Field Church Guidelines

A chartered congregation becomes an official partner in the work of the Intercontinental Church of God.

• Tax benefits for donations made to the Church, both locally and to headquarters.
• Referrals of individuals seeking a local congregation.
• Ministerial oversight and regular contact with credentialed ministry.
• Recognition as an official partner in the work of the ICG.
• Inclusion in the published roster of chartered congregations.

A church is an assembly of God’s people. While Scripture does not state a fixed numerical requirement, the Board of Directors grants a local charter when at least twelve adults are in regular attendance.

Smaller groups may still work with the ministry and develop toward recognition as a fellowship group or, eventually, a chartered congregation.

All groups seeking recognition should remain in communication with the ministry and headquarters before renting facilities, appointing speakers, or establishing a formal church structure.

The guidelines identify four essential activities of a local congregation:

• Worship: Prayer, songs of praise, and honoring God through the assembly.
• Edification: Preaching, teaching, advice, encouragement, and spiritual instruction.
• Fellowship: Mutual encouragement, consolation, exhortation, and appropriate admonition.
• Service: Coordinated assistance for the needy, sick, isolated, and others requiring care.

The Church reserves the responsibility to establish or modify the format of corporate worship as circumstances and congregational needs require.

Individual Christians are responsible for their personal associations, but the collective church must protect its doctrinal identity, unity, and mission.

The guidelines discourage official interchurch relationships where doctrinal differences, conflicting motives, loss of identity, compromise, or conflicts of interest may result.

The guiding questions are: What does the Bible teach, and what fruits have been produced?

The extended church serves individuals and families who are geographically isolated from a local congregation. Headquarters provides sermons, announcements, counseling, and assistance by telephone or correspondence.

• Families are encouraged to attend regional Holy Day services when possible.
• Attendance at an approved Feast of Tabernacles location is strongly encouraged.
• Families may fellowship together and listen to Church-provided messages.
• No group should formally organize, rent a hall, or appoint a speaker without ministerial direction.

Participation in the extended church does not authorize individuals or families to represent themselves as an official ICG congregation.

A group wishing to meet regularly may request an appointed minister. Under ministerial guidance, a meeting location and service schedule can be established.

The group may petition the Board of Directors in writing for recognition as a fellowship group and for the formal appointment of a pastor.

Fellowship groups function similarly to churches but are smaller and less formal than chartered congregations. As they develop, members should be prepared to adopt the conduct and structure appropriate to regular worship services.

• At least twelve adult members living within reasonable proximity and attending regularly.
• An ICG-credentialed minister meeting with the group at least once each month.
• Regular meetings conducted in harmony for at least three months.
• A completed charter application accepting the ICG Constitution, By-Laws, and teachings.
• An up-to-date church roll with names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• No separate incorporation without written permission from the Board of Directors.
• Quarterly financial, attendance, activity, and church-roll reporting.

Six months after the original application, the minister should confirm that the congregation has demonstrated unity, brotherly love, spiritual fruit, and the ability to care for new members.

Local funds and physical assets are held in fiduciary trust under the extended responsibility of the Intercontinental Church of God and its governing board.

• A local account may be opened in the name of the Intercontinental Church of God.
• Local balances should normally remain limited to reasonable congregational needs.
• Building funds or unusually large balances require written approval.
• Local accounts should support local needs such as assistance, flowers, meeting facilities, and emergencies.
• Holy Day offerings are sent directly to headquarters and are not retained locally.
• Complete records of income, donors, deposits, expenses, purposes, and authorization must be maintained.
• A financial summary must be provided quarterly to the congregation and headquarters.

Failure to submit required reports may result in the congregation being removed from the list of chartered churches until reporting is brought up to date.

A local church council serves the congregation and advises the pastor. It does not govern or “run” the church independently of the ministry.

• A council may consist of five to seven qualified men and women.
• The pastor or minister-of-record retains final approval and oversight.
• The council assists with facilities, local finances, reports, care for members, transportation, and activities.
• The council submits quarterly financial, attendance, activity, and church-roll reports.
• Council members cooperate with regional Holy Day and Feast planning.
• Council members do not interfere in the affairs of other congregations.

Smaller congregations may operate without a formal council, with physical responsibilities shared by the congregation under the pastor’s direction.

• Mature, baptized, long-standing members with a good reputation.
• Regular attendance and a demonstrated record of service.
• Sober, hospitable, responsible, and exemplary in personal conduct.
• Strong support for the ICG, its mission, structure, ministry, and programs.
• No more than one member of an immediate family and no more than two members of an extended family on one council.
• Attendance at an official ICG Feast of Tabernacles unless prevented by extenuating circumstances.

Deacons may be recommended by the brethren and ordained by the ministry in accordance with the pattern in Acts 6:3.

They serve the local church under ministerial direction. Because ordination is local, a deacon does not automatically carry the office into a new church area. Ministers should register ordained deacons with the Board of Directors.

• Care properly for their own families and maintain responsible employment where applicable.
• Oversee the church while remaining accountable to the Board of Directors and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
• Ensure the flock is spiritually fed through sermons, teaching, and approved audiovisual resources.
• Provide counseling, baptism, weddings, funerals, prayer, and other ministerial services as time permits.
• Maintain financial independence from the congregation.
• Submit quarterly reports regarding church activity and spiritual condition.
• Coordinate regional Holy Day services and encourage attendance at official Feast sites.
• Train local men, share appropriate duties, and recommend qualified candidates for ordination.
• Conduct themselves according to the highest ethical standards of the ministry.

To protect congregations and maintain continuity, men speaking before an ICG congregation should hold an approved speaking credential unless a credentialed minister is present and provides direction.

• Credentials are recommended by credentialed ICG ministers.
• They are issued by headquarters and normally expire annually.
• Qualified speakers should substantially reflect the biblical character standards for ministry and service.
• The recommending minister accepts responsibility for the individual recommended.
• Council membership does not automatically provide a speaking credential.

Musical backgrounds and preferences differ, so corporate worship should follow a balanced and moderate approach that promotes unity rather than conflict.

• Music should be dignified, thoughtful, edifying, and glorifying to God.
• Worship leaders and special-music participants remain under ministerial oversight.
• Personal musical preferences should not be imposed on the congregation.
• Church-provided hymnals, accompaniment recordings, and examples may be used to support congregational worship.

Goodwill, sound judgment, and willingness to subordinate personal preferences are essential to maintaining unity in worship.