By-Laws

Preamble

All Christians’ Fellowship International Ministries was established solely to advance religious, educational, and charitable initiatives. As a result, all individuals in leadership positions, including the General Overseer (President), serve voluntarily, thereby characterising the Ministry as vocational.

The Ministry’s vision encompasses all of humanity. As such, the General Overseer (GO) and the members are dedicated to actively participating in diverse Christian missions. This includes fostering spiritual growth and organising efforts to provide humanitarian support for those in need, both in our local communities and around the globe.

This document outlines the official rules and regulations of the Ministry alongside the Administrative Structure. We find ourselves in an era marked by inconsistency, lawlessness, and confusion, where many Churches and Ministries operate without clear standards, often guided by the mindset of “I’ll do it my way.” The leadership of this Ministry acknowledges this reality and sets forth our expectations for disciples who demonstrate integrity. We seek individuals whose character remains unblemished, whose doctrine is sound, whose relationships with God and others are genuine, whose thoughts are pure, whose vision is forward-thinking, whose loyalty is unwavering, and whose lives are anchored in faith.

The attributes described above form the basis for selecting our Coworkers and Collaborators. It is essential to emphasise that the Ministry explicitly seeks individuals who have a spiritual conviction about God’s calling to serve within this Ministry. Thus, the criteria for selecting our Coworkers and Collaborators can be derived from the Bible, particularly from Luke 6:12–16, which recounts how Jesus chose His disciples and appointed twelve Apostles.

May the Lord grant you a sincere heart to make a quality decision regarding serving His people in this Ministry.

The President

The President is the global spiritual head and the Ministry’s General Overseer (G.O.). The President represents the Ministry before governmental bodies, international organisations, and similar institutions worldwide, and oversees all Regional Overseers, the Administrative Boards, and the Ministry’s missions worldwide. The President can convene meetings with the Regional Overseers (the High Commission) and any of the Boards (Regional and Local) as needed, presides over these meetings, and may delegate authority to the Regional Overseers when necessary.

Delegation

For specific assignments, the President can delegate tasks to Regional Overseers, Presiding Pastors, and the Regional Administrative Boards (RAB). In certain circumstances, the President may also appoint a member of the RAB to act as their representative. This principle extends to the Regional Overseers and Presiding Pastors, who may designate members of their respective Boards to represent them as needed.

The Regional Overseer

1. a The individuals appointed by the General Overseer to be the head and overseer of the Ministry in the country or region.
2. b The individual collaborates with the President and the General Overseer of the Ministry whenever such collaboration is requested.
3. c The individual serves as a substitute for the President when the President is absent or when specifically assigned to do so. In this capacity, the individual assumes the same obligations, powers, and responsibilities outlined for the President in these Bylaws.
4. d The individual relates and reports to the President on behalf of the Ministry and the Regional Administrative Board’s activities.
5. e In collaboration with the Regional Secretary, the individual will circulate notices of meetings and the agenda.
6. f The individual is to coordinate the Ministry’s activity at the regional level and closely follow the overall development of all Local Assemblies.
7. g In collaboration with the Regional Secretary, the Regional Overseer is to ensure that the necessary administrative tools and teaching materials are provided for all the Assemblies (e.g., Letterhead paper, Accounting Books, Membership Forms, Follow-up Letters, Doctrinal Statements, Sunday School and Bible Study materials, Tithes’ Cards, all kinds of Envelopes, etc.).

The Regional Administrative Board (RAB)

1. a This includes the Regional Overseer, all Pastors, the Elders, and the Ordained Evangelists. These officially ordained individuals will serve the Ministry in this capacity.
2. b Membership of the RAB and Candidateship for its posts excludes the Deacons and Deaconesses.
3. c The Regional Administrative Secretary will provide support to the group. While they participate in meetings, it is important to note that they do not hold membership status.

Exclusive Functions of the Regional Administrative Board

1. a To unite Christians from all nations and foster a family atmosphere that promotes belonging within the Ministry’s various assemblies.
2. b To promote and coordinate the potential of all members, making them more potent for the mission and bringing forth the growth of Evangelism and Mission through individual and collective witnessing in line with the Ministry’s vision.
3. c Reviews and approves the operations of the Presbytery Board, including individual functionaries, groups, and specialised committees of all Assemblies.
4. d The Regional Administrative Board reserves the right to revoke membership from any member who engages in disruptive behaviour and to implement appropriate disciplinary measures when warranted.
5. e The Regional Administrative Board inaugurates any other individual functionaries, Groups, and Specialised Committees required for the work of the Ministry within the stipulated regulations in this Handbook. However, the Presbytery Board of the Assemblies must recommend such an inauguration.
6. f Institutes Reverences or Specialised Committees established to examine and address specific issues related to the Ministry’s Vision and Fundamental Principles. The RAB reviews the reports from these committees and subsequently submits them to the General Overseer for approval before their practical implementation.

The Administrative Secretaries (General, Regional, and Local)

The Administrative Secretaries are individuals appointed by the General Overseer, Regional Overseers, and Presiding Pastors. Their roles are vital to the smooth operation of All Christians’ Fellowship International Ministries globally, within the regions, and at the Local Church level. The Administrative Secretaries collaborate closely with one another to fulfil their responsibilities. Their responsibilities include overseeing administrative and organisational tasks vital for the smooth operation of all assemblies while ensuring that their activities align with the Ministry’s vision. Local Secretaries will collaborate with and report to Regional Secretaries, who will then report to the General Administrative Secretary.

Regular responsibilities of the Secretaries include:

1. a Create and manage an information network (WhatsApp, etc.).
2. b Respond to the needs of the assemblies regarding the distribution of teaching and evangelism resources.
3. c Ensure participation and the success of each assembly’s monthly leadership team meeting — a crucial platform for training, strategic planning, and decision-making.
4. d Facilitate mass participation of members in the Ministry’s Monthly Worldwide Intercession Prayers.
5. e Manage and facilitate leadership candidates’ training and ordination process, as directed by the Presiding Pastors and the Regional Overseer.
6. f Coordinate and facilitate the end-of-the-year Pastoral appreciation (Love Offerings) in all assemblies.
7. g Collaborate with the Presiding Pastors and the Treasurers to ensure the timely remittance of “Tithe of Tithes” from each assembly to the central.
8. h Facilitate and manage the General and Regional Overseers’ calendar and Mission Travel arrangements.
9. i Maintain a record of all activities and programmes of the RAB/PB, including reports from other organs and specialised committees established by the boards.
10. j Prepare correspondence and reports and ensure that all records and record books are accurately and consistently maintained. These record books should include the names and addresses of members, telephone numbers, and email addresses. They are also responsible for making visitor forms, follow-up letters, and membership forms available to the ushers and anyone else who may need them.
11. k The Regional and Local Administrative Secretaries must complete other tasks designated by the General Administrative Secretary.

The Presbytery Board

1. a This comprises the Presiding Pastor, Elders, Deacons, and Deaconesses. These people have already been officially ordained to serve the Ministry in those areas.
2. b An Administrative Secretary working in collaboration with the Presiding Pastor and in line with the regulations in these Bylaws should be selected. Such a person must not be involved in any official engagement with the Ministry’s Regional Administrative Board (RAB).
3. c Membership of the Presbytery Board (PB) and Candidateship for its posts excludes the Activities Group Leaders.
4. d To promote and sponsor programmes that fulfil or lean towards accomplishing the Ministry’s Vision defined in the preamble above.
5. e To consider and recommend to the appropriate authority (Regional Administrative Board) all that is needed to realise the Ministry’s vision.
6. f To direct ministerial affairs of the Assembly, advise the Presiding Pastor, and execute and enforce the principles of the Ministry.
7. g To review all complete membership applications submitted by prospective members and provide their recommendations regarding the membership of these applicants to the Pastor.
8. h To prepare their Assembly’s annual budget for presentation to the Regional Administrative Board via the Finance Secretary for approval.
9. i To lead the Activity Groups in the church — each member must belong to at least two Activity Groups and lead one.
10. j All resolutions and suggestions of the Presbytery Board (PB) must be submitted to the Regional Administrative Board (RAB) for approval.
11. k The Presbytery Board (PB) must seek approval from the RAB for any additional functions of individuals, groups, or specialised committees not defined in these Bylaws.
12. l To observe and respect decisions the Ministry’s Regional Administrative Board (RAB) makes in their areas of competence as established in these Bylaws.

The Finance Secretary

1. a The Finance Secretary is responsible for managing the finances and fundraising policies of the entire national body, and organises the Ministry’s accounts with the necessary checks and balances.
2. b Reviews the budget proposals from all Assemblies and specialised Committees of the Ministry before presenting them to the National Administrative Board, as applicable.
3. c Confirms the accuracy of the budget and ensures the consistency of the funds that the Assemblies have with financial institutions (i.e., banks).
4. d Audits the Ministry’s accounts at local and national levels and reviews the finances of every functionary, board, assembly, and specialised committee within the Ministry.
5. e Receives and verifies the documented evidence of monthly returns, in order to prepare monthly and annual financial reports for the Boards and the General Overseer.
6. f Sends observations and recommendations directly to the relevant parties and provides copies to the Boards and the General Overseer. If the necessary corrections are made promptly based on the Finance Secretary’s observations, those observations will not be included in the final report presented at the end of the year.
7. g Ensures that rent and bills, as well as the President’s and Pastors’ monthly reimbursements, monthly contributions for missions (the tithe of the tithe), expenditure reimbursements to designated officials, subscriptions, and contributions or support to other external bodies, are paid promptly.
8. h Presents financial updates at each meeting of the Regional Administrative Board.
9. i Receives and answers queries and maintains files of correspondence and reports concerning financial matters. May be called when necessary to present the economic situation of the concerned Assembly to the congregation.

Church Treasurers

1. a Manage the funds for their respective assemblies and release resources as necessary for implementing the Ministry’s programmes and activities.
2. b Maintain up-to-date financial statements for the Church and records of all monetary matters, including tithes, offerings, and donations. Responsible for accurately tracking individual members’ tithes and donations and issuing receipts for members’ Tax Returns at the end of the year.
3. c Forward, every month, and directly to the Financial Secretary, Documented Evidence (i.e., photocopies of Bank Statements, Receipts, and the Assembly’s Income and Expenditure Accounts book) showing the monthly monetary transactions.
4. d Ensure that rent and bills, the Pastors’ monthly reimbursements, monthly contributions for the mission (tithe of the tithes), expenditure reimbursements to authorised officials, subscriptions, and contributions to other external bodies are paid promptly.
5. e Provide updates on the Assembly’s financial position at each Presbytery Board meeting and offer financial advice and budgeting support.

Sunday School Teachers

1. a These individuals must be officially ordained as ministers. They are to lead the teachers’ group and coordinate all teaching categories, such as Adult and Children’s Sunday School classes, Foundation classes, and Home Bible Study.
2. b They must ensure widespread participation of the congregation and proper care for all teaching materials.
3. c They will distribute Sunday School materials and advise the Presiding Pastor on additional teaching and learning needs.
4. d With the Pastor’s approval, additional teachers can be recruited and recommended for training to assist as needed.

Prayer Group Leaders

1. a Prayer is God’s lifeline and a means to His bosom. It draws God’s attention to human problems. If officially ordained, these individuals are to lead the Prayer Group. They must do their best to enhance the Church’s prayer life.
2. b They are expected to organise a group of “Prayer Warriors.” They should coordinate individual prayer requests from the church members and be responsible for organising Power Nights.
3. c They can arrange intercessory prayers when needed but must first seek the Pastor’s consent. This requires constant communication with the Pastor regarding members’ prayer requests.
4. d These individuals will be in the church to pray before church services on Sundays and during special programmes such as crusades, conventions, anniversaries, etc., as needed, and oversee their group’s functions as outlined in the Activity Group section.

Head Ushers

1. a If officially ordained, these individuals lead the Chapel Committee in their respective assemblies and oversee their committees’ functions as outlined in the Activity Group section.
2. b They will collaborate with the Presiding Pastors and the Church Administrative Secretary to distribute Visitors’/Decision Forms and Membership Forms regularly.
3. c With the Pastor’s assistance, they could recruit and train more members.
4. d They are to assist their respective treasurers in collecting and calculating money for the Assembly.

Music Director

If officially ordained, these persons are the heads of the Church Choir in their respective Assembly, charged with supervising their Group functions as described in the Activity Group section.

1. a Maintain a Choir that is well-coordinated and well-disciplined.
2. b Ensure compliance with the Choir Guides.
3. c Personally responsible for the maintenance and safekeeping of the Musical Instruments.
4. d Lead the Hymns, Praise, and Worship during worship service and other church programmes (may also select any capable member of the team to do it).
5. e May recruit more singers into the Church Choir, with the Pastor’s approval.
6. f The Music Director will be assisted by an Assistant Director who will take charge of the Choir in the director’s absence.

Librarians

1. a Individuals appointed by the Presiding Pastors will manage the Assembly’s Library.
2. b They are to be responsible for running and maintaining their Assembly’s Library, with an adequate recording of the movement of the Library materials.
3. c They should actively promote the use of library resources by regularly announcing the available materials to the congregation and implementing a straightforward system that encourages borrowing and returning items.
4. d The librarians may take the initiative when necessary to expand the library’s resources and other facilities, and they can recommend such expansion to their Assembly Presbytery Board for consideration.

Meetings

1. a The Regional Administrative Board (RAB) and the Presbytery Board (PB) of each Assembly meet separately for regular sessions once a month. They also hold extraordinary sessions whenever the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board believes it is necessary. Additionally, an extraordinary meeting must be called if at least half the board members request it and provide a valid reason.
2. b In collaboration with the Chairperson of the Boards, the Secretaries of these Boards must communicate one week in advance the date and venue fixed by the Boards in their previous meetings and send this information to the members and to all they need to invite to the meeting.
3. c The information should contain (i) the agenda of the meeting, (ii) the date, and (iii) the place of the meeting.
4. d Every meeting starts with prayers. The Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as the case may be) chooses privately the persons who will coordinate the prayers and preach during the sessions.
5. e The Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as the case may be) presides over the meetings, and must ensure that they are conducted orderly and decently, following the rules and regulations.
6. f The chair should put into discussion all different arguments and viewpoints, moderate the discussions, and announce the voting results.
7. g The Secretary verifies attendance to ensure all members are present for vital decisions, reads the minutes of the previous meeting, and takes notes on all decisions made during the session.
8. h Attendance at these meetings is crucial for all members. In the event of unavoidable absenteeism, a written notice should be sent to the National Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as applicable) before the meeting dates. However, a telephone call may also suffice.
9. i Failure to do so according to the section above may attract disciplinary action. Nevertheless, the Board may recommend further disciplinary action for any member who fails to attend official meetings on three consecutive occasions without prior communication.

Deliberation

1. a Regional Administrative Board (RAB) can deliberate validly when there is present at the meeting three-quarters (¾) of its members; and the Presbytery Board (PB) when there is three-quarters (¾) of its members.
2. b Most members present can pass Motions or Proposals except otherwise established by other sections of these By-Laws.
3. c The Regional Administrative Board and/or the Presbytery Board (RAB/PB) can summon individual functionaries, groups, or special committees within the Ministry for inquiries or to provide information regarding their areas of competence or any issues about the Ministry. However, the PB must present a recommendation to the RAB concerning all such matters.
4. d The Regional Administrative Board (RAB) is the only authority that can terminate the work or fellowship of any individual, group, or special committee within the Ministry if they act contrary to the Ministry’s Fundamental Principles or if they have fulfilled their purpose.

The Order of Deliberation

The members will first review and approve the agenda prepared by the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board, as applicable. During this approval process, they can suggest modifications to any agenda item and make any necessary additions.

Right to Speak

All members participating in the meetings possess equal rights to speak. However, when necessary, the National Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as applicable) may limit the number of speakers on a particular issue and set the duration of individual remarks. Those who raise a “Point of Order” or pose a “Question” regarding the current topic under discussion will be allowed to speak before the conversation resumes. The Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as relevant) is authorised to maintain order during these deliberations to prevent confusion.

Proposals

Proposals will be addressed in the order outlined in the agenda; however, the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board may adjust this order to suit the needs of the Assembly better. Proposals must be submitted to the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor in written form and signed by at least two members. Members are required to come prepared with their written materials for the meeting. The discussion will begin with one of the proposers illustrating the issue at hand. Multiple proposals concerning the same issue may be discussed simultaneously. Nevertheless, the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor may request that those presenting differing views work to unify their proposals before the meeting’s deliberation. Proposers can withdraw their proposals, which can be resubmitted by another pair of individuals, who must also provide their signatures.

Amendments to Proposals

1. a Amendments must be presented to the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as the case may be) in written form and signed by at least two members.
2. b The amendments will be discussed in the order they were presented, with voting occurring accordingly. However, the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board, as applicable, may adjust this order based on the opportunity to address the needs of the meeting.
3. c The discussion will illustrate the proposed amendments presented by any individual who signed them.
4. d More than one amendment presented on the same argument can be treated if the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as the case may be) believes so. In the same way, he can ask the members who presented the amendment to first unify their views within themselves.

Interrogations

1. a Experts, specialists, and any concerned individuals, groups, or specialised committees pertinent to a specific situation may be invited to participate in technical discussions during meetings.
2. b Each member of the Board has the right to pose questions or interrogate other members to better understand the facts surrounding the issues under discussion. However, these inquiries should be submitted in writing to either the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board, who will then formally present the questions to the relevant individual during the questioning.

Voting on Decisions

1. a After each discussion, the National Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board, as applicable, will call for a vote. However, they will refrain from initiating the voting process until it is confirmed that the quorum specified by the By-Laws has been met.
2. b The Boards cannot make valid decisions if at least three-quarters (¾) of their members are absent from the meeting.
3. c Decisions made by the Board require a majority vote from those present, unless the By-Laws stipulate a higher majority is needed.
4. d Each Board member is responsible for verifying the quorum before voting, typically conducted by a show of hands.

Modification or Cancellation of Decisions

Proposals to annul or modify a decision that was validly made during the same session of the RAB/PB meeting must be submitted in writing. These proposals should first be directed to the Regional Overseer or the Presiding Pastor of the Presbytery Board (as applicable), who will then formally present them to the meeting for consideration. The proposal must be signed by at least one-quarter (¼) of the members present at that meeting. If deemed necessary by the Board, any modifications or cancellations of decisions must ultimately receive approval from three-quarters (¾) of the votes cast by the total members present at the RAB/PB meeting.

Elections (Church-based Organisations)

1. a A Coordinator and a Treasurer (with a maximum of two Officers per group) shall be elected from among the members of Church-based Organisations to lead each Organisation for a two-year term.
2. b The Presbytery Board will conduct the election process.
3. c An incumbent officer may retain their position unless voted out by the members.
4. d Leadership of the other Activity Groups shall be reviewed for potential changes after one year, which may occur only if two-thirds of the members deem it necessary. Any changes must adhere to the procedures outlined in these By-Laws.

Electoral Commission

1. a The Presbytery Board (PB) appoints two members to form the commission responsible for conducting the elections and announcing the results for the Men’s and Women’s Fellowship Leaders.
2. b None of the commission members may participate in the election process, although they can exercise their voting rights.

Discontentment

Concerns about possible irregularities in the voting process must be raised immediately after the election results are announced. The Presbytery Board (PB) should articulate and promptly address these concerns.

Minutes

The Secretary of the RAB/PB (as the case may be) is to prepare the minutes of the meetings. They must contain a summary description of all the Board’s decisions and be mailed or given to all the members within a reasonable time.

Disciplinary Measures

The Regional Administrative Board shall adopt disciplinary measures, as outlined in the Ministry’s Statement of Faith and By-Laws, in cases involving individuals within the Ministry who severely violate its regulations, as detailed in this Handbook. The Board has the authority to impose disciplinary actions against any Ministry member. The grounds for such actions include: (1) Unscriptural conduct; (2) Doctrinal divergence from established tenets of faith; (3) Incompetence in their position; (4) Failure to engage with the Ministry’s programmes; and (5) Any other valid cause. Individuals facing charges can meet directly with the Regional Administrative Board for a fair and impartial hearing. The Board’s decision will be deemed final, and those individuals will have no further recourse.

Finance

1. a All full members are expected to contribute responsibly to the Ministry’s budget, which is aligned with the principles outlined in the Ministry’s Statement of Faith.
2. b Each worshipper is responsible for covering the expenses associated with participation in church fellowship or any other programmes organised by the Assemblies or the Ministry.
3. c Members of the primary Organs of the Ministry (RAB/PB) and Specialised Committees have the right to reimbursement for all expenses incurred while fulfilling their official duties, including designated travel expenses.
4. d Each Assembly is required to prepare its annual budget. This budget must be submitted to the Finance Secretary by or before December 1st, who will forward it to the Regional Administrative Board.
5. e The Finance Secretary will review the budget and provide feedback to the Assemblies by December 15th.
6. f If the Assemblies choose not to revise the budget based on the Finance Secretary’s recommendations, they must explain their reasons to the Regional Administrative Board.
7. g The Regional Administrative Board (RAB) will approve the final budget by December 31st of each year. The Ministry’s Financial Year concludes on December 31st annually.

Joint Programmes

1. a To foster effective interaction among the Assemblies and establish a robust mechanism for realising the Ministry’s vision, Assemblies are encouraged to organise Joint Fellowships and Activities as feasibly as possible throughout the year.
2. b These programmes will enable Assemblies to create connections among themselves to achieve the common objectives outlined by the Ministry; enhance Evangelism and Witnessing efforts within their local communities; and encourage brotherly communion through Combined or Joint Fellowships, Meetings, Conferences, Seminars, Picnics, and other collaborative activities that reflect and promote the Ministry’s vision.
3. c The Regional Administrative Board (RAB) will initiate and coordinate such events. An Elder will be appointed as Director of Operations, and the RAB will oversee and regulate the activities.
4. d In addition to programmes organised jointly by the RAB for the Ministry, each Assembly will have a designated official date annually during which all Assemblies are expected to support the activities or programmes of their sister Assemblies fully.
5. e Assemblies must coordinate their event dates to prevent scheduling conflicts. Therefore, information regarding chosen dates must be communicated clearly among the Assemblies at the start of the year.
6. f Engaging in acts that could lead to confusion, competition, tension, sectionalism, break-away or secession, and disorder within the Ministry is a punishable offence according to the Ministry’s By-Laws.

Inter-Ministerial Co-Operation

The President of this Ministry recognises the importance of fostering mutual understanding by sharing the Word of God through cooperation and interaction between ministries (Psalm 133). This cooperation aims to enrich one another for the glory of God (Romans 1:11–12) and to support each ministry in the work entrusted to them by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:1–27). We are open to partnerships with ministries, Christian organisations, or groups interested in affiliating with ACFI Ministries. Such partnerships will focus on ministerial fellowship, the provision of teaching materials, and training support. Additionally, ACFI Ministries warmly invites other ministries, Christian organisations, or groups to join us, subject to a recommendation from the Regional Administrative Board (RAB) to the General Overseer.

Conditions for Invitation of Foreign Ministers

1. a Inviting external individuals or bodies associated with our pulpits or the general spiritual input to our assemblies must be limited to a manageable number of occurrences each year, based on the assembly’s economic capacity.
2. b Any invitees must be born again and possess integrity. If the invitee is an individual, they should be actively involved in the five-fold ministry (i.e., full-time ministry) or engaged in a profession that promotes wholesome living and fosters godliness.
3. c Invitees must adhere to our doctrine and exemplify the teachings they proclaim.
4. d A member in good standing who has attended a recent event with the invitee must recommend that individual to the Presiding Pastor.
5. e Most importantly, the invitation must receive approval from the Regional Administrative Board, where such a board exists. In that case, the RAB’s decision should promptly be communicated to the President through the Regional Overseer. If the RAB does not exist, the Presiding Pastor or Elder must consult the President to obtain the necessary approval.

Guideline on Marriage Blessing, Engagement, and Courtship

1. a After praying, the brother (Proposing Groom) must confer with the Presiding Pastor in the Assembly before informing the sister of his intentions.
2. b The Presiding Pastor prays with the brother and investigates and weighs the spiritual lives of the brother and the sister.
3. c The Presiding Pastor counsels the brother on pre-marriage basics.
4. d In consultation with the Regional Overseer, the Presiding Pastor can approve or disapprove of the brother’s proposal. Of course, this depends on the outcome of the investigation.
5. e If the proposal is approved, the brother can propose to the sister. It should be noted that only the brothers can propose to sisters, not vice versa.
6. f The Presiding Pastor should also have a session with the sister after she has received the proposal.
7. g If one of the intending couples is from a different Ministry or Church, the brother (if an ACFI member) must confer with our Presiding Pastor before proposing, and the sister (if an ACFI member) must also confer with him before consenting.

Advantages of This Procedure

1. a It makes the brother and the sister serious and committed to their agreement.
2. b It prevents the possibility of “grass-hopping,” i.e., a brother moving from one sister to another sister.

Courtship Relationship

1. a The Presiding Pastor or their designated representative should hold regular sessions with the engaged couple to support them throughout the courtship process.
2. b At this stage of the relationship, all forms of physical intimacy — such as hugging, kissing, and cohabitation, including spending time together in private areas, as well as sexual intercourse — are strictly prohibited.

Traditional Marriage

1. a The Ministry recognises and respects traditional marriage.
2. b The Church cannot wed couples whose marriage is disapproved by their parents (except in cases where their parents’ protest negates the Bible).
3. c The intending suitor must pay due obligations to his fiancée’s family as a requirement in giving out their daughter to him.
4. d The Church forbids sacrifices to ancestral gods or any related activities.
5. e The Church disallows the offering of alcoholic wines and beverages to guests.
6. f The brother must disclose his Christian faith to the bride’s family, which forbids alcohol as part of the dowry. However, money can substitute for this.

The Church Wedding

If the wedding occurs here, the Church will constitute an organising committee to ensure its success.

1. a The Church may not contribute to the couple’s wedding.
2. b However, church members should be encouraged to support the couple financially and through individual efforts.
3. c As a standard policy, serving alcoholic beverages during the ceremony is prohibited, regardless of the circumstances. Additionally, the church authorities and the couple must mutually agree on selecting the officials for the reception in the church hall.

Cohabitation

1. a Cohabitation is living together between a man and a woman, married or unmarried. Cohabitation is only allowed after the Church wedding.
2. b At any other time before the Church wedding where such comes up, the Church views it as sexual immorality and will be treated as such.

Church Blessing

1. a Couples living together before being born again will be called up for a Church blessing without wedding garments and a veil.
2. b The Senior Pastor must counsel or organise marriage courses or seminars for intending couples.

Marriage Matters (Troubleshooting)

1. a The Pastor will intervene when a problem arises between the couple if they cannot settle it themselves.
2. b The husband will not eject his wife from their matrimonial home or engage one another in physical combat.
3. c Under no circumstances will the wife or the husband move out of their matrimonial home.

Based on These

1. a Separation is unrecognised and not allowed by the Church. Divorce is untenable (except under extreme biblical conditions, as in Matthew 5:32 and 1 Corinthians 7:15).
2. b Re-marriage is only tenable under Romans 7:2–3.
3. c Polygamy is unrecognised and not allowed by the Ministry.

Modification

These Bylaws may be amended to address specific circumstances within a particular region upon the proposal of the Regional Administrative Board of that region. Such a proposal must be presented in a written motion to the President and signed by at least four-fifths (4/5) of the relevant Board members. However, the President will require an unspecified amount of time to review and consider the motion before deciding.