RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH, WORTHING (RLC)
CONSTITUTION
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Believers in Jesus Christ are encouraged in the New Testament to "think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." (Heb.10:24-25 NLT)
Membership Procedures:
1) Express desire for membership to church leader or an elder.
2) Must be in a home group or discipleship group and in regular church
attendance for a minimum of four months before applying for
membership. NOTE: Minimum four months as defined above also
required before person may regularly take part in any leading, teaching
or joining worship team.
3) Attend new members' session.
This will include one evening in which the following will be reviewed:
a. Salvation
b. Statement of Faith
c. Ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism by immersion
d. RLC history
e. What's happening at RLC
- Home Groups
- Discipleship Groups
- Youth
- Children
- Alpha Course
- Worship Team
- Missions Council
- Monthly Prayer Breakfasts
f. Importance of church commitment through prayer, involvement,
and financial giving
4) Applicant must make a declaration of salvation and must have been or
be baptized.
NOTE: While it is believed that the Scripture teaches baptism by
immersion, it is also remembered that it is not the act of baptism that
brings salvation but that baptism is a picture of the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus and therefore of the believer's identifying his or her
own death to sin, burial of the old way of life and raised to walk in a new
life. Therefore, in instances where one has been a believer of long
standing and has walked in the maturity of Christ for some time, but has
been baptized through another form of symbolism i.e. sprinkling or
pouring, the elders will discuss the matter and decide together in such
an instance whether or not the applicant must be baptized again by
immersion. Furthermore, in instances where an individual has come to
Christ for salvation, desires to join RLC in membership but for some
physical reason cannot be immersed, it will be decided by the elders
whether or not some other form of baptism may be observed in order
for that person to be obedient to Scripture in being baptized.
5) If transferring membership from another church, a letter of recommenda-
tion must be requested from the leader of that church.
6) Upon fulfillment of all of the above, and with agreement among the
elders, present applicant to church. A time frame of two
weeks will be allowed for any member to privately speak to an
elder should there be any hesitation in accepting applicant into RLC
membership.
7) After two weeks and no dispute, welcome person into membership.
RESIGNING MEMBERSHIP:
A member desiring to leave RLC should notify an elder of his or her intention and reason.
Should the matter be over some dispute or ill feelings then attempts should be made in the love of Jesus Christ to resolve the differences and to restore fellowship. After such attempts have been made and overseen by the elders and the member still desires to withdraw membership the request must be honoured and notice of resignation made known to church members.
In any reason, notice of resignation must be made known to church members and the member released with a desire on the part of RLC church members for God to guide and bless that person in their future days.
Requests from another church for a letter of recommendation for that person to join membership of another church will be dealt with by the elders.
CHURCH STRUCTURE
River of Life Church, Worthing is a local body of believers and worshippers of Jesus Christ. It is spiritually organized according to understanding of Scripture and it is legally organized as a limited company according to laws of the United Kingdom.
SCRIPTURAL STRUCTURE
1) Church Leader
The Church Leader is recommended to the church by the elders to take
on the role of being responsible before God for the overall spiritual
direction of the church. Before appointment the recommended
person will preach (preferably on more than one occasion...how
many times will be decided by the elders) and meet with the elders and
deacons to discuss such an appointment. The elders will discuss
together and pray much, seeking God's guidance. Upon agreement
among all the elders the recommended person will be presented to the
church. A time frame of at least two weeks will be given for any
member to speak privately to an elder should there be any question as
to the suitability of the person being recommended. After two weeks
and no concern expressed then there will follow a special service in the
witness of the church to set apart this person with the laying on of hands,
to do the work God has appointed them to do.
a. Responsibilities and requirements
The Church Leader holds the primary responsibility for the
spiritual direction of the church. This person is responsible
before God to teach His Word, to love and care for the local
body of believers to whom they are called to serve, and to
seek God continually for the spiritual direction of the church.
(II Tim.3:16; Acts 6:4; Titus 1:5-9; I Tim.4:11-16)
b. Resigning Office
If the church leader desires to resign office, it is required
by contract that a notice of three months be given. The elders
should be notified before such announcement is given to the
church as a whole. Should the resignation be due to some
dispute then every effort should be made to come to some
agreement in a Godly manner. Should the resignation be due
to the leader feeling it is God's timing and in His perfect will
the leader must be released with blessing from the church. The
leader may give recommendation as to who should step into
the leadership position but the final recommendation to the church
must come from the elders.
2) ELDERS
Elders are recommended from among themselves and presented to the
church. A time frame of two weeks will be given for any church
member to speak privately to an elder should there be any question
as to the suitability of the person being recommended. After two weeks
and no concern is expressed then there will follow a special service in
the witness of the church to set apart this person with the laying on of
hands, ordaining them to the work God has appointed them to do.
(I Tim.4:11-16)
a. Responsibilities and Requirements
Elders are responsible with the church leader for the spiritual
care, teaching, and discipline of the church.
(Acts 20:28-32; I Pet.5:1-4; I Tim.3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
b. Resigning Office
An elder desiring to resign office should first notify the
Church Leader of intention to resign. All other elders
will be notified immediately. Should the reason be
over some dispute then every attempt should be made to
resolve the matter in a Godly manner. If outside assistance
in resolving the dispute is deemed necessary then such
assistance will be agreed upon by the elders. Should there
be a deadlock in reaching such agreement then the Church
Leader must accept the responsibility to seek outside
help. (NOTE: In the instance that RLC links up with
Pioneer Ministry then such assistance will be sought
through their channels.)
An elder desiring to resign office for reasons of personal
need must be released with blessing and care from the
other elders. Reinstatement of any resigned elder is
decided by the elders.
The Church Leader is in submission to the elders and the elders are in submission to the church leader. (Eph.5:15-21)
3) DEACONS
Deacons are appointed by the elders. The elders will present the
person recommended to the church. A time frame of two weeks will
be given for any church member to speak privately to an elder should
there be any question as to the suitability of the person being recom-
mended. After two weeks and no concern is expressed then there will
follow a time in the witness of the church to set apart this person with
the laying on of hands for the work God has appointed them to do.
(Acts 6:1-7)
a. Responsibilities and Requirements
Deacons are responsible to relieve the elders of practical and
administrative duties in order that the elders may more
effectively concentrate on the responsibilities God has
given them to do. The duties of deacons is people related,
being concerned for the practical care of people in the church.
This care of people involves maintaining the fabric of the church
premises as well as assisting in pastoral care of the people and
administrative duties as designated by the elders. (I Tim.3:8-12)
b. Before appointment as a deacon, the person recommended must
have already been given other responsibilities in the church as a
test of their character and ability. (I Tim.3:10)
c. Resigning Office
A deacon desiring to resign office should first notify an elder.
Should the matter be over some dispute then the same pro-
cedures as that of an elder should be followed with all parties
desiring a Godly resolve.
Should the reason be due to some personal need then they
must be released with blessing and care from the elders and
other deacons. Reinstatement of any resigned deacon is
decided by the elders.
4) LEADERS OF VARIOUS CHURCH MINISTRIES
(i.e. Home Group Leaders, etc.)
These leaders are approved and appointed by the elders in consultation
with the deacons.
River of Life Church, Worthing is registered as a limited company with Directors/Trustees and members. The powers of the company and the directors is set out in the Memorandum and Articles of the company, and nothing in this constitution is intended to conflict with that document. The following note about Directors concerns the spiritual, not the legal responsibilities of that office.
1) DIRECTORS
Directors are approved and appointed by the elders in consultation with the existing Directors. It is a legal matter rather than a Scriptural observance. Even so, it is recognized that a person agreeing to this position is doing so out of love for God and desire to serve His church. They are, therefore highly commended for their service and the church is encouraged to pray for them in their position. They are not set apart with the laying on of hands, but in recognition of their role they will be presented to the church and prayed for.
a. Responsibilities
The role of the Directors is to serve the church overseeing the financial
and legal matters of the church. The financial spending, setting of
budgets, etc. must be approved by the elders as they seek God in how
best the use of finances is to be used in fulfilling the spiritual
direction of the church.
b. Resigning Office
A Director desiring to resign office should make known their
intentions to an elder. Should the reason be due to some dispute
then steps should be taken to settle the matter in a Godly manner.
Should the situation involve some legal matter then if deemed
necessary the elders should seek outside legal consultation to
bring the matter to a resolve. Should the reason be due to some
personal need then the Director must be released with blessing having regard to any legal requirement.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
According to the understanding of Scripture every believer is responsible to
search the Scriptures themselves to determine if what they are being taught is true according to God's Word. (Acts 17:11) Every believer is also taught from God's Word to respect and submit to their spiritual leaders.
(Heb.13:17)
1) Disputes among Church members
Disputes are encouraged to be resolved according to Scriptural teaching as found in Matt. 18:15-17.
2) Complaints Against an Elder
If a church member has a complaint against an elder then they should speak to an elder who will bring the matter to the elders and follow the procedure of I Tim.5:19. While elders are human and subject to mistake and correction it is a serious matter to accuse an elder and members bringing accusation must be advised that Scriptural procedures of I Tim.5:19 and Matt.18:15-17 will be followed. If the elders agree that the complaint is of true report then every attempt must be made to bring that elder into proper conduct. If the elders agree that the report is untrue then the member must be informed and the member must drop the matter, trusting the elders in God's hands. If that member accuses an elder to other church members causing dispute and murmurings among the church members the elders must quickly put into practice the Scriptural teaching of Matt.18:15-17.
3) Members Accused of Serious, Habitual Sin
According to Scripture every believer is at war with their own spiritual nature and sinful nature. (Rom.7:14-24) Therefore, we all sin and are seeking daily to overcome sin and to take on the characteristics of Jesus.
However, there is Scriptural teaching that suggests habitual sins of an immoral nature are subject to church discipline. (I Cor.5) It is a general understanding that public sins are dealt with publicly and private sins are dealt with privately. In all instances the elders must seek to bring about repentance and restoration. (Matt.18:15-17) If the sin has been public then special public encouragement to restore the one who has shown true repentance must be encouraged according to II.Cor.2:5-11.
NOTE: Immoral nature generally refers to sexual sins but any habitual sin deemed a serious nature by the elders (i.e. denial of Scripture, teaching false doctrine, dealings in illegal matters, drunkenness, etc.) are subject to the same church discipline as taught in I Cor.5, Matt.18:15-17, and II Cor.2:5-11.
CHURCH MEMBERS MEETINGS
In accordance to the law of the United Kingdom there must be an AGM where financial matters are made known to members. Meetings throughout the year will be determined by the elders as issues arise that need to be made known to members for their prayerful involvement. Members will be kept informed by the elders of the spiritual direction of the church so members may pray with knowledge and understanding. In accordance with Scriptural understanding, democratic vote is not the accepted practice for determining the spiritual direction of the church. (Heb.13:17) However, every member is recognized as having spiritual gifts that are beneficial for the whole body. Every believer is therefore encouraged to share their opinions and spiritual insight with the church. After hearing the opinions and views of the members, the elders will determine before God a particular course of action and such a decision will be deemed as the matter settled.
In general all members meetings will be announced at least two weeks prior to the meeting in order for all members to make adequate arrangements to attend. However, in some instances as deemed necessary by the elders, a special meeting may be needed more quickly than two weeks notice but every attempt will be made to include all members.
If a member desires a church meeting they must present their request to an elder. The request will be decided among the elders and the member making the request will be notified of the decision made.
This constitution was adopted by the Elders and Directors in consultation with the church members on (date)_______________
Signed _________________________Leader
_________________________Director
_________________________Director