Colonies

A colony is a collection of churches, ministries and five-fold functionaries that corresponds to a geographical ecclesiastical district directly established by EIF (Regional Colony) or that comprises an apostolic work with at least three (3) churches without respect to geography that was originally established by another that has entered into covenant relationship with EIF for apostolic covering (Auxiliary Colony). Each colony will eventually contain an Apostolic Supervisor, who is responsible for ecclesiastical oversight and development of the colony and acts as an ambassador of the Presiding Apostolic Bishop to that colony.

Before being appointed to the office of Apostolic Supervisor, an individual must satisfactorily meet the EIF requirements established by the School of ABC’S and perform the duties of the position under an extended period of observation. During this time period, the individual will act as an Administrative Assistant to the Presiding Apostolic Bishop or an Apostolic Bishop and will have shared responsibility for the ecclesiastical headship in that colony until such time the Presiding Apostolic Bishop makes the appointment of Apostolic Supervisor.

Apostolic Supervisors are encouraged to focus on rearing, developing and/or identifying an administrative assistant and any others necessary as the colony grows and adds additional churches. Once the colony reaches the qualifications for becoming a province, the Apostolic Supervisor would ascend into the office of Apostolic Bishop and would need to have one qualified individual that would become Apostolic Chairman upon the approval and appointment of the Presiding Apostolic Bishop.

Each colony is expected to execute the purposes and intents of God for that colony through fully-functional five-fold ministry. To this end, each Regional Colony is charged with developing a Colonial Council, which is headed by the Apostolic Supervisor and is the body of five-fold functionaries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) within that colony, including its administrational government, charged to help train, establish, support and oversee holistic five-fold ministry operation. Within a colony, it is important that each of the five-fold offices are effective and involved in the Colonial Council that helps assist the Apostolic Supervisor in his/her oversight to carry out the agenda of God. Only mature functionaries with demonstrated works and functional credence should be appointed to the Colonial Council.

While EIF does not require Auxiliary Colonies to institute a Colonial Council, it would be greatly recommended in order to maximize the effectiveness of five-fold ministry operation in order to bring the colony into a mature expression of Christ and His authority.