Structure

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The West Virginia & East Tennessee Council maintains an episcopal polity, in accordance with the parent body - The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. The council diocesan is the Chief Executive in business matters and Presiding Prelate in ecclesiastical affairs. His official title is "Bishop".

 

The episcopal structure features several ecclesiastical positions that are appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. These officials serve under the authority of and at the discretion of the Diocesan Bishop.

 

Among them are:

 

* Suffragan Bishops
a term technically defined by the Encarta Dictionary as "assistant bishop." His/her duties are assigned by the Diocesan Bishop

* District Elders
His/her duties include acting as an advisor/consultant to the pastor of an assigned group of churches within the diocese. This
position serves as a liaison between those churches' pastor and the Diocesan Bishop

* Pastors
His/her responsibilities lie in the leadership of a local assembly within the district

* Elders
This position reflects ministers that are officially ordained by the council, under the authority of the Pentecostal Assemblies of
the World. Many in this position serve under the leadership of a pastor in a local assembly.

* Ministers/Evangelists
This position reflects clergy that is licensed by the council, under the authority of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World;
however, they are yet to be officially ordained. Most in this position serve under the leadership of a pastor in a local assembly.

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Non-ecclesiastical, elected positions include:

* Chairperson
* Vice Chairperson
* Treasurer
* Secretary
* Auxiliary or Department Heads

 

== References ==

''The Early Pentecostal Revival'', James Tyson, Word Aflame Press 1992;
''A History of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World,'' Morris E. Golder, 1973;
''Christian Outlook - Convention Issue,'' September 1965 (p. 11);
''Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements,'' Zondervan Publishing 1996;
Personal interview with Bishop Clarence E. Moore (10-11-10);
Personal interview with D. Ann Abbington-Barlow (10-12-10);
Personal interview with Bishop Aaron H. Redd (2005);
''The West Virginia & East Tennessee Council, Inc. Directory'' - 2nd printing (2005).

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