| Constitution and By-Laws of Elim Fellowship |
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CONSTITUTIONMay 25, 2010 Available in PDF format PREAMBLERecognizing that God is now moving in the earth to restore the Church to the fullness of its original power, purity and order, and to build up the Body of Christ for fellowship, counsel and instruction in the Word of God and in the work of the ministry, and for the exercise of spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, BE IT RESOLVED that we recognize ourselves as a cooperative fellowship of members of Christ of like precious faith throughout the United States and other lands to promote scriptural order, worship, unity and fellowship in the work of the Lord, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace...until we are come unto the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." In all our deliberation, Jesus Christ is to be honored as Head of the Body and recognized as such by each individual member. ARTICLE I. NAMEThe name of the corporation shall be Elim Fellowship, Inc. The office of the corporation shall be located in the County of Livingston, State of New York. ARTICLE II. PURPOSEThe purpose of the corporation shall be as follows:
ARTICLE III. STATEMENT OF FAITH
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIPWe recognize all members of Christ "of like precious faith." The voting membership shall be composed of all those holding current credentials and of approved delegates from each church as set forth in the By-laws. ARTICLE V. RELATIONSHIPEach affiliated church or ministry shall govern its own affairs. The relationship between an affiliated church and Elim Fellowship shall be one of mutual helpfulness. Elim Fellowship shall not hold, enforce or in any way exercise any prerogative which shall be held by any court or body to be its legal right, with the exception of only such prerogatives as shall be specifically delegated to Elim Fellowship by the church. Such specific prerogatives shall be returned in entirety to the church upon a two-thirds vote of the church members, provided that any and all obligations to Elim Fellowship have been dispatched. It is understood that the attitude and procedure of all members and churches affiliated with Elim Fellowship should be that of a cooperative relationship with the leaders and all other members of Elim Fellowship in accordance with Philippians 2:3 and Philemon 14 . ARTICLE VI. ANNUAL MEETINGThe Annual Meeting of the membership of this corporation shall convene within or without the State, at a time to be set annually by the Council of Elders, with a sixty-day notice given. ARTICLE VII. COUNCIL OF ELDERSThe Council of Elders shall include the following persons by virtue of their offices:
The Council of Elders shall consist of not less than twelve members. All members of the Council of Elders must be Elim Fellowship Ordained Credential Holders. The Council of Elders shall submit themselves individually for affirmation at the Annual Meeting. ARTICLE VIII. EXECUTIVE OFFICERSThe Executive Officers of this corporation shall be: the President, the Vice-President, the General Secretary and the General Treasurer. They shall be credential holders and hold office for a period of three years. Elections shall be arranged so that no more than two of these offices shall be filled at any one Annual Meeting. The Executive Officers shall be nominated by the Council of Elders and approved by the constituency. ARTICLE IX. TRUSTEESA. The Board of Trustees shall include the following persons by virtue of their office:
B. Three additional persons shall be nominated by the Council of Elders from among the Elders, at least two of whom shall be pastors residing and working outside of the immediate Lima vicinity. These persons shall be elected to the Board of Trustees by the membership at the annual meeting. C. The term of a Trustee shall be three years. Terms shall be staggered so that not more than two terms expire in any one year. ARTICLE X. MINISTRIESThe operating ministries shall be such as deemed necessary by the President for the continuation of the work. ARTICLE XI. REGIONAL DIRECTORSRegional Directors shall be appointed annually by the Council of Elders from among the ordained ministers of Elim Fellowship to serve the areas formed by U.S. Ministries. ARTICLE XII. PECUNIARY GAINS OR PROFITSNo part of the net earnings, properties or assets of the corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the benefit of any private person or individual or any member of this corporation; rather, on liquidation or dissolution, all properties and assets of this corporation remaining after paying or providing for all debts and obligations shall be paid over to Elim Bible Institute, Inc., with the expectation that these funds will be used for purposes compatible with the purposes and vision of Elim Fellowship, Inc. If however, Elim Bible Institute, Inc., is not then in existence or its purposes no longer are compatible with the purposes herein set forth, then all the business property and assets of the corporation shall go and be distributed to such other funds, foundations or corporations (organized and operated for charitable, religious or educational purposes and exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) as may be selected by the Council of Elders of this corporation so that the business properties and assets of this corporation shall then be used for and devoted to purposes which are compatible with the purposes herein set forth. The Trustees shall carry out the directive of the Council of Elders in this matter. ARTICLE XIII. SEALThe seal shall bear the following wording: "Elim Fellowship--Incorporated New York." ARTICLE XIV. FISCAL YEARThe fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of January in each year. ARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTSThe Constitution and Bylaws may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at any annual or special meeting, provided notice of the proposed amendment is sent to each member at least thirty days before the meeting. BY-LAWSBY-LAW ARTICLE I. POWERS AND DUTIESSECTION ONE. OVERSIGHTA. COUNCIL OF ELDERS
B. TRUSTEES
SECTION TWO. OFFICERSA. PRESIDENT
B. VICE-PRESIDENTHe shall discharge those responsibilities assigned to him from time to time by the President, and shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties of the President. C. GENERAL SECRETARY
D. GENERAL TREASURER
SECTION THREE. OPERATING PERSONNELA. MINISTRY DIRECTORS
B. REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND AREA REPRESENTATIVES
BY-LAW ARTICLE II. MEETINGSSECTION ONE. COUNCIL OF ELDERSBy-Law Article II. Meetings, Section One. Council of EldersThe Council of Elders shall meet a minimum of three times per year and shall appoint a subcommittee from its membership to meet at times deemed necessary. SECTION TWO. TRUSTEESThe Trustees shall meet at least annually. SECTION THREE. MEMBERSHIPA. The Membership of Elim Fellowship shall meet annually, as prescribed by the Constitution. B. Immediately prior to the Annual or Special Business Meetings of the Membership, the General Secretary shall register all members before they shall be entitled to vote. SECTION FOUR. QUORUMA. Council of Elders. A majority of the Council of Elders shall constitute a quorum. B. Membership. All those present at a meeting of the Membership are a quorum. SECTION FIVE. VOTING REQUIREMENTAll matters of business shall be approved by two-thirds of those present and eligible to vote. SECTION SIX. QUALIFICATIONSOnly those holding current ordination with Elim Fellowship shall be eligible to serve as President, Vice-President, General Secretary. Directors of Ministries shall hold valid License or Ordination credentials with Elim Fellowship. BY-LAW ARTICLE III. CREDENTIALSSECTION ONE. PROCEDUREA. Applications for credentials shall be made in writing upon the standard forms and submitted to the Elim Fellowship office. B. At its discretion the Council of Elders shall provide for the personal examination of candidates. C. Credentials authorized by Elim Fellowship are issued on the understanding that for the term of their validity, no other credential will be held with any other credentialing body except by consent of the Council of Elders. At the invitation of the Council of Elders, a minister holding credentials with a recognized credentialing body, and who gives endorsement to the aims of Elim Fellowship by participating in its outreach ministry, may apply for Associate Status. Elim Fellowship will not issue further credentials to such associates, but will include their names in the annual ministerial list. E. The status of credential holders and associates shall be considered at the time of annual renewal by the Council of Elders. The Council may at its discretion request a meeting with those desiring renewal. F. Credentials shall be valid only when accompanied by a current credential card. SECTION TWO. REQUIREMENTS FOR ORDINATIONA. Ordination may be granted to those with recognized and proven public ministries over an extended period and who devote a significant amount of their time to such ministry. The candidate for ordination should also have demonstrated maturity in character and attitude and be sound in doctrine and Biblical knowledge. B. An applicant holding ordination with another recognized church body, whose ministry is well known, may receive a Recognition of Ordination Certificate at the discretion of the Council of Elders. C. Accepted candidates shall be ordained by the laying on of hands by a presbytery, which shall be composed of ordained ministers (preferably three or more). One of them must be a member of the Council of Elders. SECTION THREE. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSEThe License to Minister is granted to those who have demonstrated both a calling and an ability to minister. They shall give evidence of being actively engaged and have purposed to give themselves wholly to the propagation of the Gospel. SECTION FOUR. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHRISTIAN WORKER CERTIFICATEChristian Worker Certificates are issued in recognition of the initial call into ministry and serve to identify the individual's call in the early stages of its development. Each Christian Worker must be under the supervision of a minister recognized by Elim Fellowship. SECTION FIVE. DUTIESA. ORDAINED MINISTERS.
B. LICENSED MINISTERS.
C. CHRISTIAN WORKERS.Their responsibilities are dependent on the minister under whose oversight they may be working. SECTION SIX. REVOCATIONCredentials may be revoked by the Council of Elders upon substantiation of any moral charges, serious departure from the faith, or a manifest spirit of rebellion. BY-LAW ARTICLE IV. CHURCHESSECTION ONE.A. Any officially affiliated church shall have the privilege of sending two lay delegates to the Annual Meeting. B. Recognizing the Biblical principle of supporting the work of the ministry, all affiliated churches shall provide regular financial support to the Fellowship. SECTION TWO.Any church which is pastored by a minister holding credentials with Elim Fellowship or a church which is actively cooperating with or interested in the affairs of Elim Fellowship may have the privilege of sending observers to the Annual Meeting. BY-LAW ARTICLE V. AFFILIATED MINISTRIESSECTION ONE.Specialized ministries other than local churches whose founder and leaders are committed to furthering the purposes and beliefs of Elim Fellowship may apply for Affiliated Status. SECTION TWO.Affiliated ministries shall have the privilege of sending one delegate to the Annual Meeting. POLICIES OF ELIM FELLOWSHIP, INC.MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Elim Fellowship is to glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ and to obey Christ's mandate to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. To this end we are committed to serving and equipping our worldwide constituency in carrying out their respective missions. STATEMENT OF PURPOSEThe purpose of Elim Fellowship is to provide visionary leadership, spiritual covering, pastoral care, mutual accountability, ministry resources and fellowship for its credential holders, affiliated churches and ministries. We also purpose to fellowship with all pastors, missionaries, leaders, churches and ministries who manifest the Spirit of Christ; and to encourage and edify the Body of Christ. CORE VALUESWe are committed to:
DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENTElim Fellowship is an association of churches, ministers and missionaries seeking to serve the whole Body of Christ. It is of Pentecostal conviction and Charismatic orientation providing credentials and counsel for ministers and offering counsel to and encouraging fellowship among local churches. Elim Fellowship sponsors leadership seminars at home and abroad and serves as a transdenominational agency sending missionaries and other personnel to work with national movements. STATEMENT REGARDING CREDENTIAL HOLDERS IN GOOD STANDINGAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship | December 4-5, 2000 A member in good standing:
STATEMENT REGARDING TONGUES AS EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRITAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship | September 9, 2002 In our Statement of Faith we affirm that "We believe in the baptism in the Holy spirit as on the day of Pentecost and in the continuing ministry of the Holy spirit as evidenced in charismatic gifts and ministries, and in the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer." We cite Acts 2:4 , Acts 10:46 and Acts 19:6 as supporting Scriptures. In each of these passages the Scripture clearly states that believers who were baptized in the Holy Spirit spoke in other tongues. While we believe that the Holy Spirit indwells believers from the moment they are born again, we subsequently encourage them to seek the baptism or enduement of "power from on high" that Jesus promised. We do not focus on tongues as an end in themselves, but we do see speaking in tongues as the normal accompaniment of the Holy Spirit baptism. Elim Fellowship is a member of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America and subscribes to its Statement of faith, article five of which reads, "We believe that the full gospel includes holiness of heart and life, healing for the body, and baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance." We are concerned that our people continue to walk in the power of the Spirit. Holy living and power for witness are genuine evidences of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. We cite Eph. 4:11 , I Cor. 12:8-11, and Gal. 5:22,23 as Scriptures which encourage us to maintain close fellowship with the Lord, allow the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be manifest among us, and to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit in daily living. As do most Pentecostals, we see a distinction between the operation of the gift of tongues and expressions in tongues as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or tongues spoken in prayer and praise for intercession and personal edification. The gift of tongues is given for the purpose of conveying messages from the Holy Spirit to a body or bodies of believers gathered together in public worship settings. Such messages in tongues should be accompanied by operation of the gift of interpretation of tongues so that the entire congregation may receive edification. STATEMENT ON WOMEN AND WOMEN IN MINISTRYAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship | May 8, 2000 We believe that men and women are equally part of God's creation, not accidental, not created out of necessity, but designed to please God, reflect His glory, be instruments of His purpose and in a complementary relationship serve these ends more completely than would otherwise be the case. In the same way that some men appear to be gifted by nature and grace, to serve publicly and obviously as models and in leadership roles, we believe that some women are equally gifted by both nature and grace, to enjoy and fulfill equally important functions, in any leadership function for which they are gifted and to which they are called. The married state might be the role for the majority but in some instances by choice and the grace of God, some of our number will remain unmarried. This condition should not be seen as justification or excuse for exclusion from any significant form of Christian service nor portrayed as necessary qualification for any. We consider that as Christian brothers we are required to be particularly mindful of our sisters especially when our joint interests appear to be in conflict. In the same way that we consider it abhorrent for any Christian man to view a woman as a second class citizen of the kingdom of heaven we would consider it to be equally reprehensible for any female Christian leader to project a position that would suggest that a woman, married or not, homemaker or not, who is not seeking some public sphere of service is less than what God has intended she should be. The New Testament scriptures appear to address the issue of male female relationships in both domestic and ecclesiastical situations and care must be taken to ensure that what is said in one context is not held to apply indiscriminately in the other. We believe that while some couples appear to be so gifted as to share equally in ecclesiastical function we do not accept that this is a rule that applies to all couples. The complementary nature of the relationship whether domestic or ecclesiastical does not imply a sameness of function. In the event of conflict relating to ministry we would anticipate a resolution which ensures the primacy of the marital relationship and upholds the Biblical order for husbands and wives. We affirm that this reflects Elim's historical position to which we adhere, and we will therefore continue to encourage and release the women of the Fellowship to fulfill and enjoy the ministry to which they are called. STATEMENT CONCERNING DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGEAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship | October 23, 1984 We regard marriage as a sacred relationship instituted by God for the mutual well-being, joy and fulfillment of husband and wife. The Scriptures clearly teach that God intended marriage to be a monogamous relationship, faithfully sustained by both partners until terminated by death. We urge upon our pastors to teach by precept and example the high standard of marriage as presented in the Scriptures. Because of the harm done to society, the church, the home, family ties and the individuals involved, we discourage divorce. When a marriage is threatened, we urge that every consideration be given to the possibility of reconciliation and the healing of the relationship through forgiveness so that the tragedy of divorce might be avoided. Since some hold the view that divorce and remarriage are permissible "for the cause of fornication" (Matt. 5:31,32 ; Matt. 19:3-9 ) we recommend that each pastor hold to his conviction of the Scriptural position regarding the remarriage of divorced persons whenever he is asked to officiate. In cases where his convictions permit him to officiate for such persons, a pastor should be in agreement with the leadership of the local congregation and confer with mature, ordained brethren of the Fellowship. Since a minister of the gospel is to be an example of godliness, his marital status must be blameless and above reproach. (I Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9 ). Because the matter of recognizing the ministry of an applicant for credentials with a history of divorce and remarriage, or marriage to a divorced person, is a difficult one, the Council of Elders will be extremely cautious before granting credentials to such applicants. The granting of credentials in such a case will always require a personal interview with a representative group of the Council of Elders who will be particularly concerned for, and carefully weigh, the spiritual state of the individual concerned at the time of the divorce, especially where any such divorce and/or remarriage, or marriage to a divorcee has occurred subsequent to what we understand to be a conversion experience. Also, careful consideration will be given to the individual's current perspective on the whole issue of divorce and the factors which led to the original divorce. When the Council of Elders is satisfied that the lives of the individuals concerned properly and adequately reflect the biblical standards in this and other areas, they will recognize such persons as bearing God's approval for ministry. Such an application will require the participation by all members of the Council of Elders and a two-thirds' endorsement of the whole body of the Council of Elders. STATEMENT REGARDING DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATIONAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship on February, 1999, and amended December, 2002 Credentials may be suspended by the Council of Elders upon substantiation of any moral charges, serious departure from the faith, a manifest spirit of rebellion, or any conduct that is not consistent with Scriptural standards for Christian leaders. In the restoration of a "fallen" minister our objective is to heal, restore, and bring the individual to a position of strength greater than that previously experienced. Biblically, the burden of restoration is incumbent upon "ye that are spiritual" to "restore such a one". It is our hope that initially "such a one" will take the initiative to seek help from leadership within the Fellowship. When any situation involving a credential holder appears to warrant investigation, the initial inquiry will be the responsibility of the USM Director. In the event that such investigation appears to require action by the Fellowship, the USM Director will report to the President and the Regional Director and the Area Representative. If there is reasonable cause for action the USM Director shall suspend credentials after consultation with the President and their decision shall be communicated to the COE. In order for restoration to take place there must be:
In the event that the credential holder has a grievance concerning the final report from the USM Director, he or she may request an appointment with the Discipline Review Panel. The Panel will be made up of the following: the President, General Secretary, USM Director, the Regional Director and one other person chosen by the Council of Elders and approved by the credential holder, to join with them. In the event that a credential holder, whose credentials have been suspended, does not cooperate with or respond positively to the measures previously outlined, that individual's credentials shall be revoked. Once credentials are revoked, Elim Fellowship's obligation to the credential holder ceases. Revoked credentials may be restored upon application being made and evidence of repentance being provided. Suspensions, revocations and reinstatements shall be communicated to the credential holders. It is understood among us that discipline is restorative, not punitive. We must embrace the individual in such a way that we magnify God's grace rather than the sin. The EF International Worker manual contains an adapted version of our Discipline and Restoration Policy relating to EF International Workers serving overseas. NAE RESOLUTION ON HOMOSEXUALITY - ADOPTED IN 1985Adopted by the PCCNA and by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship The Scriptures declare that God created us male and female. Furthermore, the biblical record shows that sexual union was established exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship (Genesis 2:24 ), and was formalized in the institution of marriage. The partner for man was woman. Together they were to become one flesh. In the New Testament, the oneness of male and female in marriage pictures the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33 ). Everywhere in Scripture the sexual relationship between man and woman within the bonds of marriage is viewed as something natural and beautiful. Homosexual activity, like adulterous relationships, is clearly condemned in the Scriptures. In Leviticus 18:22 God declares the practice of homosexuality an abomination in His sight. In Romans 1:26-27 the practice of homosexuality is described as a degrading and unnatural passion. I Corinthians 6:9-10 identifies the practice of homosexuality as a sin that, if persisted in, brings grave consequences in this life and excludes one from the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul, strong in his condemnation of the practice of homosexuality, also testifies that those once engaged in homosexuality were among those who were forgiven and changed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 6:11). This declaration offers hope both for forgiveness and for healing. Individual Christians, ministers, and congregations need to maintain the belief that all human beings have sinned, and that all Christians have received God's mercy while helpless, ungodly, and hostile to God. In the name of Christ we proclaim forgiveness, cleansing, restoration and power for godly living for all who repent and believe the gospel. We believe that homosexuality is not an inherited condition in the same category as race, gender, or national origin, all of which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a deviation from the Creator's plan for human sexuality. While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to civil rights, including equal protection of the law, the NAE opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based on their sexual orientation. Such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimatizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to a level of an accepted moral standard. While maintaining our opposition to proposed so-called "Gay Rights" legislation, where such legislation has been enacted into law, NAE strongly urges that churches and religious organizations be exempted from compliance by amendment to the law. The position and practice of such organizations regarding homosexuality are determined by their religious convictions. This we hold to be a grave matter of religious freedom. Individual Christians, ministers, and congregations should compassionately proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and encourage those involved homosexual practices to cease those practices, accept forgiveness, and pray for deliverance, as nothing is impossible with God. Further, we should accept them into fellowship upon confession of faith and repentance, as we would any other forgiven sinner (I Corinthians 6:11). We further call upon pastors and theologians, along with medical and sociological specialists with the Christian community to expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop therapy, pastoral care and congregational support leading to complete restoration. THE COE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENTAdopted by the Council of Elders of Elim Fellowship | May, 2003 We affirm our commitment to the statement contained in Elim Fellowship's Constitution, "We recognize all members of Christ 'of like precious faith'." We affirm our commitment to the statement of relationship which allows "each affiliated church or ministry to govern its own affairs. The relationship between an affiliated church and Elim Fellowship shall be one of mutual helpfulness. We shall not hold, enforce or in any way exercise any prerogative which shall be held by any court or body to be its legal right, with the exception of only such prerogatives as shall be specifically delegated to Elim Fellowship by the church." We affirm our commitment to and confidence in Jesus the Head of the Church. We also affirm our confidence in the members of Elim Fellowship as they are called upon to approve and elect all nominees for the Executive Officers and Trustees. We affirm our commitment to one another and to the practice of annually submitting ourselves as individual elders to the members of the Fellowship. We affirm our commitment to our Mission Statement which is to serve and equip our worldwide constituency in carrying out their respective missions. We affirm our commitment to the official Statement of Purpose "to provide covering, pastoral care, mutual accountability, ministry resources and fellowship for [our] credential holders, affiliated churches and ministries..." We affirm our commitment to our Core Values, especially "an authority of godly influence without control and promoting relationships of integrity throughout the Body of Christ encompassing both genders, all races and ethnic groups." We affirm our commitment to support the Fellowship with our prayer and financial support. We commit to promote a spirit of unity with freedom to express individual gifts and callings and ideas for the furtherance of the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Elim Fellowship.×We commit to allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us through the Prophets and the utterance gifts within the other members of Elim, as well as others with an accepted prophetic ministry. We commit to being faithful in handling financial matters in openness and with integrity giving thanks to the Lord and to His people for the funds given through freewill offerings. In cases where commitments have been made to give certain monies we will encourage the fulfillment of those commitments by working with and praying for those making such promises. We commit to helping the underprivileged in the world and within the Fellowship. We commit to maintaining our God-given distinctives while, at the same time, continuing to review and improve our structure, policies, practices and operation. |
