Our Belief
PREAMBLE
The purpose of this ministry’s bylaws is to declare the faith, function, purpose and organizational structure of Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge, LA - A Christian Assembly. The bylaws may be amended or altered at the sole discretion of the church in accordance with the church's governmental procedure.
ARTICLE I - NAME
We shall be known as Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge, LA - A Christian Assembly (and ministers' association) herein and elsewhere referred to as WOD. Founded as an independent Christian ministry/church on November 20, 2010 by authority of an independent ministry of My Father’s House Inc. issued by Alton E. Hyde Ministries
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge shall be to “ … spread the teaching, healing touch and saving Word of God.”
The mission of the church is in keeping with standard and customary Christian practice based upon the teachings of The Holy Bible, which is the final authority in all matters of the Christian faith. The mission shall include providing Christian worship, fellowship, helping works, preaching, teaching and evangelizing to Christians
and non-Christians seeking to enter the Christian church and live the Christian
lifestyle.
The mission also shall include the ordination of independent Christian ministers (with an association for same) with ordination conferred upon applicants who have completed basic ministry training and provided a
satisfactory declaration of Christian faith and plan for ministry.
The equipping of ministers may include the conferring of earned or honorary ecclesiastical (church-based, non-academic) diplomas or degrees (for self improvement) where deemed appropriate by the church, based on
the church's legal church charter.
ARTICLE III - AFFILIATION
WOD may choose, at its discretion, to affiliate with any other Christian organization in order to further the mission of the
ministry/church.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS & BELIEFS
The administration of WOD shall consist of a team of co-pastors with the co-pastors sharing final authority (based upon parliamentary procedure) in the administration of the ministry/church. Others with proven experience in church development/administration may serve in the capacity of advisory or assistant pastors. The administration may, at its discretion, create and fill specialized positions such as Director of Worship, Director of Evangelism, Director of Pastoral Care, faculty/staff of the School of Ministry, etc. Such positions shall be created in order to fulfill the needs of
the ministry/church and its membership. No wage or salary shall be paid any officer or staff of WOD without a vote of the administration, said vote being kept as an official written record. In such event, compensation paid will be a
matter of record and fully disclosed to the tax authorities of the state and federal governments.
OUR ESSENTIAL BELIEFS
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: The Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself
as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to
reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with
power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
5. About Human Beings
People are created in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one
receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
7. About Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
8. About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Each person will exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real
places of eternal existence.
ARTICLE V - GOVERNMENT, MINISTERS AND MEMBERS
Each member of the pastoral staff and advisors, ministers ordained by WOD as well as members of the ministry/church shall adhere to the core beliefs of WOD and Christian standards of living as derived from The Holy
Bible and shall conduct themselves accordingly. A failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including suspension or removal from office, membership, or ordination.
ARTICLE VI - INDEPENDENT MINISTER ORDINATION
Christ’s gifts to the church include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), and exhorters,administrators, leaders, and Help‘s ministries(Romans 12:7 & 8, I Corinthians 12:4 & 5). We understand God’s call to these ministry gifts is totally within His sovereign discretion without regard to gender, race, disability, or national origin. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). Women are eligible for whatever grade of credentials their qualifications warrant and have the right to administer the ordinances of the church and are eligible to serve in all levels of church ministry.
In keeping with the above reference to scripture, ordination as an independent Christian minister is available to all men and women answering God’s call to serve as a minister of Jesus Christ so long as they conduct themselves according to the teachings of The Holy Bible and act in accordance with the rules and regulations for ordination. All ordained ministers are
required to declare themselves as born again in Jesus Christ.
Ordained ministers shall meet minimum ecclesiastical education and training requirements. Said requirements may include diplomas/degrees granted honoris causa where said diplomas/degrees were awarded in recognition of
a genuine and verifiable contribution to or achievement in ministry/theology (so-called "honorary" diplomas/degrees obtained by purchase do not meet this requirement).
Ordination and the chartering of churches are a privilege conferred by the church in keeping with Biblical standards and as such is conferred totally at the discretion of the church. All ministers ordained or churches chartered by WOD will minister solely for Christ.
All ministers ordained by WOD are members of the congregation of WOD and members of the ministers' association and are authorized to perform the ordinances and ceremonies (sacerdotal functions) of the church. Ordination does not constitute an employment contract with , nor does it imply that the licensed or ordained individual is an agent or representative of WOD. Ordination is as an independent Christian minister of the Gospel.
All ministers are solely responsible for their own actions and, by acceptance of ordination, automatically agree to indemnify and hold harmless WOD, its staff and/or affiliates for any and all actions performed in their capacity as independent Christian ministers. It is the responsibility of the worker/minister to know and adhere to any laws governing the practice of ministry as they may apply to his or her situation.
Ministers ordained by WOD are expected to respect as sacred and confidential information confided to them while functioning in their capacity as faith-based counselors and are not to disclose such information
except with the permission of the individual or to prevent harm to self or others or as required by law.
Ministers may not promote themselves as being certified or licensed counselors or other professionals unless they are in fact certified by a recognized certification board or licensed by the state. WOD does not provide counselor certification or licensure and ordination is not an endorsement of a minister's ability to counsel. All independent Christian ministers counsel at their own risk. (See the rules and regulations that govern ordination.) Ministers should conduct themselves appropriately with regard to any faith-based counseling and consult a licensed attorney where needed.
Lawfulness, ethics, values and character are vitally important to the Church. The actions of church ministers and staff cast a direct reflection on the Church and, in turn, to the work of the Church in God's service. WOD has a responsibility to address any issues of impropriety, founded or unfounded, brought forward. Privileges may be suspended until the resolution of any such claims providing that no impropriety was committed.
All church members, ministers, faculty and staff may be disciplined or removed from position for conduct unbecoming a Christian, false statements, misrepresenting or calling into disrepute WOD, convictions of criminal acts, actions contrary to the teachings and commandments of The Holy Bible or WOD's core beliefs or any other action that management deems
inappropriate.
ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP
See ARTICLE II above. All independent Christian ministers are members of the congregation of WOD. The ministers must maintain regular contact with WOD to be considered as in communion with the church.
ARTICLE VIII - ANNUAL MEETINGS AND FISCAL YEAR
Meetings shall be held at least twice a year at times and places fixed by the co-pastors. These meetings may be held in person, via telephone or through online communications. For business purposes, WOD shall recognize January 1 to December 31 as the fiscal year.
ARTICLE IX - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Meetings shall be conducted under the guidelines of The Holy Bible, i.e., they will be orderly for "God is not the Author of confusion."
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS
In the event of amending the bylaws, the management staff shall prepare the proposed amendments and present them to the team of co-pastors for a majority vote.
ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION
Any tax-exempt status will be claimed on the basis of WOD as a religious organization and religious school. In the event that WOD through its officers votes to dissolve the ministry/church, no person shall freely assume any of the assets of the church individually. In the event of dissolution, the co-pastors shall immediately inform the state and federal tax authorities of the dissolution so that they may address any tax-exempt status.
The assets of any non-profit status shall be sold or donated to another non-profit entity, and all proceeds of such sale shall be turned over to another non-profit entity and no staff, officer, board member or general member of WOD shall profit from or benefit from the proceeds of any such sale, donation or merger.
ARTICLE XII - MISC.
Ministers ordained by WOD are not authorized to bless, solemnize or recognize same-sex union or marriage as it is contrary to biblical teaching; they are, however, required to minister with biblical compassion to all persons, including homosexual and lesbian individuals while standing on the word of God.
The certificates, diplomas and degrees conferred by WOD School of Biblical Studies are religious (non-academic) in nature and must not be misused as academic credentials.
The purpose of this ministry’s bylaws is to declare the faith, function, purpose and organizational structure of Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge, LA - A Christian Assembly. The bylaws may be amended or altered at the sole discretion of the church in accordance with the church's governmental procedure.
ARTICLE I - NAME
We shall be known as Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge, LA - A Christian Assembly (and ministers' association) herein and elsewhere referred to as WOD. Founded as an independent Christian ministry/church on November 20, 2010 by authority of an independent ministry of My Father’s House Inc. issued by Alton E. Hyde Ministries
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of Word of Deliverance Ministries of Baton Rouge shall be to “ … spread the teaching, healing touch and saving Word of God.”
The mission of the church is in keeping with standard and customary Christian practice based upon the teachings of The Holy Bible, which is the final authority in all matters of the Christian faith. The mission shall include providing Christian worship, fellowship, helping works, preaching, teaching and evangelizing to Christians
and non-Christians seeking to enter the Christian church and live the Christian
lifestyle.
The mission also shall include the ordination of independent Christian ministers (with an association for same) with ordination conferred upon applicants who have completed basic ministry training and provided a
satisfactory declaration of Christian faith and plan for ministry.
The equipping of ministers may include the conferring of earned or honorary ecclesiastical (church-based, non-academic) diplomas or degrees (for self improvement) where deemed appropriate by the church, based on
the church's legal church charter.
ARTICLE III - AFFILIATION
WOD may choose, at its discretion, to affiliate with any other Christian organization in order to further the mission of the
ministry/church.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS & BELIEFS
The administration of WOD shall consist of a team of co-pastors with the co-pastors sharing final authority (based upon parliamentary procedure) in the administration of the ministry/church. Others with proven experience in church development/administration may serve in the capacity of advisory or assistant pastors. The administration may, at its discretion, create and fill specialized positions such as Director of Worship, Director of Evangelism, Director of Pastoral Care, faculty/staff of the School of Ministry, etc. Such positions shall be created in order to fulfill the needs of
the ministry/church and its membership. No wage or salary shall be paid any officer or staff of WOD without a vote of the administration, said vote being kept as an official written record. In such event, compensation paid will be a
matter of record and fully disclosed to the tax authorities of the state and federal governments.
OUR ESSENTIAL BELIEFS
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: The Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself
as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to
reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with
power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
5. About Human Beings
People are created in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one
receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
7. About Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
8. About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Each person will exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real
places of eternal existence.
ARTICLE V - GOVERNMENT, MINISTERS AND MEMBERS
Each member of the pastoral staff and advisors, ministers ordained by WOD as well as members of the ministry/church shall adhere to the core beliefs of WOD and Christian standards of living as derived from The Holy
Bible and shall conduct themselves accordingly. A failure to comply may result in disciplinary action including suspension or removal from office, membership, or ordination.
ARTICLE VI - INDEPENDENT MINISTER ORDINATION
Christ’s gifts to the church include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), and exhorters,administrators, leaders, and Help‘s ministries(Romans 12:7 & 8, I Corinthians 12:4 & 5). We understand God’s call to these ministry gifts is totally within His sovereign discretion without regard to gender, race, disability, or national origin. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word (Joel 2:29; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). Women are eligible for whatever grade of credentials their qualifications warrant and have the right to administer the ordinances of the church and are eligible to serve in all levels of church ministry.
In keeping with the above reference to scripture, ordination as an independent Christian minister is available to all men and women answering God’s call to serve as a minister of Jesus Christ so long as they conduct themselves according to the teachings of The Holy Bible and act in accordance with the rules and regulations for ordination. All ordained ministers are
required to declare themselves as born again in Jesus Christ.
Ordained ministers shall meet minimum ecclesiastical education and training requirements. Said requirements may include diplomas/degrees granted honoris causa where said diplomas/degrees were awarded in recognition of
a genuine and verifiable contribution to or achievement in ministry/theology (so-called "honorary" diplomas/degrees obtained by purchase do not meet this requirement).
Ordination and the chartering of churches are a privilege conferred by the church in keeping with Biblical standards and as such is conferred totally at the discretion of the church. All ministers ordained or churches chartered by WOD will minister solely for Christ.
All ministers ordained by WOD are members of the congregation of WOD and members of the ministers' association and are authorized to perform the ordinances and ceremonies (sacerdotal functions) of the church. Ordination does not constitute an employment contract with , nor does it imply that the licensed or ordained individual is an agent or representative of WOD. Ordination is as an independent Christian minister of the Gospel.
All ministers are solely responsible for their own actions and, by acceptance of ordination, automatically agree to indemnify and hold harmless WOD, its staff and/or affiliates for any and all actions performed in their capacity as independent Christian ministers. It is the responsibility of the worker/minister to know and adhere to any laws governing the practice of ministry as they may apply to his or her situation.
Ministers ordained by WOD are expected to respect as sacred and confidential information confided to them while functioning in their capacity as faith-based counselors and are not to disclose such information
except with the permission of the individual or to prevent harm to self or others or as required by law.
Ministers may not promote themselves as being certified or licensed counselors or other professionals unless they are in fact certified by a recognized certification board or licensed by the state. WOD does not provide counselor certification or licensure and ordination is not an endorsement of a minister's ability to counsel. All independent Christian ministers counsel at their own risk. (See the rules and regulations that govern ordination.) Ministers should conduct themselves appropriately with regard to any faith-based counseling and consult a licensed attorney where needed.
Lawfulness, ethics, values and character are vitally important to the Church. The actions of church ministers and staff cast a direct reflection on the Church and, in turn, to the work of the Church in God's service. WOD has a responsibility to address any issues of impropriety, founded or unfounded, brought forward. Privileges may be suspended until the resolution of any such claims providing that no impropriety was committed.
All church members, ministers, faculty and staff may be disciplined or removed from position for conduct unbecoming a Christian, false statements, misrepresenting or calling into disrepute WOD, convictions of criminal acts, actions contrary to the teachings and commandments of The Holy Bible or WOD's core beliefs or any other action that management deems
inappropriate.
ARTICLE VII - MEMBERSHIP
See ARTICLE II above. All independent Christian ministers are members of the congregation of WOD. The ministers must maintain regular contact with WOD to be considered as in communion with the church.
ARTICLE VIII - ANNUAL MEETINGS AND FISCAL YEAR
Meetings shall be held at least twice a year at times and places fixed by the co-pastors. These meetings may be held in person, via telephone or through online communications. For business purposes, WOD shall recognize January 1 to December 31 as the fiscal year.
ARTICLE IX - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Meetings shall be conducted under the guidelines of The Holy Bible, i.e., they will be orderly for "God is not the Author of confusion."
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS
In the event of amending the bylaws, the management staff shall prepare the proposed amendments and present them to the team of co-pastors for a majority vote.
ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION
Any tax-exempt status will be claimed on the basis of WOD as a religious organization and religious school. In the event that WOD through its officers votes to dissolve the ministry/church, no person shall freely assume any of the assets of the church individually. In the event of dissolution, the co-pastors shall immediately inform the state and federal tax authorities of the dissolution so that they may address any tax-exempt status.
The assets of any non-profit status shall be sold or donated to another non-profit entity, and all proceeds of such sale shall be turned over to another non-profit entity and no staff, officer, board member or general member of WOD shall profit from or benefit from the proceeds of any such sale, donation or merger.
ARTICLE XII - MISC.
Ministers ordained by WOD are not authorized to bless, solemnize or recognize same-sex union or marriage as it is contrary to biblical teaching; they are, however, required to minister with biblical compassion to all persons, including homosexual and lesbian individuals while standing on the word of God.
The certificates, diplomas and degrees conferred by WOD School of Biblical Studies are religious (non-academic) in nature and must not be misused as academic credentials.