Section 3. Local Church Governance
3.5 Church Membership
3.5.1 Criteria for Membership
3.5.2 Process
3.5.3 Responsibilities and Privileges of Active Members
3.5.4 Active and Inactive Members
3.5.5 Transfer of Membership
3.5.2 Process
3.5.3 Responsibilities and Privileges of Active Members
3.5.4 Active and Inactive Members
3.5.5 Transfer of Membership
3.5.6 Dismissal from Membership
A member may be dismissed from membership if in the considered opinion of the pastor, church spiritual leadership, and the National Office, he/she evidences any of the following:
Procedure:
A member may be dismissed from membership if in the considered opinion of the pastor, church spiritual leadership, and the National Office, he/she evidences any of the following:
- Unchristian or unscriptural conduct contrary to the Declaration of Faith as outlined in THIS WE BELIEVE;
- Willfully functioning contrary to the best interests of the church;
- Failure to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Corporation.
Procedure:
- Prior to dismissal, the pastor and spiritual leadership shall counsel the member.
- When counseling has been ineffectual in bringing about the necessary changes, the matter shall be discussed with the National Office.
- The written approval of the National Office must be obtained prior to dismissal.
