Source: http://www.kerkrecht.nl/book/export/html/6182
Timestamp: 2019-12-12 14:58:51
Document Index: 450215379

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 1', 'Art. 2', 'Art. 3', 'Art. 4', 'Art. 6', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 8', 'Art. 9', 'Art. 19', 'Art. 11', 'Art. 19', 'Art. 12', 'Art. 13', 'Art. 14', 'Art. 15', 'Art. 16', 'Art.99', 'Art. 17', 'Art. 18', 'Art. 19', 'Art. 20', 'Art. 21', 'Art. 22', 'Art. 23', 'Art. 24', 'Art. 25', 'Art. 26', 'Art. 27', 'Art. 28', 'Art. 29', 'Art. 30', 'Art. 31', 'Art. 32', 'Art. 33', 'Art. 34', 'Art. 35', 'Art. 36', 'Art. 37', 'Art. 38', 'Art. 39', 'Art. 40', 'Art. 41', 'Art. 42', 'Art. 43', 'Art. 44', 'Art. 45', 'Art. 46', 'Art. 47', 'Art. 114', 'Art. 49', 'Art. 50', 'Art. 51', 'Art. 52', 'Art. 91', 'Art. 92', 'Art. 93', 'Art. 94', 'Art. 95', 'Art. 96']

Kerkorde RCNZ (1977)
Office Bearer’s Handbook, fourth edition 2013
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 1
Purpose of the Church Order
In accordance with the apostolic injunction (1 Cor. 14: 40) that in the Church of Christ all things are to be done decently and in order, the Reformed Churches of New Zealand, in this Church Order, regulate their organisation and activities, so that they may fulfil their calling according to the Scriptures and the Reformed Confessions.
The main subjects treated in this Order are the Church’s Offices, Assemblies, Worship, and Discipline.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HI.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 2
Two Kinds of Offices
The ordinary and perpetual offices of the Church, as instituted by the authority of Christ for the Church, may be classified under two heads, as Elders and Deacons.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 3
Only Communicant Members of the Church who meet the biblical requirements for office-bearers are eligible for office. No one shall hold and exercise an office in the Church without a lawful call and ordination or installation.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 4
Legal Call to the Office
The call to an office shall be executed by the session as follows:
1. Prior to making nomination, the session shall ordinarily give the congregation an opportunity to place names in nomination.
2. From these names and/or nominations made by the session, twice the number to be elected shall ordinarily be presented to the congregation.
3. The names of those being presented by the session shall be announced to the congregation on two successive Lord's Days to allow for lawful objections.
4. After prayer the election by the congregation shall take place under supervision of the session.
5. The right to vote shall be limited to communicant members in good standing.
All office-bearers shall be ordained or installed in public worship services with the use of the prescribed forms.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 6
Elders and Deacons shall ordinarily serve a term of three years or more, according to local regulations.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 7
Re-election or Extension of Office
Retiring Elders and Deacons shall be succeeded by others unless the circumstances and the well-being of any church render re-election or extension of time advisable.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 8
When any office-bearer has already been ordained, upon re-election to the same office, he shall be installed only.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 9
When office-bearers are ordained or installed, they shall be required to sign the Synodically accepted Form of Subscription.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIa.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) 10
Who Is Eligible for Call
The following shall be eligible for call as Ministers of the Word and Sacraments:
1. Those who have followed the Synodically prescribed course of study, and have subsequently been declared candidates by Presbytery;1
2. Those who are already in the ministry of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand or a sister-church;
3. Ministers of other denominations who have been declared eligible for call by Presbytery;
4. Those who have been declared candidates according to Article 12 of this Church Order.
1 Theological candidates are eligible for call who have successfully completed the prescribed course of study at the Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Australia, or its equivalent (Acts 1989, Art. 19.b).
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 11
No Minister shall be received from any other denomination without a colloquium doctum prior to his installation (a colloquium doctum is understood to be a thorough investigation of the theological training and ministerial record and a careful examination regarding soundness in the Reformed Faith, exemplariness of life, and motives for seeking the ministry in the Reformed Churches of New Zealand).2
2 The colloquium doctum for ministers coming from sister-churches is to be understood as not being the equivalent of a final examination, but is to focus on soundness of doctrine, sanctity of life and knowledge and appreciation of the practice and usage of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (Acts 1989, Art. 19.d).
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 12
Exemptions in the Case of Exceptional Gifts
Persons who have not pursued the regular study in preparation for the ministry of the Word shall not be admitted to the ministry, unless there is assurance of their exceptional gifts, godliness, humility, modesty, common sense and discretion, as also gifts of public address.
When such persons present themselves for the ministry, the Presbytery, with the consent of Synod, shall first examine them, and further deal with them as it shall deem edifying, according to the general regulations of the Churches.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 13
Credentials Necessary to Move Elsewhere
A minister once lawfully called may not leave the congregation with which he is connected to accept a call elsewhere, without the consent of the session and knowledge of the Presbytery.
Likewise, no other church may receive him until he has presented a proper certificate of dismissal from the Church and the Presbytery where he served.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 14
Proper Support, No Rash Dismissal
The session, as representing the congregation, shall provide for the proper support of its ministers and shall not dismiss them from service without the knowledge and approbation of the Presbytery and Synodical Examiners.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 15
Ministers of the Word may not enter upon a secular vocation except for such weighty reasons as shall receive the approval of Presbytery.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 16
A minister who for weighty reasons desires a temporary release from service to the congregation must have his application for release approved by his session, which continues to have supervision over him.
Art. “16B” (Acts of Synod 2005, Art.99 section 5).
a. A minister who is not eligible for retirement or worthy of discipline may for weighty reasons be released from service in a congregation through action initiated by himself or by his session. Such release shall be given only with the approval of presbytery, with concurring advice of the synodical examiners, and in accordance with synodical regulations.
b. The session shall provide for the support of a released minister in such a way and for such a time as shall receive the approval of presbytery.
c. A minister of the Word who has been released from service in a congregation shall be eligible for call for a period of two years, after which time the presbytery, with the concurring advice of the synodical examiners, shall declare him to be released from ministerial office.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 17
Emeriti Ministers’ Title Retained
Ministers who by reason of sickness or otherwise are rendered incapable of performing the duties of their office, shall nevertheless retain the honour and title of a Minister, and the Church which they have served shall provide honourably for them (likewise, for the orphans and widows of ministers) out of the common fund of the churches, according to the general regulations of the churches.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 18
Preaching Elsewhere Without Consent
A minister shall not be permitted to conduct worship services in the locality of a Reformed Church other than his own without the consent of the session of that church.
A minister shall not conduct a worship service in a non-sister church without informing the session of the local Reformed Church.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 19
Duties in Regular Service
The task of the minister is: to expound the Holy Scriptures, to vindicate sound doctrine against heresies and errors, to administer the sacraments, to continue in prayer, to watch over his brethren, the elders and deacons as well as the congregation, to catechise the youth, and with the other elders to exercise church discipline and to see to it that everything is done decently and in order.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 20
Licensed Students to Exhort in Public
Only students who are licensed according to Synodical regulations shall be permitted to exhort in the public worship services.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 21
Students Conducting Worship Services
Students who have received permission, according to the rule in this matter, and persons who have, according to Article 12, been judged competent to be prepared for the Ministry of the Word, shall, for their own training and for the sake of becoming known to the congregations, be allowed to conduct worship services under proper supervision.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 22
The Session shall encourage the parents to make every possible effort that the children of believers receive proper Christian education and catechetical instruction.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIb.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 23
The task of the elders is to rule in the name of the ascended King, and as servants of the great Shepherd, care for the flock.
They shall therefore: ensure that the Gospel is preached every Sunday, see to it that the Sacraments are faithfully administered, exercise Christian discipline, resist false doctrine and error, visit the members of the congregation at least annually in order that they may comfort, instruct and encourage each one according to need, visit the sick and the bereaved, promote evangelism, see to it that everything is done decently and in order and that their fellow office-bearers faithfully discharge their respective offices, having particular regard to the doctrine and conduct of the Minister of the Word.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIc.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 24
The task of the deacons is: to diligently collect alms and other contributions of charity, to faithfully and diligently distribute the same to the poor as their needs may require after mutual counsel, to visit and comfort the distressed, to encourage the congregation to show Christian mercy to those in need at home and abroad, to render an account to the session.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HII.
Assemblies of the Church
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 25
Three Kinds of Assemblies
The assemblies of the church are: the Session, the Presbytery, and the Synod.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 26
In major assemblies only such matters shall be dealt with as could not be determined in minor assemblies: or such as pertain to the churches of the major assembly in common.
In all assemblies only ecclesiastical matters shall be dealt with.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 27
Decisions by Common Consent Preferred
Decisions of ecclesiastical assemblies shall be reached only upon due consideration and whenever possible by common consent; if unanimity on an issue cannot be reached, the minority shall abide by the judgment of the majority.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 28
Appeal to Major Assemblies
If any one complains that he has been wronged by the decision of a minor assembly, he shall have the right to appeal to a major assembly.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 29
Compliance on Matters of Conscience
Assemblies may not compel compliance on the part of a minority in matters of conscience not clearly defined in the Word of God and the Forms of Unity.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 30
All assemblies shall begin and end their sessions with prayer.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 31
Credentials and Instructions
Those who are delegated to the assemblies shall bring with them their credentials and instructions, signed by those sending them, and they shall have a vote in all matters, except such as particularly concern their own persons or churches.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 32
All office-bearers may be seated at major assemblies as advisory members, but only those delegated shall have the right to vote.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 33
In all assemblies there shall be not only a Moderator, but also a Clerk to keep a faithful record of all important matters.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 34
The task of the Moderator is to state and explain the business to be transacted, and to see that good order is maintained. In the case of major assemblies this function shall cease when the assembly is dismissed.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 35
Authority of Major Assemblies
Each assembly exercises, in keeping with its own character and domain, the ecclesiastical authority entrusted to the Church by Christ; the authority of sessions being original, that of major assemblies being delegated.
The Presbytery has the same authority over the Session as the Synod has over the Presbytery.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIIa.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 36
Constituency of Session
In all churches there shall be a session, composed of elders (ruling and teaching) who shall meet regularly according to local regulations, but at least once a month.
According to local regulations, the deacons may meet with the session and shall invariably do so whenever the total number of elders is less than three.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 37
Formation of a Session
In places where the session is to be constituted for the first time, this shall only take place with the advice of the Presbytery.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 38
Where There Is No Session
Where as yet no session can be constituted, groups of believers shall be placed under the care of a neighbouring session.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 39
Vacant Church Counsellor
When a church is without a minister, the session shall request presbytery to designate a minister of a neighbouring church as counsellor. The session shall consult the counsellor on all important matters, especially regarding the calling of a minister. The counsellor shall attend the session meetings whenever requested to do so.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 40
The deacons shall meet regularly according to local regulations but at least once per month to transact the business pertaining to their office.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 41
Cooperation of the Congregation
The session, besides seeking the co-operation of the congregation in the election of office-bearers, may also invite its judgment about other matters, except those which pertain to the supervision and discipline of the congregation.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 42
The session shall call a meeting at least annually of all members entitled to vote. Such a meeting shall be conducted by the session.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 43
Authority Remains with the Session
Although full consideration shall be given to the judgment expressed by the congregation, the authority of making and carrying out final decisions remains with the session as the governing body of the Church.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 44
Congregational Judgment on Property
In matters of acquiring and disposing of property, the session shall not act against the judgment expressed by the majority of the congregation.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIIb.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 45
Constituency of Presbytery
The presbytery meetings shall consist of neighbouring churches that respectively delegate, with proper credentials, at least two office-bearers (ordinarily a minister and an elder) to meet at such time and place as was determined at the previous presbytery meeting.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 46
Presbytery meetings shall ordinarily be held at least once in four months.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 47
The Task of Presbytery
At least annually the moderator shall present the following questions to the delegates of each church:
1. Are the session meetings regularly held in your church and are they held according to the needs of the congregation?
2. Are all the office-bearers individually and collectively striving earnestly to serve the congregation?
3. Is church discipline faithfully exercised?
4. Does the session diligently promote the cause of Christian education (including Christian day schools)?
5. Does the session diligently promote the cause of missions, both at home and abroad?
6. Does the session seek presbytery’s advice on any matter?
Presbytery shall make provision for church visitation at least once per year. Each church shall be visited by two elders (one of whom shall ordinarily be a minister). The synodically approved questionnaire shall be followed in general and a report of each visit rendered to presbytery (Acts of Synod 2008, Art. 114).
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HIIc.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 49
Constituency and Meetings of Synod
The churches shall meet in General Synod at least once every three years.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 50
At the close of each synod the time and place of the next synod shall be fixed and a particular church designated to convene it. The calling church, by request of a majority of the other churches, may reset the time and/or place.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 51
Synod shall appoint such committees as it deems expedient to execute its decisions.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 52
Each church shall be represented in Synod by two elders (one of whom shall ordinarily be a minister). Under exceptional circumstances one delegate may be a deacon.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) HV.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 91
Communicant members who move to another Reformed Church are entitled to a certificate, issued by the session, concerning their doctrine and life.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 92
Who Receives the Certificate
Certificates of membership shall ordinarily be given to the member concerned, and in addition, a notice shall be sent to the church nearest to their residence.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 93
Certificate of Membership by Baptism
Members by baptism who move to another Reformed Church shall be granted a certificate of membership by baptism, to which such notations as are necessary shall be attached. Such certificates shall, as a rule, be mailed to the church of their residence.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 94
Those Who Move without Requesting a Certificate
In cases of communicant members and members by baptism, who move to another area without requesting a certificate, notice shall be sent to the nearest Reformed Church.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 95
Lording over One Another
No church shall in any way lord it over another church and no office-bearer shall lord it over another office-bearer.
Kerkorde RCNZ (1977) Art. 96
Revision of the Church Order
This Church Order, having been adopted by common consent, shall be faithfully observed, and any revision thereof shall be made only by Synod.