Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus GENERAL CONVENTION 2014 Long Beach, CA November 25-29, 2014 INITIATIVE PROPOSALS (2014)

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1 Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus GENERAL CONVENTION 2014 Long Beach, CA November 25-29, 2014 INITIATIVE PROPOSALS (2014)

2 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION 2014 Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #1 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 7, CLAUSE X BY: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza, National City, CA 2

3 General Convention- Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza DUTIES OF THE BISHOP PRESIDENT 1 ARTICLE 7 PARAGRAPH X (ACTUAL) He shall give a report of his administration including statistical data before the General Convention and inform of his activities before an ordinary meeting of the General Board of Directors. (PROPOSE): He shall submit a written report of the State of the Church, his administration and the other seven (7) departments of the General Board. The report must include but shall not be limited to the overall business plan, financial information, census information and demographical information that encompass the State of the Church. The report must be mailed via United States postal first class service, via or faxed to all the active Pastors of the Apostolic Assembly no less than thirty (30) days prior to the upcoming General Convention. The Pastors shall review and study the Presidential Report prior to their attendance at the General Convention. The State of the Church Report must also be submitted to the Joint Session of Bishops prior to presenting and discussing the same with the conclave of Pastors at the General Convention. (REASON FOR THE CHANGE): Pastors will be able to review and study the Presidential Report prior to convention and be prepared with questions. In previous conventions some of the departments have been out of budget, out of balance and the responsible bishop has been nominated, in the past, for a second term. But based on the results of the department, such nomination has not been rightfully earned by the department head. If a department head is unable to manage and balance his department in four years he should not be nominated or approved by the qualifying commission for a second term in any office of the General Board. The second benefit of this change would give the Bishop, Elders and Pastors convention attendees more time to discuss other important matters. We have all noted that an excessive amount of time has been taken, in past General Conventions, reading these reports. 1 Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly 2013 page 1 3

4 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #2 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 6, CLAUSE IV BY: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza, National City, CA 4

5 General Convention- Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza REQUIREMENTS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2 ARTICLE 6 PARAGRAPH IV (ACTUAL): In order to qualify for the other remaining positions on the General Board, a candidate must have served on the General Board of Directors, or as a district bishop, or as sector elder and be holding the pastoral position at the time of election. (PROPOSE CHANGE): In order to qualify for the other remaining positions as a candidate for nomination and for election or to fill a vacancy on the General Board of Directors, the candidate must have served one full term of four years on the General Board of Directors, or one full term of four years as a District Bishop, and be a current Pastor, in good standing with the church and compliant with all his obligations and must be in full accord with the Doctrinal Principles of the Apostolic Assembly. (REASON FOR THE CHANGE): The minister been nominated to serve on the General Board of directors should have the experience and knowledge of normal and critical issues as they relate to the General Board. This can only happened while serving as a General Board member or a district bishop for a minimum of four years. Many of our Bishop, their wives and families have served the Apostolic Assembly who, day in and day out, perform their duties with so much integrity, humility and courage, they represents the very best of our traditions and Apostolic Doctrine.. They should be given the first right and opportunity to serve at the national supervisory level instead of nominating or appointing a novice minister with only Elder or Pastoral experience. The Elders position in our structure of organization is a passive position of no authority, problem solving status, and the majority of our Elders and Pastors do not have the experience to deal with national normal or critical issues within our organization. 2 Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly 2013 page 9 5

6 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #3 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE ARTICLE 66, Add Clause XI BY: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza, National City, CA 6

7 General Convention, Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE Submitted by: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza ATTRIBUTIONS OF THE PASTOR ARTICLE 66 ADD PARAGRAPH XI A Senior Pastor shall have the first right of refusal to name his Successor if and when he has Pastored the local church for 20 plus years and has reached the age of 65. The retiring Pastor shall have the responsibility to mentor and train his Named Successor for no less than one year prior to the Pastoral transition and the Successor must commit to continue the mission and the vision of the local church. The proposed Pastoral transition to the successor is contingent on the Named Successor s faithfulness, must be in good standing with the Apostolic Assembly, be compliant with all his obligations and must be in complete accord with the Doctrinal Principles of the Apostolic Assembly as outlined in chapter twenty four of this Constitution. The retiring Pastor must notify in writing the District Bishop and the Bishop President. The Bishop President and the District officials will counsel and advise the local Senior Pastor s Named Successor of his responsibilities to the Apostolic Assembly, District, local church and to the retiring Pastor. (REASON FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE) Many of our senior pastors that have reach retirement age should have the right to select their successor. It s remarkable that we have Senior Pastors their wives and families serving the Apostolic Assembly who, day in and day out, perform their duties with so much integrity, humility and courage, they represents the very best of our traditions and Apostolic Doctrine. The Apostolic Assembly has grown and developed in such proportions that the General Board and District officials have, in most cases, minimal knowledge of the internal affairs of the local church. We have seen in our Apostolic Assembly that some ministers have been placed as Pastors, within the scope of responsibility of the General Board and corresponding District officials, without the approval of the current Pastor and in some cases the result of spiritual and numeric growth as well as the financial stability of the local church has been minimal or negative. (NOTE) This proposed addition of paragraph XI to Article 66 will modify the following article: 7

8 ATTRIBUTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BISHOP: ARTICLE 49 PARAGRAPH ONE (PAGE 73): which should read as follow: (ACTUAL): The powers of the District Bishops are the following As a general rule, they shall change or remove pastors and ministers at district convention or ministerial meetings. They have the right to appoint pastors or ministers in charge of new works, and to make all necessary ministerial changes. No ministerial changes or removal shall be made, however, without the prior approval authorization of the Bishop President. (The following statement is in addition to this paragraph): This Article excludes retiring Pastors who shall have the right of first refusal to name their Successor pursuant to the guidelines and procedures of ARTICLE 66 PARAGRAPH XI PAGE 98 of this Constitution. 8

9 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #4 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 76, CLAUSE I BY: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza, National City, CA 9

10 PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza PROCEDURES TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS 3 TWENTY THIRD CHAPTER ARTICLE 76 PARAGRAPH I (ACTUAL): Proposed initiative are the instrument to amend, create or eliminate articles of the constitution of the Apostolic Assembly and these must initially be submitted to the General Secretary who in due order shall present them before the ministerial meeting of the General Convention to study whether they should receive an initial process resolution (PROPOSE CHANGE): Proposed initiatives are instruments that once approved will amend, create or eliminate articles of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly. These must be submitted to the General Secretary, in writing, no less than ninety (90) days prior to the General Convention. The General Secretary shall mail the same to all active pastors of the Apostolic Assembly no less than 30 days prior to the General Convention for Pastoral review and study. Transmission of the documents should be done via U.S. first class mail, or fax. The General Secretary shall present these initiatives to the conclave of ministers present at the General Convention to review and vote whether they should receive an initial process resolution. (REASON FOR THE CHANGE): The Bishops, Elders and Pastors are to be given ample time to read, review and study the proposed initiatives prior to convention and be prepared with questions or constructive criticism. Many of our ministers that voice their opinions in favor of or to the contrary of any initiative or change to our Constitution only speak their ideas, concepts, or personal preference. A minister should be prepared to speak with clarity, with biblical support, historical data or other substantiating data to approve or disapprove the proposed initiative. This can only happen when Bishops, Elders and Pastors are given ample time to read, review and study the proposed initiatives prior to convention (NOTE): The introduction of the Constitution of our Apostolic Assembly reads in paragraph 3, clause 2: Our Constitution flows from the Word of God and that every new proposal or amendment must be forged under the light of the Holy Scriptures. (Ephesians 2:20). 3 Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly 2013, pages

11 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPUESTA INICIATIVA A LA CONSTITUCIÓN #5 (2014) [Proposed Initiative/Proposal] ENMIENDA PROPUESTA: [Proposed Amendment] PROPUESTA PARA MODIFICAR EL ARTÍCULO 14, Inciso III [Article 14, Clause III] POR [BY]: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza, National City, CA 11

12 PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE Submitted by: Pastor Misael J. Zaragoza DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN MISSIONS ARTICLE 14 PARAGRAPH III (ACTUAL): He should develop a work plan and annual budget, and present them to the General Board of Directors for their study and approval. (PROPOSE): He should develop and submit an annual business plan and budget. The business plan must include but will not be limited to the income and expense breakdown for the department but must also delineate those local churches or congregations which consistently provide financial support, monthly stipends, monthly salaries and meet or exceed its monthly quota to an individual missionary. The business plan must also include a disclaimer for the local churches that are consistently providing for the missionary work and will be exempt from all other national programs related to Foreign Missions. The business plan, budget, exemptions and exemption guidelines must be submitted to the General Board of Directors for its review and approval. He must present the business plan and budget to the General Board of Directors for their study, review, modification and approval. (REASON) A local church directly supporting a missionary will create a more spiritual and communicative bond between the local church and the Missionary that they support. Such church will witness direct results of their collective contributions. The local church will be able to program missionary trips to the mission field. The local Pastor and missionary will be able to formulate a more effective work plan of growth by both being directly involved. (NOTE) All other local churches not supporting a missionary directly for their monthly salary, stipend or financial support must continue promoting and contributing to the national program of our Ladies program known to us as: FLOR AZUL or any other program related to Foreign Missions which will provide financial assistance on all other needs of the missionary outside his salary. 12

13 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #6 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: THAT THE DISTRICT SECRETARY AND DISTRICT TREASURER BE ADDRESSED AS ELDER SECRETARY AND ELDER TREASURER. BY: Pastor Pastor Johnnie Medrano, Phoenix #5, AZ 13

14 General Convention- Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Johnnie Medrano (PROPOSITION): That the District Secretary and District Treasurers be addressed as Elder Secretary and Elder Treasurer. (REASON): 1. This would follow the pattern of the general Board. Anyone on the General board is addressed properly as bishop. Some may have been Elder previously, but because of their new position we made the decision a few years ago to address each member as bishop. 2. To occupy the position of District Secretary or District treasurer they must meet the same requirements of being Elder.( Article 52 Incise 10, Article 53 Incise VI ) 3. The position of District Secretary or Treasurer is a step up from Elder; so it makes for sense to call them Elder Secretary or Elder Treasurer instead of Pastor. 14

15 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #7 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: THAT WE MAKE A STAND FOR THE FAMILY BY NOT HAVING ANY MORE CONVENTIONS DURING THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING. POR [BY]: Pastor Pastor Johnnie Medrano, Phoenix #5, AZ 15

16 General Convention- Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Johnnie Medrano (Proposition): That we make a stand for the family by not having any more conventions during the week of Thanksgiving. (REASON): 1. Thanksgiving is a time for family and it should take priority over church Obligations 2. Our stand on priorities is: God, The Family, The church; yet by having conventions during Thanksgiving we are saying our stand is: God, The Church, and The Family. 3. Not all of us have family in the church or coming to the convention 4. We do not all live near the convention; where we could enjoy both things 5. Many miss our convention not because they are rebels, but because they have their priorities in the right place. 16

17 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #8 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 63, CLAUSE IX BY: Pastor Johnnie Medrano, Phoenix #5, AZ 17

18 General Convention- Long Beach, CA PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Submitted by: Pastor Johnnie Medrano (Proposition): To add incise IX to Article 63 Ministers in recess and make modifications to the divorce document and any other places in the constitution that would be affected. The purpose of this proposition is to open an avenue for those faithful men who have suffered divorce after being anointed to Apostolic Ministry. Currently our church has no opportunity to have a minister restored his ministry after divorce. (REASON): 1. There are men among us that have shown faithfulness throughout their traumatic event. 2. These men may have learned from the demise of their marriage, and now be more affective. 3. These men have been anointed in our conventions; and their pastors saw in them that calling from God. 4. Their gifts are apparent to all. We know the gifts and the calling of God is irrevocable (Romans 11:29) 5. Our church is one of restoration: For the sinner, for the brother and sister; why not for the minister as well? 6. If accepted; that those faithful men that have already been faithful for over two years be allowed to immediately resume their ministry after an audience with the district bishop. Article 63 Clause IX would read: Those ministers who after being anointed to Apostolic Ministry and have incurred no moral sin may be reinstated to their ministry after two years of being on recess. In that time they must have remained faithful and proceeded through the process of Article 63 Clause II, III, IV. 18

19 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #9 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE CHAPTER 23 BY: Pastor Arturo Serrano, Colorado Springs #1, CO Pastor Jesus Martinez, Alamosa, CO 19

20 General Electoral Convention 2014 November 24th-29th 2014 Long Beach, Ca Proposed-Initiative Presented by: Pastor Arturo Serrano, Pastor Jesus Martinez Chapter Twenty-Third Procedures to amend the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus Article 76 (2013 Constitution pg.111) I. Proposed- initiatives are the instrument to amend, create or eliminate articles of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly and these must initially be submitted to the General Secretary who in due order shall present them before the ministerial meeting of the General Convention to study whether they should receive an initial process resolution. Those proposed-initiatives approved by a vote to receive an initial process resolution shall follow the legal revision process, as established in Articles 34 and 76 of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly. The General Board of Directors shall appoint a Revision Commission. Said Commission shall be formed by five ministers and chaired by the Bishop Vice-president to process all proposedinitiatives previously approved by initial process resolution of the ministerial meeting of the General Convention. Proposed - initiatives may not be eliminated at any stage of the current process, except by the vote of the attending ministerial body in session at a General Convention. Proposed-initiative Purpose of Proposed-initiative: To grant the minister submitting proposedinitiative the opportunity to be part of the Revision Commission, if the initiative is approved in General Convention. This would allow the author of the initiative to be part of the entire process. Benefits to having the author part of the process; Staying true to the spirit of the authors proposed- initiative. Create less debate/discussion from author during the General Convention when proposed initiative returns to the floor the following year. Proposed Initiative to Article 76, Clause I, Paragraph 2 Those proposed-initiatives approved by a vote to receive an initial process resolution shall follow the legal revision process, as established in Articles 34 and 76 of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly. The General Board of Directors shall appoint a Revision Commission. Said Commission shall be 20

21 formed by five ministers, which would include the author of the proposed initiative and chaired by the Bishop Vice-president to process all proposedinitiatives previously approved by initial process resolution of the ministerial meeting of the General Convention. Proposed - initiatives may not be eliminated at any stage of the current process, except by the vote of the attending ministerial body in session at a General Convention. Article 76 (2013 Constitution pg.112) VI. When during a convention a proposed- initiative is brought to the floor and then turned to a study committee, the Bishop President shall, in the second General Board meeting after the convention, appoint 5-7 ministers to this study committee, who will be responsible to analyze the proposed-initiative, study it, and present a thesis of their investigation thereof. This study should be complied within six-month period. Purpose of Proposed-initiative: To grant the minister submitting proposedinitiative the opportunity to be part of the Study Committee, if the initiative is approved in General Convention. This would allow the author of the initiative to be part of the entire process. Benefits to having the author part of the process; Staying true to the spirit of the author s proposed- initiative. Proposed Initiative to Article 76, Clause VI VI. When during a convention a proposed-initiative is brought to the floor and then turned to a study committee, the Bishop President shall, in the second General Board meeting after the convention, appoint 5-7 ministers to this study committee, which would include the author of the proposed initiative. The study committee will be responsible to analyze the proposed-initiative, study it, and present a thesis of their investigation thereof. This study should be complied within six-month period. 21

22 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #10 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 4, Add Clause XXI BY: Bishop Felipe Salazar, Bishop Arcadio Peña, Ex- Bishop Felipe Lugo, Bishop Daniel Lofton, Bishop Saúl Rocha, Bishop Juan Mata, and Pastor Misael Zaragoza. 22

23 INITIATIVE-PROPOSAL TO THE CONSTITUTION Proposal to add a new subsection XXI to Article 4 of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly Initiative-Proposal is sponsored by: Bishop Felipe Salazar, Bishop Arcadio Peña, Ex-Bishop Felipe Lugo, Bishop Daniel Lofton, Bishop Saul Rocha, Bishop Juan Mata, and Pastor Misael Zaragoza. PROPOSED CHANGE The new subsection would read: Ministers elected to the General Board may serve for a maximum of twelve consecutive years on the General Board unless within the twelve year limit one is elected President of the Apostolic Assembly. In that case, the member elected President may serve a maximum of twenty consecutive years on the General Board. After a recess of four years they will again be eligible to be elected to the General Board. Explanation Term limits is an idea that has already been implemented in our Constitution with good results. General Board Members, Supervising Bishops, and Elders are all limited to a specific number of terms they can serve in those offices. This initiative-proposal seeks to further limit the amount of time a functioning General Board Member may serve on the General Board. Why limit a Member of the Board to only serving 12 consecutive years? 1. A limit of twelve years will allow a Minister enough time to serve in potentially three and at least two different positions on the General Board. 2. A limit of twelve years will allow for a fresh flow of ideas on the General Board as new leaders with new ideas come into the General Board. 3. A limit of twelve years will war against the stagnation that can be created when old ideas are re-circulated as the same people serve for many years moving from one position to another. 4. Twelve years is ample time for a General Board Member to introduce and implement his ideas on the General Board. 5. Twelve years is also plenty of time for the Pastoral body to get a general sense of the quality of a Board Member s work and of the effectiveness of his leadership. 6. Twelve years is ample time for an outstanding leader to be recognized as such by the Pastoral Body and for them to promote him accordingly. 7. Twelve years will provide ample experience on the General Board so that a member of the Board can serve as President. 23

24 8. A limit of twelve years will put a check on a dependence a person might develop on the additional salaries that are earned at that level. 9. This article would allow for members of the General Board who have gained the favor of the Pastors to be elected again to the General Board after a four year recess. 24

25 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #11 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 13 BY: Bishop Arcadio Peña, McAllen, TX 25

26 National Convention 2014 November 24-31, 2014 Long Beach, California Bishop Arcadio Pena New Proposed-Initiative ATTRIBUTIONS OF THE BISHOP GENERAL TREASURER ARTICLE 13 V. He shall require that the District Treasurer send the annual district budget via e- mail for the new year no later than November 1 for review and as information of the district s financial plan. 26

27 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #12 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 53 BY: Bishop Arcadio Peña, McAllen, TX 27

28 National Convention 2014 Long Beach, California November 24-30, 2014 New Proposed-Initiative ARTICLE 53 THE DISTRICT TREASURER VIII. He must send the district annual budget via for the new year to the General Treasurer no later than November 1 for review and as information of the district financial plan. 28

29 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #13 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 48 BY: Bishop Arcadio Peña, McAllen, TX 29

30 National Convention 2014 November 24-30, 2014 Long Beach, California Bishop Arcadio Pena New Proposed-Initiative DUTIES OF A DISTRICT BISHOP ARTICLE 48 VIII. They shall strive to ensure that the district s treasurer sends the General Treasurer via , the district annual budget for the new year no later than November 1 for review and as information of the district financial plan. (NOTE):This proposed-initiative would re-number the clauses of Article 48. Ex: Eight (VIII) would become Nine (IX); Nine (IX) would become Ten (X), etc. If approved, Article 48 would then have Sixteen (XVI) clauses. 30

31 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #14 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 31 BY: Pastor Abner Arias, Stockton #1, CA 31

32 INITIATIVE PROPOSAL CHURCH BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES NINTH CHAPTER ARTICLE 31 The following initiative proposal would affect Article 31 which presently corresponds to the heading Church Buildings and Properties, page 25 of the 2013 Constitution written in the English language. At the same time its approval would entail adding the present numbered article thus affecting the numbering sequence preceding it. The focal point of this proposal is to enrich the Apostolic Legacy placing at arm s reach, before qualified pastors, opportunities for posterity and improvements. There is no intent whatsoever to affect, change, or modify the basic tenants of the Oneness Apostolic Doctrine. I proposed that pre-qualified pastors be granted the ability to obtain autonomy over their properties in their churches. These pastors will follow the legal measures as stipulated by the Internal Revenue Service otherwise known as the IRS, and as such protect the interests of everyone within that autonomy whether they are interests of a spiritual nature, economical or real estate. Furthermore, comply with the necessary measures avoiding the violation of the law concerning inurement. This word in its application signifies to benefit. 32

33 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #15 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 20 BY: Bishop Abel E. Rodríguez, East Los Angeles, CA 33

34 INITIATIVE PROPOSAL Dated: August 25, 2014 Submitted by: Bishop Abel E. Rodriguez East Los Angeles District, El Siloé East Los Angeles, CA Proposed addition of an extended process to the existing Article 20, Clause I Introduction and Purpose: The purpose of this Initiative Proposal is to bring balance to the decision making process of the Apostolic Assembly by placing the voice of the majority of Pastors as the governing power of all policy making decisions rather than leaving it to the exclusive power of the General Board of Directors. This proposal would bring a balance of power that will resemble to process of our protocols used to implement constitutional change. The Constitutional process of the Apostolic Assembly is designed to allow the Pastors to vote on all legislative process. This proposal will simply add wording to the existing Article and Clause. Biblical Motivation Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14 Current Constitutional Article reads as follow; POWERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ARTICLE 20 I. The General Board of Directors is the highest representative body of the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus, and is organized for the purpose of directing and controlling all the activities of this religious corporation. It shall oversee the compliance of agreements, plans and projects that have been approved by the General Conventions, at the General Board of Directors meetings, joint meeting, and Episcopal meetings. During the interval between one General Convention and another, this board has the authority to immediately solve all problems that may arise, make the decisions that are incumbent, and represent the will of the Apostolic Assembly as a whole. The Proposed Article would read as follows: 34

35 POWERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS -ARTICLE 20 I. The General Board of Directors is the highest representative body of the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus, and is organized for the purpose of directing and controlling all the activities of this religious corporation. It shall oversee the compliance of agreements, plans and projects that have been approved by the General Conventions, at the General Board of Directors meetings, joint Bishops meeting, and Episcopal meetings. During the interval between one General Convention and another, this board has the authority to immediately solve all problems that may arise, make the decisions that are incumbent, and represent the will of the Apostolic Assembly as a whole. The immediate resolve of issues and items that are not irrevocable would then be presented at the next Joint Bishops Meeting and General Convention so that the decision the General Board of Directors agreed upon using the privilege of this Article and Clause would then be; (1) Validated and Ratified or (2) Censured and Revoked, or (3) Modified as needed. This would be accomplished by a simple majority vote. 35

36 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #16 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 5 BY: Bishop Abel E. Rodríguez, East Los Angeles, CA 36

37 INITIATIVE PROPOSAL Dated: August 25, 2014 Submitted by: Bishop Abel E. Rodriguez East Los Angeles District, El Siloé East Los Angeles, CA Proposed addition of a new Clause to Article 5 New Clause III QUALIFYING COMMISSION ELECTION RESULTS Introduction and Purpose: The purpose of this Initiative Proposal is to add to our existing excellent method of election a measure of transparency and full public accountability which has emerged as a major theme of importance over the recent years. It is NOT the purpose of this proposal to insinuate the existence of discrepancies in any of our past or current elections. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14 In the same manner that scripture speaks to us concerning the wisdom of having multiple counselors, there is also great wisdom when a spirit of transparency is acknowledged in publicly sharing the results of any of our elections. It is for this reason that this Initiative Proposal is being summited. Biblical Motivation For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. - 2 Corinthians 1:12 QUALIFYING COMMISSION ELECTION RESULTS (To be added as a New Heading in Article 5, in a New Sub-Heading, a new Clause III) III. The Qualifying Commission shall create a document (Elections Tabulation Results) which will record and show the results of the voting tabulation by each candidate s name and number of votes received. 1. The Election Tabulation Results will be published and must contain the record of every candidate that received votes. Candidates that received only one (1) vote are not required to be posted unless there are fewer than ten (10) total candidates. 37

38 2. The Election Tabulation Results must also contain the name and number of votes received of any nominated candidate who declined to participate in the running as a candidate and/or any candidate that was for justified reasons not allowed to run as a candidate. (See example) 3. Any nominated candidate that declines to participate in the election is to be indicated as such by placing an asterisk (*) by the candidate s name and record of votes received. The ledger will read * Candidate Declined. No other explanation should be given. 4. Any nominated candidate who is not approved by the Qualifying Commission to participate in the election is to be indicated as such by placing a double asterisk (**) by the candidate s name and record of votes received. The ledger will read ** Candidate not approved. No other explanation should be given. 5. All members of the Qualifying Commission must also sign the Election Tabulation Results document. 6. The Final Results of each election shall be posted for public disclosure on the official webpage of the Apostolic Assembly and in the next published official gazette of the Apostolic Assembly, The Herald. The format of this posting shall be in the same manner of the Election Tabulation Results including the signatures of the Commission Members. 38

39 Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus Election Tabulation Record The Election for the Position of: Election Location: Bishop President Apostolic Assembly Long Beach, California Election Date: November 30, 2014 Type of Election: Preliminary Final Name of Candidate Votes Received 1. Sam Smith Robert Real Peter Paul Nick Neven 36 * 5. Mark Mountain Raul Right 25 ** 7. Thomas Tower Frank Fountain 9 9. Walter Waters Andrew Angelo 2 * Candidate Decline ** Candidate Not Approved Signatures of Commission Members certifying the Election Results 39

40 Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus Election Tabulation Record The Election for the Position of: Election Location: Election Date: Type of Election: Preliminary Final Name of Candidate Votes Received * Candidate Decline ** Candidate Not Approved Signatures of Commission Members certifying the Election Results 40

41 PROPOSAL AMENDMENT Dated: August 25, 2014 Submitted by: Bishop Abel E. Rodriguez East Los Angeles District, El Siloé East Los Angeles, CA Proposed Amendment to Article 5, Clause II Under the heading QUALIFYING COMMITTEE, IT S FUNCTION Introduction and Purpose: To bring this portion of the Constitution inline to the Initiative Proposal submitted previously with regards to Article 5 and the new proposed Clause III. Provides a transparency of candidates selected during the election process and to fully show the exact candidates who have been selected by the voting pastors of the election without being filtered by any commission. This would provide for a true simple majority vote as prescribed in Article 4, Clause XVIII. QUALIFYING COMMITTEE ITS FUNCTION II. The Qualifying Committee shall consider those ministers, who have received a greater number of votes as to their capabilities, qualities, and their rights, and shall approve two to five of them as candidates. Proposed Amendment to read as follows: QUALIFYING COMMITTEE IT S FUNCTION II. The Qualifying Committee shall consider those ministers, who have received a greater number of votes as to their capabilities, qualities, and their rights, and shall approve the ten (10) candidates who have received the most votes. 41

42 APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY OF THE FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS GENERAL CONVENTION Long Beach, CA DATE: November 25-29, 2014 PROPOSED INITIATIVE/PROPOSAL #17 (2014) PROPOSED AMENDMENT: PROPOSAL TO CHANGE ARTICLE 31 BY: Bishop Abel E. Rodríguez, East Los Angeles, CA 42

43 INITIATIVE PROPOSAL Dated: August 25, 2014 Submitted by: Bishop Abel E. Rodriguez East Los Angeles District, El Siloé EastLos Angeles, CA This Initiative is to be inserted to Article 31 as a new Clause XII. Introduction and Purpose: The purpose of this Initiative Proposal is to set a protocol for the General Board of Directors with regard to Real Estate transactions. It will establish the requirement of a Resolution granted to the General Board of Directors by the Episcopal Body in office of the Apostolic Assembly when the General Board of Directors seeks to buy, sell, rent, mortgage or lend properties at the corporate level as a whole or by any of the Secretariat Departments. In short, the Apostolic Assembly has already established a system and process in Article 31 to be used when a local congregation looks to buy, sell, rent, mortgage or lend properties. The established protocol consists of a Local Resolution, District Resolution, and a final Resolution by the General Board of Directors in order to proceed. Yet there is no protocol established if the Corporation elects to buy, sell, rent, mortgage or lend properties. This proposal would provide a simple method requiring the General Board of Directors to secure an approval and resolution from the Episcopal Body in office before committing the Districts and Pastors of the Apostolic Assembly to any Real Estate transaction which would financially affect our economy as a whole. Biblical Motivation For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luke 14:28 This Initiative Proposal is to be inserted into Article 31 and is to become the new Clause XII The Proposed new Clause XII would read as follows: Clause XII For the General Board or any of its Secretariat Departments to buy, sell, rent, mortgage or lend properties, which would be under the name of the Apostolic Assembly, the following steps must be taken: 43

44 1. Submit the proposal to the Episcopal Body in office of the Apostolic Assembly via these modes of correspondence; electronic mail and US Postal Service. The proposal must contain the following details of information: a. Purpose and reason to purchase the property or properties. b. The location and legal description of the Real Estate. c. The purchase price of the Real Estate. d. Financial details: Purchase Price, Down Payment, Loan Rate, Terms, and all pertinent information. e. Source of funds from where the payments will be made. f. Financial Impact on the economy of the Apostolic Assembly. This should be completed by an outside source to accurately access the fiscal effect. (It can be completed by the institution from where the Real Estate Loan will be secured). 2. Once the above information has been provided to the Episcopal Body, a meeting must be convened to discuss and examine the request for the resolution. This meeting must be held with the entire Episcopal Body; however, it can be conducted in smaller groups via in-person meetings or video conference. It is in this meeting or meetings the Bishops(or the designated member of the District Board) will cast a vote to either grant or deny a resolution to buy, sell, rent, mortgage or lend properties. Each District must be represented. A simple majority is required to either approve or disapprove a resolution. The entire General Board of Directors must be present during these discussions and voting process whether it is in a singular or multiple meeting setting. 3. The Final Resolution will need to bear the voting record of the Episcopal Body (or representative) indicating the approval or nonapproval. NOTE: The Existing Clause XII will then become Clause XIII and each of the subsequent Clauses of Article 31 will more forward respectively. 44