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OUR DISCIPLINE (PAGE 1)
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Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
Revised October 2009
CONTENTS
PART I Creed of Southeastern Evangelistic Group 101
PART II Forward 201 – 211
PART III Organization 301 – 325
PART IV Affirmation of Faith 401 – 408
PART V Preamble, Name, and Purpose 501 – 503
PART VI Articles of Faith
Father 601
The Son Jesus Christ 602
The Holy Ghost 603
The Holy Bible 604
Free Will 605
The Sacraments 606
Baptism 607
The Lord’s Supper 608
Justification 609
Original Sin 610
Entire Sanctification 611
Divine Healing 612
Premillennial Return of Jesus 613
Resurrection, Judgment, and Destiny 614
PART VII General Rules
Calling of the Pastor 701 – 703
License and Ordination 714 – 723
Duties of 731 – 746
Evangelist 751 – 757
Minister of Music 761 – 765
PART VIII Social Creed
Homosexuality 801
Alcohol 802
Temperance and Prohibition 803
Drugs 804
Abortion 805
Lottery 806
PART IX Association Meeting 901 - 917
Election of Officer 921
Min. Qualifications for elected and appointed 922
Offices within SEEG, INC.
PRESIDENT 924 – 936
Vice-President 939 – 941
Executive Board 944 – 950
Association Secretary 951 – 960
Treasurer 961 – 966
Commission on Education 971 – 976
Board of Missions 979 - 980
Camps 981 – 993
Camps not affiliated with but not owned
Or operated by the Assoc. 997
PART X New Churches/Missions/Camps 1001 – 1010
PART XI Districts 1101 – 1102
Purpose 1111 – 1112
Officers 1121
District Superintendent 1122
Election of Association Executive Board 1131
PART XII Local Church 1201 – 1210
Membership 1214 – 1219
Removal from Active Roll 1222 – 1227
Local Church Board 1230 – 1231
Church Board Elections 1234 – 1240
Duties of Church Board 1243 – 1255
Chairman of the Board 1258 – 1265
E.T.U. 1269
Sunday School 1271 – 1280
Church Meeting and Conferences 1283 – 1284
Church Secretary 1286
Local Treasurer 1288 – 1290
Trustees 1292 – 1293
Christian Stewardship 1295
PART XIII Judicial Administration
PART XIV Rituals
Licensing of Minister 1401
Ordination of Deacons and Stewards 1411
Installation of Officials 1421
Church Membership – Ritual 1431
Wedding Ceremony 1441
Funeral Service 1451
Ground Breaking 1461
Communion Service 1471
Dedication of Building 1481
Dedication of Children 1491
PART I
CREED OF THE SOUTHEASTERN EVANGELISTIC
GROUPS, INC.
101 We believe in the triune, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost. We believe man was created by God and was created holy and pure. We believe through man’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden, he fell from this state of Holiness and became carnal. We believe man is helpless to save himself. We believe God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh that He might condemn sin in the flesh so that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. We believe in the Holy Ghost, who was sent to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and judgment. We believe that after genuine repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, mankind is pardoned of every broken law through the mercies of God. We believe mankind, since the fall of Adam, inherited the fallen nature. We believe after repentance the babe in Christ has the right to come the second time to the altar of mercy to make a complete consecration to God, and to be sanctified holy and cleansed by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost. We believe in the premillennial return of Jesus our Lord. We believe that whosoever may come to Jesus and be saved. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. We believe for a man or woman to preach the word, they must be saved, sanctified and called of God.
PART II
FORWARD
201 The purpose of the discipline of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. is to promote dignity, unity, order and peaceful operation among all the congregations of the entire Association. In as much as God is the God of order, dignity, and peace, it can only be assumed that He both expects and requires the same from the body of Christ.
202 It is acknowledged and rightly so that the Bible is the Book of Books and contains all truths necessary to salvation and to holiness and righteousness. No other book contains Truth and Knowledge as does the Holy Scriptures and it is the duty of all to live their lives in conformity to God’s Words. No book, manual, standards, or regulations of human origin can ever substitute or replace the Holy Bible. This manual is not intended in any way as a replacement for the Holy Bible, nor does this discipline alter or add to doctrinal beliefs of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. All set forth in this manual are consistent with Wesleyan Arminian traditions. Some sections of this discipline could never be altered or deleted that is the Articles of Faith which have withstood the wiles of the devil and the fiery darts of the wicked over centuries. Therefore the doctrine is merely expounded upon for clearer understanding of all members.
203 Each church (congregation) chartered under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. has always had the responsibility of conforming to the doctrines, rules, and by-laws of the Organization; not only are churches required to abide by such by-laws, but have always concurred in as well as accepting the responsibility.
204 Rules and procedures outlined in this manual are not intended nor should they be interpreted so as to interfere with the freedom of local churches to worship the true and living God. In order to function as an Organization there must be rules and guide lines in all aspects of operation of all the churches within the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
205 No organization can expect to grow or even survive in the absence of basic doctrine and rules; this is self evident to all. The word “Organization” has the connotation of singleness of purpose, singleness of mission, and singleness of mind. No group could be classified as an Organization without these attributes. This discipline is an instrument formulated to provide the unity so necessary to order and growth in Christian service.
206 It is congregational to the extent that the local church has complete responsibility to support its ministers, who have been called and have given themselves wholly to the church. All members voluntarily commit themselves to the task of supporting the minister.
207 Each church is congregational and also each member has the personal responsibility in supporting the financial affairs, including a decent salary for the Pastor.
208 All churches are connectional in supporting financial plans and programs as determined by the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
209 Churches are congregational in installation in their freedom of selecting the officers and Sunday School teachers, but are connectional in that all officials including teachers shall conform to the standards as required for those officials by this discipline.
211 The fiscal year for the Association, Churches, Missions, and Ministries is from September 1st through August 31st, as this will give adequate time for reports for Association meeting to be compiled for presentation.
PART III
ORGANIZATION
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
301 Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc shall consist of the following officers, boards, and commission committees:
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
All boards, commission and committees as deemed necessary.
302 All ministers of Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc., along with two delegates from each church, Association Camp Presidents and two delegates shall have a right to vote at the Association Meeting.
303 Since all congregations composing the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.are a very important entity of the Association, it should not only be incumbent but desirous that all the churches grow together in a way that will be pleasing to God.
304 Careful observation by reasonable people will reveal that the contents of this manual reflect only requirements that be conducive to harmony among all members. Adherence to the principles and guidelines will place a burden on none,but will only contribute to spiritual growth Therefore all churches granted Charters by Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc., will be requested to not only comply with, but assist in the promotion of the policies, standards, rules and beliefs of the Association.
305 No contract shall be entered into or documents signed which make any claim to be part of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. without the consent of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
306 The name “Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.” shall not be used without the consent of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
307 Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall not be liable for debts of any chartered entity without the consent of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
308 Any reference to Association within this discipline shall mean Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
321 The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. is both connectional and congregational. It is connectional in that all churches chartered by Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. are bound by the Charter, the church constituted articles of belief and general rules and by-laws of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
322 It is congregational in that the rights and privilege to select a Pastor is invested in the congregation of the churches. Provided, however, that no one shall be called to Pastor any church except as prescribed in these Articles.
323 The various bodies (churches) are congregational in the election of delegates for the representation of that body (church) in all annual or special church conferences. The churches are connectional in that the conference shall determine the number of qualifications of all delegates to conferences.
324 It is connectional in that it is recommended that the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. hold no real estate property, except in cases where it is the will and desire of the local church to transfer the real estate church property to the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. under the trustees of the local church. No church property shall be transferred in any manner whatsoever unless specifically authorized and approved by Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. may make provisions for the holding of property other than the above, when mission money, general funds, loans and investments are involved. In case the local Church should cease to operate as a church, or as set forth in this Discipline, all physical properties shall immediately become the possession of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc., a Georgia religious Cooperation under which charter the Church is now fully protected, being accorded federal, state and municipal tax exemption as a recognized religious institution.
325 The fiscal year of all Association Churches, Missions, and Ministries is from September 1st through Aug.31st, as this will give adequate time for reports for Association meeting to be compiled for presentation.
PART IV
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Affirmation of Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
Statement of Faith.
401 We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (II Tim. 3:15, II Pet. 1:21).
402 We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Gen. 1:1, Mt. 28:19, Jn. 10:30).
403 We believe in the deity of Christ (Jn. 10:33); His virgin birth (Isa. 7:14, Mt. 1:23, Lk. 1:35); His sinless life (Heb. 7:26); His miracles (Jn. 2:11); His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mk. 16:19); His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Rev. 19:11).
404 We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; and that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God’s grace and through faith alone we are saved. (Jn. 3:16-19, Jn. 5:24, Rom. 3:23, Rom. 5:8-9, Eph. 2:8-10, Tit. 3:5).
405 We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. (Jn. 5:28-29).
406 We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 8:9, I Cor. 12:12-13, Gal. 3:26-28)
407 We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (Rom. 8:13-14, I Cor. 3:16-20, Eph. 4:30, 5:18).
408 The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. neither supports, endorses, nor holds membership in the World or National Council of Churches.
PART V
PREAMBLE, NAME, AND PURPOSE
501 PREAMBLE
In order that we may wisely preserve and pass on to posterity the heritage of doctrine and principles of Christian living transmitted to us as Evangelicals in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, and to insure church order by sound principle and to prepare the way for more effective cooperation with other churches contending for the faith and making for the advancement of God’s Kingdom among all men, we the ministers and laity of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc., meeting in official assemblies do hereby ordain, establish, and set forth as the fundamental law of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. the articles of religion and rules of Christian living here following.
502 NAME
The name of this organization is the SOUTHEASTERN EVANGELISTIC GROUPS, INC.
503 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Organization shall be to establish churches, schools, missions, camp meetings, and any ministry deemed appropriate. To preach and to teach the Gospel as taught by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ministers licensed or ordained by the said organization must believe and teach the Bible without fear or favor and preach in the manner of the same.
PART VI
ARTICLES OF FAITH
601 FATHER
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. The maker and preserver of all things, visible and invisible. In unity there are three persons in the Godhead; The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. (I. Kings 8:27, Isa. 57:15, Jer. 32:17 & 27, Psa. 137:7-12, I Jn. 3:20, & 5:7-8)*
602 THE SON JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary. He was God incarnated in man and was the true light of the world, The Lamb without spot or blemish, to be the sacrifice not only of original guilt, but also for the sins of the world and to reconcile us to God. Crucified, buried, and resurrected from the dead, He has ascended into heaven to make intercession for lost humanity and awaits the time to rapture the saints. (Lk. 1:31-35, Jn. 9:5, I Pet. 1:19-20, Mt.
27:32-54, & 28:1-10, Heb 7:22-28, Lk 21:25-28)*
603 THE HOLY GHOST
The Holy Ghost was sent into the world to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and judgment. To call mankind to repentance, to sanctify, cleanse and purify our Hearts. The gifts of the Spirit, although different from natural endowments, function through them for the edification of the whole church. These gifts are to be exercised in love under the administration of the Lord of the Church, not through human volition. The relative value of the gifts of the Spirit is to be tested by their usefulness in the church and not by the ecstasy produced in the ones receiving them. The Holy Ghost cleanses the heart from all inbred sin then our lives shall be one of holiness. After we are forgiven of every sin, then we are eligible for heart purity or sanctification. The Bible does not teach speaking in an unknown tongue is the evidence of the Holy Ghost. (Jn. 16:8-11, Rom. 16:15, & 8:11-27, I. Cor. 12:1-11, & 14:1-40, II Thess. 2:13)*
604 THE HOLY BIBLE
The Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testament) contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, or may be proved thereby is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith. These scriptures we hold to be the inspired and infallible written Word of God, fully inerrant in their original manuscripts and superior to all human authority. (II Tim. 3:14-17, II Pet. 1:21)*
605 FREE WILL
Man’s creation in Godlikeness included ability to choose between right and wrong. Thus man was made morally responsible for this choice. The condition of man since the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself, by his natural strength and good works, to faith and calling upon God. We have to depend on the grace of God working in us. That grace of God through Jesus Christ is bestowed upon all men, enabling all who will to turn and be saved. It is possible that one who is in possession of the highest experience of grace may fall from grace, for there is no such height or strength of holiness from which it is impossible to fall. But by the grace of God, he who has fallen into sin may by true repentance and faith find forgiveness and restoration. (Joshua 24:15, Luke 16:13)*
606 THE SACRAMENTS
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only a testimony of Christian profession but they are certain signs of grace and God’s will toward us, by which He doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken but also strengthen and confirm our faith in Him.
607 BAPTISM
Baptism is an outward sign of regeneration that we have renounced the world. All persons will have a choice of immersion, sprinkling or pouring. Our mode is immersion. Since children are born into this world with natures inclined to sin, yet the preeminent grace of God provides for their redemption during that period before reaching the age of accountability, the parents of small children may testify to their faith in God’s provision by presenting them for Baptism. Parents who would prefer to emphasize Baptism as a testimony by the individual believer to his own act of faith may present their children for Dedication. (Mt. 28:19-20, Mk. 16:15-16, Acts 2:41, 10:47, & 18:8)*
608 THE LORD’S SUPPER
The supper of the Lord is not only a sign of love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but is also a Sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death; inasmuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and will faith receive the same. (I. Cor. 11:26) “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” Each church will have a choice to add to this ceremony the washing of the saint’s feet. (Lk. 22:19-20, Acts 2:42, John 13:5-10)*
609 JUSTIFICATION
We believe that justification is that gracious and judicial act of God, by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous to all who believe on Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life; capable of faith; love and obedience. We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified or regenerated believer is constituted a Son of God. (Rom. 5:9,17-21 & 10:3-4)*
610 ORIGINAL SIN (Inbred Sin)
After the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden all mankind has inherited a sinful carnal nature, which is enmity against God. It is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. There is that proneness or bent to sinning in all mankind. After conversion and a total commitment the Holy Ghost burns out this carnal nature. (Rom. 5:12-21)*
611 ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotion to God, and with the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from inbred sin. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers the believer for a life of service. Entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness. This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phrases, such as: “Christian Perfection”, “Perfect Love”, “Heart Purity”, “The Baptism with the Holy Spirit”, “The fullness of the Blessing”, and “Scriptural Holiness” (I Thess. 4:1-8 & 5:23; Heb. 2:11; I Pet. 1:2; Heb. 9:12-14)*
612 DIVINE HEALING
We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to seek deliverance by prayer and anointing of oil as taught in James Chapter 5. (Jms. 5:13-16)*
613 PREMILLENNIAL RETURN OF JESUS
We believe in the Premillennial return of the Lord and that the Church will be raptured before Tribulation. (Rev. 3:10 Rev. 20:1-6)*
614 RESURRECTION, JUDGEMENT, AND DESTINY
We hold the scriptural statements concerning the resurrection of the dead to be true and worthy of universal acceptance. We believe the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fact of history and a miracle of supreme importance. We understand the manner of the resurrection of mankind to be the resurrection of the righteous dead; at Christ’s second coming, the dead in Christ shall rise first, and the resurrection of the wicked at a later time. Resurrection will be reuniting of soul and body preparatory to final reward or punishment. The eternal destiny of man is determined by God’s grace and man’s response, evidenced inevitably by his moral character, which results from his personal choices and not from any arbitrary decree of God. Heaven with its eternal glory and blessedness of Christ’s presence is the final abode of those who choose the salvation which God provides through Jesus Christ. Hell with its eternal misery and separation from God is the final abode of those who neglect this great salvation. (I Cor. 6:14; Rom. 8:11; I Cor. 15:12-56; I Thess 4:13-18; Jn. 5:25-30 & 6:39-44)* (*References given are not to be considered as a complete list of what the scriptures have to say on each subject, but a partial list to help instruct congregations and its membership in the beliefs of the Southeastern Evangelistic Association).
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