1. NAME
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Association (hereafter referred to as the Association.)
2. CONSTITUENCY
All Assemblies of God constituents who by their sovereign rights have committed themselves to work in association with each other as an association recognised as such, and empowered by the General Executive and endorse by the General Constitution to develop their own rules of procedure which will be binding only on those Assemblies who are recognised as members of the Association. Refer 5.7 and 7.5
3. OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES
3.1 To promulgate the Gospel of Jesus Christ by all Scriptural means, recognising the Word of God as our all sufficient rule and guide
3.2 Recognise that the Assemblies of God is made up of Sovereign local Assemblies linked together by free mutual association.
3.3 Recognise the sovereign rights of each assembly under the headship of Jesus Christ and administered by Elders in plurality. Cover for the leading minister to be revisited.
3.4 Protect and uphold the sovereign rights of each assembly.
3.5 Where associations of assemblies exist i.e. where assemblies exercise their sovereign rights to co-operate together in a permanent way for mutual benefit, fellowship and administration as allowed under the General constitution and it’s Rules of Procedures of the Assemblies of God, such association shall be recognised and respected within the association.
3.6 Recognise that the AOGSA (Assemblies of God Association Southern Africa) is made up of the Movement, Group, Association and other recognised local assemblies and is determined to:
3.6.1. Work in co-operation with them.
3.6.2 Respect their mode of administration.
3.6.3. Work together with them locally and nationally for the extension of the Kingdom of God and seek never to duplicate their work.
3.6.4. Recognise and respect their rights to administer discipline within their own association and to uphold the same
3.7. To assist assemblies and workers in the Association financially, with ministry and administration where this is called for and as our means allow, but never to usurp control over a sovereign assembly i.e. assistance must be granted without any strings attached
4. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES
4.1. Regional Fellowships
The Association shall fulfil its objectives and principles through Regional Fellowships. Each region shall organise their Assemblies in their areas for:
4.1.1. Fellowship.
4.1.2. Organise spiritual conventions / conferences.
4.1.3. Fulfil the functions and carry out the objectives of the association in that region
The process for appointment of Regional Executive:
- a) The Region submit nominees of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, these names will be submitted to the Apostolic Team.
- b) The Apostolic Team will then make the appointment of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
- c) All other regional positions will be nominated and elected by the region
- d) The Apostolic Team will recognise the Regional Executive.
4.1.4. Recognise an executive committee who will be responsible for the administration of the Association regionally.
4.1.5 Exercise discipline according to the scripture through the Executive committee, should the administration of a local assembly break down in such a manner as to prevent the local oversight of correcting the same due to mal-administration, division, a contentious spirit amongst the leadership. Then the Regional Fellowship through the Executive committee will have the right to bring such an Assembly under the oversight of the Executive Committee until such time as sound administration has been restored to the satisfaction of all concerned thereafter the administration must be returned to the local Assembly which will continue to govern itself under the headship of Christ its Lord. With regards to a total breakdown, or no resolution then the matter must be escalated to the N.E C
4.1.6 Identify areas of need and bring that same to the attention of the N.E.C. who will assist where ever possible without exercising control over the Assembly or worker.
4.1.7 All applications for Credentials and Marriage Officers License will be directed through the Regional Executive Committee, for approval or disapproval by the National Executive.
4.1.8 The Regional fellowship should be notified in writing of all applications for new church sites and the acquisition of property.
4.1.9. Deal with applications for recognition of assemblies outside the A.O.G. who wish to work within the fellowship. It is normal for such Assemblies to work the probation of a recognised Assembly as determined by the committee to serve a minimum period of 24 months.
4.1.10. Deal with applications for credentials from accredited ministers outside the AOG who wish to work within the fellowship.
4.1.11. Application for association from assemblies already co-operating in recognised associations in the A.O.G. will not be entertained and can only be considered in consultation with the N.E.C. and the General Executive.
4.1.12. Probationary ministers will serve under the general oversight of the Regional Executive in
cooperation with an accredited minister, who shall submit a quarterly report to the Regional Executive.
4.1.13. Induction or installation of probationary and fully credentialed minsters shall be carried out by the Regional Executive.
4.2. National Departments
The Association shall fulfil its objectives and principles for Women, Men, Youth, Children, Missions, Hospital and Prison Outreach, Marriage Education and Training, Projects and institutional development through National and Regional Departments. Each National department shall organise their activities in all the regions for:
4.2.1. Fellowship.
4.2.2. Spiritual conventions / conferences/ meetings/ summits and capacity building.
4.2.3. Fulfilling the functions and carry out the objectives of the Association in that region
4.1.4. Elect a National executive committee who will be responsible for the administration of the department in every region to be discuss under point 7
5. THE APOSTOLIC TEAM
5.1. Ministry Of The Apostolic Team
Apostolic Ministerial Functions is based on Eph 4:11-16; Col 1:25-29; Heb 6:1-2
5.2. Composition of the Apostolic Team
The Apostolic Team is composed of individuals whose lives represent the Five-Fold Ministry according to Ephesians 4:11.(Subject to further ratification)
5.3. Recognition Of Apostolic Ministry
Members for the Apostolic Team will be recognised and identified by the Apostolic Team Leader making recommendations to the Apostolic Team and inform National Executive Committee which will be endorsed by the Association Leadership Conference held every two years.
5.4. Powers of the Apostolic Team
5.4.1. The Apostolic Team shall provide visionary leadership to the Association.
5.4.2. The Apostolic Team shall represent the Association at national and international bi-lateral meetings
5.4.3. The Apostolic Team shall make representations to the General Executive of the Assemblies of God in South Africa on behalf of the Association
5.4.4 In the event that any of the Apostolic Team members not being available for General Executive elections, members of the NEC shall become eligible for this function.
5.4.5 Ordination of ministers in the Association.
5.4.6. The Apostolic Team shall be responsible for the appointment of Regional Chairpersons and for all National Departments
5.4.7 The Apostolic Team shall be the final court of appeal for the AOGA
6. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
6.1. Composition of the National Executive Committee
Shall comprise of the….
- Apostolic Team
- Regional Chairpersons, from each recognised region
- National Departmental Leaders
- National Office Staff members (Manager & Administrator)
- Co-opted members on to NEC expertise as needed from time to time for a specific purpose and period. As soon as the purpose or time frame has elapsed, the role of those co opted will be dissolved.
6.2. Powers and functions of the National Executive Committee
6.2.1. Be responsible for the operational affairs of the Association and account to the Apostolic Team of the AOGA
6.2.2. Shall ensure that the Association will uphold all its financial obligations to General Executive of A.O.G.
6.2.3. Shall Convene National Conferences.
6.2.4. Act as a court of appeal for the local regions.
6.2.5. Exercise discipline on the Assemblies and Ministers according to the scripture as the need arises.
6.2.6. Shall meet at least twice a year.
6.2.7. The term of office of the NEC shall be for 3 years. At the end of 3 years it is recommended that 50% of the NEC members retire and the rest continue to ensure continuity
6.2.8. Shall appoint staff members for the National Office
6.2.9. Shall organise ministry, seminars, teaching and training in order to assist the regions.
6.2.10. Shall delegate responsibilities to implement the vision
6.2.11. Shall exercise any of the Powers (consistent with its objectives and principles) of which a true body corporate (whose purpose is not the Acquisition of gain) is capable.
6.2.12. Shall acquire by purchase, donation, lease, hire, investment, exchange or otherwise to hold in trust any property movable or immovable, required or deemed necessary or expedient, and to sell, use convey mortgage, encumber, lease, exchange, donate, or otherwise transact or dispose of such property.
6.2.13. Shall collect, borrow, increase on overdraft, lend, solicit, and accept funds and subscriptions which may be required for the purposes of the Association.
6.2.14. Shall provide by resolution for any three signatures, two of which shall be binding on behalf of the Association for powers of attorney, deeds and documents, and without which no member may pledge the credit or the Association.
6.2.15. May appoint Trustees to acquire, hold and control Property and other Assets on behalf of the Association as a Legal Person.
6.2.16. May collect, solicit and accept such Funds or Subscriptions from Members (and other Believers) as well as from Visitors, Business and State Funding as may be required for whatever purpose of the Association.
6.2.17. May remunerate its officials and any other persons who render, or have rendered, services to it.
6.2.18. Will determine guidelines for the remuneration of ministers in the AOGA
6.2.18. To institute, conduct, defend, compound or abandon any legal proceedings by or against the Assembly or its officers, or otherwise concerning the affairs of the Assembly.
6.2.19. To secure the fulfilment of any contracts or engagements entered into by the Association by the mortgage of all or any part of the property of the Association.
6.2.20. to appoint such agents, officers, clerks and servants for permanent, temporary or special services as they deem fit and to vest them with such powers as they may think expedient, and to determine their duties and fix and vary their salaries or emoluments (if any).
6.2.21. to make, vary and repeal by-laws for the regulation of the affairs of the Association, its officers and servants, provided that such are not inconsistent with or contrary to the constitution herein contained.
6.2.22. Shall appoint three signatories for all banking transactions.
6.2.23. The General Secretary shall develop proper standard operating procedures for the National Office of the Association
6.2.24. The General Secretary shall develop proper operating procedures for the Regional Executive Committees The General Secretary shall be responsible for all staff members who are appointed by the National Executive Committee Move to NEC
6.2.25. The General Secretary shall develop job descriptions for all staff members within the Association Move to NEC
6.2.26. The General Secretary shall present an annual report of all organisational activities to the National Executive Committee at the Annual Summit
7. CHAIRPERSON
7.1 The Apostolic Team shall appoint a chairperson.
7.2. The Chairperson shall convene all meetings of the Association
7.3. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings / conferences of the Association
7.4. Should the Chairperson be unable to preside over meetings, the Apostolic Team will appoint a chairperson in his absence.
8. TREASURER
The Association shall elect a Treasurer at the National Leadership Conference, from amongst their ranks and the person shall hold office for a period of two years(with additional two month hand over period) and can also then be re-elected for a further term.
8.1 The Treasurer shall be responsible for all the accounting and financial transactions of the Association
8.2 The Treasurer shall develop a proper chart of accounts, annual budget and financial reports for the Association
8.3 The Treasurer shall open a bank account for the Association at a recognised financial institution as resolved by the National Executive Committee
8.4 The Treasurer shall present annual audited financial statements to the National Executive Committee at the Annual Summit
8.5 Detail financial policy to be adhered to.
9. GENERAL SECRETARY
The Association shall appoint a General Secretary at the National Leadership Conference, from amongst their ranks and the person shall hold office for a period of two years and can also then be re-elected for a further term.
9.1 The General Secretary shall be responsible for all the administrative activities and organisational developments within the Association
10. NATIONAL OFFICE
10.1. The National Executive Committee shall have the right to establish such a National Office to ensure its business is progressed for the unity of the Association
10.2. The NEC shall have the right to employ person(s) to administer the activities of the Association.
11. THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY
Each recognized Assembly has the right to self government under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and it is therefore fully AUTONOMOUS and SOVEREIGN. Domestic Affairs as referred to in Article 7 (a and i) on page 2 and 3 of the General Constitution of the A.O.G. and is defined as;
(a) A recognized Assembly shall have power to:
- Accept its own ministry.
- Elect its own officers
iii. Solicit and administer its own funds.
- Discipline its own members.
- Hold its own property under its own Local Constitution.
- Determine its own membership.
vii. Transact all business pertaining to its life as an Assembly
(b) Nothing shall prevent a recognized Assembly from exercising its Sovereign right to accept leadership, or ministry from any person or persons whom it shall choose to accept, provided only that such person or persons are acceptable to the General Executive of the A.O.G., and are not under discipline by the Conference or the Executive.
(c) Each recognized Assembly is a legal person, and can as such in its own name hold property, acquire rights, assume duties and generally act in law according to the terms of its own constitution which must be consistent with the terms of the General Constitution and these rules of procedure of the A.O.G.A.
(d) According to the terms of its own Constitution, which must be consistent with the General Constitution on this point, a recognized Assembly does not have its objective the acquisition of gain for itself or for any of its members, and no member or minister has any right, by reason of their membership or ministry, to the property of a recognized Assembly of God.
(e) A Recognized Assembly shall appoint trustees (being not less than three in number) to hold property on behalf of the said Assembly as a legal person and for this purpose is advised to have a constitution which shall make adequate legal provision for such tenure and for the acquisition and disposal of such property.
(f) A Recognized Assembly may generally exercise any of the powers of which a true corporate body is capable of, whose purpose is not the acquisition of gain.
(g) A Recognized Assembly has the right to withdraw from the Association provided that the decision to withdraw is taken by a 2/3 (two thirds) majority vote, in a special meeting called, after three months notice, for the purpose of making such a decision and held in the presence of some person or persons appointed by the NEC. Such person or persons shall address the meeting and shall ensure that the proceedings are carried out in terms of the procedure outlined in these Rules of Procedure.
(h) A Recognized Assembly is free to withdraw from the AOGSA, with its property, provided that the decision to withdraw is taken by a 2/3 (two thirds) majority vote, in a special meeting called, after three months notice, for the purpose of making such a decision and held in the presence of some person or persons appointed by the General Executive. Such person or persons shall address the meeting and shall ensure that the proceedings are carried out in terms of the procedure outlined in these Rules of Procedure. Where this procedure is not followed the General Executive is empowered to take into trust all property, and to freeze all assets and funds of the said Assembly, until such time as the provisions outlined above have been fulfilled at which time the Executive must release all funds, assets, and property to the said local Assembly (see rules of procedure section 7 (c) Membership (Article 7 (a) vi) of these rules of procedure shall be defined as:
- Those who have been accepted into membership by the local Assembly.
- Those who after being received support the Assembly financially.
iii. Must have attended at least 2 (two) meetings per month except in the case of illness or vacation in which case the oversight must be informed of the proposed absence in advance. Should (i) and (ii) not be adhered to then membership will automatically lapse and can only be reinstated with the full agreement of the presbytery of elders.
- Each Assembly shall contribute monthly to the upkeep of the Association as determine from time to time for the general function of the Association and the General Executive.