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Gardens in Exile is an international Christian family of leaders and churches, desiring to see healthy leaders and churches be fruitful in exile as we await our ultimate home in the new creation.

GARDEN'S IN EXILE INTERNATIONAL CHARTER

This statement was last updated on October 6, 2025.

Article I – The Goals of Garden’s In Exile

These goals are our prayers and desires submitted to God, expressing the internationally strategic Goals of Gardens in Exile: 

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  1. Evangelize 58,800,000 new disciples internationally.

  2. Disciple 58,800,000 believers through planting and strengthening 588,000 local churches of around 100 members each.

  3. Apprentice, recognize, and appoint leaders internationally:

    • Apostolic Leaders: 84,000 → 2 Apostles plant and oversee 14 churches.

    • Prophetic Leaders: 84,000 

    • Evangelist Leaders: 84,000 

    • Pastoral/Teacher/Elder Leaders: 2,352,000 → 4 Pastors/Teachers per church.

    • Deacon Leaders: 4,704,000 → 8 Deacons per church.

Article Il – The Why of Garden’s In Exile

  1. Make disciples of Jesus Christ internationally
    Because the Great Commission calls us to go into all nations, proclaiming the gospel and teaching people to obey everything Christ commanded. Our deepest purpose is to see lives transformed by Jesus across every culture and nation.

  2. Apprentice leaders through apprenticeship internationally
    Leadership succession ensures the mission continues beyond one generation. Because leaders are not mass‑produced but formed through intentional relationships, modelling, teaching and co-service. We believe apprenticeship follows the biblical pattern of Jesus with His disciples and Paul with Timothy, ensuring the next generation of leaders is equipped and faithful.

  3. Plant, grow, and strengthen churches internationally
    Because the Church is God’s primary means of witnessing to the world, nurturing disciples, and where the saints are equipped. We commit to establishing healthy, multiplying communities of disciples across nations, strengthening Churches where they exist and planting them where they are needed. 

  4. Maintain unity and spiritual order for leaders and churches internationally
    Because division weakens the witness of Christ, but unity under spiritual order strengthens it. We seek to safeguard biblical order and covenant fellowship, creating space for accountability, encouragement, and shared mission.

  5. See the universal Church healthy and fruitful internationally
    Because Christ’s desire is not only for survival but for fruitfulness. We long to see the global Body of Christ mature, rooted in sound doctrine, flourishing in holiness, and bearing fruit that blesses nations.

  6. Our mission is lived out not through nation‑state recognition, but through covenant, faith, and the power of the Spirit. Because true authority and identity come from God’s Word and Spirit, not from governments. Our foundation is spiritual covenant and obedience to Christ, expressed through faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, transcending borders and earthly recognition.

Article III – Who We Are

  1. Gardens of Exile is an international Christian Family of Leaders and Churches, desiring to see healthy leaders and churches be fruitful in exile as we await our ultimate home in the new creation.

  2. We are not first a legal entity but an international covenant body, bound together by shared theology, mission, leadership, and practices.

  3. We see ourselves as exiles awaiting our ultimate home, scattered across nations yet united in Christ, called to be healthy and fruitful in exile until the return of the Lord.

Article IV – The Authority

  1. The Order of Gardens in Exile exists as a spiritual fellowship under the lordship of Christ and the authority of Scripture.

  2. Its authority is spiritual, not civil. It comes from:

  3. The Grace and Calling of the Individuals In Gardens In Exile

  4. Faithfulness to Scripture.

  5. The Gardens in Exile Charter commitments that people freely entered into by leaders and churches internationally.

  6. The International Apostolic Council cannot and does not exercise civil enforcement; its authority rests in recognition, discipline, and fellowship.

  7. The International Apostolic Council, which creates and interprets the Charter, safeguards doctrine, practices and apprenticeship process. 

  8. They also function as an apostolic team where they nurture and plant churches and provide oversight for another apostlic teams in Gardens in Exile.

Article V – Theological Truths & Convictions of Gardens in Exile

These are the essential theological truths and convictions we hold as leaders, ministries, and churches of Gardens in Exile. They do not exhaust the fullness of God’s truth, but they form the core foundations of our faith and unity.

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Scripture

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. They are the final and sufficient rule for faith, life, and practice, revealing God’s character, His saving work in Christ, and His will for His people.

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12.

 

God

We confess one eternal, almighty, and sovereign God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally in three co-equal and coeternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This triune God is perfect in holiness, justice, wisdom, and love.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5–6; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

 

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is both fully God and fully man. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He lived a sinless life, revealed the Father, died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners, rose bodily on the third day, ascended into heaven, and will return in power and glory to judge and reign.

Scriptures: John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11.

 

Salvation

Salvation is the gift of God’s grace, received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. By His death and resurrection, Christ accomplished forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and eternal life for all who trust in Him. Salvation cannot be earned by works, but is wholly of grace, produced by the power of the Holy Spirit a transformed life of obedience and discipleship in those who trust in Christ.

Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 3:19; Romans 3:23–26; Titus 3:5–7.

 

The Church

The universal Church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers across time and nations, joined to Him as the Head. This body finds local expression in congregations that gather under Christ’s authority to worship, proclaim the gospel, practice the sacraments, exercise discipline, and serve one another and the world.

Scriptures: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 2:42–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

 

The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer, making them temples of God. He convicts of sin, regenerates, sanctifies, empowers for witness, and bestows gifts for the building up of the body of Christ. The Spirit leads the Church into truth and equips her for mission until Christ returns.

Scriptures: John 14:16–17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–11; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Galatians 5:22–23.

 

Restoration

We affirm the bodily resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous: eternal life in the presence of God for the redeemed, and eternal judgment apart from God for the unrepentant. Christ’s return will bring about the consummation of His kingdom and the renewal of creation.

Scriptures: John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Revelation 20:11–15; Revelation 21:1–5.

 

Marriage

We believe marriage is a covenant instituted by God between one man and one woman, designed for companionship, mutual help, procreation, and as a living parable of Christ’s sacrificial love for His Church.

Scriptures: Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4.

 

Divorce & Remarriage

We affirm that God hates divorce, for marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant. Yet Scripture permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. Remarriage is permissible under these biblical grounds, but always approached with prayer, pastoral care, and accountability in the Church.

Scriptures: Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15.

 

Parents & Discipleship

We believe that parents bear the primary responsibility for the discipleship of their children, with the support of family and church to equip, support, and encourage them in this God-given calling.Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5.

Article VI – Practices of Gardens in Exile

These are the essential practices by which we seek to live out our faith together. They do not represent every expression of Christian life, but they reflect the shared patterns of obedience and witness that mark us as a people in exile.

 

Leadership Offices
We believe that Christ has given leadership gifts and offices to build up His Church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors/Teachers, and Deacons. These offices are entrusted to both men and women, as the Spirit distributes gifts without partiality. We affirm the full participation of women in every leadership office. We recognize that the terms Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Overseers in Scripture describe the same role of caring for and teaching the local flock. Scripture also models shared, plural leadership—a pattern that strengthens accountability, nurtures unity, and equips the saints for ministry. Wherever possible, we encourage plurality within each leadership role so that no single person carries the burden alone, and so that Christ’s body is built up through mutual submission and service. Ephesians 4:11–13; Philippians 1:1; Acts 13:1–3; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4.

 

Baptism
We believe baptism is commanded by Christ as an outward sign of inward faith, testifying to repentance, forgiveness, and union with Him. Immersion symbolizes participation in Christ’s death and resurrection—dying to sin and rising to new life. Baptism is administered to those who personally confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12.

 

Apprenticeship
We believe the biblical pattern for forming leaders is apprenticeship—combining teaching in sound doctrine with hands-on ministry and imitation of godly examples. This pattern is seen in Moses with Joshua, Elijah with Elisha, Jesus with His disciples, and Paul with Timothy. Gardens in Exile commits to training leaders through this holistic pattern of life-on-life apprenticeship. Deuteronomy 31:7–8; 2 Kings 2:1–15; Mark 3:13–15; 2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 3:17.

 

Generosity
We believe giving in Christ is not bound to Old Covenant tithing but flows freely from grace. The people of God are called to Spirit-led generosity, giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and abundantly to care for the poor, support the Church, and advance the gospel. 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7; Acts 4:32–35; 1 Timothy 6:17–19.

 

Ministry Offered Freely
We reject the commercialization of the gospel. Ministry is to be offered freely as an act of service, not for profit. Just as Christ commanded His disciples to give freely what they had received, so we offer teaching, preaching, and service without charge, trusting God to provide through His people. Matthew 10:8; Acts 20:33–35; 1 Peter 5:2.

 

The Gathering of the Saints
We believe the regular gathering of believers is essential to the life of the Church. In gathering, the whole family of God—adults, youth, and children—worships together through teaching, prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread, both in meals and in the Lord’s Supper. Gathering is a testimony of our unity in Christ and must not be neglected. Acts 2:42 47; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.

 

Politics & Exiles
We confess that God’s people are exiles and sojourners in this world, awaiting the new creation where Christ reigns forever. Our ultimate allegiance is not to earthly nations or political systems but to Jesus Christ as Lord. As exiles, we seek the good of the places where we live, honour governing authorities, and live as witnesses of Christ’s kingdom, embodying humility, holiness, and hope. The Church's mission is to make disciples of the Nations, not turn Nations into Christian States. 1 Peter 2:11 12; Jeremiah 29:7; Romans 13:1–7; Philippians 3:20; Revelation 21:1–5.

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Article VII – Leadership, Authority & Responsibility 

International Apostolic Council

The governing body responsible for overseeing the International Gardens of Exile.

Responsible for creating and protecting doctrine, practices, apprenticeship, and the ordination process included in the International Charter and Leadership Office Bylaws.

Provides spiritual oversight over all apostolic teams internationally.

Plans and organizes the annual International Gatherings for appointed leaders in the Gardens of Exile.

Apostolic Teams have spiritual oversight over churches and evangelistic and prophetic ministries they plant or welcome.

Collects and manages funds freely, but gives reports to donors annually.

Provides discipline and restoration for their own Apostolic Council members.

Acts as the final step for discipline and restoration for Prophetic, Evangelistic, and Pastoral/Teacher Teams.

 

Apostolic Office

Govern and function in keeping with this Charter and Apostolic office Bylaws.

Remain under the oversight of the International Apostolic Council.

Exercise spiritual oversight over pastors/teachers and evangelistic and prophetic ministries they plant or welcome.

Collect and manage funds freely, but give reports to donors annually.

Provide discipline and restoration for their own Apostolic Team members.

Act as the final step for discipline and restoration for Prophetic, Evangelistic, and Pastoral/Teacher Teams.

 

Prophetic Office

Govern and function in keeping with this Charter and Prophetic Team Bylaws.

Remain under the oversight of the Apostolic Team that planted them or with which they joined.

Function as prophetic teams.

Collect and manage funds freely, but give reports to donors annually.

Provide discipline and restoration for their own Prophetic Team members.

 

Evangelistic Office

Govern and function in keeping with this Charter and Evangelistic Team Bylaws.

Remain under the oversight of the Apostolic Team that planted them or with which they joined.

Function as evangelistic teams.

Collect and manage funds freely, but give reports to donors annually.

Provide discipline and restoration for their own Evangelistic Team members.

 

Pastoral & Teacher Office 

Govern and function in keeping with this Charter and Pastoral & Teacher Team Bylaws.

Remain under the oversight of the Apostolic Team that planted them or with which they joined.

Function as pastoral and teaching teams.

Collect and manage funds freely, but give reports to donors annually.

Provide discipline and restoration for their own team members and churches.

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Deacon's Office

Remain under the oversight of the Local Pastors & Teachers Team

Function as deacons meeting the Needs of the local Church.

Article VIII – Apprenticeship, Recognition and Appointment Process

Stages of Apprenticeship:

Calling: 

Discerning the call to the leadership office, the student seeks an apprenticeship for (Apostolic, Prophetic, Evangelist, or Pastor/Teacher). Mentors discern a good reputation through family and church references.

 

Apprenticeship: 

Entering into an apprenticeship agreement between the student and the leader, as set out in the Leadership Team Bylaws.

 

Recognition for Appointment: 

Those with ministry experience in the Office they seek may be exempt from a formal apprenticeship. The recognizing leader requests both character references from the candidate’s family and church leaders, as well as ministry references regarding the candidate’s experience and grace for the office, in order to discern whether the individual meets the necessary qualifications or should first enter an apprenticeship. The candidate must read, understand, and agree to the Charter and Leadership Bylaws. The recognizing leader confirms that the candidate has a strong theological foundation by administering an oral or written examination based on the theological curriculum set by the Apostolic Council. If the candidate is approved, the recognizing leader submits a report to the Apostolic Council for testimony and record, and then publicly appoints the candidate through prayer and the laying on of hands.

 

Testing:

At the end of the apprenticeship period:

The mentor ensures completion of a theological test created by the Apostolic Council.

The mentor evaluates the ministry's ability for the office.

The mentor submits final references along with family and church character references.

The Apostolic Council receives the submission before the Mentor publicly appoints them.

 

Appointment: 

Laying on of hands by an appointed mentor, appointing the candidate to the leadership office.

Appointment is recorded and recognized internationally within Gardens in Exile but is not dependent on civil law.

Article XI – Recognition in Gardens of Exile

  1. Recognition in Gardens in Exile is based on a spiritual covenant entered into by a spiritual agreement to the international charter and Leadership Bylaws, not legal registration.

  2. ​​Leaders are recognized by completing the appointment process for either existing leaders or apprentices.

  3. Recognition does not mean breaking fellowship or refusing unity with other true Christians outside the Garden's In Exile.

  4. Recognition may be suspended or withdrawn for Leaders and Members for discipline or failing to uphold our Charter and Leadership Bylaws.

  5. Withdrawal of recognition is a spiritual act, resulting in loss of standing in the International Gardens in Exile.

Article X – Article on Ministerial Funding, Accountability & Legal Compliance

Primary Sources of Support

Appointed Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists may receive financial support through means such as Individual Supporters or local churches they serve or are serving.

Pastors and Teachers are to be primarily supported by the local church they shepherd and serve.

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Bi-Vocational Expectation

All ministers within Gardens in Exile should remain willing to work outside of ministry if necessary, following the biblical model of Paul the Apostle, who supported himself by tentmaking when required (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. 2:9).

Article XI – International Gatherings

  1. All appointed leaders within Gardens in Exile shall be invited to the national Gatherings annually.

  2. These gatherings are to be organized and planned by the Apostolic Council.

Article XII – Closing Provisions

  1. Amendments to this Charter and Leadership Teams Bylaws require the consensus of the International Apostolic Council.

  2. The Council shall engage in respectful debate, listening to one another with humility and love. Final discernment shall be sought through prayer, relying on the leading of the Holy Spirit.

  3. This Charter and Leadership Team Bylaws are binding on all leaders and churches recognized in Gardens in Exile.

  4. Our hope is to make Christ’s Church healthy and fruitful. As we await our eternal home with Him.

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