Missionary Discipline Policy Assemblies of God World Missions Board April 7-8, 2004
Page 2 MISSIONARY DISCIPLINE Our greatest resources are our missionaries who have effective Pentecostal ministry and are spiritually attuned. As a missions board, we seek in all things to promote the welfare and spiritual development of this great resource. In order to accomplish this goal, the board endeavors to encourage its missionaries, to work in a Biblical manner characterized by order and harmony, to glorify our Lord, to benefit one another, and to bring blessing to the world. 1 At times, this encouragement must take the form of ecclesiastical disciplinary action. Discipline is a restorative process, as stated in Scripture 2 and outlined in Article X., Section 1 of the General Council Bylaws, 2003: Discipline is an exercise of scriptural authority for which the church, through its leadership, is responsible. The aims of discipline are that God may be honored, that the purity and welfare of the ministry may be maintained, and that those under discipline may be brought to repentance and restoration. Discipline is to be administered for the restoration of the minister, while fully providing for the protection of the spiritual welfare of the General Council of the Assemblies of God USA, AGWM, and our worldwide national churches. It is to be redemptive in nature as well as corrective. DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY: BASIS AND SCOPE One of the duties of the Assemblies of God World Missions Board (WMB) is "... to establish and uphold standards for appointed world missionaries and world missions candidates for world missions appointment." (Article XIV, Section 1.e (4), GC Bylaws, 2003). By implication, this includes establishing policies and procedures to insure those standards are maintained throughout the missionary personnel. These policies are to be implemented by the Executive Committee (EC). 3 There is a distinction between matters relating to one's missionary status with AGWM and one's ministerial credentials. Disciplinary matters related to ministerial credentials must be handled according to Article X, "Discipline," of the General Council Bylaws (2003). The discipline portrayed here, however, relates to one's status with AGWM, which may or may not affect one's credentials. If evidence is obtained which potentially affects one's status as a credentialed minister of the Assemblies of God, AGWM is duty bound to submit that information to the missionary's home district for its review and action (Article X.A., Section 4.b., GC Bylaws, 2003). Since AGWM functions as a body under the authority of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, disciplinary action initiated by the offender s home district, such as the loss of ministerial credentials with the General Council of the Assemblies of God, is beyond the scope of this document, and supercedes the actions of AGWM. This policy applies to all AGWM appointed and approved missionaries and their spouses as well as candidates approved by the Assemblies of God World Missions Board, missionary associates, MAPS personnel, short-term ministers abroad, and other persons hired by or assigned to work with AGWM and/or its ministries. The principles and procedures that follow have three basic premises in mind: A. All workers have the right to a clear idea of what is expected of them; to have reasonable rules of conduct clearly expressed in writing. 1 Rom. 16:17-19; 1 Cor. 1; 10:23-24, 31-33; 11:17-12; 13; Eph. 4:1-16; 1 Thess. 5:12-15; 2 Tim. 2:22-26; 1 John 2 Judgment is to be done in love with forgiveness as the hallmark and redemption as the goal (Matt. 18:15, 21-22; 2 Cor. 2:6-8; Gal. 6:1-2; James. 2:12-13). 3 The leadership of the church is authorized to exercise judgment over believers (Matt. 16:19, 18:18; John 20:23; Acts 15:6, 28, 16:4; Heb. 13:17).
B. Specific penalties should be imposed for violating these rules. 4 Policy for Missionary Discipline Page 3 C. These penalties should be imposed upon violators without partiality, but also accounting for the seriousness and uniqueness of each situation. 5 Such penalties should be imposed after thorough investigation adequate for a comprehensive evaluation. 6 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS It is to be redemptive in nature as well as corrective, and is to be exercised as under a dispensation of mercy. At the same time, the spiritual and emotional welfare of those others who have been affected by the offenses committed or by the judgments rendered must also be considered. 7 Such actions which may or may not be progressive would be carried out with the hope that for restoration at the earliest possible moment and with the most positive impact upon all concerned. 8 The disciplinary process is to be conducted, in its entirety, within the ecclesiastic structure. 9 Disciplinary actions include but are not limited to the following: A. Oral and written warnings given at the initiative of the Regional Director or EC member to which the missionary is assigned. B. Restriction of ministry during an investigation, probation, and termination given at the initiative of the EC. CAUSES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION For those who choose not to abide by the principles and values upheld by AGWM, formal discipline will be required. The EC can take disciplinary action for, but is not limited to, the following causes. Causes for Disciplinary Action A. Any conduct unbecoming to a missionary as a representative of Christ and the Assemblies of God; to include any behavior which, in its opinion, disturbs the order, dignity, business, or harmony, or impairs the good name and prosperity of the organization, or which is likely, in its opinion, to endanger the welfare, interest, or character of the organization, or violates such rules and regulations of the organization which may be made from time to time B. Loss of ministerial credentials with the General Council of the Assemblies of God C. Sexual Indiscretions D. Neglect to properly manage and report the use of mission funds E. Neglect to properly manage and report the use of mission funds, such as embezzlement, inappropriate use of funds, the habit of running into personal debt and bringing reproach, and willful neglect in maintaining adequate records regarding missionary expenditures F. Neglect to comply with civil laws which do not violate scriptural principles and/or mandates 4 Sinful behavior is to be confronted and exposed (Prov. 28:23; Matt. 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Eph. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:15). Those who cause dissension - dismissal after two warnings (Rom. 16:17; Titus 3:10-11). Sex offenders dismissal (1 Cor. 5:3-5, 13). Blasphemy against God - dismissal (1 Tim. 1:20). Ministers who sin public rebuke (1 Tim. 5:19-21). Those who teach false doctrines - severe reproval, being considered an outcast from the faith (1 Tim. 1:3-4; Titus 1:13-14; Gal. 1:8-9). 5 Judgment is to be done without partiality (Lev. 19:15; Deut. 16:18-19; Job 32:21; 1 Tim. 5:21; James. 2:1-11). 6 Evidence must be established by the testimony of at least two or three reliable witnesses (Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6, 19:15; Prov. 25:8; Mt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19; Heb. 10:28). 7 Revenge must not be the motivation for discipline (Prov. 24:29; Matt. 5:40; Lev. 19:18; Rom. 12:17-19). 8 Confrontation of sinful behavior is to be received with thanksgiving as producing righteousness (Psalms 141:5; Prov. 15:5, 25:12, 29:1; Eccles. 7:5; 2 Cor. 10:8, 13:10; Heb. 12:5). 9 Judgment among Christians is to be carried out within the Body of Christ, not by civil courts (Matt. 5:25; 1 Cor. 6:1-8).
Page 4 G. A declared open change in doctrinal views or practices of the A/G, or deliberate variance from the values, purpose, or objectives of AGWM H. Deliberate falsification of reports or official testimony I. An arbitrary rejection of the leadership or authority of AGWM or the national church J. An assumption of dictatorial authority over the national church, fellow missionaries, or home constituency K. A contentious or non-cooperative spirit L. Engagement in commercial or secular pursuits, or other outside employment or activities not specifically authorized by AGWM M. Ministry without prior approval in a non-assemblies church or group not having a working relationship with AGWM (see Article IX, B. Section 9, GC Bylaws, 2003) N. A marriage in violation of the General Council stand on marriage and divorce (see Article IX, B., Section 5.e., GC Bylaws, 2003) O. A violation of ministerial courtesy (see Article IX, B., Section 8, GC Bylaws, 2003) P. An improper attitude toward those dismissed from the Fellowship (see Article IX, B., Section 10, GC Bylaws, 2003) Q. General incompetence in the ministry R. Improper representation of our Pentecostal testimony NOTE: The Executive Committee reserves the right to modify these causes for disciplinary action at any time. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE NATIONAL CHURCH In the case of missionaries or staff workers holding credentials with the national church with which they are working, any judgments imposed by that church shall be recognized as valid by AGWM. Since in most cases AGWM-sponsored workers serve at the invitation of the national church overseas, the withdrawal of that invitation shall result in the repatriation of the workers in question. In some exceptional cases, the Executive Committee may reassign the missionary or staff worker to another field or international ministry. In any event, the testimony and recommendation of duly constituted national church authorities shall be seriously considered by AGWM in disciplinary matters. INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED MISCONDUCT OR CONFESSIONS OF VIOLATIONS OF AGWM PRINCIPLES Reports or complaints of alleged misconduct of a missionary or confessions of such by a missionary will be investigated. The Regional Director or other EC member to whom the missionary is assigned will initiate a thorough and impartial investigation, keeping in mind that it is his responsibility to safeguard AGWM, the accused, the Assemblies of God Fellowship, the national church, and any person(s) who may have been affected by the purported action. An investigation may include, but not be limited to, the following actions which may or may not be progressive. A. Interview with the complainant(s) to ascertain the facts in the case and the reasons underlying the persistence of the reports or complaints. 10 B. Interview with the accused person to discuss the alleged misconduct with the hope the matter can be resolved. 11 10 The giving of false witness is condemned (Ex. 20:16 (one of ten commandments); Lev. 6:3, 19:12; Prov. 19:9, 24:28, 25:18; Jer. 5:2, 7:9; Zech. 5:4; Mal. 3:5; Matt. 19:18; 1 Tim. 1:10).
Page 5 C. If the investigation so indicates, a signed complaint shall be filed with the Missionary Fellowship Committee or its equivalent, or higher authority. If an official complaint is not signed, the authorities making the investigation may themselves sign based upon evidence in their possession. The person against whom such allegations are made shall be informed in writing that the complaint has been registered against them. D. Ministry may be subject to restriction during the time of investigation at the discretion of the EC on the basis of evidence at hand and the nature of the alleged offense. Such conditions are subject to periodic review until such investigation has been completed resulting in either clearing the person of the allegations or filing formal charges. E. A confidential file of any written documentation concerning the case shall be maintained with access granted only to those having both the right and the need to know. Adequate care must be taken to insure the confidentiality of the information and thus protect the parties involved from gossip, slander, innuendo, or other distortions of fact. 12 PREPARATION AND FILING OF CHARGES If after due investigation it is determined that charges should be made, proper charges shall be prepared and filed with the Executive Committee. If no one appears to sign the charges, the committee member(s) making the investigation may file charges based on the evidence at hand. The person against whom charges have been filed will be informed in writing, of the charges made. HEARING AND DISCIPLINE A. Hearing In the event the reports or complaints cannot be dealt with privately to the satisfaction of all concerned, the Regional Director or other EC member to whom the missionary is assigned may arrange for a hearing by the EC for the accused missionary. The missionary shall be required to appear at the hearing in the hope the matter can be resolved. B. Forfeiture of rights of accused A hearing shall not be considered as final disposition of the case until the accused is present and allowed all rights and privileges granted herein. However, an accused missionary may be found guilty of charges and disciplined for failure to appear at the hearing, or if proof is found of willful neglect to take advantage of rights and privileges provided. C. Discipline 1. Cause for discipline. A missionary who has been found guilty of any of the causes for disciplinary action, either by a confession of the missionary involved or by deliberation of the EC, shall be subject to disciplinary action. 2. Determination of discipline. It is the responsibility of the EC to determine whether the circumstances of the case merit probation or termination. The EC shall weigh decisions based on, but not limited to the following: (a) the basis of the offense itself, (b) the impact on affected parties, (c) the manner and thoroughness of repentance, (d) the attitude of the offending minister toward the discipline, and (e) the willingness manifested to cooperate. 3. Administering discipline redemptively. If the EC determines that guilt has been established, discipline shall be administered prayerfully and in the fear of God, in accordance with the Scriptures. 11 Issues should be resolved at the lowest level possible with the least publicity, but never to excuse or cover sin (Prov. 25:9; Matt. 5:23-25, 18:15-18; Luke 17:3; 1 Tim. 5:19-20, 24-25). 12 It is specifically forbidden to spread gossip or slander or to betray confidences (Ex. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Prov. 6:19, 11:13, 16:28, 20:19; Rom. 1:30; 1 Cor. 6:10; 2 Cor. 12:20; Titus 2:3).
Page 6 CONFIDENTIALITY It shall be the express concern and duty of all involved in the processing and handling of such disciplinary matters to maintain, in compliance with the appropriate regulations, complete confidentiality of the information, whether oral, written, or photographically or electronically stored or transmitted. The purpose of such confidentiality is to avoid distortions, protect the reputations of the accused, the offended, the church, and AGWM, insofar as possible, while enhancing the likelihood for successful restoration of the offender. However, none of the above shall be construed to mean that information should be withheld that may endanger the accused or the public welfare, nor that information which pertains to conduct in violation of the rules and regulations of AGWM be kept from the appropriate authorities described herein. THE RESIGNATION/TERMINATION PROCESS A missionary may resign, or be terminated, for various reasons since this decision is based on individual circumstances. Therefore, AGWM views each resignation or termination on an individual basis. A voluntary resignation initiated by a missionary may be viewed by AGWM as favorable or unfavorable; this depends on the reason for resignation. An involuntary resignation may be required of a missionary. This is something the missionary does not want; however, circumstances warrant it. In this case, AGWM will view this as a favorable resignation. An involuntary resignation initiated by AGWM, even though the missionary does not want to resign, is viewed as an unfavorable resignation. NOTE: If a missionary initiates the process, a letter of resignation must be submitted to the appropriate Regional Director. A resigning/terminating missionary may be entitled to certain settlement benefits. The settlement benefits offered will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a committee comprised of designated Executive Committee members. The following is an example of what will be evaluated before a missionary will receive any benefits: How many terms of service did the missionary complete? What is the reason for resignation/termination? Was the resignation/termination anticipated? RIGHT OF APPEAL The accused may request an appeal to the next higher level of authority within AGWM. If a disciplined missionary desires to appeal a decision that has been rendered by the Executive Committee, he or she must file the request with the Assemblies of God World Missions Board within 30 days of his or her notification. Response to Request for Appeal The response of the World Missions Board (WMB) may include, but is not limited to, the following: A. Hear the Appeal: The WMB can hear the appeal, if in its judgment there is sufficient reason to do so. B. Refuse to Hear the Appeal: The WMB may refuse to hear the appeal if in its judgment there is not sufficient reason to hear the appeal, EC has adequately handled the case, or EC has not yet heard the case. C. Deny the Appeal: The WMB can deny the appeal, upholding the decision of the Executive Committee, by reason of insufficient grounds for an appeal.
Page 7 D. Remand the case back to the EC: The WMB can remand the case back to the EC for review and reconsideration. The EC shall report the results of its review to the WMB for a final judgment. In these cases the WMB decision is final. Forfeiture of Right of Appeal. The WMB does not need to grant an appeal if proof is found of neglect on the part of the accused to take advantage of available rights and privileges to appeal. REAPPOINTMENT OF PREVIOUSLY TERMINATED MISSIONARIES Missionaries who have been terminated by AGWM for disciplinary reasons may be considered for reappointment after a minimum period of two years. They must give clear evidence of significant changes in attitude, lifestyle, behavior, or the like appropriate to the nature of the original problem. Their application for reappointment shall be thoroughly processed in a manner similar to that of first-time candidates in an attempt to discern whether their request should be granted. If approved for reappointment, they will normally be assigned to a different setting from the one where the original infraction(s) took place. RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS NOT RELATED TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION Resignations or terminations may be necessary due to: A. A desire to pursue another area of ministry. B. Personal reasons. C. Retirement. D. Prolonged medical or emotional impairment rendering missionary service impossible or impractical. E. The excessive cost of personal support, including children's schooling, and travel and related expenses, due to family size. F. Inability to raise the necessary financial support within the allotted time period, personal inadequacies, etc. G. Inability to adjust on the field. H. Inability to carry out the ministry assigned due to governmental restrictions, etc. I. No longer a need for the personal characteristics, skills, knowledge, or abilities of the person in question.