For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God,

our Heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith,

where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our

share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ, by all

available means, both at home and in foreign lands; we, the members of this assembly, do

hereby recognize ourselves as a local assembly in fellowship with, and as a part of, the

General Council of the Assemblies of God, and the Indiana District Council of the

Assemblies of God; and that we do hereby adopt the following articles of church order and

submit ourselves to be governed by them.

The name of this assembly shall be Life Church Assembly of God Inc

The prerogatives and purposes of a General Council affiliated assembly shall be:

1. To Govern

This assembly shall have the right to govern itself and to conduct its own affairs according

to the standard of the New Testament Scriptures and of the District Council and the

General Council of the Assemblies of God. This right shall specifically include such matters

as the calling of a pastor, the election of the church council, and the discipline of its

members and the conducting of its own services and church program.

2. To Acquire and Dispose

In connection therewith, or incidental thereto, this assembly shall have the right to

purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise, either directly or as trustee, and to own,

hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real estate or

chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purposes, and to exercise all other

powers conferred upon it by its charter or by the applicable nonprofit corporation law of

this state; all in accordance with its bylaws as the same may be hereafter amended.

3. To Worship, Fellowship, and Propagate

The purpose of this assembly shall be to establish and maintain a place for the worship of

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like

precious faith, where the Holy Spirit may be honored according to our distinctive testimony,

and to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of

Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in foreign lands.

4. To Cooperate

This assembly shall cooperate with the District Council and the General Council to extend

the work and kingdom of God throughout the world. It shall support the missionary

program as agreed upon. It shall participate in District Council and General Council

sessions through its chosen delegates and share in the support of the ministries of these

bodies.

5. To Recognize

This assembly shall recognize that the District Council and the General Council have the

authority and right to approve scriptural doctrine and conduct; also to disapprove

unscriptural doctrine and conduct and to withdraw their certificates of membership if3

deemed necessary. See Article IX of the Bylaws of The General Council of the

Assemblies of God.

While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs as

herein set forth, this assembly shall voluntarily enter into full cooperative fellowship with

assemblies of like precious faith, associated in the District Council of the Assemblies of

God, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God, with headquarters in Springfield,

Missouri; and shall share in the privileges and assume the responsibilities enjoined by that

affiliation. Officers of the District Council and General Council shall be recognized and

respected by the pastor and members of this assembly. As a member of the General

Council, this assembly has the right to request the assistance of both the General Council

and the District Council in dealing with any of its problems, upon the request of the Pastor,

a majority of the church council, or a petition signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the active

voting members of the assembly. Only those members who have regularly attended

services of, and supported, this assembly for a period of at least three consecutive months

prior to signing the petition shall be counted. It is understood and agreed that this

assembly shall conform its standards of membership, qualifications for deacons, and

requirements for a pastor to those standards set by the District Council and the General

Council. By its affiliation, the assembly—directors, officers, and members—agree that no

provision of these Bylaws shall be inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws of both

the Indiana District Council of the Assemblies of God and the General Council of the

Assemblies of God as now in effect or hereafter amended.

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental

Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the

same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this statement is

not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel

ministry. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to

these fundamental doctrines.

1. The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the

revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy

3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

2. The One True God

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental

Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the

same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this statement is

not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel

ministry. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to

these fundamental doctrines.

1. The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the

revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy

3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

2. The One True God

The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of

heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as

embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

The Adorable Godhead

(a) Terms Defined

The terms trinity and persons, as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures,

are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate

understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from

"gods many and lords many." We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God,4

who is One Lord, as a Trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely

scriptural (examples, Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16,17).

(b) Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead

Christ taught a distinction of persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms

of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but that this distinction and relationship, as

to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained (Luke 1:35; 1

Corinthians 1:24; Matthew 11:25-27; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3,4).

(c) Unity of the One Being of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes Him the Father and not

the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and

there is that in the Holy Ghost which constitutes Him the Holy Ghost and not either the

Father or the Son. Wherefore the Father is the Begetter; the Son is the Begotten; and the

Holy Ghost is the One proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these

three persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty

and His name one (John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9).

(d) Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are never identical as to person; nor confused

as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation.

The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the

Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but

the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Ghost is from the Father and the Son

proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority. Hence no person in the

Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others (John 5:17-

30,32,37; 8:17,18).

(e) The Title, Lord Jesus Christ

The appellation Lord Jesus Christ is a proper name. It is never applied in the New

Testament either to the Father or to the Holy Ghost. It therefore belongs exclusively to the

Son of God (Romans 1:1-3,7; 2 John 3).

(f) The Lord Jesus Christ, God with us

The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten

of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is, therefore,

acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man, is "Immanuel,"

God with us (Matthew 1:23; 1 John 4:2,10,14; Revelation 1:13,17).

(g) The Title, Son of God

Since the name Immanuel embraces both God and man, in the one person, our Lord Jesus

Christ, it follows that the title Son of God describes His proper deity, and the title Son of

Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God belongs to the order of eternity,

and the title Son of Man to the order of time (Matthew 1:21-23; 2 John 3; 1 John 3:8;

Hebrews 7:3; 1:1-13).

(h) Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ

Wherefore, it is a transgression of the doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the

title Son of God solely from the fact of the Incarnation, or because of His relation to the

economy of redemption. Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and

that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the5

Being of God; a denial of the Father and Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus

Christ is come in the flesh (2 John 9; John 1:1,2,14,18,29,49; 1 John 2:22,23; 4:1-5;

Hebrews 12:2).

(i) Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord

The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by himself purged our sins, sat down on the

right hand of the Majesty on high, angels and principalities and powers having been made

subject unto Him. And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Ghost that

we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the

glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that

God may be all in all (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 14:11; 1

Corinthians 15:24-28).

(j) Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son

Wherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the

express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in

the Holy Ghost to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of deity, and to give Him all the

honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead except those

which express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, and d), and thus honor the Son even as

we honor the Father (John 5:22,23; 1 Peter 1:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Philippians 2:8,9;

Revelation 7:9,10; 4:8-11).

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

(a) His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).

(b) His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).

(c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).

(d) His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

(e) His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

(f) His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews

1:3).

4. The Fall of Man

Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our

likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only

physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26,27;

2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

5. The Salvation of Man

Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

(a) Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus

Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by

grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke

24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).

(b) The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The

outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24;

Titus 2:12).6

6. The Ordinances of the Church

(a) Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent

and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world

that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in

newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4).

(b) Holy Communion

The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements--bread and the fruit of the vine--is the symbol

expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial

of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1

Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!"

7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost

All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of

the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord

Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it

comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their

uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This

experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-

17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Ghost come such

experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened

reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and

dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for

the lost (Mark 16:20).

8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost

The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of

speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The

speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1

Corinthians 12:4-10,28), but different in purpose and use.

9. Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God

(Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). Scriptures teach a life of "holiness

without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy

Ghost we are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15,16).

Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His

death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by

offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13;

8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5).

10. The Church and Its Mission

The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine

appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is

an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in

heaven (Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23). Since God's purpose concerning man7

is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build a body of

believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason-for-being of the Assemblies of God as

part of the Church is:

a. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark

16:15,16).

b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13).

c. To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image

of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).

The Assemblies of God exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-

being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be

baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:

a. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying

supernatural signs (Mark16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4).

b. Adds a necessary dimension to a worshipful relationship with God

(1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12-14).

c. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and

gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ

(Galatians 5:22-26; 1Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28;

Colossians 1:29).

11. The Ministry

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the

threefold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20),

(2) worship of God (John 4:23,24), and (3) building a body of saints being perfected in the

image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11,16).

12. Divine Healing

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in

the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James

5:14-16).

13. The Blessed Hope

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together

with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and

blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1

Corinthians 15:51,52).

14. The Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope,

followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand

years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial

reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20;

Romans 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8;

Micah 4:3,4).

15. The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according

to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil8

and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting

punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death

(Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

16. The New Heavens and the New Earth

"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth

righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21 and 22).

Section 1. Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (Matthew 28:19) shall be administered to

all who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give

clear evidence of their salvation (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).

Section 2. Holy Communion

The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the

Scriptures (Luke 22:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Section 1. Membership Eligibility

Active voting membership in this assembly shall be open to all those who possess the

following qualifications:

a. A testimony to an experience of the "new birth." (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-

15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12)

b. Having been baptized in water by immersion. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts

10:47,48; Romans 6:4)

c. Evidence of a consistent Christian life (Romans 6:4; 8:1-4; 13:13,14; Ephesians 4:17-32;

5:1,2,15; 1 John 1:6,7).

d. Shall currently support the church with their tithes and offerings. (Malachi #;8-10)

e. Acceptance of the Tenets of Faith as set forth in Article IV of these bylaws.

e. Every member shall affirm their agreement with the Tenets of Faith as set forth in Article

IV of these bylaws and resolutions and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is

consistent therewith.

f. Having reached at least 18 years of age.

g. Having regularly attended services of, and supported, this assembly for a period of at

least three consecutive months prior to the date of application for

membership.

h. Agreement to being governed by the bylaws of this assembly, and of the Indiana District

Council of the Assemblies of God, as both may be amended from time to time.

Section 2. Procedure for Membership Recognition

Those individuals eligible for membership who shall desire to become members of this

church shall make written application to the pastor or church council. The church council

shall have the right and authority to determine the eligibility and acceptability of all

applicants for membership by majority vote. Those approved for membership by the church

council shall be received into the church publicly at any of its regular services, and their

names thereupon added to the church membership roll. No applicant for membership shall

be accepted as a member within 30 days before an annual business meeting or within 10

days before a special business meeting.9

Section 3. Pastor and Spouse

By virtue of office, the pastors shall be considered active voting members of the church

during tenure. The pastor’s spouse shall become an active voting member simultaneously

with the pastor, subject to section 9 of this Article VI.

Section 4. Transfer Members

A member in good standing of another Assemblies of God church, who satisfies the

standards for membership eligibility specified in Section 1 of this Article VI (other than the

attendance and support requirements), may apply for membership by submitting a letter of

transfer from the pastor of the other assembly, upon the approval of a majority of the

church council.

Section 5. Associate Members

The church council, at any regular or special meeting, may approve associate members by

a majority vote. Eligibility for associate membership is available to any person who is a

member in good standing of an Assemblies of God church in another community, who is in

this community on a temporary basis, and who intends to return to their home church.

Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of regular members, except that

they shall not be eligible to vote and shall not be eligible for any of the offices described in

Article VII of these bylaws.

Section 6. Honorary Members

The church council, at any regular or special meeting, may approve honorary members by

a unanimous vote of the members present. Honorary membership is available to any

member who is sent out on Ministry assignment. Honorary membership recognition shall

continue as long as the member maintains a consistent Christian life, remains sound in

doctrine, and maintains a cooperative attitude toward the home assembly.

Section 7. Inactive Membership

Active voting members who shall without good cause absent themselves from the services

of the assembly for a period of 3 consecutive months or more, or who cease to contribute

of their means to its support for a period of 3 consecutive months, may be declared inactive

members by a majority vote of the church council, and thereupon shall lose their voting

privileges until they are restored to the fellowship, their standing to be settled by action of

the assembly through its church council.

Section 8. Discipline

A. Grounds

Discipline is an exercise of scriptural authority for which the church is responsible (Matthew

16:19; 18:15- 20; Luke 17:3; John 20:23; Acts 16:4; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2

Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:17). The purpose of discipline is to promote repentance and

restoration through exposing sinful behavior. It is to be redemptive in nature as well as

corrective. Any member of the assembly is subject to discipline on the basis of unscriptural

conduct or doctrinal departure from the Tenets of Faith of this assembly, as determined in

the sole discretion of the church council. The discipline of ministers who hold credentials

with the Assemblies of God is administered by the District Council and General Council of

the Assemblies of God.10

B. Procedure

The assembly will follow the disciplinary procedure set forth in Matthew 18:15-20. This

procedure consists generally of the following steps: (1) The pastor or a designated member

of the church council discusses the charges with the member in an effort to resolve the

matter privately; (2) if the first step does not resolve the matter, then the member shall

meet with the pastor and a member of the church council or with a designated committee

of the church council in an effort to resolve the matter privately; (3) if the first and second

steps do not resolve the matter, then the matter maybe submitted to the church council for

resolution.

C. Resignations

Members who are under discipline by this assembly forfeit and waive the right to resign

from membership in this assembly. Resignations from membership are possible only by

those members in good standing who are not under any disciplinary action.

Section 1. The Church Council

A. In General

The government of this assembly shall be vested in the church council which shall consist

of the pastor and at least three council members, to the extent that such authority is not

limited by district supervision as provided for under the bylaws of the District Council.

B. Qualifications of Church Council Members

See qualifications for pastors and council members below.

C. Duties of the Church Council

(1) The church council shall have general charge and management of the affairs, funds,

and property of the assembly. The church council shall have the authority to carry out the

purposes of the assembly according to these bylaws and resolutions.

(2) The church council shall act in the examination of applications for membership and in

the administration of discipline.

(3) For so long as the church is temporarily without a pastor, the remaining members of the

church council shall be empowered to select a temporary chairman of the church council.

(4) The church council shall elect a secretary from among its members.

(5) The church council shall elect a treasurer from among the active voting members who

meet the qualifications for such office.

Section 2. Officers

A. In General

There shall be a president, secretary, and treasurer. The pastor, by virtue of office, shall be

the president and chairman of the church council. The offices of secretary and treasurer

may be held simultaneously by the same individual.

B. Qualifications

(1) Pastor

The pastor shall be in good standing with both The General Council of the Assemblies of

God and the District Council, holding a current fellowship card.11

(2) Secretary

The secretary shall be an active voting member of this assembly for at least 1 year

immediately preceding election to office, and shall be a member of the church council, and

shall currently support the church with tithes, and shall have a cooperative spirit, and shall

be faithful in attendance at church services.

(3) Treasurer

The treasurer shall be an active voting member of this assembly for at least 1 year

immediately preceding election to office, and shall currently support the church with tithes,

and shall have a cooperative spirit, and shall be faithful in attendance at church services.

C. Duties of Officers

(1) Pastor

(a) Shall be the spiritual overseer of the assembly and shall direct its activities.

(b) Shall be recognized as a member of the church council, president of the assembly, and

shall act as chairman of all the business meetings of the assembly and of the church

council.

(c) Shall provide for all services of the assembly and shall specifically arrange for all special

meetings, conventions, and revival campaigns. No person shall be invited to speak or

preach in the assembly without Pastoral approval.

(d) Shall, as chairman of the church council, be chairman of the nominating committee for

the selection of council member nominees. The pastor shall privately interview those

nominated, ascertaining their eligibility and availability to serve as council members.

(e) Shall be an ex officio member of all committees.

(2) Secretary

(a) Shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the church council and of the annual

and special business meetings of the assembly.

(b) Shall keep a record of the membership of the assembly and perform any other clerical

work necessary to the proper discharge of duties.

(c) Shall be the custodian of all legal documents.

(d) Shall file such annual corporation reports with the secretary of state as may be required

by state law.

(3) Treasurer

(a) Shall be entrusted with all the finances of the assembly, subject to the supervision of

the church council, and shall deposit all funds in federally insured accounts in the name of

the assembly. All checks issued on behalf of the church must be signed by the pastor and

one council member.

(b) Shall keep an itemized account of receipts and disbursements, shall present a report for

each regular meeting of the church council, and shall present an annual report to the

assembly in its annual business meeting.

(c) Shall assist the assembly in acquiring and maintaining available tax exemptions under

state and local law.

(d) Shall provide a record of all identified giving to each donor at least annually.

(e) Shall be the custodian of all the financial records of the church.

Section 3. Council Members

The council members shall be persons of mature Christian experience and knowledge, who

shall be expected to meet the requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Acts 6. Council

members shall be at least 23 years old, and shall have been members of the assembly for

at least one year. They shall currently support the church with their tithes and offerings,12

have a cooperative spirit, and regularly attend church services, shall affirm their

agreement with the Tenets of Faith as set forth in Article IV of these bylaws and

resolutions, and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith.

Section 4. Trustees

Three trustees (who may be council members or officers) shall be elected for the holding of

church property, if required by law. Trustees must be active voting members of the

assembly, shall affirm their agreement with the Tenets of Faith as set forth in Article IV of

these bylaws and resolutions, and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent

therewith.

Section 5. Fiduciary Duties

The law imposes several fiduciary duties on officers, council members, and trustees,

including the duties of due care and diligence, loyalty, avoidance of self-dealing, expending

designated contributions for the purposes specified, and not commingling personal and

corporate funds.

Section 6. Temporary Church Council

Should irreconcilable differences arise between the pastor and other members of the

church council, destroying the unity and the successful ministry of the local assembly, the

District Executive Presbytery along with the ministry group leader (the investigating

committee), upon request from the pastor or a majority of the church council members,

shall investigate such differences. Upon a two-thirds majority vote of the investigating

committee they may declare the church under District supervision. The term "District

supervision" means that the investigating committee has the authority to (1) suspend the

constitution and bylaws of the church, (2) suspend the church council, (3) reclassify the

church as a District Council affiliated church, and (4) appoint and establish a temporary

church council invested with the authority to manage both the secular and ecclesiastical

affairs of the church until such strife shall cease. If the pastor is also the sectional

presbyter, the assistant sectional presbyter shall be a member of the investigating

committee in his place.

Section 1. Elections

A. Pastor

(1) The pastor shall be nominated by the church council. Recommendations may be made

to the church council by any member of the assembly.

(2) The pastor shall be elected to serve for an indefinite period of time.

(3) Election shall be by secret ballot at the annual business meeting of the assembly or at a

special business meeting called for that purpose. Only one candidate shall be considered

at a time.

(4) A two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast shall be required to constitute an election.

(5) In the event either the pastor or any other member or members of the assembly shall

challenge the validity of an election, the validity of the election shall be arbitrated by the

District Executive Presbytery, or any three persons of its choice, and its decision shall be

final.

B. Secretary

The secretary shall be elected by the church council from among its members. The term of

office shall be one year, and the secretary may serve consecutive terms without

limitation.13

C. Treasurer

The treasurer shall be elected by the church council from among the active voting members

of the assembly. The term of office shall be 1 year, and the treasurer may serve

consecutive terms without limitation.

D. Council Members

Council Members shall be nominated by a nominating committee appointed by the church

council (see Article VII, section 2C, paragraph [1][d]), and they shall be elected by a

majority vote of those active voting members present at an annual business meeting of the

assembly at which an election is to be conducted. Active voting members may recommend

nominees to the nominating committee; however, nominations for council members shall

not be accepted from the floor during any business meeting without prior proof that the

nominee meets the qualifications for a council member. Council members shall be elected

for a 3-year term, and shall hold office until the annual business meeting at which their

successor is elected. The terms of council member shall be staggered appropriately.

Council member may serve consecutive terms without limitation.

E. Trustees

Trustees shall be nominated by a nominating committee appointed by the church council,

and they shall be elected by a majority vote of those active voting members present at an

annual business meeting of the assembly at which an election is to be conducted. Trustees

shall be elected for a 3-year term, and shall hold office until the annual business meeting at

which their successor is elected. The term of trustees shall be staggered appropriately.

Trustees may serve consecutive terms without limitation.

Section 2. Vacancies and Removals

A. Pastor

When a vacancy in the office of the pastor shall occur, a temporary replacement shall be

arranged for by the church council until a pastor shall be chosen as prescribed in Article

VIII, section 1A. The counsel of the district superintendent will be sought. When a pastor's

credentials are withdrawn by the District or General Council, the pastor's term of office

shall be automatically terminated. In the event a special business meeting is called by

petition as provided in Article IX, Section 3, for the purpose of considering the status of the

pastor, a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting shall be

required to remove a pastor from office before his term expires. Severance pay shall be

governed by Article XI, section 3C.

B. Secretary and Treasurer

The offices of secretary and treasurer shall be vacant upon the expiration of the term of

office, or upon the termination of the officer's active membership, whichever shall occur

first.

C. Council Member

The office of council member shall be vacant upon the expiration of the term of office, or

upon the termination of a council member’s active membership, whichever shall occur first.

D. In General

Any office or position of leadership in the church (other than that of the pastor) may be

terminated by a majority vote of the church council.14

E. Filling Vacancies

Any office or position of leadership in the church (other than that of pastor) may be filled by

appointment of the church council for the unexpired term.

Section 1. Meetings for Worship

Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's Day and during the week as may

be provided for under direction of the pastor or the church council if there is no pastor.

Section 2. Annual Business Meeting

There shall be an annual business meeting of the assembly, at which time the election of

officers shall take place and the report(s) of all officers shall be presented. This meeting

shall be held in February of each year. The time and place shall be announced by the

pastor. Notice of the date, time, and place of each annual business meeting shall be

announced from the pulpit during morning worship services on each of the two Sundays

immediately preceding the date of the meeting.

Section 3. Special Business Meetings

Special business meetings of the assembly may be called by the pastor, or by a majority of

the church council, or by a petition signed by not less than one-third (1/3) of the active

voting members of the assembly. Only those active voting members who have regularly

attended services of, and supported, this assembly for a period of at least 3 consecutive

months prior to signing the petition shall be counted. Petitions pertaining to the business

affairs of the church shall be submitted to the pastor or the secretary of the church council.

A petition pertaining to the status of the pastor shall be directed to the district

superintendent, who shall arrange for a special business meeting of the assembly. No

more than one petition on a given subject shall be recognized in any 12-month period.

Notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of each special business meeting shall be

announced from the pulpit during morning worship services on each of the two Sundays

immediately preceding the date of the meeting. No business other than that specified in

the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the assembly.

Section 4. Parliamentary Order

All business meetings of the church shall be governed by parliamentary procedure as set

forth in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Revised, in keeping with the spirit of

Christian love and fellowship.

Section 5. Voting Constituency

A. Qualifying of Voters

The voting constituency at all business meetings of the assembly shall consist of all active

voting members who are present and who are 18 years of age or older (Article VI, Section

1).

B. Transfer Members

Transfer members shall have voting privileges after 30 days of transfer of membership

(Article VI, Section 4).15

C. Members Under Process of Discipline

No member under the process of discipline shall be entitled to a vote until the process is

completed (Article VI, Section 9).

Section 6. Quorum

No meeting of the congregation shall be considered official and no record shall be kept of

its proceedings and decisions unless 1/3 or more voting members are present to constitute

a quorum.

Section 7. Order of Business

The regular order of business for the annual business meeting of this assembly shall be as

follows:

a. Devotional

b. Reading of previous minutes

c. Report of treasurer

d. Report of committees

e. Unfinished business

f. Election of officers

g. New business

h. Adjournment

Section 8. The Church Council

The church council shall meet monthly or at the call of the pastor for the transaction of

business for the assembly, time and place to be announced by the pastor. A majority of the

council members present shall constitute a quorum.

Section 9. Membership Roll

The church council shall review the list of active voting members at least annually, at the

regularly scheduled meeting of the church council immediately preceding the annual

business meeting, and compile a current list of active voting members.

This assembly shall create and maintain such departments and suborganizations as may

be necessary and advisable for the extension of its work including those mentioned in this

Article. All such departments and organizations shall be subordinate to the assembly and

shall contribute to the harmony and development of the whole. They shall be under the

general supervision of the pastor and church council, and the pastor shall be an ex officio

member of all committees or departments.

Section 1. In General

All funds for the maintenance of the assembly shall be provided by the voluntary

contributions, tithes, and offerings of the members and friends of the organization.

Offerings shall be accepted by the assembly at such times and in such ways as agreed

upon by the church council and shall be administered by the treasurer under their direction

(Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38;1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).16

Section 2. Handling of Receipts

All receipts shall be counted by at least two authorized persons before the funds are

removed from the church building. A receipt form shall be signed in duplicate by those

counting the receipts, with one copy going to the treasurer and the other to the pastor. A

record shall be kept of all receipts and disbursements of the local assembly and of all

individual giving.

Section 3. Pastoral Remuneration

A. Regular Remuneration

The pastor shall be remunerated by a salary or by other means agreed upon by the church

council and the pastor. The church council shall review the pastor's remuneration at least

annually.

B. Reimbursement for Expenses

The pastor shall be given consideration by the church council for expenses incurred by

attendance at District Councils, General Councils, and other District functions by

reimbursement of such expenses, or by an offering to help defray such expenses,

according to the ability of the church as determined by the church council.

C. Severance Pay

In the event a pastor is removed from office by a vote of the active voting membership of

the church, the pastor shall be given a minimum of 2 months regular or average

remuneration as severance pay, except in the case of moral turpitude.

Section 1. Title

All property of the assembly shall be deeded to the assembly and held in its name or, if

required by law, to trustees acting on behalf of the assembly and their successors in office.

Should the assembly choose to do so, it may request the Indiana District Council of the

Assemblies of God to act as its trustee to hold title.

Section 2. Purchases and Sales of Property

All purchases of furnishings, equipment, and other items of tangible personal property,

exceeding $50,000 in cost, and all purchases and sales of real property shall be authorized

by a vote of at least two-thirds of the voting membership who are in attendance at a

regular or special meeting of the assembly.

Section 3. Discontinuation of Church Services

Should this assembly cease to maintain a weekly worship service for a period of 3 months

under the direction of a leader duly authorized by and in good standing with the District

Council, it shall be dissolved and its properties disposed of according to Article XII, section

4, of these bylaws.

Section 4. Disaffiliation

Title to all real property now owned or hereafter acquired by the assembly shall be held in

trust as a place of divine worship in full cooperative fellowship and affiliation with The

General Council of the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri, and the Indiana District

Council of the Assemblies of God. In the event that the assembly shall be divided over

doctrinal or any other issues, or shall vote to disaffiliate from the Assemblies of God, all17

property of the assembly shall remain with those members, whatever their number,

desiring continued affiliation with the Assemblies of God and adhering to its Statement of

Fundamental Truths. The determination of which group of members desires continued

affiliation with the Assemblies of God and adheres to its Statement of Fundamental Truths

shall be arbitrated by the District Presbytery of the Indiana District Council of the

Assemblies of God, and its decision shall be final and binding. If all of the members of the

assembly shall vote to disaffiliate from the Assemblies of God for doctrinal or any other

reasons, then all of the property of such assembly shall revert to said District Council and

shall be used by the District as an Assemblies of God church if possible, and if not

possible, the District may sell the property and apply the proceeds in any manner

consistent with its stated purposes.

Section 5. Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of the assembly, none of its funds or assets shall be distributed to any

officer, deacon, trustee, or any other individual. The church council shall, after paying or

making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the assembly, dispose of all of

the funds and assets of the assembly by conveying the same to the Indiana District Council

of the Assemblies of God, for the purposes of the assembly, and provided that said District

Council at the time qualifies as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United

States Internal Revenue Law). Any such funds or assets not so disposed of shall be

disposed of by the Circuit Court of the county in which the principal office of the corporation

is then located, to such organization as said Court shall determine, which is organized and

operated exclusively for religious purposes.

ARTICLE XIII. ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES

Inasmuch as the Scriptures require Christians to take their disputes to the saints and not to

the civil courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8), all disputes which may arise (1) between any member

of this church and the church itself, or (2) between any member of this church and any

pastor, officer, director, employee, volunteer, or other worker of this church, shall be

resolved by binding arbitration if efforts to mediate or conciliate the dispute have failed.

Either party to the dispute may initiate the arbitration process by filing with the other party

a written request for arbitration within a reasonable time after the dispute has arisen and

efforts to mediate or conciliate have failed. In such a case, the member and the church

shall each name an arbitrator, and the two so selected shall name a third. All arbitrators

must be born-again, Spirit-filled believers who are members of an Assemblies of God

church. The third arbitrator chosen by the other two shall disclose, before accepting the

appointment, any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, and any

existing or past financial, professional, family, or social relationships which are likely to

affect impartiality or which might reasonably create an appearance of partiality or bias.

Either of the parties to the arbitration, on the basis of such disclosures, may disqualify such

a candidate from serving as the third arbitrator. A third arbitrator who serves without

objection from either party has a continuing duty to disclose relationships or interests

which may impair his impartiality. Either party, regardless of the stage of the arbitration

process, may on the basis of such disclosures disqualify such a person from further

participation. The arbitration process shall not proceed until the third arbitrator is selected.

The arbitrators shall appoint the time and place for the hearing and cause notification to the

parties to be served personally or by registered mail not less than 30 days before the

hearing. Appearance at the hearing waives such notice. The arbitrators may adjourn the

hearing from time to time as necessary and, on request of a party and for good cause or

upon their own motion, may postpone the hearing to a later date. The arbitrators may

hear18 and determine the controversy upon the evidence produced notwithstanding the

failure of a party duly notified to appear. The parties are entitled to be heard, to present

evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the

hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by all the arbitrators, but a majority of them may

determine any question and render a final award. If during the course of the hearing an

arbitrator for any reason ceases to act, he shall be replaced in the same manner in which he

was originally selected. The arbitrators may in their absolute discretion admit as evidence

any affidavit or declaration concerning the matters in dispute, a copy thereof having been

given at least 5 days previously to the party against whom the same is offered, but the

person whose evidence is so taken shall be subject to cross-examination by such party. The

arbitrators shall have the power to order and direct what they shall deem necessary to be

done by either of the parties relating to the matters in dispute. Cost of the arbitration shall

be determined and assessed by the arbitrators. Any submission of a dispute to arbitration

shall not be revoked by the death of any party to the dispute, and any award will be

binding upon such person's heirs and successors. The decision of the arbitrators shall be

binding on both parties, and both parties submit themselves to the personal jurisdiction of

the civil courts in this state (including federal courts), as well as the courts of any other

state which may have jurisdiction over any dispute contemplated by this Article, for the

entry of a judgment confirming the arbitrators' award. The arbitration process is not a

substitute for any disciplinary process set forth in the constitution or bylaws of the church,

and shall in no way affect the authority of the church to investigate reports of misconduct,

conduct hearings, or administer discipline. Any matter not provided for herein shall be

governed by the provisions of the Uniform Arbitration Act. If a dispute may result in an

award of monetary damages, then use of this arbitration procedure is conditioned on

acceptance of the procedure by the liability insurer of the church, and the insurer's

agreement to honor any arbitration award up to any applicable policy limits.

The bylaws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the assembly

by a majority vote of the membership present, except as otherwise indicated herein.

Articles III, XII, and XIV of these bylaws may be amended only by the affirmative vote of

two/thirds (66%) of the active voting members present at any annual or special business

meeting called for the purpose of amending these bylaws. Article IV of these bylaws is not

subject to amendment, except to conform to any amendments made to the Statement of

Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. All amendments must be consistent with

the constitution and bylaws of the District Council.

Marriage has been established by God. This church defines "marriage" as the

exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a

lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as

a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the

definition of "marriage" found in these Articles.

Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual

activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as "porneia"--

porneia) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and

pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further,

lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or

viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness.