Church Constitution

 

1. MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership shall be open to all who profess repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and whose lives have evidence of their Christian profession, and who have been baptised by immersion.  This last clause to operate after 1.3.96.  Consequent to this date all existing members shall remain on the membership roll.

 

Those wishing to join the church shall apply to the Minister, or to the Church secretary, or to any of the Church officials.  And be visited by the Minister and one deacon, or in special circumstances, and at the discretion of the deacons, by one deacon and one co-opted Church member.

 

Their application shall be voted upon at a following Church meeting, and, if elected, shall receive the right hand of fellowship at the Lord's Table on the first convenient Communion Sunday.

 

Members are expected to be loyal in attending Church services, to contribute to its support as God has prospered them, to take part in Church activities, and with God's help, to lead lives regulated by the teaching and inspired by Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

 

2. COMMUNION

 

The ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be observed twice a month, at which all who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome.  Times of the ordinance will be agreed by the membership.

 

 

3. BAPTISM

 

The ordinance of Believers' Baptism shall be conducted as required.  All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to this ordinance, whether or not such candidates desire Church membership.  NOTE: We hold that the Lord's Supper and Believers' Baptism are the only ordinances instituted and commanded by our Lord.  No other ordinances shall be instituted in the Lord's Name.

 

 

4. THE MINISTRY

 

The Minister of the Church shall be a baptised believer, who has been called by Christ to that office, and who is set apart and recognised by the Church, and who will exercise pastoral oversight of all its spiritual affairs.  He is required to give whole-hearted assent to the Basis of Faith.  The election of a Minister shall take place at a meeting specially convened for that purpose.

 

In no case shall more than one name be brought before the meeting.  Voting shall be by ballot, and, before appointment is made, a nine-tenths majority is required of those present and qualified to vote.  The termination of a pastorate shall be three month's notice by the Minister concerned, or six month's notice by the Church.  The majority required at a Church meeting for termination of a pastorate shall be seven-tenths of those present.  During any period when there shall be no Minister of the Church, a recognised Minister who can give whole-hearted assent to the Basis of Faith may be appointed by the Church to give advice and perform pastoral duties as required.

5. THE DIACONATE

 

The Diaconite shall consist of a maximum of nine members of the Church, above the age of 21 years, of not less than six month's standing, elected for a period of three years, and be eligible for re-election.

 

Deacons shall be elected by ballot at a Church meeting from candidates who have previously consented to nomination; a two-thirds majority of those present, and qualified to vote being required for election.  A Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected annually at the Business Meeting in April, from those serving on the Diaconite.

 

 

6. CHURCH MEETINGS

 

The Church shall meet for Christian fellowship and for the transaction of the business of the Church in April, July, October and January and at such times as are deemed necessary each year.  A special Church meeting shall be called at the discretion of the Minister and a majority of the deacons, or at the written request of ten Church members.

 

Notice of all Church Meetings shall be given at both services on the two preceding Sundays.  A quorum for any Church Meeting shall be 30% of the number on the membership roll.  Members over the age of 18 years shall be entitled to vote at church Meetings, and the business shall be transacted under such rules as ordinarily govern the conduct of public meetings.  The Chairman of a Church Meeting shall be elected at the preceding Deacon's Meeting.

 

 

7. CHURCH SOCIETIES

 

The Minister shall be ex-officio President of all Church Societies.

 

 

8. CHURCH PREMISES

 

Meetings and services on the Church premises shall be held with the permission of the Minister and Deacons, and upon such conditions as they may decide.

 

 

9. CHURCH OFFICERS

 

The holding of office in the Church shall be restricted to Church members.  The appointment of all Church Officers shall be vested in the Church and subject to its approval at the Annual Business Meeting in April.

 

 

 

The foregoing Basis of Faith and Church Constitution, a copy of which shall be given to each member, may be altered

1. only at a special meeting called for the purpose,  (see sentence under 6. above)

2. notice of which has been given at both services on the four preceding Sundays.

3. Notice of the proposed alteration shall be circulated to all members four weeks before the date of the meeting.

4. A nine-tenths majority of those present and qualified to vote shall be required.