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About Us

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Lorrie-Anne MacLeod has been Lead Pastor since 2002. She and her husband, Kevin, have raised their two children here in Elkford, and are devoted to serving the community alongside thr vibrant church family at The Lighthouse. 
 
Here at The Lighthouse, whether you’re a long time, temporary resident,  or just visiting, you will find a casual, genuine gathering of imperfect Christ followers where All Are Welcome!
 
We hope to meet you soon!

Our Foundation

Statement of Belief
Local Church Constitution

Who We Are

Our History

The Lighthouse (New Life Pentecostal Fellowship) has been faithfully serving the community of Elkford since the early 1980s with community care and spiritual services. In addition, the Lighthouse has been an active member of the Elkford Ministerial, promoting and nurturing unity among the wider church community.

Our Vision

As a lighthouse guides ships to safe harbor, we strive to guide individuals to find purpose, community, and spiritual growth. Our doors are always open to those seeking a place of belonging and spiritual nourishment.

Our Location

We are conveniently located at 2900 Balmer Dr, Elkford BC, serving as a spiritual home for our local community and visitors alike.

Our Gallery

Following Jesus includes being connected in a life giving community.

SERMONS

EVENTS

NEXT STEP

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STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL TRUTHS
Amended by General Conference, May 2022

ARTICLE 5

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL TRUTHS

PREAMBLE
This version of the Statement of Essential Truths represents the result of an extensive collaborative process to rephrase and refresh what is most essential to us. As before, we make no claim that this statement covers all biblical truth, nor that the human phraseology employed here is inspired. We recognize as we did at the outset of our movement that there is some diversity of theological thought among us, but we remain committed as a Pentecostal community to the historic creeds of the church, to evangelical convictions of faith, and to the Full Gospel that Christ is Saviour, Healer, Spirit-Baptizer, and Soon Coming King.

TRIUNE GOD
There is one God, the creator, who exists eternally in unity as three equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.1 The triune God is loving, holy, infinite, just, and worthy of all worship.2 The Father accomplishes
his plan of salvation through both redemption and judgement.3 All things will be subject to him, and his kingdom will have no end.4 The Father sent the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the
Holy Spirit and born of Mary when she was a virgin.5 Jesus became fully human while remaining fully
God.6 Anointed by the Spirit, Jesus revealed the Father and the kingdom of God by his sinless life, teaching, and miracles.7 After he died for our sin, God raised him from the dead, and he is now at the right hand of the Father.8 The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father through the Son and gives life throughout creation.9 The Spirit draws people to repentance and new life in Jesus Christ.10 Through the
Spirit’s indwelling, the Father and the Son are present to all believers, making them children of God.11

BIBLE
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the written revelation of God’s character and saving purposes for humanity and for all creation.12 As God’s revelation, the entire Bible is true and trustworthy, and is the final and absolute authority for belief and conduct.13 The Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible enables its interpretation and application.14

1 Matt 28:19; 2Cor 13:14
2 Exod 34:6-7; Psa 99:4-5
3 Exod 6:6; Rom 1:16-18
4 Psa 103:19; Rev 11:15; Eph 1:10
5 Matt 1:18-25
6 John 1:1, 14; Col 1:19; Heb 2:17
7 John 1:32; 14:7-10; Luke 4:18-19
8 Acts 2:32-33; Rom 8:34
9 Psa 104:21-30; Acts 2:33
10 John 16:7-15
11 Rom 8:14-17; 1John 3:24
12 Psa 119; John 20:30-31; Rom 15:4
13 2Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12
14 2Pet 1:20-21; John 16:13; 1Cor 2:12-13

CREATION
God created and sustains the heavens and the earth,15 which display God’s glory. Formed in the image of God, both male and female, humankind is entrusted with the care of God’s creation as faithful
stewards.16 As a result of human rebellion, sin and death entered the world, distorting the image of God and all of God’s good creation.17 Angels were created as supernatural beings to worship and serve
God.18 Along with Satan, some angels chose to rebel and oppose the purposes of God.19 Christ gives believers victory over Satan and these demons.20

SALVATION
Salvation is available to all people by the loving, redemptive act of the triune God.21 Through obedience to the Father,22 Christ gave himself as a ransom.23 Christ, who had no sin, became sin for us offering himself and shedding his blood on the cross so that in him we might become right with God.24 The life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ25 provide the way of salvation for those who, by God’s grace, repent from their sin and confess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.26 Salvation means to receive the Spirit, to be forgiven, reconciled with God and others, born again, and liberated from sin and darkness, transferring the believer into God’s kingdom.27 Our experience of liberation includes healing — whether
spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental — as a foretaste of our future, complete restoration.28 Those who remain in Christ and do not turn away are assured of salvation on judgement day by the indwelling
Holy Spirit,29 who sanctifies and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.30

SPIRIT BAPTISM
On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit on the church.31 As his return draws near, Jesus continues to baptize in the Holy Spirit those who are believers.32 This empowers them to
continue his work of proclaiming with speech and action the good news of the arrival and coming of the kingdom of God.33 This experience is available for everyone, male and female, of every age, status,34
and ethnicity.35 The sign of speaking in tongues indicates that believers have been baptized with the Holy Spirit36 and signifies the nature of Spirit baptism as empowering our communication, to be his witnesses with speech and action as we continue to pray in the Spirit.37

THE CHURCH
Jesus Christ is the head of the church.38 All who are united with Christ are joined by the Spirit to his body.39 Each local church is an expression of the universal church whose role is to participate in the mission of God to restore all things.40 Central to the church is the shared experience of the transforming presence of God.41 The church responds with worship, prayer, proclamation, discipleship, and fellowship,42 including the practices of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ in his death and resurrection.43 The Lord’s Supper symbolizes Christ’s body and blood, and our communion as believers. Shared together, it proclaims his death in anticipation of his return.44 The Spirit gives all gifts to the church to minister to others in love for the purpose of bearing witness to Christ and for the building up of the church.45 The Spirit also empowers leaders, both female and male, to equip the church to fulfil its mission and purposes.46

RESTORATION
Our great hope is for the imminent return of Christ in the air to receive his own, both the living who will be transformed, and the dead in Christ who will be resurrected bodily.47 Christ will complete at his second coming the restoration begun when he initiated God's kingdom at his first coming.48 Christ will liberate creation from the curse, fulfil God’s covenant to Israel, and defeat all powers that oppose God.49 Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.50 Ultimately, God will judge the living and the dead.51 Such judgement is God’s gracious answer to humanity’s cry for justice to prevail throughout the earth and is consistent with God’s character as loving, holy, and just.52 The unredeemed will go away into eternal punishment, but the
redeemed into eternal life.53 The redeemed will enjoy the presence of God where there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.54 Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!55

15 Gen 1:1; Col 1:15-17
16 Gen 1:26-27
17 Rom 5:12; 8:20-22
18 Heb 1:14; Psa 103:20
19 Rev 12:7-9

20 Acts 10:38; Eph 6:10-13
21 John 3:16; Gal 4:4-7; Titus 2:11-14
22 John 8:28-29; Phil 2:8; Heb 5:8
23 Mark 10:45; 1Tim 2:6
24 2Cor 5:21; 1John 3:16
25 Rom 4:22-25; 5:19; 6:4-5; Heb 7:24-28
26 Rom 10:9; 1John 1:9; Acts 3:19; 4:12
27 Eph 2:13-16; Col 1:13-14, 19-20; 1Pet 1:3
28 Isa 53:4-5; 1Pet 2:24; Psa 147:3; Rom 8:23
29 Eph 1:13-14; 1John 4:13; Heb 6:5-6; Phil 3:12-14
30 1Thess 4:3-4; 1Cor 6:11; Rom 12:1-2; 1Pet 1:2
31 Luke 24:49; Acts 2:33
32 Acts 2:38-39; 8:14-17; 19:1-6
33 Luke 4:18-19, 43; Acts 1:8
34 Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18, 39
35 Acts 10:45-46
36 Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6
37 Acts 1:8; 2:11-43; 4:31; Rom 15:19; 1Cor 14:15
38 Col 1:18; Matt 16:18
39 1Cor 12:12-14
40 Acts 1:8; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-3; Rev 21:5
41 Acts 2:42-43; 1Cor 12:7; Matt 18:20; 2Cor 3:17-18
42 1Pet 2:9-10; Col 4:2-6; Acts 2:42
43 Rom 6:3-8; Matt 28:19
44 Matt 26:26-29; 1Cor 11:23-26
45 Acts 8:5-7; 1Cor 12:4-11; 14:12; Heb 2:3-4
46 Eph 4:11-16; Matt 20:25-28; Acts 2:17-18; 6:2-4; Rom 16:7
47 1Thess 4:14-17; 5:1-2
48 Matt 13:24-41; Rev 11:15-17; Acts 1:6-7; 3:20-21; Rom 11:25-27
49 Rom 8:19-21; 1Cor 15:20-26
50 Phil 2:10-11; Isa 45:23
51 Acts 10:42; 1Pet 4:5
52 Mal 2:17-3:1; Rev 6:9-11
53 Matt 25:46; Dan 12:1-2
54 Isa 25:8-12; Rev 21:3-4 55 Rev 22:20

LOCAL CHURCH  

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

2022 

This edition of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws contains  amendments as approved by the May 2022 General Conference. In  order for an affiliated local church to enact any of the amendments  herein approved by the General Conference, a congregational meeting  must duly adopt either this edition in its entirety or such individual  amendments of the General Conference as are approved by the local  membership. The adoption of such amendments shall be in accordance  with the amending article (or by-law as the case may be) of the Local  Church Constitution and By-Laws.

THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

2450 MILLTOWER COURT

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5N 5Z6

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APPENDIX A

ADOPTING THE  

LOCAL CHURCH CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

CHECKLIST 

Complete Church Information box on page 3

Ensure that the Chair and Secretary of your Board have signed this   document in the Church Information box on Page 3

Complete Article 1 with the legal name of the church as approved by the  district on page 5

Present final draft to the district office for approval

Present to the congregation for approval

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

FOR LOCAL CHURCHES 

This Local Church Constitution and By-Laws was authorized by the General  Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and amended in 2022 for  local churches, as defined in this constitution and the constitutions of the General  Conference and district conferences of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

In this constitution, the terms church, assembly and congregation shall be  considered synonymous.

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PREAMBLE 

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 honoured 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, whose names appear on the local church roster under the  above date, do hereby recognize ourselves as a local church in fellowship with  The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and shall adopt the following articles of  church order and submit ourselves to be governed by them.

All local churches are recognized as self-governing with the inherent right to sov ereignty in the conduct of their own affairs. This local church shall voluntarily  enter into full cooperative fellowship with churches of like precious faith  associated in the British Columbia and Yukon District conference and the  General Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, with  headquarters at Mississauga, Ontario; and shall share in the privileges and  assume the responsibilities enjoined by that affiliation.

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CONSTITUTION 

ARTICLE 1 NAME: The legal name of this local church shall be __________________________________________________

ARTICLE 2 DEFINITION – LOCAL CHURCH: A local church desiring  to affiliate with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada shall:

2.1 Assume all financial obligations in providing a place of worship and its  operation, and adequate salary for its lead pastor and pastoral staff,  together with provision for suitable housing and travel reimbursement.  Suitable housing shall be understood to mean an adequate dwelling,  together with utilities such as heat, water, hydro and telephone or  financial provision for such services.

2.2 Assume responsibility in contributing to the support of the district office  or branch conference with which it is affiliated, and to The Pentecostal  Assemblies of Canada international missions, Bible colleges, and other  responsibilities as may be determined by the General Conference of  The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

2.3 Have properly qualified leadership of sufficient maturity available for  selection and be able to maintain standards of discipline and doctrine  over its members.

2.4 Petition the respective district executive for status as a local church. In  order to obtain this status, it is required that a duly called congregational  meeting, presided over by the District Superintendent or an  appointee(s), be held, in which there shall be:

2.4.1 an adoption of the Statement of Essential Truths and Positions  and Practices; and

2.4.2 acceptance of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws, as  approved by the General Conference, together with a decision  about the required available options; namely, the size of the  Board and the decision concerning who shall be the trustees.

2.5 Ensure that a credential holder of The Pentecostal Assemblies of  Canada is established as lead pastor of the local church or one whom  the district executive officers of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada  approve.

2.6 Be duly registered as a charity under the Income Tax Act.

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ARTICLE 3 PREROGATIVES 

3.1 This local church shall have the right to govern itself according to the  standards of the New Testament Scriptures, “endeavouring to keep the  unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace … till we all come in 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” (Ephesians 4:3,  13).

3.2 This local church shall have the right to govern itself according to the  General Constitution and By-Laws and district constitutions and by-laws  in force by order of General Conference and district conferences.

3.3 This local church shall have the right to develop policies and procedures  which guide its operation as determined by the Board or the  congregation.

3.4 This local church 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  purpose; all in accordance with its constitution and by-laws or as the  same may be hereafter modified or amended.

3.5 This local church shall have the right to borrow any sum or sums of  money from a lender upon the credit of the local church either by way of  overdraft, discount, loan, line of credit or otherwise, and upon such  terms as they may think proper and as security for any money so  borrowed or as security for any advances, reliabilities heretofore made  or incurred or that may hereafter be made or incurred, to hypothecate,  mortgage, pledge and give to the lender all or any stock, bonds,  debentures, negotiable instruments, in action or other real property of  the local church or other assets of the local church as they may see fit,  or as may be required by or on behalf of the lender, and it is expressly  declared that any security given pursuant to this article may be by way  of chattel mortgage or in such other form as the lender may require, or  as this local church sees fit.

3.6 The activities of this local church shall be carried on without purpose of  gain for its members, and any profits or other accretions to the  organization shall be used solely to promote its objectives, in  accordance with its constitution and by-laws or as the same may be  hereafter modified or amended.

3.7 The decision to formally cease operations as a congregation shall  require a simple majority vote of the ballots cast at a duly called  meeting.

3.8 In the event of dissolution or winding up of the organization, all its  remaining assets after payment of liabilities shall be distributed to The  Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada for its continuing ministries.

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ARTICLE 4 TENETS OF FAITH: We believe most assuredly that the Holy  Scriptures are God’s final revelation and constitute our all sufficient rule for faith and practice. This local church, by virtue  of its affiliation with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada,  shall accept the current version of the Statement of Essential  Truths and Positions and Practices, as approved by the  General Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of  Canada.

ARTICLE 5 ORDINANCES AND PRACTICES 

5.1 ORDINANCES 

5.1.1 The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (Matthew 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of  their sins, and 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).

5.1.2 The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be regularly observed  as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians  11:23-26).

5.2 PRACTICES 

5.2.1 Dedication of children

5.2.2 Prayer for the baptism with the Holy Spirit

5.2.3 Prayer for the sick

5.2.4 Christian marriage (as defined by the Statement of Essential  Truths and Positions and Practices of The Pentecostal  Assemblies of Canada)

5.2.5 Christian burial of the dead

ARTICLE 6 MEMBERSHIP 

6.1 Persons 18 years of age and over desiring to become members of this local church shall give credible profession of faith in the Lord Jesus  Christ as Saviour. They shall give evidence of compliance with the  biblical standard of Christian practice and manifest spiritual growth by  giving evidence of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience,  kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”  (Galatians 5:22,23 NIV).

They shall refrain from “acts of the sinful nature: sexual immorality,  impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;  drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV). Sexual

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immorality shall be interpreted to mean common-law marital  relationships, pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships (1  Corinthians 6:15-18; 7:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4), and  all forms of homosexual activity, along with other practices deemed  inexcusable for Christian conduct, and which place a person under  God’s judgment (Romans 1:26-2:11).

They shall indicate a desire to live in harmony with this body of  believers, shall accept the doctrinal standards as set forth in the Statement of Essential Truths and Positions and Practices, and shall be  regular financial supporters of this local church.

6.2 Establishment and maintenance of an official membership list shall be  determined by the Board in accordance with the requirements outlined  in Article 6.1.

ARTICLE 7 LEAD PASTOR AND BOARD 

7.1 LEAD PASTOR 

7.1.1 Nominations for lead pastor shall be submitted to the local  church congregation by the Board, after consultation with the  District Superintendent.

7.1.2 The lead pastor must be one who holds an active credential in  good standing with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada or  one whom the district executive officers of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada approve.

7.2 OFFICERS: The officers of this local church shall be the lead pastor,  secretary, treasurer, and such other officers as may be determined by  this local church from time to time.

7.3 BOARD: The Board shall consist of the lead pastor and not fewer than  three (3) lay members (if more, the exact number and the resolution  authorizing the same must be duly recorded in the minutes of a  congregational business meeting). After the setting in order of the  church and the creation of the Board, the lay members of the Board

shall be selected in accordance with the resolution of this church. The  lead pastor shall act as chair of the Board. When a lead pastorate  becomes vacant, the District Superintendent or the District Superintendent’s authorized representative shall be empowered to act  in the full legal capacity of the lead pastor in consultation with the Board.  The District Superintendent shall arrange to supply the pulpit with  suitable ministry until such time as a new lead pastor has been duly  installed.

7.4 The local church may extend membership privileges to a district leader, or another Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada credential holder, and may invite the individual to serve on the Board.

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ARTICLE 8 BUSINESS MEETINGS 

8.1 METHOD OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS MEETINGS: 

8.1.1 A member present in a business meeting shall be understood  to mean:

8.1.1.1 In person; or

8.1.1.2 Electronically, that permits participation by registered  voting members, subject to any rules regarding

participation in an electronic meeting that the Board may

declare; or

8.1.1.3 A combination of in-person and electronic means that  satisfies the requirements prescribed in By-Law 8.1.1.2.

8.2 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETING: The annual  congregational business meeting shall be held each year no later  than four (4) calendar months from the end of the fiscal year of the  church on a suitable date unless otherwise decided by the Board.

8.3 SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS: Special business meetings may be  called by:

8.3.1 The lead pastor;

8.3.2 The secretary of the Board upon written order of a majority of the Board;

8.3.3 By petition by no less than one-half (1/2) of the regular  members of the congregation. Such petition shall be handed  to the Board, whose duty it shall be to give notice of such  meeting.

8.4 NOTICE OF BUSINESS MEETINGS: Two weeks (14 days) notice shall  be given of the annual congregational business and special business  meetings with a public announcement in the main service(s) as well as  being posted and publicized in the local church. It shall include date,  time and purpose of the meeting.

8.5 AGENDA: The agenda shall be prepared by the lead pastor and Board.  An agenda item may be submitted for consideration to the Board by a  member of the congregation in good standing. It must be in writing,  signed, and in the possession of the Board at least 10 days prior to the  meeting.

ARTICLE 9 PROPERTY: All real estate owned by this local church shall be  held in the name of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada  according to the terms of the Declaration of Trust, or, by the  trustees of the local church as a local church of The

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Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada or, in the case of an  incorporated local church, may be held by the local church in its corporate name as a local church of The Pentecostal  Assemblies of Canada.

The acquiring and disposal of real property shall be decided by  a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the eligible votes cast at a duly  called congregational business meeting. Where property is  placed in trust with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, a

75 percent majority of eligible votes cast at a duly called  congregational business meeting shall be required.

In the matter of disposing of any real property of this local  church, this congregation shall be subject to the property  regulations in force from time to time in the by-laws of The  Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and the district constitution  and by-laws, the applicable provincial laws, and the Declaration  of Trust, where applicable.

ARTICLE 10 DEPARTMENTS: The departments of this local church may be  Christian Education, Youth Ministries, Men’s Ministries,  Women’s Ministries, and Children’s Ministries. The Board shall  have authority to institute such other departments of this local  church as deemed necessary from time to time.

ARTICLE 11 AMENDMENTS: This constitution may be amended at any  annual congregational business meeting of this local church or  at any special congregational business meeting duly called for  that specific purpose, provided that a copy of the proposed  amendment has been presented in writing to the Board and to  the District Superintendent at least 30 days before the date of  the congregational business meeting, and providing that notice  of said proposed amendment shall have been given in the  announcements of the said congregational business meeting.

A copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be  available to any voting member between the time of the  announcement and the time of the congregational business  meeting on application to the secretary of the Board.

An amendment to be adopted shall require a two-thirds (2/3)  majority of ballots cast at the meeting. Such amendment shall  not be contrary to the regulations of the General Conference or  the General Constitution and By-Laws or district constitution and  by-laws or Local Church Constitution and By-Laws of The  Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, the applicable provincial  laws, and the Declaration of Trust, where applicable.

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BY-LAWS 

BY-LAW 1 MEMBERSHIP 

1.1 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: A membership committee composed of  the lead pastor and the Board shall receive applications for membership,  shall make investigation relating thereto as it deems proper, and shall approve for admission into the local church those applicants who meet  membership requirements.

1.2 PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION 

1.2.1 Application for membership shall be received on a signed  application form whereby the applicant agrees to abide by the  provisions of the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws  including the terms of membership as stated in Article 6.1.

1.2.2 Applicants who have been approved by the membership  committee for membership in this local church shall be publicly  received into the local church (Galatians 2:9) and may receive  notification confirming membership. Membership may be  reviewed annually by the membership committee.

1.3 TRANSFER: Members who move from another local church and desire  to have their membership transferred should request a certificate or  letter of transfer from the membership committee of the former local  church for presentation to the membership committee of this local  church. Members who move to another local church shall be given,  upon written request, a certificate or letter of transfer by the membership  committee of this local church.

1.4 DISMISSAL OF MEMBERSHIP: Grounds for dismissal of membership  in this local church shall include the following:

1.4.1 VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP 

1.4.1.1 Voluntary withdrawal from membership in this local  church or reception into the membership of another

congregation;

1.4.1.2 Issuance of a transfer letter;

1.4.1.3 Absence from the regular services of the local church for three (3) consecutive months, upon issuance of a

letter from the membership committee noting this

voluntary withdrawal.

1.4.2 DISCIPLINARY DISMISSAL OF MEMBERSHIP: Upon the  conclusion of disciplinary procedures according to By-Law 6 of  the Local Church Constitution and By-Laws which finds a  member responsible for a failure under the causes of  disciplinary action.

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BY-LAW 2 LEAD PASTOR AND BOARD 

2.1 LEAD PASTOR 

2.1.1 APPOINTMENT AND CALL: A call shall be extended to a lead  pastor when the pastor receives a two-thirds (2/3) majority of  the ballots cast at a meeting duly convened for that purpose. Upon acceptance of the call or confirmation of the  appointment, a ministry agreement shall be established.

2.1.2 DUTIES: The lead pastor shall be considered the primary  spiritual overseer of the local church and shall, with the Board,  direct all of its activities. (The lead pastor shall consult with the  Board regarding the ongoing health and wholeness of the  congregation and to ensure the appropriate ministries and  programs are in place to accomplish the same). The lead  pastor shall arrange for all special meetings and events. The  lead pastor shall act as chair of all the business meetings of  the local church, and of the Board. The lead pastor shall be, ex  officio, a member of all committees and departments. The lead  pastor shall provide for all the services of the local church, and no person shall be invited to speak or preach in the local  church without the approval of the lead pastor (and as provided  in General Constitution and By-Laws 10.5.5 and 10.5.6). No  congregational or Board meeting shall be held in the absence  of the lead pastor without the written authorization of the lead  pastor.

2.1.3 CONCLUSION OF MINISTRY AGREEMENT: The lead pastor may conclude their ministry agreement by giving a minimum of  one (1) month written notice to the congregation or to the  Board by a letter addressed to the secretary of the Board of the  local church. The lead pastor must also immediately notify the  District Superintendent of this conclusion of ministry  agreement.

2.1.4 VACANCY: When the lead pastorate becomes vacant, the  District Superintendent or the authorized representatives of the  District Superintendent shall be empowered to act in the full  legal capacity of the lead pastor, who shall arrange to supply  the pulpit with suitable pulpit ministry until such time as a new

lead pastor has been duly installed.

2.1.5 EXTENDED ABSENCE: In the event that the lead pastor is or  may be absent for an extended period due to inability or  ineligibility to serve, the District Superintendent or their  authorized representative may, in conjunction with the board,  assist in arranging for pulpit supply and chair the board.

2.1.6 LEAD PASTOR/CONGREGATION RELATIONSHIP: When  difficulties have arisen between the lead pastor and the Board

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or congregation which do not involve the credentials of the lead  pastor, but only the position as lead pastor, and which  apparently cannot be resolved at the local level, the lead  pastor, the Board or a quorum consisting of not fewer than  one-third (1/3) of the regular members of the local church shall  have the right to appeal to the district executive for help in  resolving the impasse.

The refusal of a lead pastor to call a meeting of the Board shall  constitute the Board’s right to appeal to the district executive.

If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, the District  Superintendent may call a congregational meeting, to be  presided over by the District Superintendent or the authorized  representative of the District Superintendent.

If the District Superintendent, or their representative, calls for a  vote of confidence in the lead pastor, the roster for the vote  shall include only those members who held membership 60  days prior to the vote of confidence and shall exclude the lead  pastor and members of the pastoral staff, as identified in the  minutes of the Board, and their spouses, who shall not be  included in the quorum necessary to have a congregational  meeting. The vote shall require a simple majority in support of  the lead pastor, for the lead pastor to retain the position as  lead pastor. If such is not achieved, the lead pastor’s duties  shall be terminated immediately, and the lead pastor shall be  given a minimum of one (1) month salary but not more than  three (3) months salary with benefits and the use of the  parsonage during that period, or the regular housing allowance  if the lead pastor is not living in the church parsonage. If the  lead pastor has served for a period of a minimum of two (2)  years and has failed to receive the required majority in the  confidence vote, or has complied with a request from the  Board to conclude their ministry agreement, the lead pastor shall be given a maximum of three (3) months salary with  benefits and the use of the parsonage during that period, or the  equivalent housing allowance if the lead pastor is not living in  the church parsonage.

2.1.7 CHARGES INVOLVING CREDENTIALS: Allegations leading  to charges in matters involving the right of a credentialed staff  member to hold credentials with The Pentecostal Assemblies  of Canada as defined in By-Law 10.6.2 of the General  Constitution and By-Laws must be made to the district in  writing, and properly signed by one who is willing to appear

and give testimony concerning the charges. Charges brought against a credential holder shall be dealt with according to  provisions made in the General Constitution and By-Laws of  The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

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2.1.8 CHARGES INVOLVING THE CRIMINAL CODE OF  CANADA: In the event that ministry is restricted by the District  Superintendent as a result of a credential holder being charged  under the Criminal Code of Canada, the credential holder shall  continue to receive remuneration for a maximum of three (3)  months.

2.2 OFFICERS 

2.2.1 SECRETARY – TREASURER: The secretary-treasurer shall  be capable of performing such clerical duties as this office  requires, and shall be appointed annually by the Board, and  may be one (1) of its own members. The offices of secretary  and treasurer may be filled by the same person, who may or  may not be a member of the Board.

2.2.2 DUTIES – SECRETARY: The secretary shall be custodian of  the records of the various congregational meetings and shall  record the same in record books provided for that purpose.  The secretary shall preserve the records of the local church  and prepare reports as directed by the Board.

2.2.3 DUTIES – TREASURER: The treasurer shall be the custodian  of the general funds of the local church and shall ensure the  deposit of the same in a chartered bank or credit union in the  name of the local church, and shall ensure the disbursement of

such funds as authorized by the Board. The treasurer shall  ensure that an accurate record of accounts is kept, and shall  present a financial statement at the annual congregational  meeting and at any other time when requested to do so by the  Board or the local church congregation. The books shall be

reviewed before the annual congregational meeting by  financially qualified individuals appointed by the Board.

2.2.4 DUTIES – OTHER OFFICERS: Departmental officers’ terms of  reference shall be outlined in the departmental constitution, as  adopted by this congregation.

2.3 BOARD 

2.3.1 QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications for service on the Board shall be determined and approved in accordance with  the policy of this local church, as guided by such scriptural  provisions as are cited in Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and Titus  1:5-9. The official Board shall be comprised of members who  are of good report and sound judgment, examples to the  congregation in matters of stewardship, church attendance,  and spiritual maturity, and seeking constantly, as sanctified  vessels, to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; Ephesians  5:18).

2.3.2 DUTIES

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2.3.2.1 The Board is chosen to serve the church with the lead  pastor in matters pertaining to the operation of the  local church. They shall assist in the ministry of its  ordinances and shall act in the examination of  applications for membership, and also in the  administration of the discipline of the local church.  They shall appoint a recording secretary from among  their members to record the minutes of their  meetings.

2.3.2.2 A majority present in any meeting of the Board shall  constitute a quorum, provided that all the members  have been notified to be present.

2.3.2.3 It shall be the duty of the Board to ensure that an  adequate compensation package is provided for the  lead pastor and pastoral staff, together with suitable  housing facilities. Suitable housing facilities shall be  understood to mean an adequate dwelling in good  repair, together with utilities such as heat, water,  electricity and telephone or financial provision for  such services, and a vehicle allowance. An annual  salary review shall be made.

2.3.2.4 A majority of the Board shall have the right to ask the  lead pastor to convene an official Board meeting.

2.3.2.5 Where there is need for trustees, the Board shall  name at least three (3) of its members to act in that  capacity.

2.3.2.6 The Board, with the lead pastor, shall meet regularly  for the transaction of routine business for the local  church, the time and place to be announced by the  lead pastor

2.3.3 ACCOUNTABILITY 

2.3.3.1 TO THE LEAD PASTOR: To support the lead pastor in his/her primary responsibility to his/her family;  encourage and enable the lead pastor to a continual  growth in leadership through continuing education,  development, courses, seminars, and resources;  assure administrative excellence in financial reporting,  strategic planning, communication, labour relations  and other assigned duties; assist in creating and  implementing a vision and strategy for the church;  assist in the development of that church as a disciple

making, equipping community; ensure a global

missions strategy and commitment; respect and  understand mutual accountability (Rom. 1:8); and

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provide covering, care, and nurture for the lead

pastor.

2.3.3.2 TO OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD: Support the  Board in their primary responsibility to their family;

encourage and enable the Board to a continual

growth in leadership through prescribed courses

made available through The Pentecostal Assemblies

of Canada; assume responsibility for areas of

expertise and giftedness to assure administrative

excellence in the church; fulfill assigned duties as

directed by the Board; assist in creating and

implementing a vision and strategy for the church;

assist in the development of the church as a disciple

making, equipping community; ensure that adequate

resources are available for touching, reaching and

discipling the community; ensure a global missions

strategy and commitment; respect and understand

mutual accountability (Rom. 1:8); and provide

covering, care, and nurture for each member of the

Board. It is expected that the Board will function in

confidentiality and loyalty, and model personal

discipleship, which will contribute to the well being,

reputation, and respect of the entire Board.

2.3.3.3 TO THE CONGREGATION: Model healthy family life  and teach family values; ensure that adequate

resources are available for touching, reaching and

discipling the community; ensure clear

communication of the vision, strategy and needs to

the congregation; ensure that an adequate

membership process is in place (including education,

ministry, accountability and discipline); assist the

congregation in understanding their spiritual

responsibility to serve, give, share and be involved;

assist the congregation in understanding their

responsibility to support the leadership in its vision

and direction for the future and health of the church;

and assist the congregation to understand its role in,

and commitment to, the community, as an agency of

grace and spiritual light.

2.3.3.4 TO THE COMMUNITY: Understand their role of  modeling Christian values of grace, love and

acceptance to the community; raising church

awareness of the community’s needs, and the

responsibility of the church to the community; to pray

for and encourage the leadership of the community;

and uphold and communicate justice and truth in the

community.

2.3.4 TERM OF OFFICE

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2.3.4.1 The term of office of all lay members of the Board shall be for either one, two or three years, as

determined by the local congregation. After a

member has served for six consecutive years, the

member will not be considered eligible to serve on the

Board for a period of one (1) year.

2.3.4.2 Termination of membership on the Board shall occur  if any Board member, during the term of office, shall

resign, move away, and cease to be a member of the

congregation or be disqualified according to By-Law

1.4 of these by-laws. Provision is hereby made for

the remaining members of the Board to appoint a

successor until the next annual meeting.

2.3.5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST 

2.3.5.1 Board members shall not place themselves in a  position where there is conflict of interest between

their duties as Board members and personal

interests. Every Board member who is in any way

directly or indirectly interested in, or may become

interested in, an existing or proposed contract,

transaction, or arrangement with the church or who

otherwise has a conflict of interest by virtue of

involvement of a family member or the involvement of

an employer, partner, business associate, or a

corporation that the member is involved with as either

a director, shareholder, officer, employee, or agent,

then such Board member shall declare a conflict of

interest fully at a meeting of the board and withdraw

from any discussion or vote.

2.3.5.2 The lead pastor, who serves as a member of the  Board, or any member of the employed staff, shall

absent himself/herself from a Board meeting when

salary and allowance review is being considered.

BY-LAW 3 SELECTION OF BOARD AND BUSINESS MEETINGS 3.1 NOMINATIONS 

3.1.1 The nominating committee shall be comprised of the lead  pastor and Board or a committee appointed by the Board,  which shall be constituted of the lead pastor, one (1) Board member and three (3) non-Board members.

3.1.2 The nominating committee, after its appointment, shall invite  submissions from members of the congregation, until 14 days  prior to the annual congregational business meeting, or a

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longer period as approved by resolution of the membership  and recorded in minutes of a congregational business meeting.  The submissions shall be in writing, signed by the local church  member, and submitted without the knowledge of the person.

3.1.3 It shall be the duty of the nominating committee to receive  submissions for each office to be filled and, after determining if  such individuals are qualified and willing to serve, shall present  a slate of nominees for consideration at the congregational  business meeting.

3.1.4 The membership may empower a nominating committee to set  aside the submission process and agree on the names of  members who are qualified and willing to serve on the  leadership team. Such names shall be presented as the slate  of nominees for consideration at the congregational meeting.

3.2 VOTING: All candidates for the Board of this local church, except the  lead pastor, shall be declared elected upon receiving more than 50  percent of all votes cast for the office at the annual congregational  business meeting. If the candidate is not elected on the first ballot,

voting shall continue until an election is declared. If no election is  declared as a result of the second election ballot, the name receiving  the lowest number of votes shall be eliminated on each succeeding  ballot.

When the church congregation is voting on business matters, a definite  voting bar shall be made between those who are entitled to vote and  those who are not so entitled. A member of the congregation wishing to  challenge the right of another to vote may do so. In the event of such a

challenge, a majority vote of the congregation shall decide.

3.3 APPOINTED OFFICES: It shall be the duty of the newly elected Board to  fill all appointed offices for the ensuing year without delay.

3.4 ORDER OF BUSINESS: The regular order of business for the annual  congregational business meeting of this local church shall be determined  by the lead pastor and Board which may include such items as: • Devotional

  • Reading of previous minutes by the secretary
  • Report of treasurer
  • Report of committees
  • Unfinished business
  • Election of Board
  • New business
  • Adjournment

3.5 QUORUM: Twenty-five (25) percent of the voting membership shall be  required to constitute a quorum. Those members who by reasons of

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health are unable to regularly attend church meetings may be omitted  from the quorum calculation.

3.6 PARLIAMENTARY ORDER: In order to expedite congregational business  meetings this local church shall be governed by the spirit of Christian love  and fellowship and by the accepted rules of parliamentary procedure as  outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order, or Code Morin.

BY-LAW 4 DEPARTMENTS: All departments of this local church shall be  responsible to the lead pastor and the Board, and shall present  annual reports to the annual congregational business meeting.

BY-LAW 5 MEETINGS 

5.1 REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES: The time and place of the regular  church services shall be determined by the Board and the lead pastor.

5.2 No member or any number of members shall call any private, secret,  business or devotional meetings without the knowledge and consent of  the Board and the lead pastor.

BY-LAW 6 DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATION 

6.1 NATURE AND PURPOSES OF DISCIPLINE: Discipline is an exercise  of scriptural authority for which the local church is responsible. The aims  of discipline are that God may be honoured, that the purity and welfare  of the local church may be maintained, and that those under discipline  may be brought to repentance and restoration.

Discipline is to be administered for the restoration of local church  members, while fully providing for the protection and advancement of  the spiritual welfare of our local churches. It is to be redemptive in  nature as well as corrective, and is to be exercised as under a

dispensation of both justice and mercy. The following actions shall be  administered with gentleness.

6.2 CAUSES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Any proven act or conduct  which, in the opinion of the Board, after a full investigation of the  evidence may be determined to be in contradiction of the actions and  principles as stated in Article 6.1 of the Local Church Constitution and  By-Laws may give just cause for disciplinary action by the Board.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, among such causes for  action shall be:

6.2.1 Any moral failure involving sexual misconduct or sexual  deviation (including, but not limited to adultery, homosexuality,  incest, sexual assault, pornography and improper contact with  the opposite sex).

6.2.2 Any moral or ethical failure other than sexual misconduct or  any conduct unbecoming to a local church member (including,

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but not limited to deception, fraud, theft and assault).

6.2.3 Any act or action of a local church member, which is the cause  of serious discord or dissension, with or without malicious  intent (Romans 16:17, 18; Proverbs 6:19).

6.2.4 The propagation of doctrines and practices contrary to those  set forth in the Statement of Essential Truths and Positions and  Practices of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

6.3 INITIATIVE 

6.3.1 AUTHORITY: Occasions sometimes arise which make it  necessary to deal with local church members who have  reached the place where, in the opinion of the Board,  endorsement can no longer be given. The Board, which has  the authority to approve church membership, also has the right  to withdraw their approval and to dismiss church membership.

6.3.2 BOARD RESPONSIBILITY: The Board is responsible to deal  with allegations of misconduct according to the Local Church  Constitution and By-Laws.

In the event that the Board finds itself compromised in any  manner, or appearing to lack impartiality, it shall have the right  to appoint a substitute committee to hear charges against a  church member.

6.3.3 STATEMENT OF CONDUCT: Should a local church member  admit to, or confess to a wrongdoing or misconduct to the  board, such as should require disciplinary action, then the  Board shall exercise discretion as to the appropriate form of  discipline.

6.3.4 REPORTS, RUMOURS OR COMPLAINTS: Should there be  reports, rumours or complaints, written or unwritten, which  appear to be persistent, serious, becoming publicly known and  posing a detriment to the testimony of the individual or church,

then the lead pastor shall use their judgment to discuss the  matter with the respondent member, always in the presence of  a member of the Board. The lead pastor and Board member  shall exercise their discretion as to whether or not to  commence an official investigation.

6.3.5 INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS OR COMPLAINTS OF  ALLEGED VIOLATIONS: Written and signed allegations  involving a local church member as referenced in By-Law 6.2,  shall be investigated. The lead pastor shall appoint two (2)  members of the Board to investigate the allegation, having in  mind that it is their responsibility to safeguard the member, the  local church and the fellowship. This shall be done to  determine the credibility of the allegation.

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6.3.5.1 Signed written allegations shall be filed with the lead  pastor and/or a member of the Board, by the

complainant(s) describing the alleged violations.

6.3.5.2 The persons making the allegation shall be  interviewed in order to ascertain the facts in the case

and the reasons underlying the allegation.

6.3.5.3 The respondent local church member shall be given  an opportunity to be interviewed to discuss the

allegation.

6.3.5.4 Should a local church member, when presented with  the allegations, acknowledge a wrongdoing that

requires disciplinary action, then the lead pastor or

the lead pastor’s designate shall report the

acknowledgment of wrongdoing to the Board who

shall initiate appropriate disciplinary action and a

restoration program.

6.3.5.5 Should the local church member deny the allegations  made, the investigators shall determine if the

evidence merits a disciplinary hearing.

6.3.5.6 Where a respondent local church member serves in a  leadership capacity in the local church, such ministry

may be restricted during the investigation at the

discretion of the lead pastor.

6.3.6 LEGAL CHARGES 

6.3.6.1 Where a local church member has been legally  charged under the Criminal Code of Canada:

6.3.6.1.1 No disciplinary procedures will be followed until  the legal proceedings, including appeal, have

run their course.

6.3.6.1.2 Continuing involvement in the local church  leadership may be subject to restriction during

the time of the legal proceedings at the

discretion of the Board.

6.3.6.1.3 A guilty verdict of a local church member  following the legal proceedings, including

appeal, shall automatically precipitate

disciplinary procedures by the Board.

6.3.6.1.4 Local church members may be eligible for  participation in a restoration program upon

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request for reconciliation.

6.3.6.2 Should the allegations against the local church  member be one of a violation which is required by law

to be reported (including, but not limited to, offences

against minors), the Board shall report the respondent

to the appropriate legal authorities and delay their

own investigation, until the appropriate legal

authorities have opportunity to investigate.

6.3.7 PREPARATION AND FILING OF CHARGES: Allegations  shall only be investigated when they have been made in  writing, dated and signed by the complainant.

If, after due investigation, it is determined by the investigators that a disciplinary hearing should occur, charges should be  filed with the Board.

The person against whom charges have been filed shall be  informed in writing of the charges made according to By-Law 6.2, including a signed copy of the charges; either by  registered mail or hand delivered to the individual on behalf of the investigating committee at least 15 days before being  called to appear before the Board for a disciplinary hearing.  The hearing shall take place within 40 days of formal charges  being delivered to the local church member, or the entire  proceeding shall be rescinded. A copy of the charges shall be  sent to the District Superintendent.

The local church member must confirm attendance at the disciplinary hearing no later than seven (7) days prior to the  date established for the disciplinary hearing. Failure to confirm  or appear at the disciplinary hearing may constitute voluntary  withdrawal from membership. A hearing may proceed as  outlined in By-Law 6.3.9.

The said local church member may be relieved immediately from  local church involvement upon being notified of the charges.

6.3.8 DISPOSITION OF ALLEGATIONS 

6.3.8.1 If written allegations are made and signed, but the  investigators conclude under the guidelines of the

Local Church Constitution and By-Laws that no

reason exists for a hearing, then the matter shall be

dropped.

6.3.8.2 The lead pastor, or the lead pastor’s appointee, may  seek to counsel all parties involved and to bring to an

end any continuation of rumours or conflicts related to

the matter.

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6.3.8.3 The complainant shall be informed in writing that the  investigation has been concluded and the allegations  dismissed.

6.3.8.4 There shall be no record of the investigation kept.

6.3.8.5 The church member shall be informed in writing that the investigation of the allegations has concluded and  no charges have been laid.

6.3.9 DISCIPLINARY HEARING: In the event the investigators find  the charges merit a hearing they shall request the lead pastor to arrange for a disciplinary hearing by the Board for the  respondent local church member. The local church member  shall be requested to appear at the hearing.

To ensure the ability of the hearing committee to render an  impartial judgment, no member of the Board of the local church  may sit on the hearing committee when they have been party  to the details of the investigation or any event or incident  related to the alleged offence.

The lead pastor may attend the hearing as an observer but  shall not participate nor be present when a vote is taken in the  decision as to guilt or innocence. The role of the lead pastor is  to be redemptive to all parties involved.

If the respondent local church member refuses to appear at the  hearing to offer a defence, the hearing may proceed and the  respondent member may be disciplined if found guilty of the  charges preferred.

6.3.9.1 CHAIR: A member of the hearing committee shall be  appointed by the lead pastor to serve as chair.

The chair of the hearing committee along with the  lead pastor shall prepare an agenda and arrange for  all matters of the hearing.

The chair shall appoint a recording secretary from the  membership of the hearing committee.

6.3.9.2 ROLE OF INVESTIGATORS 

6.3.9.2.1 The investigators shall bring a report to the  hearing and offer evidence as discovered

during the investigation procedures.

6.3.9.2.2 They shall not participate nor be present  when a vote is taken in the decision as to

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guilt or innocence.

6.3.9.2.3 No evidence or comment regarding the  evidence shall be given by the

investigators or accusers in the absence of

the respondent local church member,

unless the respondent local church

member has failed to, or has refused to,

appear at the hearing.

6.3.9.3 LOCAL CHURCH MEMBER’S SUPPORT: The  respondent local church member shall have the right  to have a member of this local church present for support but not as an active participant in the hearing  process. The supporting person may be the spouse of the respondent local church member.

Legal counsel shall not be present for either side at  the hearing.

6.3.9.4 The agenda and proceedings shall provide sufficient  opportunity for the complainant and complainee to  speak, offer evidence, cross examine, present witnesses, and to make a summation statement. It  will be the role of the hearing committee to question  and make inquiry of the participants and to seek to  have all the facts, evidence and testimony duly  presented and examined to ensure an objective  decision.

6.3.9.5 The verdict shall be made by secret ballot in the  absence of investigators, the complainant and the  supporting member if present and the complainee. A  two-thirds (2/3) majority vote shall be required to  determine guilt.

6.3.9.6 If it has been determined that guilt has been  established, discipline shall be administered  prayerfully and in the fear of God, in accordance with  the Scriptures and as set forth in the Local Church  Constitution and By-Laws.

6.3.9.7 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE VERDICT 

6.3.9.7.1 The verdict shall be communicated to the  lead pastor and placed in the minutes of

the Board. If the verdict is one of guilt,

then the minutes of the hearing and any

other relevant documents shall be

maintained in a confidential file until the

disciplinary process has been completed.

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6.3.9.7.2 The lead pastor shall communicate the  verdict in writing to the local church

member and the complainant within five

(5) days of the decision of the hearing

committee.

6.3.9.7.3 If a guilty verdict is reached, the local  church member shall be informed in

writing of the right and process of appeal.

6.3.9.7.4 If the verdict is one of not guilty, then no  record of the hearing shall be maintained.

6.3.10 DISCIPLINE: A local church member who has been found  guilty of violating or who has confessed in writing to having  violated any of the principles set forth in the Local Church  Constitution and By-Laws, shall be subject to disciplinary  action by the Board. Said discipline shall be administered in

Christian love and kindness. The Board shall weigh decisions  on the basis of the offence itself.

A local church member who has confessed to, or been found  guilty of, the charges may have their membership placed on  probation, or suspended.

A local church member who refuses to enter the restoration program and does not complete the same shall have their  membership dismissed.

6.3.11 RIGHT OF APPEAL: The local church member shall have the  right of appeal. The written request must specifically state the  nature, purpose and reason for the appeal based on the process leading to the judgment rendered.

Any appeal of the decision by the hearing committee must be  made in writing within 30 days of receiving the decision of the  committee to the secretary of the Board. The Board shall  request the District Superintendent to appoint a committee to  hear the appeal.

The appeal will be heard within 60 days of receiving the  request for an appeal in writing.

The respondent person will appear at this appeal, but if the  respondent person neglects or refuses to attend the hearing, it  may proceed in the absence of the respondent person. The  decision of this appeal committee will be final.

The decision of the appeal committee will be communicated in  writing to the church member by the chair of the appeal  committee within five (5) days of the appeal hearing.

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Legal counsel shall not be present for either side at the appeal  hearing, nor in any other investigative or disciplinary hearing  provided for in these by-laws.

If the church member has chosen to not attend the hearing,  then the member will not be eligible to appeal the decision that  has been rendered.

6.3.12 RESTORATION: In the event a local church member who has  been found guilty of offence shows repentance and indicates a  desire for continued fellowship with the local church, the Board shall determine an appropriate restoration program, which  would have in view the completion of a suspension period or  the reinstatement of membership as applicable.

The program of restoration shall be administered in Christian love and kindness.

The restoration program may include limitations of ministry  involvement during the term of restoration.

6.3.13 REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP: Persons who have  had their membership suspended and have successfully  completed the restoration program may apply for reinstatement of membership by communicating their request to the secretary  of the Board.

6.3.14 WAIVER OF CLAIM: Notwithstanding the provisions  hereinbefore contained, certificates of membership of this local  church shall be issued upon the condition that suspension of  the member and withdrawal of the certificate of membership in  the manner herein provided shall not give the suspended  member cause for legal action against the lead pastor or any  member taking part in the suspension proceedings; and the  acceptance of the certificate of membership or fellowship in  this local church shall be evidence of a waiver by the member  of all rights of action, causes of action, and all claims and  demands against the local church or any member or officer of  The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada by virtue of  suspension proceedings and withdrawal of the certificate of  membership or fellowship in this local church under the  foregoing provision.

BY-LAW 7 RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIVILEGES OF AFFILIATION 

7.1 Accepting our responsibility under the great commission of the Lord  Jesus Christ, as stated in Matthew 28 and Mark 16, this local church  shall support the missions programs and policy of The Pentecostal  Assemblies of Canada, and shall take one (1) missions offering each  month for this purpose.

7.2 Recognizing the responsibility of this local church to adequately provide

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for those who are employed in pastoral and staff services to this local  church, including adequate provision for current ministry and future  retirement support; and recognizing that The Pension Fund (1969) of  The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada exists to serve retired ministers,  missionaries, and employees of local church, as an affiliated local  church, the Board shall ensure that each credentialed pastor and  qualifying local church employee shall regularly participate in a  retirement income plan such as The Pension Fund (1969) of The

Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and the local church shall match  the contributions of its employees in accordance with Canadian pension  legislation and regulations.

7.3 Recognizing the important services rendered to this congregation by the  international and district offices of The Pentecostal Assemblies of  Canada, this local church shall support the ministry and fellowship  services of the international and district offices, the international  missions objectives of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, The  Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Bible college serving this district,  and other responsibilities as may be determined by the General  Conference of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

This shall be done in accordance with the General Conference  resolution that each local church forward an amount equal to ten (10)  percent of its general fund offerings (does not include missions offerings, building fund, or any other special fund) to the district office at  regular intervals to support the ministry and fellowship services. The  district office will forward ten (10) percent from these funds to the  International Office for ministry and fellowship services.

7.4 This local church assumes the responsibilities of paying the moving  expenses of an incoming pastor and the lead pastor’s expenses incidental to attending the district conference and to any district sponsored convention held for the benefit of its ministers.

7.5 FINANCES 

7.5.1 This local church shall consult with and obtain the approval of  the district executive before proceeding with the requirements  of By-Law 7.5.2 hereof, and prior to the making of application  for loan from any source or incurring indebtedness on a  purchase plan or otherwise when repayment is not to be made  in full within 12 months of the date of the intended loan or  where the intended indebtedness, together with all other  indebtedness of the said local church, in the aggregate will  exceed ten (10) percent of the total amount of the previous  year’s gross revenues.

7.5.2 This local church shall then obtain the approval of its  congregation to the proposed action by resolution, passed at a  duly called special or regular annual congregational business  meeting.

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7.5.3 If the property title of the local church is held in trust by The  Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, according to the terms of  the Declaration of Trust, the local church may be eligible to  negotiate a Pension Fund mortgage with the International  Office or receive investment funds from the district office.  Exceptions may be made when deemed appropriate.

A district office shall have the option of lodging a lien with the  International Office where the title is being held or when  registering a mortgage in the regional land titles office on the  title of the local church for the amount of money invested in the  local church by the district office. In the event a lien is lodged  against the said property at the International Office, the  executive officers who have the constitutional right to bind the  corporation shall provide a written undertaking to the district  office that the title of the said local church shall not be released  without the written consent of the district office.

7.6 The district executive has the privilege to create policies which will allow  local churches to request care and intervention from time to time.

BY-LAW 8 AMENDMENTS: These by-laws may be amended at any  annual congregational business meeting of this local church or  any special congregational business meeting duly called for  that specific purpose, provided that a copy of the proposed  amendment has been presented in writing to the Board and to  the District Superintendent at least 30 days before the date of  the business meeting, and providing that notice of said  proposed amendment shall have been given in the  announcements of the said business meeting.

A copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be  available to any voting member between the time of  announcement and the time of the congregational business  meeting on application to the secretary of the Board.

An amendment to be adopted shall require a two-thirds (2/3)  majority vote. Such amendment shall not be contrary to the  regulations of the General Conference or General Constitution  and By-Laws or district constitution and by-laws or Local  Church Constitution and By-Laws of The Pentecostal  Assemblies of Canada, or contrary to the Declaration of Trust,  where applicable.

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STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL TRUTHS AND POSITIONS AND PRACTICES 

Article 5 and Article 6 of the General Constitution and By-Laws Amended by General Conference, May 2022 

ARTICLE 5 STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL TRUTHS 

PREAMBLE 

This version of the Statement of Essential Truths represents the result of an  extensive collaborative process to rephrase and refresh what is most essential to  us. As before, we make no claim that this statement covers all biblical truth, nor  that the human phraseology employed here is inspired. We recognize as we did  at the outset of our movement that there is some diversity of theological thought  among us, but we remain committed as a Pentecostal community to the historic  creeds of the church, to evangelical convictions of faith, and to the Full Gospel  that Christ is Saviour, Healer, Spirit-Baptizer, and Soon Coming King.

TRIUNE GOD 

There is one God, the creator, who exists eternally in unity as three equal  persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.1 The triune God is loving, holy, infinite,  just, and worthy of all worship.2

The Father accomplishes his plan of salvation through both redemption and  judgement.3 All things will be subject to him, and his kingdom will have no end.4

The Father sent the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy  Spirit and born of Mary when she was a virgin.5 Jesus became fully human while remaining fully God.6 Anointed by the Spirit, Jesus revealed the Father and the  kingdom of God by his sinless life, teaching, and miracles.7 After he died for our  sin, God raised him from the dead, and he is now at the right hand of the Father.8

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father through the Son and gives life  throughout creation.9 The Spirit draws people to repentance and new life in Jesus  Christ.10 Through the Spirit’s indwelling, the Father and the Son are present to all believers, making them children of God.11

BIBLE 

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the written revelation of God’s  character and saving purposes for humanity and for all creation.12 As God’s

1 Matt 28:19; 2Cor 13:14

2 Exod 34:6-7; Psa 99:4-5

3 Exod 6:6; Rom 1:16-18

4 Psa 103:19; Rev 11:15; Eph 1:10

5 Matt 1:18-25

6 John 1:1, 14; Col 1:19; Heb 2:17

7 John 1:32; 14:7-10; Luke 4:18-19

8 Acts 2:32-33; Rom 8:34

9 Psa 104:21-30; Acts 2:33

10 John 16:7-15

11 Rom 8:14-17; 1John 3:24

12 Psa 119; John 20:30-31; Rom 15:4

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revelation, the entire Bible is true and trustworthy, and is the final and absolute  authority for belief and conduct.13 The Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible enables  its interpretation and application.14

CREATION  

God created and sustains the heavens and the earth,15 which display God’s  glory. Formed in the image of God, both male and female, humankind is  entrusted with the care of God’s creation as faithful stewards.16 As a result of  human rebellion, sin and death entered the world, distorting the image of God  and all of God’s good creation.17

Angels were created as supernatural beings to worship and serve God.18 Along  with Satan, some angels chose to rebel and oppose the purposes of God.19 Christ gives believers victory over Satan and these demons.20

SALVATION 

Salvation is available to all people by the loving, redemptive act of the triune  God.21 Through obedience to the Father,22 Christ gave himself as a ransom.23 Christ, who had no sin, became sin for us offering himself and shedding his blood  on the cross so that in him we might become right with God.24 The life, death,  resurrection, and ascension of Christ25 provide the way of salvation for those  who, by God’s grace, repent from their sin and confess faith in Jesus Christ as  Lord.26

Salvation means to receive the Spirit, to be forgiven, reconciled with God and  others, born again, and liberated from sin and darkness, transferring the believer  into God’s kingdom.27 Our experience of liberation includes healing — whether  spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental — as a foretaste of our future, complete  restoration.28 Those who remain in Christ and do not turn away are assured of  salvation on judgement day by the indwelling Holy Spirit,29 who sanctifies and  empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.30

13 2Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12

14 2Pet 1:20-21; John 16:13; 1Cor 2:12-13

15 Gen 1:1; Col 1:15-17

16 Gen 1:26-27

17 Rom 5:12; 8:20-22

18 Heb 1:14; Psa 103:20

19 Rev 12:7-9

20 Acts 10:38; Eph 6:10-13

21 John 3:16; Gal 4:4-7; Titus 2:11-14

22 John 8:28-29; Phil 2:8; Heb 5:8

23 Mark 10:45; 1Tim 2:6

24 2Cor 5:21; 1John 3:16

25 Rom 4:22-25; 5:19; 6:4-5; Heb 7:24-28

26 Rom 10:9; 1John 1:9; Acts 3:19; 4:12

27 Eph 2:13-16; Col 1:13-14, 19-20; 1Pet 1:3

28 Isa 53:4-5; 1Pet 2:24; Psa 147:3; Rom 8:23

29 Eph 1:13-14; 1John 4:13; Heb 6:5-6; Phil 3:12-14

30 1Thess 4:3-4; 1Cor 6:11; Rom 12:1-2; 1Pet 1:2

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SPIRIT BAPTISM 

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit on the  church.31 As his return draws near, Jesus continues to baptize in the Holy Spirit  those who are believers.32 This empowers them to continue his work of  proclaiming with speech and action the good news of the arrival and coming of  the kingdom of God.33 This experience is available for everyone, male and  female, of every age, status,34 and ethnicity.35

The sign of speaking in tongues indicates that believers have been baptized with  the Holy Spirit36 and signifies the nature of Spirit baptism as empowering our  communication, to be his witnesses with speech and action as we continue to  pray in the Spirit.37

THE CHURCH 

Jesus Christ is the head of the church.38 All who are united with Christ are joined  by the Spirit to his body.39 Each local church is an expression of the universal  church whose role is to participate in the mission of God to restore all things.40

Central to the church is the shared experience of the transforming presence of  God.41 The church responds with worship, prayer, proclamation, discipleship,  and fellowship,42 including the practices of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ in his  death and resurrection.43 The Lord’s Supper symbolizes Christ’s body and blood,  and our communion as believers. Shared together, it proclaims his death in  anticipation of his return.44

The Spirit gives all gifts to the church to minister to others in love for the purpose  of bearing witness to Christ and for the building up of the church.45 The Spirit also empowers leaders, both female and male, to equip the church to fulfil its mission  and purposes.46

RESTORATION 

Our great hope is for the imminent return of Christ in the air to receive his own,  both the living who will be transformed, and the dead in Christ who will be

31 Luke 24:49; Acts 2:33

32 Acts 2:38-39; 8:14-17; 19:1-6

33 Luke 4:18-19, 43; Acts 1:8

34 Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18, 39

35 Acts 10:45-46

36 Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6

37 Acts 1:8; 2:11-43; 4:31; Rom 15:19; 1Cor 14:15

38 Col 1:18; Matt 16:18

39 1Cor 12:12-14

40 Acts 1:8; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-3; Rev 21:5

41 Acts 2:42-43; 1Cor 12:7; Matt 18:20; 2Cor 3:17-18

42 1Pet 2:9-10; Col 4:2-6; Acts 2:42

43 Rom 6:3-8; Matt 28:19

44 Matt 26:26-29; 1Cor 11:23-26

45 Acts 8:5-7; 1Cor 12:4-11; 14:12; Heb 2:3-4

46 Eph 4:11-16; Matt 20:25-28; Acts 2:17-18; 6:2-4; Rom 16:7

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resurrected bodily.47 Christ will complete at his second coming the restoration  begun when he initiated God’s kingdom at his first coming.48 Christ will liberate  creation from the curse, fulfil God’s covenant to Israel, and defeat all powers that  oppose God.49 Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus  Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.50

Ultimately, God will judge the living and the dead.51 Such judgement is God’s  gracious answer to humanity’s cry for justice to prevail throughout the earth and  is consistent with God’s character as loving, holy, and just.52 The unredeemed  will go away into eternal punishment, but the redeemed into eternal life.53 The  redeemed will enjoy the presence of God where there will be no more death or  sorrow or crying or pain.54 Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!55

ARTICLE 6 POSITIONS AND PRACTICES 

6.1 MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 

Marriage is a provision of God wherein one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others enter into a lifelong  relationship56 through a marriage ceremony that is recognized  by the church and legally sanctioned by the state.

Marriage establishes a “one-flesh” relationship57 that goes  beyond a physical union and is more than either a temporary  relationship of convenience intended to provide personal  pleasure or a contract that binds two people together in a legal  partnership. Marriage establishes an emotional and spiritual  oneness that enables both partners to respond to the spiritual,  physical and social needs of the other.58 It provides the  biblical context for the procreation of children.

Marriage is to be an exclusive relationship that is maintained in  purity.59 It is intended by God to be a permanent relationship. It  is a witness to the world of the relationship between Christ and  His church.60

47 1Thess 4:14-17; 5:1-2

48 Matt 13:24-41; Rev 11:15-17; Acts 1:6-7; 3:20-21; Rom 11:25-27

49 Rom 8:19-21; 1Cor 15:20-26

50 Phil 2:10-11; Isa 45:23

51 Acts 10:42; 1Pet 4:5

52 Mal 2:17-3:1; Rev 6:9-11

53 Matt 25:46; Dan 12:1-2

54 Isa 25:8-12; Rev 21:3-4

55 Rev 22:20

56 Gen 2:24; Matt 19:6

57 Matt 19:5; Mal 2:15

58 Gen 2:18; 1Cor 7:2-5; Heb 13:4

59 Eph 5:3, 26-27

60 Eph 5:25, 31-32

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Marriage requires a commitment of love, perseverance and  faith. Because of its sanctity and permanence, marriage should  be treated with seriousness and entered into only after counsel  and prayer for God’s guidance. Christians should marry only  those who are believers.61 An individual who becomes a  believer after marriage should remain with his/her partner in  peace, and should give witness to the Gospel in the home.62

The Bible holds family life as a position of trust and  responsibility. The home is a stabilizing force in society, a  place of nurture, counsel, and safety for children.63

Marriage can only be broken by porneia, which is understood  as marital unfaithfulness64 involving adultery, homosexuality, or  incest. While the Scriptures give evidence that the marriage  vow and “one-flesh” union are broken by such acts and  therefore recognize the breaking of the marriage relationship,  the Scriptures do recommend that the most desirable option  would be reconciliation.65

6.2 DIVORCE 

We believe that divorce is not God’s intention. It is God’s  concession to the “hardness of men’s hearts.” 66

We, therefore, discourage divorce by all lawful means and  teaching. Our objective is reconciliation and the healing of the  marital union wherever possible. Marital unfaithfulness should  not be considered so much an occasion or opportunity for  divorce but rather an opportunity for Christian grace,  forgiveness, and restoration. Divorce in our society is a  termination of a marriage through a legal process authorized  by the State. While the Church recognizes this legal process  as an appropriate means to facilitate the permanent separation  of spouses, the Church restricts the idea of divorce, in the  sense of dissolution of marriage, to reasons specified in  Scripture.

61 2Cor 6:1, 14-15

62 1Cor 7:12-14, 16

63 Eph 6:4

64 Matt 5:32; 19:9

65 Eph 4:32

66 Matt 19:8

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The weight of the biblical record is negative and the explicit  statement is made, “God hates divorce.”67 Divorce is more than  an action of the courts which breaks the legal contract between  partners in a marriage. It is also the fracture of a unique  human relationship between a male and a female. Divorce has  profound consequences for the children. Divorce is evidence  of the sinful nature expressed in human failure. Jesus gives  one explicit cause for the dissolution of marriage: porneia or  marital unfaithfulness.

Where all attempts at reconciliation have failed and a divorce  has been finalized, we extend Christ’s love and compassion.

6.3 REMARRIAGE 

Remarriage is the union, legally sanctioned by the State, of  one man and one woman, one or both of whom have been previously married. It is regarded as acceptable in Scripture in  the event of the death of a former spouse. It is also regarded  as acceptable if there has been sexual immorality on the part  of the former partner or if the former partner has remarried.

6.4 GENDER 

We believe in the biblical teaching of God’s original and  ongoing design for humanity as two distinct sexes, male and  female, determined by genetics. The basis and the intent for  this is the conviction that the matter of human sexuality and  gender is fundamental to biblical anthropology, not merely  biblical morality. Due to human sin and brokenness, our  experience of our sex and gender is not always that which God  the Creator originally designed. In light of this foundational  understanding of creation, fall, and redemption, we will avoid  any behaviour or alignment with identity that contradicts the  biblical teaching. We do not affirm the resolution of tension  between one’s biological sex and one’s experience of gender  by the adoption of an identity contradictory with one’s birth sex.

6.5 TITHING 

Tithing was divinely instituted by God under the old covenant  and was compulsory upon the people who worshiped God.68 Under the new covenant we are not bound by arbitrary laws;  but the principles of right and wrong, as expressed by the law,  are fulfilled in the believer’s life through grace. Grace should  produce as much as or more than law demanded. Regular

67 Mal 2:16

68 Lev 27:30-32; Mal 3:10

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systematic giving is clearly taught in the New Testament. It is  known as the grace of giving.69 The gauge or rule of this  systematic giving is defined in the Old Testament, known as  the law of tithing. All Christians should conscientiously and  systematically tithe their income to God.

69 2Cor 9:6-15

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