ARTICLE V

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

SECTION 1. NATURE

The National Assembly (NA) is the gathering of leaders from the member churches for the primary purpose of business and secondarily for instruction, admonition and fellowship.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION

The National Assembly shall be composed of:

1. Representatives from the leadership (i.e. elders and deacons or their equivalents) of the member churches, the number of which is a ratio of one (1) to every twenty-five (25) members up to a maximum of four (4).

2. National full-time leaders related to the Community (pastors, missionaries, etc.). A maximum of two (2) delegates per member church shall be allowed.

3. Members of the council of the community of churches plus two (2) additional delegates (i.e. elders or their equivalent) per local church which does not have direct representation in the NA. A maximum of twenty- five (25) delegates shall be allowed.

4. A maximum of two (2) representatives from the leadership of other ABCCOP Institutions.

SECTION 3. OBSERVERS

The National Council of Elders (NCE), at its discretion, may invite and/or allow to the NA a maximum of three (3) observers from each cooperating mission organization, the National Office and related personnel and agencies (i.e. Bible Schools). Observers shall have a voice but no vote.

 

SECTION 4. VISITORS

Up to a maximum of two (2) visitors per non-ABCCOP Institution can be invited at the discretion of the NCE, but they shall have no voice and no vote.

 

SECTION 5. DUTIES

The National Assembly:

a. Acknowledges the duly-elected Chief Minister (CM) and elects members of the NCE.

b. Acknowledges the NCE-approved budget.

c. Makes decision on issues elevated by the NCE.

d. Confirms the appointments of members of the:

1) Judicial Commission

2) Theological Commission

3) Electoral Commission

e. Approves major programs and projects of the Community.

f. Appoints, from the assembly delegates, members of standing committees.

g. Creates other functional committees which are deemed necessary in the performance of its task.

h. Review actions taken by the National Council of Elders.

SECTION 6. FISCAL YEAR

The Community shall operate on a calendar year.

SECTION 7. REGULAR MEETING

The National Assembly shall meet at least once every year during the third Tuesday to Friday of February. Corporate decisions shall be by simple majority vote of the members present.

SECTION 8. AGENDA

Major agenda items which would need National Assembly decisions shall be communicated to members churches not later than one month before it convenes for study and consultation.

SECTION 9. QUORUM

50% + 1 of the maximum number of confirmed delegates to the National Assembly shall constitute a quorum, unless otherwise provided by law. The quorum will be determined from the confirmed delegates of the National Assembly which are to be sent by the member churches of the Community.

SECTION 10. SPECIAL MEETING

A Special NA meeting may be called upon at the request of at least 10% of the total number of delegates of the last NA, or by the consensus of the NCE.

 

ARTICLE VI

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Organized church, incorporated or not incorporated.

2. Community of churches (District, parish-satellite churches, ethnic or regional church organizations) that are incorporated or not incorporated.

3. Christian institutions.

4. Acceptance of and adherence to the Community’s By-laws.

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES IN APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP

1. Applicant invites a representative(s) to introduce the Community to its Constituency (e.g. district assembly, congregation).

2. Applicant officially decides to become a member of the Community.

3. Applicant sends a letter of intent to the Community.

4. The Community sends application papers to applicant.

5. The District Council of Elders (DCE) screens applicant and makes recommendations to the NCE. In the absence of a district the NCE screens the applicant.

6. NCE approves the membership of applicant.

7. Applicant pays a one time registration fee the amount of which is determined by the NCE.

8. The Community administers the oath of membership in the local church in a regular worship service.

9. The National Assembly confirms the oath of membership in the local church in a regular worship service.

10. The National Assembly confirms membership during the regular session.

SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Being led by the Spirit of God to band together as a community of Evangelical Bible Christian Churches, we sincerely and joyfully enter into this covenant:

1. We will seek to bring every aspect of the life of the church under the Lordship of Christ and the authority of His Word, making Him pre-eminent in everything.

2. We commit ourselves, regardless of the expenditure of time, energy and money to grow as a servant church, maturing in the grace and knowledge of God and multiplying in number of members and daughter churches.

3. We will seek to be Christ-like in all our relations, maintaining unity, interdependence and resource-sharing with fellow churches, and especially caring for the poor.

4. We commit ourselves to uphold the doctrine, mission and purpose of our Community and to actively involve in the implementation of its program.

5. We commit ourselves to wholeheartedly obey, highly respect, and actively support the leaders of our Community and to willingly submit to its government and discipline.

6. We commit ourselves to a life of spirituality expressed in fervent prayer, fasting and intercession for the Community and nation.

7. We will seek the good of our nation, respect the rule of its just laws, and uphold the ideals of the Constitution, in obedience to our Lord.

8. We will endeavor to fulfill our responsibility as members of this Community by our active participation in all scheduled meetings; by rallying our constituency to attend district and national gatherings and by sending our pastors and key leaders to the National Assembly and other leadership meetings.

9. We commit ourselves to financially support the mission of our Community by proportionate and regular giving of an apportioned percentage of our church’s general income which the church shall willingly decide; and to give additional gifts as we are able.

10. We commit ourselves as the Spirit empowers to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom as we proclaim and demonstrate the reality of God, His rule and His redemptive work in Christ extending to every aspect of human life and society.

SECTION 4. DISCIPLINE

The NCE through the Judicial Commission (JC), has the authority and powers to discipline members of the Community erring in doctrine, violating the By-laws, or becoming unfaithful to the Covenant.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCES

The community shall finance its work through the resources and gifts of God’s people with dignity and honor. Sources of its funds shall be the following:

1. PRIMARY

a. Percentage support and gifts from member churches.

b. Support pledges from local individual donors and friends.

2. SECONDARY

a. Support from partner missions.

b. Support pledges from foreign individual donors and friends and other organizations.

ARTICLE VIII

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS

SECTION 1. NATURE

The National Council of Elders (NCE) is the representative of the National Assembly (NA), tasked with overseeing the life and ministries of the Community when the NA is not in session. Being so its members are prayerfully chosen and considered worthy of double honor.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION

This body shall consist of nine (9) members, all of whom must meet the requirements of I Timothy 3^1-7 and Titus 1^6-9. They must be members in good standing and must have served their churches as an elder or its equivalent for at least three (3) years at the time of their election. They must be at least twenty-seven (27) years old. Each of them must be convinced of and must subscribe to the Community’s By-laws.

SECTION 3. ELECTION & TERM OF OFFICE

The members of the NCE shall be directly nominated by the ABCCOP District Ministerial Committee (ADMC) and elected by the NA from the final list of nominees presented by the Electoral Commission (EC)). The term of office of the members of the NCE shall be four (4) years and shall be arranged so that at least one member shall complete his term every year. Members of the NCE may be re-elected. Upon election and confirmation they shall elect among themselves Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

SECTION 4. MEETINGS

The NCE shall meet at least once every three (3) months and the Chairman, when necessary or upon request from five (5) members may call a special meeting provided that members present constitute at least the majority of the National Council of Elders. The Chief Minister or his assistant shall send notices of the special meeting. The National Council of Elders shall set a time for prayer and fasting at least twice a year. Corporate decisions shall be by consensus, or when necessary, by simple majority vote.

SECTION 5. POWERS AND DUTIES

The National Council of Elders:

1. Shall be the policy and decision-making body of the Community.

2. Shall be the custodian of justice and righteousness in the Community.

3. Shall create functional committees which are deemed necessary in the performance of its task.

4. Shall serve as the legal custodian of the Community.

5. Shall call a special National Assembly meeting after a unanimous decision and the requirements met.

6. Shall monitor the implementation of the major programs and projects approved by the NA.

7. Appoints members of the Electoral, the Judicial, and the Theological Commissions.

8. Approves job descriptions of other officers of the community.

9. Prepares and recommends major agenda items including the national budget to the National Assembly for approval.

10. Nominates the CM.

11. Together with the ADMC, elects the CM.

12. Approves the hiring and firing of salaried personnel.

 

SECTION 6. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

1. The Chairman shall preside the meetings of the Executive Council, the National Council of Elders, and the National Assembly.

2. The Vice-chairman shall act in the absence of the Chairman.

3. The Secretary shall oversee the National Secretariat and shall keep copies of important records and documents of the National Community.

4. The Treasurer shall monitor the receipts and disbursements of funds, keep copies of financial accounts, prepares reports and update the NCE and the NA.

5. The Chief Minister (Punong Lingkod), who is an ex-officio member of the NCE, shall prepare the agenda of the meetings of the Executive Committee, the National Council of Elders, and the National Assembly in consultation with the Chairman of the NCE.

 

SECTION 7. TERMINATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Any member of the National Council of Elders who resigns from membership in the Community and/or transferred to another organization/denomination shall automatically cease from being an NCE member. In the event that an NCE member is subjected to just discipline by his institution, or appointed to the National Office for any salaried position shall be deemed resigned.

SECTION 8. HONORARIA AND ALLOWANCES

The Community shall shoulder all the cost entailed in the performance of the task of the NCE. The National Council of Elders shall receive an honorarium for their work and services, the amount of which is determined by the NCE and to be presented to the NA on its regular session.

SECTION 9. REPLACEMENT OF MEMBERS

In the event of any vacancy by reason of death, resignation, termination or incapacity due to illness of any of the NCE members, the NCE shall appoint by consensus the replacement from the final list of the nominees of the last ADMC Nomination Meeting provided however that the one appointed shall serve on the remaining term of the vacancy and shall be installed on the next NA on its regular session.

 

ARTICLE IX

THE CHIEF MINISTER (PUNONG LINGKOD)

SECTION 1. ELECTION

The Chief Minister (Punong Lingkod) shall be nominated by the NCE on the 2^nd week of July prior to the end of his term of office. The final candidates shall undergo a screening process which is geared towards the recognition (ordination) of their leadership in the Community. The candidate who receives the highest majority vote by the combined NCE and ADMC on the 2^nd week of November shall be declared elected by the EC and shall be acknowledged by the NA.

SECTION 2. TENURE OF OFFICE

The Chief Minister’s (Punong Lingkod) term of office shall be four (4) years and shall be eligible for re-election.

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS

The Chief Minister (Punong Lingkod), being the Chief Elder, shares with the NCE the government and leadership of the Community, particularly the pastoral oversight of the same. Because of the dignity and demands of this office, the CM must possess the following qualifications.

1. He must be sound of faith, exemplary in conduct, and competent in the performance of his ministerial duties as stipulated in I Timothy 3^1-7 and Titus 1^6-9.

2. He must have served full time in the Community for at least five years.

3. He must be at least thirty-five (35) but not more than sixty (6) years of age, and in good health.

4. He must be at least a bachelor’s degree holder from a Bible College or Seminary or its equivalent and preferably with secular education.

5. He must be convinced of and subscribe to the By-laws of the Community.

SECTION 4. DUTIES

The Chief Minister (Punong Lingkod), being the minister to ministers, exercises the type of ministry basic to the life of the whole community – the oversight of the flock. He is, therefore, responsible to perform his functions in behalf of the NCE which are:

1. General oversight and direction of the Community.

2. Representation and promotion of the Community.

3. Implements the policies laid down by the NCE.

4. Prepares the agenda and ensures the readiness of the quarterly reports for the NCE.

5. Recommends for the hiring and firing of all salaried personnel.

Any department may be dissolved and/or other departments may be created through the recommendation of the ministers of the two supporting ministries to the Chief Minister and approved by the National Council of Elders.

1. Implementing the policies laid down by the National Council of Elders.

2. Preparing the agenda for the meeting of the National Council of Elders.

3. Preparing quarterly reports to the National Council of Elders meetings.

4. Overseeing the budget preparation for presentation or recommendation to the National Assembly through the National Council of Elders.

5. Informing the NCE of any Community concerns that needs its attention.

6. Being an ex-officio member of the National Council of Elders and all departments.

7. Performing other functions which the NCE may assign.

ARTICLE X

ABCCOP DISTRICT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE

SECTION 1. NATURE

The ABCCOP District Ministerial Committee (ADMC) is the arm of the National Leadership through the Church Affairs and Missions Ministers. As such they implement policies that would so affect their respective districts.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION

This committee shall be composed of one leadership representative per District.

SECTION 3. MEETINGS

 

The Regular ADMC Meeting is quarterly, unless a special meeting is called by the National Office.

SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS

1. Implements plans and programs affecting the District Community set by the CM in cooperation with the DCE.

2. Deliberate matters affecting the affairs of the District Community.

3. Casts and aligns the vision for the Community for its mutual growth and edification.

SECTION 4. ETHNIC GROUPS

1. Ethnic Groups per geographical tribe as recognized by the National Leadership shall have equal participation in the ADMC.

2. They can have a maximum of two (2) representatives per geographical tribe.

 

ARTICLE XI

ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ELECTION PROCEEDINGS

SECTION 1. NATURE

The Electoral Commission (EC) is an independent body tasked with handling the election proceedings for the Chief Minister (Punong Lingkod), and members of the National Council of Elders.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION AND TERM OF OFFICE

The members of the EC shall be composed of a Chairman and four (4) Commissioners appointed by the National Council of Elders and confirmed by the National Assembly. Upon appointment, the members of the EC shall elect from among themselves the Chairman. Seniority in terms of tenure, participation in the Community life and age shall be taken into consideration in the election of the Chairman. The term of office shall be three (3) years with re-appointment.

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS

1. They much meet the requirements of I Timothy 3^1-7 and Titus 1^6-9.

2. They must be members in good standing and must have served their churches or must have served the Community for at least five years.

3. They must be at least thirty (30) years old at the time of appointment.

4. They must be convinced of and subscribe to the By-laws of the Community.

SECTION 4. TERMINATION

1. Candidates of the last election are disqualified from being appointed to the commission.

2. Outgoing members of the commission shall not be eligible for any elected office immediately following the end of his term.

3. In any event that the member of the Commission is subjected to just discipline by his local church, he shall cease his membership from the EC.

4. Any member of the Commission having pending case/s shall be considered automatically on leave.

5. Any member of the EC who resigns from membership in the Community and/or transferred to another organization/denomination shall automatically cease from being an EC member. In the event that an EC member is subjected to just discipline by his institution, or appointed to the National Office for any salaried position shall be deemed resigned.

SECTION 5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administers provisions in this By-laws relative to the conduct of election for the CM and members of the NCE.

2. Decides on all questions and/or contests relates to the elections.

3. Conducts interviews of the official nominees for the CM and members of the NCE and inquiry in relation to their calling, qualifications, and availability.

SECTION 6. MEETINGS AND INTERVIEWS

1. The Commission shall officially convene at least three (3) months before any conduct of election to determine the official list of nominees for interviews and screening.

2. Each interview and inquiry shall be conducted by at least two (2) commissioners. If for any valid reason only one commissioner is available for the interview, any member of the NCE may be requested to make up the two (2) interviewers requirements.

SECTION 7. HONORARIA & ALLOWANCES

The Community shall shoulder all the cost entailed in the performance of the task of the Commission. The members shall receive an honorarium in recognition and appreciation for the performance of their task, the amount of which is determined by the NCE.

 

ELECTION PROCEEDINGS

SECTION 8. NOMINATION

The official nomination shall be conducted through the following procedures:

1. The ADMC in session shall nominate candidates for the National Council of Elders by ballot under the supervision of the EC. The EC shall evaluate/ screen the nominees and present them to the NA.

2. The NCE can officially nominate a maximum of three (3) candidates for the CM. Nominations of the NCE for CM shall be submitted to the EC for processing.

3. The EC shall screen these nominees to come up with the official list which shall not be more than three (3).

SECTION 9. ELECTION

1. The election proceeding shall be conducted in the spirit of prayer and reverence. The election shall be by ballot. There shall be no campaigning for and in behalf of any candidate. After the final list of nominees is announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, the nominees who are present will be requested to leave the hall and may come back only when summoned. The Chairman of the EC leads in prayer for guidance for the proceeding after which the election may proceed. Each delegate can only cast his vote once. For a candidate to be officially elected, he must garner at least a simple majority of the ballot cast.

2. The EC may appoint a Secretariat which number is determined by them to help in the conduct of the election. If the seats to the filled up is 3 (or 2), the first 3 (or 2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes are officially elected provided they garnered at least the simple majority of the ballot cast.

3. A second balloting shall be conducted in case any of the candidates who received the highest votes did not garner the required simple majority. There will be no third balloting.

 

ARTICLE XII

THE JUDICIAL COMMISSION

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND NATURE

The Judicial Commission (JC) shall be the arm of the NCE in its role as the custodian of justice and righteousness in the Community for the vindication of truth, the preservation of the integrity of the Community, the reconciliation of the conflicting parties, the restoration and salvation of the repentant, and the warning for the careless.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION AND TERM OF OFFICE

The members of the JC shall be five (5), all of whom are to be appointed by the NCE and too be confirmed by the NA. The term of office shall be three (3) years with re-appointment. The Commission shall be composed of at least one (1) practicing lawyer, two (2) experienced pastors, and two (2) qualified members of the Community.

SECTION 3. OFFICERS

The NCE shall appoint officers of the Commission namely; Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary.

SECTION 4. QUALIFICATIONS

A member of the JC:

1. Must be at least thirty (30) years old at the time of appointment.

2. Must be a regular member in good standing of an ABCCOP church for at least five (5) years, and a Christian of good reputation.

3. Must meet all the requirements of I Timothy 3^1-7 and Titus 1^6-9.

4. Must be convinced of and subscribe to the By-laws of the Community.

SECTION 5. POWERS AND DUTIES.

1. To hear any case presented to the Commission by any concerned party against an individual, group of persons, a member church or district provided that the Commission is satisfied that effort has been exerted to settle the case apart from action by the Commission.

2. To initiate an investigation or establish a case even without the necessary complaint by parties concerned if the commission finds the case adversely affecting the life of the Community in the spirit of Matthew 18^15-20.

3. To forward its findings and/or recommendations to the NCE for approval and proper implementation.

4. To create committees deemed necessary to assist the Commission in the performance of its task.

SECTION 6. MEETINGS, HONORARIA, AND ALLOWANCES

The Commission shall meet at least once every three (3) months and the members shall be provided with transportation, board and lodging allowances in connection with the Commission’s meetings and activities. They shall receive an honorarium for the performance of their task, the amount of which is determined by the NCE.

ARTICLE XIII

THE THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION

SECTION 1. NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Theological Commission (TC) is the arm of the NCE in its role as guardian of sound Biblical doctrine and acceptable Christian practices in the Community.

SECTION 2. COMPOSITION AND TERM OF OFFICE

The members of the TC shall be five (5), all of whom are appointed by the NCE and are confirmed by the NA. The term of office shall be three (3) years with re-appointment. The NCE shall appoint the officers of the TC which are as follows: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. They will also invite and receive advice from theological consultants who may not be members but are sympathetic to the Community.

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must have proven skill in theological reflection.

2. Must be an active member of any church in the Community.

3. Must have been in full-time service for at least five (5) years.

4. Must meet all the requirements of I Timothy 3^1-7 and Titus 1^6-9.

5. Must be of good moral standing in the Community.

6. Must be convinced of and subscribe to the By-laws of the Community.

SECTION 4. DUTIES AND POWERS

1. To exercise oversight over all the doctrinal issues and controversies affecting the Community and the life of its members.

2. To inform and advise the NA and the NCE regarding the current trends in doctrinal and theological development, and if necessary to present the Community's stand and consensus.

3. To receive from the NA, community leaders and member churches problems and issues that affect their life and witness for study until a well-though judgment is reached.

4. To ensure that the Community’s Statement of Faith is clearly stated, kept, defended and applied in the light of biblical truth and the today's needs of the church and the world.

5. To set guidelines and participate in the recognition (ordination) of the leaders (ministries) of the Community.

6. To participate in fora that address issues affecting the life of the church and our countrymen.

SECTION 5. MEETINGS

1. The TC shall meet at least four (4) times a year.

2. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the total members, and a simple majority vote of the members present is necessary to carry a motion.

SECTION 6. HONORARIA & ALLOWANCES

1. The Community shall undertake all the expenses incurred during meetings, travels, and other official business of the Commission.

2. They shall receive an honorarium for the performance of their task, the amount of which is determined by the NCE.

 

ARTICLE XIV

DISTRICT COMMUNITY

SECTION 1. DEFINITION

A District Community (DC) is an integral ministerial and administrative unit of the Community, organized as a body, screened and accepted by the NCE, in a defined geographical, sectoral, or parish area which consist of at least seven (7) organized local churches with preferably a combined membership of at least five hundred (500) baptized believers, and with qualified and functional leadership.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE AND RELATIONSHIP IN THE DISTRICT

The DC shall exist to integrate members for a meaningful community life, for fellowship, evangelism, discipleship, sharing of resources, and other related ministries. It shall function in relation to the vision and purpose of the community. It shall relate to the national Community through the following responsibilities:

1. Pass resolution on any issue or matter affecting the life of the district or the National Community as a whole through the Chief Minister.

2. Proposes items for consideration during the NA through the National Office.

3. Send their District Council of Elders (DCE) to the NA.

4. Work with the District Minister (DM) in the coordination of its ministries.

SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION

1. The following shall compose the District Community:

a. All Community member churches already in existence in any given area. They shall be considered charter members.

b. All churches established by the Community.

c. All other churches/groups who qualified for membership.

2. The Procedure for Formation is as follows:

All churches, as classified above, must formally apply for membership with the District Community.

SECTION 4. STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Community’s Statement of Faith shall be the DC’s Statement of Faith.

SECTION 5. ORGANIZATION

GENERAL STATEMENT

The District formal organization shall be by the initiative of the churches and shall be done with proper consultation with the National Office.

STRUCTURE

The DC shall be governed by the District Assembly (DA), its highest governing body, through the District Council of Elders (DCE).

SECTION 6. DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

The DA is the assembly of all leadership representatives of all the churches within the District. The number of representative is set by the DA.

SECTION 7. GUIDELINES ON POLICIES AND PRACTICES

The policies and practices of the National Community shall be the DC’s guidelines on its Policies and Practices.

SECTION 8. THE DISTRICT MINISTER

A. APPOINTMENT

The DM shall be confirmed by the NCE as selected by the DA. He shall serve full-time and shall be supported primarily by the District and assisted by the National Office.

B. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

1. He shall be a member of the DCE and shall act as the Chief Executive of the District.

2. He shall provide pastoral care for the DC leaders.

3. He shall be responsible in the planning, implementation, and coordination of the programs and ministries of the DC.

4. He shall be accountable to the CM and shall submit quarterly reports.

5. He must be convinced of and subscribe to the By-laws of the Community. He shall adhere to the policies and practices of the Community.

 

ARTICLE XV

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

The Parliamentary procedure of business meetings shall follow the Robert’s Rule of Order, Revised, except those not consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.

ARTICLE XVI

AMENDMENTS

The By-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the members and majority of the National Council of Elders present at the National Assembly, provided that such proposed amendment is included in the major agenda items covered by Article 5 Section 6.

ARTICLE XVI

DISSOLUTION

This corporation may be dissolved by a ³/₄ votes of the National Assembly especially called for this purpose. A notice stating the said purpose should be sent through registered mail to all member churches and NA delegates ninety (90) days prior thereto. Upon dissolution of the corporation, the NCE shall be responsible for the disposition of funds and remaining assets of the corporation. After payment of its debts and expenses, the remaining properties and assets shall be given to one or more groups which the NCE determines closest to the purpose of this corporation.