Ever-increasingfaithchurch.org

Our Bylaws

ARTICLE 1
The Name and Legal Personality

1.01  The name of the church shall be Ever-increasing Faith Church Incorporated.

1.02  Ever-increasing Faith Church (the church) is hereby constituted as a religious institution being voluntary association existing as an entity distinct from its members.
 
1.03  The church will have perpetual succession and will be a separate juristic person having its own legal personality as an Universities personarum according to the common law of the Republic it is situated in.

1.04  This deed records the constitution of the church containing its objects, internal organization and doctrine, and replaces all other constitutions of the church.

1.05  The Ever-increasing Faith Church incorporation is hereby constituted as the evangelistic, institution of learning, health, television and radio broadcasting and charitable arm of the church and falls under the same constitution as the church.

      
ARTICLE 2
Statement of Faith

2.01  We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons (The Godhead) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Creator of all things.

2.02  We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the   
Father, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died, buried, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the Father’s right hand.

2.03  We believe in the Holy Scriptures of the old and new testaments, in
their original writing, by men fully inspired by God, and accept them as supreme and the final authority for faith,life and practice.

2.04  We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal salvation of the saved, and the eternal damnation of the lost.

2.05  We believe in personal salvation of believers by confession through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

2.06  We believe in sanctification through the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, and in holiness as manifested by proper  conduct and attitude of heart.

2.07  We believe in divine healing through faith in the name of Jesus Christ and that healing is included in the redemption of man. We also believe in the ministries of deliverance, reconciliation and restoration.

2.08  We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ appointed two ordinances – baptism in water after the new birth and the Lords Supper to be observed as acts of obedience as perpetual witnesses to the cardinal facts of the Christian Faith. Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water as an outwardconfession of identification with Christ in burial and resurrection, While the Lords supper is the partaking of the emblems as symbolic of the saviors broken body and shed blood, in remembrance of his sacrificial death until He comes.

2.09  We believe in prayer as a primary means of speaking to and hearing from God, and that a personal prayer language is birthed in the spirit of every believer who desires it for personal edification, and as help from the Holy Spirit who prays on our behalf for that which we do not know towards our benefit.

2.10  We believe in the Scriptural pattern of church government through
the ministries of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers and in God’s plan for spiritual authority within the church.

2.11  We believe in actively doing the work of evangelism and missions in accordance with the Great Commission as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.12  We believe in the literal Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to gather His prepared church to be with Him forever.
 
2.13  With regards to sexual behavior, we believe in heterosexual relationships between a natural man and a natural woman within the confines of lawful matrimony. Adherence to this stated principle of sexual behavior is an inherent requirement of membership of Ever-increasing Faith Church. 

ARTICLE 3
Principle of Autonomy

3.01  As Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church universal, and the Head of every local body of believers, this congregation has a primary responsibility to Jesus, who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls.

3.02  We hold as Scriptural and fundamental the principle that Christ has ordained local church government by qualified men called elders  in conjunction with deacons  meeting the standards set forth in the Scriptures and evidencing the call of God in their lives.

3.03  As this congregation is sovereign under Christ’s Headship, and all ecclesiastical power is exercised by the elders, deacons, and congregation, all decisions made shall not be subject to change or reversal by any other ecclesiastical body. This local church is autonomous, but advice and council from qualified ministers of other churches and ministries of like principles and faith may be sought.

ARTICLE 4
Church Government

The Church Will Consist of;

4.01  Local Assemblies: consisting of members of the church who comply with the requirements enumerated in 13.01 / 02 of the  Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church and the necessary requirements according to the Holy Spirit.

4.02  Local church committees of each Local Assembly.

4.03  District Council: Consisting of all the pastors in local churches in a given district and members specially appointed by the president to district council, who will serve for a period of one year.

4.04  The government of this church shall be understood to be from the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Whose authority is vested in the Presiding Bishop / Senior Pastor, the President and Founder, Rt Rev. Dr. Frank Idemudia Ogagba who is the visionary and the Chief Apostle / Elder and Chief Executive Officer. He shall seek divine direction from Christ, and shall articulate the vision and direction of the ministry to the leadership and the congregation globally.

4.05  Workers’ councils consisting of the local pastor, committee members and offices bearers of each independent local assembly.

4.06  A council of Bishops: Consisting of no more than five (5), which are ordained bishops in Ever-increasing Faith Church.

4.07  Because this church holds the sincere Scriptural belief that the government of the House of God should be administered by a plurality of elders that shall be chosen by the President, and headed by him the Board of Council shall be comprised of ordained ministers of the Gospel who are recognized as functioning in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and/or teacher. These elders shall either be in direct communion, fellowship, and service with this local congregation or, where circumstance dictate, in similar positions in other churches of like mind, character, and purpose in direct fellowship and communion with this local congregation. Such elders must meet the character qualifications established for elders in the Scriptures.

4.08  In the cases where there are insufficient elders qualified to serve on the Board of Council according to 7.01 of the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church, and 4.07 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church, or where specialized expertise is necessary and prudent for the administration of this corporation, lay persons from this local church who have demonstrated expertise and experience in matters of managing and financing the Kingdom of God may serve. In such cases these persons must meet Biblical character qualifications established for elders.  And must be chosen by the president or the pastor incharge.

4.09  The Board of Council shall meet as established in 4.10 of the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church and shall be charged with accomplishing the following business:

A. Hear reports and plans of the Senior Pastor concerning the work of the corporation.
B. Adopt operating budgets and financial plans for the work of the corporation.
C. Establish compensation and benefits of all ordained staff and employees.
D. Adopt goals and priorities for the year and as the Executive Committee to carry on the work of the corporation within the framework of the authorized goals, priorities, and financial plans.
E. Consider and act on all proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church and the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.
F. Establish and otherwise approve of all policies and procedures hereafter enacted to assist the elders and workers in the church in carrying out effective ministry.
G. Conduct any other business required by the Laws of the Republic of South Africa or in-house for the Board of Council of nonprofit corporations.

4.10  The Executive Committee shall conduct the day-to-day operations of the church and its integrated auxiliaries. This committee shall be authorized to conduct the business of the corporation and make whatever decisions are necessary between meetings of the Board of Council provided that the said actions are consistent with the budget, goals, and plans set forth by the Board of Council.

A. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the President / Senior Pastor and pastoral staff who serve the corporation in a full-time or part-time capacity. The Senior Pastor / President may also have other full-time staff personnel serve as advisory members of the Executive committee, either on an ongoing or temporary basis.

B. The President who is the Senior Pastor shall at all times serve as chairman of the Executive Committee.

C. The Executive Committee shall monitor all activities of the corporation, and shall call special meetings of the Board of Council whenever the situation calls for decisions beyond the scope of the goals and guidelines established by the board.

D. The Executive Committee shall meet at least monthly, and shall be responsible for the following:

1. Carrying on the day-to-day business and ministry of the corporation within the guidelines of the Board of Council.
2. Follow the directives of the Board of Council for the current year.
3. Monitor the corporation’s activities and call for special meetings of the Board of Council when needed.
4. Employ and terminate personnel, engage professional services, solicit volunteers, and otherwise secure personnel and resources to conduct the business and goals of the corporation.

4.11  The president shall at all times appoint and re-appoint any member in any position in the church.

4.12  The president shall delegate from time to time such functions designated to him in term of this constitution according to his sole discretion and as led by the Holy Spirit. He will also exercise other rights as may be necessary to effectively exercise the right, functions and duties designated to him by this constitution and to stay in tune with the vision given him by God.

4.13  The President will control all asserts of the church and especially its movable and immovable property, loans, funds, purchase and sale of immovable property.

ARTICLE 5
Senior Pastor

5.01  Spiritual oversight and direction for the church shall be provided by the Senior Pastor,  who shall be at all times the chief executive officer of the church and the
Chairman of the Board of Council, Executive Committee. The Senior Pastor shall have charge over all departments, phases, and functions of the church, and shall delegate
duties in the various functions of the (ministry) church as he determines necessary.  The Senior Pastor shall have final decision in all matters relating directly to the church.

5.02  Primary responsibility of the Senior Pastor shall be in the area of pulpit ministry and oversight, study, prayer and intercession, and daily ministry before the Lord. He shall give general oversight and direction for the Pastors, Elders and Deacons of the churches.

5.03  The Senior Pastor, in Counsel with the Board of Council and the Advisory Council, shall name and/or approve all leaders to their respective fields of ministry, including Council members, elders, advisors, home fellowship group leaders, and deacons. He also shall approve the hiring of all new employees of the church.

5.04  The Senior Pastor shall, in Counsel with the Board of Council, name and train a minister to succeed him in the event of his resignation, retirement, or death. If the Senior Pastor’s resignation, retirement, or death occurs before he has named his successor, the Board of Council shall appoint a successor.

5.05  The Senior Pastor shall designate to the Board of Council and Executive Committee appointed persons from sister congregations whom he considers to be his pastoral Council. The said pastoral Council shall be available to the Board of Council and the Executive Committee in times of emergency or misconduct involving the Senior Pastor.

5.06  The Senior Pastor shall meet the Scriptural qualifications for elder enumerated in 6.01(C) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

5.07  Charges and accusations against any leader shall be considered according to the provisions of 14.05 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church and any disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted according to 14.03(E) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church. In compliance with this bylaw, the leader shall agree to a paid leave of absence until the concern in question is resolved for public accountability.

ARTICLE 6
Elders

6.01  Ever-increasing Faith Church shall be guided by elders who shall be recognized as ministers called by God to serve in the Scriptural offices of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher, and who are appointed by God to serve in this particular congregation These ministries shall be recognized and set in place within this particular congregation by the Senior Pastor, and whenever possible, shall be 
supported by the tithes and offerings of the congregation.

A. Elders shall be eligible to serve in office as long as they remain active in the fellowship and ministry of the church and be loyal to the president and vision of the ministry, and as long as they continue to fulfill the Scriptural qualifications for elders.

B. Candidates for ordination as elder shall meet the following qualifications:

1. Give evidence of a personal saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the salvation experience;

2. Give clear evidence of having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the operation of the manifestations and fruits of the Holy Spirit in his or her life;

3. Demonstrate a confirmed calling of God to one of the offices of the five-fold ministry;

4. Receive the confirmation and support of the Board of Council and the local church family;

5. Serve as a group leader or equivalent for at least one year;

6. Complete at least two years of training at the ministry training center hereafter established by this church or its equivalent, or the prerequisite set forth by the Senior Pastor;

7. Meet the Scriptural qualifications for elders found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

C. Upon confirmation and approval by the Board of Council, the Senior Pastor in a special public service called for that purpose shall ordain candidates. The service shall include the laying on of hands and prophetic commissioning to the field of labor by the elders participating. Ministers from other congregations may participate in the ordination service at the discretion of the Senior Pastor.  All elders shall meet the qualifications for church leadership set out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Elders shall be set in office before the congregation at a specially called meeting for the purpose, and shall be ordained according to the Scriptures by the Senior Pastor, the Board of Council, and any visiting elders invited by the Senior Pastor.

D. Candidates for ministry shall receive a certificate of ordination signed by the members of the ordaining presbytery, which shall serve as valid public recognition, or ordination according to the laws and practices of the Republic of South Africa.

6.02  Elders may be removed from office by: resignation, termination of church membership, engaging in activities unbecoming a spiritual leader, or the Senior Pastor in counsel with the Board of Council. The process of removal if necessary shall be conducted according to procedures outline in 14.04 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

6.03  Charges and accusations against any elder shall be considered according to the provisions of 14.04 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church and any disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted according to 14.03 (E) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

ARTICLE 7
Deacons

7.01  Wherever necessary and proper for the administration of the ministry of the church, the Senior Pastor, in counsel with the Board of Council, shall name persons to the ministry of deacon. Deacons shall be persons working to coordinate, oversee and administer particular ministry/helps “serving of table”function within the church to work closely with and help the Board of Council in the work of the ministry.

7.02  Deacons shall meet the qualifications set out in scripture, and shall be chosen by the Senior Pastor from nominations of the congregation. Deacons shall be set in office in a special service before the congregation by ordination of the Senior Pastor, Board of Council, and any elders the Senior Pastor chooses to take part. Deacons shall serve a term of one calendar year, and may be reappointed to successive terms as long as they continue to fulfill the scriptural qualification for deacons.35 and remain faithful to the President and the vision of the ministry.

7.03   Deacons may be removed from office by: resignation, termination of church membership, engaging in activities unbecoming a spiritual leader, death, or removal by the Senior Pastor, in Counsel with the Board of Council. The process of removal if necessary shall be conducted according to procedures outlined in 14.03 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

ARTICLE 8
Ministry Departments

8.01  The ministries of the church shall be divided into various Departments, each headed by a governing elder chosen by the Senior Pastor. Each department shall function under the guidelines and vision of the Senior Pastor, and shall at all times be accountable to the Senior Pastor.  Each governing elder shall, with the approval of the 
Senior Pastor, choose Managing elders and/or deacons to assist in the operation of the department. In each case the managing elder or deacon shall relate directly to the  Department Head under which he or she works.

8.02  The ADMINISTRATION Department shall be organized to oversee all the business and operational functions of all our churches. It shall work with all the other departments to ensure a smooth flow of operation in their respective ministries. The Administration Department shall be responsible for its own functions.

A. Finance, including the collection and distribution of funds according to the budget and needs of the church and overseeing the administration of that budget, designing and implementing ways to finance the ongoing needs of the church.

B. Physical Operations, including the general maintenance of the church building and grounds, repair and improvement of the building and grounds, acquisition, maintenance, and repair of all equipment, furnishings, and decorations of the church building.

C. Day-to-day operations, including overseeing employees, keeping the office open at appropriate times, providing for helps personnel to keep the church operating from day to day.

D. Setup sister churches; and help in crusade organization.

8.03   The EDUCATION Department shall be headed by one who is functioning in the office of Teacher, and shall be concerned with the ministry of Christian Education for the church. The ministry of this department shall include:

A. Training programs and events, such as the weekly Christian Life Training program and special events;

B. EVER-INCREASING FAITH BIBLE INSTITUTE “Theological College” hereafter established by Ever-increasing Faith Church; The Rector shall be appointed by the Canonical Council who shall ex officio be a Bishop, and shall develop the Theological Faculty, within the ability of the church with reference to the Constitution. The Theological College will comprise of the Following faculties:- the Theological and Academic Faculty, which shall be appointed by the Senate, and such other faculties as may be decided upon by the Executive Council from time to time. Members of the Senate shall be appointed by the President.  

C. Christian schools and Home School programs; hereafter established by Ever-increasing Faith Schools.

D. Bookstore ministry, providing books for distribution and study in the areas of study offered by the Education Department; and E. Cassette Tape and video distribution.

8.04 The YOUTH Department shall be headed by the Youth Pastor, and shall include ministry to youth of the church. The ministry of this department shall include:

A. In-house ministry to teenagers

B. Ministry to teenagers at the Christian School; hereafter established by Ever-increasing Faith Church;

C. Outreach to teenagers outside the local church, including programs to surrounding secular schools and/or colleges;

D. In-house ministry to children;

E. “Ever-increasing Faith Superkids” Nursery and/or Day care Ministry hereafter established by Ever-increasing Faith Church;

F. “Ever-increasing Faith Christian School” Grade 1-12 Ministry to children enrolled in the Christian School hereafter established by Ever-increasing Faith Church;

G. Outreach to children outside the church, including programs to surrounding schools.

8.05  The EVANGELISM / MISSIONS Department shall be established to provide ministry to people outside the church, and shall be under the oversight of the Evangelist. This department shall include:

A. Vision twenty – twenty: local evangelism, organizing witnessing teams, holding evangelistic crusades and meetings;

B. Extended evangelism, including encouraging the financing and support of missions beyond the local area, organizing missions teams to go into foreign field;
C. Outreach/Caring ministries, providing basic necessities to persons in need with the aim of reaching them for Christ, including food distribution, clothing distribution, holiday meals, home for destitute and assistance;

D. MEDIA MINISTRY designed to reach the nation for Christ, which will consist of: - radio and television broadcasts, media presentations, (publication materials such as) books, newsletters, magazines, drama, and other forms of expression.

8.06 The PRAISE AND WORSHIP Department shall be established to lead the congregation in praise and worship during all services, using all expressions of music, celebration, and presentations designed to lead persons in worship. The leader shall be known, as Music Director Areas of this Department shall include:

A. Musicians;

B. Singers, including individual, praise team, and choir;

C. Dance Team; and

D. Technical assistance, including sound technicians, video and/or audiotape operators and all technical personnel needed to operate the ministry.

8.07   The PERSONAL MINISTRY Department shall provide personal ministry services to those who need personal attention. Services shall be provided on an individual basis by appointment with the church office, at the altar during regular services, or by visitation to the person’s home, hospital, or nursing home. Personal ministry shall be conducted 
at the discretion of the staff member involved or if possible, be conducted by appointment  during regular business hours. Personal ministry shall include the ministries of deliverance and faith restoration.
             .

8.08  The PASTORAL MINISTRY Department shall be headed by the Senior Pastor, and shall include overseeing the day to day running of the church, the ministries of pulpit supervision, prayer and intercession, training and encouraging those who sense a call to the ministry.

8.09  Other departments may be established by the Senior Pastor in counsel with the Board of Council whenever deemed necessary and proper.

ARTICLE 9
Church Officers

9.01   The church officers shall be charged with the administration of the business of the church. The church officers shall work at the discretion of the Board of Council, and with the exception of the chief executive officer, shall be an advisory member of the Board of Council, working closely with the secretary of the Board.

9.02   The Senior Pastor/Bishop who is the President and Founder shall at all times serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, and shall be responsible for carrying out the goals, mission, and ministry of the corporation. He shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Board of Council and the Executive Committee and oversee the daily affairs of the ministry.

9.03   The Senior Pastor shall appoint an administrator who shall work as an
assistant to the president and shall preside over the Executive Committee in the absence of the Senior Pastor. The administrator shall head the Administration Department and shall provide information on tax and legal matters affecting the church, and shall work with all other church departments as indicated in 8.02 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church. The administrator shall serve a term of one year and shall be eligible to succeed himself/herself. The administrator shall be installed at the annual meeting of the congregation and his/her term of office shall coincide with a calendar year.

9.04   The Senior Pastor shall appoint a church secretary who shall be responsible for the maintenance of the official membership book, archives and historical records, and minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee.  The church secretary shall also work with the corporate secretary to keep official records of the proceedings of the Board of Council, corporate records, and other corporation documents. The church secretary shall serve a term of one year and shall be eligible to succeed himself / herself. The secretary shall be installed at the annual meeting of the congregation and his/her term of office shall coincide with a calendar year.

9.05   The Senior Pastor shall appoint a Finance Committee who shall be responsible for the maintenance of the official financial records of the church and the maintenance of all fund and bank accounts. An accountant shall head this department; he or she shall be responsible to the Senior Pastor. The finance committee shall prepare and maintain statements of contributions by donors, and regular statements of income and expenditures of the church. The Board of Council shall prepare said statements for use by the Executive Committee and annually for use. The finance committee shall also work with the corporate secretary in the maintenance of the church’s official financial records of the corporation. The finance committee shall serve a term of one year and shall be eligible to succeed himself/herself.  The treasurer shall be installed at the annual meeting of the congregation, and his/her term of office shall coincide with a calendar year.

ARTICLE 10
Financial Procedures

10.01   The Senior Pastor in Counsel with the administrator, the church accountant and the Board of Council shall develop procedures of accounting and funds disbursement. Such procedures shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices, and shall have respect to the exempt enterprise of the church and its integrated auxiliaries. The treasurer of each local assembly shall be appointed by the pastor and shall follow the procedures of keeping a proper account.

10.02   An account shall be opened with a local reputable bank for the purpose of depositing and disbursing funds for the running of the ministry. Cheque writing privileges shall be vested in at least two (2) officials, the Chairman and the church accountant.

10.03   An operating budget shall be established annually which sets out the proposed expenditures of the Ministry, and shall include staff compensation, ministry projects, and other financial projections. The Board of Council shall adopt the budget at its October meeting from proposals submitted by members of the Executive Committee. It shall be arranged in a format, which accurately portrays the church’s vision, annual goals, and purposes for existence.

10.04   None of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the personal benefit
of the Senior Pastor or any other person.  However, the Senior Pastor, and other persons employed by the church as workers in the office shall receive fair compensation for services rendered to the church, which assist the church in accomplishing the exempt purposes herein specified.

10.05  Receipts for all income and expenses must be well kept for proper Book keeping. The accountant must submit a property report at every meeting of the church.

10.06  Every Council of the church shall keep accounts of all the income and expenses. Receipts will be issued and proof of all expenses will be kept in a proper bookkeeping system. A complete report in respect of local assembly finances will be handed into the church committee at the regular meetings of the church committee and proper banking accounts, if possible, will be opened at STANDARD BANK, ABSA or any other commercial bank, with two (2) signatures, one of the pastor as the chairman as well as one (1) or two (2) signatures.

10.07  There shall be a periodical fund raising by all the branches as advised by World Canonical Council for the World Headquarters to finance Evangelism, missions around the world, institutions of learning, NOW FAITH TV and Charity Organization.

10.08   Every member will pay tithe of their income into the fund of their Local
Assemblies, which will be handled by the Local Accountant / Treasurer. One tenth of Pastor’s salary must be submitted to the Executive Council. The Canonical Council will make adjustment from time to time concerning the Assembly and other tithes of the Church and Missionary activities. One tenth of every Assemblies tithes and offerings must be sent to the Regional / National Headquarters. While every Regional / National Headquarters must in turn send their tithe of tithes and offerings to the World Headquarter.
 
10.09   Local Pastors, shall be remunerated in accordance with the final decision as determine by the President / Founder of Ever-increasing Faith Churches International

10.10   All accounts of the church, including its banking or savings accounts, shall be subject to approval by the Presiding Bishop / president and shall be submitted to the president from time to time according to his instructions.

10.11  The Presiding Bishop /President and Founder will enjoy the right, privilege and authority to appoint candidates who will make application from outside to be accepted in the church as servants of God. All local applications will be referred to the Bishop who will in turn report to the President and submit duplicate reports to the Canonical Council.

10.12 Extensive power and authority is designated to the Presiding Bishop / President and Founder to control all possessions, bonds, loans, funds, the purchase of new buildings and fixed properties, the registration of new loans in the name of the Executive Council or constitution of the Church and according to the discretion of the President to act according to his sole discretion and decision.
 
10.13 BANK ACCOUNT:
No current or ordinary banking account may be overdrawn without written permission of the Presiding Bishop / President and Founder. The local church will repay an overdrawn account as soon as possible.
 
10.14 No worker, or pastor or any other official or member is allowed to make claims against or take the Church to court, whatever the nature of the dispute, or strangement of property or controversy shall be submitted to to the President and his decision will be final and binding on all parties concerned. All Accounts will be held in the name of Ever-increasing Faith Church and will be signed simultaneously by at least two signatories.

10.15  No property of any nature may be sold by any Church Committee or Church members. All purchases or sale will be done under the auspices of the President or in his absence, with written permission of the World Canonical Council.

10.16  All vehicles, office equipment, or any electronic equipment will at all times be kept in good working condition and will be repaired from time to time as required. Reports on all the equipment will be handed in annually to the general secretary of the church committee.

10.17   Donations and collection lists may be mailed under strict supervision of the church committee, and in accordance with the requirements of the law. Lists must be filed away for two years.

ARTICLE 11
Administrative Composition / Procedures

11.01  The Executive Council:  Consisting of the Bishops, District Chairman and members specially appointed by the President, who will serve for a period of two (2) years. And may be retained for as long as possible according to their faithfulness and loyalty. With the exception of the Bishops which remains as members of the executive.

11.02   The Advisory Council: Consisting of no more than seven (7) members appointed yearly by the President. One (1) or two (2) of the advisory council may be appointed by the President from another canonical body with like faith.

11.03    The Canonical Council:  Consisting of the President, vice president, general secretary and a maximum of six (6) additional members, which shall be appointed by the president from the ranks of senior pastors of the churches to serve as members of the canonical council for two (2) years.

11.04   A General Secretary: Appointed by the President to serve for a period of two (2) years.

11.05   A Vice President: Appointed by the President on merit and leadership of the Holy Spirit to serve for as long as the President deemed it fit to God’s glory.

11.06   President: Who will be the official moderator and President of the Church and who will serve in this office in a life long capacity. The President in his capacity as Presiding Bishop and overseer of the church shall be chairman at all times.

11.07   The corporate secretary shall keep or cause to be kept an official record of the minutes of all meetings of the corporation. This record shall be kept in loose-leaf form, and shall contain the proceedings of the Board of Council and Board of Advisors in type written form.

11.08  The corporate secretary shall keep or cause to be kept an official record of the minutes, resolutions policy statements, and financial projections passed by the Board of Council and the Board of Advisors in their respective roles. This record shall be kept in loose-leaf form, and shall contain the proceedings of the Board of Council and the Board of Advisors in typewritten form.

11.09  The corporate secretary shall be responsible for the maintenance of all official records of the corporate, including budges, financial records, minutes, resolutions, and other records necessary for proper administration and bookkeeping of the ministry. All such records shall be kept in duplicate, with the official copy kept at the registered office of the corporate, and the copy kept in a place of safekeeping designated by the Senior Pastor in Council with the Board of Council.

11.10   NOTICES: Proper notices of a meeting of any of the church’s councils must be given by the secretary of such council at least seven (7) days before the meeting, or on such other period of notice as determine by the president for any specific meeting.

11.11   QUORUM: The Quorum required for all meetings of the church’s councils shall be 25% of the members.

11.12   CHAIRMAN: The chairman shall have a deciding vote, only in the instance of equal voting.

11.13   MINUTES: the secretary of each council must keep proper minutes of all decisions of such council and must see to the general correspondence.

ARTICLE 12
Annual Meeting

12.01   The Evening Service of the Second Sunday in November of each year, or an officially rescheduled date, shall be observed as the Church’s Annual Meeting. In this meeting the Senior Pastor shall deliver a State of the Church message, and shall give the congregation his goals and plans for the

upcoming year. The budget shall be made available in written form to the congregation during this meeting, and all managing elders, deacons, and church officers shall be recognized before the congregation.

12.02  The Evening Worship Service of the same day shall be set aside as an ordination service to ordain all new elders and deacons beginning a term of ministry in the church.

12.03  The Board of Council of Ever-increasing Faith Church shall meet the afternoon of the same day according to 12.01(A) of the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church, unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Board of Council passed in the previous meeting. In all cases the Board of Council shall meet during the month of November according to 12.01(A) of the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

ARTICLE 13
Church Membership

13.01  Persons may become a member of this church and receive regular benefits from the ministry of the church such as teaching of the word of God, empowerment and motivational teachings etc by complying with the following requirements:

A. Exhibit personal faith and knowledge in the Lord Jesus Christ,

B. Submit an application to the Senior Pastor requesting church membership,

C. Maintain regular attendance to church services, classes, and functions,

D. Support the church’s ministry with tithes and offerings,

E. Attend and complete the church’s Discipleship Basic Doctrines Class, and

F. Submit to the spiritual oversight of the Senior Pastor and Board of Council.

G. In the case of children under the age of twelve (12), candidates for membership shall be interviewed by the Senior Pastor to determine if they have reached an age of accountability for their spiritual actions and have sufficient mental and emotional ability to make a statement of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

13.02  This church shall receive members based on the equal and fair application of the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices enumerated in 13.01 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church and shall not discriminate in any way against persons based on gender, age, race, or national origin.

13.03   Persons may be removed from the membership rolls by the Senior Pastor for the following reasons:

A. Prolonged failure to attend regular services and functions of the church for reasons other than sickness, physical inability, and work schedule.

B. Developing and continuing to maintain life of sin and violation of God’s word described in 14.02 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church, and willfully refusing to respond to efforts of the Senior Pastor and the Executive to bring discipline, correction, restoration and faith.

C. Becoming a member of another church.

D. Ceasing to submit to the leadership of the Senior Pastor and governing elders.

E. Withdrawal.

F. Death.

13.04  Removal of persons from the membership rolls in circumstances described by 13.03(A) and 13.03(B) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church, shall be done by the Senior Pastor and may seek the opinion of Executive according to the provisions of 14.03(E) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church and shall be deemed a last resort when all other efforts of discipline, correction, and restoration have failed.

ARTICLE 14
Church Discipline

14.01  This church and corporation reserves the right and responsibility to exercise discipline to all its members provided such discipline is administered fairly to all. The exercise of discipline is believed to be necessary to honor Jesus, the Head of the Church with obedience of the Scriptures; to restore sinning and fallen saints to a close relationship with God and the church, and to preserve the integrity and purity of the congregation. The Scriptural admonition is to reach out to restore a fallen person before the church is infected with the result of his/her sin.

14.02  In view of the fundamental Scriptural command that everything within the church be conducted in order, and that the aim of all discipline is to be done with the intent of restoration. The president / Senior Pastor will at all times execute discipline and in some cases seek the opinion of the executive. This church shall be empowered to execute discipline for any of the following reasons and any scriptural misconduct:

A. Promotion of discord through any sin practiced without repentance, which hinders the work of God by bringing confusion or division to the body.

B. Lack of harmony with the Senior Pastor and teaching of the Church through any sin practiced without repentance that corrupts the truth of God by false teaching in area of cardinal truth.

C. Falling into sinful or worldly practices through any sin of human character, practiced without repentance which blemishes the holy character of God through unholy living, moral impurity, perversion, covetousness, idolatry,etc.

D. Any sin that endangers the purity, harmony or efficiency of the Church is worthy of corrective discipline.

E. If a branch pastor is sabotaging or having a hidden agenda to start his ministry without proper discussion with the president or plan to take with him church members, he will be discipline and he will not be supported. 

14.03  The following procedure shall be used to investigate charges and accusations against a member and, in the event said accusations are found to be true, to execute discipline and correction.

A. In the event of charges, accusations, disputes, and problems involving a member or members of this church, a special task force composed of three governing elders appointed by the Senior Pastor shall hear the allegations. Charges made by members shall be made in the form of a signed statement, which shall be investigated by the task force to determine the merits of the allegations. If the task force determines the charges are merited one of the elders on the task force shall go to the member against whom charges have been made and endeavor to restore that member to spiritual fellowship.

B. If the guilty member repents and desires to be restored all judicial proceedings shall cease. If the member receiving ministry aimed at restoration is a deacon, managing elder, or church officer, the Executive Committee shall determine if that member should be removed from said office, and the period of time said removal shall be effective. If a member is removed from one of the foregoing offices by the Executive Committee as an act of discipline and restoration, the Executive Committee shall determine the timing and procedure for reinstatement. The Executive Committee shall consider making available Counciling and rehabilitation ministries as may be deemed necessary.

C. If restoration is not achieved when the guilty party is first approached, all three members of the disciplinary task force shall meet with the member and endeavor to restore the member to spiritual fellowship. If the guilty member repents as a result of this action, the provisions of 14.03(B) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church,regarding holding office, shall apply.

D. If restoration and reconciliation is not achieved as a result of this second meeting, the task force shall bring written charges against the member to the Board of Council, exception of the president/ founder which shall called into special session according to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of Ever-increasing Faith Church, to act on the matter. The accused may be present at this meeting, and may offer evidence on his/her behalf, confront and cross-examine any witness.

E. If restoration to fellowship or other definite solution is not achieved and if the sin of the guilty member endangers the purity, harmony, and efficiency of the local church, the Senior Pastor, in Counsel with the Board of Council, may exclude the unrepentant member from the fellowship of the church.

1. A member so removed shall be treated as an unbeliever. He shall be excluded from fellowship at the Lords table; he shall be excluded from the service in the offices and ministries of the church, and from all other membership rights and privileges.

2. The excluded shall be notified in writing that he is spiritually disqualified as a member. This action of the Senior Pastor and Board of Council is final and there shall be no appeal to any court as a result of this action.

3. This action of exclusion by the church shall not be reversed until sufficient time has elapsed to confirm genuine repentance. The Board of Council shall determine the time needed to verify repentance and restoration.

4. The excluded member shall not be excluded from worship services, as these services are open to all. All subsequent contacts with the excluded member shall be evangelistic only with every attempt being made to restore the individual to the fellowship of the brethren who walk in the light of the truth, which is the obedience unto the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The members of the church are free and encouraged to reach out to the excluded member in witness and love.

F. The provisions of this article shall be executed with the goal of restoring fallen persons to the grace and love of God. The ultimate objective of discipline is restoration, not exclusion.

14.04  Charges against any of the governing elders (except the Senior Pastor) who is the chairman and president shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of  Council and the Senior Pastor.

A. The Board of Council shall observe no fewer than three persons must receive the procedures set out in 14.03 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church charges are made against the governing elders, except that signed written accusations. The Senior Pastor shall initiate meetings with the governing elder in question to seek repentance and restoration.

B. In the event that the governing elder in question is determined to be guilty of charges against him, the Board of Council, in Counsel with the Senior Pastor, shall determine appropriate disciplinary actions and shall make available Counciling and rehabilitation ministries as deemed necessary.

C. If the governing elder in question refuses to repent and be restored, and remains actively involved in sin or sins that endanger the purity, harmony and efficiency of the local church, the Senior Pastor, in Counsel with the Board of Council, shall take appropriate actions to remove the governing elder and protect the congregation.

14.05  Charges against the Senior Pastor shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Council and the Senior Pastor’s pastoral Council designated in 5.05 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

A. The Board of Council shall observe the procedures set out in 14.03 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church when charges are made against the Senior Pastor, except that signed written accusations must be received by no fewer than three persons. The Board of Council shall then call in the Senior Pastor’s pastoral Council, who shall initiate meetings with the Senior Pastor in question to seek repentance and restoration.

B. In the event that the Senior Pastor is determined to be guilty of charges against him, the Board of Council, in Council with the Senior Pastor’s pastoral Council designated in 5.05 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church shall determine appropriate disciplinary actions and shall make available Counciling and rehabilitation ministries as deemed necessary.

C. If the Senior Pastor refuses to repent and be restored, and remains actively involved in sin or sins that endanger the purity, harmony and efficiency of the local church, the Board of Council, in Council with Senior Pastor’s pastoral Council designed in 5.05 of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church shall take appropriate actions to protect the ministry and the president.

ARTICLE 15
Home Fellowship Groups called “Satellite Church”

15.01.1 Satellite Churches” groups shall be established at the discretion of the Senior Pastor and the Executive Committee to assist the Senior Pastor in providing spiritual oversight for the members of the church. Active participation in a home fellowship is fundamental to the New Testament Christian Church experience, and shall be considered one of the prerequisites for membership in good standing with this church according to 13.01 (C) of the Bylaws of Ever-increasing Faith Church.

15.01  “Satellite Churches” shall consist of from five to sixteen persons and shall be organized for the purpose of Bible study, ministry to each other, and fellowship.  Opportunity will be given at least quarterly for new members to request assignment to a home fellowship group, or the church office, in cooperation with the Senior Pastor, may assign persons to particular home fellowship groups.

15.02  Leaders of the various home fellowship groups will be chosen by the Senior Pastor, and shall be recognized in the office of managing elder, as they are chosen to assist the Senior Pastor in managing the ministry needs of the congregation. Home fellowship group leaders shall advise the Senior Pastor of particular and special needs of the members of his group, and shall work with the Senior Pastor and staff in ministering to those needs. Home fellowship group leaders shall also watch for potential home fellowship group leaders, and shall advise the Senior Pastor of those he feels may have the gifts and calling necessary to be a Home fellowship group leader. The home fellowship group leader shall work closely with his assistant to train him to take over the group in the event that it grows to a size calling for a division into a new group.

15.03  “Satellite Church” groups shall not be allowed to exceed the number of sixteen adult or youth members, and when it reaches this number the home fellowship group leader shall inform the Senior Pastor, who shall initiate a division and the creation of a  new group.

15.04  In the event that the number of home fellowship groups exceeds twenty, the Senior Pastor shall divide the groups into zones or areas or groups, and he shall appoint an area leader to oversee the ministries of the various Home fellowship groups in his area. The area leader shall be named from among the existing home fellowship group leaders.

15.05  Home fellowship groups shall meet at least monthly on the day or week specified by the Senior Pastor. They shall follow the program and format outlined by the Senior Pastor. In addition, each home fellowship group shall be expected to have some form of evangelistic or outreach project, which results in the growth of the group.

15.06  Church members, through the satellite church groups, will be asked from time to time to advise the Senior Pastor and Board of Council on matters pertaining to direction and operation of the ministry.  No such input will be received from persons who do not relate to the church through the home fellowship groups.

15.07 Satellite church groups shall be under the general oversight of the Senior Pastor, and shall be a function of the Pastoral Ministry Department, providing pastoral care to the members of the congregation.

ARTICLE 16
Movable And Immovable Property

16.01 RT. REV. DR. FRANK IDEMUDIA OGAGBA in his capacity as the Presiding Bishop / President / Founder and Chairman of the Executive Council and any other council or any other committee of the Church shall have a full power of attorney to sign all documents for these various councils as a whole and according to his discretion with relation to property (ies). He is given the authority to pass any loan or bonds and to have them registered on any property of the Church, as he may decide and approve, that all documents will be lawful and legal when they are signed and approved by the President

16.02 All property, movable and immovable shall be the property of the Church and may only change ownership by a written order from the Presiding Bishop /President and Founder or approval of the Executive Council. All donations of any nature whatsoever shall be the property of the Church and may not be withdrawn by any member or official of the Church, or anyone else, except as determined by the President and the Executive Council from time to time.  

16.03 No documents will enjoy authentication before been enforced. No member may enter into debts in the name of the Church or make any agreement or contract, except by approval of the Presiding Bishop /President and Founder or in his absence the Executive Council.

16.04 No agreement of any nature whatsoever may be sanctioned by any Church Committee and or any council before it is approved by the Presiding Bishop /President and Founder and in his by a full two-thirds majority of the Executive (World Canonical Council). All documents will only be validated when it has received the necessary approval by the President of the Executive Council; a lawful copy of such documents will be at World Head Office for reference.

16.05 Debts of any nature will not be the responsibility of the World Head quarter, except if decided to the contrary.  

ARTICLE 17
Policy Statements

17.01  Matters pertaining to the day-to-day operation of this church not herein addressed shall be specified by the Senior Pastor in Counsel with the Board of Council through policy statements. These policy statements shall carry the weight of the Bylaws unless they directly conflict with the Bylaws, in which case they shall have no effect.

ARTICLE 18
Amendments

18.01  These constitution may be amended by the Board of Council, proposed amendments shall be introduced for study and consideration in the November meeting of the Board of Council, and shall be enacted at a special meeting for said purpose to be scheduled no less than one month and no more than six months from the date of introduction of the proposed amendment.  Proposed amendments shall be considered in force if they are affirmed three-fifths of the members of the Board of Council present at the special meeting.

18,02  Any of the clause contained in this constitution may be revised or amended by the world Canonical Council provided it corresponds with the WORD OF GOD.

18.02  This new constitution replaces all other constitutions of the Church.

18.03  Any of the clause contained in this constitution may be revised or amended by the Executive Council provided it corresponded with the Word of God.

18.04  This new constitution replaces all other constitutions of the Church.

Vision Statement And Our Mandate

2 COR 5:7; ROM 1:17. We are called to frame and equip peoples world by the message of Faith and also Winning souls at all cost and Giving them a sense of self–worth, helping them find the positive side to negative traits, discovering their talent or gift and developing themselves, changing and building a people of confidence, great minds and sensitizing them towards excellence and creating a value system of priorities in living possibility, based on biblical principles through our Equipping centers.
  
God told me that there is no under-developed Nation, what you have is under-developed people. Therefore, we must discover our heritage in Him and develop ourselves and those around us. We are called to be an agent of change.

God said to me “build for me a people of confidence, great minds, and restore their hope, vision, goals purpose and pursuit.” Many are busy, but unfulfilled. We are here to teach, train, equip and empower the people of God on how to realize their God given potentials, dreams, goals, purpose and vision and how to believe in themselves and frame their destiny or world by FAITH.

HOW SHALL THESE BE? THROUGH THE FOLLOWING MEDIUM:

1. Church Ministry
2. Seminars
3. Publications
4. Teaching & Preaching
5. Symposium
6. NOW FAITH Television / Radio Ministry
7. Crusades
8. Conventions
9. Evangelisms etc

19.09.2007. 09:05