Christ the Head
In the Assemblies of God Christ is recognized as the head of the Church. He is supreme; and His life is the pattern for all ministry and conduct of the church (Ephesians 5:23Ephesians 5:23
English: World English Bible - WEB
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.
WP-Bible plugin; Colossians 1:18Colossians 1:18
English: World English Bible - WEB
18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
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Elected Leadership
The pastor is elected by the local congregation. He leads through exhortation of the Word and example. The pastor is responsible for much of the public ministry and day-to-day operation of the local church. A board of deacons is elected to assist the pastor and help conduct the business operation of the church (Ephesians 4:11, 12Ephesians 4:11, 12
English: World English Bible - WEB
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds The word for “shepherds” can also be correctly translated “pastors.” and teachers;
12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
WP-Bible plugin; 1 Timothy 3:8-131 Timothy 3:8-13
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 Deacons The word for “deacons” literally means “servants.”, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;
9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, if they are blameless.
11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For those who have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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Sovereignty of Local Assemblies
Within the fellowship of the Assemblies of God there are two classifications of churches - General Council affiliated churches and district affiliated churches. General Council affiliated churches enjoy full autonomy, having developed to the point of where they are self-governing and self-supporting. These fundamental principles have been catalysts for growth in the Fellowship. District affiliated churches are those which have not yet developed to the point where they qualify for full autonomy. All assemblies are required to adhere to the Statement of Fundamental Truths and a biblical pattern of conduct.
Our System Of Leadership And Accountability
Christian Life Center is a sovereign body, a General Council church that is part of the North Carolina District Council. The NCDC oversees the ministries in their areas, such as camps and outreaches, as well as provide ministry opportunities and avenues of fellowship for ministers and constituents. Districts also recommend ministers for national credentialing. They are authorized to lead, solving matters of leadership and direction for local assemblies. They operate as a type of regional leadership between the local church and the national Fellowship.
