Constitution and By-Laws

The legally incorporated, nonprofit religious body shall be known as The Intercontinental Church of God.

The primary mission of the Church is to fulfill Christ’s two-part commission: proclaim the good news of the coming Kingdom of God to the world as a witness, and feed the flock of God through willing, exemplary spiritual oversight.

• Ordain qualified ministers and servants according to the biblical pattern.
• Raise up local congregations of converted and baptized believers.
• Recognize the varied functions of ministry, service, helps, and governance.
• Adopt the whole Word of God as the Church’s doctrinal foundation.
• Provide Sabbath schools, youth programs, field trips, sports, arts, crafts, and other appropriate activities as resources permit.

The Church recognizes authority to appoint qualified servants to offices necessary for the orderly fulfillment of its mission within the bounds of Scripture.

The Church declares its affiliation with and support for the evangelistic outreach of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association, provided the Association continues to adhere to the gospel described in Article II and cooperates with the Church in referrals for baptism and fellowship.

Chartered congregations, local churches, and hosted fellowship groups are expected to remain faithful to the shared doctrines and cooperate in mutual support of the two-part commission.

The Intercontinental Church of God welcomes people of every nationality, race, color, creed, religious background, and political persuasion to attend its worship services, Bible studies, festivals, and other gatherings.

Those attending are expected to remain worshipful, cooperative, and cordial, and not distribute or teach material contrary to the Church’s doctrines and practices.

The Church accepts the responsibility to preach the gospel, baptize believers, feed the flock, and encourage every member to live as a light and an example.

• Members may support evangelistic campaigns, Bible studies, lectures, seminars, and public church events.
• Outreach may include invitations, literature distribution, advertising, public displays, and other biblically appropriate methods.
• The Church rejects coercive evangelism and does not force its beliefs or literature upon those who have not requested them.

The Church recognizes the personal nature of each individual’s relationship with Jesus Christ and the voluntary nature of association with the Church and its ministry.

Ministers, congregations, fellowship groups, and members associate voluntarily with the Board of Directors and the Church at large.

Membership in the spiritual body of Christ follows God’s calling, repentance, water baptism, the laying on of hands, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

The Church does not define membership through a conventional application, probationary period, or transfer letter. It recognizes those who voluntarily affiliate and fellowship after baptism or prior association with the Church of God.

Forgiveness, tolerance, humility, and the Matthew 18 process for resolving conflict are central to fellowship.

Members are not prohibited from attending services, studies, or fellowship groups associated with other organizations. The Church may cooperate with other bodies where such cooperation does not compromise doctrine or encourage proselyting.

Independently incorporated congregations are not automatically treated as estranged or competitive and may freely fellowship and cooperate with the Church.

The Church rejects authoritarian concepts of excommunication and instead follows Christ’s instructions in Matthew 18 for private correction, corroborated counsel, and congregational resolution.

Ministers and fellowship-group hosts are responsible for maintaining peace and may restrict participation by individuals who are disorderly, divisive, contentious, or persistently promote contrary doctrine.

Restoration should be pursued in a spirit of meekness, self-examination, patience, and concern for the individual.

Limitations and Fiduciary Duties

• Guard and preserve the spiritual, philosophical, and organizational mission of the Church.
• Hold Church assets in trust and provide for annual financial review and reporting.
• Avoid intrusion into members’ private lives while retaining authority over ministerial credentials and organizational fidelity.
• Recognize that the legal organization is part of, but not the entirety of, Christ’s spiritual body.

Leadership Offices

The Chairman of Ecclesiastical Affairs provides doctrinal and ecclesiastical oversight. The President of Operations serves as Chief Executive Officer and manages the day-to-day business and operations of the Church.

Composition

• The Board consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of seven directors.
• Officers include a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
• Directors normally serve five-year terms.
• The Board meets at least annually and may hold special meetings as required.

Eligibility and Election

• Candidates may be recommended by ministers, hosts, or lay members.
• Candidates must demonstrate long-standing membership, regular attendance, doctrinal support, and commitment to the Church’s mission.
• Recommendations include biographical information, references, and ministerial endorsements.

Annual Board Business

The annual meeting reviews the spiritual condition, growth, finances, activities, and future plans of the Church. The Board sets executive compensation but does not micromanage ordinary operations.

• A chartered local congregation consists of at least twelve persons, ten of whom are adults.
• A charter is issued upon petition, ministerial or host qualification, Area Coordinator recommendation, and headquarters approval.
• Speaking credentials may be issued to approved individuals through the defined ministerial process.
• Worship services ordinarily include hymns, prayer, announcements, an optional sermonette, a sermon or approved recorded message, and closing prayer.
• No speaker may impose himself upon a congregation that does not wish to hear him.
• Hosts may lead the meeting but may not preach without proper authorization and credentials.
• The Church may obtain, construct, or purchase local meeting facilities as resources permit.

Area Coordinators are peers selected from the ministry to oversee ministers, congregations, fellowship groups, and members within assigned geographic areas. They are accountable to the Board of Directors.

• Safeguard the spiritual well-being and doctrinal faithfulness of congregations and members.
• Serve as organizers, counselors, teachers, examples, and friends.
• Develop leadership, youth, speaking, music, and local church programs.
• Identify and train potential teachers, speakers, elders, deacons, and deaconesses.
• Approve qualified hosts and assist in establishing new congregations.
• Promote regional evangelism, leadership seminars, and youth activities.
• Address doctrinal error, division, and dissension with patience and sound teaching.