Registered Charity No 1199103
September 2017
THE NODDFA CHURCH CONSTITUTION AND CHURCH RULES
The Constitution and Church Rules were adopted by the Members of Noddfa Baptist Church on February 2016
1 DEFINITIONS
1.1 “Statement of Faith” shall mean the Statement of Faith as set out in Schedule 1.
1.2 “the Church” shall mean the congregation established for the purposes set out in Clause 3 whose members are admitted pursuant to Clause 4 together with the property of the congregation.
1.3 “Church Rules” shall mean the rules governing the internal practices of the church which are set out in Schedule 2 and which form part of this Constitution or such other rules as may from time to time be adopted by the members of the Church in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
References to Clauses and Schedules are references to Clauses and Schedules within this Constitution.
References to legislation include all amendments, replacements or reenactment and include all regulations, determinations and directions made or given under it.
2. NAME
The Church shall be known as Noddfa Baptist Church.
3. PURPOSES
The purposes of the Church shall be:
3.1 the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Abersychan and the surrounding neighbourhood; and
3.2 such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the members of the Church in general meeting further the work of the Church.
4. MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Church shall be open to such persons who profess the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith and have satisfied such other requirements as have been specified in the Church Rules.
The Managing Trustees (see Clause 6 below) must ensure that an accurate register of members is maintained at all times in accordance with the provisions contained in the Church Rules.
5. HOLDING TRUSTEE
5.1 If a Holding Trustee is required to act with regard to Church property the Managing Trustees will appoint a suitable trust corporation.
5.2 The function of the Holding Trustee is to hold the legal title of real property and investments belonging to the Church and to ensure that the same is used only in furtherance of the purposes of the Church as set out in Clause 3. The Holding Trustee must act in accordance with all lawful instructions of the Managing Trustees unless to do so would give rise to a breach of trust. Unless the Holding Trustee concurs with any act involving a breach of Trust, it will not be liable for any act or default on the part of the Managing Trustees or any of them.
5.3 The property, consisting of the church, manse and grounds, is held by the Holding Trustee upon special trusts.
5.4 Subject to Clause 5.2, the Holding Trustee shall, in relation to any land which it holds, have all of the powers which would be available to it if it were the absolute owner of such land.
5.5 The Managing Trustees shall pay to the Holding Trustee such sums of money as are required by the Holding Trustee in order to give effect to the lawful instructions of the Managing Trustees.
6. MANAGING TRUSTEES
6.1 The Managing Trustees of the Church are the persons appointed as church officers in accordance with the Church Rules. There shall be not less than 3 Managing Trustees.
6.2 Whenever a new Managing Trustee is appointed (s)he shall be provided with a copy of:
6.2.1 the latest annual report and accounts of the Church;
6.2.2 this Constitution and Church Rules;
6.2.3 any other relevant documentation relating to the property of the Church including, in particular, details of any special trusts the property of which is held for special purposes of the Church by the Holding Trustee in accordance with Clause 5.3.
7. POWERS OF THE MANAGING TRUSTEES
In addition to any other powers they may have the Managing Trustees shall, in furtherance of the purposes set out in Clause 3 but no further, have the following powers:
7.1 Staff and Volunteers
7.1.1 subject to Clause 10, to employ staff or engage consultants and advisers who shall not be Managing Trustees on such terms as the Managing Trustees think fit;
7.1.2 to recruit or assist in recruiting and managing voluntary workers;
7.2 Property
7.2.1 to acquire, deal with and dispose of any real or personal property subject to Section 36 Charities Act 1993;
7.2.2 to accept any real or personal property for special purposes of the Church;
7.3 Holding Trustee
7.3.1 to appoint a Holding Trustee to hold land and investments belonging to the Church and property subject to trusts held for the special purposes of the Church;
7.4 Borrowing
7.4.1 to borrow and, subject to Section 38 Charities Act 1993, give security for loans;
7.5 Grants and Loans
7.5.1 to make grants, donations or loans, to give guarantees and to give security for those guarantees;
7.6 Fund Raising
7.6.1 to raise funds in accordance with Biblical principles, to invite and receive contributions provided that the ManagingTrustees shall not undertake any substantial permanent trading activity;
7.7 Publicity
7.7.1 to hold, conduct or promote meetings, conferences, lectures, exhibitions or training courses and to disseminate information to publicise the work of the church and other organisations operating in similar fields;
7.7.2 to promote or carry out research and publish the results of it;
7.8 Contracts
7.8.1 to cooperate with and enter into contracts with any person;
7.9 Bank or building society accounts
7.9.1 to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue bills, cheques and other instruments and to operate bank or building society accounts in the name of the Church;
7.10 Investments
7.10.1 to invest the money of the Church in any investments, securities or property(real or personal of any nature (including investments involving liability and those not producing income) and in any location that the Managing Trustees decide;
7.11 Insurance
7.11.1 to insure the assets of the Church to such amount and on such terms as the Managing Trustees decide, to pay premiums out of income or capital and to use any insurance proceeds as the Managing Trustees decide (without necessarily having to restore the asset unless it is a requirement of a special trust);
7.11.2 to insure and to indemnify employees and voluntary workers from and against all risks incurred in the proper performance of their duties;
7.11.3 to take out insurance to protect the Church and property and those who use premises owned by or let or hired to the Church;
7.11.4 to take out indemnity insurance to cover the liability of the Managing Trustees for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Church but this insurance may not extend to:
7.11.4.1 any claim arising from any act or omission which a Managing Trustee knew was a breach of duty or breach of trust or which was committed by a Managing Trustee in reckless disregard of whether it was a breach of duty or breach of trust or not; or
7.11.4.2 the costs of an unsuccessful defence to a criminal prosecution brought against a Managing Trustee in his capacity as a Managing Trustee of the Church.
7.12 Other Organisations
7.12.1 to establish, promote, assist or support (financially or otherwise) any charitable trusts, companies, industrial and provident societies, associations or institutions which have purposes which include the purposes of the Church;
7.12.2 to cooperate or join with any charity, voluntary body or public or statutory authority or any other organisation in any location whatsoever in furthering the purposes of the Church or allied charitable purposes, to exchange information and advice and to undertake joint activities with them;
7.12.3 to affiliate to, register with, subscribe to or join any organisation;
7.13 Reserves
7.13.1 in accordance with an agreed policy, to accumulate income in order to set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves against future expenditure for such period not exceeding that permitted by law;
7.14 General
7.14.1 to make in consultation and with the approval of the members of the Church in a general meeting rules and regulations consistent with this Constitution for the management of the Church and to agree the charitable purposes of the Church in accordance with Clause 3.2;
7.14.2 to do anything else within the law which promotes or helps to promote the purposes of the Church.
8. DUTY OF CARE AND EXTENT OF LIABILITY
8.1 When exercising any power in administering or managing the Church each of the Managing Trustees must use the level of care and skill that is reasonable in the circumstances, taking into account any special knowledge or experience that he/she has or claims to have (“the duty of care”).
8.2 No Managing Trustee and noone exercising any powers or responsibilities that have been delegated by the Managing Trustees shall be liable for any act or failure to act unless, in acting or failing to act, he/she has failed to discharge the duty of care.
9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A Managing Trustee must absent himself/herself from any discussions of the Managing Trustees in which a conflict will or may arise between his/her duty to act solely in the interests of the Church and any personal interest (including but not limited to any personal financial interest).
10. REMUNERATION OF MANAGING TRUSTEES
10.1 The Minister, any assistant Minister(s) and a church administrator of the Church appointed in accordance with the Church Rules may receive reasonable remuneration for their employment in the service of the Church notwithstanding that they are or may be Managing Trustees of the Church.
10.2 Any Minister, assistant Minister or church administrator receiving benefit pursuant to Clause 10.1 must be absent from the part of any meeting at which the terms of his employment or remuneration or the performance of his duties or any other matter in connection with his employment or that of any connected person (as defined in Schedule 5 of the Charities Act 1993) is being discussed or determined and must not vote on any such matter provided that in relation to discussions concerning the performance of his duties he shall have the opportunity to address the meeting and respond to any points of concern which are raised.
10.3 In addition to the provisions of Clause 10.1 any other Managing Trustee may receive reasonable and proper remuneration for goods or services provided to the Church provided that:
10.3.1 the goods or services shall actually be required by the Church;
10.3.2 the Managing Trustee shall have fully disclosed to the other Managing Trustees the interest which he or she may have in and any benefit which he or she may derive either directly or indirectly from the supply of goods or services;
10.3.3 the Managing Trustee shall not be present at or take part in any discussion relating to, nor vote upon, any matter connected with the supply of such goods or services;
10.3.4 the arrangements shall be approved by a majority of the other Managing Trustees who must be satisfied that it is to the advantage of the Church to employ or contract with the Managing Trustee in question rather than someone who has no connection with the Church, and
10.3.5 the number of Managing Trustees (including any Minister, assistant Minister(s) and church administrator remunerated pursuant to Clause 10.1 shall at no time exceed a minority of the Managing Trustees.
10.4 Any other payments to a Managing Trustee or arrangements involving the acquisition by a Managing Trustee for his own benefit of property belonging to the Church require the prior written approval of the Charity Commission.
10.5 For the avoidance of doubt nothing in this Clause shall prevent reimbursement to the Managing Trustees of reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses incurred in carrying out their duties and the reimbursement of the costs of purchases made on behalf of the Church, where such purchases have the prior authorisation of the Managing Trustees.
11. MANAGING TRUSTEES TO ACT JOINTLY
11.1 The Managing Trustees must exercise their powers jointly, at properly convened meetings.
11.2 Any matter requiring a decision of the Managing Trustees shall require a simple Majority vote of those present and voting at a properly convened meeting.
11.3 In the event of an equality of votes the chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
12. MANAGING TRUSTEES’ MEETING
12.1 The Managing Trustees must hold at least 4 meetings in each 12 month period.
12.2 Meetings shall require at least 10 days’ notice unless all of the Managing Trustees agree to a meeting being convened on shorter notice.
12.3 The chairman or any 2 of the Managing Trustees may call a meeting at any time.
13. CHAIRMAN
13.1 The Managing Trustees must elect one of their number to be chairman of their meetings and shall determine the period for which the person so elected is to continue as chairman.
13.2 The Managing Trustees present at a meeting must elect one of their number to chair that meeting if the chairman is not present, does not wish to act, or the office of chairman is vacant.
14. QUORUM
No business may be transacted at a meeting of the Managing Trustees unless there are present at least onehalf of the Managing Trustees for the time being or three Managing Trustees, whichever shall be the greater.
15. RECORDING OF MEETINGS
The Managing Trustees must keep proper written minutes of their meetings.
16. TERMINATION OF MANAGING TRUSTEESHIP
A Managing Trustee will cease to be a Managing Trustee if he or she:-
16.1 is disqualified from acting as a trustee by Section 72 (1) Charities Act 1993 (or any statutory reenactment or modification of that provision) unless such disqualification is waived by the Charity Commission pursuant to Section 72 (4) Charities Act 1993; or
16.2 becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his/her own affairs; or
16.3 is absent without the permission of the Managing Trustees from all of their meetings held within a period of 12 months and the Managing Trustees resolve (with the approval of the members of the Church) that his or her office be vacated; or
16.4 gives not less than 1 month’s notice in writing of his or her intention to resign (but only if at least 3 Managing Trustees will remain in office when the notice of resignation is to take effect); or
16.5 ceases in the reasonable opinion of a majority of the other Managing Trustees to hold the Basis of Faith and his or her removal is confirmed by the members of the Church in accordance with the Church Rules; or
16.6 ceases to be a church officer as provided in the Church Rules.
17. CHURCH MEETINGS
17.1 There shall be an annual general meeting of the Church in March each year, or as soon as possible thereafter. The Managing Trustees shall present to the annual general meeting their report and the accounts of the Church for the preceding year.
17.2 The election or appointment of church officers other than the Minister(s) shall take place in accordance with the Church Rules at the annual general meeting or at a general meeting called specifically for the purpose.
17.3 Every matter not requiring a greater majority in accordance with the Church Rules must be decided by majority decision of those eligible members present and voting. The chairman of the meeting may cast a second or casting vote only if there is a tied vote.
17.4 There shall be such other meetings of the members of the Church in each year as laid down in the Church Rules.
17.5 Notice of each meeting must be given to the members of the Church at least 8 days before the meeting.
18. CLOSURE OF THE CHURCH
18.1 In the event that the number of members of the Church shall fall below 3 or if the Managing Trustees decide that it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Church they shall call a meeting of all members of the Church of which not less than 21 days notice shall be given. The notice must state the terms of the resolution to be proposed. The resolution must be passed by a simple majority of the members of the Church present and voting at the meeting.
18.2 If:
18.2.1 a resolution to close the Church is passed in accordance with Clause 18.1; or
18.2.2 if the members of the Church refuse or are unable to meet to pass a resolution pursuant to Clause 18.1; or
18.2.3 if for any other reason the Church ceases to operate then the Managing Trustees shall have power, after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities, to transfer any remaining personal property to such other charitable institution or institutions having purposes similar to the Church as the members of the Church shall have determined.
18.3 In the event that the Managing Trustees are prevented from complying with the provisions of Clause 18.2 because there are, for any reason, less than three Managing Trustees, and no other person is prepared to act as a Managing Trustee, then the Holding Trustee must apply to the Charity Commission to be appointed as trustee for all purposes for authority to act as Managing Trustee in the windingup of the affairs of the Church.
19. AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION
19.1 Subject to the provisions of this Clause, the Managing Trustees may amend the provisions of this Constitution, which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the Church Rules.
19.2 Any amendment must be made under the authority of a resolution passed at a meeting of the members of the Church of which not less than 21 days notice has been given. The notice of the meeting must include notice of the resolution, setting out the terms of the amendment proposed. The amendment must be approved by at least 75% of the members of the Church present and voting.
19.3 The Managing Trustees must not make any amendment which would:-
19.3.1 vary the Church’s purposes (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include, both amendments to the Statement of Faith and to the purposes for which any property of the church is required to be used in specie);
19.3.2 enable them to spend permanent endowment of the Church;
19.3.3 have the effect of making the Church cease to be a charity at law.
19.4 The Managing Trustees must obtain the prior written approval of the Charity Commission before making any amendment which would:-
19.4.1 vary the Church’s purposes (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include both amendments to the Basis of Faith, and to the purposes for which any property of the church is required to be used in specie);
19.4.2 vary Clause 10 (remuneration of Managing Trustees); or
19.4.3 vary this Clause 19; or
19.4.4 vary the name of the Church.
19.5 The Managing Trustees must promptly send to the Charity Commission and the Holding Trustee a copy of any amendments made under this Clause.
Schedule 1
Statement of Faith.
We accept the Holy Scriptures, as originally given, as the infallible Word of God, of divine inspiration. Recognising them as our sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, we believe the doctrines taught therein, including in particular the following:
1. We believe in the only true and living God, the Holy Trinity of Divine Persons in perfect unity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each of whom is co-equal and co-eternal, and sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.
2. We believe in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is holy, righteous, full of grace, mercy, compassion and love. In his infinite love he sent forth the Son, that the world through him might be saved.
3. We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, whose true humanity and full deity were mysteriously and really joined in the unity of his divine Person. We believe in his virgin birth, in his perfect life and teaching, in his substitutionary, atoning death on the cross for the elect, where he triumphed over Satan, sin and death, in his bodily resurrection and his ascension into heaven, where he now sits in glory at the right hand of God.
4. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, whose work is indispensable to regenerate the sinner, to lead him to repentance, to give him faith in Christ, to sanctify the believer in this present life and to fit him to enjoy fellowship with God. For spiritual power and effectiveness his ministry is essential to the individual Christian and to the Church.
5. We believe that as a result of the Fall, all men are sinful by nature. Sin pollutes and controls them, infects every part of their being, renders them guilty in the sight of a holy God, and subject to the penalty which, in his wrath and condemnation, he has decreed against it.
6. We believe that through faith (and only faith) in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose death was a perfect oblation and satisfaction for our sins, the sinner is freely justified by God, who, instead of reckoning to us our sins, reckons Christ’s righteousness to our account. Salvation is therefore by grace and not by human merit.
7. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return personally, visibly and gloriously to this earth, to receive his saints to himself and to be seen of all men. As the righteous Judge, he will divide all men into two, and only two, categories – the saved and the lost. Those whose faith is in Christ will be saved eternally, and will enter into the joy of their Lord, sharing with him his inheritance in heaven. The unbelieving will be condemned by him to hell, where eternally they will be punished for their sins under the righteous judgement of God.
8. We believe that Jesus Christ, the head of the church, has instituted both baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the immersion of believers on their profession of faith, an act of identification with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It involves commitment to a life of discipleship in fellowship with his people. In the Lord’s Supper, believers remember Christ’s sacrificial death, share in fellowship with their risen Lord and with one another, and look forward to his return.
Scripture references relating to the Statement of Belief
1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:10
Opening Statement 2 Peter 1:20
1. John 15:26; John 17:5; Matthew 28:19
2. John 3:16
3. John 1:1; John 1:14: John 1:18; Matthew 1:18; Isaiah 7:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
4. John 15:26; John 16:8; John 16:13; John 14:26
5. Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10; Jeremiah 17:9; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:10
6. 1 John1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:16-19; Ephesians 2:8
7. Acts 1:11; Matthew 13:41-43; Matthew 28:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
8. Matthew 28:19
SCHEDULE 2
CHURCH RULES
CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH RULES
2. THE CHURCH
- 2.1 Institution
- 2.2 Purpose
- 2.3 Character
- 2.4 Fulfilment
3. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
- 3.1: Introduction
- 3.2: Church Officers and Trustees
- 3.3: Meetings of Church Officers.
- 3.4: Ministers
- 3.5: Elders
- 3.6: Deacons
- 3.7: Remuneration of Church Officers
4. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Eligibility
- 4.3 Becoming a Member
- 4.4 Being a Member
- 4.5 Pastoral Care
- 4.6 Non-attendance
- 4.7 Church Discipline
- 4.8 Transfer of Members
- 4.9 Marriage
5. WORSHIP
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Preaching
- 5.3 Prayer
- 5.4 Praise
- 5.5 Fellowship
- 5.6 Baptism
- 5.7 The Lord’s Supper
6. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
- 6.1 The Minister(s)
- 6.2 The Elders
- 6.3 The Deacons
7. CHURCH MEETINGS
- 7.1 Ordinary Church Meetings
- 7.2 Fellowship Church Meetings
- 7.3 Annual General Meetings
- 7.4 Special Church Meetings
8. AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION
9. CLOSURE OF THE CHURCH
- Appendix 1 Statement of Faith
- Appendix 2 Charities Act 1993, Section 72 – Disqualification from Trusteeship
- Appendix 3 Safeguarding Adults Policy
1. PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH RULES
The Church, which shall be known as Noddfa Baptist Church, acknowledges the Word of God as its supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Church Rules have been adopted to guide the Church in practical affairs and to outline a system of Church Government which is consistent with New Testament teaching and practice. In all these matters the Church seeks to emulate the life of the New Testament Church, desiring to express the spirit of the Word rather than to emphasise the legality of the letter.
2. THE CHURCH
2.1 Institution The Church was instituted by Christ himself. He is the head of the Church and in him is invested all authority for its government (Ephesians 1.20-22)
2.2 Purpose The Church is a worshipping community, chosen and called by God to proclaim his glory (1Peter 2.9). As part of that calling the Church has been commissioned by the ascended Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28.18-20). Noddfa Baptist Church was founded in 1846 to promote these purposes, as God leads us, in Abersychan and beyond.
2.3 Character The Church is to be Christ-like in all it is and does (Philippians 2.1-11).
2.4 Fulfilment The Church is at the centre of God’s plan to unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1.10).
3. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
3.1 Introduction Christian leadership is all about servanthood (Mark 10.42-45). Those who lead are therefore not to be domineering (1Peter 5.3) and those who are led are to seek to make the task of leadership a joy not a burden (Hebrews 13.17). Christian leadership desires the input and consent of God’s people in the decision making process (Acts 6.3).
3.2 Church Officers and Trustees The duly appointed and/or elected Minister, Elders and Deacons are the Officers of the Church and the Managing Trustees manage the trust governing the Church.
3.3 Meetings of Church Officers The Church Officers shall meet not less than 4 times a year. The Chairman or any 2 of the Church Officers may call a meeting at any time. A Quorum at a Church Officers’ meeting shall consist of at least one half of the Church Officers. The Church Officers shall appoint one of their number to be Chairman who shall normally be the Minister. The Chairman shall have a casting vote. Normally 8 days written notice shall be given to all Church Officers of any meeting and of the business to be conducted at that meeting unless all the Church Officers agree to waive these requirements. Written minutes shall be maintained of Church Officers’ meetings.
3.4 Ministers Ministers are called by God and given to the church by the ascended Christ (Ephesians 4:7-11). Their work is to equip the saints for service through the teaching of God’s Word so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:12). The Minister(s) of the Church is to give himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4).
3.5 Elders Elders are appointed to lead and watch over the spiritual life of the Church and its members. (1Peter 5.1-3, Acts 20.28-30). The Minister(s) of the Church will also be an elder, working alongside the other elders as an equal partner. They are responsible for the direct supervision of every aspect of the life of the Church. In the event of the Church being without Elders, the Deacons shall assume their responsibilities.
3.6 Deacons Deacons are appointed to administer the temporal affairs of the Church and to relieve the Elders of responsibilities other than spiritual rule and ministry. Their duties include the organisation of those good works performed by the Church, the visitation of the sick and the secretarial responsibilities in connection with the life of the Church. Their service complements that of the Elders and should always be seen to serve the spiritual interest of the Church.
3.7 Remuneration of Church Officers The Minister(s) and any Elders or Deacons may be paid reasonable remuneration relative to their duties in connection with the Church notwithstanding that they are Church Officers provided that not more than one half of all the Church Officers are so remunerated. A Church Officer shall be absent from any part of an Officers’ meeting where any term of his employment or remuneration or that of any connected person is being discussed and determined and must not vote on the subject.
Church Officers shall be entitled to receive re-imbursement for expenses incurred in the carrying out of their duties and for the costs of the supply of goods or services purchased for the use of the Church.
A Church Officer may receive reasonable and proper remuneration for goods or services he provides to the Church provided that:-
1. they shall actually be required by the Church;
2. he shall have fully disclosed to the other Church Officers the interest which he has in and any benefit he may derive, either directly or indirectly, from the supply;
3. he shall be absent from any discussion on and shall not vote upon any matter connected with the supply of such goods or services; and
4. the arrangements shall be approved by the majority of the other Church Officers who must be satisfied that the arrangements are advantageous to the purposes of the Church.
No Church Officer shall acquire any property or goods belonging to the Church without the prior written approval of the Charity Commission.
4. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Membership of this church is restricted to those persons who have been baptised by immersion (where possible) upon a personal confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. As baptism speaks of the Christian believer’s identification with Christ, it follows that they are also identified with His body, the church. It is therefore generally assumed that those applying for baptism will also be seeking membership of the church, except in special circumstances.
4.1 Introduction To become a Christian is to make a total commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. That means depending on him entirely for our salvation, but it also means committing ourselves to the cause of his Kingdom. Such commitment is expressed by Church Membership.
4.2 Eligibility Membership of the Church is open to anyone; who have been baptised by immersion (where possible) upon a personal confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who agrees to our statement of faith and church rules and is living a life of repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20.21). Such people are warmly invited to apply to the Elders for Church Membership.
4.3 Becoming a Member The Elders have a responsibility to inquire into any application for Membership. If they think it is right to do so they will commend the applicant to the Church Meeting. The name(s) of those being commended by the Elders will be shared with the Church at a Church Meeting. Any member with concerns should speak with the Elders. Applicants shall confirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith and their willingness to abide by this constitution. Any application will be accepted by a majority vote of the membership. When those requesting to join the church are coming as members from other churches, a letter of commendation from the other churches concerned shall also be sought and read to the Meeting.
4.4 Being a Member It is the privilege of every Member to live a life that seeks to enjoy and thus glorify God. That means treasuring Christ above all things (Philippians 3.7-11), delighting to live in a manner worthy of those who follow him (Ephesians 4.1), longing to bear the fruit of his Spirit within us (Galatians 5.22-23), jealously guarding and promoting the fellowship of his Church (Ephesians 4.2-3), and gladly using the gifts and resources that he has entrusted to us for the good of his Church and the coming of his Kingdom (Romans 12.3-8). Members of the Church shall confirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith and their willingness to abide by this constitution.
4.5 Pastoral Care Every Christian needs caring for. Pastoral care functions on several levels:
4.5.1 Preaching The regular ministry of God’s Word is the foundation of all pastoral care (2Timothy 3.16-4.2).
4.5.2 Informal member-to-member ministry The importance of this is emphasised by the number of ‘one another’ commands in the New Testament (e.g. Galatians 6.2).
4.5.3 Ongoing pastoral oversight This is the responsibility of the Elders (Acts 20.28) assisted by the Deacons (Acts 6.1-6). At its heart lies a genuine prayerful interest in those whom God has brought to the church.
4.5.4 Times of particular need Every Christian faces such times. The Church Officers have a particular responsibility to minister to the Lord’s people at such times.
4.6 Non-attendance The Church of Jesus Christ is a living fellowship and the Elders have a responsibility to seek out any Member who begins to neglect that fellowship. The aim of the Elders in such a case is to understand why a person is withdrawing and seek to bring them back to active fellowship. If it is clear that this is not possible then the Elders have a responsibility to consider whether it should be recommended to the Church Meeting that they should be removed from the membership register.
4.7 Church Discipline The New Testament charges the Elders with the responsibility of guarding the Church from spiritual danger. Because such dangers can arise from within the church (Acts 20.29-31) it may at times be necessary to remove a Member from the Church roll. This will be done by a decision of the Church Meeting, upon a recommendation of the Elders. The grounds for such serious action include stirring up division in the church (Titus 3:10-11), gross sin (1 Corinthians 5:45), wilful impenitence (Matthew 18:1520), or denying any of the fundamental truths of the Gospel (2 John 911). Such action is always undertaken with sorrow and in the hope that the person involved will be brought to repentance. Where such repentance is evident, the restoration of full fellowship will be sought.
4.8 Transfer of Members The Elders have a responsibility to manage the transfer of Members into and out of the Church with wisdom, being ‘eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4.4-6). Members leaving the Church are encouraged to discuss this with the Elders who can then commend them to their new fellowship.
4.9 Marriage We believe and practice the Biblical teaching on marriage.
5. WORSHIP
5.1 Introduction True worship is Trinitarian (Ephesians 2.18), in spirit and truth (John 4.23-24), intelligible (1Corinthians 14.1-25, especially v19), and orderly (1Corinthians 14.26-40, especially v40).
5.2 Preaching When God’s Word is preached in the power of his Spirit God himself speaks (1Thessalonians 2.13) and great things are done (1Peter 1.23-25).
5.3 Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit, with the confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies (Ephesians 6.18-20).
5.4 Praise The wholehearted singing of God’s praise is an important part of worship (Ephesians 5.19).
5.5 Fellowship Although all of life is worship (Romans 12.1), worship is also a corporate activity to be shared in fellowship with other Christians (Acts 2.42ff, Revelation 7.9, Ephesians 5.19).
5.6. Baptism The Baptism of Believers shall be the only baptism practised by the Church and the mode shall be by immersion except for medical reasons or disability. Baptism is a sign of a believer’s fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. Applicants for baptism shall be encouraged to become Members of the Church.
5.7 The Lord’s Supper:
5.7.1 The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with bread and wine, and to be observed by his churches until He comes.. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate his death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with him, and of their Church fellowship.
5.7.2 The Lord’s Supper shall be observed regularly in the Church. Only those who rely upon the merits and work of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and who love their fellow Christians shall be invited to partake.
6. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
6.1 The Minister(s)
6.1.1 The Minister shall be a man whose character, gifts and way of life accord with the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:17. He shall be a proved expositor of the Word, with no doctrinal eccentricities, and with obvious preaching ability, whose ministry has been commended by other Churches. He must be a man of wisdom, patience and understanding in his dealings with others. He shall be in full agreement with the Statement of Faith.
6.1.2 The calling of a Minister shall be considered initially by the Elders in consultation with the Deacons. The nomination of a Minister shall be by the unanimous recommendation of the Elders. Members shall vote by closed ballot at a Special Church Meeting, and no invitation shall be extended unless a 66% majority is obtained.
6.1.3 The Minister shall be entitled to act as Chairman at all meetings and activities of the church at which he is present.
6.1.4 Termination of the ministry shall be either by the Minister giving three months’ notice in writing to the Church, or by the Church giving six months’ notice in writing (or six months’ stipend in lieu) as a result of a resolution passed at a Special Church Meeting. This rule may be varied by mutual consent of the Minister and the Elders.
6.2 The Elders (This section applies to Elders other than the Minister)
6.2.1 A man is eligible for the office of an Elder whose character, gifts, and way of life accord with the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:17. His appointment follows a general recognition by the Church that he has spiritual gifts and insight into biblical teaching which equip him to edify the Church in such a way that he is acknowledged by the Church as a spiritual counsellor and wise guide. Not until the gifts of Eldership are evident, and in some measure have been exercised, shall a man formally be set apart by the Church as an Elder. He shall be in full agreement with the Statement of Faith.
6.2.2 The nomination of an Elder shall be by the unanimous recommendation of the existing Elders. The recommendation shall be put to a Special Church Meeting when members shall vote by closed ballot and at least 66% of the members present shall be in favour for the nominee to be set apart as an Elder.
6.2.3 Every five years after his appointment an Elder shall be confirmed in office by closed ballot at the Annual Church Meeting. In the event of 50% or more of those present failing to vote for him, he shall relinquish his office as an Elder of the Church. An Elder may also be asked to relinquish his office as a result of a resolution passed at a Special Church Meeting.
6.3 The Deacons
6.3.1 A man is eligible for the office of a Deacon who satisfies the requirements of 1Timothy 3:813. Deacons shall have godly desires, be in full agreement with the Statement of Faith, and possess abilities that equip them to administer the temporal affairs of the Church and to make responsible decisions on its behalf.
6.3.2 The nomination of a prospective Deacon(s) shall be by recommendation of the Elders. The recommendation shall be considered first by the Deacons who shall vote by open ballot and if at least 75% of those voting are in agreement the nomination shall go forward to the Annual Church Meeting. Election shall be by closed ballot and in order to be elected the nominee must have at least 66% of the votes of those present and be entitled to vote.
6.3.3 Deacons shall serve for three years and may be eligible for reelection.
7. CHURCH MEETINGS
7.1 Ordinary Church Meetings shall be held not less than twice a year to hear a financial report, and to consider applications for membership and any other matters which the officers may wish to bring before the Church. All matters for decision shall require the recommendation of the Elders, and no new business shall be introduced without their prior consent.
7.2 Fellowship Church Meetings called at the discretion of the Elders shall be for members of the Church, when matters of concern and interest to the life of the Church may be discussed without the formality and the restrictions of the Ordinary Church Meeting. No minutes shall be kept unless desired by the Elders, and no resolutions shall be put at these meetings.
7.3 The Annual Church Meeting shall include the following matters on the agenda:
- 7.3.1. Confirmation of Elders when required.
- 7.3.2. Election of Deacons when required.
- 7.3.3. Presentation of the accounts, duly audited, for the preceding financial year.
- 7.3.4. Appointment of auditor for the current year.
There shall not be more than 15 months between any two Annual Church Meetings.
7.4 Special Church Meetings are convened for the sole purpose of considering a Special Resolution, which shall require the approval of 75% of those members present and entitled to vote. The voting shall be by open ballot. A Special Church Meeting may be called by the Elders or on receipt of a written request of onethird of the Church members, stating the purpose of the meeting. Notice of the meeting, which shall require a quorum of onehalf of the membership, shall be given at services on the two preceding Lord’s Days.
7.5 Quorum the quorum for all church meetings shall be 50% of the members.
8. AMENDMENTS TO THE CHURCH RULES
No human document is without its weaknesses and in the light of experience and a deeper understanding of Scripture, amendments and additions to these Church Rules may be found advisable. No alterations or additions shall be made except at a Special Church Meeting convened for the purpose. Doctrinal amendments shall be by the unanimous recommendation of the Elders. In the event of there being no Elders no doctrinal amendments shall be made. Purely procedural amendments shall be by recommendation of at least 75% of the Elders. Notice of any proposed amendment together with the specific wording of the proposed change must be given in writing to all Church Members at least 21 days before the meeting at which the proposal will be put to the vote. A majority of 66% of those Members present at the Church Meeting and voting in favour is required to approve any amendment to the Church Rules. A majority of 75% will be necessary for any proposed amendment to Rule 9 or to the Statement of Faith before it can be submitted to the Charity Commission for their approval.
9. CLOSURE OF THE CHURCH
In the event of the Members of the Church resolving to close the Church, the Managing Trustees shall follow the process outlined in point18 “Closure of the Church” of the Church Constitution.
Appendix 1
Charities Act 1993, Section 72 – Disqualification of Trustees
A person is disqualified from being a trustee (of any charity) under Section 72 of the Charities Act 1993 if:
a) he or she has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or deception;
b) he or she has been adjudged bankrupt or sequestration of his/her estate has been awarded and (in either case) he or she has not been discharged;
c) he or she has made a composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, his/her creditors and has not been discharged in respect of it;
d) he or she has been removed from the office of charity trustee by an order of the Charity Commissioners or of the High Court on the grounds of any misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity for which he/she was responsible, or to which he/she was privy, or which he/she by his/her conduct contributed to or facilitated.
e) he or she has been removed under Section 7 of the Law reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 from being concerned in the management or control of anybody; or
f) he or she is subject to a disqualification order made under the Company Director’s Disqualification Act 1986 or the Insolvency Act 1986.
The Charity Commission has discretionary power to waive the disqualification and they must be approved with the facts and their written approval sought.
Appendix 2
Safeguarding Adults Policy
The following statement was agreed by the leadership in February 2016
We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable adults and ensuring their well-being.
- We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, spiritual, financial and discriminatory abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- We recognise the personal dignity and rights of vulnerable adults and will ensure all our policies and procedures and practices reflect this.
- We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of this place of worship.
- We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with vulnerable adults, or who will be in positions of trust. We will promote safer practice and support, resource, train and regularly review those who undertake this work.
- We will keep up-to-date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding. We will follow statutory, denominational and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding adults and we will ensure that all workers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.
- We will implement the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 and all other relevant legislation.
- We will support everyone in the place of worship/organisation who may be affected by abuse of any kind.
We recognise that:
- Adult Social Care has the lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a vulnerable adult.
- Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed, the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy annually.
