Whether starting a church or already leading one, the first step to assuring the long term success of the ministry is to have a sound, biblically based set of By-Laws.
Included in the 21 articles of your New Testament Apostolic By-Laws are:
Statement of Faith Concerning: Scriptures, Godhead, man/fall/redemption, new birth, water baptism, baptism in Holy Spirit, sanctification, divine healing, resurrection, return of the Lord, hell/retribution, communion, laying on of hands, the ongoing five fold ministry, personal deliverance and prosperity of the believer
Members and Membership: no voting privileges
The Governing Body: Senior Overseer, Local Presbytery, General Overseers, term/selection/responsibilities of Local Presbytery; Senior Overseer names his own successor, Senior Overseer is responsible for all final decisions
Meeting of the Local Presbytery: determined by Senior Overseer, meets only with the consent of the Senior Overseer; Ministering Elders may attend only by invitation of the Senior Overseer
Ecclesiastical Government: Appointment of Ministering Elders, Deacons and Deaconess by the approval of the Senior Overseer; allegations by Ministering Elders concerning members of Local Presbytery must meet specific guidelines and be confined to three areas of sin
Non-Governmental Positions of Ministering Elders, Deacons and Deaconess: Specific responsibilities and parameters of each group
Outside Presbytery: Selected by the Senior Overseer from outside the local Church. Holds the Senior Overseer accountable financially and morally. Any accusation brought against a member of the Local Presbytery that is left unresolved within the local governing process, the Outside Presbytery renders a decision as to guard the local church and restore the leadership and spiritual health of the Local Presbytery member
International Presbytery: Provision for the Local Presbytery to create an International Board of Presbyters
Officers: Description, responsibilities and powers of various officers
Licensing and Ordination of Ministers: allows the Senior Overseer within the government of the local church to license and ordain