Resolution #10 - Voluntary Cooperative Fellowship
WHEREAS, A statement on voluntary cooperative fellowship has been historically included in the application for ministerial credentials; and
WHEREAS, This statement should also be included in the General Council Bylaws; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That General Council Bylaws, Article VII, Section 2, page 118, be amended by the addition of the following paragraph g:
g. Voluntary Cooperation and Commitment to the Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
By voluntary it is meant that, upon learning the principles, doctrines, and practices of the Assemblies of God, and by seeing the benefits to be derived from being associated with such an organization, persons of their own free choice decide to become members, thus subscribing to all that for which the organization stands.
For the minister, by cooperation, it is meant, to the best of one’s ability, complying with all decisions setting forth and defining duties and responsibilities incumbent upon members of the organization. It includes active participation and will respect the will of the majority expressed through constitutional processes.
Hence, for the minister, voluntary cooperation means that when the minister decides to become a cooperating member of the Assemblies of God, this cooperation and participation thereby becomes obligatory and not optional.
And be it further
RESOLVED, That present paragraphs g through l be relettered h through m.
Sponsor: General Presbytery
Executive Presbytery
