the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee. Certain offenses may not require complete disruption of ministry activities, but some restrictions or limitations may be required.
 
3. District Membership. The minister will not be allowed to transfer his membership to another district during the period of his rehabilitation.
 
4. Publication. While the minister's credentials are suspended, his name will not be removed from the ministerial list, nor will his disciplinary status be revealed in the official publications of the General Council or the District Council. 
 
5. Credential Renewal. They will renew their credentials annually on a regular basis. 
 
6. Supervision. In the event of their ministerial activities, these have been completed the minister must be established in a local church working under the supervision of a Pastor or Priest. 
 
7. Reports. The Minister shall submit reports every four months to the District Superintendent.
 
8. Ministerial Benefits. During the rehabilitation program the minister should remain eligible for benefits such as the Ministers' Insurance and Minority Benefit Association. 
 
9. Program Administration. Those approved in the rehabilitation program shall be administered by the District Presbytery. 
 
(b) District Development Reports. The Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee shall submit to the General Accreditation Council on the first day of February and on the first day of August of each year a development report on the rehabilitation of ministers under discipline.
 
(c) Compliance with Rehabilitation. When the rehabilitation program is satisfactorily completed, its suspension will be closed and the minister restored to his position.
 
(d) Information Transfers. The Rehabilitation Form for District use, prepared and distributed by the Secretary General, shall be completed by the District in whose rehabilitation occurred when the rehabilitated minister requires the transfer to another district. The completed form must accompany the Transfer Certificate to the other District. A disciplined minister shall, as a condition of entering the rehabilitation program, sign a Limited Confession Agreement approved by the General Presbytery, allowing the basis of the rehabilitation program to be disclosed by the District Superintendent or the District Secretary of the transferred District. The information shall be preserved for future reference in the records of the District in which rehabilitation occurred and the General Council. (General Council Regulations Article X,Section 8, paragraph c, number 4). 
 
(4) Eligibility under Special Circumstances.
 
(a) Previous Rehabilitation. In the event that a minister has previously completed the rehabilitation program, and is again found to be in violation of the principles of the Assemblies of God, the District Presbytery shall first obtain permission from the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee before recommending the second rehabilitation program, as prescribed in Section 1, paragraph h, of this article. 
 
(b) Previous Waiver. In the case of a retired minister requesting restoration, the District Presbytery shall first obtain permission from the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee before submitting to an appropriate rehabilitation program as prescribed in the General Council of Arctic Regulations X, Section 8. minister shall not be eligible for restoration of his or her status until the requirements for rehabilitation are complete. Consideration may also be given to the minister if, in the opinion of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee, the minister has satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements for recovery and rehabilitation.
 
i. Reference for Action for the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee.
 
(1) District Recommendations.
 
(a) Rehabilitation. When a minister is to be placed in a rehabilitation program in accordance with Article X, Section 8 of the General Council Regulations, the Presbyterian District shall submit to the Accrediting, Ethics, and Discipline Committee specific accusations and recommended terms for rehabilitation. The Presbyterian District shall inform the minister concerned of the District action and, where applicable, the superintendent of the district in which the minister is affiliated.
 
(b) Shutdown. When a minister has been found guilty of violating any of the principles of the Assemblies of God as outlined in Article VII, Section 1, paragraph c, and it is determined that rehabilitation is not practicable, the minister's credentials are to be canceled upon termination . , the Presbyterian District shall forward to the Accrediting, Ethics, and Discipline Committee specific accusations and recommendations for termination. The District Presbytery shall inform the involved district minister of the actions of the District and where applicable, the superintendent of the district in which the minister is affiliated.
 
(2) Actions of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee.
 
The Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee shall consider the Presbyterian District recommendation and shall agree that the District judgment was warranted in the action taken. If the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee does not agree, the case may be reassessed along with the pertinent recommendations, back to the Presbytery District for review and reconsideration. The Presbyterian District shall report the results of the relevant recommendations to the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee for final disposition. 
 
(3) General Council to Preserve Information.,
 
All pertinent information regarding actions taken against a minister should be preserved for future reference at the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee office.
 
(4) Final Provision
 
The Secretary General shall notify the final disposition of the case, the minister and the district concerned.
 
j. Right of Appeal
 
(1) Filing the appeal to the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee.
 
The right to appeal applies to all disciplinary actions and termination of credentials, in addition to resignation in the minister's initiative. An accused minister must have thirty days from the date the notification of the decision of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee was sent by post to make the appeal to the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee. The Minister shall be formally notified of this right upon receipt of notification of the decision of the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee. The appeal is to be sent to the Office of the Superintendent General and shall include any information or information that exempts you from any fault not previously considered, with copies sent to the District Superintendent that the minister is affiliated with and to any other district involved. 
 
(2) Consideration of the Appeal by the Accreditation, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee
 
The Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee may respond to the appeal in one of the following ways: 
 
(a) Resignation of the Case for the District.
 
If there is an unfairness in the judgment of the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee, the case shall be referred back to the Presbytery District for review, and shall receive the final conclusion by the Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee.
 
(b) Denial of Appeal.
 
(1) Right of Appeal.
 
No appeal shall be warranted by referral of the case to the Presbyterian District if intentional evidence of negligence is found on the part of the accused to obtain the benefit of available rights and privileges during the district hearing. (see General Council Regulations, Article X, Sections 5-7).
 
(2) Insufficiency of Evidence. 
 
The Accreditation, Ethics, and Discipline Committee shall have the prerogative to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to warrant an appeal, and to refer the case back to the District.
 
(3) Right of Appeal to the General Presbytery
 
A disciplined minister whose appeal has been denied by the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Commission may appeal to the General Presbytery. An accused minister must have thirty days from the date of notification of the decision taken by the Commission on Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline, sent by mail. The appeal must be sent to the Office of the Superintendent General and must include some information or information that exempts you from guilt that was not previously considered, with copies sent to the superintendent of the District whose affiliate is a minister and any other district involved. The decision of the General Presbytery will be the final one.
 
k. Restoration 
 
(1) A disciplined minister shall have the right to apply for reinstatement of his or her credential, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Article VI, Section 7. These guidelines shall be applied for disciplinary actions taken by the Accreditation, Ethics and Disciplinary Commission or by the Presbyterate General. 
 
(2) A minister shall not consider having exhausted remedial remedies provided by the constitution and by the regulations of this ecclesiastical body until such time as restitution application has been made by the official District and by the Accrediting, Ethics, and Disciplinary Commission.
 
(3) No District action publication shall be made until such action is taken with the authorization given by the Accreditation, Ethics and Discipline Committee. 
 
ARTICLE VIII. MINISTRY RESTRICTIONS
 
Section 1. Membership
 
a- There are at this time among Christian people those who came to be in confusion in their marriage relationships in their old life of sin and who do not see how their problems can be solved. We recommend that these people be received as members in local churches and that their marital involvement be left in the hands of the Lord. (I Corinthians 7: 17,20,24).
 
b- We recommend that in any of these cases people be accepted as recognized members when they know that they are living in the state of marriage.
 
Section 2. Ministerial Credentials
 
The. We reprove of any married minister in the Assemblies of God holding credential, if this minister or wife had precedence a free union. (See also Council Bylaw General Article [X, Section 5 e]). 
 
B. The Executive Presbytery shall have the authority to determine whether the applicant's annulment of a subsequent marriage is in accordance with the position of the congregation's deed concerning the permis- sion or maintenance of the ministerial credential; or, in the case of a divorce or dissolution, whatever the circumstances, it will be more appropriate to classify as an application for annulment. The applicant must be accompanied by clear and satisfactory evidence of an illegal marriage through deception or fraud. Recourse to the request of the Executive Presbytery can be made to the General Presbytery.
 
Section 5. Restrictions on Marriage Ceremonies 
 
According to the law of some specific states, all ordained ministers, licensed, specialized, and certified ministers can hold wedding ceremonies.
 
Section 6. Ministers and the Local Church 
 
The District Council and District Presbytery recommend that our churches only consider ordained ministers or licensed ministers, except in situations where local ministry, Regional Council and Executive Board consider that certified ministers may be qualified.
 
Article IX. MINISTERIAL COURTESY AND PRACTICAL COOPERATION
 
Section 1. Responsibilities.
 
a- Ethical Conduct
 
Seja notório dos senhores ministros que é reprovada toda conduta descortês, bem como a interferência nos assuntos de igrejas locais ou ministeriais e de seus pastores responsáveis.; seja por intromissão no seu trabalho sem consentimento ou correlacionar-se com membros da igreja, ferindo a influência do líder. Toda correspondência concernente a igreja deverá ser endereçada aos oficiais do ministério local e/ou distrital. Qualquer ministro que incorra em tais ofensas, deverá ser submetido ao que dispõem, estatutos e regimento interno, como infrator pelo Presbitério Distrital do Concílio Distrital ou pela Presbitério Executivo do Concílio Geral. Tais descortesias seriamente afetarão a emissão anual do certificado de comunhão e poderão constituir base para o devido cancelamento.
 
b- Da aceitação de Dízimos
 
No minister may accept tithes from churches or from church members where they are formally ministered or not. (Ml 3:10)
 
c- Council of Workers
 
Council of evangelists and workers entering the field where there is already a counselor working should seek to cooperate with the same.
 
d- Ministers outside the Council
 
All pastors and assemblies should expect to refrain from engaging in any ministry not condoned by the General Council or District Council until it has communicated with the District Office. 
 
e-Assemblies outside the Council
 
Evangelists and pastors should wait to consult with Pastors of the District Council before conducting out-of-council assembly campaigns in any city. 
 
f. District Meetings
 
The District Council disapproves of any special pastoral meeting or conduct of special meetings during the District Annual Council, District Campus Meeting, Youth Conventions, and Christian Education of All Churches Ministries and Conventions. 
 
g. From Independent Ministries
 
Because of the increase in infractions by independent ministers and presumption against the Assemblies of God, and the growing number of such ministers are of questionable repute, whose ethical practice leaves nothing to be desired, dishonoring the cause of Christ, the district council will recognize ministers affiliated with, and under the authority of a local or ministerial church. Officers of the District Council are authorized to promulgate and emphasize the acceptance criteria of the General Conference for the acceptance of independent ministers.
 
Article X - AFFILIATED CHURCH
 
Section 1. Responsibilities.
 
a- Limited Sovereignty
 
The fact that a local or ministerial church is affiliated with the District Council and General Council of the Assemblies of God should in no way affect its stated rights or interfere with its sovereignty, however, there are certain responsibilities to the convention that must be recognized . 
 
b- Adhering to the Principles and Doctrines of the General Council
 
It should be the commitment of local assemblies and ministerial churches to support in every possible way the basic principles for which the congregation was founded, including voluntary cooperation and strictly adhering to the Fundamental Statutes of Truth (See Article of Constitution of General Council II, IV and Article XI, Section 2). 
 
c- Maintenance of Order and Conduct Terms
 
Local assemblies and ministerial churches must fully accept their share of responsibility for maintaining order terms in the local body, and uphold a standard term of conduct. 
 
Section 2. The Sovereignty of the Assembly
 
a- Responsibilities
 
Although full recognition of sovereignty is ensured by the District Statute for mature churches with at least twenty active members of at least sixteen years of age, it is nevertheless clear that the sovereignty of this church is limited if it is a congregation and by affiliation with another ministerial church of the District Council. The District Council disapproves of any form of sovereignty or independence of congregations or affiliated churches, through rebellion against the mother church. All recognition must have the acceptance and blessing of the mother church and the District Pres- beryery, and in specific cases only by the District Pres- beryery ... New groups and / or local churches directly led or under the leadership of a minister, and / or a local church, and / or a ministerial church, affiliated with the Conc. 5 Bras., Should only be established after due application form, have been approved by Cons. Executive Board, after considering the opinion of Regional.
 
b- Conquering Sovereignty
 
When an assembly qualifies for recognition at the General Council pursuant to paragraph a. above, the applicant can be done using the questionnaire provided by the District Office. The completed questionnaire must be returned to the District Office for consideration by the Bureau of Presbytery in section.
 
c- Organization, Recognition- Constitution and Statutes
 
An affiliated assembly shall be put into legal order and / or with the approval of the District Presbytery, and a recommendation or approval of the constitution and bylaws.
 
d- Merger
 
An affiliated Assembly may request assistance and guidance from the Brazilian District Council to appropriately procure non-profit state religious corporations by paying particular attention to the reverse clause.
 
e- Membership Certificate
 
Upon notice by the District Presbytery of the action, the Office of the Secretary General shall edit a certificate of affiliation for each church entering the congregation, which has been approved by the General Affiliation Council.
 
f- Loss of Sovereignty
 
When the annual General Council questionnaire of an affiliated church reflects that active membership vote is below twenty members, the church shall be notified at the discretion of District Officers that unless there is an increase of members to the required minimum of twenty voting members for one year, the church must return to the affiliated district. When such action is taken, the District Office shall notify the General Secretariat of the General Council and the Local Church. The church must remain in an affiliated state of the district until it demonstrates sufficient growth and maturity to qualify for the General Affiliation Council. An applicant for it shall be a branch of the District Secretary and approved by the District Presbytery.Those responsible for this particular affiliated district should be the Executive District Council Committee. These men must be the successors of those responsible for said assembly serving during this time. A District Officer must conduct a business meeting informing the congregation of these acts. 
 
g- Restoring Sovereignty
 
An assembly that has lost the right of sovereignty can regain this sovereignty through the process prescribed in paragraph b.
 
Section 3. Government of the Church
 
a- The Shepherd
 
The shepherd, beneath Jesus Christ, is recognized as the head of the assembly. He is responsible both for the Congregation of the District and for the assembly in which he serves, and so long as they follow the terms of order and accede to the constitution and bylaws of the local assembly, they must be respected in their office.
 
b- Church Board
 
A standard term for deacons and other officers in the leadership position in the local assembly: Candidates for the office of deacon must be qualified according to the scriptures by people filled with the Holy Spirit and faith according to Acts 2: 4, 6: 3, and supplementing established qualifications in I Timothy 3: 8-13. As the New Testament forbids the divorced believer to remarry in the offices of bishop, elder, and deacon, we recommend that this standard be maintained by all assemblies (Titus 1: 5-9, 1 Timothy 3:12). However, we do recommend that other opportunities in Christian service are available and can be occupied by them. 
 
In our board of affiliated assemblies, committee or group may take the direct action of replacing the authority invested in the pastor's official deed, or being among the pastors and their relationship to the congregation itself. Board or other committees have been chosen to serve the assembly in accordance with the simplicity of the New Testament orders, and are directly responsible for the pastor and the assembly and their actions and conduct.
 
Section 4. Privileges and Privileges
 
a- Autonomy
 
The right to autonomy of government, below Jesus Christ as the head, includes the power to choose or call their pastors, elect their officers on the board, and perform all other business that pertain to church life as a local unit.
 
b- Available Ministries
 
The right to request assistance from the district official to fill a pastoral post and to benefit from other approved ministers.
 
c- Discipline
 
The right to administer discipline to members according to the Scriptures and their by-laws.
 
d- Appeal
 
(1) For the District Official - The right of the pastor, board, or church body upon petition to appeal to the District Official for assistance when in need of advice or consultation.
 
(2) For the Executive General Council Presbytery - The right to appeal for a decision of the District Official to the Executive Board of the General Council of the Assemblies of God when there is a question as to whether the assembly has received appropriate district assistance.
 
(3) For the General Council of the General Presbytery - When exceptions are made for decisions of the Executive Presbytery, both by the local assembly and by the District Presbytery, appeals may be made to the General Presbytery. 
 
e- Representation
 
The right of representation at meetings of the General Council by an appointed officer and registered delegate, and at the meetings of the Council of the Brazilian District in accordance with the provision for the same. (See Constitution of District Council, Article VIII, Section 2) 
 
f. Other benefits
 
The right to benefit from the approved General Council institutions such as colleges, divisions and ministerial departments, publications, etc.
 
Section 5. District Intervention at the Local Assembly
 
a- Interventions of Circumstances Required
 
While the right of a local assembly of self-government are the basic principles of the General Council, it is also recognized that the assembly has a responsibility to the District Council and General Council, these have the responsibility to the assembly. Some circumstances that may cause intervention of the district officer are as follows:
 
(1) Division resulting in rupture.
 
(2) Possession of dictatorial authority by a pastor or board.
 
(3) Prolonged absence of pastoral leadership.
 
(4) Deviance or abandonment of the principles and practices of the Assemblies of God.
 
(5) Attempt to be discharged from the Congregation of the Assemblies of God
 
(6) Irresponsibility in Finance.
 
(7) Bring shame to the Assemblies of God for being in a state of confusion.
 
b- Intervention in the Procedure
 
The district may request a meeting with the board or congregation, or the District Officer may extend an invitation. This can happen in the following ways:
 
(1) By the pastor's requirement.
 
(2) By an action of the board of directors.
 
(3) By a request of the congregation in accordance with the statutory provisions.
 
(4) At the initiative of the district, prior to the approval of the Presbytery. 
 
c- District Preservation Policy for Affiliated Assemblies
 
If a situation arises that may require initiative and involvement of the district (see section 5, paragraph a), the District Executive Committee shall meet with the officer, pastor, and / or congregation board to assist the church. The Executive Committee may bring the church district oversight with the approval of the Presbytery if any occasion arises in which they feel the need to preserve the assembly. The church shall obtain the right to appeal in accordance with the Constitution of the General Council Article XI, Section 1, paragraph e. 
 
Section 6. Discipline of Assemblies
 
Since the approval of an assembly is the prerogative of the District Presbytery and general council is appointed and assured by appropriate certificates of affiliation, the Brazilian District Council has the right to request a meeting with the assembly if for any reason valid its status is in question . The General Council of Assemblies of God has the right to withdraw its membership certificates if it deems it necessary (See Constitution of General Council Article XI, Section 1, d). 
 
Section 7. New Assemblies from Divisions
 
a- Recognition Criterion
 
When efforts to maintain unity and harmony in an assembly have failed, and the division results in the formation of a new congregation, the district must exercise the leadership wisely and wisely to ascertain the facts, and seek to preserve the Assemblies of God in support of the congregation. Congregation. Among the norms of ethical principles, doctrines, and district policies, the district should seek to retain any meritorious group within the Assemblies of God.
 
b- Criteria for Shepherd Discipline Involved
 
Circumstances of the occasion could determine whether the minister should be disciplined or excluded in the original church itself or the dissenting group, or even resident in the area where the division occurred. If a minister is guilty of misconduct or wrongdoing that results in division, the District Presbytery shall take the necessary action with the Bylaws of the General Council.
 
• Section 8. Church Properties
 
a- Title
 
Each Local congregation or Ministerial Church that has sovereignty shall have the right to keep the name of your corporation or the names of your own attorneys. If this plan is found to be unworkable, the Ministerial Church or congregation shall have the right to hold property in the name of the District Council until it is considered convenient to return ownership to the general control of the assembly. This plan must be submitted to the District Presbytery for approval. 
 
b- Protection
 
In order to protect the interests of those whose sole purpose in providing or obtaining property is to establish or maintain an Assembly of God in the event of any Brazilian District of the Assembly of God, whether autonomous or affiliated, to be affected by a dissent, division or other reasons that a governing majority of its members become affiliated with any other type of organization, or that the teachings and practices no longer encourage the statements of faith embodied in our constitution; or for whatever reason, a church must cease to function, all property rights shall be brought under the control of the Executive Committee of the Brazilian District Council until such time as an Assembly of God is resumed or conditions indicate that the functioning of such a church in the predicted location is not possible. In each case, the Executive Committee shall be authorized to liquidate the property and use the procedures to promote the interests of the Assemblies of God elsewhere. When necessary, the District Executive Committee, like the corporation's attorneys, will be authorized to act in favor of the District Presbytery to seek legal assistance for the Church to be retained as the property of the Assembly of God.
 
Section 9. The Name of Local Assemblies 
 
The name "Assembly of God" should be used to properly identify our churches and where this is not possible, the words "Assembly of God" should be used or should be included as the name of the present church.
 
Section 10. Location of Churches
 
Any new church in a region shall be established with the approval of the District Council and Executive Board of the District. Churches should obey enough distance from one another to facilitate co-operation. 
 
Section 11. Membership Recommendations
 
Each candidate for membership in affiliated churches should bear a clear testimony of being born of the Spirit of God (John 3: 3-8), and who has received the Holy Spirit or who is sincerely and earnestly seeking to be baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.2-4). The applicant is expected to follow the Bible's command to be baptized in water by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19); The sincere belief in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God and the final authority in all that concerns faith and conduct; Evidence of a consistent Christian life (Romans 6: 4, 8, 13, 13, 14, Ephesians 4: 17,32, 5: 1-15, 1 John 1: 6-7); And the hope and expectation of the Pre-Millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of this should be considered for membership. 
 
Section 12. Membership Transfer
 
a- Persons wishing to transfer their membership from one Assembly to another must request a transfer letter from their pastor. 
 
b. Pastors must grant the transfer letters of the members who requested it, unless such members are guilty of sin or of doctrinal errors.
 
c- It is recommended that the two pastors who are involved in the transfers of the memberships communicate with each other informing what happened. 
 
d- In the event the transfer letter is denied to a member who is desiring it, he shall have the right to appeal to the Sectional Executive Committee in the presence of the two pastors. 
 
Section 13. Arbitration
 
In the event of a disagreement in the life of the assembly, the District Superintendent may be called to assist in arbitrating the problem. 
 
Section 14. The "Cooperative"
 
The District Council disapproves of chartered churches as corporations closed or engaged in private ownership. Anyone who is originating new work that is not in compliance with this regulation shall be considered useless and shall be disciplined in accordance with the District's Constitution and By-Laws. 
 
ARTICLE XI. WORLD MISSIONS
 
Section 1. Missions
 
The. Support for Missions
 
It is the hope of local assemblies that they have interests in missionary activity and that they plan to make regular contributions to the support of missionary activity. (Constitution of the General Council, Article XI, Section 3). 
 
b- World Missions Plan 
 
It is recommended that all offers for World Missions should be divided as follows: 70% for Foreign Missions, 5% for Office of Foreign Missions, 5% for National or Domestic Missions, 20% for Missions District National Speed-The-Light offers should be divided as follows: 72% for the National Missions and Speed-The-Light Missions, 18% for the National Speed-The-Light Missions District, 10% for the National Department of Youth, Administrative Costs Speed-The-Light. The portion returned to the district shall be designated for the purchase and construction of properties in pioneer fields, including Chi Alpha ministers with the exception that up to half of the 18% returned to the National Missions District under World Speed- The-Light will be allowed for the administration of the District Youth Office's office, following the descriptions of the District official. 
 
c- Support from the Division of Foreign Missions
 
The operational costs of the Foreign Missions Division, in addition to the missionary contributions for this purpose, are as follows: 5% of all World Mission Plan offerings. Offers designated for office costs, keeping recommendations that one who does not contribute under the World Mission Plan should designate a portion of their offerings for office costs. An appropriation of up to 10% of contributions without design. 
 
d- Secretary of Missions
 
The Secretary of Missions shall be appointed to assist the Superintendent in planning missionary itineraries and special missionary programs throughout the district.
 
Section 2. World Donation Ministries
 
a- Regular Support from Encouraged Churches
 
In order to support and develop the work and ministries of the Assembly of God domestic and foreign, all churches should be encouraged to send offers at regular intervals.
 
b- Joint Reports for all Bids
 
A joint report of all offers that are assigned to the departments should be issued under the caption of the World Donation Ministries. The purpose is to provide acknowledgment of contributions to all ministries of the General Assembly of God's Assemblies, to position every request and ministry on an equal level, to encourage encouragement to individual churches and taxpayers, and to determine the petition for which they will respond under leadership of the Spirit. 
 
Categories of Ministries for Which Credit is Given for Offerings
 
Recognition of World Donation Ministries should provide credit to Assemblies of God churches designated for contributions to foreign and national missions, spiritual life evangelism, maintenance of executive offices, education, Sunday School, youth, radio and TV, benevolence, ministries female ministries, male ministries, educational institutions, and other projects sponsored by the Regional General Council and the district. It is understood that no district or region will receive credit for projects specifically rejected by the General Conference. 
 
d- Annual Reports
 
Each church of the Assemblies of God shall request to maintain an up-to-date record of membership of the Assemblies of God and a report thereon shall be mailed annually on the forms provided to the Office of the Secretary of the District and to the Secretary General of the Council.
 
- Safeguarding unapproved Ministries' Assemblies (General Council Regulations, Article VI, Section 3)
 
(1) It is well known that many uncertain and insecure teachers and preachers seek to enter assemblies without any recommendation. Because of this, all pastors, officials, and leaders of the Assemblies shall conduct an appropriate investigation concerning such persons who are not known, and the platform shall be denied to strangers until an appropriate recommendation is acquired. 
 
(2) As the use of evangelists who are not from the Assemblies of God can bring confusion and trouble to the detriment of the Congregation, it is recommended that the Assemblies of God use evangelists of the Assemblies of God. 
 
(3) The advice and advice of the District Presbyterate on all matters of importance. Pastors, elders, and district officials must maintain a reciprocal exchange of information regarding unreliable persons who are seeking the ministry in our assemblies. 
 
Section 3. Domestic Missions 
 
a- Models
 
This is a multifaceted approach to new deployed churches supported by the cooperative board meeting between pastors, churches, sections, and districts. The following strategies should be used.
 
(1) The Mother Church gives staff and finances, provides oversight, and assumes responsibility for the new church.
 
(2) The Big Brother type approach, assists the new Church with people and finances.
 
(3) The adoptive parents method, generates a church, far from the Mother Church.
 
(4) The Sharing Parent approach unites the efforts of a group of churches to generate a new Church.
 
(5) The Assisted District type approach, generates churches in certain areas where the need exists.
 
(6) The approach of the tent-making Pastors type, uses men who finance themselves, as other works while they generate new churches.
 
b- Committee on Domestic Missions
 
The District Presbytery shall constitute the District Domestic Missions Committee. They will provide a constitution and regulations to govern domestic missions and the district of affiliated assemblies, and develop district Domestic missions policies, as they may deem advisable.
 
W. Sectional Committee
 
Each section of the district shall have a Sectional Committee on Domestic Missions, consisting of a Presbyter, an assistant Presbyter, and a Sectional Secretary elected by the appropriate Sectional Council. This committee will work in cooperation with the District Domestic Missions Committee. The local presbyter shall consult with the Sectional Committee on any important decisions affecting the domestic missions and the affiliated assemblies of the district. 
 
d. Director
 
The portfolio of the Director of Domestic Missions will be designated by the Presbytery Board.
 
and. Funds
 
The District Treasurer will control all incomes and disbursements of domestic missions from the various sections.
 
f. Income
 
If the funds for the District Domestic Missions are increased, it is advised that:
 
(1) Each church designates at least 20% of its monthly "World Ministries" offerings sent to Springfield to the Domestic Missions District, or to send that amount directly to the District Department of Domestic Missions.
 
(2) Each Church will participate in the contribution to the Annual Local Parade, at the District Council, sponsored by the district of the women's ministry.
 
g. District Loans and Donations
 
In special district-wide projects, the Presbytery will be authorized to establish the amount to be invested from the Domestic Missions Funds, in new assignments and grants and temporary loans.
 
H. Procedure for New Churches
 
(1) Any individual or church wishing to establish a new assignment shall first contact the District Superintendent for direction of strategic areas throughout the district where new staff are needed. 
 
(2) When an area is considered favorable by the proposer of the new work, it should immediately contact the Sectional Presbyter before any initiation of the new work is done, which shall establish a meeting as the Sectional Committee to analyze the appropriate proposer . Any pastor or any pastor of any church already established in the area may also be invited and heard. 
 
(3) The Sectional Committee shall determine the merits of the new work suggested, and report its results and recommendations for action to the District Executive Committee.
 
(4) If the new proposed work or the minister who wishes to start the new work is not approved by the Sectional Committee or the Executive Committee, the decision may be appealed to the District Presbytery, whose decision shall be final.
 
(5) If the proposed new church is approved, the work shall be under the oversight of the Sectional Committee and the Executive Committee until sovereignty is secured, and operate through the Constitution and District Regulations for supervised district churches.
 
(6) Selection of a minister for new work shall be reviewed and renewed annually by the Sectional Council, and selection may be withdrawn at any time if deemed advisable by the Sectional and Executive Committee.
 
(7) No debt or financial obligation shall be retained for a new job without prior written approval from the District Office on the recommendation of the Sectional and Executive Committee. And no minister responsible for a new job will invest personal funds in the work already cited, providing for reimbursement without proper approval. 
 
(8) All home mission assistance for a new assignment will be completed at the end of five years, unless a specific exception is made by the District Presbytery. 
 
(9) No facility shall be erected or additions be made to existing facilities unless plans and funding have been approved by the Sectional or Executive Committee.
 
(10) All properties for new and supervised assemblies shall be made to the District Council of the Assemblies of God of Peninsular Florida and shall be maintained under the confidence of their attorneys-in-fact until sovereignty is guaranteed. No church will be granted sovereignty until the District Office is released from all financial obligations.
 
(11) All district supervised churches shall submit monthly reports to the District Domestic Missions Department on the forms provided by the district and shall submit annual reports at a time designated by the District Presbytery.
 
i- Location
 
Each section of the District Council shall prepare and maintain a map indicating strategic locations for possible domestic missions. The District Executive Committee and the Sectional Committee shall direct persons interested in domestic missions to these strategic locations.
 
j- Location Change
 
Since some existing churches need to change their location due to zoning problems, lack of desire for available areas, changing the character of the neighborhood due to population change, and other similar problems, forcing them to move to their new location at a very great distance, completely leaving the place where their membership was built, and can not reach agreement with the other assemblies involved, these churches will have the right to appeal to the District Presbytery. The Presbytery shall have a hearing inviting pastors of all assemblies involved and shall be allowed to express their views. The Presbytery will offer a decision for the location and the decision of the Presbytery will be considered final.
 
Section 4. Application for Funds
 
a- All Missionaries
 
A letter of recommendation from our District Superintendent will be required from all missionaries who visit our assemblies.
 
b- Appeals
 
Assemblies, ministers, and members are vehemently discouraged from offering indiscriminately to missionaries or missionary organizations who make financial appeals through letters and circulars, thus endangering the best interests of our General Council Missionary Board, the inequality of distribution of funds missionaries.
 
Section 5. Missionary Program of the District Youth Department
 
It is recommended that our assemblies cooperate fully with the Missionary Program of the District Youth Department. 
 
ARTICLE XII. FINANCE
 
Section 1. Receipts
 
The. Ministers
 
(1) District Ministers
 
Same Page 17
 
(2) Others
 
Foreign ministers, nationally appointed and / or military chaplains approved shall adapt to the General Council Statutes Article VII section 8, Paragraph c, Numbers (1), (2), and (3) as may apply to them.
 
B. Preamble Assemblies
 
It is recognized that for any organization to survive and serve effectively, it must have the moral and financial support of its constituents.
 
(1) District Council
 
Each assembly is required to send a monthly offer to the district administration account. A report of the participating churches will be given at the District Council.
 
(2) General Council
 
Of course, the contribution of the General Council follows the contribution of the District Council. If possible allow each assembly to take out an offer each year for the maintenance office of the national headquarters and travel expenses of the executive officers.
 
W. Titles
 
The District Presbytery is authorized to issue annuity securities for sale.
 
d. Investments
 
All investments must be negotiated by the District Treasurer in consultation with the District Superintendent and in accordance with standards approved by the Executive Committee. They shall report monthly to the Executive Committee, every three months to the District Presbytery, and annually to the District Council.
 
Section 2. Disbursements
 
The. Salary of Officers and Expenses
 
The salary of all District Officers and incidental travel expenses of their officers' work shall be established by the District Prejudice.
 
B. Other Disbursements
 
(1) A monthly offer equal to 5% of the ministers' contribution should be sent to SCAG
 
Section 3. Emergency Assistance Funds
 
The. Funds should be established and maintained to assist ministers in an emergency.
 
B. The Executive Committee shall administer and distribute these funds for needs and emergencies established by action of the Executive Committee and / or District Presbytery.
 
Section 4. Association of Benefits to Ministers
 
The. Organization
 
The Executive Presbytery shall be authorized to put into operation an Association of Ministers of the Assemblies of God available to all ordained and licensed Ministers of the Assemblies of God which shall aim at accumulating funds to enable the retirement of its members at the age of 62 years or later with a monthly salary per life or a cash amount established as provided in the constitution and bylaws of such association. This association will be known as the Association of Benefits of Ministers of the Assemblies of God.
 
The. Administration
 
The Executive Presbytery will serve as the first board of this association but will delegate the administration of this association to future boards. Chosen by the Executive Presbytery and subject to ratification by the General Presbytery. All board of directors of this association shall, however, be subject to the Executive Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
 
B. Investment Funds
 
The board of the Association of Ministers' Benefits will be authorized to invest the funds of this association in good income and property titles of the General and District Councils of Assemblies of God and local churches of the Assemblies of God provided that these investments will be fully protected by mortgage and by signed by the Officers of the General or District Councils.
 
W. Contributions and Benefits
 
Resources that govern members 'contributions and benefits to accumulate for members of the Association of Ministers' Benefits will be included in the Association's statutes.
 
ARTICLE XIII. INSTITUTION
 
Section 1. Recognition
 
The District Council will recognize the need for practical training of prospective ministers and missionaries. You should have sincere solidarity with every effort to provide such training where the standards of teaching and discipline maintained at the school are satisfactory. 
 
Section 2. Institutions
 
The District Council will be in solidarity with the establishment and maintenance of homes for children and the elderly, and for retired ministers and missionaries; and all humanitarian and educational work should be for the betterment of our neighbors.
 
We authorize the planning, funding, and development of district rest homes as determined by the District Presbytery to be effective by the District Executive Committee and any other committees deemed necessary while directed by that body, with periodic progress reports to Associates by District Superintendent.
 
Section 3. South East Faculty of the Assemblies of God
 
The. Endorsement and Sponsorship
 
(1) The Brazilian District Council endorses and approves the "Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God" as its regional theological faculty and by its patronage becomes a district member of the college corporation.
 
(2) The District Council recommends that house assemblies cooperate in college support when the occasion arises.
 
(3) This District Council authorizes its Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Secretary and Treasurer to represent this district as members of the board, to attend each of its sessions and to vote on behalf of this district in decisions made by that board.
 
B. Support
 
(1) This District Council hereby authorizes its Treasurer to send monthly to SCAG as an offer an amount equal to 5% of the tithing of the ministers received monthly.
 
(2) This District Council further recommends that each assembly financially support college as possible.
 
(3) The district newsletter will show an article every month provided by the SCAG promotional department
 
W. SCAG District Organization
 
To expedite SCAG's promotional efforts within this district, the following organization will be established:
 
(1) A SCAG district representative shall be appointed or elected and shall be an active minister and if possible a member of the alumni association. This representative will represent SCAG in all district activities and will be responsible for setting up a tent at the District Youth Council and District Convention.
 
(2) A sectional representative of SCAG will be named in each section who will be an active member, or someone interested in SCAG. This representative will promote SCAG at all sectional meetings in some way. To assist the sectional representative, the local pastor will nominate a SCAG sponsor within each assembly.
 
ARTICLE XIV. MINISTERS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
 
This District Council reaffirms that the agreement of the General Council pertinent to the work of youth in its various stipulations and recommendations. The Youth Ministers' organization of the district shall be considered as part of the organization of the District Council and thus under the supervision of the District Presbytery.
 
Section 1. Name
 
The name of this organization will be "THE YOUTH MINISTRIES" of the Florida Peninsula District Council of the Assemblies of God.
 
Section 2. Purpose
 
The purpose of this organization will be:
 
The. To promote the spiritual life and development of the youth of our assemblies.
 
B. Correlate the Youth Ministry program at the local, sectional, and district levels.
 
Section 3. Objectives of the Department
 
Organize and encourage a youth group active in each local assembly for the purpose of worship, fellowship, training and service in harmony with the national youth program and the constitutional principles of the Florida Peninsula District Council and the local assembly.
 
Section 4. Officers
 
The. Executive Officers
 
The officers of this organization will consist of a Youth District Director, Young Assistant Director, and Secretary.
 
B. Sectional Representatives
 
Sectional and area youth representatives may be filled by appointment by the Executive and Sectional Committees and the District Youth Director.
 
W. executive committee
 
Executive officers, along with district executive officers, will constitute the Youth Executive Committee.
 
d. Qualification
 
The officers of this organization should be spiritually young people who live a true and consistent Christian life and are mature enough to be trustworthy and competent.
 
(1) Director, Assistant Director and Secretary: these officers shall be ordained ministers, of good standing and having been members of the district for at least 2 years. They can not be older than 35 at the time of the initial election.
 
(2) Sectional and Area Repre- sentatives: Officers shall be engaged in active Christian ministry with good standing with the District Council. When no such person with such qualifications is found, the section will recommend a qualified layperson who is active in the section youth work.
 
and. Elections, Function Terms and Vacancies
 
The Director shall be appointed and elected at the appropriate District Council. The Assistant Director and Secretary, who will serve with the Director as the Executive Committee of the department, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee of the District in conjunction with the Departmental Director and appointed by the District Presbytery.
 
f. Obligations
 
(1) Director
 
(a) The Director shall devote full time to this function.
 
(b) Preside at all district youth meetings and conventions and youth work within the district under the supervision of the District Superintendent, or may be directed by the District Council, District Presbytery, or District Executive Committee, and Director will be a former officer member of all departmental committees.
 
(c) Be present as far as possible at sectional meetings to give leadership and leadership to the sectional as well as to the local church youth program.
 
(d) The Ministry shall include meetings, youth camps, seminars, conventions, church visits to promote youth work, and other youth meetings and related activities.
 
(e) Report the Youth Department and its activities to the District Presbytery and / or District Executive Committee upon request.
 
(f).
 
(g) The Youth Director shall be granted the right to vote as other Presbyters in the sessions of the District Presbytery.
 
(2) Assistant Director
 
The Assistant Director shall assist the Director. If the Director must be absent, the Assistant Director shall perform the duties of the Director.
 
(3) Secretary
 
The Secretary shall keep records of all business procedures of the organization and shall report periodically to the Executive Committee.
 
(4) Treasurer
 
The District Treasurer will be the custodian of all funds.
 
Section 5. Finance
 
The. The Youth Director will receive a weekly salary to be established by the Presbytery.
 
B. The Director of District Youth will be sustained as follows:
 
(1) Each church is required to write the department in their budget with a monthly offer or recommend that each group of young people support the department with a monthly offer.
 
(2) Offers received during "DYD" visits to local churches.
 
(3) Return of the Speed ??of Light (Article XXVI, Section 2, General Council Statute)
 
(4) Supplements of the operations of the youth camp as contributed by the District Presbytery.
 
(5) Each group of young people is required to send a semi-annual offer for the expenses of the function.
 
ARTICLE XV. DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
 
Section 1. Name
 
The District shall authorize and provide for an organization known as the Christian Education Department of the District Council of Floria Peninsula of the Assemblies of God.
 
Section 2. Purpose
 
The purpose for the Christian Education Department will be:
 
The. Coordinate national, district, sectional, and local efforts for the efficiency, growth, and development of Sunday school.
 
B. Encourage each Sunday school in the district to establish a written operational program based on National Sunday School Standards.
 
W. Promote efficient Sunday school through seminars, excursions, conventions, or by any other acceptable means.
 
d. Supervise every ministry of churches related to Christian education.
 
Section 3. Officers
 
The. The ministry of the Director of Christian Education will be in charge of the District Presbytery.
 
B. A sectional representative will be appointed by the Executive and Sectional Committees and the District's Christian Education Director. The representative will be responsible for conducting at least one departmental function in the section per year.
 
Section 4. Finance
 
The. Each Sunday school in the district is supposed to regularly support the department through tithing or an offer from the local Sunday school.
 
B. The salary of the director shall be established by the Presbytery.
 
ARTICLE XVI. MINISTRY OF WOMEN
 
Section 1. Name
 
The district will authorize and provide for an organization known as the Department of Women's Ministry of the Florida Peninsula District Council of the Assemblies of God. (This name includes the auxiliary of "Missionetes").
 
Section 2. Purpose
 
The purpose of the Women's Ministry is to unite the talents and abilities of all women in the church to minister before Christ in prayer, practical ministry, spiritual growth, evangelistic attainment, missionary association, and development of their auxiliary, Missionetes.
 
Section 3. Departmental Objectives
 
The department's goal is to engage each local women's club and girls club with active participation in all national and district sponsored projects and events, soliciting involvement and financial support. There will be a rules and procedures manual approved by the Presbytery that will establish strategies to implement the department's objectives.
 
Section 4. Officers
 
The. Department officials will include:
 
Director
 
Assistant Director
 
Secretary
 
Auxiliary Coordinator ("Missionetes")
 
Sectional Representatives
 
B. Qualifications
 
Refer to the Statutes Article II, Section 2, Paragraph a.
 
W. Elections, Function Terms, and Vacancies
 
The Director shall be appointed and elected at the appropriate District Council. The Assistant Director and Secretary, who will serve with the Director as the Executive Committee of the department, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee of the District in conjunction with the Departmental Director and appointed by the District Presbytery. Sectional representatives will be nominated by both women and girls, one each, per section.
 
ARTICLE XVII. MINISTRY OF MEN
 
Through this provision is made for the organization and operation of the Ministry of Men in this district which shall be considered a department of the District Council and shall be subject thereto.
 
Section 1. Name
 
The district shall authorize and provide for an organization known as the Men's Ministry Department of the Florida Peninsula District Council of the Assemblies of God. (This name includes the Assistant Departments of King Pathfinders [Florida Pathfinders, Inc.] and Light-for-the-Lost.).
 
Section 2. Purpose
 
The purpose of this organization will be to encourage the organization of local units of Men's Ministry in the various churches of this district and their union in service and fellowship.
 
Section 3. Objectives of the Department
 
The purpose of the department is to involve each local men and boys group with active participation in all national and district sponsored projects and events, requesting involvement and financial support. There will be a standards and procedures manual approved by the Presbytery that will establish strategies to implement the department's objectives.
 
Section 4. Officers
 
The. Department officials will include:
 
Director
 
Assistant Director
 
Secretary
 
Assistant Coordinator
 
B. Qualifications
 
Refer to the Statutes Article II, Section 2, paragraph a.
 
d. Elections, Function Terms, and Vacancies
 
The Director shall be appointed and elected at the appropriate District Council. The Assistant Director and Secretary, who will serve with the Director as the Executive Committee of the department, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee of the District in conjunction with the Departmental Director and appointed by the District Presbytery. Sectional representatives may be appointed by each of the assistant ministers.
 
ARTICLE XVIII. BENEVOLENCE
 
It is recommended that each local assembly sustains the total ministry of benevolence with a semi-annual offer or include it in its regular monthly budget.
 
ARTICLE XIX. THE BRIGHT SUN BULLETIN
 
The Glow of the Sun Bulletin will be the official publication of the Florida Peninsula District Council. Its editorial staff will be the District Executives.
 
ARTICLE XX. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE
 
The. "Masterpiece Gardens Family Conference Center" located near "Lake Wales" district owned and operated by the district.
 
B. Each church is required to commit annually to the support of the conference center.
 
W. Each minister will be encouraged to contribute to the conference center on a regular basis.
 
d. The District Presbytery shall be authorized to maintain the conference center and make any improvements it deems advisable for its development.
 
and. The District Development Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of the center, and its staff, in consultation with the District Executive Committee, and under the supervision of the District Presbytery.
 
f. The center will provide for the needs of each district and departmental function on an impartial basis, and when it is not needed, the premises will be leased to other groups, giving preference to our own churches and institutions.
 
The. Rent and other fees will be recommended by the District Development Director and established by the District Executive Committee , reviewed regularly through the operating costs of the conference center.
 
ARTICLE XXI. DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT
 
There will be a position of District and Administrative Development Director when it is deemed feasible by the District Executive Committee and District Presbytery. This person will be appointed by the District Executive Committee. This person will be directly responsible to the District Superintendent. The responsibilities and duties of this function shall be determined by the District Presbytery, and may include the following:
 
The. Administration
 
B. Supervision of the camp
 
W. Supervision of the retreat center
 
d. Assist the Superintendent of Internal Missions
 
and. Promote management needs
 
f. Promotions through Media
 
ARTICLE XXII. SENIOR MINISTRY OF DISTRICT ADULT
 
Section 1. Purpose
 
Seeing the rapid growth of our adult society at fifty-five years of age or older is to be achieved with the gospel, and ministered by our local churches.
 
The. We watch the churches in the organization of the Senior Adult Ministry for those fifty-five years of age or older.
 
B. We provide ministers for ideas and goals.
 
W. The District Senior Adult Ministry provides leadership for its promotion and conducts senior adult departmental fellowship activities.
 
Section 2. Officers
 
The. The Departmental Officers will include:
 
District Director
 
Counseling Committee
 
Connection Priest
 
Others
 
B. Qualifications
 
Director: Refer to the Statute Article II Section 2, paragraph a.
 
Sectional Representatives: Should be chosen because they have expressed an interest in the Senior Adult Ministry, and be a layperson or minister, they must meet the spiritual qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7.
 
W. Elections
 
(1) The function of the Director shall be designated by the District Presbytery.
 
(2) Sectional Representatives shall be appointed as provided by Statute Article II, Section 3c.
 
(1) Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the District Senior Adult Officer and the District Executive Committee.
 
(2) Liaison Presbyter for the Senior Adult department shall be appointed by the District Presbytery.
 
Section 3. Finance
 
The Senior Adult Ministry department will be consolidated as follows:
 
1. Interested in the Senior Adult Ministry in the local church will be asked to contribute to the Senior Adult Department, 2. The offers will be received in the ministry activities sponsored by the Adult Senior Department, 3. The offers must be received when the Senior Adult District Director visits the local church.
 
ARTICLE XXIII. QUORUM
 
Section 1. Annual Sessions of the District Council
 
The. A quorum will consist of:
 
(1) All affiliated ministers who have signed the current list of names.
 
(2) All delegates of affiliated assemblies who have signed the current list of names.
 
B. Annual financial reports will be mailed to voters at least two weeks prior to the District Council.
 
W. All committee reports are printed and ready for distribution in the afternoon session of the first full day of the Council.
 
Section 2. Meetings of the District Presbytery
 
A quorum shall consist of the majority of the Officers of the present District.
 
ARTICLE XXIV. ORDER OF AFFAIRS
 
The regular order of business for the annual sessions of the District Council will be:
 
The. Appointment of committees
 
B. Report of the List of Names Committee
 
W. Superintendent's Report
 
d. Report of Assistant Superintendent
 
and. Report of the Secretary
 
f. Treasurer's Report
 
g. Unfinished Business
 
H. Report of Committees, new matters and / or election of officers
 
i. Extension
 
Superintendent and Treasurer will give an exposition of the state of the district.
 
ARTICLE XXV. AMENDMENTS
 
Amendments to the Statutes may be made at any annual or special session of the District Council. Amendments will require a majority of votes per adoption.
 
ARTICLE XXVI. FINAL DATE FOR RESOLUTION
 
All written resolutions to be presented to the District Council in session shall be submitted to the resolution committee no later than 10:00 am on the last day of the Council.
 
ARTICLE XXVII. SUPPLEMENT
 
All problems not covered by the constitution and bylaws or resolutions which shall be passed by the District Council shall be governed by resolutions appearing in Acts of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
 
ARTICLE XXVIII. GENERAL COUNCIL CONCILIA
 
Section 1. Doctrines and Practices Not Approved
 
In accordance with its constitutional prerogatives, the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God declares itself pertinent to disapprove certain matters as follows:
 
The. Unconditional Security
 
In view of the biblical teaching that the believer's safety depends on a life of relationship with Christ (John 15: 6), in view of the biblical call to a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:16), in view of the clear teaching that a man may have his name scratched from the Book of Life (Revelation 22:19), and in view of the fact that he who believes for a time may fall (Luke 8:13), The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves the unconditional security position declaring that it is impossible for a person once saved to get lost.
 
B. Legalism
 
(1) Consciousness Issues
 
The Assemblies of God disapprove of those who withhold conscience, such as eating or not eating meat, who press their opinion on others.
 
(2) Add Conditions to Savings
 
The Assemblies of God also disapprove of those who hold questions that seem to add conditions to salvation, such as keeping the seventh day, which presses their opinion on the others.
 
W. Eschatological errors
 
(1) The Restitution of All Things
 
The Assemblies of God understands the teaching of Acts 3:21 to limit the restoration of what the prophets have spoken, denying the theory of universal redemption. We are opposed to all forms of universalism (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10).
 
(3) Set a Date for the Return of the Lord
 
It is not wise to teach that the Lord will come at a specific time, setting a date for His appearing (Mark 1332-33, Luke 12: 37-40, 1 Thessalonians 5: 2). It is also not wise to give from the pulpit, or publish, visions of numbers and dates setting the second coming of the Lord.
 
(4) Post-Tribulation Abduction
 
The General Council of the Assemblies of God declares itself in the Declaration of Fundamental Truths which retains the belief in the eminent life of the Lord as a blessed hope of the Church; and since the teaching that the Church must go through the Tribulation tends to bring confusion and division among the saints, it is recommended that all our ministers teach the imminent coming of Christ, warning all men to be prepared for that coming, which may occur at any time, and not deceive their minds with complacency for any teaching that would cause them to feel that specific events of the Tribulation must occur before the Rapture of the Saints.
 
It is also recommended that any minister of the Assemblies of God who maintains the position of the post-Tribulation doctrine should refrain from preaching and teaching it. If they persist in emphasizing this doctrine to the point of making a problem, their position in the fraternity will be seriously affected (Luke 21: 34-36, 1 Thessalonians 5: 9-10, 2 Thessalonians 1: 4-10, Revelation 3:10) .
 
d. Membership in Secret Orders
 
Our message is a last-day message in preparation for the coming of the Lord (Matthew 24:14), leaving us no alternative but whole devotion of heart to the cause of spreading the gospel (Luke 9:62); and it is well known that the various secret orders require much time and valuable interest, distracting the servant of the Lord from his way (Ephesians 5:16).
 
The nature of such organizations demands secrecy (John 18:20, Acts 26:26) reinforced by religious oaths (Matthew 5:34) and strong bonding through bonds tied to people who are mostly unregenerate (II Corinthians 6: 14). The spirit, philosophy, and general influence of such secret orders point to the improvement of the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 2: 8), misleadingly misinterpreting important spiritual truths (2 Peter 3:16).
 
Confidentiality in these secret orders and their teachings always tend to the adoption of a false hope of salvation through good works and improved moral service (Ephesians 2: 8-9).
 
In consideration of the foregoing, all ministers affiliated with us should refrain from identifying with any of these secret orders which we recognize as essentially the worldly, worldly, and we advise that anyone who has identified with such orders to sever their connections with they (II Corinthians 6:17). Moreover, our ministers are required to use their good influence among lay members to dissuade them from such fraternal affliction (1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2: 24-26).
 
and. Worldliness
 
In view of the alarming erosion of national moral principles, we reaffirm our intention to maintain biblical principles against all forms of worldliness. We urge all believers to "not love the world, nor that which is in the world ... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world "(1 John 2: 15-16).
 
In his teaching concerning worldliness, Scripture warns against: Participation in activity which dishonors the body, or corrupts the mind and spirit; the disordered love of possessions, which leads to their misuse; manifestation of extreme behavior, inappropriate language, or inappropriate appearance; any fascination or association that diminishes his affection for spiritual things (Luke 21: 34-35, Romans 8: 5-8, 12: 1, 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18, Ephesians 5:11, 1 Timothy 2: 8-10 4: 4, 1 John 2: 15-17, Titus 2:12).
 
f. Abuse of Administration
 
(1) Tithing
 
(a) According to the scriptures, tithes are to be used for the sustenance of the active ministry and for the propagation of the gospel and the work of the Lord and not be given for charity or used for any other purpose. In tithes ministers should be examples.
 
(b) We acknowledge the obligation of tithing and urge all our staff to pay tithes to God. It is recommended that satisfactory pastoral and church arrangements be made by all pastors and churches so that the pastor can receive adequate support. We do, however, disapprove of the teaching that all tithes must necessarily belong to the shepherd for his sustenance.
 
(3) Application for Funds
 
(a) It is considered improper and unethical for ministers or missionaries to solicit funds by letter or other means for anything or any reason without proper authorization.
 
(c) The purpose of this section is not to prevent or discourage legitimate projects but to protect the Brotherhood from those who employ methods that are not in harmony with the principles or policies of the Assemblies of God. Leaders in local projects will have unquestioned freedom in the local church or communities.
 
Projects of general interest to the district must be authorized by district officials.
 
Projects or institutions of national sphere must have the authorization of the Executive Presbytery of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
 
Promotion of all missionary projects must be authorized by the Executive Presbytery.
 
(d) The obtaining and use of mailing lists for promotional purposes not having proper authorization or which are not maintaining the policies of the General Assembly of the Assemblies of God shall be considered improper and unethical, whether under the name of a chain of prayer beyond the local sphere, chain of letters, or aplo to the constitution for the sustenance of adventures of a strictly local or personal character. All offenders guilty of such practice expressed in the foregoing paragraphs shall be subject to discipline.
 
(3) Private Ownership of Religious Institutions
 
The General Council of the Assemblies of God approves the reservation of dominion for all church buildings, schools or other institutions which are supported by funds solicited for the work of God by properly constituted corporations. Disallows the reservation of ownership of such properties by ministers of the Assemblies of God, through private possession, exclusive corporations, closed corporations, or any other type of possession where the action initiative or ultimate authority is not entrusted to the corporation at all. In the event the local congregation is not incorporated or fixed by the District Council, title must be entrusted to an appropriately qualified trustee. Where there is private possession,a body properly incorporated shall be formed and the title of the property shall be transferred to the corporation having regard to the equity which the titleholder may legitimately have.
 
A disregard of these principles and recommendations will seriously affect the relationship with the Assemblies of God of members involved in such properties.
 
g. Violation of Ministerial Courtesy
 
Discordant conduct is frowned upon, and all ministers are advised against interfering with pastors in charge of assemblies, either by interfering with their work without consent through correspondence with members of the assembly, or by impairing the influence of the leader. All correspondence concerning the assembly in a whole shall be addressed to the one who is in charge and not to individual members. Where there is no pastor, the letters concerning the work shall be addressed to the officers of the assembly.
 
Any minister who offends shall be subject to the discipline of deed as an offender by the District Officer or the Executive Presbytery. Such disagreement will seriously affect the granting of the Annual Certificate of Communion, and may be the basis for your recall.
 
H. Minister in a Non-Assembly Church
 
Ministers should not be limited or restricted to entering into open doors to preach this Pentecostal message, as long as they retain the doctrine of the Assemblies of God, standards of holiness, proper attitude, and appropriate ministerial conduct without compromise.
 
In unity is a vital principle for the growth and spiritual development of the Communion of the Assemblies of God, it is essential that we recognize our relationship with others and that we practice Christian cooperation in all our pastoral, evangelistic, missionary, and local church work.
 
We therefore recommend that our ministers confer with District Council officers before engaging in ministry in any church, group, or organization not affiliated with the Assemblies of God, as well as ascertaining whether such a minister can result in confusion or disagreements. If the minister does not have approval from District Officers, the minister will be expected to stop conducting services for the church. Ministers who violate this principle will be considered as having opened the door for censorship or burden that may necessitate the revocation of their credentials.
 
i. An Inappropriate Attitude to Those Removed from Communion
 
In order to make effective decisions made in the interest of proper discipline and for the protection of our assemblies, all who hold credentials will refrain from taking any action against offenders that would tend to nullify or determine as disobedient the solemn verdict of the brothers entrusted with this responsibility . Offenders will be subject to reprimand, or if they persist, to appropriate discipline.
 
j. The Ecumenical Movement
 
The General Council of the Assemblies of God disapproves ministers or churches in any modern ecumenical organization at local, national or international level in order to promote the Ecumenical Movement because:
 
(1) We believe that the basis of the doctrine of communion of such a movement is so encompassing that it includes people who reject the inspiration of the Scriptures, the deity of Christ, the universality of sin, the substitutionary sacrifice, and other cardinal teachings, which we we understand to be essential to Biblical Christianity.
 
(2) We believe that the emphasis of the Ecumenical Movement is variable with what we assert to be biblical priority, often shifting the urgency of individual salvation to social concerns.
 
(3) We believe that the combination of many religious organizations in a World Super Church will culminate in Religious Babylon of Revelation 17 and 18.
 
(This is not to be construed to mean that limitation can be imposed on any minister of the Assemblies of God regarding his Pentecostal testimony or participation at the local level of interdeminational activities.)
 
Section. Military service
 
The Brazilian District Council affirms its consistent position with that adopted by the General Council as follows:
 
As a Movement we affirm our loyalty to the United States government in war or peace. We will continue to insist, as we have historically, on the right of each member to choose for himself whether to declare his position as a combatant, or a conscientious objector.Heading