In Christ Service Ministries

Constitution

Constitution

CONSTITUTIONThat God's purpose concerning man is (1) to seek and to save that which is lost, (2) to be worshiped by man, and (3) to build a body of believers in the image of His Son.That these believers, saved and called out of the world, constitute the Body or Church of Jesus Christ built and established upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.That the members of the Body, the Church (ecclesia) of Jesus Christ, are enjoined to assemble themselves for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God, the work of the ministry, and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for New Testament church order.That it is evident the early apostolic churches came together in fellowship as a representative body of saved, Spirit-filled believers who ordained and sent out evangelists and missionaries, and under the supervision of the Holy Spirit set over the church pastors and teachers.That the priority reason-for-being of the In Christ Service Ministries is to be an agency of God for evangelizing the world, to be a corporate body in which man may worship God, and to be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.That In Christ Service Ministries exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, which enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs, adding a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God, and enabling them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ.That we are a cooperative fellowship of Spirit-baptized saints from local and distant assemblies of like precious faith throughout the United States to be known as In Christ Service Ministries whose purpose is neither to usurp authority over the various local assemblies, nor to deprive them of their scriptural and local rights and privileges; but to recognize and promote scriptural methods and order for worship, unity, fellowship, work, and business for God; and to disapprove unscriptural methods, doctrines, and conduct, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).ARTICLE I. NAMEThe business name is In Christ Service Ministries which refers to the legal entity.The term In Christ Service Ministries refers to the entire constituency.ARTICLE II. NATUREIn Christ Service Ministries is a cooperative fellowship based upon mutual agreements voluntarily entered into by its membership.ARTICLE III. PREROGATIVESThe prerogatives of In Christ Service Ministries shall be:a. To encourage and promote the evangelization of the world.b. To encourage and promote the worship of God.c. To encourage and promote the edification of believers.d. To provide a basis of fellowship among Christians of like precious faith.e. To establish and maintain such departments and institutions as may be necessary for the propagation of the gospel and the work of this fellowship.f. To approve scriptural teachings and practices, and to disapprove unscriptural teachings and practices. A list of disapproved doctrines and practices is set forth in Articles IX and X of the Bylaws.g. To have the right to own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property as may be needed for the prosecution of its work.ARTICLE IV. PRINCIPLES FOR FELLOWSHIPIn Christ Service Ministries shall represent, as nearly as possible, the body of Christ as described in the New Testament. It shall recognize the principles inherent in the Body as also inherent in this Fellowship, particularly the principles of unity, cooperation, and equality. It recognizes that these principles will enable it to achieve its priority reason-for-being as an agency of God for evangelizing the world, as a corporate body in which man may worship God, and as a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.ARTICLE V. STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHSThe Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.The Scriptures InspiredThe Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).The One True GodThe one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).THE ADORABLE GODHEAD(a) Terms DefinedThe terms trinity and persons, as related to the godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from "gods many and lords many." We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God, who is One Lord, as a Trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural (examples, Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16,17).(b) Distinction and Relationship in the GodheadChrist taught a distinction of persons in the godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but that this distinction and relationship, as to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained (Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Matthew 11:25-27; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3,4).(c) Unity of the One Being of Father, Son, and Holy GhostAccordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes Him the Father and not the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and there is that in the Holy Ghost which constitutes Him the Holy Ghost and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore, the Father is the Begetter; the Son is the Begotten; and the Holy Ghost is the One proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these three persons in the godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name one (John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9).(d) Identity and Cooperation in the GodheadThe Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are never identical as to person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the godhead; noropposed as to cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Ghost is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority. Hence, no person in the godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others (John 5:17-30,32,37; 8:17,18).(e) The Title, Lord Jesus ChristThe appellation Lord Jesus Christ, is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament either to the Father or to the Holy Ghost. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God (Romans 1:1-3,7; 2 John 3).(f) The Lord Jesus Christ, God With UsThe Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is, therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man, is "Immanuel," God with us (Matthew 1:23; 1 John 4:2,10,14; Revelation 1:13,17).(g) The Title, Son of GodSince the name Immanuel embraces both God and man, in the one person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title Son of God describes His proper deity, and the title Son of Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God belongs to the order of eternity, and the title Son of Man to the order of time (Matthew 1:21-23; 2 John 3; 1 John 3:8; Hebrews 7:3; 1:1-13).(h) Transgression of the Doctrine of ChristWherefore, it is a transgression of the doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title Son of God solely from the fact of the Incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption. Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God; a denial of the Father and the Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (2 John 9; John 1:1,2,14,18,29,49; 1 John 2:22,23; 4:1-5; Hebrews 12:2).(i) Exaltation of Jesus Christ as LordThe Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him. And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Ghost that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).(j) Equal Honor to the Father and to the SonWherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Ghost to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of deity, and to give Him all the honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the godhead except those which express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, and d), and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father (John 5:22,23; 1 Peter 1:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Philippians 2:8,9; Revelation 7:9,10; 4:8-11).The Deity of the Lord Jesus ChristThe Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:a. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).b. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).c. His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).d. His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).e. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).f. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).The Fall of ManMan was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).The Salvation of ManMan's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.a. Conditions to Salvation.b. The Evidences of Salvation.The Ordinances of the Churcha. Baptism in Water.b. Holy Communion.The Baptism in the Holy GhostAll believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9). With the baptism in the Holy Ghost come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20).SanctificationSanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15,16).Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5).The Church and Its MissionThe Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her Great Commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason-for-being of In Christ Service Ministries as part of the Church is:a. To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16).b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13).c. To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).In Christ Service Ministries exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:a. Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4).b. Adds a necessary dimension to a worshipful relationship with God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12-14).The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements-bread and the fruit of the vine-is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!" The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4). The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12). Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).ARTICLE VI. RELATIONSHIPSIn Christ Service Ministries shall prosecute its activities through its general offices.ARTICLE VII. MEMBERSHIPSection 1. The General Council of In Christ Service MinistriesThe membership of The General Council of In Christ Service Ministries shall consist of all ordained and licensed ministers holding a current fellowship certificate and churches holding a Church Charter issued by In Christ Service Ministries..Section 2. In Christ Service MinistriesThe membership of In Christ Service Ministries shall consist of all ministers of In Christ Service Ministries and all other persons who are members of churches affiliated with The General Council of In Christ Service Ministries and its twelve regions. ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGSSection 1. Regular SessionsRegular sessions of The General Council of In Christ Service Ministries shall be held biennially, pursuant to a call by the General OverseerSection 2. Special SessionsSpecial sessions of The General Council of In Christ Service Ministries shall be called by the General Overseer if agreed to by the unanimous vote of Board of Bishops. ARTICLE IX. OFFICERSSection 1. Board of Bishopsa. Officers and terms of office.b. Board of Administration.Section 2. Executive Presbyteryb. Board of directors.Section 3. General Presbyteryc. World missions representation.d. Endorsed postsecondary schools representation.e. Evangelists representation..ARTICLE X. REGIONAL COUNCILSSection 1. MembershipMembership of each regional council shall be determined by the regional constitution and bylaws.Section 2. Area of SupervisionThe regional council shall have supervision over all the ecclesia and sacerdotal activities of In Christ Service Ministries in its prescribed field, except as provided for in the General Council Constitution and Bylaws or in cooperative agreements between the General Council and the regional council.Section 3. Credentialing AuthorityThe regional council shall have the authority to examine and present candidates who qualify as certified ministers, licensed ministers, or ordained ministers in accordance with Article VII of the Bylaws. The applications of such candidates shall be forwarded to The Board of Bishops of the In Christ Service Ministries for presentation and for final review and forward to the General Overseer for issuance of the ministerial credential if the qualifications prescribed by Article VII of the Bylaws are satisfied. Any level of formal academic achievement (diploma or degree) shall not be a requirement for credentials.Section 5. Areas of AuthorityThe regional council shall elect its own officers and arrange for its own meetings, a copy of minutes and elected officers will be forwarded to the Board of Bishops and the General Overseer.Section 6. Relationship With the General CouncilThe regional council shall not violate the Constitution or Bylaws of In Christ Service Ministries. In the prosecution of its work the regional council shall keep vigilant watch against any violation of the principles of spiritual unity and cooperative fellowship to which In Christ Service Ministries Fellowship is unalterably dedicated. It shall be amenable to In Christ Service Ministries in matters of doctrine and the discipline of ministers.ARTICLE XI. LOCAL ASSEMBLIESSection 1. Affiliated AssembliesA affiliated assembly is one that has applied for and has received a Church Charter from In Christ Service Ministries.a. Requirements for affiliation.(1) Accept the tenets of faith of In Christ Service Ministries;(2) Adopt a standard of membership that may be determined either by the local assembly or by agreement with the regional council;(3) Have a minimum active voting membership of 2 or 3 persons who shall accept responsibility to maintain scriptural order in the local body;(4) Adopt a constitution or bylaws compatible with models recommended by the regional council, or regional approved governance models that provide for adequate accountability, amenability, and safeguards so that a pastor and/or governing body cannot directly or indirectly exert dictatorial control over a church;(5) Have an adequate number of spiritually qualified members to fill the offices of the church called for in its constitution or bylaws; and(6) Make provision for a pastor who is a credentialed minister in good standing with In Christ Service Ministries and a regional council.b. Relationship to and support of In Christ Service Ministries and regional councils.c. Right of self-government (sovereign rights).d. Subordinate in matters of doctrine and conducte. Right of appealSection 2. Regional Council Affiliated AssembliesProvision shall be made by the regional councils for regional council affiliated assemblies which shall be under the supervision of the regional council, in accordance with the provisions of the regional council constitution and bylaws. These assemblies shall be encouraged to proceed to the status of sovereign In Christ Service Ministries affiliated assemblies.Section 3. Cooperating AssembliesProvision may be made by regional councils and the Board of Bishops for the status of a cooperating assembly, which would allow churches that subscribe to Article V. Statement of Fundamental Truths of In Christ Service Ministries Constitution to enter into a cooperative status with a regional and In Christ Service Ministries on a temporary basis (4-year term, renewable by the request of the local church congregation at the discretion of the regional council in cooperation with the Board of Bishops of In Christ Service Ministries) before officially affiliating with the regional council and In Christ Service Ministries..Section 4. In Christ Service Ministries Total Giving ParticipationAll assemblies are expected to have an interest in, and contribute regularly to, In Christ Service Ministries Total Giving plan.ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTIONThe assets of In Christ Service Ministries, a Texas based business, are irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes as stated in its Articles of Agreement and this Constitution. In the event of the dissolution of the business, and after providing for the payment of its debts and obligations, the remaining assets will not inure to the benefit of any private person or persons but will be distributed to one or more nonprofit organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes and which are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. In Christ Service Ministries however has not filed as a non profit organization and will not seek to do so, all profit received will be recorded and reported to IRS. ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTSAmendments to the Constitution may be made at any regularly called session by the General Overseer provided that the proposed amendments have been submitted in writing at least 6 months in advance to the Board of Bishops, however, no amendments will be considered in changing the statement of faith or directions of this ministry. Before the Board of Bishops may submit proposed amendments for consideration by a session of In Christ Service Ministries , it shall provide written notice of the proposed amendments by regular mail to the office of each region or any successor publication sent periodically to ministers of In Christ Service Ministries, not later than 60 days prior to said session. Amendments to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds vote of all members present and voting. When in need of counsel or advice, the affiliated assembly may appeal to the regional officers for help. It may appeal from a decision by the regional officers to the Board of Bishops of In Christ Service Ministries when there is a question whether or not the assembly has received proper help from the region. When exceptions are taken to the decisions of the Board of Bishops an affiliated assembly or by the regional council , appeal may be made to the General Overseer.. A affiliated assembly shall recognize that a regional council or In Christ Service Ministries has the right to approve scriptural doctrine and conduct and to disapprove unscriptural doctrine and conduct and the authority to withdraw its Church Charter if deemed necessary. (See Article IX of the Bylaws.) Each affiliated assembly has the right of self-government under Jesus Christ, its living Head, and shall have the power to choose or call its pastor, elect its official board, and transact all other business pertaining to its life as a local unit. It shall have the right to administer discipline to its members according to the Scriptures and its constitution or bylaws. It shall have the right to acquire and hold title to property, either through trustees or in its corporate name as a self-governing unit. The fact it is affiliated with In Christ Service Ministries shall in no way destroy its rights as above stated or interfere with its sovereignty. The governance model adopted by the local assembly shall conform to the guidelines of Constitution Article XI, Section 1, paragraph a, subparagraph (4). A affiliated assembly should cooperate in the work and support the programs of In Christ Service Ministries and regional councils and may send delegates to In Christ Service Ministries and regional councils. Churches desiring to be affiliated with In Christ Service Ministries shall meet the following requirements. They shall: 
( In Christ Service Ministries evangelists shall be represented on the Executive Board of Bishops by the national evangelists representative, by virtue of office. The duly endorsed Bible School shall be represented by the Administrator currently served by the General Overseer but as this area may grow may constitute a separate position. The foreign fields shall be represented by the Regional Bishops of Europe, Asia and South America, along with the Board of Bishops and the General Overseer. The Executive Board of Bishops performing such functions as are usual and customary for a board of directors. . The executive officers shall constitute a Board of Administration. The officers shall consist of the Chairman currently held by the General Overseer, together with three members and will be increased to five as may be authorized in the future. Their terms of service will be for life as long as they keep active with In Christ Service Ministries. . 
(Constitutional Declarationc. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29).

The MinistryA divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) worship of God (John 4:23,24), and (3) building a Body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11,16).Divine HealingDivine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).The Blessed HopeThe resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).The Millennial Reign of ChristThe second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4).The Final JudgmentThere will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).The New Heavens and the New Earth"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21,22).
WE BELIEVE: Constitution

CONSTITUTION

That God’s purpose concerning man is (1) to seek and to save that which is lost, (2) to be worshiped by man, and (3) to build a body of believers in the image of His Son.

That these believers, saved and called out of the world, constitute the Body or Church of Jesus Christ built and established upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.

That the members of the Body, the Church (ecclesia) of Jesus Christ, are enjoined to assemble themselves for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God, the work of the ministry, and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for New Testament church order.

That it is evident the early apostolic churches came together in fellowship as a representative body of saved, Spirit-filled believers who ordained and sent out evangelists and missionaries, and under the supervision of the Holy Spirit set over the church pastors and teachers.

That the priority reason-for-being of the In Christ Service Ministries is to be an agency of God for evangelizing the world, to be a corporate body in which man may worship God, and to be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son.

That In Christ Service Ministries exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, which enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs, adding a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God, and enabling them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ.

That we are a cooperative fellowship of Spirit-baptized saints from local and distant assemblies of like precious faith throughout the United States to be known as In Christ Service Ministries whose purpose is neither to usurp authority over the various local assemblies, nor to deprive them of their scriptural and local rights and privileges; but to recognize and promote scriptural methods and order for worship, unity, fellowship, work, and business for God; and to disapprove unscriptural methods, doctrines, and conduct, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, "till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).

c. Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29).

The Ministry

A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) worship of God (John 4:23,24), and (3) building a Body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11,16).

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4).

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21,22).

WE BELIEVE: