Constitution

by the Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors, and Evangelists of
Second 8th Week University

Constitution

In order to establish ecclesiastical order in accord with the terms and commandments of the Second Covenant instituted by Jesus Christ through His apostles, we, the founders, apostles, and elders of the Second 8th Week Apostolic Institute of Theology, confirmed ministers of Jesus Christ, do hereby set forth and ordain this constitution on this day, December 11, 2005; setting forth the fundamental principles of spiritual governance for the spiritual welfare of the people we serve, to preserve the faith of Jesus Christ as the original apostles intended, to facilitate the work of the ministry, and to equip and perfect the saints.

Article 1: Peaceful Coexistence
Second 8th Week World Wide Apostolic Assemblies and Apostolic Institute of Theology recognizes the right of all peoples to freely associate with the religion(s) of their choice, for God has given man a sovereign will in the matter of faith. The church and the Institute, its apostles and elders, Program Instructors and Counselors, its staff, and students are hereby admonished to acknowledge the need for peaceful coexistence of all faiths. However, in covenant we speak as one Body.

Article 2: Sovereignty of Will and Individual Freedom
Section 1: We believe in the sovereignty of will and individual freedom. Although God has provided a perfect faith in Jesus Christ, God has given each individual sovereignty of will to either accept or reject the terms of the Covenant of Jesus Christ. The church and the Institute recognizes the need for evangelism, but will respect the rights of all individuals to exercise freedom of choice in responding to the invitation for salvation and terms of the Second Covenant.

Section 2: We believe in the unity of the faith of Jesus Christ through the terms and commandments of the Second Covenant, and Apostolic Governance. We do not believe, however, that all humanity or all of faith participants will choose to come into the unity of the faith of Jesus Christ.

Section 3: At the same time, we recognize the right of the individual believer to have the option to choose a faith system that is free of paradoxes, a faith system that provides a complete divine integration experience with God for spiritual transformation through Jesus Christ. The church and the Institute offers such a paradox-free faith system.

Section 4: The church and Institute, its governing body and affiliates determine that when matters of faith conflict with matters of custom that prudence be used so that faith does not destroy custom or custom destroy faith.

Article 3: Apostolic Governance

Section 1: We believe that in order for believers to come into the unity of the faith by the terms of the Second Covenant and achieve successful spiritual transformation in the inner man, Apostolic Governance is necessary. By the order of Jesus Christ, upon his resurrection from the dead, apostles are set in place first as the stewards of the house of Christ, providing oversight in the matters of doctrine and function of faith. Such a tradition existed in the first century and is now restored to the Church.

Section 2: While we believe that Apostolic Governance is the true Stewardship model God ordained through Jesus Christ for the church, the apostles confirmed through this ministry will not posture themselves amongst the faith community to impose their own rule upon presently existing religious systems. However, all those institutions willing to transition to Apostolic Governance will be assisted to do so.

Section 3: The system of Apostolic Governance and Stewardship pertains to the spiritual care of believers engaged with the church and the Institute. Those apostles who are and who shall be confirmed through this ministry shall not create, impose, nor endorse any other system of stewardship and care other than the one entrusted to them. Nor shall they utilize the grace of their calling to this office to set new doctrine for the church.

Section 4: Limitations of Apostolic Governance. Apostolic jurisdiction is in the matters of faith and the function of faith in regard to communicating and confirming Jesus Christ through the Second Covenant priesthood activities for the spiritual transformation of the inner man. Apostles shall not use the grace of their calling for despotism to officiate over the personal lives of believers. However, when counsel is requested in matters concerning family, relationships, marriage, jobs, children, health, finances, signature gifts, etc. government must stay within the boundaries of the covenant of Jesus Christ and direct believers accordingly. Equally important, believers are not to abuse the offices of God’s government by asking those in stewardship positions to be the voice of God to them or to be their conscience.

Section 5: No apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher of the University shall sell or make merchandise of any copyrighted doctrine, teaching, lesson, audio or video recording, e-discussion postings, or other instructional or stewardship tool provided freely through the church and the Institute.

Section 6: The Apostolic Government of Jesus Christ, being those apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers confirmed by the University, shall not publicly endorse nor teach any political persuasion. We believe that matters of politics are not to be confused with matters relating to the spiritual transformation of the soul, and the confirmed minister of Jesus Christ through the University shall make no statements, give no counsel nor provide any direction as to how believers shall administrate their choices in regard to all that encompasses secular governance. Believers are free to vote their conscience but must not bring their political inclinations into the assembly nor entwine their opinions into matters of faith toward Jesus Christ.