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OUR DISCIPLINE (PAGE 2)
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GENERAL RULES
CALLING OF PASTOR
701 Each church shall enjoy the right to select its own Pastor. Upon calling a Pastor the church shall immediately notify the Executive Board. Nominations for Pastor will be made by the church board. No church shall call a Pastor from another denomination without first getting approval from the Executive Board. If the Executive Board agrees, the Pastor will only be allowed to serve the church for three (3) months before the Pastor must receive a certificate of recognition from the Executive Board. The church shall call their Pastor the first Sunday in June. The initial call, at the church board’s discretion, may be for a one to three year call with all subsequent calls on an annual basis.
702 In such cases where an interim Pastor is being used the term shall not exceed six (6) months. At the end of the six (6) months if the church wishes to continue to use the minister as interim he is to apply for a Certificate of Recognition.
703 In case of resignation of Pastor, death of, or because of immoral or other conduct unbecoming to a minister, a Pastor may be called at any time. No Pastor shall ever be called that is not in complete accord with the doctrine of the Association. In calling a Pastor the voting members present in good standing and at least 16 years of age shall vote. It is recommended that the minister being called receive two-thirds (2/3) of the votes before becoming Pastor.
LICENSE AND ORDINATION
714 The board of the local church shall vote on a candidate who desires a license to preach from their congregation. The Pastor shall secure application from the secretary of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. The applicant, the church board chairman, and the Pastor must sign the application. The applicant shall meet with the Board of Examination and Ordination of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. at its next meeting so they can evaluate the applicant. After their evaluation the Board of Examination and Ordination shall make their recommendation to accept, or reject, the applicant to the Executive Board. If the application is accepted the Executive Board shall inform the Secretary of the Association to issue a license to the new licensee.
715 The licensed preacher must be under the watch care of Pastor and church. The secretary of the parent organization must write the name of the church from which the license is issued on the license. This license is to be renewed yearly. A formal application must be submitted for renewal. Ministers who fail to renew their license as required by the by-laws will have to re-apply and give a cause for their failure to renew. The two-year licensing period preceding ordination is to start over in the event a minister allows his license to lapse. It will be the responsibility of the Pastor and church board to insure that applicant thoroughly understands and agrees with the discipline of the Association prior to submitting application for approval. Also applicant must be called of God to preach. If the life of applicant and conduct does not conform to the discipline of the Association, the Pastor and board have the authority to void license and notify the Executive Board.
716 A minister must be licensed for two years before being ordained. At the end of two years a full time Pastor, full time missionary, or full time evangelist will be eligible for ordination, subject to the approval of the Executive Board and Ordination Committee.
717 Any person licensed with another denomination may transfer that license to the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc., and after a combined period of two (2) years as a licensee may apply for ordination. The ordination committee may recommend a trial period of six (6) months to one (1) year before final consideration for ordination. The Ordination Committee shall contact the denomination the Minister is leaving for a letter of good standing.
718 All licensed and ordained ministers shall comply with state and local laws as it pertains to marriages and other ministerial duties.
719 Any minister, licensed or ordained, who received an ordination, or license, in another denomination shall have the privilege of retaining his or her credentials but shall be placed on inactive status until he or she reapplies and is reinstated by the Executive Board. The secretary of Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall write on their file “inactive”.
720 If a minister is tried and convicted of immorality or other charges, the secretary of the Association shall show charges for which convicted in a file for a permanent record. When charges are brought against a minister, the minister will be suspended until the trial is held, and when proven not guilty shall be restored to full status as before suspension. A minister has a right to appeal to the Executive Board if he feels he is being unfairly treated. (see Part XIII of this discipline).
721 Any licensed or ordained minister preaching doctrine contrary to the Association, or having a life embarrassing to Christ and the church, such as bad debts, attending places that would be inconsistent to that of a minister, will be subject to trial and dismissal. (see Part XIII of this discipline).
722 Any licensed or ordained minister is expected to support the Association with their prayers, attendance and finances. Any licensed or ordained minister who is in violation of the rules and discipline of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, shall be called into accountability by the District Investigation Committee. (see Part XIII of the discipline)
723 Any minister who loses his credentials because of misconduct shall, if he/she then gets right with God, be required to begin again as a beginning minister, which local license, then taking the examinations as required by the License and Ordination Committee.
DUTIES OF PASTOR
731 To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness without fear or favor.
732 To have oversight of the local church, providing spiritual leadership which will be conducive to the spiritual growth and overall welfare of the church.
733 To lead all church services involving church wide assembly; except in instances where guest speaker is obtained. Those services shall include Sunday morning and evening services, prayer meetings, and Evangelistic campaigns.
734 To receive membership in the church in the doctrine, rules and standards of the church; to conduct studies at least twice annually on the discipline involving the entire membership.
735 To administer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord Supper; perform marriage ceremonies and funerals. No minister shall ever solemnize a marriage of divorced people unless there is absolute certainty there are scriptural grounds for divorce.
736 To visit from house to house in order to provide Pastoral guidance to the church; also others in the community in need of spiritual help through Christ.
737 To administer to all the requirements and provisions of the discipline, and to see that all portions of the discipline of the church are observed and practiced.
738 To support and encourage the missionary program of the church and to urge the support of all people in the church missionary effort.
739 To provide counsel and instruction as needed in support of all church functions.
740 To hold evangelistic services and revivals as necessary for the spiritual life and welfare of the church.
741 To explain to the church the importance of the church budget and to emphasize and encourage offering and tithing by the full membership.
742 To emphasize stewardship in its many phases among all the people.
743 To have responsibility for membership records of the church indicating the name, time of reception, and removal of each member.
744 To attend the annual Association Meeting, the District Meeting and all church conferences. Each of the ministers of the Association are to send the Secretary of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. a report of their ministries from the past year no later than September 15th of each year in order to remain active.
745 He shall use the word of God and love of God. Using Jeremiah 23 – Feed my Sheep.
746 Pastor shall submit receipts for all expenses incurred while attending the Association Meeting to the local church (see 1209). Such reimbursements shall include transportation cost, meals, and lodging for the duration of the Association Meeting.
EVANGELIST
751 An ordained minister who is working as a full time evangelist may request credentials authorizing that individual the privilege to serve as evangelist recognized by the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
752 Such credentials may be issued by the President subject to approval of the Executive Board.
753 Application for credentials to perform as a recognized Evangelist must certify that there is nothing on his or her record or in their life that would or could cause embarrassment to the cause of Christ.
754 A yearly report shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Association sharing information about his/her ministry over the past year. This report is due by the 15th of September.
755 Only those applicants exhibiting observable qualities shall be issued credentials by the Executive Board. Observable and discernible qualities shall be comprised but not limited to the following: (a) neatness in appearance, (b) exemplifying humility rather than pride, (c) has reflections of good character and knowledge in the Scripture.
756 Credentials will only be issued to individuals ordained by other churches when a thorough review has been made by the President and the Executive Board and then only after a thorough background investigation.
757 A licensed minister may be issued credentials on an annual basis only. A licensed minister may be issued full time credentials only after an investigation by Executive Board. Then he would require ordination prior to recognition as a full time certified Evangelist.
MINISTER OF MUSIC
761 Any member of a local church of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. denoting the major part of his time to the field of Music Ministry, may upon presentation of proper recommendation, be issued a “Minister of Music” license.
762 The qualifications of Minister of Music are as follows: The Minister of Music must receive from the church where he holds membership a letter of recommendation authorized by vote of the congregation and signed by the Pastor and elders. Said letter of recommendation shall be presented to the Board of Examination and Ordination who shall make their recommendation to the Executive Board. If the applicant is accepted, the Executive Board shall inform the Secretary of the Association to issue a license to the new Licensee.
763 The Minister of Music shall have his or her license or ordination renewed annually by the procedure stated above.
764 He or she shall present an annual report of his work and support on blanks furnished by council.
765 Failure upon the part of any licentiate to comply with the above requirements annuls his credentials.
PART VIII
SOCIAL CREED
801 HOMOSEXUALITY
Homosexuality is a very sinful act of the most sordid nature and can have no place in the Christian church. This being the most degenerate and fallen state to which mankind could fall and can never be accepted in or tolerated by Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. Therefore, no one believing in or practicing such habits shall in any wise be admitted for membership to an Evangelistic Church. Holy Scriptures declares that God has given them over to vile affections to do things which are not convenient. God also declared them to be filled with unrighteousness, worthy of death. The life style of this most perverted licentious group is totally despised by God, who declares them to be haters of God. Therefore no known homosexual shall be admitted to the rolls of the church; any person declaring such tendencies or any wise practicing such traits shall be expelled from the church. The church cannot condone things that a Holy God hates and long survive. Homosexuality is a sin of the worst sort, however, any homosexual who desires to live as God intended him to live can come to the throne of grace confessing and repenting of this can receive forgiveness and deliverance. (Lev. 18:22; Galatians 5:19-21; Rom. 1:24-28; II Tim. 3:3)*.
802 ALCOHOL
Alcoholism or drunkenness both are stages of degradation rendering the individual unfit for the Kingdom of God. Classifying either drunkenness or alcoholism as a sickness to deal with as all other sickness is distortion of God’s word. Scriptures reveal no instance of God declaring either the drunk or alcoholic physically sick. Sick people are not excluded from the Kingdom of God; drunkards and alcoholics are barred from the Kingdom of God. The Bible declares these to be sinful habits and therefore they must be dealt with as sins and shall not be called sicknesses. As in all other sins they must be confessed and repented of and turned over to God and they will be saved and then the problem will be done away with and there shall be no more of that sin to classify incorrectly as “sickness.” The blood of Jesus Christ that cleanseth from all sin also included drunkenness and alcoholism. Each member of the Evangelistic Church shall abstain from the manufacture, sale and use of alcoholic beverages (Lev. 9:8-11; Deut. 21:20-21; Proverbs 20:1,23:29-35; Isa. 5:11; Romans 13:13; I. Cor. 5:11, 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21)*
803 TEMPERANCE AND PROHIBITION
Human experience should alone be sufficient to alarm the individual against the perils of alcohol. No member of this society with a sane and logical mind and reason could fail to see the tremendous scar that alcohol has placed on society. It has been proven long and clearly that the use of alcoholic beverages has been detrimental to the common welfare of every community. The use of alcohol within our society has tremendously affected the safety on the highways on which we travel, and is the chief cause of accidents and deaths in most all areas of life. The tremendous pain and heartaches associated with this dreaded evil is beyond human calculation. Grief that has been introduced in the many homes in our society is beyond human comprehension; deaths caused by this social evil is increasing at an alarming rate. Jails in some cases would be emptied if this social menace could be eliminated. Holy Scriptures are not vague on the usage of alcoholic beverages and no reason could exist for any person of sound mind not to see that picture that is painted in the Bible concerning the destiny of drunkards. Also this costly sin has robbed our nation of billions of dollars that could be utilized in feeding the poor, giving medical help to the sick and providing clothes to countless young and old alike that have been robbed of a fair chance in life by the consequences of alcohol. Alcohol has never created anything but sadness and pain. Therefore the church cannot but condemn the manufacture of and the use of all alcoholic beverages. Intoxicating liquors shall not be approved in any Evangelistic church whatsoever. (Gen. 9:21-22; Lev. 9:8-11; Prov. 20:1, 23:21; Isa 5:22-23, 28:7; Mt. 24:48-51; Galatians 5:19-21; I thess. 5:6-7)*
Note – this in no way should stop people from taking prescription medicines (I. Tim. 5:23).
804 DRUGS
Human history is repeating the tragic reports of drug addiction and social deterioration influenced by the use of many different types of drugs. No other source for the degeneration of our society is greater nor more wide spread than that of drug use, including nicotine, and most certainly that of addiction. This social and moral evil has created nothing but deterioration and corruption throughout all phases of society. Use of drugs has spread at an alarming rate and unless this most serious evil is checked the welfare of all who constitute this society shall be in jeopardy. Our homes, our institutions, both public and private shall be rendered to a deplorable status; our streets and our highways shall be unsafe for travel. The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. churches must along with all other Christian denominations take a greater stand against this ever widening destructive force. The use of and traffic in these drugs must be opposed at every opportunity by the entire membership of our denomination (Mt. 22:37- 38; Mark 12:2-, 30; Luke 10:25-28; Romans 1:28; Eph. 2:1-3; I Peter 1:13)
805 ABORTION
From the moment of conception God has given life to the unborn child. Abortion is an act of murder upon a defenseless unborn child as well as a serious health risk to the mother. The scriptures teach us that the unborn fetus is an individual person. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that the Lord came unto him saying, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” The church cannot condone terminating the beginning a precious life from the hand of God. The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. stands totally opposed to abortion. (Ps. 139:13-14; Isa. 49:1-3; Jer 1:5; Gal. 1:15).
806 LOTTERY
The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. stands opposed to lotteries in any form. We feel lotteries pose a great threat upon society’s well being. We feel lotteries with their temptation of great wealth for a little expense entices those who would participate into spending monies which are most needed in other areas, placing great financial burdens upon families and causing the breakup of family homes. We also feel the scriptures are clear that we must be good stewards of what God entrusted to our keeping. Playing of the lottery is gambling with what God has blessed us with as found in Luke 16:1-3 which says, “And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which has a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer stewards.
Then the steward said within himself, “What shall I do? For my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.” (Mt. 6:19-21; Prov. 21:20; Luke 16:10-13; I Tim. 6:6-12).
PART IX
ASSOCIATION MEETING
901 The Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall hold their association meeting once a year, that meeting will be held for three days, the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October. That there be special speakers or a seminar at that time. The Executive Board is to decide the times and places for meetings.
902 There shall be an Association Meeting for all our member Churches, Association camps, and active ministers with powers, duties, and privileges as are set forth in the Discipline.
903 The President of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall preside over the Association Meeting.
904 The Association secretary shall record actions relating to the Association Meeting. Whenever this is not possible the President shall have the right to select a recording secretary for the meeting.
905 The President shall assure that accurate minutes are kept and appropriate distribution is made to churches and delegates, who attended the Association Meeting, Executive Board members, and active ministers within 60 days of the close of the meeting.
906 The President shall have the authority to determine the order of the agenda for the Association Meeting, and shall conduct the Association Meeting in an orderly manner.
907 The Association Meeting shall appoint such committees to make studies, investigations, and reports deemed necessary in the operation of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. The results and or actions pursuant to such studies shall be forwarded to the President for appropriate distributions to all churches.
908 Each Minister and church delegate will be requested to register with the Secretary of the Association.
909 The Association shall approve the budget submitted by the Finance Board (Budget Committee) for the year following the Association Meeting. The Budget shall set all expenditures projected for the church year (September through Aug. 31st) with churches sending in their final payment no later than September 15th. The entire budget shall be presented to the Association for approval. All anticipated expenses shall be included in the budget and shall be sufficient to cover salaries and reimbursements to be incurred for the entire year.
910 The minutes to the preceding Association meeting and all Executive Board meetings and conferences, shall be caused to be read by the Secretary and all items requiring action by the Association conference shall be disposed of prior to any new business.
911 A quorum shall always be present to vote on all matters relative to the Association. The majority of delegates (including ministerial and elected delegates) attending the conference shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Provided however each and every minister and each local church was duly notified of the conference in ample time to have attended. A quorum would be 2/3 of registered delegates.
912 All business actions and all decisions rendered by the Association, that are connectional, shall be binding on all local churches as each church was represented or was given the opportunity for full representation.
913 All ministers (licensed or ordained) will have the privilege to vote along with two delegates from each church. Licensed or Ordained ministers who due to physical limitations or advanced age are unable to attend the Association Meeting may request and vote by Absentee Ballot. Each of the churches chartered under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. is requested to give 4% of their gross income to the Association; each of the Ministers licensed or ordained under the auspices of the Association but not pastoring a member Church should support the Association with 4% of their tithe.
914 The Association Meeting shall consist of 2 delegates from each church, Association Camps, all licensed or ordained ministers, and Executive Board members.
915 Association camp Presidents, and two Delegates from each camp, shall have voting privileges.
916 Meetings of this Association shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order in order that God’s business shall be conducted in an orderly manner, “for God is not the author of confusion” (I. Cor. 14:33).
917 Future amendments and changes to this discipline which are presented to the Association shall be presented in writing, and signed, to the Executive Board 30 days prior to the Association meeting. It shall then be read to the delegates attending and be incorporated on the minutes of that year without voting. The motion for amendment or change shall be voted on at the next Association meeting.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
921 The Executive Board shall nominate one or more persons for the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary to be voted on at the Association meeting. Nominations for all offices presented by the Executive Board are to be sent to all churches ninety (90) days prior to the Association meeting. Upon motion duly seconded and voted upon that nominations be closed, a secret ballot shall be distributed and the delegates eligible to vote shall vote their choice for each office. A majority vote shall be required to fill any and all offices. In the event that more than two persons are nominated for any particular office and no nominee receives a majority vote, the two nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall again be voted upon and the nominee receiving the majority of votes shall be declared to be elected. All nominees must be a member in good standing within the Association for a period of three (3) years prior to the election.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTED
& APPOINTED OFFICES WITHIN
SOUTHEASTERN GROUPS, INC.
922 Any person offering themselves as a candidate for any position within Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall abide by all doctrinal statements and discipline directives contained within Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. Discipline, and shall exhibit a sanctified attitude at all times, with the help of God.
PRESIDENT
924 The President shall serve four-year terms and be eligible for re-election.
925 The President shall be an ordained minister and shall be a member of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. If nominee is not a current member of the Association, he/she shall be required to join the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
926 The President shall have oversight of the Southeastern
Evangelistic Groups, Inc. and shall perform those duties outlined in this discipline; the actions and decisions shall be amenable to the rules of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. and in no way shall conflict with the authority as granted herein in this discipline.
927 The President shall be the presiding official at the annual Association Meeting and at all conferences involving the entire Association, except when such conference shall be called for the purpose of a trial, hearing, or matters concerning the unethical actions of the President; then the Vice-president shall preside. (see Part XIII of the discipline). The President shall submit an agenda 30 days prior to any Association meeting involving the entire Association.
928 The President shall have the authority to convene a church-wide conference relative to the affairs of the entire church so long as all member churches are sufficiently notified to have representation. When such conference is called by the President, the most centralized location should be elected for the convenience of all the delegates.
929 The President shall notify all churches of actions or policies resulting from annual or called conferences.
930 The contact of the President with a local church shall be with the Pastor of the respective church; except, however, the Pastor has transferred, resigned, or on an extended absence; then the Chairman of the Official Church Board shall be the contact point.
931 The President shall furnish as requested by the churches a list of available ministers to be considered for calling a Pastor.
932 The President shall supply upon request of local churches a list of Evangelists available within the organization.
933 The President shall ordain at the Association Meeting those who have been properly presented for ordination.
934The President, or representative of the Executive Board shall visit with all local churches as requested by the respective District Association, or requested by the local church, in the resolutions of problems encountered in the affairs of the churches.
935 The President must be thoroughly familiarized in all phases of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. discipline.
936 The President shall notify the Vice President to attend and to perform all functions the President would normally perform when unable to attend or perform.
VICE-PRESIDENT
939 The Vice-President shall serve 4-year terms and shall be eligible for re-election.
940 Since the primary responsibility of the Vice-President is to assume the office of President in the event a vacancy shall exist for any reason whatsoever; the Vice-President must conform to standards and qualities set forth for that of the President. Vice-President shall perform in the absence of the President in all functions normally performed by the President. An official notification will be given by the President requesting such actions of the Vice-President.
941 The Vice-President shall automatically become President upon the death or removal from office for physical or mental incapacitation and shall be the Official President to fulfill remaining term of President.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
944 The Executive Board shall consist of not less than five or no more than fifteen members consisting of ordained ministers or laity.
945 Membership of The Executive Board shall consist of two representatives from each district. These representatives shall be elected by the churches within that district. Their term shall be for three (3) years and then shall be eligible for re-election. All nominees for the Executive must be a member in good standing within the Association for three (3) years prior to the election.
946 The Executive Board will receive from the President for necessary review, study, and action applications for establishments of new churches or missions or camps under the charter of Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. The Executive Board shall conduct a thorough study relative to a new church or mission taking under consideration the location, the people desiring to establish a church, and all matters of importance. The Executive Board shall notify the President of its findings and recommendations.
947 All applications for ordination shall be reviewed by the Executive Board and Ordination Committee.
948 The Executive Board shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in travel or filling duties of the Association.
EXECUTIVE BOARD AS PROPERTY TRUSTEE
949 The Executive Board shall be responsible to perform the following duties: Act as a nominating Committee for officers of the Association; Assist local churches in securing a Pastor when needed and requested by the church; Review termination of a Pastor, if requested by the Pastor according to Part VII-720; Carry out the actions and recommendations of the Association during the year; Conduct all necessary business of the Association in an emergency situation; File all reports, returns, etc. required by law to maintain the legal affairs of this organization; Make recommendations to the Association in all matters relative to the maintenance, growth, and work of the Association; Also the Executive Board shall insure that all property held by title or deed by Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. will be properly maintained. Adequate insurance coverage shall also be required to be kept in effect. All other duties assigned by the Association; Report to the Association on all actions taken.
PROCEDURES FOR FILLING VACANT POSITIONS
950 In cases where an Executive Office becomes vacant (with the exception of the President – as the Vice President immediately fills this vacant position), all other Executive Officers, i.e. Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be filled by appointment from the Executive Board of qualified individuals. All appointments are temporary and remaining terms shall be filled at the next Association Meeting by a majority vote using normal guidelines contained within the Discipline.
ASSOCIATION SECRETARY
951 The Association Secretary shall serve one (4) year term and shall be eligible for re-election.
952 The duties of the Secretary of the Association shall be;
To record correctly and preserve faithfully the minutes of all conferences and meetings of the Association, and do whatever else may pertain to his or her office.
953 To present at the annual Association Meeting an annual report of all the activities of the Association, including statistics concerning the membership.
954 Shall prepare correspondence as directed by the President of the Association to whom the Secretary shall directly be responsible.
955 Shall maintain and update all files to which responsibility has been delegated.
956 Shall make distribution of correspondence as instructed by the President.
957 Shall make appropriate dissemination of incoming correspondence to the intended recipient.
958 Shall meet requirements necessary to perform assigned duties, having education and intellect to understand functions of the Association and particularly the powers and functions of the annual Association meeting.
959 Shall report to the President any ordained minister, evangelist, and licensed preacher who has not submitted an annual report by September 15.
960 Shall be a member of the Executive Board with voting privileges.
TREASURER
961 The Treasurer of the Association shall serve one (4) year term and be eligible for re-election.
962 Receive all monies and make disbursements and send out a quarterly report to all churches.
963 Keep a correct book of records for all funds received and disbursed.
964 There shall be an audit of the Association books held annually during the month of September by the Audit Committee, which shall be appointed by the Executive Board.
965 To present an annual financial report to the Association, consisting of all monies received and disbursed – name and organization of receipts and expenditures.
966 Shall be a member of the Executive Board with voting privileges. Both the Chairman of the Budget Committee and the Members of the Budget Committee shall be appointed by the President.
COMMISSION ON EDUCATION
971 The Commission on Education shall have a Director nominated by the Executive Board and elected at the Association Meeting. The Director shall serve for a three (3) year term. The Director shall be eligible for re-election. The Commission on Education shall consist of four (4) members who will be recommended by the Director of Commission on Education and shall be appointed by the Association Executive Board to serve a three (3) year term. The Commission on Education shall make all reports to the Association Executive Board.
972 The duty of the Commission on Education shall be: (a) to perform the work promoting the cause of education, subject to approval of the Executive Board; (b) to initiate and maintain an advisory capacity to all educational institutions now and hereafter chartered by or associated with the Association in the matter of courses of study, locations, buildings, administrative policy and general business.
973 The Commission on Education shall conduct necessary studies and action to determine the practicality and feasibility of developing literature and preparing such literature to conform to standards suitable for training curriculum in all areas of Christian Education. Such curricular shall be for Sunday School Class, ETU, and others as deemed necessary.
974 The results of all such studies shall be presented to the Executive Board for approval.
975 Revise Study Course of Association and determine that the adequacy of these courses provides essential training for ministers.
976 To establish teachers training seminars both Sunday School and Training Union with certificate issued to each teacher upon satisfactory completion.
BOARD OF MISSIONS
979 The Board of Missions shall have a Director nominated by the Executive Board and elected at the Association Meeting. The Director of the Board of Missions shall serve a four (4) year term. The importance and necessity of missions is recognized by all churches organized and chartered under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. In fact, all churches in every organization are products of some missionary venture.
980 The Executive Board will appoint six (6) members to serve on the Board of Missions – three (3) from the North and (3) from the South. These (6) will also serve on the Association Expansion Oversight Committee – three (3) from the North and three (3) from the South. Their term will be for three (3) years. The purpose of the Association Expansion Oversight Committee is to recruit new churches and new ministers for the Association. The Association Expansion Oversight Committee shall make reports to the director of Board of Missions.
981 The Evangelism Outreach Director will work with the Executive Board and its officers in order to help establish new churches, to support excising churches in Evangelism Outreach to their community and to reach out to churches that do not have any connection with other groups or denominations.
CAMPS
982 Camps have long been considered an important part of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. and rather than a separate entity camps are merely an extension of the churches through a united effort on the part of all local congregations.
983 As Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. does not presently hold title or deed to any camp real estate, be it known that in the future should the Association hold title or deed to real estate as it relates to camps, the following applies: All camps held by title or deed by Association are both subject to and bound by all by-laws, doctrines, and standards of Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. and shall not in any way establish by-laws not in complete harmony with those in the Association.
984 No one shall be elected President of the Camp who is not a member of one of the local churches within the Association. Also, all board members shall be a member of one of the various churches of the Association.
985 All members of the board of the camp shall be examined concerning their salvation. No one shall be elected to this board who does not thoroughly understand the doctrines, rules, and by-laws of the Association. The Camp Board will elect board members.
986 The duties of the Camp Official Board are:
987 Make such preparations in advance to assure that the entire facility is in readiness to begin camp on the scheduled opening date.
988 To assure camp is properly maintained during the entire camp meeting.
989 Scheduling in advance workers for the camp including evangelists.
990 No evangelist will be engaged for any camp activity who is not in complete harmony and accord with the doctrines of the Association.
991 All monetary requirements in support of the camp shall be the direct responsibility of the Camp Official Board. Such funds shall normally be acquired through voluntary offerings.
992 The Camp President shall preside at all camp activities assuring that dignity and order is always observed.
993 The Camp President and two board members shall attend each annual conference or any special conference scheduled by the President of the Association and have voting privileges.
994 The Official Board shall meet once each year and elect a President, who shall be furnished with the names of
each board member. This meeting shall be at the conclusion of the regular camp meeting.
CAMPS AFFILIATED WITH BUT NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE ASSOCIATION
997 Holiness camps affiliated with the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. and not operated by the Association shall not teach any doctrine contrary to the doctrines of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups,Inc. All rules and standards of the discipline of the Parent Organization shall apply to all camps chartered under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. except those rules applying to the composition of the board members of the camp affiliated through charter shall not be required to be members of churches of the Association nor shall the chairman and/or President of the Camp Official Board be required to be a member of the Association.
PART X
NEW CHURCHES / MISSIONS / CAMPS
1001 Establishment of a new church, mission or camp may be implemented by the uniting of a minimum of fifteen people of a common community requesting charter under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. Certain ministries and missions may be excluded from this regulation by the approval of the Executive Board.
1002 Forming a new church, the Pastor and the official board of the existing church shall request mission or camp through a missionary effort by an existing church and official board of the parent church shall initiate appropriate action to the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. requesting the charter.
1003 The Pastor of the church requesting the charter prior to initiating the request shall thoroughly instruct the group wishing to establish the new church of the Articles of Faith and all the rules and standards of the Association. No charter will be requested for any group when it is determined that the doctrinal beliefs are not in harmony with those of the Association. No charter will be created unless it is specifically agreed that the requesting group will agree with the doctrines and agree and follow the discipline of the Association.
1004 Any group of people consisting of fifteen or more individuals desiring to organize a new church, camp, or mission must submit an application to the President of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. requesting to be chartered under the organization. The Executive Board shall receive the application from the President and will determine the feasibility of organizing the new church. When it is determined feasible to establish the new church, the Executive Board shall make a detailed and thorough study concerning all facets of organizing a church and shall forward their report to the President who shall jointly notify the applicant of their decision.
1005 The President and The Executive Board shall jointly cooperate with the requesting group to expedite the establishment of the new church.
1006 The President, and Executive Board shall with the President being chairman assist the church in all phases of the implementation. An ordained minister shall be provided to the church where possible. In the event an ordained minister is not available as, a licensed minister shall be made available as an interim.
1007 The number of board members of new churches should consist of not less than five or more than fifteen members.
1008 The board will select a location and suitable facility for worship, and obtain all necessary documents to ensure the congregation will retain the facility as long as desired for the purpose of worship.
1009 In order to be chartered with the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. any church, mission or camp board must agree to comply with the discipline of the Association.
1010 The fiscal year for all Association Churches, Missions, and Ministries is from September 1st through Aug. 31st, as this will give adequate time for reports for the Annual Association Meeting to be compiled for presentation.
PART XI
DISTRICTS
1101 The Executive Board shall organize the membership of the churches into Districts. The boundary and name of the District shall be such as shall be declared by the Executive Board.
1102 The Districts of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. are as follows;
North Central District – Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and
Northern Kentucky
Central District – Southern Kentucky, Tennessee,
North Georgia, and Alabama
Middle Georgia District – Middle Georgia
Southern District – South Georgia, Florida
Eastern District – Eastern Georgia, South Carolina
PURPOSE
1111 The purpose of the District is to bring our churches closer together. The Pastors shall work closely with each other to bring harmony in the District. The District is to convene each quarter for the purpose of spiritual rallies and fellowship. To attend to any business, deal with any problems or help each other in any way possible.
1112 Promote a mutual understanding of the discipline of the Association and the individual church, promote church missionary efforts for formation of new churches. To encourage each church in the District to attend the Association meeting and support the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
OFFICERS
1121 The District shall consist of a District Superintendent, District Assistant Superintendent, and District Secretary-Treasurer. The officers shall be elected each year by the churches represented in the District. Two delegates and their Pastors shall have voting privileges. There shall be a nominating committee, appointed by the District Superintendent, to nominate the officers. The delegates shall vote on same by secret ballot. Each District shall appoint committees as necessary to carry on effectively.
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
1122 The District Superintendent shall have voting privileges at the Annual General Conference whether this individual is a minister or a lay person.
ELECTION OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
1131 Each district shall elect two members to serve on the Executive Board from the member churches of that district. Those elected shall serve under the rotating system implemented for the Board and shall serve for a term of three (3) years and shall be eligible for re-election.
(END OF PAGE 2)
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