AFFILIATION
A General Council affiliated church is one that has at least 20 members, is capable of self-government, is not dependent on the district for financial or other support, conforms with Assemblies of God standards, and is set in order and approved by the district for General Council affiliation. (General Council Constitution Article XI and Bylaws Article VI). A district affiliated church is one that has not met the above requirements. The first step for a Potomac District church to move to the General Council affiliation is to consult with the sectional presbyter, and upon his approval, submit to our office written verification of the church's intent to pursue General Council affiliation (sometimes referred to as 'sovereign status'). The pastor and church board will work to draft bylaws suited to your local body, (click here for sample) and then submit them to our office for review. Once the bylaws are approved, the church's request to move to General Council affiliation will be placed on the next agenda of the Board of Presbyters or Executive Committee. Upon Board approval, we will inform the pastor to work with District officials to schedule a set-in-order service. The church will submit a completed application and appropriate fees to e endorsed by our office and forwarded to General Council.
| TO SUMMARIZE THE STEPS:
1. Consult with your sectional presbyter to determine if this is the proper time to consider General Council affiliation. 2. Inform our office in writing of intent to pursue General Council affiliation. 3. Work with church leaders to develop constitution and bylaws. (sample draft) 4. Submit draft of constitution and bylaws to secretary-treasurer for review. 5. Upon final approval, schedule set-in-order service officiated by District officer or presbyter. 6. Submit application and fees to District secretary-treasurer for endorsement and processing.
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