Apostolic Body Of Churches

Bishops Oath

Bishop’s Oath for an Apostolic context, honoring Apostolic tradition, authority, holiness, and commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God through APOSTOLIC CULTURE IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

 

Apostolic Bishop’s Oath of Office:

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. Amen.

I, having been chosen by the divine will of God and confirmed by the Body of Christ, do solemnly and reverently make this sacred vow before Almighty God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Apostolic Church of God.

I DO SOLEMNLY AFFIRM AND VOW:

  1. TO UPHOLD AND TEACH THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE

as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and delivered by the early Church (Acts 2:42), contending earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3), and declaring the full counsel of God without fear or favor (Acts 20:27).

  1. TO SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD

as an overseer appointed by the Holy Ghost (Acts 20:28), leading with humility, spiritual authority, and apostolic boldness, feeding the Church with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15), and not being a hireling but a faithful servant.

  1. TO WALK IN PERSONAL HOLINESS AND INTEGRITY,

living a life worthy of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14), being blameless, sober, just, holy, temperate (Titus 1:7–8), and ever watchful over my conduct and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).

  1. TO GUARD THE ANOINTING AND MAINTAIN SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE,

devoting myself to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4), staying sensitive to the leading of the Holy Ghost, and not quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

  1. TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE APOSTOLIC ORDER AND DIVINE GOVERNMENT,

honoring the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12), building up the Church according to divine pattern, and maintaining the unity of the Spirit under Christ the Head.

  1. TO ORDAIN MINISTERS, SET ELDERS IN PLACE, AND ESTABLISH CHURCHES

in accordance with the laying on of hands and prophetic confirmation (1 Timothy 4:14; Titus 1:5), ensuring that only those approved by God are entrusted with sacred responsibility.

  1. TO DEFEND THE TRUTH AGAINST ERROR AND DECEPTION,

exposing false doctrines, refuting heresies, and guarding the Church against wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15; Titus 1:9–11).

  1. TO LOVE AND SERVE THE PEOPLE OF GOD,

not as a lord over God’s heritage, but as a servant leader (1 Peter 5:2–3), comforting the afflicted, restoring the fallen in meekness, and protecting the weak.

  1. TO UPHOLD THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED,

proclaiming Him as the only wise God, our Savior (Jude 1:25), and baptizing in His Name according to Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, and Acts 19:5.

  1. TO BE A FAITHFUL STEWARD OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD,

rightly dividing the Word of truth, preserving apostolic legacy, and passing it on to faithful men who shall teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

  1. TO BE AN ENCOURAGER TO FELLOW BISHOPS AND MINISTERS.

To desist from unfair criticism, defamation of character and misrepresentation of peers and counterparts. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3)

  1. TO ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE ALL DISPUTES USING THE SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES

Matthew 18:15-17 with the assistance of the spiritual presbytery and the overseeing bishop. Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 6:1 must be the cardinal principle. Leaders are called to make every effort to reduce conflict.

  1. TO UPHOLD THE PRINCIPLES, CODE OF CONDUCT AND POLICY OF THE ACCURATE BUILDING CONCEPTS MINISTRIES AND TO SUPPORT ITS PROGRAMS AND OFFICIALS.
  2.  ACCORDING TO 1 TIMOTHY 3 AND TITUS 1

 Before God the Father, through Jesus Christ my Lord, and in the presence of His holy angels and this sacred assembly, I solemnly make this oath:

 

A VOW OF BLAMELESSNESS

I will walk in integrity, above reproach in my conduct, both in private and in public, not bringing shame to the name of Christ, nor scandal to His Church.

 

A VOW OF COVENANT FIDELITY

I will be the husband of one wife, faithful in my covenant, honoring the sacred institution of marriage as a reflection of Christ and His Bride.

 

A VOW OF SOBRIETY AND DISCIPLINE

I will live soberly, temperately, and vigilantly—restraining passions, avoiding excess, and keeping my body and spirit under subjection.

A VOW OF HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY

I will open my home and heart to the saints and strangers, being a lover of hospitality and a generous steward of all God entrusts to me.

A VOW OF TEACHING AND SOUND DOCTRINE

I will hold fast to the faithful Word as I have been taught, able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

A VOW AGAINST GREED AND PRIDE

I will not be given to filthy lucre, covetousness, or the love of money. I will not be self-willed, proud, or quick-tempered, but meek and peaceable.

A VOW OF STEWARDSHIP OVER THE FLOCK

I will shepherd the flock of God willingly, not as a lord over God’s heritage but as an example to them, watching over souls as one who must give account.

A VOW OF DISCIPLESHIP AND SUCCESSION

I will raise up faithful men and women, as Timothy and Titus were, who shall teach others also. I will guard the pattern of sound words, and impart it to the next generation.

A VOW TO ENDURE HARDSHIP FOR CHRIST

I will endure afflictions, fulfill my ministry, fight the good fight, and finish the course, ever looking to the Chief Shepherd who shall crown me with righteousness.

A VOW TO BE FAITHFUL IN ANOTHER MAN’S FIELD

I will be faithful in that which is another man’s; I will respect boundaries; I will not alienate spiritual sons from their spiritual fathers within the ABC family; I will not bypass a spiritual father in the execution of my gift. 

 

This would bring greater clarity to Vow number F, because in Luke 16:13 Jesus closes his teaching on faithfulness in dealing with “greed” for mammon (filthy lucre, covetousness mentioned in Vow F). This will also promote a culture of peace among the Bishops

Luke 16:13

13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

I make these vows willingly and solemnly, with full understanding of its gravity. I commit myself to this office for the glory of God, the advancement of the Kingdom, and the edification of the Body of Christ, until the day I am called home or released by divine order.

So help me, Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of my faith. Amen.