Greater Praise International Ministries, Inc.

 

Code of Ethics, Ministerial Application and Overview

 

 Reverend Dr. J.L. Cribb., D.D.

 

Presiding Prelate

   

A Message from our Presiding Prelate

 

I greet you in the precious name of Jesus!  The GREATER PRAISE INTERNATIONAL INC. has been designed to provide a meaningful resolution for those seeking a church while acknowledging the need for oversight and mentoring.  The GREATER PRAISE INTERNATIONAL INC.  is made up of Christian Churches, Clergy, Ministries, Believers, and Christian businesses throughout the United States and foreign countries, and it was established for the sole purpose of creating a Kingdom driven synergy for the 21st century and beyond. The church stands rightly accused of reneging on promise and moving away from our original mission allowing traditions to continue without relevance and opting for entertainment instead of empowerment.

 

Our mission is very clear and includes the strategic advancement for the 21st century church, with deliberate movement from within. We can only meet the challenges by the development of Kingdom independent Spiritual and Natural resources, eliminating the enslavement of sin and debt and moving away from the secular systems, which is the true source of economic breakdown within our community because of its biases, and redlining in certain districts. We are not another “denomination,” but a church with a global mission to empower people.

 

At the beginning of the year 2023, we stepped into a season of acceleration… a season of fresh ideas and new inventions, where God has stepped up the pace! Anointing that have been dormant, have come alive to bring about reform in Christendom, government, business, and in global economics. The Reformers are on the scene!

 

Please feel free to contact us with questions that you may have pertinent to you becoming a viable branch in this tremendous Move of God. I look forward to meeting you soon.

 

                In Covenant with You,

 

               + Reverend Dr. J.L Cribb DD

      Presiding Prelate, Greater Praise International, Inc.

 

                 

 

Statement of Purpose

 

Giving honor to the Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and to the saints who await the glory of His second advent in which He will gather His people, Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you.

 

As with any other modern day foundation of a new work for God there is a necessity for scriptural origin and authority therefore having impregnated Apostle J.L Cribb., DD, Presiding Prelate of Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches, Inc. with a burden, such as that known to the prophet, Habakkuk, accompanied with a visionary ignition to lead God’s people to the enlightenment of righteousness, the Lord spoke unto Apostle J.L Cribb, just as he did Habakkuk, saying, “…write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3

 

As of January 1, 2005 the fruition of the vision was manifested, and so established the GREATER PRAISE INTERNATIONAL INC. It is the purpose of this organization to fulfill the great commission of the evangelization and Christianization of the world in accordance with the Holy Scripture, St. Mark 16:15, to “…go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…”

 

Hence, our purpose shall be to bring forth Apostles, Bishops, Pastors and members of the presbytery to organize churches, conferences, religious societies, educational institutions, hospitals homes for the aged, and community outreach centers according to and consistent with its doctrines; to spread the doctrine of Jesus Christ throughout the world to foster and encourage domestic and missions; to have authority to purchase, own, manage, remodel and dispose of property; to set standards for the affiliate ministries; to regulate admission and dismissal of churches according to the Bible, and in general to carry on any business in connection therewith and incident thereto not forbidden by the laws of these United States of America and abroad.

 

As we aspired to do the work of the ministry given to this body of baptized believers through the leadership of the Founder and Presiding Prelate Apostle J.L Cribb., DD, we have become aware of our potential to be effective as an ecclesiastical body whose mission is to Perfect Holiness and motivate Christianity to higher progressions in the 21st Century. The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches & Ministries, is prepared for the occasion to promote the Divine Essence of God, destroying the pitiful forces of Satan’s strongholds. God has given us the necessary tools to accomplish this task for the Kingdom, by developing leaders through our School of Ministry, as  well as preachers who indeed have a RHEMA WORD for this end-time generation, reaching millions through our awesome Music Ministry, and ministering to the needs of the underserved and forlorn through our diverse Outreach Ministries. On behalf of the College of Bishops, the College of Presbyters and the National Officers, we welcome and invite you to consider affiliation with the Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches, Inc..

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The Vision

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A Plain “Vision” is one, which is written in such a way that it can be easily understood and intelligently articulated. The “Vision” of the GREATER PRAISE INTERNATIONAL INC. is to “Bring Restoration to the Whole Family”. The following acrostic – “Change” summarizes the “Vision of the House”.

 

Challenge Denominational Traditions

Help the Struggling Church

Address Social Needs

Nurture Worship Environments

Generate Independent Institutions

Education, Equip, Evangelize

 

Challenge Denominational Traditions

The challenge is to be biblical rather than traditional. As we investigate the Truths of Scripture, we will embrace

the G.P.I.M.O.C., INC. and will recognize that God has ordained this Church. We believe the

Apostolic Church today has the “Ability to Choose” to operate in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Additionally,

because the Holy Spirit offers these gifts to the believer without regard to gender, the G.P.I.M.O.C., INC. affirms the role of Women in Ministry. These roles include women as Pastors, Preachers, Elders, Teachers, Prophetess, Apostles & Bishops within our Reformation.

 

Help the Struggling Church

The Greater Praise International Ministries of Churches, Inc. is committed to assisting the Church, which may be in need of restoration upon request. In addition to financial assistance, we may offer organizational advice and Christian Education to

rebuild congregations and a sound Christian Foundation.

 

Address Social Needs

The community depends upon the leadership and foresight of the Church. Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches, Inc. is committed to assisting socially disenfranchised individuals. As we are in the 21st Century, we are giving ourselves

a hand-up by continuing to build strong communities.

 

Nurture Worship Environments

The commitment to a workshop environment, which allows the Holy Spirit to flow in its Fullness, is a passion of this

Movement. Praise and Worship lead us to the very Throne of God where healing, deliverance and life – changing

Power and available. Through Corporate Praise we experience the jubilation of being one with the Body of Christ.

Corporate Worship allows the believer to enter into the “Holy of Holies” to personally commune with our Most

High God.

 

Generate Independent Institutions

The commitment of this Movement is not just to be financially independent, but our goal is to cultivate businesses

ordained by God and supported by the G.P.I.M.O.C., INC. Other projects include, but are not

limited to: Senior Citizen Housing, Homes for At-Risk Youth, After School Community Centers, Rehabilitation

Facilities, Homes for Unwed Mothers, Private Christian Schools and Post Secondary Colleges.

 

Educate, Equip, Evangelize

The Vision to Educate, Equip and Evangelize involves every aspect of our Movement. During our Annual

International Conference, Regional Congress Meetings and Local District Meetings Christian Education classes

are held for all attendees to obtain the knowledge to become equipped to do the work of the ministry. The local

church will grow only if every member is equipped to exercise his or her Spiritual Gifts so that the Body functions

as one with Christ as the Head. As the church grows, it must be actively engaged in the Ministry of Evangelism to

win the lost to the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a Movement, creative ways of reaching the lost

includes utilizing the innovation of the Internet as well as, capitalizing upon other media technological advances.

 

The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc 

 

Flavor

 

Within the Local Church, the Vision of the Greater Praise International Ministries Inc, Inc. is also expressed through this acrostic - “Flavor” to assist Pastors in implementing

essential of “The Ambassadors” Distinctive(s).

 

First Class (Decently and of Order)

Loyalty to the Holy Convocation (i.e. fellowship)

Assimilate the Holy Convocation (i.e. distinctive(s)

Vibrant Praise and Worship

Orderly Flow of the Holy Convocation

Redemptive Atmosphere of the Holy Convocation

 

First Class

G.P.I., INC. must be committed to Excellence in Ministry. From the

Pastor to the member, our Ministry should be the best that it can be operating in decency and

order. 

 

Loyalty to the Holy Convocation (i.e. fellowship)

G.P.I., INC. Pastors and Leaders should be excited about the Holy

Convocation. The “Vision” should be articulated to the membership and other leaders as well.

 

Assimilate the Holy Convocation (i.e. distinctive(s)

G.P.I., INC. Leaders must know and embrace the distinctive(s) of the

Holy Convocation. Leaders should allow the Spirit of God to be in control of the Ministry.

 

Vibrant Praise and Worship Atmosphere

G.P.I., INC. must have an exciting place to worship! All should foster

vitality in Praise and Worship, and moreover, teach sound doctrine.

 

Orderly Flow to the Holy Convocation

G.P.I., INC. must have an orderly Flow. Services should begin on time,

flow with the Holy Spirit and have a structured spontaneity. Everything is decent and in order.

 

Redemptive Atmosphere

G.P.I., INC. should have the Evidence of God’s Presence with “People,

getting saved”. If God is there, the church is alive and growing!

 

Doctrinal Statement

 

As a Christian constituency of New Testament believers, we, the G.P.I.M.O.C, INC.  subscribe to the following declaration of the things which are more surely believed among us (Luke 1:1), praying that there be neither harmful nor divisive difference of belief to the injury of any, nor the disturbance of the peace and harmony of the church, and that we may be all of the same mind and same judgment, speaking the same things in love (1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42) and with one voice glorifying God, to the edification of His

people, and to give Christian witness to the world.

 

1. The Scriptures

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16)

presenting to us the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and constituting the

Divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice (2 Peter 1:21).

 

2. The Godhead

We believe there is but one true and living God, who is everlasting, infinite in power, wisdom

and goodness; that He is the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, and Preserver of all

things (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16). In the unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of

one individual essence, who are co-equal, co-existent and co-eternal; namely, the Father, the Son

and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:16, 17; 28:18, 19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1, 2, 18; 10:33;

14:26; 15:26; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 9:14). The Son is the eternally begotten of the Father,

and accepted earthly limitations for the purpose of incarnation, being true God and true man;

conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the just for

the unjust as a substitution sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of

His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand

of the Majesty on High as our great High Priest, and He will return again to establish His

Kingdom of righteousness and justice. The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, Executive of the

Godhead on earth, the Comforter sent by the Lord Jesus Christ to indwell, to guide and to teach

the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.

 

3. Man, His Fall and Redemption

Man is a created being, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam’s

transgression and fall, sin came into the world (Romans 5:12). “All have sinned and come short

of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one”

(Romans 3: 10). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil, and

gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man to God (1 John 3:8).

 

4. Salvation

Salvation is made possible through the meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the cross and through

Holy Spirit conviction. Godly sorrow works repentance and makes possible the experience of the

new birth, and Christ formed within us is the gift of eternal life (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15;

Luke 24:47; Titus 3:5-7). Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the Law,

and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God

 (Ephesians 2:8) Man is a free moral agent and can at any time after the new birth experience turn

away from God and die in a state of sin; with the consequences of hell to look forward to.

5. The Church

The true Church, built upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20),

is the Body of our Lord (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27); Christ being the Head (Ephesians

1:22; Colossians 1:18). Its earthly constituents are all true believers, born again of the Spirit

(John 3:6) and of the Word (1 Peter 1:23), who are living an overcoming Christian life

(Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:27). To the Church, through its members, is delegated the

various gifts and offices of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27, 28) which are necessary

for the successful evangelization of the world and the perfecting of the Body of Christ (1

Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11, 12). This universal, invisible, sanctified Church is the chaste

virgin Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:1, 2; Ephesians 5:26, 27; Revelation 21:9b, 27). It is this

Bride for whom Jesus Christ returns, just prior to the Great Tribulation, to catch her away and

take her to heaven (John 14:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

6. The Ministry

God, through the Holy Spirit, definitely calls such as He desires to serve as apostles, prophets,

evangelists, pastors and teachers, and specifically endures the one called with the talents and gifts

peculiar to that office or offices (Ephesians 4:11-13). Under no circumstances should anyone be

ordained or set apart to any such office unless the calling is distinct and evident.

 

7. Water Baptism

Baptism in water is by immersion, a direct commandment of our Lord (Matthew 28:19), and is

for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His

death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39). The following

recommendation regarding the water baptism formula is adopted, “On the confession of your

faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

 

8. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11), is a gift from God, as promised by the

Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation, and is received subsequent to the new birth

(John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38, 39; 10:44-48). The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is accompanied

by the speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance as the initial physical

sign and evidence (Acts 2:4).

 

9. Sanctification

The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We believe in

the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive, work of grace, commencing at the

time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 13:12; 2

Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11; John 17:17; 1Thessalonians

5:23).

 

10. The Lord’s Supper

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is a commandment of our Savior; and being a memorial to

His death and resurrection is strictly limited to Christian believers (1 Corinthians 11:27). The

time and frequency of its observance is left to the discretion of each congregation (1 Corinthians

11:26). Only unfermented grape juice, the fruit of the vine, as recommended by our Lord

(Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18) shall be used in connection therewith.

 

11. Foot Washing

Foot washing is recognized among many believers as a Christian practice, and the time, manner

and frequency of its observance is left to the discretion of each local congregation (John 13).

 

12. Divine Healing

Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God, through

the prayer of faith, and by the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18; James 5:14, 15). It is provided for

in the atonement of Christ and is available to all who truly believe.

 

13. The Resurrection of the Just

The Bible promises, “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner” (Acts 1:11). His coming is

imminent; when He comes, “The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall

be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, and together with

His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

 

14. Setting a Time for the Lord’s Return

It is unwise to teach that the Lord will come at some specified time, thereby setting a date for His

appearing. It is also unwise to teach, preach or publish visions of numbers and dates which

would tend to fix the time of the second coming of the Lord (Mark 13:32, 33).

 

15. The Coming of the Lord

We believe the Bible presents the coming of Christ as personal, imminent, pretribulation and

pre-millennial. We further contend that this position alone admonishes watchfulness, incites holy

living, prevents spiritual declension, and provides maximum incentive and motive for urgency

and zeal in evangelizing the unsaved. As demonic deception and satanic darkness deepens, we

urge our ministers to maintain and proclaim this doctrinal viewpoint as the “blessed hope” of the

Church. Furthermore, we recommend that should any of our preachers hold to the mid or post tribulation

doctrine, they refrain from preaching and teaching it. Should they persist in

emphasizing this doctrine to the point of making it an issue, their standing in the fellowship will

be seriously affected.

 

16. Hell and Eternal Retribution

The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake

of Fire, and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance

(Hebrews 9:27). The Lake of Fire is literal (Revelation 19:20). The terms “eternal” and

“everlasting” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned (Matthew 25:41-

46) in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence, as used in

denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the presence of God.

 

17. Tithes

We recognize the Old Testament scriptural duty of all people, to pay tithes unto the Lord. We also recognize that as a New Testament Church that there is really no argument or commandment to pay tithes. In the New Testament we recognize the genuine spirit of generosity. We believe that when you really have a heart after God and His Mandate to win the lost and establish His Kingdom in the earth that our Giving becomes an act of love and not duty and far exceeds 10%, which most believers give to the work of God anyway! Tithes, the minimum, and Generous giving should be used for the support of the active ministry and for the propagation of the Gospel and work of the Lord in general! (Malachi 3:7-11; Hebrews 7:2; 1 Corinthians 9:7-11; 16:2).

 

Our Mission

The mission of the GREATER PRAISE INTERNATIONAL INC

Is designed for three main purposes:

 

Facilitating Meaningful Relationships

a. That the members may find a sense of identification.

b. That the members can have communion with those of like mind and passion for Kingdom advancement.

c. That they may experience the benefits of holistic support.

d. That they may receive protection through a commitment of accountability.

 

Equipping and Developing Churches and Ministries

a. By identifying and developing ministry skills and Gifts.

b. By imparting knowledge of biblical principles of a successful, & prosperous life.

c. By promoting awareness and evaluation of current trends.

d. By sharing helping ideas that will enhance the infrastructures of the G.P.I.M.O.C. or businesses.

e. By assisting with the development of Christian businesses, and the planning of global Synergies.

f. By mentoring, disciplining, and fathering its members.

 

Promoting a Common Vision

a. That the Church of Jesus Christ may be glorious in its local expression.

b. That new Churches may be planted and grow to maturity.

c. That the members experiencing difficulties may rely on resources available to help them

    through the Fellowship.

 

Membership, Relationship & Benefits

Is designed to promote healthy relationship among “like – minded” leaders that are

accomplished through:

 

Fathering Ministries

 

The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches is designed to provide fatherly nurturing and care to its membership. There will be national, regional, state, district leaders available to each new member and other designated nurturing support systems available for fellowship, counsel, encouragement, and wisdom.

 

Fellowship with Members

 

The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches desires to be a catalyst in bringing ministries and Christian ministers together for the Fellowship. It is our prayer that many interpersonal relationships will develop among the Fellowship members. These relationships will happen spontaneously as we associate one with another in regional meetings and get involved in the many venues provided.

 

Ongoing Support and Training

 

The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches & Ministries provides ongoing support and training to its members through workshops, quarterly and annual retreats, monthly conference calls, and personal consultation. Special support services are tailored to meet the individual need or personality of the leader, church, ministry or businesses overseen.

 

Businesses and Entrepreneurial Development

 

The Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches & Ministries supports Christian ministries, businesses and provides assistance with the development of the infrastructure i.e., incorporating in a local province, corporate bylaws, constitution, operational guidelines, 501(c)(3) or charitable organization status, and the administrative office setup. The administrative headquarters will assist in the fellowship of members with vendors or merchants affiliated with this global synergy to benefit from the competitive pricing on the purchase of all office and technological

equipment and services. Additionally, the Greater Praise International Ministries Inc of Churches will assist with training for the first 3 months of startup for any new entity, and will continually provide ongoing support via telephone, teleconferencing, Internet, and email. The Apostolic Presbytery will assist organizations with the identification and categorization of the grace gifting of its membership for the development and enhancement of Kingdom businesses, services, and resources.

 

Pastor’s Fellowship Status

 

Rules vs. Relationships:

What the bible says: about covenant relationships

1st Corinthians 4:14-17, Hebrews 5:4-5, Mark 1:11, 2nd Timothy 1:6, (Titus 1:4, Deuteronomy

30:5, 3:21-22, Malachi

 

A Spiritual Father’s Responsibility:

• Provide an Apostolic impartation/oversight and covering for each son or daughter under

the covering. To hold each one in complete accountancy to the WORD of God.

• To nurture and advise as well as providing spiritual counseling when needed or requested

by the son or daughter.

• Encourage and Support the Spiritual sons and daughters to reach his or her potential.

• Minister words of inspiration and revelation as God so gives instruction.

• Daily praying (Fasting when moved by the Holy Spirit) for each son and/or

 daughter under Apostolic covering.

• To provide financial assistance & expert resources to those churches that are in need of financial help.

• Send monthly newsletters out to covenant sons and daughters under the Apostolic

covering.

• Meeting with the Pastors as requested and traveling to meet the needs of the church.

• Attending Conferences and Retreats that the Pastors would call for and providing any

oversight that might be requested by the fellowship Pastors.

• Helping build up the Pastors and their churches along with setting up training seminars to

assist in establishing programs and community supporters to assist in the ministry.

 

Greater Praise International Ministries Inc Clergy Benefits

 

1. Covering for pastors, churches & ministries

2. High quality Biblical, Theological training and Seminary

3. World Outreach and Foreign Mission Projects

4. Church ministry development and training

5. Access to the National Greater Praise International Ministries Inc funds and support services

6. Health Insurance Programs for Pastors and Churches (2023)

7. Insurance and Pension Plans for Pastors, Churches and Laity (2023)

8. Disability Income, Insurance for Pastors, Churches and Laity (2023)

9. National Fire, theft, liability insurance program (2023)

10. Media Ministry Assistance

11. Technology assistance and training

12. Annual Leadership Conferences

13. The National Congress Gathering 

14. Provincial, Regional, State, District and Local Conferences

15. Grant Writing assistance

16. Episcopal Counsel 

17. Adjutant and Armor Bearer training and certification

18. Church Public Relations development

19. Assistance in Federal and State Filing (i.e. 501 (c)(3), 1023 Non-Profit Status License CPA

20. Church tax filing classes

21. Youth Scholarship funds and organizations

22. Job training and Job placement

23. Seminars on Church and Community Development

24. Refinancing Advice and Social Action Affairs

25. Episcopal Consecrations, Ordinations, Installations, Licensures of Clergy

26. Property assistance for Churches

27. Quarterly Newsletters

28. Monthly Teleconferencing

29. Quarterly Visits from the Presiding Prelate

30. Ability the use the Corporate Seal

31. Greater Praise Bible College 2024

32. IRA/ROTH

33. Canon Lawyer/Ecclesiastical Counsel Advice (David Gibbs)

34. Assistance regarding mortgages/purchase of churches and commercial buildings

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Read & Agreement :__________________________