Congregations
Churches are established in three steps, contingent on membership. Initially, new congregations are classified as "New Works" and headed by a minister in charge. Upon reaching fifty members, the New Work can become a Mission, and the minister can be formally recognized as a Pastor.
With one hundred or more members, the Mission becomes a Church or Assembly headed by a Pastor. The Pastor may be assisted by deacons or ministers. The former have no ministerial privileges as this position is an antecedent and probationary period for formal induction into the ministry. Once ordained, ministers are under the authority of local pastors.
Local churches are not self-governed and pastors respond to two higher authorities described above: (1) Elders, sector leaders with advisory roles, and (2) District Bishops.
Congregations outside of the established districts are included under National Missions (Bishop Abel F. Aguilar). These are areas were there are not enough churches to establish a district.
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