The Constitution of the Fellowship

ARTICLE ONE — NAME
The name of this body shall be FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP OF CHURCHES AND MINISTERS INTERNATIONAL, hereafter referred to in this document as THE FELLOWSHIP.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, THE FELLOWSHIP shall have and retain the power and authority to remove and exclude members from THE FELLOWSHIP in the manner and for the reasons set forth in Article Fifteen of this Constitution.

ARTICLE TWO – NATURE OF THE FELLOWSHIP
Section I: This body is and always shall remain only and solely a medium through which THE FELLOWSHIP churches, evangelistic ministries, and ministers may work harmoniously in cooperation with each other, promoting the work and objects set forth in this Constitution. It has not, to any degree, and shall never have any ecclesiastical or hierarchical authority over its members. It shall not have and shall never attempt to exercise a single attribute of power or authority over any church or over the messengers of the churches In such ways as to limit the sovereignty of the churches under one Sovereign, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Section II: THE FELLOWSHIP is a fellowship based on the Scriptural concept that all true believers are members of the Body of which Christ is the Head. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bound or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (I Cor. 12:12-13)
The Body of Christ, therefore, is a God-formed living organism and thus more than a man-formed organization. It was formed on the day of Pentecost through the action of the Holy Spirit, which baptized the believers into one Body. This body being formed, we cannot create it, change it, or dissolve it. Having come into existence by an act of God, it is the duty of all believers to recognize what God has done. It is also our solemn responsibility to work out ways and means by which we can secure a practical working relationship among the members Christ has set in His Church, and thus assist in the fulfillment of its Divine mission on earth.
Section III: THE FELLOWSHIP is designed to perform only those services which churches and evangelistic ministries cannot easily or conveniently provide for themselves. This being true, individual churches, groups of churches, organizations of churches, and individual gospel ministries may be recognized in THE FELLOWSHIP.
Each church, group of churches, or ministry will be free to carry on its own program and its own missionary work; churches may license and ordain ministers as they deem necessary.
Section IV: Although certain minimum requirements are necessary by law for voting privileges in any body recognized by the government the great purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP is to provide recognition of the Headship of Christ. It, therefore, specifically delimits itself to be a fellowship of the Body of Christ, rather than a closed communion.
Section V: THE FELLOWSHIP is recognizing the unity of the Body of Christ and the ministry gifts God has set in the Church (as described in I Cor. 12) declares itself strongly for the supernatural ministry and the operation of the ministry gifts in the Assembly in accordance with the Divine order of their manifestation, as set forth by the apostle, Paul in I Cor. 14.
Section VI: THE FELLOWSHIP, while not legalistic in spirit stands for Bible righteousness in living and personal conduct, in accordance with the Scriptures. “Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which, no man shall see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14)
Section VII: Being international in character, THE FELLOWSHIP may be extended to any country in the world.

ARTICLE THREE – PURPOSE
The purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be:

1. To recognize Christ as the Sovereign Head of the Church.
2. To encourage recognition of all true believers as members of the Body of Christ.
3. To emphasize, encourage, and promote apostolic ministry.
4. To assume and share responsibility of fulfilling the Great Commission – the promulgation of the Gospel and the evangelization of the nations.
5. To promote unity and fellowship among all the members of the Body of Christ.
6. To provide means and ways by which the above objectives may be obtained.
7. To provide such services as may be necessary to the associated sovereign churches and evangelistic ministries.

ARTICLE FOUR – MEMBERSHIP IN THE INTERNATIONAL BODY
Section I: All ministers, churches, and evangelistic ministries, regardless of denomination, which believe in the principles, nature, and purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP may make application to become a part of THE FELLOWSHIP. All applications for membership in the international body shall include an official recommendation by a member of THE FELLO WSHIP and will be subject to final approval by the Executive Board.
Section II: Ministerial membership shall be upon the basis of the sponsorship of a FELLOWSHIP church. Ordained and licensed ministers and exhorters shall be so recognized as qualifying for membership in the international body.
Section III: Churches and evangelistic ministries may be considered for affiliation with THE FELLOWSHIP by filing an official application. Only those who meet the qualifications as set forth in Article 13, Sections III and IV shall be considered active members.
Section IV: In all its business sessions, the voting body shall consist of members in good standing. Each affiliated member, church, and evangelistic ministry in good standing shall be entitled to one properly designated lay delegate. Each lay delegate shall secure a letter from the Secretary, President or Pastor of the church or evangelistic ministry certifying to his/her appointment to represent the organization at the business sessions. This letter shall be presented to the roster committee of THE FELLOWSHIP Convention while in session.
Section V: The affiliated churches and evangelistic ministries shall be represented through their pastor or chief executive officer except when that person is not affiliated with THE FELLOWSHIP, or the post is vacant in which case, a duly-elected member of the church or organization shall serve as the delegate and representative of that church or evangelistic ministry.
Section VI: Names of affiliated ministers, churches, and evangelistic ministries will be published in an annual directory and made available to each minister, church, and evangelistic ministry.
Section VII: Membership in THE FELLOWSHIP confers no civil or property rights upon any member. Any member may be removed and excluded from THE FELLOWSHIP in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article Fifteen of this Constitution.

ARTICLE FIVE – FINANCES
Section 1: An annual budget shall be presented to the Convention for its adoption.
Section II: Membership fees shall be required of each minister, church, and evangelistic ministry. The amount shall be set by the Executive Board and be subject to the approval of the
Section III: In carrying on the work of THE FELLOWSHIP, it is recognized that finances will be required. We, therefore, encourage and strongly recommend that ministers, churches, and evangelistic ministries do their part to support THE FELLOWSHIP by such means as they agree upon or voluntarily choose.
Section IV: All funds (except membership fees) of this body shall he raised by voluntary donation, secured upon the merits of the causes for which appeals are made. THE FELLOWSHIP may also acquire funds by request, or income property that may be acquired.
Section IV: All funds (except membership fees) of this body shall he raised by voluntary donation, secured upon the merits of the causes for which appeals are made. THE FELLOWSHIP may also acquire funds by request, or income property that may be acquired.

ARTICLE SIX – ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Annual Convention shall be held once a year at a time and place determined by the Executive Board. Convention business on the floor should be kept at a very minimum in order that the major part of the time might be given to spiritual ministration.
Section I: Election of officers shall take place during the Convention on the open floor.
Section II: The annual Convention shall be rotated between three sections of the nation. These sections shall include all six regions as follows: Central (North Central and South Central), Western ( North West and South West), and Eastern (North East and South East).
b. The International Board shall meet annually preceding the convention and shall determine the agenda for the convention business session.

ARTICLE SEVEN – MISSIONS DEPARTMENT
Section I: A Missions Department shall be established by THE FELLOWSHIP for the purpose of gathering and making available to the members of THE FELLOWSHIP accurate information concerning all phases of missionary activity and to seek ways to further the cause of world missionary endeavors. This shall include committees on foreign missions, home missions and ethnic ministries.
Section II: The Executive Board shall appoint committee chairmen and committee members, half of whom should be actively engaged in missionary work. The chairman of the committee shall be a current member of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE EIGHT – EVANGELISM DEPARTMENT
Section I: An Evangelism Department shall be established by THE FELLOWSHIP for the purpose of emphasizing and promoting the ministry of evangelism and to promote harmony and understanding between evangelists and pastors.
Section II: The Executive Board shall appoint a committee chairman and committee members, half of whom shall be actively engaged in evangelistic work. The chairman of the committee shall be a current member of the Executive Board.
Section III: THE FELLOWSHIP recognizes evangelism as an office set in the Church and therefore should be encouraged. For the purposes of harmony, all pastors and evangelists are advised to have an agreement on all matters pertaining to projected campaigns. In case a union meeting is contemplated, all churches are free to cooperate or not, as they see fit. But once an agreement is reached, all parties should conscientiously adhere to their agreement. It is particularly important in union meetings that firm agreement should be reached in the matter of finances.

ARTICLE NINE – YOUTH DEPARTMENT
Section I: THE FELLOWSHIP shall establish a Youth Department for the purpose of promoting the youth of THE FELLOWSHIP in the development of their spiritual lives, ministries, and the implementation of the international fellowship among our youth.
Section II: The Youth Board members shall be duly appointed in their respective regions and be actively engaged in youth ministry. The chairman shall be appointed by the Executive Board, and by virtue of the office shall serve as a member of the Executive Board. The appointment of all Youth Board members and the chairman shall be annually.

ARTICLE TEN – OFFICERS
Section I: THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Executive Officers of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be: President, First Vice President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and the Treasurer. In the case of death, resignation or disability of the President, the First Vice President shall succeed in office.
Sub-Section 1: The office of President, First Vice-President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected bi-annually by ballot on the Convention floor. They shall take office immediately following the Convention at which they were elected. Each officer shall hold office until their successor is elected and takes office.
Sub-Section II: All other officers shall he elected and/or ratified bi-annually on the Convention floor. They shall hold office until their successors are elected. Section II In the event that a vacancy occurs in any office or nominee, the Executive Board shall appoint a successor to fill the office until the following International Convention, at which time, a successor shall be elected to complete the unexpired term.
Section III: The President shall be the official representative of THE FELLOWSHIP. He shall preside over all sessions of the Executive Board and the International Board. He shall preside as chairman over the deliberations of the Annual Convention. In his absence at any officially called meeting, the First Vice-President shall preside. In the absence of both, at any officially called meeting, the Secretary shall preside.
Section IV: The duties of the Vice-Presidents shall be those that are specifically delegated to them by the President and the Executive Board. The First Vice-President shall serve as assistant to the President.
Section V: The duties of the Secretary shall be to see that accurate records of the proceedings of THE FELLOWSHIP are kept. Also, that a complete membership record and information be available to THE FELLOWSHIP.
Section VII: There may be an Executive Secretary or Secretaries who shall be appointed by the Executive Board and approved by the International Board. The Executive Secretary or Secretaries shall hold office at the discretion of the Executive Board and their duties shall be defined by the Executive Board. They shall not allow their name to be placed in nomination for the office of President of THE FELLOWSHIP while holding the office, and for the ensuing four years.
Section VIII: A majority of votes cast by the registered body in session shall be required for an election to the offices. Except for regional members defined in Article XII, all officers may be nominated by the Executive Board, the International Board, or by the voting session.

ARTICLE ELEVEN – BOARDS
Section I: THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Sub-Section I: The Executive Board of THE FELLOWSHIP shall be comprised of the Executive Officers, the six Regional Vise Presidents, the Chairman of the Youth Board and immediate past President.
Sub-Section II: The duties of the Executive Board shall include being the chief administrative body of THE FELLOWSHIP. The Executive Board shall approve all applications for membership and shall be responsible for removal and exclusion of members. It shall grant recognition to both regional and national fellowships and boards. It shall take care of all business not specifically given to an officer or another board pursuant to this Constitution.
Sub-Section III: The Executive Board shall comprise the corporate Board of Trustees. Sub-Section IV No more than two members of the same immediate family, husban, wife, or children shall be eligible to serve on the Executive Board of THE FELLOWSHIP at the same time.
Sub-Section V: Only one member of the same immediate family, husband, wife or children shall be eligible to serve in the same region on the International Board.

Section II: THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD.
Sub-Section 1: Each of the six regional divisions shall nominate four members from their region to serve on the International Board. The nominees shall be presented at the next International Convention business meeting for ratification. They shall be nominated at the Regional Convention designated by the Executive Board. Additional members to the International Board may be nominated hy the Executive Board and elected and ratified by the Convention body.
Sub-Section II: Membership on the International Board shall be extended to those members of THE FELLOWSHIP, who, by virtue of their ministry, influence, or place of service, can give mature guidance and service in the affairs of THE FELLOWSHIP. Each member shall be eligible to be re-elected. Sub-Section III: The duties of the International Board shall include the specific responsibilities delegated to it by the Convention: To prepare and submit to the convention body an order of business and a proposed budget.
Sub-Section IV: Members of the International Board shall represent THE FELLOWSHIP in their particular area, and shall recommend ministers, churches, and evangelistic ministries from their area for membership in THE FELLOWSHIP. Whenever possible, they shall, at their convenience, attend the Executive Board in advisory capacity. They should seek to keep THE FELLOWSHIP informed of events and activities in their area.
Section III: THE NATIONAL BOARDS
Sub-Section I: When the activities of THE FELLOWSHIP in a particular country or nation make it desirable, the Executive Board may create a National Board, subject to an annual review, to direct those activities.
Sub-Section II: The duties of this National Board will be expected to exercise such power and authority as has been specifically given to it by the Executive Board and all other activities that are necessary and do not exceed that intended by the Executive Board. The National Board shall be responsible for seeing that its activities reflect the principles, nature, and purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP, as set forth in this Constitution.

ARTICLE TWELVE – COMMITTEES
Section I:
Permanent committees shall be appointed to serve, as needed, in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board and the International Board. They shall be as follows:
(i) Committee on Membership – Secretary to be Chairman
(iii) Committee on Publications – Editor to be Chairman
(iv) Committee on Education
(v) Committee on Chaplaincy
Section II: Convention Committees shall be appointed annually to serve with the Executive and International Boards in carrying out the details of the Convention program. They shall be as follows:
(i) Committee on Convention Order of Business
(ii) Committee on Convention Arrangements
Section III: Special committees may be appointed by the President, or established by action of the Executive Board, the International Board, or the Convention body itself They will serve for specific periods of time, to perform specific duties that, in the judgment of the President, Boards, or Convention, cannot be effectively performed by one of the general committees or the Executive Board.
Section IV: Subject to the conditions set forth in Article Fifteen of this Constitution, a Discipline Committee may be appointed from time-to-time by the Executive Board to exercise the authority granted to the Executive Board pursuant to such Article Fifteen. The Discipline Committee may be appointed for a fixed term or may be appointed on an ad hoc basis as the need arises.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN – LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS
Section I: The country shall be divided into six regional divisions. The boundaries shall be set by the Executive Board and ratified by the International Board. The six regions shall be known as the North West Region, the South West Region, the North Central Region, the South Central Region, the North East Region, and the South East Region.
Section II: Each region shall nominate one member to serve on the Executive Board. The nomination must be made by the members in attendance at the duly-scheduled Regional Convention prior to the International Convention.
Section III: Each regional member nominated at the Regional Convention to serve on the Executive Board will serve for a two-year term. The nominee shall be presented at the next International Convention business meeting for ratification. The ratified board member for each region shall have the title and office of Regional Vice-President.
Section IV: Each region shall be authorized to establish a fill-time regional representative. This office shall be ratified by the Executive Board. Section V Individual ministers, churches, and evangelistic ministries who we part of any local or regional fellowship must make separate application to be an active part of THE FELLOWSHIP or to receive its benefits.
Section VI: Where a fellowship is national in scope, the authority of THE FELLOWSHIP may be vested, in whole or in part, in a National Board, subject to the provisions of this Constitution. This board, whether appointed or elected, shall be responsible for seeing that its activities reflect the principles, nature, and purpose of THE FELLOWSHIP.
Section VII: All fellowships will conform to THE FELLOWSHIP principles as set forth in this Constitution and particularly in procedures for receiving, accounting, and disbursing all funds. A secretary shall take and preserve minutes from all business meetings. A treasurer shall keep records of finances received and disbursed.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN – LOCAL CHURCHES AND EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES
Section I: Local churches and evangelistic ministries who qualify for affiliation with THE FELLOWSHIP according to the provisions of Article Four, Section III, will receive a membership certificate identifying them as affiliated with THE FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP OF CHURCHES AND MINISTERS INTERNATIONAL. These certificates are renewable annually on a calendar year basis.
Section II: Local churches and evangelistic ministries should confirm to THE FELLOWSHIP principles and procedures as set forth in this Constitution, particularly those procedures for receiving, accounting, and disbursing funds. A secretary shall take and preserve minutes from all business meetings. A treasurer shall keep records of finances received and disbursed. (These two officers can be combined into one if necessary.)
Section III: For those affiliated churches and evangelistic ministries who desire recognition as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization from the United States Internal Revenue Service, it is required that their constitutions or by-laws contain the following provisions:
1. The church or evangelist ministry must be a member of THE FELLOWSHIP.
2. All church or ministry properties are the property of the local church or ministry not individually owned, and irrevocably devoted to church or ministry work.
3. Accurate minutes of business meetings and financial records must be kept by authorized or elected officers of the church or ministry.
The following provisions are required by the IRS in the Articles of Incorporation or similar creative document:
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or he distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall he authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Three hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue law), or (h) by a corporation, contributions which are deductible under Section 170 (c)(2) of the internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United Stations Internal Revenue law).
Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation shall not, except to any insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively far charitable, educational, or religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas (or similar authority if jurisdiction has none) of the country in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes, or to such organization or organizations which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes as said Court or authority shall determine.
Section IV: Churches and evangelistic ministries of THE FELLOWSHIP wishing tax exemption by the U. S. Internal Revenue Service should provide the national office of THE FELLOWSHIP with a copy of their constitution. If the church or ministry is incorporated, a copy of the state charter should also be sent. The constitution of the local church or ministry may be adapted to meet the particular needs of that body, but it must contain the vital provision of Article XIII, Section III, if the church or ministry is to have tax exemption.
Section V: The local churches may license and ordain ministers. Such licensed and ordained ministers shall primarily be the responsibility of the local pastor and church which confers said licensing or ordination. However, the local church should seek to exalt the office of the ministry and do all it can to make the candidate and church aware of the solemn calling. It should use great wisdom in the matters of licensing and ordaining. A novice with an exalted attitude can seriously injure the local church and the entire FELLOWSHIP. The national body retains the right to recognize or withhold recognition for reasons of immorality or departure from the doctrine of Christ.
Section VI: THE FELLOWSHIP desires to encourage all men called of God to fulfill their ministry. It does not sit in judgment on those who have made mistakes, but leaves them with God. If, however, their past has become seriously controversial, THE FELLOWSHIP counsels them in the spirit of Christ to quietly pursue their ministry as God leads and helps them, and to do nothing to cause themselves to become a further issue or matter of controversy, trusting that, in the course of time, God will heal the wounds and scars.
Section VII: It is strongly recommended that when situations requiring discipline arise, that ministers and churches follow the Biblical method laid down by Christ – that every effort be put forth to secure reconciliation, but if all else falls, then Divine discipline should be in order.
Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established, and if he shall neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Verily I say unto you: Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall he bound in heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you: That if two ofyou shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 18: 15-19)
When disciplinary action becomes necessary with respect to any member, such action shall be taken in accordance with the principles set forth in Article Fifteen of this Constitution.
(i) The sponsoring minister shall use the Biblical principle of going to the individual, church, or evangelistic ministry.
(ii) If the above does not settle the difficulty, the sponsoring church shall address the situation.
(iii) If additional steps are needed, the Regional Board will address the mater.
(iv) The final disciplinary action will rest with the Executive Board. Their decision will be final.
Section VIII: The sovereignty of the local church and evangelistic ministry shall be inviolate as noted in Article Two. Ministers and evangelists shall be perfectly free to go to all cities where God may lead them. Churches, evangelists, and evangelistic ministries will be free to carry on their own missionary endeavors as God may lead them. It should be understood that THE FELLOWSHIP recognizes that all ministers are free to hold meetings in communities or cities as God may lead them. Both evangelists and pastors, however, are obligated by ethics at all times: No man should go about making debts that he cannot or will not pay. No man should conduct himself in an unbecoming way in his relations with the opposite sex. His conduct should, at all times, be such as becomes a minister of Christ.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN – TENETS OF FAITH
Section I: This body recognizes that its basis of faith shall be the doctrine of Christ according to II John 9-11: Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
The Biblically inspired basis of faith which lists the seven principles of the doctrines of Christ is found in Hebrews 6:1-2: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Thus, we see that these seven principles include the following:
1. Repentance from dead works
2. Faith toward God
3. Doctrine of baptism
4. The laying of hands
5. The resurrection of the dead
6. Eternal judgment
7. The going on to perfection
Section II: It is evident that even to the Apostolic Church, aside from the requirements of belief in the doctrine of Christ there was not uniformity of belief in all matters, including for example, that of circumcision. (Acts 5:1) The apostles did not attempt to resolve the differences in this case. Either side was given liberty of conscience in the matter, but neither was permitted to make it an issue. THE FELLOWSHIP, therefore, stands for apostolic liberty of conscience, but disapproves of any who would use that liberty to divide brethren. Those contemplating affiliation with THE FELLOWSHIP should prayerfully consider the significance of the above statement.

ARTICLE SIXTEEN – EXCLUSION FROM THE FELLOWSHIP:
Section I: Any member of THE FELLOWSHIP (whether an individual or a church, an evangelistic ministry or any other type of organization) may be removed as a member of THE FELLOWSHIP for any of the reasons set forth in subparts (a)-(i) of this Section 1. It is recognized that the items specified in subparts (a)-(g) of this Section I are ecclesiastical in nature and may be subject to varying interpretations. In the event of a dis- agreement as to whether any action, conduc4 behavior or omission falls within any of the categories specified in subparts (a)-(g) of this Section I. the disagreement shall be settled by the determination and interpretation of the Executive Board in its sole and absolute discretion, and any such determination by the Executive Board shall be final and non-appealable. A member shall be subject to removal and exclusion from THE FELLOWSHIP for any of the following reasons:
1. Rejection of a part or whole of the doctrine of Christ. (II John 9-11)
2. Immorality. (I Cor. 5:9-21)
3. Unruly or disorderly actions, conduct or behavior. (II Thes. 3:6-13)
4. Causing divisions within THE FELLOWSHIP or within any church which is a member of THE FELLO WSHIP. (Rom. 16:17)
5. Behaving or conducting oneself in the manner of a domineering, quarrelsome, or sectarian leader. (II John 9-10)
6. Defiling one’s separation from the world. (James 4.4, Rev. 2.20-22)
7. Any action, conduct, or behavior, or church or ministry operations, which is contrary to the Bible or Biblical principles or doctrines.
8. Failure to comply with the provision of this Constitution.
9. Failure to pay membership fees as required pursuant to Article Five, Section II of this Constitution.
Any member who fails to pay membership fees as required pursuant to Article Five, Section II ofthis Constitution shall be automatically removed and excluded as a member of THE FELLOWSHIP if said member has not paid such fees within thirty (30) days after notice of non-payment is sent to such member by THE FELLOWSHIP. Notice given to a member for non-payment of membership fees shall be in writing and shall be delivered either personally or by mail. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered three (3) days after the same is deposited in the United States Mail, certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such member at his or its last address shown on the records of THE FELLOWSHIP.
Section II: When it is alleged tat a member of THE FELLOWSHIP (sometimes herein called the offending member) is guilty of actions, conduct, behavior or omissions which could subject such offending member to removal and exclusion from THE FELLOWSHIP as set forth in Section 1 above (other than failure to pay membership fees which shall be handled as provided in Section 1 above), the following steps are to be followed at the direction and in the discretion of the Executive Board; provided that the Executive Board may forego proceeding with any or all of the steps contained in subparts (a), (b) and (c) below and proceed directly with notice and a hearing as set forth in subpart (d) below it if believes the circumstances warrant:
1. The offending members sponsoring minister shall use the Biblical principle of going to the offending member in an effort to convince the offending member to change and renounce his or its improper actions, conduct, behavior or omissions and restore the offending member to THE FELLOW SHIP
2. If the step set forth in subpart (a) is not taken or does not resolve the problems or settle the difficulty, the offending members sponsoring church should confront the offending member in an effort to convince the offending member to change and renounce his or its improper actions, conduct, behavior or omissions and restore the offending member to THE FELLOWSHIP.
3. If additional steps are needed for reconciliation with the offending member, the Regional Board will address the matter.
4. Final disciplinary authority and action will rest with the Executive Board, and its decision will be final. The Executive Board, in its discretion, may elect to wait until the steps in subparts (a), (b) or (c) above have been attempted or may act without utilizing any or all of such steps. The Executive Board shall have the authority to determine if the actions, conduct, behavior or omissions of the offending member justify removal of the offending member and whether or not the offending member has changed and renounced his or its improper actions, conduct, behavior or omissions through the steps set forth in subparts (a), (b) and (c) above. If the actions, conduct, behavior or omissions so justify removal, the following actions shall be taken:
(I) Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the exclusion or removal of an offending member from THE FELLOWSHIP. the Executive Board shall send written notice to such offending member advising of the basis for the proposed removal and exclusion of such member from THE FELLOWSHIP and notifying the offending member of the date and time at which the offending member may appear at a hearing before the Executive Board. Written notice given to any member pursuant to this subpart (i) shall be delivered whether personally or by mail to the member entitled to such notice. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered three (3) days after the same is deposited in the United States Mail, certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the offending member at his or its last address shown on the records of THE FELLOWSHIP.
(II) If the offending member falls to appear before the Executive Board on the date set for his or its hearing, the offending member shall be deemed to have voluntarily waived his or its rights to appear before the Executive Board and to have abandoned his or its membership in THE FELLOWSHIP and, is such case, the Executive Board shall be removed and excluded from THE FELLOWSHIP.
(III) If the offending member appears before the Executive Board on the date set for his or its hearing, the Executive Board shall review and consider any evidence presented to the Executive Board by the offending member and the offending member shall respond to any questions submitted by the Executive Board. After the Executive Board has considered all of the evidence, it shall rule regarding the removal and exclusion of the offending member and the decision of the Executive Board in that regard shall be final and non-appealable.
A hearing conducted under this Article 15, Section II, subpart (d) shall be conducted in accordance with such rules and procedures as may be set forth and established from time-to-time by the Executive Board in its sole discretion. All costs and expenses incurred by an offending member in attending and participating in a hearing conducted under this Article 15, Section II, subpart (d) shall be borne by and be the sole responsibility of such offending member.
Section III: In the event that any sponsoring minister, church or evangelistic ministry, or any Regional Board, fails or refuses to take the actions to be taken by him or it under Section II above, then the Executive Board shall have the authority to designate other persons or entities to take such actions or to forego such actions. The Executive Board shall have the authority (but shall not be obligated) to delegate its authority under this Article 15 to a Discipline Committee organized by the Executive Board, which Discipline Committee shall have the right to exercise all authority of the Executive Board under this Article 15 (subject to such limitations as are set forth by the Executive Board in the resolutions establishing the Discipline Committee); provided, however, that (i) all members of such Discipline Committee must be members of the Executive Board, (ii) such Discipline Committee must have at least three (3) members, and (iii) the Executive Board or the President of THE FELLOWSHIP may at any time revoke the authority given to the Discipline Committee with respect to any particular disciplinary matter at any time prior to the Discipline Committees ruling on such matter, in which case authority regarding that matter shall return to the Executive Board.

ARTICLE SEVENTEEN – AMENDMENTS
This Constitution shall not be changed and/or amended unless the changes or amendments are offered at the first session of the Annual Convention and lie over the subsequent day, and then, by only two-thirds majority.

ARTICLE EIGHTEEN – PARLIAMENTARY LAW
In all questions covering the proceedings of the convention, parliamentary law shall be the authority used by the presiding officers and by the Convention unless the Constitution or the by-laws clearly cover such proceedings. *All Information taken from The Fellowship website.*