Field Church
Guidelines

The guidelines distinguish between the spiritual Church of God—the body of Spirit-led Christians— and the physical organization through which believers coordinate their collective efforts.

The Intercontinental Church of God serves as the organizational structure that provides direction, coordination, ministerial oversight, and support for participating congregations.

Individual Christians may interact with others according to conscience and biblical principles. The guidelines distinguish those individual relationships from formal relationships entered into by a congregation as a church body.

Congregations are encouraged to protect doctrinal integrity, organizational identity, and unity when considering official cooperative activities.

The Extended Church provides support for individuals and families who live too far from an established congregation to attend regularly.

Such families are encouraged to remain connected with the Church, attend regional Holy Day and Feast services when possible, and seek ministerial guidance regarding organized local meetings.

Smaller groups may begin meeting together under ministerial guidance and may petition for formal recognition as a fellowship group.

Fellowship groups generally function similarly to a congregation but do not yet require the full organizational structure expected of a chartered church.

A local congregation seeking an official charter works with the ministry and Board of Directors through an established application and review process.

The charter process is intended to confirm stability, unity, brotherly love, and the congregation's ability to care for members whom God may add to the church.

Chartering provides a recognized relationship between the local congregation and the Intercontinental Church of God.

• Ministerial oversight and assistance.
• Recognition as an official ICG congregation.
• Referral of individuals seeking local fellowship.
• Participation in the broader work of the Church.
• Organizational and administrative support.
• Applicable nonprofit and donation benefits.

A local church council may be established under the direction of the pastor to involve lay members in the physical and administrative responsibilities of the congregation.

The council serves the congregation and advises the pastor. It does not replace the pastoral or ministerial responsibilities of church leadership.

Council members should demonstrate Christian maturity, regular church attendance, service, hospitality, sound personal conduct, and support for the mission and work of the Church.

Council membership is intended to be a position of service rather than status or authority.

• Assist with meeting facilities and local church needs.
• Support proper financial reporting and administration.
• Coordinate assistance for members in need.
• Encourage participation in Holy Day and Feast activities.
• Cooperate with the pastor and ministry.
• Assist in maintaining accurate local church records.

Deacons may be recommended by members and ordained by the ministry in accordance with the biblical example. Their primary role is service to the local congregation under ministerial direction.

Local church funds exist to meet legitimate congregational needs and are managed within the financial and fiduciary structure established by the Intercontinental Church of God.

Accurate contribution, expenditure, and banking records should be maintained, and regular financial summaries should be provided in accordance with Church requirements.

Financial transparency is an important part of responsible local administration. Appropriate records of income and expenditures should be maintained and reported regularly to members and Church leadership.

Ministers are responsible for providing spiritual leadership, overseeing congregations, teaching and feeding the flock, providing counseling and ministerial services, and maintaining appropriate accountability to the Church and to Jesus Christ.

Ministers are also encouraged to train others, coordinate regional services when appropriate, support Feast attendance, and maintain high ethical standards.

Speaking before a congregation carries spiritual responsibility. The Church therefore provides a credentialing process for individuals who regularly speak when a credentialed minister is not present.

Credentials are granted through ministerial recommendation and require character, biblical knowledge, maturity, and accountability.

Music is an important part of collective worship. Because individuals come from different musical backgrounds and preferences, congregations are encouraged to follow a balanced and moderate approach.

Worship music should be dignified, thoughtful, edifying to the congregation, and glorifying to God.

Those providing music or leading worship should work cooperatively with the ministry and within the established worship structure of the Church.

Members will not always agree on every question. The guidelines encourage patience, goodwill, biblical conflict resolution, and a sincere effort to preserve unity.

Matters that cannot be resolved locally may be referred through appropriate ministerial and organizational channels for clarification.

Church discipline is treated as a serious matter and includes safeguards intended to prevent unilateral or abusive action.

The guidelines provide for accountability, written reporting, and an avenue of appeal when formal disciplinary action is taken.

Recognition as a chartered congregation or fellowship group does not grant exclusive geographic territory.

More than one congregation or fellowship group may exist within the same general community when circumstances warrant.

No written manual can anticipate every circumstance a local congregation may encounter. Exceptions may therefore be considered through the appropriate Church review process.

The goal is to maintain appropriate local freedom while preserving the organizational cohesion and accountability necessary to accomplish the common work of the Church.