Church Constitution
& By-Laws

This church, a legally incorporated body and nonprofit corporation, shall be known as the Intercontinental Church of God.

The primary mission of the Church is to carry forward the commission Jesus Christ gave His apostles and which continues with every generation of the Church.

That commission centers upon preaching the good news of the coming Kingdom of God throughout the world and caring for the flock of God.

Insert the complete existing constitutional provisions concerning the doctrines accepted and taught by the Intercontinental Church of God in this section.

The Constitution establishes the Church's affiliation with and support of the evangelistic outreach programs of the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association, subject to the provisions contained in the official document.

It describes the respective responsibilities of the Church and Association in carrying out the two-part commission.

The Constitution describes the Intercontinental Church of God as an “open arms, open door” church.

People may attend regular worship services, Bible studies, annual festivals, and other church occasions subject to the standards established in the Constitution.

The Church accepts responsibility for preaching the Gospel, baptizing those who believe, and placing particular emphasis upon feeding and caring for the flock.

Individual members are also encouraged to serve as Christian examples through their conduct, prayer, personal witness, and support of evangelistic efforts.

The Constitution recognizes the personal nature of an individual's relationship with Jesus Christ and describes participation by members, ministers, local churches, and fellowship groups as voluntary association.

Membership is addressed within the context of repentance, baptism, receipt of God's Spirit, voluntary association, and fellowship with the Church.

Place the complete official Articles VI through IX here, preserving the current numbering, section headings, and wording.

The Board accepts fiduciary responsibility for guarding the spiritual, philosophical, and ideological foundations of the Church as well as responsibility for its physical assets.

Its authority and limitations are defined in detail by the Constitution.

The corporation is controlled by a Board consisting of a minimum of five and a maximum of seven officers who also serve as trustees.

Board officers include a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.

The Constitution establishes qualifications and procedures for recommending and selecting individuals for Board service.

These include requirements concerning length of Church membership, regular attendance, doctrinal support, references, and ministerial recommendation.

The Board is required to meet at least once annually. Special meetings may also be called or requested according to the procedures established by the Constitution.

Directors serve terms established by the Constitution, which also provides circumstances under which a directorship may end.

Annual Board business includes reviewing the spiritual condition, growth, activities, finances, and future plans of the Church.

The Constitution distinguishes the Board's oversight responsibilities from day-to-day executive management.

Insert the complete existing text of Articles XI and XII here, maintaining their official section numbering and wording.

Proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted to the Board in writing and considered at a meeting of the full Board of Directors.

Adoption of an amendment requires the unanimous vote of all members of the Board.

The Constitution states that the Church is a nonprofit organization and is not established for the personal financial gain of its directors, officers, ministers, or members.

Compensation and reimbursement are governed by the provisions contained in the official article.

In the event of dissolution, the Constitution provides that no remaining assets shall accrue to the personal benefit of any director, officer, minister, employee, or member.

Remaining assets are to be transferred to an appropriate nonprofit religious or charitable organization meeting the requirements defined by the Constitution.