                 
"In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Ephesians 2:22 |
OUR STRUCTUREThe International Pentecostal Church of Christ is a blend of the Congregational and Presbyterian systems. Churches operate under their own structures, electing their own pastors and officers. Districts and the National structures are overseen by various boards elected from the body. General Conference Meetings There is an Annual Conference where business is conducted annually. There is to be a District Quarterly Conference in each district. Policy Making BodiesThe General Conference of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ is made up of all Ordained Ministers, Licensed Ministers, Licensed Evangelists, local Church Delegates, and Ordained Deacons. Usually, the General Conference elects officers and amends the Constitution and By-Laws. General Board - The General Board of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ is made up of the members of the General Executive Committee and each District Overseer. There is a pending Constitutional Amendment which would add the National Youth and Christian Education Director as a member of the General Board. The General Board is the final body for appeals. District Overseers are elected in the odd numbered years in their respective districts. General Executive Committee - The General Executive Committee is made up of the General Overseer, the Assistant General Overseer, the General Secretary, the General Treasurer, and the Director of Global Missions. The General Overseer is an ex-officio member of every board and committee. The General Overseer is elected to two-year terms, bi-annually, in the even numbered years in the January and April Quarterly Conferences, respectively. The remaining members of the General Executive Committee are elected in the even numbered years at Annual Conference. District Conferences - District Conferences are made up of all General Conference members residing within the boundaries of the respective district with the exception of retired members who maintain membership in another district. Christian Lay Ministers are also members of the District. District Board - There is a District Board for each district made up of the District Overseer who is the chairman of the board, the Secretary-Treasurer, District Sunday School Director, and two other members of the district. The District Overseer is an ex-officio member of each board or committee in the district. Church Congregations - Local church members make up the policy-making body for the local church. Voting members must be active members in good standing, faithful in tithing and attending on a weekly basis. Church Boards - The pastor, deacons, and trustees compose the official board of the local church with the pastor always serving as the chairman of the board. Churches may elect additional members to the board. The pastor is elected by the local church with the approval of the Credentials Committee of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ. He or she may be elected for a stated or indefinite term. Church Delegate - Churches in good standing may appoint a delegate to District and General Conferences. One delegate is allowed for each local member who is actively attending and tithing. Delegates have no authority outside of the business setting to which they have been sent as a delegate. Churches may choose to instruct the delegate in how to represent them in a prearranged vote. In the event the church opts not to instruct them in how to vote, delegates are free to vote their conscience. Church Member - Church membership signifies a person’s commitment to the ministry and goals of the local church. Applicants are screened by the church board as to their spiritual commitment and loyalty. Members must commit to abiding by certain standards set forth by the IPCC Constitution and By-laws. Conference/Church RelationsThe International Pentecostal Church of Christ has a good blend of local/national control. Churches are free to manage their own affairs within the parameters of the Constitution and By-Laws of the IPCC. The IPCC usually chooses not to involve itself in local affairs unless: requested by either the pastor, board, or a substantial group of members through a petition; in the event of a moral crisis in the leadership of the church; in the event of a schism which threatens the stability and spiritual life of the church.
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