ASSEMBLIES OF
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
BY-LAWS
(As Adopted on 11/7/2021)
Table of Contents
PREAMBLE
PREFACE
BRIEF HISTORY
PURPOSE
ARTICLE I - ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE SCRIPTURE
THE ONE TRUE GOD
THE SON OF GOD
THE NAME
MAN AND HIS FALL
THE GRACE OF GOD
THE COMMUNION
THE WASHING OF FEET
DIVINE HEALING
REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SIN
WATER BAPTISM
HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE OF NEW BIRTH
HOLINESS
TITHING
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
SECRET SOCIETIES
THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
TRANSLATION OF SAINTS
TRIBULATION
MILLENNIUM
FINAL JUDGMENT
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
THE LORD’S DAY
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 2. LICENSE
SECTION 3. VOTING QUALIFICATIONS
SECTION 4. RULES AND OBLIGATIONS
SECTION 5. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE/ANNULMENT/SEPARATION
ARTICLE III - ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL MEETINGS
SECTION 1. ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL MEETINGS
SECTION 2. TIME AND LOCATION
SECTION 3. BUSINESS
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODIES
SECTION 3: COMMITTEES
GENERAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
ELECTION COMMITTEE
4) OTHER COMMITTEES
ARTICLE V – GENERAL AND DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
SECTION 1. TITLES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 2. ELECTIONS
GENERAL OFFICERS
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
SECTION 4. QUALIFYING PROCEDURES
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GENERAL OFFICERS AND MINISTERS
SECTION 1. Missionary
SECTION 2. ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS
SECTION 3. GENERAL SECRETARY
SECTION 4. Presbyters
ARTICLE VII - EVANGELISM DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE VIII - DISCIPLESHIP DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE IX – HOME MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE X - WORLD MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE XI - APOSTOLIC YOUTH DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE XII - APOSTOLIC YOUNG COUPLES‘ DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE XIII - WOMEN’S ESPRIT DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3: OFFICERS
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE XIV - APOSTOLIC MEN’S DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
ARTICLE XV - PASTORAL COURTESY
SECTION 1. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE XVI - FINANCIAL POLICY
SECTION 1. FUNDING.
SECTION 2. TITHES
SECTION 3. EXPECTATIONS
SECTION 4. PURCHASES
SECTION 5. PROPERTIES
ARTICLE XVII - CHURCHES
SECTION 1. OBLIGATIONS
ARTICLE XVIII - JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
SECTION 3. TYPES OF ACTIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION
COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION
SECTION 4. HEARING
PROCEDURE
DISPOSITION
SECTION 5. GENERAL OFFICIALS
INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT
HEARING
ARTICLE XIX - AMENDMENTS
ASSEMBLIES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST PAPUA NEW GUINEA INCORPORATED
BY-LAWS
(As Adopted on 11, July 2021)
PREAMBLE
In order to establish our work in a more efficient basis, to promote greater cooperation, and to secure closer fellowship and harmonious relationship, and to take care and enhance the general well-being of the member churches, we, the members of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Papua New Guinea, Incorporated (hereinafter referred to as “ALJC-Papua New Guinea”) do hereby organize ourselves as a missionary field of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, 875 N White Station Road, Memphis Tennessee 38122, USA and do hereby promulgate these By-laws.
PREFACE
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus prophetically stated; “… I will build my church…” The many types and shadows of the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple worship were pointing toward the New Testament period and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ on this earth. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Jesus showed Himself alive to many of His disciples for forty days. He left them with the promise of the Spirit returning to indwell them (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5-8).
On the Jewish Feast day of Pentecost, 30 A.D., a group of one hundred and twenty faithful followers of Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem in an upper room. Suddenly they were overwhelmed with the promised Spirit. They began to speak with other languages as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Thus, the Church was born! As the Apostle Peter spoke to the gathered throng, 3,000 others were likewise added to the original group of one hundred twenty.
Since this beginning in Jerusalem, the Church spread as the apostles carried the Gospel forth into the world. At the death of the apostles and the conclusion of their writings, which we recognize as New Testament Epistles, those whom they had ordained continued their message with signs following. During the intervening centuries, the true Church of Jesus Christ has known much tribulation and persecution at the hand of those who oppose her message. Yet in every century the Lord has had a witness and the Church has had a voice.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, God chose the United States to pour out the Latter Rain of His Spirit. Revival fires began to spread as people began to seek a deeper experience with God. Soon thousands were filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ in the United States. Then, Missionaries were sent out into other countries carrying the Gospel. Thus, America became a great bastion for Apostolic truth in the twentieth century. In every state the Apostolic Message spread, and churches were founded. From these churches, groups began to form as churches and men of God united their efforts to do more for God. Through the efforts of these faithful witnesses, the Commission of Jesus Christ to “…preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) is being fulfilled.
BRIEF HISTORY
The Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ is a continuation of the great revival that began on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem, A.D. 30, and is founded upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief cornerstone (Acts 2:1-41; Ephesians 2:19, 20).
Various groups throughout the United States of America went by different names trying and striving to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Finally, in March 1952, three groups known as the Assemblies of the Church of Jesus Christ, Jesus Only Apostolic Church of God, and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, formulated a merger adopting the name Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is Apostolic in Doctrine and Teachings, and the Bible as their guide book.
In 1994 ALJC Missionaries Wilburn and Lois Price took an exploratory missions trip to the country of Papua New Guinea at the request of the late Reverend Yalwi Ulkande. Missionary Price met with a group of Oneness Apostolic preachers, and pastors to discuss plans to form ALJC PNG INC. The following Articles of Faith, by-Laws, and Constitution was adopted by the people who attend the meeting organized by Rev Yalwi Ulkande. After the Brother and Sister Price had been here for 6 years, Missionaries Rick, and Suzanne Barnett came to Papua New Guinea to carry the torch of Apostolic Truth, and served Papua New Guinea from 2001-2021. In 2018 Missionaries Ryan, and Kimberly Marshall with their 2 children Ezekiel, and Adrianna answered the call to come to Papua New Guinea, and are currently the Resident Missionaries of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the ALJC- Papua New Guinea shall be to advance the Apostolic Gospel of Jesus Christ in Papua New Guinea and beyond. We shall endeavor to accomplish this by establishing our member ministers and their congregations in the Apostolic Doctrine and by equipping and strengthening the member ministers and their congregations in developing new ministers, planting new works, and sending out missionaries to other countries to do the same.
ARTICLE I - ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE SCRIPTURE
We believe the Bible to be the direct and absolute Word of God (II Timothy 3:16) given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost as it moved upon the tongues and pens of men who had received the special anointing of God for this expressed purpose: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21). We believe the Bible to be God’s means of doctrine, instruction, and comfort to the Church today, infallible in its authority, singular in interpretation, and man’s only avenue of access to God.
THE ONE TRUE GOD
We believe in the One ever-living, eternal God; infinite in power; holy in nature, attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible Deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father in creation, through the Son in redemption, and as the Holy Ghost by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28).
The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal (Romans 1:19, 21, 28, 32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body, and therefore, free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and “a spirit hath not flesh and bones…” (Luke 24:39).
The first of all commandments is, “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD” (Mark 12:29, Deuteronomy 6:4). “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).
This one true God manifested Himself in the Old Testament in diverse ways; in the Son while He walked among men and as the Holy Ghost after the ascension.
THE SON OF GOD
The one true God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, took upon Himself the form of man, and as the Son of man, was born of the Virgin Mary. As Paul says, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10). “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). This one true God was manifested in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ.
“… God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” (II Corinthians 5:19). We believe that, “… in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
THE NAME
“… unto us a child is born, unto us a son in given…and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: For he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
MAN AND HIS FALL
God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26, 27): innocent, pure, and holy (Romans 5:11, Ephesians 2:3). Man needed a redeemer which has been supplied in the seed of the woman, which seed bruised the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15; Luke 2:10,11); that is, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5).
THE GRACE OF GOD
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:11, 12).
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).
A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21), and in the grace of God. The word grace means “favor.” When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses favor. If he continues to sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire (John 15:1, 6; II Peter 2:20-22). Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day and their reward (Hebrews 6:4-6).
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
THE COMMUNION
Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, gave the first communion, consisting of bread and wine (Genesis 14:18), to our father Abraham. Christ, being “made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” evidently administered the same (Hebrews 7:21; Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-32).
On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with His apostles, after which He instituted the Communion service. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19, 20). Paul instructed the Church how to observe it (I Corinthians 11:23, 24, 25).
THE WASHING OF FEET
This ordinance is as much a divine command as any other New Testament ordinance. Jesus gave us an example that we do even as He had done. He said that we ought to wash one another’s feet. And again, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them” (John 13:4-17). There is scriptural evidence that this was practiced by the church in the days of the apostle Paul (I Timothy 5:10).
DIVINE HEALING
The physical suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ purchased healing for our bodies, as His death, burial, and resurrection provided for the salvation of our souls, for “… with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Matthew 8:17 reads, “… Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” (See also I Peter 2:24.)
We see from this that healing for the body is in the atonement. That being true, then it is for all who believe. Jesus said of the believer, “… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:18). Later James wrote in his epistle to all the church, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:14-16).
REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SIN
The only grounds upon which God will accept a sinner is repentance from the heart for his sins that he has committed. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise (Psalm 51:17). John preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and before His ascension commanded that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Peter fulfilled this command on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38).
WATER BAPTISM
The scriptural mode of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. It should be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel in obedience to the Word of God and in the Name of Jesus Christ, according to the Acts of the Apostles; 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5, thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.
HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said “… He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”
Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, “… ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”
Luke tells us in Acts 2:4, “… and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, [languages] as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
The terms “baptized with the Holy Ghost,” “filled with the Holy Ghost,” and the “gift of the Holy Ghost,” are synonymous terms which are interchangeable in the Bible.
APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE OF NEW BIRTH
The basic and fundamental doctrine of this Organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (Acts 2:4,38; St. John 3:5).
HOLINESS
We believe that godly living should characterize the life and walk of all saints according to the sign and example found in I Peter 2:21; Titus 2:11; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:14; I Peter 1:15-17. We believe we are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1), to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22), and to turn away from those who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (II Timothy 3:5; I Corinthians 11:6; I Timothy 2:9, 10; I Peter 2:3, 4).
The Apostle Peter gives instruction to wives about their behavior and their appearance, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Peter 3:1-4). The Word of God teaches a distinction between the dress of a woman and a man: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garments: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
The word “abomination” used by God in this verse indicates that this rule will not change through all generations. Christian men are not to wear women’s clothing, and Christian women are not to wear men’s clothing.
Modesty is not confined to dress alone but also includes conversation and manners. Philippians 4:5 teaches us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Holiness is not only an inward presence of God, but it is also reflected in the outward life of the Christian in his conduct in this world.
TITHING
We believe tithing is God’s financial plan to provide for His work and has been since the days of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham, Moses’ law enjoined it, Israel practiced it when she was right with God, Jesus endorsed it (Matthew 23:23), and Paul said to lay by in store as God has prospered you. Do not rob God of His portion, that is, tithes and offerings (Malachi 3).
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery” (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). In order to lift a higher standard in the ministry, no minister shall be accepted in this organization who has married for the second time after his conversion, unless the first marriage was terminated by a death.
SECRET SOCIETIES
The people of God shall have no connection whatsoever with religious oriented secret societies or any other organization (labor unions excluded) wherein bound by an oath to unbelievers.
THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
That the Lord Jesus Christ is to come to earth in person is a doctrine clearly set forth in Apostolic times. James taught it, the Apostles preached it and the saints expect it (Matthew 24:1, etc.; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Corinthians 1:7,8; 11:26; Philippians 3:20,21; Titus 2:13).
TRANSLATION OF SAINTS
We believe the catching away of the church draweth nigh, and at that time all the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves, and we that are alive and remain shall be translated or “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (Matthew 24:36-42; Luke 17:20-37; I Corinthians 15:51; Philippians 3:20, 21; I Thessalonians 4:13-17). Whereas, the Word of God teaches the imminent second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that there will be first an appearing, or catching away, of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:13) preceding His second coming back to earth; and said first appearance we believe to be at hand and likely to occur at any moment.
TRIBULATION
Moreover, we believe that the distress upon the earth is the “beginning of sorrows” and will become more intense until there “shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” (Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:1; Romans 11:25-27).
MILLENNIUM
We believe that the period of Tribulation will be followed by the dawn of a better day on earth, and that for one thousand years there shall be “peace on earth and good will toward men” (Revelation 20:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25, Matthew 5:5, Daniel 7:27, Micah 4:1, Habakkuk 2:14, Romans 11:25-27).
FINAL JUDGMENT
When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of the dead who shall be summoned before the Great White Throne for their final judgment, and all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire, burning with the brimstone, which God has prepared for the devil and his angels (Revelation 20:5-15, Matthew 24:41-46, Revelation 21:8).
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
All civil magistrates are ordained of God for peace, safety, and the welfare of all people (Romans 13:1-10; Titus 3:1, 2; I Peter 2:13, 14); therefore, it is our duty to be in obedience to all requirements of the law that are not contrary to the Word of God and that do not force one to the violation of the sixth commandment by bearing arms. It is our duty to honor without murmuring (Matthew 17:24-27, 22:17-21) and show respect to them in all lawful requirements of the civil government.
THE LORD’S DAY
The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion. We encourage all our members to attend church services every Sunday.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall consist of all accredited ministers and missionaries holding license or credentials in said body and shall be known as an organization.
SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Anyone desiring to hold membership with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea must have fulfilled the command given in Acts 2:38 of repentance, baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ, and have received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Furthermore, he must believe, preach, and teach the same, having the call of God to the ministry.
An application for membership shall be properly completed and submitted to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Headquarters.
An application for membership shall be evaluated by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board, and if approved, it shall be signed by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Missionary.
All approved applicants shall be given a six (6) months probationary period during which the applicant must prove himself faithful in all reporting requirements and policies of the organization (monthly dues and reports) and shall actively participate in all organizational activities involving licensed ministers.
After a six (6) months probationary period, the applicant shall be evaluated by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board who will decide whether or not he/she is accepted for regular membership.
The applicant shall be notified by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Headquarters of his final status within fifteen (15) days after he/she has been approved or disapproved.
SECTION 2. LICENSE
All applicants approved for membership shall be issued a License or Credential and an accompanying fellowship card signed by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Missionary and ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Superentendant.
All Licenses and Credentials are void unless accompanied by a current fellowship card.
Any minister withdrawing or being dropped from our organization must return his License or Credential, along with the current fellowship card to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Headquarters.
Ministers holding License or Credentials with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea, who are not engaged in full time ministry (Pastor or Evangelist), shall attach themselves to a local ALJC-Papua New Guinea assembly, and shall work under the jurisdiction of and in fellowship with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea and be subordinate to the pastor of that assembly. Any exceptions to the above rule must be approved by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board in which the minister is located.
No minister affiliated with ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall be permitted to hold papers with any other chartered organization or association.
Local License: A Local License may be issued to a local church worker obeying the call of God in his heart and actively involved in a local church ministry under the supervision of the resident pastor. The ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board has the authority to revoke a Local License on the request of his pastor.
General License: One must have a proven in-church ministry or church pioneering work of not less than two (2) years duration under the supervision/mentorship of a resident pastor of the local church to which he is attached.
Ordination/Credentials: In order to be admitted to the ranks of the ministry’s highest calling, one must be duly and solemnly ordained and must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. Furthermore, one must have not less than three (3) years of faithful pastoral or evangelist ministry on a full-time basis.
An ordination ceremony may be held at any ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Conference.
Women: All licenses issued to women in this organization shall be Local License or General License. Women shall meet the requirements of said licenses in order to hold membership in this organization and shall have all voting privileges granted by those licenses.
National annual dues for all licenses shall be determined by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board
SECTION 3. VOTING QUALIFICATIONS
Only those ministers and missionaries holding accredited Credentials or General License with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall be entitled to vote for General Officers. ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Officers are defined as the General Superintendent, Assistant General Superintendent(s), and the General Secretary.
Local Licensed ministers may vote for all other national officers and all other general business during business meetings.
No minister shall be permitted to vote that is not current with his or her national dues. Current is defined as paid up prior to the Conference, through the end of the month in which the Conference takes place.
Only ministers in attendance at the business meeting session at the time of a vote are eligible to vote.
SECTION 4. RULES AND OBLIGATIONS
Our ministers may conduct meetings in any city and for any church, regardless of its organizational ties in the Oneness Apostolic movement, as long as the conduct of both the church and its pastor is in harmony with godly living , Christian ethics, Oneness Apostolic Doctrine and in agreement with the Articles of Faith of ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
National dues and assessments of all ministers of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall be determined by resolutions passed by the General Assembly at the annual conference. All such dues shall be paid to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Regional Representative who in turn will forward all received Dues to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Missionary to put in the Treasury.
National membership dues are not considered paid until they are received by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Headquarters.
Any minister failing to keep his national and district ministerial fees current shall be notified that, after thirty (30) days, his name will be dropped from the membership roll. For no other reason can one be dropped or dis-fellowshipped, except by the proper procedures in this constitution.
Any minister dropped or dis-fellowshipped from this organization cannot be considered for reinstatement within a period of twelve (12) months following the removal of his name from the membership roll, and then not without first appearing before the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board for a thorough investigation of the actions and facts that now cause petition for said reinstatement.
Petition for reinstatement must be in writing, signed by the petitioner, and filed with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Secretary. The petition shall state the time and facts that precipitated the dropping or withdrawal of petitioner and his reasons for requesting reinstatement at this time.
Any minister proven guilty of the sin of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, pedophilia, pornography, or any other conduct as stated in I Corinthians 6:9-10, while in this or any other organization or any other ministry, shall not be permitted to have membership in this body. A hand of mercy, love, and compassion should be extended to such ministers who have evidenced a broken and contrite spirit in an effort to restore them to God. Ministers so restored may develop a participating roll in their local church at the prudence of their pastor; however, this shall not qualify them for the privilege of membership in this organization.
Any minister who withdraws from this organization or has withdrawn from any other organization or any other ministry, while his conduct is under question, cannot be a member of this organization until such time as he resolves the question to the satisfaction of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
Any minister who knowingly allows such a one under question to take part in his services, until the resolution of the question, shall himself receive such disciplinary action as is deemed necessary by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board.
The name of any minister dealt with for any reason that shall cause his name to be removed from the ministerial list, shall be published in a letter to the members of this organization.
SECTION 5. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE/ANNULMENT/SEPARATION
Marriage is a divine institution and should not be treated lightly as prescribed by the weak today. No minister shall remarry if he has obtained a divorce/annulment for the cause of adultery or fornication on the part of his companion, unless this decree was obtained before his conversion to the faith. (See Articles of Faith on Marriage and Divorce).
No minister shall unite in marriage with one so charged or who has been divorced for this cause.
ARTICLE III - ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL MEETINGS
SECTION 1. ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL MEETINGS
An annual session of this body shall be held annually and shall be called the General Conference and shall be held at the place and time determined by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board.
Special Meetings.
When important matters arise between annual General Conferences, and the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board agree by a majority that there is a need for a special meeting of the General Assembly, the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Superintendent, or Missionary shall be empowered to call a special meeting of the members of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea. Special meetings shall be conducted in accordance with these By-Laws, and Robert’s Rules of Order, current edition.
The location, time and specific issues of the special meeting should be specified in the request for a special meeting as may be determined by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board.
The special General Assembly meeting notifications shall be sent out at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting.
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Superintendent, or Missionary shall be empowered to call a special ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board meeting at any time.
The annual General Conference shall be National Religious Holidays for all members and their churches.
SECTION 2. TIME AND LOCATION
During the General Conference, the time and location of the next General Conference shall be determined by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board who are present.
SECTION 3. BUSINESS
All sessions shall be opened with prayer. Every General Conference shall schedule a business meeting.
The order of business is as follows:
Meeting called to order by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Missionary.
Minutes from last General Conference and a report from any department director or president shall be given to each minister in printed form.
Election of officers in election years.
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Secretary shall stand to answer any questions the ministers might have concerning last year’s minutes.
Approval of the minutes.
Each officer and department director shall stand to answer any questions and for approval of their reports by the ministers in the following order:
Missionary
General Superintendent
Any Assistant General Superintendent(s)
Organization Financial Reports
Any Department Directors of any departments established by the ALJC Papua New Guinea
Unfinished business
New Business
Adjournment
At subsequent business session(s), continue business as needed.
All resolutions shall be properly written and signed by the author and submitted no later than six (6) full weeks to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Headquarters prior to the General Conference.
A filing fee of an amount determined by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board per resolution must accompany each resolution submitted for consideration at General Conference. This fee will be used to defray the cost of printing the resolutions. Any excess money is to be turned over to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Fund.
A copy of any resolution affecting a national department shall be forwarded to the affected department director by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Secretary no less than two (2) weeks prior to its presentation on the floor of the conference.
Any resolution failing to be presented may be forced to come before the conference by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present.
All business meetings of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall be conducted according to the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. This includes the General Conference, all departments, all boards, committees, and judicial procedures, as well as all others as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order, and all others doing business for the organization. This shall be in keeping with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.
ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board business sessions shall follow the following order and outline:
Remarks by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Missionary
Reading and approval of the minutes from last ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board meeting
Reports and remarks of Officers, Boards, and Standing Committees
Reports of any Departments in the order specified in the meeting notification
Reports of Special Committees
Unfinished business and General Orders
New business
Adjournment
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNING BODIES
This organization shall have the following principal, legislative, judicial and governing bodies: The ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Assembly, The ALJC- Papua New Guinea Executive Board, and Various Committees established by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board.
SECTION 1. THE ALJC-Papua New Guinea GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Assembly, also known as the General Body, shall be composed of all accredited ministers and missionaries who have satisfied the qualifications for membership stipulated in ARTICLE II of these By-Laws and are issued with licenses or credentials with current fellowship card in this organization. The General Body shall have the following duties and functions:
It shall be the Principal and the Supreme Legislative body of the Organization.
It shall have the power to amend these By-Laws in concurrence with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board.
In election year, the entire General Body shall elect any officers of the organization or department directors as established by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea (with the exception of the United States ALJC World Missions Director and United States ALJC Asia-Pacific Field Supervisor, who shall remain as Assistant Superintendents on the ALJC Papua New Guinea Executive Board unless such provision is changed in the Constitution of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea)
Only those holding General License or Credentials shall elect ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Officers.
SECTION 2: THE ALJC-Papua New Guinea EXECUTIVE BOARD
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea Executive Board (hereinafter referred to as “Executive Board”) shall be composed of the ALJC-United States appointed missionary to Papua New Guinea (hereinafter referred to as “Missionary”) ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Superintendent (hereinafter referred to as “General Superintendent”), the ALJC-Papua New Guinea 1st Assistant General Superintendent (hereinafter referred to as “1st Assistant Superintendent”), who shall be the World Missions Director of the ALJC of the United States, the ALJC-Papua New Guinea 2nd Assistant General Superintendent (hereinafter referred to as “2nd Assistant Superintendent”), who shall be the Asia-Pacific Field Supervisor of the ALJC of the United States, the ALJC-Asia-Pacific 3rd Assistant General Superintendent (hereinafter referred to as “3rd Assistant Superintendent”), and the ALJC-Papua New Guinea the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Secretary (hereinafter referred to as “General Secretary”). These officers (with the exception of the Missionary, 1st and 2nd Assistant Superintendents) shall be elected at the General Conference by the General Body for a term of five (5) years and shall have the following duties and functions:
It shall oversee the spiritual and material welfare of this organization and to direct the business of this organization as authorized by these By-Laws.
It shall be the highest governing and policy-making body of this organization.
It shall be authorized to carry out orders and resolutions of the General Assembly and to conduct all business of this organization in accordance with these By-Laws.
It shall exercise general supervision over the functions and activities of all the officers of this organization.
It may direct any of the officers of this organization to perform functions other than those provided for by these By-Laws for the best interest of the organization.
It has the power to remove, expel, suspend, or discipline any officer or members of the organization for a just and proper cause. Any removal, suspension, or discipline of an ALJC-Papua New Guinea minister shall be in accordance with proper judicial procedure as outlined in the Judicial Procedure section of this Constitution (Article XVIII).
It has the power to review, modify, amend, ratify, or reverse decisions of any of the officers on behalf of the general welfare and best interest of the organization.
It has the power to establish, as deemed necessary, National Departments.
The Missionary overseeing the National Board shall be the trustee of all organization properties and shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
To act as the oversight of all properties purchased in the name of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea
To see to the upkeep of the properties as to improvements, repairs, building new buildings, etc.
They are authorized by the ALJC-Papua New Guinea to make necessary loans or grant loans pertaining to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
They shall be authorized by a majority vote at the General Conference to lease, buy, or sell properties for the organization or to work out any negotiable plan on any property involved. The Executive Board, at a duly called meeting, by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote deem a case an extreme emergency, may be authorized to do the same.
The Missionary shall act as Chairman of the Executive Board.
The Executive Board shall provide direction, oversight, advice, and support to any National Department. Furthermore, said Executive Board may appoint any ALJC-Papua New Guinea minister in good standing to act as head of a department, and/or the Executive Board may appoint one of its members to act as the head of any department, whenever the Executive Board determines that the purpose of the organization would be best served by doing so.
SECTION 3: COMMITTEES
GENERAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Executive Board shall serve as the General Conference Planning Committee. This committee is tasked to plan and execute everything that pertains to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Conference.
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
The Executive Board shall serve as the Credentials Committee. This committee shall be empowered to review all information and interview all individuals necessary to obtain sufficient information in order to determine their recommendation for the disposition of the application for membership. The Executive Board shall render the final decision with regard to the approval or rejection of an application.
ELECTION COMMITTEE
The Election Committee and its Chairman shall be appointed by the Missionary at the General Conference and shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) members. This committee is tasked to facilitate and officiate the election process in accordance with these By-Laws.
4) OTHER COMMITTEES
a) Other committees may be established by the Executive Board as deemed necessary to fulfill the
vision and objectives of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
ARTICLE V – GENERAL AND DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
SECTION 1. TITLES OF OFFICERS
The Organization shall have the following General Officers:
Missionary, who is the current ALJC United States appointed missionary to PNG and shall remain a permanent member of the Executive Board. In the event there is no longer an ALJC United States appointed missionary to PNG and the ALJC-Unitied States has no plan to appoint another missionary to PNG, this office shall cease and all responsibilities of the Missionary established in this constitution shall pass to the General Superintendent.
General Superintendent
1st Assistant Superintendent, who is the current World Missions Director of the ALJC United States and shall remain a permanent member of the Executive Board
2nd Assistant Superintendent, who is the current Africa / Middle East Field Supervisor of the World Missions Department of the ALJC United States and shall remain a permanent member of the Executive Board
3rd Assistant Superintendent
General Secretary
The Organization may have any of the following National Department Officers as deemed necessary and established by the Executive Board.
Jurisdiction Overseers (Presbyters)
Evangelism Department Director
Discipleship Department Director
Home Missions Department Director
World Missions Department Director
General Apostolic Youth President
Apostolic Young Couples’ Department President
Women’s Esprit President
Apostolic Men’s Department President
SECTION 2. ELECTIONS
GENERAL OFFICERS
All General Officers shall be elected for a term of five (5) years (except as noted in Article V, Section 1). Only members holding General License or Credentials may vote for General Officers and must be present at the General Conference Business Meeting.
All votes for candidates for the General Officers shall be by secret ballot.
The first ballot to be cast shall be the Nominating Ballot. The names of three (3) persons receiving the most votes shall be presented to the voting body. Each of the nominees shall be required to state their desire and vision for the respective office. Such an address shall be given to the voting body upon presentation of each nominee and extend no more than three (3) minutes in length.
A two-thirds (2/3) vote on a first ballot (Nominating Ballot) for an office shall constitute an election.
In the event that a person elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote on the first ballot should decline, the names of the next two (2) persons receiving the most votes on that first ballot shall be presented to the voting constituency for choice between the two.
In the event that the person receiving the second highest vote on a first ballot should decline consideration for office, all persons named on the first ballot shall be polled by the presiding officer for a verbal determination whether he/she will remain available for election, and then the following, (g), shall be implemented:
A new first ballot (Nominating Ballot) shall be taken which must follow the same guidelines as the original first ballot.
The Second Ballot to be cast shall be the Election Ballot. After all the election ballots has been cast and counted, the one receiving the most votes from among the official candidates shall be declared as the winner by the Election Committee.
In case of a tie, the voters shall cast a new Election Ballot until a simple majority vote is reached.
NATIONAL DEPARTMENT PRESIDENTS
Any National Department established by the Executive Board shall have a President of said department. Any National Department Presidents shall be elected for a term of two (2) years at a General Conference Business Meeting. All license levels may vote for National Department President.
All votes for nominees for President of the Department shall be by secret ballot.
The first ballot to be cast shall be the Nominating Ballot. The names of three (3) persons receiving the most votes shall be presented to the voting body. Each of the nominees shall be required to state their desire and vision for the respective office. Such an address shall be given to the voting body upon presentation of each nominee and extend no more than three (3) minutes in length.
In cases one, two, or all of these nominees shall decline, the voting body shall repeat b) to c) until there will be at least two (2), but no more than three (3), willing nominees.
After each nominee has given their presentation, the General Body will cast their votes. Once all votes have been verified and counted, the person receiving the most votes for each department shall be declared as the winner by the Election Committee.
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS
In order to hold an ALJC-Papua New Guinea General Office in this organization, the following qualifications are required: One must have been ordained five (5) years prior to his election; in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea (or the ALJC of the United States in the case of 1st and 2nd Assistant Superintendents) and holding Credentials for two (2) years; must have pastoral, evangelist, or missionary experience of at least five (5) years; a minister in good standing within and without the body of Christ, whose life and ministry has been proven a faithful work of the Lord (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). In the case of the initial establishment of the ALJC- Papua New Guinea, the above qualification of having been ordained for five (5) years within the ALJC-Papua New Guinea and/or having held credentials within the ALJC-Papua New Guinea can be waived at the discretion of the World Missions Director and Asia-Pacific Regional Field Supervisor of the ALJC of the United States.
No minister shall be permitted to be nominated, elected, or appointed to any office that is not current with their national dues. Current is defined as paid up prior to the Conference, through the end of the month in which the Conference takes place.
SECTION 4. QUALIFYING PROCEDURES
The Executive Board shall serve as the Qualifications Committee.
All questions concerning the qualifications of a nominee shall be presented to the Qualifications Committee in writing.
No questions of such a nature shall be discussed openly before the conference.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
A general officer may take office within thirty (30) days following his election.
If a vacancy occurs in any office where there is no duly elected assistant, the Executive Board shall appoint a qualified minister to fill said vacancy for the remaining unexpired term.
All organization financial and member records are the property of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea. Upon the completion of one’s tenure in office, within thirty (30) days, all national or department officers shall transfer all records pertaining to their respective office to the succeeding officer. Furthermore, the former and succeeding officers shall sign a form acknowledging the transfer of all records. A copy of these signed acknowledgement forms shall be sent to the ALJC-Papua New Guinea headquarters.
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GENERAL OFFICERS AND MINISTERS
SECTION 1. Missionary
The Missionary who is also the President and at the same time Chairman of the Executive Board shall be the Chief Executive and the Chief Operating Officer of the organization.
He shall preside at all General Conferences and shall have the authority to call and preside at all meetings of the Executive Board.
He shall appoint all committees pertaining to the general work.
He shall oversee the functions of the organization in general.
He shall be authorized to sign all official and legal documents, deeds, and mortgages.
To receive and disburse all general funds of the organization as directed by the General Assembly, along with the payment of current operating expenses
To have the books of the finances of the organization audited once each year prior to the General Conference and submitted to the Executive Board for its approval
To sign all licenses and fellowship cards
He shall be authorized to withhold any credential, license, or fellowship card when he has reason to believe that the applicant might be in question, and to refer same to the Executive Board.
When the Missionary has reason to withhold any credential, license or fellowship card, he will provide the information he has obtained that causes the applicant to be in question in writing to the Executive Board.
He shall be a trustee for all corporation property.
SECTION 2 GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
He shall execute the policies, directives, and resolutions of the General Assembly and/or Executive Board and shall see to it that the provisions of these By-Laws are followed and observed by all parties concerned.
SECTION 2. ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Assistant Superintendents are the Vice-Presidents of the organization.
In the event of resignation, death, or permanent disability of the General Superintendent, the ALJC-Papua New Guinea 1st Assistant Superintendent (the current World Missions Director of the ALJC United States) shall serve as the General Superintendent until the next General Conference, at which time a new General Superintendent shall be elected.
They shall perform and discharge the duties and functions as may be directed by the General Superintendent or the Executive Board.
It is their duty to fill the office of the General Superintendent if and when necessary or when so requested by the General Superintendent.
SECTION 3. GENERAL SECRETARY
The duties of the General Secretary:
To take minutes and to preserve records of the business of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
He shall keep updated listings of the members of the organization and to make a report yearly to the General Conference.
SECTION 4. Presbyters
Help the Superentendant, and Missionary with overseeing regions.
Collect, and submit all monthly reports in your Region Timely. All reports must be submitted to headquarters by the 5th of the following month.
Travel to each church in your region to make sure they’re growing, and staying true to the gospel.
Meet with your churches on a quarterly basis to plan, conduct, and oversee pastoral meetings for district, and national events.
Disperse all organizational paperwork, events, changes, and plans to the body, while being the person who is the mediator between the body, the superintendent, and the missionary.
SECTION 4. OBLIGATIONS OF MINISTERS
To conduct one’s self everywhere as becometh a Christian minister
Endeavor to maintain a spirit of unity and love
To cooperate with the programs and leadership of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea
Cooperate with the financial policy of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea
To work for the furtherance of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea
To abide by these By-Laws and to preach and teach doctrine consistent with the Articles of Faith and By-Laws of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea
The rules and obligations as set forth in the By-Laws of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea, according to Article II, are applicable and binding on all ministers in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
All dues and assessments must be paid to the Missionary.
Any minister failing to keep his ministerial fees current shall be notified that, after thirty (30) days, his name shall be dropped from membership in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea. A minister may not be dropped or disfellowshipped, for any other reason, except by the proper procedures as outlined in the By-Laws of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
Any minister withdrawing or being dropped from our organization must return his license or credentials and current fellowship card to the ALJC Papua New Guinea Headquarters.
The Following are Constitutional Sections governing any department established by the Executive Board:
ARTICLE VII - EVANGELISM DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Evangelism Department is to assist our churches in making new converts by
Conducting evangelistic events throughout Papua New Guinea in cooperation with local churches
Conducting training seminars on effective evangelism programs and methods
Providing access to and training with bible studies, educational materials, and other helps
Objective: Every church should be consistently and effectively evangelizing their own locality.
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
National Evangelism Director
National Evangelism Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
Director
Secretary/Treasurer
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Evangelism Directors must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local directors and Secretary/Treasurers are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The Evangelism Department Director shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference for a term of two (2) years and shall work under and in harmony with the Executive Board.
The Evangelism Department Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the Evangelism Department Director and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of Director is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the Evangelism Department Director is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The Evangelism Department Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the Evangelism Department Director and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department Director and Executive Board
ARTICLE VIII - DISCIPLESHIP DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Discipleship Department is to assist our churches in developing converts into disciples of Jesus Christ by:
Conducting training seminars pertaining to Christian Discipleship
Providing access to and training with bible studies, educational materials, and other helps; developing a strong Sunday school program for use in all of our churches
Objective: Every church should have an ongoing program to immediately begin making well-grounded and fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ out of every new convert.
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
National Discipleship Director
National Discipleship Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
Director
Secretary/Treasurer
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local directors and Secretary/Treasurers are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The Discipleship Department Director shall be elected by the general body at the General Conference for a term of two (2) years and shall work under and in harmony with the Executive Board.
The Discipleship Department Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the Discipleship Department Director and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of Director is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the Discipleship Department Director is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The Discipleship Department Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the General Discipleship, Department Director, and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department Director and Executive Board
ARTICLE IX – HOME MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Home Missions Department is to assist our churches in developing new works within Papua New Guinea by:
Cultivating a consciousness throughout our fellowship of the need to establish new Gospel works
Encouraging every church to receive a monthly offering for the establishment of new works
Providing access to and training with bible studies, educational materials, and other helps
Objective: Every church should either be currently establishing new works or be working toward that end.
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
National Home Missions Director
National Home Missions Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
Director
Secretary
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local directors and Secretary are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The National Home Missions Department Director shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference for a term of two (2) years and shall work under and in harmony with the Executive Board.
The National Home Missions Department Assistant and Secretary shall be appointed by the National Home Missions Department Director and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of Director is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the National Home Missions Department Director is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The National Home Missions Department Secretary shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the Home Missions Department Director and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department Director and Executive Board
ARTICLE X - WORLD MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the World Missions Department is to advance the cause of the gospel beyond the borders of Papua New Guinea by:
Cultivating a world mission’s consciousness throughout our fellowship
Encouraging every church to have at least one service per month during which the World Missions are emphasized
Encouraging every church to direct their members to pray daily for world missionaries and under-evangelized mission fields
Encouraging every church to receive a monthly offering to support world missionaries
Communicating news from and about various world mission fields, and the unique needs therein
Recruiting, training, equipping, sending, and supporting missionaries from within the ranks of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
Objectives:
Every church should be supporting World Missions through prayer and with finances.
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall endeavor to send out and support missionaries whenever and wherever God makes a way to do so.
SECTION 2. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
National World Missions Director
National World Missions Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
Director
Secretary
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local directors and Secretary are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The National World Missions Department Director shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference for a term of two (2) years and shall work under and in harmony with the Executive Board.
The National World Missions Department Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the National World Missions Department Director and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of Director is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the National World Missions Department Director is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The National World Missions Department Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the World Missions Department Director and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department Director and Executive Board
ARTICLE XI - APOSTOLIC YOUTH DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Apostolic Youth Department is to provide resources and activities for young people that will help equip them for Christian service. We seek to foster a deeper knowledge of the Bible and Apostolic doctrine, a greater love for God, and a zeal for evangelism and service in the church.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
All single young people between the ages of 12 to 40, currently attending an ALJC-Papua New Guinea church and in good standing, having been baptized in Jesus’ Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, shall be considered members of the Apostolic Youth Department.
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
General Apostolic Youth President
General Apostolic Youth Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
President
Secretary
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local Presidents and Secretary/Treasurers are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The General Apostolic Youth President shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference and shall serve a term of two (2) years.
The Apostolic Youth Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the General Apostolic Youth President and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of President is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the General Apostolic Youth President is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The General Apostolic Youth Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the General Apostolic Youth President and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department President and Executive Board
ARTICLE XII - APOSTOLIC YOUNG COUPLES‘ DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The Purpose of the Apostolic Young Couples’ Department is to provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God's design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles and Apostolic Doctrine.
We support families as they seek to teach their children about God and His beautiful design for the family, protect themselves from the harmful influences of culture, and equip themselves to make a greater difference in the lives of those around them
SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP
All married couples under the age of 40 (of the younger party) currently attending an ALJC –Papua New Guinea church and in good standing, having been baptized in Jesus’ Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, shall be considered members of the Apostolic Young Couples’ Department.
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
General Apostolic Young Couples’ President
General Apostolic Young Couples’ Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
President
Secretary
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local Presidents and Secretary/Treasurers are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The General Apostolic Young Couples’ President shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference and shall serve a term of two (2) years immediately after his election.
The General Apostolic Young Couples’ Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the General Apostolic Young Couples’ President and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of President is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the General Apostolic Young Couples’ President is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The General Apostolic Young Couples’ Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the General Apostolic Young Couples’ President and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department President and Executive Board
ARTICLE XIII - WOMEN’S ESPRIT DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Women’s Esprit Department is to provide resources and activities for women that will help equip them for Christ-like leadership in their homes, communities, and churches. We seek to foster a deeper knowledge of the Bible and Apostolic doctrine, a greater love for God, and a zeal for evangelism and service in the church.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
All women, aged 40 and up, currently attending an ALJC-Papua New Guinea church and in good standing, having been baptized in Jesus’ Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, shall be considered members of the Women’s Esprit Department.
SECTION 3: OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
General Women’s Esprit President
General Women’s Esprit Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
President
Secretary
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers must either be a minister in good standing, or the wife of a minister in good standing in the Organization, and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local Presidents and Secretary are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The Women’s Esprit President shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference and shall serve a term of two (2) years immediately after the election.
The Women’s Esprit Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the Women’s Esprit President and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of President is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the General Women’s Esprit President is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The General Women’s Esprit Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the General Women’s Esprit President and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department President and Executive Board
ARTICLE XIV - APOSTOLIC MEN’S DEPARTMENT
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Apostolic Men’s Department is to provide resources and activities for men that will help equip them for Christ-like leadership in their homes, communities, and churches. We seek to foster a deeper knowledge of the Bible and Apostolic doctrine, a greater love for God, and a zeal for evangelism and service in the church.
SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP
All men, aged 40 and up, currently attending an ALJC-Papua New Guinea church and in good standing, having been baptized in Jesus’ Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, shall be considered members of the Apostolic Men’s Department.
SECTION 3. OFFICERS
This Department shall have the following officers:
National Officers
General Apostolic Men’s President
General Apostolic Men’s Secretary
Local - only if desired and approved by pastor
President
Secretary
SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
All National Officers and District Men’s Presidents must be ministers in good standing in the Organization and must meet the requirements found in Article V, Section 3.
Local Presidents and Secretary/Treasurers are appointed by their pastor, if he should so desire.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE
NATIONAL
The Apostolic Men’s President shall be elected by the General Body at the General Conference and shall serve a term of two (2) years immediately after his election.
The Apostolic Men’s Assistant and Secretary/Treasurer shall be appointed by the Apostolic Men’s President and ratified by the Executive Board for a term of two (2) years.
Officers shall be at all times subject to the Executive Board.
If the office of President is vacated, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement for the remaining unexpired term.
SECTION 6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
In the furtherance of this Department’s purposes, the General Apostolic Men’s President is empowered to do the following (with the approval and oversight of the Executive Board):
Call and preside over Departmental meetings
Create and promote activities and programs
Form committees and appoint Department Officers and other helpers
Create and promote fund raising projects
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
The General Apostolic Men’s Secretary/Treasurer shall:
Take minutes and preserve records of the business of the Department
Receive and disburse all department funds as directed by the General Apostolic Men’s President and/or the Executive Board
Be a signatory on their Department’s bank account
Work under and be in harmony with the Department President and Executive Board\]
ARTICLE XV - PASTORAL COURTESY
SECTION 1. CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP
Whereas, these By-Laws are not binding upon the laity, each pastor should issue to any member leaving his assembly a letter of recommendation, if such is merited, and should secure from members transferring to his assembly the same.
This procedure will hold to a minimum the unnecessary and unwarranted transferring of the laity from one church to another at the slightest provocation.
Pastors should consult and agree upon all matters that concern them jointly, in the operation of their churches, where continued fellowship is a prime factor.
There is no higher calling in life than that of a Bishop or Pastor, and the very fate of the souls of the laity depends upon the leadership, counsel, and ministry of those who have Divine appointment.
Pastors should work toward a higher standard, a greater consecration and the continued spirituality of the laity in their charge.
ARTICLE XVI - FINANCIAL POLICY
SECTION 1. FUNDING.
The General Fund of the organization is derived from tithings, monthly dues, offerings , assessments, membership fees, aids, grants, donations, love gifts, fund raising projects and other forms of financial help/support from the general membership, local churches, districts, national departments, individual persons, and other organizations, associations, and corporations (domestic or foreign) as a means to finance its operations.
SECTION 2. TITHES
All National Departments shall submit their tithes to the Headquarters General Fund and is expected to submit a Financial Statement for the fiscal year of its operations during every General Conference.
SECTION 3. EXPECTATIONS
All of our churches shall be expected to support approved programs as necessary for the work of the Lord and shall faithfully to their best to support World Missions, Home Missions and other Departments through faithful offerings.
SECTION 4. PURCHASES
All purchases and/or expenses necessary for the operations of the organization or attainment of specific objectives set forth by the General Officers or National Departments shall follow the approved purchasing or disbursement guidelines approved by the Executive Board and ratified by the General Assembly during a General Conference.
SECTION 5. PROPERTIES
All properties purchased or financed by ALJC-Papua New Guinea or its National Departments shall be the sole property of ALJC-Papua New Guinea, which includes, among others, real estate properties, vehicles, equipment, etc.
ARTICLE XVII - CHURCHES
SECTION 1. OBLIGATIONS
All churches pastored by the ministers of the organization shall be sovereign within themselves.
All of our churches shall be expected to support approved programs as necessary for the work of the Lord.
Only such national programs that have been duly presented to and approved by the Executive Board or the General Assembly may be presented to our churches. The pastor is expected to support said programs and recommend them to his church.
Local church congregations may become affiliated when the majority of the congregation has voted to do so in a duly authorized business meeting. Such affiliation may be dropped in the same manner when the majority of the congregation has voted to do so in a duly authorized business meeting. Churches may become affiliated for the purpose of legal and civil recognition where tax exemptions or other recognition is needed. It shall be the responsibility of the organization to assist in these matters when called upon. Any church or pastor shall accept all responsibility for their abuse or misuse of the tax exemption privileges.
All churches affiliated with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall not be permitted to hold papers with any other chartered organization or association.
In the event of a pastoral vacancy occurring in an affiliated church, the General Superintendent with the Executive Board shall assist and supervise those business meetings called to deal with the pastoral vacancy. It is further understood that only ministers affiliated with and in good standing with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea shall be recommended to such affiliated churches for consideration as pastor.
Nothing in this provision shall be construed or interpreted as abridging the rights, authority, or sovereignty of the local pastor and church body. This assistance shall be given only during those times of a pastoral vacancy or at times when tax recognition, etc., is needed.
Every Church is strongly encouraged to have Departments which correspond to the National Departments. Every local church Department shall work under the direction of, and in coordination with, the corresponding National Department.
ARTICLE XVIII - JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Judicial Procedure is to resolve Grievances and Complaints of Ethical, Moral, and Tenets of Faith violations brought against Ministers of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
Since the Bible instructs us to resolve ministerial and church problems within the church (1 Corinthians 1:8-10), the ALJC Papua New Guinea does not approve of any minister in this organization resorting to the civil courts to seek resolution of conflicts that arise within the structure of the organization. This Judicial Procedure is designed to be the instrument by which the organization resolves Grievances and Complaints about the conduct of ministers or charges filed against ministers affiliated with the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
The ALJC-Papua New Guinea strongly condemns any attempt to prejudice the fellowship for or against the accused through any process outside this Judicial Procedure, moreover, any attempt to obstruct the Judicial Process or to intimidate, malign the character of, or threaten recrimination of the accused minister, the person making the complaint, or any others involved in the Judicial Process may result in substantial disciplinary action, including the loss of one's ministerial License or Credentials.
This Judicial Procedure seeks a simple means of solving ministerial problems in an orderly and Christian atmosphere without requiring legal training.
Pronouns, nouns, and terms used in this Judicial Procedure shall include the masculine, feminine, singular, and plural forms thereof whenever appropriate to the context.
This Judicial Procedure is to be administered by the firm, competent hands of those understanding its process and who are governed by Truth and holiness and are clothed with respect, brotherly kindness, and love.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE JUDICIAL PROCEDURE
The Judicial Procedure is a part of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea By-Laws. As such it can only be amended at the organization's regularly scheduled business meeting at the annual session of the General Conference by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting in accordance with the By-Laws.
SECTION 3. TYPES OF ACTIONS
The four types of Actions referred to in this Judicial Procedure are: 1) Administrative Action, 2) Grievance, 3) Complaint, and 4) Charge.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
An administrative action is the action taken by the Executive Board to resolve a minister's failure to fulfill obligations as set out in this Constitution.
The Executive Board shall have the authority to request a meeting with any minister to discuss matters of ministerial and organization concerns.
The Executive Board shall have the authority to summon a minister for alleged failure to comply with ministerial obligations as described in the By-Laws of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea, Rules and Obligations, Article II, Section 4; as well as all other applicable Articles, Sections, and Paragraphs of the By-Laws.
Any summons shall be by official notice. (Hereafter in this judicial procedure, “Official Notice” refers to a written communication sent by Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested or delivered in person by someone who obtains a written receipt or is accompanied by a person as a witness.)
The summons shall cite the alleged violation and to give the place, date, and time the summoned minister is to meet with the Executive Board. Refusal to comply with the summons may result in severe measures to the extent that the minister may be dropped from fellowship in the organization.
If the Executive Board determines that the minister has violated one of his obligations, it may recommend to the Missionary that the minister be dropped, or it may take other disciplinary action.
A minister may be dropped without any Judicial Procedure Action if he fails to pay his ministerial dues in accordance with (Article II, Section 4) of the By-Laws of the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION
A grievance is a problem, disagreement, or offense between ministers.
The first step to resolve this issue is for parties involved to meet together alone in an effort to resolve a Grievance between them, as is outline in Matthew 18:15-16, "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother, But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.''
In the event the differences are not settled in above suggested manner, the two witnesses shall consult the General Superintendent and give him opportunity to settle the matter.
If the foregoing steps have not brought about a satisfactory solution to the differences, the General Superintendent shall bring the matter before the Executive Board for further arbitration or conciliatory measures.
COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION
Complaint.
A complaint is a written signed allegation that a minister has failed to abide by the ministerial rules and obligations, broken his ministerial trust, violated ministerial ethics, deviated from a tenet of faith, or exhibited conduct unbecoming a minister of the Gospel.
Investigation.
When a complaint of an alleged violation is received in writing, the Missionary shall appoint two members of the Executive Board to serve as the Investigative Committee. The Missionary shall serve as the chairman of the committee. If the Missionary has a conflict of interest, he shall disqualify himself and appoint a third member of the Executive Board to take his place as chairman.
A conflict of interest hereafter shall be known in this Judicial Procedure as a conflict between a person's self-interest and his obligation to act for the fellowship.
No immediate relative of the accused minister shall serve on the investigating committee. An immediate relative is a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, brother-in-law, or sister-in- law of a person or his spouse.
The committee may investigate the alleged violation, taking care to safeguard the welfare of all concerned: the person making the complaint, the minister, the church, and the Organization.
If the committee determines at any point the investigation has no merit, it has the authority to terminate the investigation and dismiss the case. If this should be the case, the Missionary shall notify the accused minister and the person who initiated the complaint.
In the investigation of a complaint, the committee is authorized to take the following steps:
The Missionary shall notify the accused minister that a complaint of a ministerial violation has been received, stating the nature of the complaint.
The Investigative Committee shall conduct an interview with the person reporting the alleged violation to ascertain its factual basis.
The Missionary shall notify the accused minister and get his response to the complaint.
The Investigative Committee may interview any other persons who may have knowledge of the alleged violation.
If the accused minister confesses to a violation during the investigation, the accused minister shall appear before the Executive Board which shall take one or more of the following actions on this confession:
Warn and advise the minister
Take appropriate action
Recommend to the General Superintendent that the minister be dropped from membership in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
SECTION 4. HEARING
HEARING - If the Investigative Committee determines that the investigation indicates a need for a hearing, the General Superintendent shall submit to the Executive Board a written investigative report setting forth the nature of the alleged violation as the basis for a hearing.
NOTICE
The Executive Board shall conduct the hearing.
The Missionary shall set the place, date, and time for the hearing. The date for the hearing shall not be less than ten (10) days and not more than sixty (60) days from the time the accused minister receives notice of the hearing.
The Missionary or the General Superintendent shall issue a summons to the accused minister listing the designated place, date, and time of the hearing. The summons shall be by official notice. He shall provide him a copy of the investigative report by official notice.
If a minister refuses to attend the hearing, the Executive Board may recommend to the Missionary that he be dropped without recourse of a hearing.
PROCEDURE
The hearing before the Executive Board gives the accused minister an opportunity to explain the evidence and the Executive Board an opportunity to question and discuss the matter with him as brothers. The hearing should be conducted in brotherly love, with respect for all present.
The accused minister may have one or two counselors to assist him during the hearing. (A counselor is a person selected by the Executive Board or the accused minister to assist during a hearing.) He must be a licensed or ordained minister affiliated with the ALJC Papua New Guinea. A counselor cannot be a member of the Executive Board. He shall notify the General Superintendent in writing of the names of his counselor(s) at least five (5) days before the date of the hearing. Failure to notify the General Superintendent after this manner may cause the accused to forfeit his right to counselors during the hearing.
The Missionary shall preside at the hearing and the General Secretary shall serve as recording secretary.
Only the members of the Executive Board, the accused minister, and his counselors may attend the hearing. A witness shall be present at the hearing only during his testimony. The General Superintendent shall request the General Secretary to read the investigative report before the presentation or discussion of the evidence.
The accused minister and his counselors may respond to the complaint stated in the report.
The accused minister and his counselors may present witnesses and other evidence on his behalf. The Executive Board may hear other witnesses who may have knowledge about the evidence stated in the investigative report.
Members of the Executive Board and the counselors for the accused minister may question any witness. In the event the accused minister does not have a counselor, he may question witnesses himself.
DISPOSITION
After hearing all evidence and testimony the Executive Board shall find the accused minister guilty or innocent of the complaint. If the Executive Board finds the accused minister innocent, the verdict shall be final. He shall not be tried the second time on the same charge.
If the accused minister is found guilty of immoral conduct as defined by the By-Laws (Article II, Section 4, Paragraph 7), the General Superintendent shall recommend to the Missionary that the minister be dropped from membership in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea. If the accused minister is found guilty of any charge other than immoral conduct as defined by the By- Laws (Article II, Section 4), the Executive Board shall determine the sentence within ninety (90) days after the hearing, by taking one of the following actions:
Warn and advise the minister
Take appropriate disciplinary action
Place the minister on probation; Any minister placed on probation shall submit his fellowship card to the Missionary for the duration of the probation. He shall support the district and pay his ministerial dues. He shall not be permitted to preach in ALJC-Papua New Guinea churches or events.
Recommend to the Missionary that the minister be dropped from membership in the ALJC-Papua New Guinea.
SECTION 5. GENERAL OFFICIALS
INVESTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT
A complaint against a General Official except the General Superintendent, shall be filed with the General Superintendent.
The General Superintendent shall notify the general official that a complaint has been received, stating the nature of the complaint.
The General Superintendent shall give the official an opportunity to meet with him to respond to the complaint.
The Missionary, and General Superintendent, along with two (2) other Executive Board Members that the General Superintendent chooses, shall serve as an Investigative Committee, which shall follow Article XVIII, Section 3, Par. 3, b, i - v. If the general officer under investigation is a member of the Executive Board, he cannot serve on this committee.
If the Investigative Committee determines that the complaint has no merit, it may dismiss the complaint with no further investigation.
A complaint against the General Superintendent shall be filed with the Missionary who shall designate one of the Assistant General Superintendents to serve as investigative officer. He shall follow the guidelines given for the General Superintendent (Article XVIII, Section 3, Par. 3, a - b). He shall select two (2) members of the Executive Board to serve as Investigative Committee, which shall follow Article XVIII, Section 3, Par. 3, b.
HEARING
A hearing for a General Official shall follow the procedure in Article XVIII, Section 4, with changes as noted in this section.
In a hearing of a complaint against the General Superintendent, the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Assistant General Superintendent shall take the place of the General Superintendent
In implementing Article XVIII, Section 4, Par. 4, b, the charge or charges shall be given to the appropriate Assistant rather than to the General Superintendent
ARTICLE XIX - AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended at a regularly scheduled business meeting at the annual session of the General Conference by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting.
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Mailing Address
Missionary Ryan D. Marshall
PO Box 239
Mount Hagen, PNG, WHP
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