Appendix One: Church Discipline
Appendix Two: Qualification of Elders
Appendix Three: Qualification of Deacons
Appendix Four: A Biblical & Historical Background for Government of the Church

1. NAME

The name of the association shall be the Happy Valley Baptist Church, hereinafter referred to as the Church

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2. PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Church exists to glorify God, to introduce people to Jesus Christ, and to help Christians grow into His likeness.

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3. MISSION STATEMENT

By God's grace and through His power we seek to establish and maintain a standard which will please and glorify Him is all areas of our ministry. This will be evident in the following;

(1) Worship:
Directing people to focus upon God
- His Person
- His Attributes
- His Works
and to revere and adore Him.

(2) Teaching:
Equipping people to understand who God is and how He wants them to live.

(3) Evangelism:
Communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unsaved in order that they might become Christians.

(4) Discipleship:
Applying Christ's teaching to those who have become Christians to produce lives of obedience and and submission to His Lordship.

(5) Fellowship:
Providing the means whereby relationships can be developed for the mutual edification and spiritual growth of the Church.

(6) Missions:
Obeying Christ's command to take the Gospel to all the world.

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4. DEFINITIONS

Adminstrator / Secretary | Deacon | Elder | Member | Public Officer
Seal Holders | Treasurer

(1) Administrator / Secretary:
The Administrator / Secretary of the Church will be responsible to the Elders for all the supervision and management of the administrative functions of the Church.

(2) Deacon:
A Deacon is one who fulfills the qualifications as listed in Appendix 3 of these rules and will be responsible for such administrative and managerial processes as are delegated to him by the Elders.

(3) Elder:
An Elder is one who fulfills the qualifications as listed in Appendix 2 of these rules. Elders will be responsible for the oversight of the Church under the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, and will be men who lives and walk witness to the control of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

(4) Member:
A Member is one who subscribes to and accepts these Rules of the Church.

(5) Public Officer
The Administrator/Secretary shall be the Public Officer of the Church unless otherwise appointed by the Elders of the Church.

(6) Seal Holders:
Seal Holders shall be either Elders or Deacons of the Church and will be appointed by the Elders of the Church. The Seal Holders will be responsible for affixing the Common Seal of the Church to all appropriate documents.

(7) Treasurer:
The Treasurer, appointed by the Elders, will either be an Elder or a Deacon of the Church and will be responsible to the Elders for the oversight and recording of all financial matters relating to the Church.

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5. MEMBERSHIP

A. Becoming a Member
B. Removal From Membership

A. Becoming a Member
Baptism by Immersion | Interview and Voting | Submission to Rules
Membership by Transfer | Admission to Membership | Minimum Age

(1) In obedience to the Lord's command, the Church shall teach and practice believer's baptism by immersion, and only immersed believers shall be admitted to membership.

(2) Candidates for membership shall be admitted by the member's vote of at least 75% of the Church members on the recommendation of the Elders after being interviewed by at least two members appointed by the Elders. Where the Elders deem it appropriate, voting shall be by secret ballot.

(3) Candidates for membership shall be announced to the members three weeks prior to voting. Candidates for membership shall receive a copy of the Rules for perusal prior to their interview for membership and shall indicate their willingness to be subject to the Rules and the Statement of Faith, and to support the following covenants;
a. Participate in the weekly worship on a regular basis.
b. Join the family life of the Church and where possible in congregational and small group fellowships.
c. Exercise their spiritual gifts in specific areas of involvement.
d. Support the variety of ministries of the Church through prayer and service.
e. Contribute financially to the Church in a consistent, generous manner.
f. Share their faith personally whilst supporting others who proclaim the gospel around the world.
g. Respond positively to the leadership of the Church in matters of Church policy and discipline.
h. Assume responsibility for their own spiritual nourishment through personal and corporate Bible
study and prayer.

(4) Candidates for membership by transfer will be required to comply with rule 5 (1), (2) and (3).

(5) All candidates approved by the Church shall be admitted into the membership of the Church at a subsequent service.

(6) The minimum age for membership shall be eighteen years.

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B. Removal From Membership
Personal Request | Physical Death | Inactivity / Inappropriate Absenteeism
Continuous Sinful Conduct and / or Erroneous Teaching

All removals from the membership shall be made after due counsel and consideration by the Elders. Such removal from the membership roll shall be made for the following:

(1) Personal Request:
Any member wishing to resign his or her membership shall tender such resignation in writing. The resignation shall be accepted by the Elders and reported to the Church meeting and his / her name shall be removed from the Church roll.

(2) Physical Death:
When a member dies his / her name shall be removed from the Church roll.

(3) Inactivity / Inappropriate Absenteeism:
See Appendix 1 Clause 2(B).

(4) Continuous Sinful Conduct and / or Erroneous Teaching:
See Appendix 1 Clause 2(C). In all cases where members, by any practice inconsistent with the teaching of the Scriptures and especially the New Testament, cause dissatisfaction in the minds of their fellow members, the Elders shall investigate and, if necessary, and in accordance with Matthew 18: 15-17, report upon the circumstances of such cases, and the Elders as they may deem necessary shall take action in accordance with Appendix 1 of these Rules.

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6. CHURCH STAFF

A. Senior Pastor
B. Associate Pastors
C. Other Staff
D. Staff Salaries and Expense Reimbursement

A. Senior Pastor
Qualifications | Responsibilities | Resignation | Calling of a New Pastor

(1) Qualifications:
The Senior Pastor (hereinafter known as the Pastor) shall agree with, teach and in all respects act in compliance with the Statement of Faith (attached). The qualifications of the Pastor are given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. He must be spiritually and educationally qualified to lead the Church as an undershepherd of the Lord Jesus Christ,to preach, train, and provide leadership to carry out the teaching and the spirit of the New Testament and the Rules of the Church as set out herein. The Pastor will become a member of the Church and assume the office of Elder on his induction to the position.

(2) Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Pastor shall be;
a. To earnestly carry on a preaching, teaching and training ministry, with the aim of bringing each member to a place of spiritual maturity and fruitfulness, and to a place of spiritual harmony with the rest of the Church Body.
b. To set an example in Christian living and dedication.
c. To oversee the administering of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
d. To serve as Ex Officio member of all the Church boards, task forces, committees and groups with exception of a committee overseeing staff remuneration or the call of a Senior Pastor.
The main task of the Pastor shall be the preaching of the Word from the pulpit and nothing shall be permitted to diminish the time and effort the Pastor needs to make such a ministry Spirit-filled and instructive.

(3) Resignation:
He shall give three months notice to the Church should the Holy Spirit lead him to resign, and the Church shall give him three months notice should the Church believe before God his ministry at this Church is ended.

(4) Calling of a Pastor:
In pursuit of a new Senior Pastor, the first responsibility lies with the Elders. After the Elders are satisfied they have found a man suitable, his name will then be presented to the Member's Meeting for consideration. The process for the issuing of a call shall be as follows;
a. The terms of appointment shall be on the recommendation from the Elders and approved at a Church Members meeting with a 75% majority of Church Members.
b. Two weeks notice of the meeting shall be given to the Church when a name for consideration as a Pastor is to be brought to a Church meeting. Pertinent information may be given, but the name of the person to be brought to the meeting will not be disclosed prior to the meeting.
c. Before a call is issued to a Pastor by the Elders it will be necessary for a motion agreeing to the issuing of a call to be passed by a majority of at least 75% of the membership. The voting shall be by secret ballot of those present.

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B. Associate Pastors
Qualifications | Responsibilities | Resignation | Calling of Associate Pastors

(1) Qualifications:
Associate Pastors must meet the qualifications of an Elder given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In addition, he must have a call to a specific ministry with significant spiritual gifts and adequate training needed to fulfil the task to which he has been called.

(2) Responsibilities:
Each Associate Pastor will be responsible to fulfil his calling to specific ministry as recommended by the Elders and accepted by the Church.

(3) Resignation:
He shall give three months notice to the Church should the Holy Spirit lead him to resign, and the Church shall give him three months notice should the Church believe before God that his ministry at this Church is ended.

(4) Calling of Associate Pastors:
The Church may call additional Associate Pastors as needed to serve in the ministries of the Church. Recommendations will be made by the Elders to the Members’ Meeting for approval and call. The process for calling an Associate Pastor will be the same as for a Senior Pastor.

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C. Other Staff
Qualifications | Responsibilities | Resignation | Calling of Staff Members

(1) Qualifications:
Must be a Church Member and must have a call to a specific ministry with significant spiritual gifts and adequate training needed to fulfil the task to which they have been called.

(2) Responsibilities:
Staff members will be responsible to fulfil their calling to specific ministry as detailed by the Elders.

(3) Resignation:
Any other staff members shall give one month notice to the Elders should the Holy Spirit lead him / her to resign, and the Elders shall give them one month notice should the Elders believe before God that their ministry at this Church is ended. By mutual consent this period may be adjusted either way.

(4) Calling of Staff Members:
The Elders of the Church may employ additional staff as needed to serve in the ministries of the Church. The Elders will advise the Church membership of such appointment as soon as possible.

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D. Staff Salaries and Expense Reimbursement
Remuneration for Pastors and Staff of the Church
Expense Reimbursement for Pastors and Staff of the Church

(1) Remuneration for Pastors and staff of the Church:
The Elders will recommend the amount of remuneration to be paid to each Pastor and Staff member. Such remuneration will be approved by the Church Members’ Meeting. Any paid staff shall absent themselves from the meeting during the discussion and voting on their remuneration package.

(2) Expense Reimbursement for Pastors and Staff of the Church:
The Elders will recommend to the Church what expenses should be reimbursed by the Church to the staff of the Church. Such expenses should be fully documented by the claimant unless an agreed allowance has been made with the staff member to cover such costs. Such allowance however will be approved by the Church Members’ Meeting.

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7. CHURCH GOVERNMENT

A. Government, Leadership and Officers
B. Appointment of Officers
C. Elders
D. Deacons

A. Government, Leadership and Officers
The Leadership of the Church | Committees | Members Meetings
Annual General Members Meetings | Special Members Meeting
Rules applying to all Members Meetings

(1) The Leadership of the Church:
In the light of the beliefs of this Church as to the biblical and historical basis for the government of the Church of Jesus Christ as set out in Appendix 4 the leadership of the Church shall be the responsibility of the Elders who shall meet monthly or as they otherwise agree.

(2) Committees: Committees may be formed as confirmed by the Elders to assist in the efficient conduct of the Church. Membership of such committees shall be confined to Church members, or adherents agreed to by the Elders.

(3) Members Meetings:
Church Business Meetings shall be held in the months of November, March and July. Other Meetings shall be called by the Elders as deemed necessary. A quorum for all Meetings shall comprise of not less than 75% of the Church membership. At the November meeting the Annual Budget for the ensuing twelve months will be presented for approval. This will be for the period January 1 to December 31 of the ensuing year.

(4) Annual General Members Meeting:
The Annual General Meeting will be held in July. The following business will be brought before the Membership at the Annual General Meeting;
a. Report re-appointment of Leaders and Officers. The Elders will report to the members those who have been appointed as leaders and officers for the ensuing twelve months from January to December.
b. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statement. The Treasurer will present and report to the Meeting on the Audited Financial Statements for the previous twelve months despite the fact that such Financial Statements may have been submitted to either the March or July meetings previously.

(5) Special Members Meeting:
A Special Members Meeting may be called for the following reasons and will require at least 75% of the Members to be present to comprise a quorum;
a. The calling of a Pastor.
b. The appointment of Pastoral and Senior Staff.
c. The appointment of Elders.
d. To approve any expenditure being over five percent of the total gross budgeted income of the Church for that fiscal year.
e. Approval of all remuneration packages for all Pastoral and Senior staff.
f. To change or in any way alter these Rules of the Church.
g. To make any major policy change to the position of the Church.
h. To ratify the change of any Biblical doctrinal position of the Church.
i. To transact matters as set out in clause 7B(6).

A Special Members Meeting may be called by submission in writing to the Elders with at least one third of the current members being signaturies to the notice of intent to call such meeting. Such notice to the Elders will state;
a. The purpose of the meeting and
b. the time and place of the meeting.
All resolutions passed at such meeting called by the submission in writing of the members will require the approval of at least 75% of the current Church membership.

(6) Rules applying to all Members Meetings:
The following rules shall apply to all Members Meetings unless stated expressly to the contrary elsewhere in these Rules;
a. Notice of the meeting shall be given at each service on the Sunday two weeks preceding the Meeting. A draft agenda will be available for sighting by the membership at the Church Office two Sundays before the meeting.
b. If a quorum is not present within thirty minutes of the time appointed for a meeting, then the Meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week and the same time and place.Notice of such adjourned meeting shall be given at both services on the preceding Sunday. Such adjourned meeting shall be competent to transact the adjourned business not withstanding the absence of a quorum. These provisions do not apply to any meeting called by the Members pursuant to Clause 7(5) of these Rules.
c. The Chairman of all Members Meetings shall be the Senior Pastor or an Officer chosen by the Elders. The Chairman for a meeting called by the Members pursuant to Clause 7A(5) of these Rules shall be appointed by the Meeting.
d. Business to be transacted: No business shall be submitted to a Church Member's Meeting without the consent of the Elders or as submitted in accordance with Clause 7A(5) of these Rules. All items of business that a member wishes to raise must be in writing and handed to the Administrator not later than three Sundays preceding the Church Meeting.
e. Minutes of the Meeting: A minute Secretary will be appointed by the Elders who will record the minutes of the meeting and such minutes will be ratified at the next meeting of the members and signed by the chairman of that meeting.
f. Voting rights: Each Member present in person shall be entitled to one vote.
g. Secret Ballot: Voting by secret ballot will be used where deemed appropriate by the Elders. Proxy votes are acceptable on the condition that they must be delivered to an authorised officer of the Church in writing prior to the vote.

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B. Appointment of Officers
Officers of the Church | Membership Requirement
Time Period of Appointment | Proposing Candidates
Appointment by the Elders | Requirement for Special Members Meeting

(1) The officers of the Church shall comprise the Elders, Deacons, Administrator / Secretary, Seal Holders and Treasurer.

(2) Except for Pastors and staff appointments who may be appointed by an Elder or Deacon, persons eligible for appointment as officers shall have been in membership of this Church for at least twelve months.

(3) Elders and Deacons will be appointed for a period of two years. In the first year after the acceptance of this Constitution half will be appointed for one year and the remainder for two years.

(4) Suggested names for the position of all officers of the Church may be made by any Church member to the Elders for their consideration and suitability for appointment.The members are to be reminded of this in October each year.

(5) With the exception of Elders, all officers of the Church will be appointed by the Elders. The Elders will report to the Members the appointment of such officer/s of the Church.

(6) In the event that there are no Elders of the Church, the Members in a Special Members Meeting called for that purpose, shall appoint such of its members as Elders in accordance with Appendix 2 as it decides at that meeting by a secret ballot of at least 75% of the Church membership.

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C. Elders
Composition | Responsibilities | Powers | Appointment and Dismissal

(1) Composition:
a. Membership qualification of Elders. Before a Member may be appointed to the position of an Elder he must have been in membership with the Church for at least twelve months.
b. Spiritual qualification of Elders. The qualifications of Elders are specified in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. For an explanation of these qualifications see Appendix 2.

(2) Responsibilities of Elders:
The Elders shall be responsible for:
a. Exercising spiritual oversight of the Church, the flock of God (Acts 20:28; John 21:16-17).
b. Showing a consistent study and teaching of the Word of God (1 Timothy 5:17; 3:2;
1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 1:9).
c. Being good managers or stewards of God over their God-Given ministry (Titus 1:7).
d. Helping those in need (Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22).
e. Giving diligent labour, caring leadership and guided Counsel in the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:12;
Romans 12:9; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17; Hebrews 13:7).
f. Exercising pastoral care (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; James 5:14;) and hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2;
Titus 1:8).

(3) Powers:
a. Unanimity of Elders: The Elders are commissioned to lead the Church under the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:4). They shall prayerfully seek unanimous agreement in all matters since we believe the Holy Spirit guides with oneness of mind (Acts 15:1-29; Philippians 2:1-2). (In matters of compensation or discipline of an Elder the Elder in question shall abstain). However, any resolution of the Elders will be passed by a two thirds majority of the Elders present.
b. Quorum of Elders: A Quorum for a meeting of Elders will be fifty percent of the Elders acting at any one time or if less than five Elders at any one time, three Elders will constitute a quorum.
c. Chairman: The Senior Pastor will act as the Chairman of the Elders. He is given the right, if he chooses, to appoint either on a temporary or permanent basis one of the Elders to chair the Meeting.
d. Minutes: A minute Secretary will be appointed by the Elders who will record the minutes of the meeting and such minutes will be ratified at the next meeting of the Elders and signed by the chairman of that meeting.

(4) Appointment and Dismissal:
a. Recommendation of Elders: The Members of the Church may recommend one of their number to the Elders for consideration for appointment as an Elder. This will be made on the form supplied for this purpose.
b. Appointment of Elders: Appointment will be made by the Members at a Special Member's Meeting on the basis of Scriptural qualifications and recommendations from the present Elders. An employee of the Church may be appointed an Elder of the Church.
c.Process of appointment of Elders: In the case of a need to appoint other Elders to replace retiring Elders or to increase the number of Elders, the current Elders shall appoint three Elders to a Nominations Committee to serve with the Chairman. This Committee shall review and interview all recommendations from the Membership, submit the names of those deemed to be qualified to the Elders, who upon their approval will recommend such member to the Members’ Meeting for his appointment as an Elder. The process of appointment will be as follows;
i.Two weeks notice of the Special Members’ Meeting to appoint an Elder shall be given to the Members. The names together with pertinent personal and ministry information of those being recommended shall also be made public at that time.
ii. An Elder shall be appointed by a vote of the members passed by a majority of at least 75% of the members. The voting shall be by secret ballot of those present.
d. Pastor an ex-officio Elder: All Pastors of the Church will act as ex-officio Elders.
e. Dismissal of an Elder: Any Elder deemed to have disqualified himself from Eldership will be dismissed by the Members on the recommendation of the Elders. This shall be done within the confines of Appendix 1. The procedure for dismissal shall be as set out for the appointment of an Elder and set out in clause 7C(4c).

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D. Deacons
Composition | Responsibilities | Powers | Appointment and Dismissal

(1) Composition:
a. Membership qualification of Deacons: Before a Member may be appointed to the position of Deacon he must have been in membership with the Church for at least twelve months.
b. Spiritual qualifications of Deacons: The qualifications of Deacons are detailed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. For an explanation of these see Appendix 3. Those appointed to the position of Deacon will fulfil the qualifications as set out in the New Testament.

(2) Responsibilities:
a. The New Testament gives us a clear indication that Deacons were those who rendered service (diakonas) in the local Church. As distinct officers in the local Church they are referred to in the plural (diakonoi, Philippians 1:1) and are mentioned in addition to Elders in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons will assist the Elders in the various ministries of the local body of believers.
b. Practical Responsibilities of Deacons: In the New Testament Deacons served as assistants to the Elders and in a serving capacity for the various needs of the Church. This is particularly so in the very important but practical areas of administering the financial and physical needs of the Church. Therefore it is to these areas that the Deacons will be asked to assist the Elders in the leadership of the Church.

(3) Powers:
a. Duties: The Deacons will undertake all duties assigned to them by the Elders and be responsible to the Elders for the carrying out of those duties. They will report on a regular basis to the Elders.
b. Quorum of Deacons: A Quorum for a meeting of Deacons will be fifty percent of the Deacons acting at any one time or if less than five Deacons at any one time, three Deacons will constitute a quorum.
c. Meetings: The Deacons will hold at least one meeting per month and will hold such meetings as the Elders from time to time shall direct. The Deacons shall appoint their own chairman.
d. Minutes: A minute secretary will be appointed by the Deacons who will record the minutes of the meeting and such minutes will be ratified at the next meeting of the Elders and signed by the chairman of that meeting.

(4) Appointment and Dismissal:
a. Appointment: Deacons shall be appointed by the Elders who shall advise the Church Membership of such appointment.
b. Dismissal of a Deacon: Any Deacon deemed to have disqualified himself will be dismissed by the Elders. This shall be done within the confines of Appendix 1.

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8. FINANCE

a. The expenses of the Church shall be met through the principle of grace giving by the Members and adherents of the Church. Such giving is to reflect the principle of tithes and freewill offerings.

b. The financial year of the Church shall be from the 1st July to the 30th June each year.

c. The Treasurer shall keep such records as are necessary to correctly record and explain the financial transactions and position of the Church.

d. The Treasurer shall present all Financial Statements including the Annual Statement to the Elders and will report on same to the Church Members Meeting.

e. A Registered Company Auditor appointed by the Elders each year shall provide the report to Elders and to the Church Members on the Annual Financial Statements as presented to the Annual General Meeting.

f. The Treasurer shall submit a draft budget to the Elders who will then seek its approval from the Church Members.

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9. POWERS

(1) The Church shall have power to;
a. Hold any property
b. Purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property
c. Sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any or all of the property of the Church
d. Accept donations, subscriptions or bequests
e. Subscribe to charities and to grant donations for public purposes
f. Invest and deal with monies of the Church not immediately required in such a manner as may from time to time be determined
e. Borrow or raise monies upon the securities of any or all of the property of the Church.
f. Do all such other lawful things as are appropriate to the attainment of the above purposes of the Church.

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10. SEAL HOLDERS

(1)The Elders shall from time to time appoint not less than three seal holders, one of whom shall be the Public Officer.

(2) The Common Seal of the Church shall be fixed to any document only by direction of the Elders or Members in accordance with appropriate resolutions.

(3) The Common Seal shall be affixed and attested by at least two of the seal holders in the presence of each other.

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11. CONDUCTING OF SERVICES

All who conduct any religious service in connection with the Church or occupy positions in any of its organisations shall either be Members of the Church or approved by the Elders.

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12. COMMUNION SERVICE

The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least once a month. All who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are in fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ shall be welcome to share communion. No one shall be prevented from participating in the Lord's Supper but the warnings of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 shall be frequently brought to notice prior to participation of those who wish to partake.

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13. CO-OPERATION WITH OTHER CHURCHES

We believe that a voluntary fellowship with other spiritually like minded Churches is good and in no way involves the giving up of our individual freedom and direct dependence upon God. The Church shall seek to have fellowship with Churches of like mind.

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14. INTERPRETATION

Unless the context shall otherwise imply Church herein shall be deemed to mean the Association.

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15. ALTERATION OF RULES

(1) Subject to the approval by a resolution of the members as hereinafter set forth, these Rules may be altered (including an alteration to the name) or be rescinded and replaced by substituted Rules.

(2) For the purpose of sub-clause 1 hereof, such a resolution shall be passed at a duly convened meeting of the Church members if;
a. At least one month's written notice (such being sent by prepaid mail to the last known address of the member) specifying the intention to propose the resolution has been given to all Members of the Church; and
b. It is passed by a majority of not less than 75% of the total Church members.

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16. WINDING UP AND APPLICATION OF SURPLUS

(1) The Church may be wound up in the manner provided for in the Associations Incorporation Act.

(2) If after winding up of the Church there remains surplus assets as defined in the Act, such surplus assets shall be distributed to another Church with similar doctrines and objectives as determined by a simple majority of the Members at that time who, being entitled to do so, vote personally at a meeting called for that purpose.

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17. STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Bible | God | Jesus Christ | The Holy Spirit | Satan | Mankind | Salvation
The Work Of God | The Church | Baptism | The Lord's Supper | The Creation | Unity

The Bible
The Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God, verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit and inerrant in the original writings. Its history is a literal account of the events described. The Bible is God's complete revelation of normative truth until Christ returns for His Church. (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

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God
God is a personal being who has revealed Himself as a Trinity in Unity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - Three persons and yet but one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28;19).

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Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, which is to say, He is Himself very God. He took upon Himself man's nature, apart from sin, being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He voluntarily gave His life in substitutionary death on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead in the body in which He was crucified. He appeared in His glorified body then ascended to the Father in heaven in that body glorified, where He is now our Mediator to continue forever as true God and true man. He will come again, first to receive from the earth His own and then personally and visibly to establish His righteous kingdom on Earth and to judge the living and the dead. (Matthew 1:18-25; 25:31-46: 28:6; Luke 1:35; 24; John 1:1; 14:3; Acts 1:9-11; 15:14-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 2:14; 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Revelation 20:4-6; 11-15).

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The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead is eternal and infinite Though active in creation, revelation and enablement of the Old Testament saints, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost by the Father and the Son to take up His abode in believers. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgement; at the point of salvation He regenerates (gives new life which is eternal) all believers; indwells all who are saved; baptises all believers into the body of Christ; seals believers until the day of redemption; and guides believers into all truth concerning the Son. He distributes spiritual gifts, which are divinely given to every member of Christ's body, according to His will. The purpose of these gifts is to glorify God and to edify the Church to fulfil its divinely appointed task and the exercise of such gifts must always be consistent with Scripture. We believe that revelation is not ongoing, tongues are neither a sign of the baptism of the Spirit nor of spirituality, and Christ's atonement does not demand physical healing. (Genesis 1:2; John 14:16-17; 16:7-11; 13; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Peter 2:24; 4:10-11; Titus 3:5).

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Satan
Satan is the declared enemy of God. He is a created angel and the author of sin. He has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and will be punished eternally in the lake of fire prepared for him and those he deceives. (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezek. 28: 11-19; Matthew 4:2-11, 25:41; John 8:44; John 12: 31-32; Rom. 16:20; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:9-10, 20:10).

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Mankind
Mankind is the creation of God after His own image and likeness. By Adam's sin the whole race of man incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. All human beings are born with a sinful nature and therefore become sinners. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 5:12-14; 6:23).

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Salvation
Every person is in need of salvation from the penalty of sin. A person can only receive this salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, Who by His substitutionary death provided payment for sin. No amount of works can earn this gift; it is the free gift of God for those who will believe. Upon believing in Christ a person is born into the family of God and receives a new life. Only then does a person become a Christian. At death, believers pass immediately into Christ's presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body when Christ comes for His own, when the soul and body reunited will live with Him forever in glory.(John 1:12; 3:16; 6:28-29; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Luke 16:19-26; 23:42-43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).

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The Work Of God
The work of God is never in conflict with His character, His will or His written word. (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 8:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:8; Ephesians 1:9).

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The Church
The Church is a chosen company of believers, baptised by the Holy Spirit into one body; equipped with gifts for the growth of that body and commissioned to preach the good news in all the world. The Church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air when He appears. ( Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 27,Ephesians 1:3-6; 22-23; 4:7-16; Colossians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

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Baptism
Baptism by immersion for believers is the God appointed act of public identification with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:1-10).

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The Lord's Supper
The Lord's supper, in memory of Christ and His death, is to be celebrated by all Christians until Jesus returns. ( Matthew 26:26-29;1 Corinthians 11:17-33 ).

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The Creation
The creation was a supernatural act of God by which He brought the universe and all that it contains into existence in six successive 24 hour days through the mediation of Jesus Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit. Man is the direct creation of God - spirit, soul and body - made in the divine image . The Genesis account is the trustworthy, historical record of the creation. (Genesis 1:1, 2, 26, 27, 31; 2:7; Exodus 20:9,11; Colossians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

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Unity
We recognize that in some areas of Bible interpretation there does occur among believers differences in emphasis and conviction regarding beliefs held. We uphold the prerogative of each believer to maintain such conviction whilst striving to keep the unity and harmony of the Spirit within the body of Christ and always in conformity with the scriptures. (Psalms 133: 1-3; Prov. 2:1-11; Acts 4 :24-32; 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 1:27, 2 : 2; 2 Tim. 1: 13-14; 2:1-2; Rom. 14:1 - 15:7; John 7:17; Eph. 4:1-3.)

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APPENDIX ONE: CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Formative Discipline | Corrective Discipline

1. Formative Discipline

Every disciple of the Lord Jesus is to walk under the discipline of the Lord Jesus and His Word (2 Timothy 3: 16-17). Mutual submission to one another in the reverence of Christ (Ephesians 5:21) is a part of that discipline. God has also called the Church to submission (1 Peter 5:5) and obedience (Hebrews 13:17) to the Elders He has placed over the Church and is part of the Christian's walk commanded of every true believer. God supplies the grace for this submissiveness and obedience to Him and His Word but exists those who proudly deny His leadership (1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6).

2. Corrective Discipline

A. General Statment
B. Inactivity / Inappropriate Absenteeism
C. Withdrawal Of Fellowship
D. Restoration to Church Membership and Fellowship

A. General Statement

(1) When a member of this Church fails in an area of formative discipline it may be necessary for the Elders and the members to apply corrective discipline as instructed by God in His Word.

(2) All corrective discipline will be the responsibility of the Elders who will determine if a matter is to be brought before the members for action.

It is important to realise that the early Church was subject to correction for matters such as:
a. Unwillingness to become reconciled to an offended brother (Matthew 18:15-17)
b. Unwillingness to engage in work (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
c. Divisiveness in the Church (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-10)
d. Sexual immorality or habitual covetousness, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness or swindling (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
e. False teaching (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18)
f. General sinful conduct (Galatians 6:1)

(3) Members of the Church are therefore expected to conduct their lives in accordance with Biblical standards of holiness as they grow to be like the Lord Jesus Christ. If a member therefore knowingly ignores the direct commands and prohibitions of Scripture, he / she will be disciplined according to the principles laid down in God's Word for discipline and restoration as found in such passages as Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; and Matthew 7:1-5.

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B. Inactivity / Inappropriate Absenteeism

(1) In a local Body of believers it is the responsibility of each member to be faithful in attendance and participation in the meetings and ministries of the congregation unless hindered by illness or other extenuating circumstances. To be lax or indifferent indicates an unfaithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His commands (Hebrews 10:25).

(2) In light of the above any member absent from Church services for three consecutive months without acceptable reason may be removed from the membership by the decision of the Elders and the membership shall be advised at the next Members' Meeting. The Elders shall make regular revisions of the Church membership and advise the Church members meeting accordingly.

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C. Withdrawal Of Fellowship

When a member continues to knowingly ignore the commands of Scripture in their daily walk or teaching so that his / her life and / or erroneous teaching continues to hinder the peace of the Church or its testimony, the Elders may remove the offending member from the membership. This shall be done following the guidelines given in Matthew 18:18; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5,13; and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15. When such termination is recommended by the Elders it must be as a result of the unanimous agreement of the Eldership. The Elders will exercise their judgment as to whether the matter should be brought before the congregation for their action or simply be communicated to the congregation.

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D. Restoration to Church Membership and Fellowship

The object and goal of all discipline is a return to a holy walk of the members under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word. In view of this the primary concern of the Body should be the restoration to fellowship of that one who has been disciplined. In Scripture the call to discipline is balanced by a call to restore those disciplined who have given evidence of repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). When repentance is obvious in the life of one who has been disciplined the Elders shall recommend that such a person be restored to full fellowship.

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APPENDIX TWO: QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

The qualifications of Elders are set out in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Those which are enunciated by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2 are preceded by the impersonal verb, dei = must be, which means it is necessary! Therefore it is clear these qualifications are not optional but necessary!

A. Personal Qualifications
B. Public Qualifications
C. Family Qualifications
D. Ministry Qualifications

A. Personal Qualifications

(1) An Elder must desire the office and not have it forced upon him.
If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). It is clear from the text that the office must be a desire of the Elder, a personal inner calling, not a task forced upon a man.

(2) Elders must be prepared for hard work.
If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). The word for task is ergon which means labour. It is work, hard work which must be desired by the Elder.

(3) An Elder should be the husband of one wife.
This qualification occurs in both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6.. Literally this would be best translated a one woman man. In other words the Elder has eyes only for his wife - he is faithful to his wife, not a womaniser or a bigamist. This does not mean he must be a married man but if he is he must be Scripturally married and faithful to his wife. (Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:1-40).

(4) An Elder should be sober and temperate.
Both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8 list this and it means he is to be self controlled. He is to be a man not in bondage to the desires of the flesh or to sin and its desires.

(5) An Elder should be prudent.
This has been translated as sound mind or self controlled (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). It means sensible, wise and balanced in judgment. Not given to quick and superficial decisions based on immature thinking but rather one who limits his own freedom.He should never say I am free to do whatever I like. Rather his freedom in Christ must be limited by a realisation of how his actions affect others.

(6) An Elder must be hospitable.
(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) This implies that he is unselfish and willing to share his blessings with others. His home life and personal life must be characterised by hospitality.

(7) An Elder must not be addicted to wine.
(1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7) The actual Scripture says he must not be given to wine. That means he will not be addicted to wine. However, due to the leasons learned from the lives of Noah (Gen. 9:20-29) and Lot (Gen. 19:30-38), and the frequent warnings in Scripture regarding alcohol (Prov. 20:1, 23:29-35, Eph. 5:18) and the scriptural warnings relating to the weaker brother (Rom. 14:14-23,1 Cor. 8:8-13, 10:23-33), an Elder should therefore set an example by abstaining from all forms of alcoholic beverages.

(8) An Elder must not be pugnacious.
He instead should be gentle in nature (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). No matter what the circumstance his attitude and action must be characterised by tenderness and forbearance.

(9) An Elder must be not be contentious.
(1 Timothy 3:3) This means he is to be not quarrelsome or divisive and not be one who indulges in selfish argumentation.Patience should cause him to examine each situation upon its merits.

(10) An Elder should not be eager for dishonourable gain.
(1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7) He should not be greedy, dishonest or jealous of others who have more than he.

(11) An Elder must not be a new convert.
(1 Timothy 3:6) He must not be a new Christian. Rather he should be a mature believer demonstrating the reality of his conversion with a depth to his spiritual life and walk.

(12) An Elder should not be self willed.
(Titus 1:7) This means he should not be arrogant and stubborn, always insisting on his own way or forcing his own ideas and opinions on others.

(13) An Elder must not be quick tempered.
(Titus 1:7) He should be able to control his anger, exercise discernment and use firmness to defend the cause of Christ.

(14) An Elder must love what is good and benevolent.
(Titus 1:8) He looks out for the interests of others denying self and desires the will of God in everything (1 Peter 5:2),always looking out for the interests of others.

(15) An Elder must be just.
(Titus 1:8) He is to be fair and impartial, making objective judgments and displaying even-handedness.

(16) An Elder must be devout.
(Titus 1:8) He recognises God's commandments to be separate from sin, and pertaining to his relationship with God and his fellow man, always endeavouring to live a sanctified life.

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B. Public Qualifications

(1) An Elder should be above reproach.
(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). It should not be possible to find anything in his life for which he may be reproached - he has no skeletons in the cupboard!

(2) An Elder should be respectable.
(1 Timothy 3:2) He must have an orderly life, demonstrating good behaviour and be regarded as decent.

(3) An Elder must have a good reputation with those outside the Church.
(1 Timothy 3:7) Unbelievers should acknowledge and respect his character and integrity, influencing for good those outside of Christ.

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C. Family Qualifications

(1) If an Elder has children they should be faithful.
(Titus 1:6). A man should be responsible for the actions of his dependant children. But he is not held responsible for the actions of his adult children.

(2) One who manages his household well, keeping his children under control with dignity.
(1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6) He is to have the respect of his family and be recognised as the leader of the household.

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D. Minstry Qualifications

(1) An Elder must be able to teach.
(1. Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9) He will have the desire to teach and be capable of communicating the Word of God to others.

(2) An Elder should be a good steward of God's resources.
(Titus 1:7) An Elder is to be the steward of God. He should act at all times with God's resources in an honourable way and for the good of the body.

(3) An Elder must hold fast the faithful Word.
(Titus 1:9) He steadfastly supports sound teaching and rebukes false doctrine. He is stable in his faith and endeavours to obey the Word of God in all aspects of his life.

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APPENDIX THREE: QUALIFICATION OF DEACONS

A. Personal Qualifications
B. Spiritual Qualifications
C. Family Qualifications

The term Deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos which means one who serves. In one respect therefore everyone should seek to be in the role of a Deacon - whether recognised as an office-holding Deacon, or simply acting as a servant in service to the body. The qualifications however set out in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 give us specific qualifications for one who serves in the office of a Deacon. Also it is clear from the New Testament that the main work of a Deacon is that of assisting the Elders and particularly in the very important matters of the financial and physical needs of the Church.

A. Personal Qualifications

(1) Deacons must be men of dignity.
(1 Timothy 3:8) They must be men worthy of respect and serious minded.

(2) Deacons must not be double-tongued.
(1 Timothy 3:8) They must be consistent and righteous in what they say not engaging in malicious gossip, not saying one thing and meaning another.

(3) Deacons must not be addicted to much wine.
(1 Timothy 3:8) A Deacon must always be conscious of a weaker brother in the faith, and should therefore set an example by abstaining from all forms of alcoholic beverages. (See additional notes on Elders, Appendix 2:A7)

(4) Deacons must not be fond of sordid gain.
(1 Timothy 3:8) He should not be greedy, dishonest or jealous of others who have more than he.

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B. Spiritual Qualifications

(1) Deacons must hold to Biblical doctrine.
(1 Timothy 3:9) He must have a conviction of the truth of Biblical doctrine, even though not all that pertains to the Christian faith is explainable, accepting by faith what God has ordained with a clear conscience, living out his convictions, based upon God's Word, and applying its truth in his life.

(2) A Deacon must be tested and tried.
(1 Timothy 3:10) A Deacon must have been proved faithful in the small things before being appointed as a Deacon.

(3) A Deacon should be the husband of one wife.
1 Timothy 3:12 uses the same qualification as for an Elder, as used in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6. (See previous comments on this qualification for an Elder, Appendix 2:A3)

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C. Family Qualifications

(1) A Deacon must lead his family well.
(1 Timothy 3:12b) Deacons are to be good managers of their children and their households, the proving ground for leadership.

(2) A Deacon's wife be circumspect.
(1 Timothy 3:11) This means the Deacon's wife should be decent and dignified in her behaviour and dress, not given to malicious gossip, temperate and sober, faithfully supporting her husband in his ministry.

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APPENDIX FOUR: A BIBLICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

(1) The Kingdom Of God
The Kingdom as presented in the New Testament, is a spiritual Kingdom and does not depend on the acceptance or rejection of the general populace. Therefore it is not the believer who makes Jesus Christ King; He is King over all. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to bring in His Kingdom, His rule within the human heart, and eventually His rule over all the earth.

(2) The Foundation Of The Church
Christ left a small body of disciples under the direction of the Apostles with the charge to preach the Gospel to all people. He gave nothing which can be called a Set of Rules or Constitution and Bylaws. However He did give us general principles to follow. In view of the fact that the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus was not immediately realised the Apostles saw the need for local Churches to be organised in order to be effective in their ministry.

(3) The Priesthood Of All Believers & Leadership Of A Local Church
The priesthood of all believers is an established fact in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 5:10; 20:6). The Church is made up of both individual believers and those God has appointed as from among the believers to act in the capacity of leaders. These leaders do not represent the believers before God but rather lead and shepherd those in the local Church having been endowed with special gifts for this purpose (Ephesians 4:7-16). All Christians were priests before God and have direct access to God without intermediaries (1 Timothy 2:5).

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