Constitution & Bylaws

Question 1

What are the four purposes of God listed at the beginning of the AG constitution?

Answer 1

1. to seek and save the lost
2. to be worshipped by his people
3. to build a body of believers in the image of his Son
4. to demonstrate his love to the world

Question 2

Who comprises the membership of the General Council?

Answer 2

all ordained and licensed ministers holding a current fellowship certificate and all churches holding
a Certificate of Affiliation issued by The General Council of the Assemblies of God

Question 3

What are the terms of office of each member of the executive presbytery?

Answer 3

Each member of the executive presbytery shall hold office for four years or until their successors qualify.

Question 4

What are the responsibilities of the general presbytery?

Answer 4

The General Presbytery is the official policy-making body of the Assemblies of God when the General Council is not in session.

Each district shall have the privilege of representation on the General Presbytery by three members — the district
superintendent together with two others who shall be elected by their district council, one of whom shall be an ordained pastor of a church located in the district.

Question 5

How often do General Council sessions meet?

Answer 5

every two years

Question 6

Who makes up the board of directors?

Answer 6

The Executive Presbytery

Question 7

Briefly describe district councils

Answer 7

A district is a group of churches and ministers based on geographic location or language/ethnic group.

Question 8

What does “right of self-government” mean?

Answer 8

Every church associated with the Assemblies of God has the right to choose their own pastor, board and staff as well as the right to buy their own property.

Question 9

Be able to explain dissolution of the corporation, the distribution of assets, and the payments of obligations.

Answer 9

Dissolution of the corporation, in more simple terms, means the closing down of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. In the event that this happens, anything that belongs to the organization will not be inherited by any one private person or group of private persons, but will be distributed to one or more non-profits exclusively for religious purposes.

Question 10

What are Robert’s Rules of Order?

Answer 10

Robert’s Rules of Order is a political book widely used to guide government procedures. This book is also used to guide the work of the General Council.

Question 11

Describe the duties of the executive presbytery

Answer 11

1. serve as the board of directors and make decisions when the council is not in session
2. interpret policy
3. Acquire and release property as needed to serve the mission of the AG.
4. Arrange and announce time and place for General Council meetings
5. Call business meetings of the general presbytery when deemed advisable

There is much more in BL Article 3, section 7

Question 12

Who makes up the voting constituency at a district council?

Answer 12

all ordained and licensed ministers and

accredited delegates from affiliated churches,

Question 13

Briefly describe language and ethnic district councils.

Answer 13

In order for an ethic group to become a district of the Assemblies of God, they must have at least 40 AG churches (at least 50% of which must be General Council affiliated).

Language and ethnic groups shall have all the same privileges and responsibilities as geographical districts.

Question 14

What are the requirements for affiliation with the Assemblies of God?

Answer 14

1. A church desiring affiliation shall forward its request to the office of the district in which it is located.
2. The meeting in which an assembly shall be set in order shall be presided over by an officer of the district who shall assist the assembly in the adoption of a constitution and bylaws acceptable to the district.
3. Upon approval by the district presbytery, the application for affiliation shall be forwarded to the general secretary of The General Council of the Assemblies of God.
4. Recognition of affiliation shall occur upon receipt by the assembly of an official Certificate of Affiliation.
5. If an application is declined by a district presbytery, appeal may be made by the church to the General Council Executive Presbytery whose decision shall be final.

Question 15

How are churches protected from dismissed ministers?

Answer 15

Use of the platform should be denied to anyone until spiritual integrity and reliability have been determined.

No minister that has been dismissed by the Assemblies of God is allowed to pastor in an AG church.

Pastors and districts are expected to maintain an exchange of information regarding dismissed ministers known to be trying to minister in our churches.

Question 16

Describe the relationship between churches, district councils, and the General Council.

Answer 16

General Council affiliated churches are considered to be sovereign and self-governing bodies who have entered into agreement to be amendable to the district and the General Council in matters of doctrine and polity.

The services of both the General Council and district council are available to assist the General Council affiliated church in dealing with any of its problems when requested by the pastor, a majority of the official board of the church, or by a petition signed by 30% of the church’s official members.

When district officers receive such requests, it is recommended they first verify that scriptural principles of reconciliation, such as those found in Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Timothy 5:19, have been reasonably attempted by the requesting party.

Any decision to disaffiliate with the fellowship shall require a two-thirds vote of the membership.

Question 17

Describe the recognition of ministry gifts in regards to gender, race, disability, or nationality.

Answer 17

Christ’s gifts to the church include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), exhorters, administrators, leaders, and helpers (Romans 12:7-8).

God’s call to these rolls is totally within is sovereign will without regard to gender, race, disability, or national origin.

Question 18

What are the basic education requirements for credentialed ministers?

Answer 18

Applicants are not required to have any formal education (diploma or degree). However, applicants are required to demonstrate a good knowledge of the Bible, AG doctrines and practices and successfully complete any courses prescribed by the general presbytery. Once all other requirements are met, the applicant must be recommended by the district as qualifying for credentials.

Question 19

Describe the eligibility of women in ministry.

Answer 19

The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5).

Women who meet the qualifications for ministerial credentials are eligible for whatever grade of credentials their qualifications warrant and have the right to administer the ordinances of the church and are eligible to serve in all levels of church ministry, and/or district and General Council leadership.

Question 20

What are the three levels of ministerial credentialing?

Answer 20

Certificate (explain)
License (explain)
Ordained (explain)

Question 21

Explain ecclesiastical annulments and marriage dissolutions

Answer 21

Ecclesiastical annulment is a legal term for declaring a marriage null and void. Unlike divorce, it is usually retroactive, meaning that an annulled marriage is considered to be invalid from the beginning almost as if it had never taken place.

The Executive Presbytery shall have the authority to determine whether an applicant qualifies for an ecclesiastical annulment. In such cases there must be clear and satisfactory evidence of deception, fraud, or other conditions which have a profound impact preventing the creation of a valid marriage union, unknown at the time of marriage by the applicant.

Question 22

What are the required qualifications for ordination?

Answer 22

1. The applicant must meet the biblical requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:7-9 (must be above reproach, faithful to spouse, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not pursuing dishonest gain, gentle, able to manage a family well, good reputation and must not be a recent convert)
2. The applicant must be at least 23 years old.
3. The applicant must show clear evidence of a divine call.
4. The applicant must have already been actively involved in ministry for at least the previous two years.
5. The applicant must already be a licensed minister in the same district that they are seeking ordination in.

Question 23

What does it mean that ministers are amendable to the district council and General Council?

Answer 23

All certified, licensed, and ordained ministers shall be open to influence and correction by both the district council and The General Council when it comes to matters of doctrine and discipline.

Question 24

What is the time period for transferring credentials between districts?

Answer 24

60 days

Question 25

What is the process of reinstating lapsed credentials?

Answer 25

Ministers who do not renew on time must apply for reinstatement and must pay a $100 reinstatement fee to be divided equally between the district and the General Council.

Ministers who have been dismissed from the fellowship for any reason other than late payment must wait for six months before reapplying.

Question 26

What is the process of renewing credentials?

Answer 26

All credentials are valid only until December 31st of each year and ministers must submit an annual renewal application annually.

There is a grace period until January 15th for a $50 late fee. This fee is divided equally between the district and the General Council.

Question 27

How are ministers expected to support the national office financially?

Answer 27

Ordained ministers are expected to contribute $25/mo, licensed ministers: $20/mo, and certified ministers: $10/mo to help support the work done at the national office.

Question 28

What are three disapproved doctrines of the AG?

Answer 28

1. Unconditional security (the belief that it is impossible for someone once saved to be lost) - The Bible teaches that salvation depends on a living relationship with God, believers are called to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16, Hebrews 12:!4), a man may have his name removed from the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 22:19), and a person can believe for a while and then fall away (Luke 8:13).
2. Legalism (the belief that our own attempts to live a life of holiness result in us making it / not making it to heaven) - While the Bible does make clear that without holiness, no man will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14), it is also understood that salvation is received through repentance and faith and not a result of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We reject any teaching that adds conditions for salvation (Galatians 3:1-5). We also acknowledge that seeking to live a holy life may result in sharp differences of opinion on some debatable matters and these areas should be decided by each believers’ personal conscience and should not be forced upon others (Romans 14:1-4).
3. Eschatological errors as listed below:
   a. the restitution of all things - God’s word does not teach that everything will be made right in this world nor does it teach that all will be saved. Instead, it teaches that God will judge the world (Revelation 20:10-15) and that wickedness will continue until the end (Matthew 24:4-21).
   b. Setting a date for the Lord’s return - Scripture clearly says that nobody knows (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:33, Luke 12:39-40, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
   c. Post-Tribulation rapture - The tribulation is God’s judgement on the world and in God’s grace, it is not his desire for his people to be judged with the world (1 Thessalonians 1:10 & 5:9, Revelation 3:10).
   d. Amillennialism - Scripture teaches a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ and we disapprove of any teaching that suggests otherwise (Revelation 20:4, Isaiah 11:6-9)

Question 29

What is the AG belief regarding the return of Christ?

Answer 29

The Assemblies of God believes in a pre-tribulation rapture and that those redeemed in Christ need not fear the judgment of God’s wrath poured out on the world during the tribulation.

“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9‬).

Question 30

What is the AG belief regarding divorce and remarriage?

Answer 30

Assemblies of God ministers are discouraged from performing a marriage ceremony for anyone who has been divorced and whose former spouse is still living with the following exceptions:

1. Divorce was as a result of fornication and adultery (Matthew 19:9).
2. a Christian has been divorced from an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:12-16).

A minister is also never required to perform a marriage that would violate the minister’s conscience.

Question 31

What is the AG practice of performing marriage ceremonies?

Answer 31

An AG minister may not perform ceremonies for persons who, in the minister’s opinion, approach marriage without proper forethought, wisdom, and sobriety.

Question 32

What is the AG belief regarding tithing?

Answer 32

Tithing is a biblical method of supporting the work of ministry. Ministers are expected to set an example of tithing.

The AG does not approve the teaching that all tithes belong to the pastor.

Question 33

What is the AG practice regarding ministering in non-AG churches?

Answer 33

Ministers are not restrained from preaching in non-AG churches, but must remain true to AG doctrine and holiness standards. It is recommended that ministers seek approval from district leadership before ministering in a non-AG church.

Question 34

What is the AG belief regarding divine healing and professional medicine?

Answer 34

While the belief in divine healing is one of the fellowship’s fundamental beliefs, it is forbidden for ministers to discourage the seeking of professional medical treatment or to suggest that seeking such treatment shows a lack of faith in the healing power of God.

Question 35

What is the nature and purpose of discipline?

Answer 35

The purpose of discipline is to restore a minister who has fallen spiritually while simultaneously offering protection for the church. It is to be redemptive in nature as well as corrective.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Question 36

Explain the concept of the district hearing the case in regards to ministerial discipline.

Answer 36

When certain issues cannot successfully be dealt with privately, the district superintendent may arrange for a hearing before the credentials committee to which the accused minister is required to appear.

Question 37

What is the indigenous principle of AGWM?

Answer 37

establishing self-supporting, self-governing, self-propagating national churches in all regions

Question 38

What is Chi Alpha?

Answer 38

Chi Alpha is a campus ministry to evangelize and disciple university students (both in the US and internationally).

Question 39

What is the AG belief regarding military service?

Answer 39

We believe in the right of each individual to choose whether or not to serve in the military.

Question 40

Summarize briefly the ministry of David Wilkerson.

Answer 40

David Wilkerson was an AG minister and the founder of Adult & Teen Challenge, one of the world’s most successful substance abuse recovery programs.

Wilkerson began as a young pastor in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. After reading a news article in an issue of Life magazine which talked about a trial for members of a teen gang in New York, Wilkerson prayed and felt a compelling burden to go to New York City and help those boys.

Wilkerson headed to New York City and attempted to speak with the judge during the trial, but was thrown out of the courtroom. Although his efforts seemed unfruitful, he learned that a number of gang members had been in the courtroom that day. The gang members figured if the cops didn’t like him, and the cops didn’t like them, they all were in the same boat. This opened a door for Wilkerson to communicate with these gang members.

He took advantage of this newfound popularity to preach the gospel both in street meetings and in crowded gang hideouts. Eventually, he enlisted the aid of 65 Assemblies of God churches from New York and held a citywide rally for gang members and teens caught up in the gang culture.

At the conclusion of the service, dozens of gang members came forward to accept Christ as Savior.

In the early 1960s,Wilkerson teamed up with John and Elizabeth Sherrill of Guideposts magazine to write the story behind Teen Challenge. The Cross and the Switchblade, published in 1963, gave the compelling story of David Wilkerson’s ministry to the gangs of New York City and the start of Teen Challenge.

Today, Adult & Teen Challenge operates in numerous cities across America and is part of AG U.S. Missions.

Question 41

What significance did Bethel Bible College play in early AG history?

Answer 41

Bethel Bible College was a Bible school in Topeka, Kansas led by Charles Parham. One of the students at this school was William Seymour. Seymour preached Parham’s doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit at an event in Los Angeles which led to the Azusa Street revival, out of which was eventually birthed the Assemblies of God.

Question 42

What serious doctrinal errors came up within the first two years of the AG?

Answer 42

Universalism - the belief that all people will be saved in the end
Oneness - a denial of the trinity

Question 43

What positions make up the Executive Leadership Team?

Answer 43

General Superintendent: president of the organizations and is responsible for overseeing all AG activities and presides over the council when in session

Assistant General Superintendent: assists the general superintendent with various tasks and is the designated replacement should the General Superintendent die or become unable to fulfill responsibilities.

General Secretary: Oversees record keeping, keeps minutes of official meetings, and is responsible for issuing credentials and maintaining records of credentialed ministers

General treasurer: Serves as custodian of all funds of the General Council.

Director of World Missions: Oversees functions of the worldwide missions program

Director of U.S. Missions: Similar to World Missions Director, but oversees U.S. missions

Question 44

How should a minister respond if asked to perform a homosexual wedding?

Answer 44

No minister shall perform any type of marriage, cohabitation, or covenant ceremony for persons who are of the same sex. Such a ceremony would endorse homosexuality which is a sin and strictly forbidden in God’s Word (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:9–11). Any minister who performs a ceremony for these types of disapproved relations, unless innocently deceived into doing so, shall be dismissed from the fellowship.

Question 45

Approximately how large is the worldwide Assemblies of God fellowship?

Answer 45

As of the 100th anniversary of the fellowship in 2014, the Assemblies of God had grown to encompass 68 million adherents worldwide.

Question 46

Who was the first to claim that baptism of the Holy Spirit would always be evidenced by speaking in tongues?

Answer 46

Charles Parham

Question 47

What year was the statement of fundamental truths formed and what led to the need for it?

Answer 47

1916 - Amid several false teachings arising, it became necessary to form a statement of fundamental truths to unify the fellowship’s beliefs.

Question 48

What were the dates of the original meeting in Hot Springs, AR that led to the forming of the Assemblies of God?

Answer 48

April 2-12, 1914

Question 49

Who was the first AG General Superintendent?

Answer 49

E.N. Bell

Question 50

What significant goal was committed to at the forming of the Assemblies of God?

Answer 50

The greatest evangelism the world has ever seen

Question 51

What difficulties did early missionaries encounter?

Answer 51

Illness & disease

Lack of theological training