Constitution and By-laws
of the
EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 8184
Flint, MI 48501-8184
Revised 1990
Revised 1993
Revised 1999
Revised: 9/27/08
Revised: 7/18/11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
History and Organization 1
Constitution and By-Laws 2
Article I:
Name 2
Article II:
Doctrinal Statement 2
Article III:
Object and Purpose 3
Article IV:
Membership 3
Addendum
Article V:
Operations 4
General Council 5
Executive Board 8
Standing Committees 10
Standing Boards 11
Organization of Chapters 13
Article VI:
Ministerial Credentials 14
Article VII:
Amendments 16
Article VIII:
Dissolution Clause 17
HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
of the
Evangelical Alliance Ministerial Association
In Flint, Michigan, in 1959, a small group of Christians interested in different types of ministries gathered in prayer. These men realized the need for an organization which would serve as a means of providing credentials for men and women who felt the call to God's service, but who had been unable to complete sufficient education through their own denomination to meet such requirements.
After praying much about that need, and after exploring the possibilities of meeting the need, the Evangelical Alliance Ministerial Association was established.
The charter members of this Association were the Late William Lott, Rev. Alan LaRose, and Rev. Phillip E. Fisher, who were in the early stages of evangelistic and pastoral ministries. Irving Farnsworth was an early advisor; Curtis and Bernard Loafman and Charles McCord were also eager to promote the organization. Other early members were Juanita Ross, Dr. Robert Schleuter, and M.G. Chapman.
It was decided that headquarters would remain at Flint, monthly meetings would be held, and an annual meeting would be on the third Tuesday in September. They would be able to ordain ministers and to confer honorary degrees; however, to preserve the integrity of the Association, they would be able to refuse to issue credentials after proper investigation. Membership would be renewed annually, and dues would be determined to defray expenses and to further the work.
Finally, the following officers would be elected to direct their affairs: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate-at-Large, and two Representatives-at-Large.
Much progress has been made in the ensuing years, and the Association has grown steadily, the Constitution and By-Laws being revised accordingly. A radiant future is anticipated as the work branches out across the United States and in foreign countries.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
of the
EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this fellowship shall be the Evangelical Alliance Ministerial Association, hereinafter referred to as the EAMA. The EAMA holds a charter of incorporation under the State of Michigan as a non-profit organization, with headquarters located at Flint, Michigan.
ARTICLE II
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
The EAMA is not affiliated with any one denomination as an organization; however, we do stand for the following fundamentals:
1. We believe in the Divine Trinity - The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)
2. We believe in the divine inspiration of the Word of God as contained in the Old and New Testaments. Further, we believe these scriptures are the inspired and infallible written Word of God. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16)
3. We believe that the Body of Christ, with Christ as the head, includes all Christians and constitutes His church. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)
4. We believe that the basis of fellowship and unity is in the new birth, the definite experience thereof, and the knowledge of and belief in salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
5. We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. "And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
ARTICLE III
OBJECT AND PURPOSE
1. The EAMA shall provide licensing and ordination credentials for those who feel the call to minister and meet the requirements of the EAMA.
2. The EAMA was formed for the purpose of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ as set forth in the Old and New Testaments.
3. The EAMA shall have the right to acquire and possess real and personal property to be used for the purpose of preaching, teaching, and/or publishing the Gospel in the United States and foreign countries.
4. The EAMA shall extend Christian fellowship to all worthy persons who so desire, provided that they satisfy the EAMA membership and/or credential requirements.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
1. All candidates for membership shall:
a. Be sponsored by an active EAMA member who will have personal knowledge of the qualifications and calling of the applicant.
b. Prior to applying for membership, the candidate shall be familiar with the Constitution and By-Laws of this Association.
c. Have a clear testimony that Jesus Christ is their personal Lord and Savior.
d. Exhibit personal and public lives that are in keeping with Biblical standards according to these Scriptures: Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 4:1-3, 17-32; 5:1-21.
e. Fill out and return application.
f. Attend at least one (1) EAMA meeting before the application can be considered.
g. Applicant will be interviewed by the Membership & Credentials Board and if accepted will be recommended to the executive board. If accepted, the membership fee becomes due and payable.
h. All members shall attend the Annual Convention and at least one other quarterly or fellowship meeting throughout the year unless excused by a member of the Executive Board. All licensed and/or ordained members shall attend all quarterly business meetings (which include the annual business meeting and Annual Convention) unless excused by a member of the Executive Board.
i. The spouse of a dues paying member will be considered an honorary member only.
2. Renewal of Membership
Membership will be renewed as long as the following guidelines are met:
a. Continue to meet the standards of the Association.
b. Return annual report form along with the required membership fee.
c. Failure to comply with any or all of the above may result in loss of membership and/or privileges.
d. Individual membership may be revoked at any time by order of the Executive Board on advisement of the Membership Credentials Board.
e. Notification of revocation of membership will also include a request for return of membership card and/or any credentials.
Addendum to the
E.A.M.A.
Constitution and By-laws
Article IV Membership
Approved for acceptance May, 2011
Addendum 1.
In the event that an existing individual, Minister, or Missionary, either foreign or American living and ministering on foreign soil desires membership into E.A.M.A.
The following criteria shall apply:
a.A minimum of two E.A.M.A. members in good standing must have current first hand knowledge of the applicant(s) and have visited the foreign ministry work.
b.Due to financial hardship, or other reasons restricting travel to U.S., E.A.M.A. meeting attendance requirements may be waived at the discretion of the M&C Board.
c. The applicant(s) must be sponsored by a minimum of two (2) E.A.M.A. members in good standing who have personal first hand knowledge of the applicant(s).
d. The applying Minister / Missionary shall be required to submit a quarterly progress report to E.A.M.A and notify E.A.M.A. of any changes of ministry goals or methods deemed pertinent by the E.A.M.A. Membership and Credentials Board.
e.All other membership rules shall apply with the exception that Foreign Based applicants shall not be required to attend meetings in order to be eligible for membership.
f.The M. & C. face to face interview may be waived as a requirement for membership, or the interview may instead be done via Skype or telephone.
ARTICLE V
A. OPERATIONS
1. The fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December 31.
2. The EAMA shall hold monthly fellowship meetings and quarterly business meetings for ongoing business, one of which shall be an annual business meeting, another of which shall be the annual convention.
3. The interim affairs of the EAMA shall be directed by the Executive Board, which consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate-at-Large, two Representatives-at-Large, Chapter Presidents, and any other officer(s) deemed necessary.
4. All elected or appointed Board or Committee members shall attend all regularly scheduled Board or Committee meetings, unless excused by the Chairperson of the Board or Committee. After two or more consecutive unexcused absences, that position can be replaced by appointment of the Executive Board based on the recommendation of the Chairperson of that Board or Committee.
5. General Officers will be elected at the Annual Convention and will begin their terms of office on January 1 of the following year. The term of office will run concurrent with the fiscal year.
6. Limitations of Offices
a. No elected officer shall serve more than five (5) consecutive years unless the five (5) year tenure rule is set aside by two-thirds (2/3) vote of General Council. In such case, a elected officer may be elected to an additional term of office by a majority vote. In no case shall a general officer serve more than ten (10) consecutive years. This rule shall not apply to the General Treasurer.
b. No person shall be elected to fill more than one (1) General Council office except:
(1) Where such provision is already made in the Constitution and By-Laws.
(2) When it is found to be necessary, and then only by suspension of this rule by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Council.
B. GENERAL COUNCIL
1. The General Council as organized under this Constitution and By-Laws is to guide and facilitate the business activities of the EAMA in the acquiring and holding of real estate, the collecting and disbursing of money, and the appointing and directing of the agencies of the Association.
2. All qualified members of this Association shall be members of the General Council and have the right to vote in all General Council meetings.
a. Meetings
(1) Annual Convention
(a) The annual convention shall be held in the fall of each year. The date will be set by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board, and will be conveyed to the General Council prior to dismissal for the summer month(s). The purposes of the Convention are:
i) Fellowship.
ii) Election of Officers for the following year.
iii) Present and vote on the budget for the coming year.
(b) Quorum: Twenty-five percent (25%) of active membership list, a majority of members present.
(c) All election procedures shall be determined by the General Council.
(d) Absentee Ballot: In the event a qualified elector of the Association finds it impossible to attend the business meeting due to illness or some other unavoidable reason, they may cast an absentee ballot, providing they have requested it in writing one month prior to the meeting. The marked ballot must be sealed in an envelope clearly identified as an absentee ballot and returned to the Secretary of the Association not less than one week prior to the business meeting. Their name must then be recorded as a voting member and his ballot held unopened until the time of the meeting. A signed proxy ballot can be hand-carried to the meeting.
(2) Annual Business Meeting
(a) The Annual Business Meeting of the General Council shall be held the second Thursday of January each year for the purpose of the year end financial report, installation of officers, and other appropriate business that might come before it.
(b) The Annual Business Meeting shall be held at the place designated by the executive board.
(c) Quorum: Twenty-five percent (25%) of active membership list, a majority of members present.
(d) Motions and business activities will be approved or rejected by a simple majority of the members present.
(3) Quarterly Business Meetings
(a) Quarterly business meetings of the General Council shall be held on the second Thursdays of April and June each year for the purpose of conducting ongoing business of the organization.
(b) Quarterly business meetings shall be held at the place designated by the executive board.
(c) Quorum: Twenty-five percent (25%) of active membership list, a majority of members present.
(d) Motions and business activities will be approved or rejected by a simple majority of the members present.
(4) Fellowship Meetings
(a) Fellowship meetings shall be held at the place and time designated by the Executive Board.
(b) The executive Board may conduct a business meeting concurrently with, but separate from, the fellowship meeting for the ongoing business of the association, if needed.
(5) All Other Meetings
(a) All other meetings of the Association shall be held at the place designated by the Executive Board.
(b) With the minutes of the last quarterly meeting, the date and time of the forthcoming meeting must be included.
(c) Quorum: Twenty-five percent (25%) of active membership list, a majority of members present.
(6) Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
(a) In the event of a disagreement of procedure in any business meeting, Robert's Rules Of Order shall be followed.
b. Officers
(1) The primary officers of the Association shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President, Vice-President, and Secretary, Delegate-at-Large, and Representative-at-Large shall all be elected by the General Council for a term of one year. The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Executive Board and ratified by the General Council. The primary officers of the Association may serve a maximum of five (5) consecutive terms. After a lapse of one (1) year, they may again be nominated for that office. A Chaplain shall be appointed by the President, who shall define the duties of his position.
(2) The President shall preside at all business meetings of the General Council and exercise general supervision over the affairs of the Association.
(3) The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his absence or in the event of his inability to serve.
(4) The Secretary shall keep an orderly record of the proceedings of the meetings of the General Council and Executive Board in a book provided by the EAMA for that purpose. This book shall be carefully preserved by the Secretary, and shall remain the property of the Association.
(5) The Treasurer of the Association shall receive and deposit the funds of the EAMA in whatever bank is recommended by the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall be authorized to give receipts for all monies paid to the EAMA. The bank account of the Association shall be in the name of the Association. The Treasurer and a second member of the Executive Board shall count the offerings. The President, Treasurer, and one member appointed by the Executive Board (preferably a member of the Executive Board) shall be authorized to sign the checks. No one is authorized to sign a check to themselves. The Treasurer shall file and preserve properly all vouchers and orders paid as a part of the records of the Association. The Treasurer shall make regular reports at least monthly to the Executive Board and at least annually to the Association, showing receipts and disbursements and their relationship to the budget. The books shall be subject to inspection by other members of the Executive Board, as well as members of the Association.
(6) The Delegate-at-Large shall represent the Association at the request of the President at outside functions.
(7) The two (2) Representatives-at-Large complete the administrative roster, and serve as trustees in the handling of all physical elements of the Association.
(8) Expulsion of Offices
(a) Any officer of this Association or member of any board or committee may be expelled from office by a three-fourths (3/4) majority affirmative vote of the members present and voting at any regular or special business meeting.
(b) Expulsions may be for conduct deemed to be unbecoming to a member of the EAMA, or detrimental to the purpose of the Association.
(c) When one has been expelled from office, the authority of such a person in that office ceases at once.
C. EXECUTIVE BOARD
1. The Executive Board of this Association shall be composed of a minimum of the seven (7) elected officers.
2. Duties and powers of the Executive Board:
a. It shall be responsible for the execution of all legal transactions related to any property of the EAMA, as authorized by the General Council.
b. It shall meet in the months between Quarterly Business Meetings, the Annual Business Meeting, and the Annual Convention to manage the business affairs of the EAMA. Business affairs of the EAMA will otherwise be managed at the Quarterly Business Meetings, the Annual Business Meeting, and the Annual Convention. It shall have charge of collecting and disbursing the money of the Association, in accordance with the approved budget or special instructions of the General Council.
c. It shall attend to all improvements, leases, buying and selling, renting, hiring, and supervising of labor, maintenance, and insurance of the Association.
d. It shall receive and hold in trust any donations, bequests, endowments, or other funds and property arising from various sources, and shall conduct all business related thereto when such matters are clearly distinguished as business, insofar as it does not in any way infringe upon, hinder, or thwart the spiritual purposes of the EAMA under its recognized leaders.
e. It shall provide for an annual audit of the financial records of the Association. (An audit by a certified public accountant is suggested at least every five [5] years.)
f. It shall be responsible for safeguarding the real estate property owned by the EAMA in the manner recommended by the General Council.
g. It shall be empowered by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership of the General Council present and voting in a regular or special meeting to borrow money, mortgage or encumber real estate, and acquire or sell real estate for the Association.
h. It shall make nominations for the following standing committees:
(1) Nominating Committee
(2) Such other special committees as they may deem necessary to carry out the responsibilities with which they are charged.
i. The Executive Board shall determine whether or not license and ordination credentials are issued based on the recommendation of the Membership and Credentials Board. The acceptance for licenses and ordinations must pass the Executive Board by five (5) out of seven (7) affirmative votes.
3. Quorum of Executive Board: Five (5) out of seven (7) must be present to transact business. Any long term vacancies occurring shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Board until the next annual business meeting.
4. Duties of the officers of the Executive Board:
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and perform such duties as usually are assigned to the Chairman of a deliberative body, according to Robert's Rules Of Order.
(b) The Vice-President shall serve in the absence of the President.
(c) The Secretary shall be the same Secretary elected by the General Council and shall keep, in a book provided by the EAMA suitable for the purpose, an accurate record of the acts, decisions, and proceedings of the Board. This record shall be the property of the Association. The Secretary shall perform other duties coincidental to this office. This person shall give a brief resume` of this Board's meetings to the General Council.
D. STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Nominating Committee:
a. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members, elected by the General Council to serve for a period of one (1) year. The President shall be a consultant member.
b. This committee shall nominate at least two (2) candidates for each vacancy or office to be filled. Nominees shall be consulted before their names are placed on the ballot. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.
c. This committee shall be responsible for the preparation of the ballot for the annual business meeting.
d. Other Committees
2. Budget Committee:
a. This committee shall consist of three (3) members of the Association, one of which shall be the Association Treasurer. The remaining members shall be elected by the General Council from among the members of the Association. They shall serve for a period of one (1) year, concurrent with the fiscal year, with the Executive Board appointing one (1) elected member of the committee as Chairman and another as Secretary.
b. The duties of the Budget Committee shall be:
(1) To arrange a budget of the estimated expenses of the Association for the next fiscal year, have it reviewed by the Executive Board, and submitted to the General Council for ratification. Any requests for funds shall be submitted to this committee in sufficient time for committee consideration.
(2) To submit a copy of the proposed budget to the Secretary to be mailed to the membership three (3) weeks before the annual business meeting.
(3) To revise the budget at any time throughout the year if requested by a majority vote of the Association.
3. Resolutions Committee:
a. This committee shall be elected annually by the General Council to serve at the following annual business meeting. The number of its members shall be determined by the Council at the time the committee is formed.
b. The duties of this committee shall be:
(1) To receive all resolutions presented to them and to edit or revise them with the permission of the ones presenting them. They shall present to the Executive Board for review and acceptance those resolutions deemed of value.
(2) To see that all resolutions are presented to the General Council.
(3) In order to be considered at the annual business meeting, all resolutions must be submitted to the Resolutions Committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to that meeting. The Resolutions Committee shall meet as necessary for the study of resolutions.
(4) No special resolutions shall be exempt from this procedure except by action of the Executive Board.
4. Benevolence Committee:
This responsibility shall be shared by a committee elected by the General Council. It is desirable to have both men and women on this committee.
a. The Benevolence Committee shall consist of three (3) members elected for a term of three (3) years. The Chaplain appointed by the president of the EAMA shall serve as an ex-officio member of this committee by virtue of the office.
b. It shall familiarize itself with the individual needs of the Association and distribute wisely the funds appropriated for this purpose. It shall serve as the flower committee of the Association, and keep the President and members informed of those in need, ill, or of those who have recently lost a loved one.
E. STANDING BOARDS
1. Membership and Credentials Board
a. This board shall consist of four (4) elected members of which three (3) shall be ordained, plus the Association President.
(1) The Chairman of the Membership and Credentials Board shall be selected from the members of this board by the Executive Board.
(2) The term of office shall be for four (4) years, beginning and ending with the annual business meeting, unless aid member is removed for cause.
b. Their duties shall be:
(1) To investigate and make recommendations regarding all applications and revocations of membership and credentials. These recommendations shall be made on a timely basis to the Executive Board, which shall then act thereon.
(2) To prescribe the necessary studies if required of all applicants for ministerial recognition.
(3) To prepare and conduct examinations for duly recommended candidates for the ministry, both to receive Local License and Ordination.
(4) To issue all identification credentials to ministers and Gospel Workers based upon the approval of the Executive Board.
(5) To establish investigation procedures which shall then be reviewed by the Executive Board and approved by the General Council.
2. George Galbreath Memorial Mission Board
At the EAMA meeting of August 21, 1986 (New Business, paragraph B, part 2), the following action was taken: "It was recommended that we appoint a foreign mission board. We name that board 'George Galbreath Memorial Mission Board'."
a. The board shall continue to be guided by this document and other enactments of EAMA.
b. Members shall be elected by the General Council for a term of two (2) years; officers shall be elected annually.
c. The board shall elect annually from its own number a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, and such other officers as the board may see fit to elect.
d. Necessary committees shall be set up to efficiently carry out its purposes and programs.
e. Regular meetings shall be held quarterly; additional special meetings may be held as required.
f. The mission board shall determine general policy; however, officers and various committees shall handle all business in the interim.
g. The board shall receive and disburse its budgeted allotment.
h. It shall cooperate with other members and agencies of the Association and shall perform all manner of missionary and evangelistic work in foreign countries, while always seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
i. One of the Board's most important goals is to make Christ known wherever possible. Jesus said, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me ... unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
j. The development of self-supporting, self-propagating congregations and groups shall be encouraged wherever our missionary work is carried on.
k. These policies and practices may be amended or revised by action of the Mission Board, subject to approval by the Executive Board or direct action of the General Council.
4. Other Offices and Boards
a. The Executive Board in council assembled may form any other offices or boards deemed necessary.
b. The length of office, scope of authority, and duty of such offices of boards shall be established at the time of their formation.
F. ORGANIZATION OF CHAPTERS
The EAMA may organize chapters and accept as ecclesiastical arms those organizations which will contribute to the outreach and spiritual growth of the Association.
1. Qualifications for Organization of Chapter
a. A group wishing to form an EAMA chapter shall notify the EAMA President or Secretary of their desire in writing.
b. This application must be submitted to the General Council and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
c. The Association President or his designate shall call a business meeting for formation, at which time a Chapter President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected.
d. Minutes shall be taken, and a copy of said Minutes shall be sent to the General Secretary.
e. Each Chapter shall make at least a quarterly report to the General Council as to its spiritual and numerical growth and activities, such as areas of ministry, projects, and fund raising.
f. Each Chapter shall function within the guidelines of the Constitution and By-Laws of the EAMA.
2. Chapter Name
Each Chapter shall be known as the EAMA Chapter of - (give location).
3. Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
a. The Chapter President shall be a member of the EAMA Executive Board by virtue of his office, and shall make every attempt to attend all meetings of such board.
b. Each member shall give to the Chapter Treasurer annual membership dues, the amount which shall be set by the General Council. In turn, the Chapter Treasurer shall send the name and a statement of amount paid to the Association Treasurer for credit.
c. Ministerial candidates shall be recommended by the Chapter to the Membership and Credentials Board, sending application of candidate to said Board. They shall, however, be required to meet all basic qualifications for Local License and Ordination, as set forth in Article VI.
d. In the event of the dissolution of a Chapter, all records and funds shall be turned over to the Executive Board of the EAMA.
e. No rules shall be made by any Chapter which shall interfere with or supersede the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.
ARTICLE VI
A. MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS
This Association through action of the Executive Board shall have authority to issue the following credentials:
1. All dues paying members shall be designated as Gospel Workers.
2. Local License
a. All applicants must be active EAMA members one (1) year before applying for local license.
b. All applicants feeling a definite call to the ministry must be recommended by a sponsoring member, and apply to the Membership and Credentials Board. The Local License may be granted by the Executive Board upon recommendation of the Membership and Credentials Board.
c. This License may or may not be renewed annually as determined by the Membership and Credentials Board.
d. This License shall include only the right to preach and assist an ordained minister in ministering the Christian ordinances.
e. He must also submit an annual report to the Ministerial and Credentials Board at which time his status will be reviewed.
3. Ordination
a. We believe in Ordination, "With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (I Timothy 4:14)
(1) Unless already an ordained minister in another recognized organization, applicant must carry a Local License for one (1) year.
(2) To qualify for Ordination, the applicant must:
(a) Be an EAMA member
(b) Be sponsored by an active EAMA member
(c) Be at least twenty-one (21) years old
(d) Present evidence of formal Bible training and/or complete study material as prescribed by the Membership and Credentials Board.
(3) All candidates shall be examined as to general knowledge of the Bible, as to call, as to doctrine, as to spiritual status and morals.
(4) If approved for Ordination, time and place of the ceremony shall be designated by the Executive Board.
b. Qualifications and Duties
(1) He must have a divine call: "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel." (I Corinthians 9:16)
(2) He must fulfill the requirements of a minister as outlined by I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
(3) He shall present an annual activity report to the Membership and Credentials Board. Failure to comply with this item for two (2) consecutive years invalidates existing credentials.
(4) All ministers shall attend all meetings prescribed in Article IV, Sub. Sec. A.1.g. unless excused by a member of the Executive Board.
(5) Failure to comply with one or more of the above requirements may result in suspension or loss of all credentials.
4. Ministers from Other Organizations
Ministers holding credentials from other organizations and seeking to affiliate with this body shall be required to present their credentials to the Membership and Credentials Board of this Association. This board shall proceed to examine said papers and the worthiness of the applicant to hold credentials or membership in this body. If he passes this examination, he shall be accepted as a minister in this Association.
5. This association shall have the authority to confer honorary degrees.
6. Revocation of Credentials
The EAMA shall have the authority, after proper investigation by the Membership and Credentials Board, to revoke ministerial credentials. This authority shall be exercised for, but not necessarily limited to, the following reasons: Felony conviction, moral decay, and blatant misconduct of office or duties.
7. Miscellaneous Rules and Regulations
a. Any violation of this Constitution and By-Laws shall subject the violator to be called before the Membership and Credentials Board.
b. Any member whose credentials have been revoked, after Biblical repentance, may re-apply for credentials.
ARTICLE VII
A. AMENDMENTS
2. This document may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of General Council membership present, the date occurring a minimum of thirty (30) days after a preliminary hearing.
2. There must be a minimum of thirty (30) days notification of the General Council prior to voting on an amendment.
ARTICLE VIII
A. DISSOLUTION CLAUSE
1. Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.
2. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on:
a. by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue;
b. by an organization, contributions which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
3. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disclosed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.