Reference Guide

From the Office of Bishop Michael D. Densmore Dear Co-Laborer in the Gospel, I am grateful for your interest in partnering with me in ministry. It is an honor to be a spiritual father and to cover my sons and daughters in ministry, as well as to provide a fellowship that they can call “family.�

Enclosed is general information about two distinct opportunities available for you: 1. Community Churches of God, Incorporated 2. Sons & Daughters Covenant Connection I hope you will earnestly pray about our mutual assignments to each other as we embrace this next move of God. It would be my joy to have an additional extension in your area.

This pamphlet of information is yours to keep. Should you wish to join, please follow the instructions to receive an Application and return it at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions or concerns, I or a member of my Administrative Staff will be more than happy to speak with you. I look forward to our continued fellowship and may God continue to bless you.

In His Service,

Bishop Michael D. Densmore

COMMUNITY CHURCHES OF GOD, INCORPORATED

“The Church That Will Possess the Land” Bishop Michael D. Densmore, Chief Prelate & Presiding Bishop

Mission Statement To be one global fellowship that offers spiritual covering, foundational structure, accountability and support to Pastors and their Congregations.

Quick Reference Guide I.

History

II.

General Information General Information regarding the Organism

III.

Governmental Structure Details the chain of command or Organizational Structure for C.C.O.G., Inc

IV.

Financial Requisite Important financial information

V.

The Executive Board Responsibilities, function and duties of the Executive Board

VI.

Unification Application How to become a part of C.C.O.G., Inc.

I.

History

Small Beginnings Pastor Michael D. Densmore, after doing evangelistic work and pastoring Macedonia A.O.H. Church of God in Hartford, Connecticut, founded and organized the Community Church of God on January 6, 1985. This new work was located in Norwalk, CT and started off with about five (5) members. Community Church of God was incorporated in February 1987.

In October 1988, Pastor Densmore established Miracle Deliverance Center, located in Stamford, CT. In April 1990, the two churches merged and became one, Community Tabernacle of Deliverance, operating under the ordinances of Community Church of God, Inc. (C.C.O.G., Inc.) It was then that Pastor Densmore began his apostolic work by establishing and overseeing other ministries.

In an attempt to expand beyond the Stamford area, fellowships with other churches flourished. From these fellowships, Apostle Densmore took on a new role as Chief Prelate of C.C.O.G., Inc. Organism.

Fulfilling the Vision Over time, additional churches joined the C.C.O.G., Inc. Organism. It continued to increase its fellowships throughout the tri-state area. An Executive Board was created which included selected pastors of the C.C.O.G. Inc., family. Although each church operates separately, they all share in one Vision, under the leadership of Apostle Densmore.

According to I Corinthians 9, Apostle Densmore’s works were already proven; however in October 1999, Apostle Densmore was publicly reaffirmed as Apostle and consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Lord’s Church by his spiritual father Apostle Robert Evans, Jr. of Beth-El Ministries.

Community Church of God, Inc. is dedicated to continuous improvement by focusing on and living by the Word of God. From its humble inceptions, C.C.O.G., Inc., has grown from a small assembly into a large diverse ministry featuring over 20 churches, which is making the difference in the lives of people. C.C.O.G., Inc. is committed to God and to bring the communities in which the people live and work.

II.

QUICK REFERENCE

General Community Church of God, Inc.’s Articles of the Church are those historically held in common by the Apostles of Jesus Christ. All churches of the Community Church of God, Inc., shall use the acronym: C.C.O.G., Inc. By-Laws Each member church shall be governed by the standards of the Word of God, as well as its own By-Laws as established by that ministry.

The Executive Board The Executive Board shall consist of the Assistant to the Chief Prelate, Jurisdictional Overseers, Regional Overseers, National Trustee, a Pastoral Liaison and an Administrative representative, of C.C.O.G., Inc. The Chief Prelate shall be the Chief Executive Officer.

The General Board The General Board shall consist of all Jurisdictional Overseers, Regional Overseers and pastors of the local C.C.O.G., Inc. The Chief Prelate shall be the Chief Executive Officer.

The Board of Trustees There shall be a Board of Trustees to handle the financial affairs of the General Church. The general Trustees Board shall consist of not less than two, nor more than twenty persons known as General Trustees, who will serve for a period of five years, and/or until their successors are elected and qualified.

Annual Conference There shall be an Annual Conference for the entire C.C.O.G., Inc., member churches which such powers, duties, and privileges as hereinafter set forth.

The Annual Conference shall be composed of representatives from each local church, and all pastors and national officers of the church under the jurisdiction of the Chief Prelate, Executive and General Boards.

The Annual Conferences, under the jurisdiction of the Chief Prelate, Executive and General Boards, shall have full legislative power over all matters characteristically relative, and in the exercise of said powers, shall have authority.

Auxiliaries No auxiliary, locally or nationally, shall become liability to the church.

No one shall use auxiliary monies or church monies for personal use.

No officer of a national auxiliary shall officially visit a church without being admitted by the Pastor of said church on an advanced notice.

Ministers All persons holding licenses in the Community Church of God, Inc. shall be required to be reviewed bi-annually at the Annual Conference.

Expiration of licenses will be determined on an individual basis.

No minister shall be allowed to function in the office of an Overseer without qualifying himself as in I Timothy, the Third Chapter. He must have some experience of pastoral work or as a successful evangelist. If a person has merited the office of an Overseer by his work and labor, he shall then be consecrated to Overseership by the authority and power of the Executive Board.

Any church that does not have a pastor will be assigned one by the Executive Board in cooperation with that church.

No accusation(s) shall be received by a pastor, overseer, or the Executive Board against a minister without more than one witness (ref. I Timothy 5:19, Matthew 18:16, Hebrews 10:38, II Corinthians 13:1) Property All property acquired by all churches, local or otherwise, is owned by that local church. Any property acquired by the General Church shall be owned by Community Church of God, Inc. Seal The Seal of C.C.O.G. is owned by C.C.O.G., and cannot be reproduced or modified without the permission of the Administrative Team of C.C.O.G. Communications To maintain a standard of excellence, any communications (letters, flyers, emails, etc.) containing the Bishop’s name or likeness and/or the C.C.O.G., Inc. Seal or name must be approved by the Administrative Team before printing or distribution.

III.

Governmental Structure

GOD Bishop Michael Densmore Presiding Bishop & Chief Prelate

Assistant to the Chief Prelate

Jurisdictional Overseer (North)

Regional Overseers

Jurisdictional Overseer (South)

Jurisdictional Overseer (International)

Regional Overseers

Regional Overseers

Regional Overseers

Regional Overseers

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

International Pastors

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Local Church

Executive Board Chief Prelate, Vice, Jurisdictional and Regional Overseers, National Trustee, Pastoral Liaison and Administrative representative General Board Chief Prelate, Vice, Jurisdictional and Regional Overseers, Pastors The Chief Prelate presides as Chief Executive Officer over Executive and General Boards.

Accountability In this model, please note the following order of reporting: Local church reports to Pastor Pastor reports to State Overseer State Overseer reports to Jurisdictional Overseer Jurisdictional Overseer reports to Assistant to the Chief Prelate Assistant to the Chief Prelate reports to Chief Prelate Chief Prelate reports to God

Qualifications to become a Member of C.C.O.G.  One must be a Senior Pastor, or called to the Pastoral Ministry,  In good standing in Christian character and morality,  Submit a completed application with references,  Attend an Intake Interview with the Executive Board.

The Application Process i.

An Application must be completed and submitted to the Executive Board, ii.

Provide (3) ministerial and two personal references, iii.

Interview with the Executive Board, iv.

Access, Training & Equipping, Establishment & Compliance Upon receiving the Letter of Acceptance into C.C.O.G., Inc., new members will be requested to provide:  License & Ordination Documentation  Professional Clergy photograph (photographed within 3 years)  Biography  Official proof of credentials and accreditations  Enrollment Fee Member Requirements  Must be active and in good standing with the organization,  Current on their assessments,  Attend the Pre-Holy Convocation Meetings, twice a year: November and April each year (can be in attendance via teleconference, if out of State).  Must be in attendance at the Annual Conference and scheduled Jurisdictional/State events.

VII.

Financial Requisite

I.

Jurisdictional Meeting

a.

The Jurisdictional Overseers will oversee the jurisdictional meeting. The Jurisdictional Overseer and local pastors will agree upon the time and location of each service.

b.

All meeting plans and marketing must be submitted to the Administrative Team for review and approved by the Chief Prelate prior to distribution.

c.

Each Jurisdictional Overseer will send a financial report along with the financial contributions of the Jurisdictional Meeting.

The monies received will be deposited in the national account.

II. Convocation (Annual Conference) As stated by the General Rules will convene yearly. a.

Each local church is required to give a minimum tithe or assessment of $100.00 per month to C.C.O.G., Inc. The total for the fiscal year (September to June) will be $1,000.00 from each church. These assessments assist in our Annual Convocation.

b.

Convocation Registration: Adults: $30.00 Children: $15.00. This will be standard and registration will be increased on-site.

c.

Bishop’s Love Gift: Each church is requested to sow at least $1,000.00 into the life of our Chief Prelate during the Annual Conference.

III. Tithing System Tithing is not mandatory. It is done as the Lord leads each Pastor.

IV. Enrollment Fee A one-time enrollment fee of $200 upon acceptance into C.C.O.G., Inc. The enrollment fee will be credited toward the yearly assessment.

VIII. The Executive Board The Executive Board is the Governing Board of Community Churches of God, Inc., and was established July 30, 2010 by the Presiding Prelate: Bishop Michael D. Densmore. Our gathering was marked with a tangible sense of God’s presence and the prophetic impact of the ministry of God’s Word.

The Role of the Board All Officers are to cooperate with the vision and mission of Community Churches of God, Inc., and:  To assist the organization in fulfilling its mission, which is to function and advance God’s Kingdom to the Body of Christ, Clergy and Congregations by undergirding, praying with diligence, wisdom and spiritual guidance having the best interest of the Community Churches of God, Inc., (and not for personal use or gain).  To access and provide support to incoming Pastor in the developmental stages, assist in equipping and training, meet annually with each Pastor to conduct planning session for the purpose of updating a clear written understanding of expectations, goals, plans and objectives, as the Pastor and/or their congregation leaders are preparing to pursue a calling or vocation and obtain their credentials for Ordination.  When persons desire to unite with the Community Churches of God, Inc., the Executive Board shall explain to them the privileges and responsibilities of being a part of the Community Churches of God, Inc. (the protocol, expectations and requirements of Christian Character and conduct, and the purpose and mission of the Community Churches of God, Inc.)  Business transactions, including elections, in harmony with the spirit and order of the church, and not otherwise specially provided for, may be transacted at any church meeting.  Comply with Civil Law, in all cases where the civil law requires a specific course of procedure in calling and conducting church meetings, that course should be strictly followed.  To accept and receive resignation of any Pastors or Ordained Ministers and update all documentation.

Meetings An Annual Executive Board meeting shall be held bi-monthly. All Elected Officers must be present, for all meeting (via phone or video

conference, if out of state). All Meetings information discussed must be held confidential, unless otherwise informed.

Minutes The accurate meeting minutes must be kept as a record of dates, events, decisions, business meetings in a logical format and become the legal documentation of the affairs of our Organization.

Reports Reports shall be given at the annual C.C.O.G., Inc. meeting of minutes, finances, monthly assessments.

Qualification to be a Board Members To be a member of the Executive Board, you must:  Have been affiliated with the Community Churches of God, Inc. for a minimum of three years, and  Must be active and in good standing with the organization,  Selected by election or appointed to the Executive Board.

The Officers’ Requirements  Elected/Appointed by the Bishop Michael D. Densmore or nominated by the Executive Board, which they shall preside at all annual and/or special meetings.  Must be a part of the Organization (C.C.O.G. Inc.) and serving as a Ordained Elder/ Pastor/Bishop, all persons elected or nominated by the Presiding Prelate, The Bishop Michael D. Densmore or the Executive Board shall affirm that they fulfill the qualifications required by this Governing Organization remaining in good standings of Christian integrity and character.  Officers must be active and current in their assessments to the organization, in attendance at all Holy Convocations and meetings.  Each Officer will serve a 3-year term and will be evaluated yearly to determine their eligibility for the next year. At the end of their tenure, they may be elected/appointed or nominated back into office.  The Executive Board Offices are open to Bishops, Apostles, Pastors, Elders that are affiliated with the Community Churches of God, Incorporation and shared interest of the organization, elections are by appointment.

Titles and Job Descriptions Chief Prelate and Chief Executive Officer Provides Oversight and Counsel Assistant to the Chief Prelate Visiting annually the affiliated Pastor’s and their Congregations of Community Churches of God, Inc., to access and assist with any necessary training of Holy Sacraments, Ministerial Duties, Fund Development, Networking, Informational & Referral Services, assist in the process of review of Perspective Pastors.

Discretionary & Resolution Practices Provide counsel, resolutions to any issues, discretionary practices Steering Committee Procedures Coordinator Develop Application Procedures & Questionnaire, that would provide the board with suitable information to help us make the best decision of the prospective of the affiliated Pastors (Personal, Ethical, Biblically and Spiritually), carryout interview of all candidates.

Affirmations and Consecrations Responsibilities to provide a catechism of information describing the call, function, ascension and office of these titles Elevations, Calls, Offices and Functions of the Fivefold Ministry.

Code of Ethics Ethical standards responsibilities of morality, discipline, stewardship, values and principles as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that would regulate produce and promote Christian character, ethics and integrity.

Credentials and Certifications To gather information/verify all adequate credentials, references and certifications, and assist the new Pastor with resourceful information and referrals.

Church Establishment, Legalities and Compliance Assistant Assisting the incoming Pastors and Churches of how to establish and compliance/exemptions and incorporation with State, Federal, Legal, Banking regulations, church finance bookkeeping/contribution reports/software/ Tax laws & Filing/Insurance for liability/personal property, Confidential and Ethic Awareness requirements for the local church

National Trustee Providing the develop- mental and adoption of an annual budget for the organization, projecting income and expenditures. (a) Collecting, recording and depositing all monthly due (b) setting a annual short term & long term budget (c) monitoring the CCOG. Inc. budget, (d) reporting to the board on the financial conditions and concerns of the Organization. (e) distributing checks of: Honorarium, reimbursements, and event expenses.

Pastoral Liaison Serving as a liaison between the pastors and the Executive Board.

Bringing the needs and suggestions of the Executive Board as well as being a point of contact for all pastors.

Administrative Representative Responsible for providing administrative support to the Executive Board as well as handling all administrative tasks for C.C.O.G., Inc. Responsible for central point of contact for Executive Board, General Board and churches.

IX.

Unification Application

To become a part of the Community Churches of God, please contact the Assistant to the Chief Prelate, Bishop Shirley Davis at email TheCCOG@gmail.com to request a Unification Application. Upon receipt, a member of our Executive Board will contact you to conduct an intake interview.

COVERING | COVENANT | CONNECTION

Mission Statement To establish covering, covenant and connection to senior pastors who are seeking the fathering care of Bishop Michael Densmore, The Apostle.

COVERING Joshua had Moses. Elisha had Elijah. Timothy had Paul. To put it simply, in the words of Apostle Densmore, “Every pastor needs a pastor and every covering needs a covering.”

Spiritual sons and daughters need the covering of a father.

I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn and advise you as my beloved children.

For even if you were to have ten thousand teachers [to guide you] in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers [who led you to Christ and assumed responsibility for you], for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the good news [of salvation].

1 Corinthians 4:14-15 AMP The Apostle is committed to providing a spiritual covering that will be a catalyst for the individual and spiritual growth of submitted pastors to help them reach their God-ordained destiny.

COVENANT As a partaker of the grace that is upon his life, you will be in covenant relationship with Apostle Densmore.

Apostle Densmore will covenant to:  Cover each pastor in prayer  Be a mentor in ministry  Provide covering, counsel, apostolic oversight and accountability  Strengthen pastors through impartation  Attend at least one major function of the ministry of each son/daughter per year As a son/daughter of Apostle Densmore, you will covenant to:  Cover the Apostle in prayer  Be submitted to the counsel and guidance of the Apostle  Attend the Annual Conference (Convocation)

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Support SDCC events, events hosted by the Apostle and events where he is ministering in your local and/or surrounding area, when feasible Consult with and/or inform the Apostle of any major decision in your life or ministry While there is no fee for admission, all sons and daughters are expected to give a tithe/offering from your monthly income into the life of your father regularly as following biblical principles.

We will consistently protect this relationship by being faithful at all times with our words, attitudes and actions.

The Apostle reserves the right to disfellowship any member without notice. Each son or daughter reserves the right to relinquish membership in the SDCC at any time once they have served notice to the Bishop in writing.

CONNECTION In covenant with SDCC, you will be a part of a multicultural alliance of pastors. You are encouraged to develop strong relationships, joint partnerships and interactive alliances with others within this apostolic network. SDCC promotes interdependence, and also celebrates the individuality of each son/daughter.

KLN does not have a hierarchy, and therefore will not ordain, designate or consecrate any members.

MEMBERSHIP Please email TheCovenantFellowship@gmail.com to request a Membership Application. Upon receipt, our staff will respond with confirmation and you will receive a letter of acceptance or denial within two weeks. If accepted, you will receive a Covenant Agreement. Please review and sign the agreement and return along with your first tithe/offering.