Notice of declaration
Acts 2 Assemblies believes in apostolic succession granted by the legal ordination and laying on of hands coupled with Baptism/Mikvah by a longer-standing legally ordained apostolic successor. It is against the order in the first century Jerusalem council and against Messiah to embrace the pagan greek democratic principles of a private group or church without the spiritual leadership of a baptized and ordained member of the clergy. While we are always open to visitors to the assembly, we are looking towards forming a group of dedicated individuals who support this scriptural vision. In sum, THERE IS A SPIRITUAL HEAD OF EACH ASSEMBLY. To claim otherwise is to fall under the curse and judgement of Korah who WITHSTOOD the proper Ordained and authorized individuals of that day. Individuals who cannot reconcile this scriptural principle of professional trained Legal ordained apostolic overseers having the final say over spiritual matters are encouraged to seek like minded individuals to meet with elsewhere outside the assembly of Elohim. While visitors are welcome, those who wish a say in the affairs of the assembly OR who wish to take the mantle of teacher are to be ordained members. We believe in public meetings where opening the Masters service to all seekers of truth is our responsibility under Messiah. Therefore, we welcome all who are willing to be respectful and learn in a community of Shalom.
Intent
How does the eldership of Acts 2 Assemblies make decisions?
Acts 2 Assemblies has Quality Circle meetings once a month; more if necessary
A board consists of ordained An Overseer, elders and any qualified female deaconesses and/or ordained prophetesses in Acts 2 Assemblies.
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the Assembly in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Master in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
Romans 16:1-2
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Messiah Yahushua.
Galatians 3:28
And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
Judges 4:4-5
Before the agenda is set forth by the Overseer, one of the Elders on the Board is chosen at random to bring up any other issues that need discussion.
When a matter for a decision is brought up, every member of the
Board is permitted to speak WITHOUT INTERRUPTION until he / she is finished.
After each member who chooses to speak speaks, the others may ask questions of that elder or the
supervising elder. Then the next speaker has his / her chance, and the same procedure is executed
for each desiring to speak on the matter.
When all have spoken to their heart’s contentment, the matter is to firstly be decided by vote amongst the Elders and/or Female Deacons. If the board is unanimous and the Overseer consents, the motion passes and will be implemented.
The Overseer, Elders, and Deaconesses or Deacons are expected to be ‘prayed up’ by the time of decision-making. The Overseer certifies the final decision after the vote.
Overseers, spiritual authority – on how to address the matter in question.
The ordained apostolic Overseer may go with the majority consensus or may choose an entirely different solution – we assume the Spirit gives the Overseer supernatural ability to see into a matter and judge after the board discussion. The decision of the Overseer may be challenged – but assuming the Overseer is in the spirit, it may appear to be a dangerous thing to challenge the knowledge of Elohim. But if the matter is grave enough, even this can be done IF there is a unanimous vote of dissent. If such a rare occurrence happens, the meeting is closed until some time has passed (not to exceed a month), and the issue is raised again and voted on again until such time as at least one (or more) board member or deacon changes to agree with the spiritual unction of the Overseer. At which point the motion carries.
BOARD MEMBER DUES
Board members who are in good standing will remit $20 a month as a ministry tax to be paid to a designated treasurer who incidentally, CANNOT be the same as the Overseer. This role is strictly reserved for either Elders or mature Deaconesses with good financial sense. This money will then be reserved for ministry expenses that the board votes on (a majority vote carries). The Overseer does NOT overrule anything financial related or logistic related in keeping with the scriptural admonition that Overseers keep to spiritual matters while the Elders and Deaconess members vote and execute business related matters. Every month, a tithe will be taken of all new donations and sent to the ordaining organization to defray central office costs. Financial reports will be given during board meetings so we have financial transparency.
Baptism and/or Ordination
The earliest explicit reference to baptism by affusion occurs in the Didache (c. AD 100), the seventh chapter of which gives instructions on how to baptize, which include affusion:
…But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. (Emphasis added)
Didache chapter 7
The penitent is asked a series of questions about their faith and how sure they are in the direction they are being led, and the overseer shall then pour three times over the head and recite in the name of the father and the son and the set apart spirit. At the end of the ceremony, this person is ready for service in the assemblies whether as a member or as on the board if so called and willing to attend duties.
Hebrew Messianic Israel 