LR Davis was convicted in 1992 of 5 counts of criminal sexual assault, 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and 9 counts of child pornography. He appealed many aspects of the conviction. This 14-page document is the appellate court opinion, where the child pornography convictions were reversed, but the criminal sexual assault charges, aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges, and the sentence of 31 years were all upheld.

WARNING: This document contains sexually explicit language

Criminal Appeal Transcript

An analysis of this document can be found in the Analysis section.

By-Laws of Christian Fellowship Church Ministries International, 2001

Section One:

I. Administrative

I.A. General Pastor

I.A.1. History: It is understood and held to be true by all the men and women of The CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Inc., also known as CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH MINISTRIES, INTERNATIONAL, (hereinafter CFCMI) that Lloyd Ray Davis, under the divine inspiration and leadership of the Holy Spirit, is the founder and first General Pastor of CFCMI.

I.A.2. Authority: The position of General Pastor of CFCMI is a calling from God and at no time shall any person or faction of CFCMI; including its Board of Directors, officers, bishops, pastors, ministers, elders, or parishioners, be able to remove the General Pastor from his position. God, is the only authority by which a General Pastor can be removed: by the General Pastor tendering his own resignation, or by death (I Chronicles 16:21-22), or as stipulated in I.A.6.a. The General Pastor is also the President of the Board of Directors. Therefore, the administrative infrastructure of CFCMI, and each individual therein shall always be accountable directly to the General Pastor of CFCMI

I.A.3. Discipline: Unless otherwise stated in these Bylaws, the General Pastor shall be responsible for the discipline of any subordinate for improper action or behavior. The General Pastor shall be the sole determiner of what constitutes improper action or behavior. The General Pastor, in his discretion, may delegate the responsibility for discipline.

I.A.4 Establishing Directives: The General Pastor shall have the authority to issue directives without prior approval from the General Board of Directors, provided said directive does not violate existing Bylaws. The General Pastor shall notify the General Board of Directors at the earliest possible opportunity of any directives he issues. The General Board of Directors may only overturn a directive by a unanimous vote of all Board members then in office and voting.

I.A.5. Veto Powers: The General Pastor shall have the authority to veto any decision of The General Board of Directors, which can be overturned only with a unanimous vote of all Board members. The unanimous vote of the General Board of Directors shall stand as the final decision on the matter.

 I.A.6. Succession of General Pastor and Vice-President

I.A.6.a. Incapacity of General Pastor: If physical or mental incapacity prevents the General Pastor from executing the duties of his office, the Vice-President shall temporarily assume all the responsibilities and powers of the General Pastor. The General Board of Directors, at a meeting called by the secretary for the purpose of determining aforementioned incapacity, shall determine by a unanimous vote of all board members then in office whether the General Pastor is incapable of executing the duties of his office.

I.A.6.b. Vacancy of Office of General Pastor: If the office of General Pastor should become vacant, the Vice-President shall assume the office of General Pastor.

I.A.6.c. Simultaneous Vacancies of offices of General Pastor and Vice-President: In the event that both offices of the General Pastor and Vice-President become vacant, the General Secretary shall call a meeting of the General Board of Directors. The General Board of Directors shall immediately choose appropriate interim replacements for the General Pastor and Vice-President by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the majority of the Board members then in office and voting. Within sixty (60) days of the election of the new General Pastor and Vice-President the General Secretary shall call another meeting for the purpose of electing a permanent General Pastor and Vice-President and shall have in attendance all Board members in office. The permanent selection to fill these offices must consist of a unanimous vote of the members of the General Board of Directors then in office and voting.

I.B. Officers

I.B.1. Number of Officers:  There shall be four permanent officers in CFCMI: President (General Pastor), Vice-President, General Secretary, and General Treasurer. The President and Vice-President, shall continue in office permanently except as provided in I.A.6.

I.B.2. President of the Board: The General Pastor shall be the President of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer over all CFCMI ministries worldwide. He shall be responsible to direct, personally or by a designated representative, all administrative decisions, financial transactions, and the spiritual well being of all the churches of CFCMI. The President, or his appointed representative, shall determine the date, time, and place of all meetings of the General Board of Directors unless the meeting is for consideration of the matters referred to in I.A.4.

I.B.3. Vice-President: The Vice-President is the assistant to the General Pastor and may represent the General Pastor in any matter, financial, administrative, or spiritual that the General Pastor deems appropriate.

I.B.4. General Secretary: The General Secretary shall maintain all corporate records and documents, and shall certify that the records are true and correct. The General Secretary shall also receive and verify reports from subordinate churches and make said reports available to the General Board of Directors. The authority of the General Secretary to investigate or verify reports from subordinate entities of CFCMI is not automatic and shall be granted as needed by the General Pastor. The General Secretary shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the sole discretion and pleasure of, the President of the Board; he must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Board, but shall be exempt from the re-election process; he shall have full voting rights at all times. The General Secretary may be removed in the same manner as proscribed in I.C.6. (Removal of Member from General Board of Directors).

I.B.5. General Treasurer: The Treasurer shall oversee all corporate financial transactions and shall maintain accurate books, records, and financial statements. The General Treasurer shall also receive and verify reports from subordinate churches and make said reports available to the General Board of Directors. The authority of the General Treasurer to investigate or verify reports from subordinate entities of CFCMI is not automatic and shall be granted as needed by the General Pastor. The General Treasurer shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the sole discretion and pleasure of, the President of the Board; he must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Board, but shall be exempt from the re-election process; he shall have full voting rights at all times. The General Treasurer may be removed in the same manner as proscribed in I.C.6. (Removal of Member from General Board of Directors).

I.C. General Board of Directors

I.C.1. Qualifications of Member of the Board:

I.C.1.a.  Christian, maintaining a good testimony with God and CFCMI.

I.C.1.b.  Parishioner with good standing in CFCMI.

I.C.1.c.  In good and regular communications with the General Pastor of CFCMI.

I.C.1.d.  Parishioner of CFCMI for a minimum of five (5) years.

 I.C.2. Appointments/Elections: The General Board of Directors shall consist of individuals nominated by the General Pastor and approved by a majority vote of the members of the General Board of Directors then in office. Each Board member (except the President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Treasurer as stated in I.B.1) shall be elected for a term of four (4) years. Every two years one-half (1/2) of the Board shall be up for election.

I.C.3. Number of Members: The Board of Directors shall consist of at least eight and not more than thirteen members.

I.C.4. Authority of the General Board of Directors:

I.C.4.a. Voting Rights: All Board members shall have voting rights. Decisions requiring a vote of The General Board shall require a quorum to be present to be binding. The General Board of Directors may amend bylaws and articles only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors then in office and entitled to vote.

I.C.4.b. Power of Unanimous Vote: The General Board of Directors can override a General Pastor’s directive or veto of the General Pastor only by a unanimous vote of all other Board members then in office.

I,C.4.c. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Directors currently in office.

I.C.5. Type of meetings

I.C.5.a. Annual: The General Board of Directors of CFCMI shall have an Annual meeting at the time and place specified by the General Pastor. The General Pastor shall give notice to all Directors by telephone, facsimile, or mail of the time and place of meeting at least twenty (20) days prior to date of the meeting unless a waiver of notice is provided by the Directors. No business may be conducted at the annual meeting unless a quorum is present.

I.C.5.a.i. Agenda: The annual meeting shall consist of two parts: 1) State of The Ministry Address by the General Pastor. 2) Business meeting, containing a report from the General Treasurer on the financial condition of CFCMI and financial reports of the last fiscal year from all subordinate bodies. Other items may be included on the agenda if consistent with the purpose of CFCMI.

I.C.5.b. General: General meetings may be called from time to time by the General Pastor. General meetings shall follow a predetermined agenda approved by the General Pastor. No business may be conducted unless a quorum is present. The General Pastor shall give all Directors notice of the meeting at least two (2) days prior to the meeting unless notice is waived by the Directors in writing.

I.C.5.c. Special: The General Pastor may call special business meetings of the General Board of Directors for the purpose of the orderly conduct of business which the General Pastor deems to be of great urgency. No predetermined agenda is required. No business may be conducted at a special meeting unless a quorum is present. No notice of meeting is needed for the calling of a special meeting unless the meeting is called to vote on the removal of one of the Directors or Officers. The General Secretary, however, shall attempt to contact all Directors and shall note said attempts in the minutes of the meeting.

I.C.6. Removal of Member from General Board of Directors: The removal of a Director must be initiated by the General Pastor and approved by the General Board of Directors. Notice of the meeting to consider the removal of a Director shall be delivered by certified mail or by hand delivery to the Director in question. A meeting of the General Board shall be called to consider the removal of the Director. With the recommendation of the General Pastor, the General Board, by a majority vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all Directors then in office and entitled to vote, may, with or without cause, remove a Director from office.

I.C.7. Responsibilities: The General Board of Directors shall make themselves available to see to the orderly conduct of CFCMI business and fulfill all other duties set forth in these Bylaws. Each Board member shall be responsible to participate in all meetings of the General Board and shall notify the General Secretary in advance of due cause for any absence. Participation in meetings of the General Board by means of telephone or more advanced communication system shall be acceptable. All General Board members shall assist the General Pastor through advice, research, or any other available means, in the expeditious handling of all matters brought before the Board of Directors of CFCMI.

I.C.7.a.  The Board of Directors shall govern the congregation in which the International Offices reside as well as The CFCMI, nationally and internationally.

I.C.8. Rules of Order: The rules of the conduct of meetings of the General Board shall be established by policy and precedent, and enforced by the General Secretary.

 I.D. Bylaws

I.D.1. Amendments:  The General Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation of CFCMI only by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors then in office.

I.D.2. Review:  A standing subcommittee shall be designated by the General Board of Directors to monitor the relevance and observance of these bylaws and report discrepancies in regular reports to the General Board. This subcommittee shall review these bylaws every two (2) years and present a report of its findings to the General Board.

I.D.3. Church Policies and Directives:  In keeping with these Bylaws, the General Pastor and/or the General Board of Directors shall make policies and directives as deemed appropriate for the general governing of the churches.

I.E. Board of Bishops (to be determined)

I.F. Ministers

I.F.1. Commissions, Licensing, and Ordination: CFCMI shall provide proper credentials to applicants who meet the appropriate biblical and ministry standards and accomplish the requirements applicable to the credentials applied for. The ministerial levels in CFCMI shall be denoted as follows: Level 1 (Commissioned Lay Leaders); Level 2W (Women’s Ministry, Licensed Lay Leader); Level 2M (Licensed Lay Ministers); and Level 3 (Ordained Assistant Pastors, Ordained Associate Pastors, Ordained Pastors).

I.F.2 All commissioned, licensed, and ordained ministers of CFCMI must demonstrate and/or accomplish the following:

I.F.2.a.  Belief in the entire Word of God, as written in the King James (Authorized) Version, and adherence to it; specifically with regard to the following scriptures:

Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38-39 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

I.F.2.b.  Competent understanding of the scriptures, and all the functions of a Christian minister, either by completing courses with CFCMI, or by proving an equivalent education from another source.

I.F.2.c.  Willingness to be subject to and agree with all the bylaws, Statement of Faith, Articles of Incorporation, and policies of CFCMI.

I.F.3. Responsibilities: Every minister of CFCMI shall, at all times, maintain the example of a Christian minister before God and the world., as well as communicate with the General Pastor of CFCMI concerning all relative aspects of his individual ministry in which God has placed him.

Isaiah 61:1-3

I.F.4. Suspension: The General Pastor may suspend any minister at any time, with or without cause. Throughout the suspension of such minister, all rights, privileges, responsibilities, authority of his ordination are also suspended.

I.F.5. Renewal of Commissions, Licenses, and Ordinations: All commissions, licenses, and ordinations with CFCMI shall be reviewed annually by the appropriate authorizing body for renewal. The authorizing body shall grant a renewal of ordination upon receiving a written personal request from the minister seeking renewal.

I.G. Level 1 (Commissioned Lay Leaders)

I.G.1. Requirements:  In order to obtain Level 1 credentials, the candidate must:

I.G.1.a. Have completed both the Introduction to Principal Biblical Doctrine.

I.G.1.b. Have been a faithful and active member of CFCMI for a minimum of two years.

I.G.1.c. Receive the blessing and recommendation of their local/supervising pastor and the approval of the General Pastor.

 I.G.2. Responsibilities:  Working under the supervision of their local/supervising pastor, he / she shall be able to:

I.G.2.a. work in prison, jail, hospital, and outreach ministries;

I.G.2.b. be a Bible teacher;

I.G.2.c. baptize new believers (men only)

I.G.2.d. serve communion (men only)

I.G.3. Termination:  Level 1 credentials may be revoked or suspended by their local/supervising pastor with the approval of the General Pastor.

I.G.4. Card:  Each Level 1 Commissioned Lay Leader will receive "Credentials of Commissioned Laity." The face of the card shall display the bearer’s name, the church logo, the expiration date, and other clarifying information. The back of the card shall list responsibilities as listed in I.G.2. [Responsibilities].

I.H. Level 2W (Women’s Ministry, Licensed Lay Leader)

I.H.1. Requirements:  In order to obtain Level 2W credentials, the candidate must:

I.H.1.a. Complete all of the requirements for Level 1.

I.H.1.b. Complete assigned tasks (i.e. writing essays, complete any prescribed courses of study).

I.H.1.c. Have remained faithful working within the local church for a minimum of four years and having been licensed at Level 1 for a minimum of 2 years.

I.H.1.d. Receive the blessing and recommendation of their local pastor.

I.H.1.e. Petition the General Pastor for appointment to Level 2 and receive his blessing and approval.

I.H.1.f. Receive the approval of the General Board of Directors for the international ministry.

 I.H.2. Responsibilities:  Working under the supervision of the local pastor, she shall be able to:

I.H.2.a. work in prison, jail, hospital, and outreach ministries;

I.H.2.b. be a Bible teacher;

I.H.2.c. direct women in the ministry;

I.H.3. Termination:  Level 2W credentials may be suspended or revoked in accordance with the regulations outlined in I.J.3. [Removal of Level 3 (Pastor)].

I.H.4. Card:  Each Level 2W Licensed Lay Leader will receive "Credentials of Empowerment." The face of the card shall display the bearer’s name, the church logo, the expiration date, and other clarifying information. The back of the card shall list the responsibilities as listed in I.H.2. [Responsibilities].

 I.I. Level 2M ( Licensed Lay Ministers)

I.I.1. Requirements:  In order to obtain Level 2M credentials, the candidate must:

I.I.1.a. Complete all of the requirements for Level 1.

I.I.1.b. Complete assigned tasks (i.e. writing essays, complete any prescribed courses of study).

I.I.1.c. Have remained faithful working within the local church for a minimum of four years and having been licensed at Level 1 for a minimum of 2 years.

I.I.1.d. Receive the blessing and recommendation of their local pastor.

I.I.1.e. Petition the General Pastor for appointment to Level 2 and receive his blessing and approval.

I.I.1.f. Receive the approval of the General Board of Directors for the international ministry.

I.I.2. Responsibilities:  Working under the supervision of the local/supervising pastor, he shall be able to:

I.I.2.a. work in prison, jail, hospital, and outreach ministries;

I.I.2.b. perform the Sacerdotal duties listed (Teaching, Communion, Baptisms);

I.I.2.c. perform the following additional Sacerdotal duties with written permission of the local pastor: Weddings, Funerals, and Conduct of Worship Services;

I.I.3. Termination:  Level 2M credentials may be suspended or revoked in accordance with the regulations outlined in I.J.3. [Termination of Level 3 (Pastor)].

I.I.4. Card:  Each Level 2M minister will receive a license . This shall consist of a card 2.25" in height and 3.5" in length printed on a white background with a blue border. The face of the card shall display the bearer’s name, the church logo in reflex blue ink in a half-toned pattern, the expiration date, and other clarifying information. The back of the card shall list the responsibilities as listed in I.I.2. [Responsibilities].

I.J. Level 3 (Ordained Assistant Pastors, Ordained Associate Pastors, Ordained Pastors)

I.J.1. Requirements:  In order to obtain Level 3 credentials, the candidate must be appointed as the senior pastor of a congregation in accordance with I.L.1.

I.J.2. Responsibilities:  Level 3 ministers shall be able to perform all sacerdotal duties.

I.J.3. Termination:  Upon receiving a Recommendation of Termination of License/Ordination from the General Pastor, the General Board of Directors must vote on this recommendation. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors, then in office and entitled to vote, shall be required to terminate an ordination. The termination shall be effective as of the date of the vote to terminate by the General Board and notice shall be given to the affected minister as stated in I.C.6 [relating to the removal of a Director]. Termination of License/Ordination shall be immediate and automatic if the Board receives a personal Letter of Resignation from any CFCMI ordained minister.

I.J.4. Card:  Each Level 3 minister will receive "Credentials of Ordination." The face of the card shall display the bearer’s name, the church logo, and the expiration date. The back of the card shall contain clarifying information and signatures (signature on back or front). In addition the card shall denote whether the bearer is an Assistant Pastor, Associate Pastor, or Pastor.

I.K. Bishops

I.K.1. Appointment: In the event that an area contains more than one congregation, the General Pastor may appoint a bishop, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors by a vote of a two-thirds majority of all the Directors then in office and voting. The Bishop’s shall over see the pastors in his jurisdiction; ensuring that each Pastor is fostering the sound spiritual welfare, natural administration, and financial management of his congregations. The scope of these responsibilities shall be defined and approved as a part of the Bishop’s appointment.

I.K.2. Dismissal: A Bishop may only be dismissed by the General Pastor if such dismissal is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors then in office and voting.

I.K.3. Authority: A Bishop is the head voice within his churches and may only be overruled by the authority of the General Pastor.

I.L. Pastors

I.L.1. Appointment: The General Pastor may appoint a Pastor, subject to the approval of a two thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors then in office and voting. The Pastor shall oversee or establish a specific body of believers (in accordance with these Bylaws.) and shall foster the sound spiritual welfare natural administration and financial management of his congregation.

I.L.2. Dismissal: A Pastor may only be dismissed by the General Pastor if such dismissal is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Directors then in office and voting.

I.L.3. Authority: A Pastor is the head voice within his church and may only be overruled by his Bishop, if applicable, or by the authority of the General Pastor.

I.M. Associate Pastors

I.M.1. Appointment: The General Pastor may appoint a minister to act as an associate to a Pastor.

I.M.2. Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the Associate Pastor will be defined at the time of appointment. These Associate Pastors are to answer directly to their local Pastor with all matters regarding that local church.

I.M.3. Succession: An Associate Pastor shall be the automatic successor of his local Pastor; and shall automatically assume responsibility for the local Pastor in his absence.

I.M.4. Dismissal: The dismissal of any Associate Pastor shall be made by the General Pastor after the General Pastor has consulted with the local Pastor and Bishop, if applicable, of the Associate Pastor.

I.M.5. Discipline: Discipline may be given in the discretion of the local Pastor after the local Pastor has consulted with his Bishop or the General Pastor.

I.N. Assistant Pastors

I.N.1. Appointment: The General Pastor may appoint a minister to act as an Assistant to a Pastor.

I.N.2. Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the Assistant Pastor will be defined at the time of appointment. These Assistant Pastors are to answer directly to their local Pastor with matters regarding that local church.

I.N.3. Succession: An Assistant Pastor shall not be the automatic successor of his local Pastor; and shall not automatically assume responsibility for the local Pastor in his absence.

I.N.4. Dismissal: The dismissal of any Assistant Pastor shall be made by the General Pastor after the General Pastor has consulted with the local Pastor and Bishop, if applicable, of the Assistant Pastor.

I.N.5. Discipline: Discipline may be given in the discretion of the local Pastor after the local Pastor has consulted with his Bishop or the General Pastor.

I.O. Parishioners

I.O.1. Eligibility: CFCMI does not adhere to the customary separation of members and non-members, and will not keep records to establish the distinction of members. For the sake of terms, people who participate in the activities of CFCMI will be referred to as parishioners. This is inclusive of all subordinate bodies of CFCMI. Any person who regularly attends CFCMI services, meets the biblical standard of a Christian, as stated in the Bible and the Christian Fellowship Church Statement of Faith, and attends a new parishioner class, qualifies to be a parishioner of CFCMI. Regular attendance shall be determined in the sole discretion of the local Pastor.

I.O.2. Members of other Churches: A parishioner may be a member of another church organization, while worshipping in CFCMI, and no letter is required from the other church organization as a condition of becoming a parishioner of CFCMI.

I.P.3. Rights

I.P.3.a. Voting: Voting rights are held in reserve for the General Board of Directors and the boards of directors of subordinate bodies. Parishioners have no voting rights.

I.P.3.b. Voice: Any parishioner of CFCMI may recommend changes, present ideas, or generally voice opinions to their local Pastor; to assist through positive suggestions and constructive criticisms ways and means to prosper the operation of their local congregation, and the up building of the Kingdom of God.

I.P.3.c. Recourse: Any parishioner of CFCMI may petition their Bishop or the General Pastor for an audience to address their concerns, but only after having exhausted all local pastoral avenues.

I.Q.4. Disciplinary Action

I.Q.4.a. Discipline: Discipline shall be administered by the local Pastor as deemed necessary when an individual’s conduct does not conform to the Word of God, the King James (Authorized) Version. This will be accomplished through counseling, and may include the removal of an individual from various church activities, projects, and auxiliary ministries such as music, Children’s Church, etc.

I.Q.4.b. Disassociation: A parishioner may disassociate him or herself from CFCMI at any time.

I.Q.4.c. Disfellowship: A parishioner may be disfellowshiped from CFCMI at the sole discretion of the local Pastor, Bishop, or General Pastor.

I.R. Subordinate Bodies

I.R.1. Establishment: - When a new church of CFCMI is to be started: A local Pastor shall be appointed as set forth in I.H.1. A local Board of Directors, of no less that three people, shall be appointed by the General Pastor and The General Board of Directors, with the local Pastor as President, and two others to be appointed as Treasurer and Secretary. They shall meet a minimum of two times a year for the first two years, or until the establishment of complete bylaws, approved by the General Board:

I.R.1.a.  The local Board members shall conduct themselves according to the responsibilities and restrictions of their respective counterparts on the General Board.

I.R.1.b.  The local Board members shall be appointed and dismissed upon the request of the local Pastor (President) and a two-thirds majority vote of all Directors of the General Board then in office and entitled to vote.

I.R.2. Removal of President: The local Board President can be removed only if removed from being local Pastor, and only in accordance with I.H.2.

I.R.3. Bylaws: - Within the first two years of existence, all subordinate churches shall be required to draft bylaws, which shall conform to all the directives, policies and bylaws established by The General Board of Directors, and local, state and national laws where the church is established. These bylaws shall be submitted to The General Board for initial approval, and thereafter submitted every two years for review to The General Board.

I.R.4. Precedence: - If any adopted bylaw, directive, or policy of a subordinate body or local church of CFCMI is found by the General Board of Directors to be in conflict with the bylaws, directives, or policies of the General Board, or is ambiguous, the respective bylaws, directive, or policy of the General Board shall take precedence.

I.R.5. Financial: - All subordinate churches shall comply with Section Two in the handling of moneys and real property.

I.R.6. Reporting: - All subordinate churches must submit annual reports to the General Board of Directors, and be in compliance with all the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the church tax exempt status as stated in Internal Revenue Service code 501 (C)(3). These reports shall include, but not be limited to, fiscal status and number baptized.

Section Two:

II. Financial

II.A. Receipt of Funds

II.A.1. Lawful Compliance: - All transactions involving the receipt of funds and assets shall conform to Internal Revenue Code 501(C)(3) and all applicable state laws governing the operation of organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes. At no time will CFCMI knowingly accept funds or assets in violation of its local, state, or federal tax exempt status.

II.A.1.a. Established Policies and Procedures: The General Board of Directors will establish all policies and procedures concerning the receipt of funds and assets by any church or subordinate body of CFCMI.

II.A.1.b. Subordinate Bodies: All subordinate church bodies of CFCMI shall comply with the financial policies stated in II.A.1, as well as any other mandates established by The General Board of Directors.

II.B. Disposition of Funds, Assets, and Real Property

II.B.1. Lawful Compliance: - All transactions involving the sale, transfer, disbursement, distribution, or conversion of CFCMI-owned assets shall conform to Internal Revenue Code 501 (C)(3) and all applicable state laws governing the operation of organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes. At no time will CFCMI knowingly allow the disposition of any funds or assets in violation of its local, state, or federal tax exempt status.

II.B.1.a. Procedures: - The General Board of Directors shall establish all policies and procedures concerning the expenditure of CFCMI funds, and the sale, transfer, disbursement, distribution, or conversion of church assets by any church or ministry CFCMI. The expenditure of funds for the acquisition of real property, or the sale, transfer, disbursement, distribution, or conversion of any church-owned real estate to any form of asset, however, shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all Directors then in office and voting.

II.B.1.b. Subordinate Bodies: - All subordinate church bodies desiring to spend funds for the acquisition of real property, or sell, transfer or convert any church-owned real estate to any other form of asset must obtain a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of approval from the General Board of Directors.

II.C. Treasury Board

II.C.1. Treasury: All subordinate church bodies shall establish a Treasury Board to help ensure the collection and recording of incoming church funds. The local Treasurer and two (2) others appointed for an undetermined period of time by the local Pastor, shall make up the local Treasury Board.

II.C.1.a. Collections: There must always be two (2) people directly involved in the receiving of general church offerings. A person shall be assigned to assist the local treasurer, or his designee, with the collection of the offerings after the worship services and the transporting of the offerings to the church treasurer’s office.

II.C.1.b. Yearly Budgets: The Treasurer shall submit budgets for the upcoming year in a timely manner to the local church Board. The Treasurer shall make the corrections and additions required by the local church Board and obtain approval of these budgets, and then submit to the General Board for review and approval.

II.D. Signing Checks and Authorizing Expenditures:

II.D.1.  The person who collects and deposits funds on behalf of CFCMI shall not be the same person who signs checks or authorizes expenditures on behalf of CFCMI.

Section Three:

III. Doctrinal

III.A. Abortion:

III.A.1. It is the belief of CFCMI that abortion is immoral and a direct violation of the scriptures. It is a fact that a defenseless life is killed (dashed in pieces, put to death) in premeditation. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being, therefore, abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control are acceptable. (Job 3:16, Psalms 51:5, Psalms 139:14-16, Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 49:1&5, Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah 20:15-18, Luke 1:44 Deuteronomy 5:17).

III.A.2. It is also the Belief of CFCMI that abortion is a sin that can be forgiven as also murder can be forgiven. (Matthew 12:31-32, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:1-2)

III.B. Capital Punishment:

III.B.1. It is the belief of CFCMI that imperfect people impart Capital Punishment and therefore CFCMI stands against the execution of any other human being. (John 8:3-11, John 5:22, Deuteronomy 32:39, Matthew 7:1-2, Genesis 4:15)

III.C. Doctrinal Truth:

III.C.1. Fall of Man: It is the Belief of CFCMI that man (created in the image of God) fell by means of transgression in Adam, and thus mankind became sinful. (Romans 3:22-23, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-3, Genesis 3:1-24)

III.C.2. Salvation: It is the belief of CFCMI that by God’s grace salvation has been made available to all mankind through faith, repentance and obedience to God’s word. The remission and the forgiveness of sin comes by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord being applied to our lives by receiving the spirit, water and blood in our personal baptism in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 1:2, Romans 6:16-18, 1 John 5:6-13, John 3:3-7, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1Peter 3:20-21)

III.C.3. Baptism: It is the belief of CFCMI that the Bible shows only one baptism to be valid for salvation, specifically: in water, by total immersion, only in the name of "Jesus" (or the equivalent words representing ’Jesus’ when the baptism is being performed in different languages), and not in titles "Father, Son, Holy Ghost." Baptism is only valid when performed upon a repentant, believing person. Baptism of infants is not practiced due to the requirement of repentance and belief prior to baptism. CFCMI does not require a candidate for baptism to be of any minimum age. (Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:9-14, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-48, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 4:10-12, Acts 8:12-16 &36-38, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 16:31-33, Acts 19:1-6, Acts 22:16, Acts 10:47-48)

III.C.4. Godhead: It is the belief of CFCMI that God is a spirit. God is referred to in the scriptures as "He". God is one God while manifesting Himself in many different manifestations (of which are most common; the Everlasting Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost). CFCMI does not uphold the theory of "God in Three Persons." (John 10:30-33, Colossians 1:13-19, Colossians 2:8-9, Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:21-23, 1 John 5:6-8&20, Revelation 4:2, Mark 12:29-30, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 45:18, Hebrews 12:9)

III.C.5. Holy Ghost: It is the belief of CFCMI that the "Holy Ghost" or "Holy Spirit" is a title for God’s spirit, which leads and guides mankind unto (and within) salvation. (John 6:44, John 16:13-14, John 14:16-17, Luke 12:11-12, John 6:63, Luke 1:35, John 7:37-39, John 14:26, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 10:44-48)

III.C.6. Tongues: It is the belief of CFCMI that speaking in tongues is for a sign to the unbeliever as one of the evidences of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:22). CFCMI does not uphold the theology that a person must speak in tongues to be saved. (Colossians 2:10-17, 1 Corinthians 212:27-31). There are many evidences of the Spirit within a person’s life, and although speaking in tongues is one, there are many others (Mark 16:17-18, Galatians 5:22-25, 1 Corinthians 12:7-12).

III.C.7. Falling from Grace: It is the belief of CFCMI that a baptized believer is secure in his/her salvation as long as they continue to walk in the faith according to the Word of God (Mark 13:13, John 15:6). When a person refuses to walk according to the dictates of the Word of God, that person will be considered fallen from grace (Galatians 5:1-4, Romans 11:21-22). God’s power and ability to save, though never diminished, is personally inhibited or enhanced by the faith extended by each individual (1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 7:25).

III.C.8. Communion: It is the belief of CFCMI that the ceremony of communion is performed in the remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:23-29). Communion is accomplished by partaking of the bread [representing the body of Christ (Mark 14:22)] and the cup [representing the blood Jesus Christ shed for the remission of sins bringing in the New Testament (Mark 14:23-24)]. The bread may be bread of any manner and the cup may contain the fruit of the vine in any stage of form. The focus is in the remembrance of the Lord not the physical bread or fruit of the vine. CFCMI does not uphold the theory that the bread and the drink become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. CFCMI likewise does not believe that Communion can only be taken at certain times of the year or at any certain point of a person’s walk with Christ (1 Corinthians 11:26).

III.C.9. Gifts of the Spirit: It is the belief of CFCMI that there are many gifts from God unto mankind. These gifts are given to the church to edify and encourage the church until the Lord returns (Ephesians 4:8-12, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11& 27-28).

III.C.10. Priesthood: It is the belief of CFCMI that the priesthood is the collection of all workers within the ministry. General Pastors, Bishops, Pastors - are only men, either married or unmarried (Revelations 1:5-6, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Ephesians 4:11). There are also teachers, lay leaders, deacons, and others that accomplish tasks within the body of Christ (1 Timothy 3:8-13). All these are spiritually like unto the Levitical Priesthood described in the Old Testament (1 Peter 2:4-5&9-10).

III.C.11. The Church: It is the belief of CFCMI that the church is the totality of the true believers throughout all ages, also referred to as the body of Christ, and is solely made up of born-again believers. We likewise believe in the autonomy of the church free of any external authority or control (Romans 12:3-5, Ephesians 4:12, Acts20:28, Matthew 22:21).

III.C.12. Bible: It is the belief of CFCMI that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the inspired Word of God written on paper (2 Peter 1:18-21, 2 Timothy4:13). The Bible canon of the 66 books is the final authority for faith and life. It is likewise the belief of CFCMI that the Authorized King James Version is the only fully accurate version of God’s Word written in English. It is also the belief of CFCMI that the Reina de Valera, (RVA based on the 1602 version) is the only fully accurate version of God’s Word written in Spanish.

III.C.13. Creation:  We believe that God created the heavens and the earth and all that are in them in the first six days ( Exodus 20:11). CFCMI rejects the theories of Evolution, Gap, the Day-Age, Theistic Evolution, and any other non-scriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2, Exodus 20:11)

III.D. Holiness:  In an effort to live a holy life (Titus 2:12, James 4:17), a person should adhere to the following:

III.D.1. Pornography: It is the belief of CFCMI that pornography is damaging to the spiritual and emotional nature of any person and family. CFCMI does not condone its use in any way (Matthew5:28).

III.D.2. Modesty: CFCMI does not condone the wearing of apparel or articles that would cause an occasion for any person’s testimony to come into question as being worldly, provocative, or sensual (1 Timothy 2:9,1 John 2:15-17).

III.D.3. Vocabulary: It is the belief of CFCMI that from the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak (Matthew12:34). Therefore, the language and words used by Christians should edify the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of this world (Philemon 1:6, Mark 16:17, Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:8). The use of obscene, vulgar and profane words should never be used (2 Timothy 2:16, Colossians 3:8).

III.D.4. Separation: It is the belief of CFCMI that the saved should live in such a manner that will not bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded of God (2 Corinthians 6:3, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 Corinthians 10:20-23).

III.E. Human sexuality:

III.E.1. Life Styles: It is the belief of CFCMI that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. (Genesis 19:5&13, Leviticus 18:1-30, Romans 1:26-29, 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)

III.E.2. Couples: It is the belief of CFCMI that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (Genesis 26:8-9, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:4)

III.E.3. Marriage: It is the belief of CFCMI that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:22-28)

III.F. Marriage and Divorce:

III.F.1. It is the belief of CFCMI that the marriages of two believers are thus living in vows exchanged before and unto God. These vows were not intended by God to be broken by divorce (Matthew 19:4-6). God implemented divorce because of the hardness of hearts of mankind (Matthew 19:7-8). Scripture does not allow people that divorce their spouses to remarry when their marriage was consummated since their salvation, so long as their spouse lives (1 Corinthians 7:39). Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication (Malachi 2:14-17, Matthew 19:3-12, Romans 7:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:2&12, Titus 1:6).

III.G. Same Sex Marriage:

III.G.1. It is the belief of CFCMI that same sex marriages are immoral and against scriptures (III.E.1.). CFCMI will not perform the marriage (or any kind of union ceremony) with two people of the same birth sex.

III.H. Stewardship: 

III.H.1 Stewardship: It is the belief of CFCMI that the word of God commands stewardship of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him and is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the offering in the New Testament as one’s giving of all he or she has been blessed of by God. Every Christian should also give their offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We also believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct or reclaim tithes and/or offerings once the gift has been made (Genesis 14:20, Proverbs 3:9-10, Acts 4:34-37, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 1 John 3:17).

III.I. Women in Ministry:

III.I.1. It is the belief of CFCMI that women have a vital role in the body of Christ. The scripture is clear that the woman is not to usurp authority over a man (1Timothy 2:12). Therefore, CFCMI does not condone, nor will CFCMI ever ordain, a woman as a Pastor, Bishop, or Apostle (1 Timothy 3:1-12, Titus 2:3-5).