2.1.7 The Discipline and Termination of Elders
2.1.7.1 Should an elder fail to uphold the doctrinal standards of the Church, bring reproach on the Church and the name of Christ, or otherwise be considered unable to discharge his duties, the other elders will consider the matter either on their own initiative or upon the request of four church members. If the matter is not resolved it will be referred to a Special Church Members’ Meeting.
The meeting shall consider the allegations against the elder who shall be given the opportunity to hear the allegations and to speak in his defence before withdrawing from the meeting. The meeting shall then decide whether any action is required. Such action may include removing the elder from the eldership.
2.1.7.2 An elder may resign his office if he can no longer discharge his duties.
2.1.7.3 Pastors should not lightly consider leaving the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers to labour in some other sphere of service. They should consult with the other elders and the whole Church and be willing to give due weight to the counsel given. At least three months notice must be given by the pastor to the Church, or by the Church to the pastor, if either party wishes to terminate his appointment.
2.2 Deacons
2.2.1 The Function of Deacons
2.2.1.1 The task of the deacons is to relieve the elders of involvement in the material affairs of the Church so that their distinctive ministries of prayer and the ministry of the Word are not neglected. The duties of deacons, while spiritual in nature, include the generaladministration of the Church and the practical care of the members.
2.2.1.2 If the Church has no elders, the deacons shall assume temporary, but full, responsibility for the government of the Church and shall act in the place of elders where these Rules and Regulations require elders to act. In the absence of elders, and at their own discretion, the deacons may seek advice from elders of other churches.
2.2.2 Qualifications for Deacons Only male members of the Church with the necessary qualifications as laid down in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 are eligible to serve as deacons. Since it may be necessary for the deacons to act as elders (albeit in exceptional circumstances) it shall be a requirement that they hold unreservedly to the Church’s Basis of Faith.
2.2.3 Number of Deacons The Church is responsible for recognising the men whom the Holy Spirit has endowed with the requisite graces and gifts. As the composition of the membership of the Church may change, the number of deacons will not be fixed.
2.2.4 Term of Office Deacons shall retire from office after serving for a period of five years, but they shall be eligible for reappointment in accordance with the procedures set out in clause
2.2.5. 2.2.5 The Recognition of Deacons Prospective deacons shall be nominated by the eldership. Church members may suggest candidates to the elders for consideration and if the elders are in agreement, the nomination shall be considered at an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting. If the elders do not agree they shall explain their reasons to the member making the suggestion who may, with the support of four other members, propose the candidate for nomination. Such a proposal shall be made in writing and given to the Church Secretary at least ten days before an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting. Two-thirds of the votes cast by members present and entitled to vote shall be required for the appointment of a deacon.
2.2.6 The Discipline and Termination of Deacons
2.2.6.1 Should a deacon fail to uphold the doctrinal standards of the Church, bring reproach on the Church and the name of Christ, or otherwise be considered unable to discharge his duties the elders will consider the matter either on their own initiative or upon the request of four church members. If the matter is unresolved it will be referred to an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting.
The meeting shall consider the allegations against the deacon who shall be given the opportunity to hear the allegations and to speak in his defence before Withdrawing from the meeting. The meeting shall then decide whether any action is required. Such action may involve removing the deacon from the diaconate. Two-thirds of the votes by members present and entitled to vote shall be required for the removal of a deacon.
2.2.6.2 A deacon may resign his office if he can no longer discharge his duties.
2.2.7 Church Secretary and Church Treasurer The church members shall appoint a Church Secretary and a Church Treasurer, preferably from among the deacons, at an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting.
2.3 Charity Trustees
Clause 6.1 of the Church Charity Constitution states which officers serve as charity trustees and that there must be a minimum of three at all times. In the event of the total number falling below three, the church members’ meeting shall appoint additional persons, as necessary, to act as charity trustees but only for as long as the total number of stated officers remains below three. Charity trustees appointed under this clause shall be appointed in accordance with the procedure for appointing deacons as specified in clause
2.2.5. 3. Church Ordinances This church recognises only two ordinances that Christ has commanded churches to observe, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
3.1 Baptism 3.1.1 The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is a public profession and pledge of union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
3.1.2 The Subjects for Baptism Christian believers alone are fit subjects for the ordinance of baptism. People who have not experienced the inward grace ought not to receive the outward sign that testifies to it. Baptism is a necessary part of Christian obedience. The New Testament does not envisage baptised unbelievers or un-baptised believers. Persons being baptised are normally expected to become church members.
2.1.7.1 Should an elder fail to uphold the doctrinal standards of the Church, bring reproach on the Church and the name of Christ, or otherwise be considered unable to discharge his duties, the other elders will consider the matter either on their own initiative or upon the request of four church members. If the matter is not resolved it will be referred to a Special Church Members’ Meeting.
The meeting shall consider the allegations against the elder who shall be given the opportunity to hear the allegations and to speak in his defence before withdrawing from the meeting. The meeting shall then decide whether any action is required. Such action may include removing the elder from the eldership.
2.1.7.2 An elder may resign his office if he can no longer discharge his duties.
2.1.7.3 Pastors should not lightly consider leaving the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers to labour in some other sphere of service. They should consult with the other elders and the whole Church and be willing to give due weight to the counsel given. At least three months notice must be given by the pastor to the Church, or by the Church to the pastor, if either party wishes to terminate his appointment.
2.2 Deacons
2.2.1 The Function of Deacons
2.2.1.1 The task of the deacons is to relieve the elders of involvement in the material affairs of the Church so that their distinctive ministries of prayer and the ministry of the Word are not neglected. The duties of deacons, while spiritual in nature, include the generaladministration of the Church and the practical care of the members.
2.2.1.2 If the Church has no elders, the deacons shall assume temporary, but full, responsibility for the government of the Church and shall act in the place of elders where these Rules and Regulations require elders to act. In the absence of elders, and at their own discretion, the deacons may seek advice from elders of other churches.
2.2.2 Qualifications for Deacons Only male members of the Church with the necessary qualifications as laid down in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 are eligible to serve as deacons. Since it may be necessary for the deacons to act as elders (albeit in exceptional circumstances) it shall be a requirement that they hold unreservedly to the Church’s Basis of Faith.
2.2.3 Number of Deacons The Church is responsible for recognising the men whom the Holy Spirit has endowed with the requisite graces and gifts. As the composition of the membership of the Church may change, the number of deacons will not be fixed.
2.2.4 Term of Office Deacons shall retire from office after serving for a period of five years, but they shall be eligible for reappointment in accordance with the procedures set out in clause
2.2.5. 2.2.5 The Recognition of Deacons Prospective deacons shall be nominated by the eldership. Church members may suggest candidates to the elders for consideration and if the elders are in agreement, the nomination shall be considered at an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting. If the elders do not agree they shall explain their reasons to the member making the suggestion who may, with the support of four other members, propose the candidate for nomination. Such a proposal shall be made in writing and given to the Church Secretary at least ten days before an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting. Two-thirds of the votes cast by members present and entitled to vote shall be required for the appointment of a deacon.
2.2.6 The Discipline and Termination of Deacons
2.2.6.1 Should a deacon fail to uphold the doctrinal standards of the Church, bring reproach on the Church and the name of Christ, or otherwise be considered unable to discharge his duties the elders will consider the matter either on their own initiative or upon the request of four church members. If the matter is unresolved it will be referred to an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting.
The meeting shall consider the allegations against the deacon who shall be given the opportunity to hear the allegations and to speak in his defence before Withdrawing from the meeting. The meeting shall then decide whether any action is required. Such action may involve removing the deacon from the diaconate. Two-thirds of the votes by members present and entitled to vote shall be required for the removal of a deacon.
2.2.6.2 A deacon may resign his office if he can no longer discharge his duties.
2.2.7 Church Secretary and Church Treasurer The church members shall appoint a Church Secretary and a Church Treasurer, preferably from among the deacons, at an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting.
2.3 Charity Trustees
Clause 6.1 of the Church Charity Constitution states which officers serve as charity trustees and that there must be a minimum of three at all times. In the event of the total number falling below three, the church members’ meeting shall appoint additional persons, as necessary, to act as charity trustees but only for as long as the total number of stated officers remains below three. Charity trustees appointed under this clause shall be appointed in accordance with the procedure for appointing deacons as specified in clause
2.2.5. 3. Church Ordinances This church recognises only two ordinances that Christ has commanded churches to observe, namely Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
3.1 Baptism 3.1.1 The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is a public profession and pledge of union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
3.1.2 The Subjects for Baptism Christian believers alone are fit subjects for the ordinance of baptism. People who have not experienced the inward grace ought not to receive the outward sign that testifies to it. Baptism is a necessary part of Christian obedience. The New Testament does not envisage baptised unbelievers or un-baptised believers. Persons being baptised are normally expected to become church members.
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