RANGIORA BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION

(Revision Date September 2017) 

The Constitution of the Rangiora Baptist Church

 1.             THE CHURCH

 1.1             The name of the church is the Rangiora Baptist Church, hereinafter called the Church.

 1.2             The Church is a community of those who believe in the one true living God revealed as the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; who are repentant of their sin and who have been saved by personal faith in Jesus Christ through his atoning death and resurrection; who publicly proclaim their faith and are committed to the Church’s vision, aims and functions.

 1.3             The Church believes:

1.3.1        That the Bible is the inspired word of God and accepts its authority in all matters of faith and practice.

1.3.2        That Jesus Christ came into the world so that by His death for sin and His bodily resurrection all who accept and believe in Him might be forgiven and reconciled to God.

1.3.3        That the whole human race is separated from God by sin so that all apart from those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, are in the bondage of sin and under Satan’s rule.

1.3.4        That the person of the Holy Spirit is sent to indwell all true believers empowering them for service and to enable them to live lives pleasing to God.

1.3.5        That Jesus Christ will return to this earth and there will be a coming judgment and resurrection of all mankind either to eternal life or to eternal separation from God.

1.3.6        That the sacraments of baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper are for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

2.       AIMS AND FUNCTIONS

The aims and functions of the Church are:

2.1       To engage in the task of mission, principally within New Zealand but also overseas (see Matthew 28 : 19 – 20).

2.2       To meet regularly for worship, prayer, teaching, encouragement and fellowship.

2.3       To form loving and caring communities of redeemed people who are seeking to live by Kingdom principles and move out beyond those communities to extend the Kingdom of God, by expressing God’s love to the community through ministries of the Word and practical care.

2.4             To proclaim the Truth of Scripture by which persons of all ages can experience salvation and in every possible way to seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ and bring them into His church.

 3.       STRUCTURE

3.1             The Church is an autonomous body governed through its members, working closely with Regional and National Baptist Staff, the Baptist Churches of New Zealand and the wider body of Christ.

3.2             We believe in the New Testament form of leadership of the local church through an Eldership who have the authority to guide and direct the Church and who serve in ministering to the spiritual needs of the Church.

3.3             The leadership team shall consist of the Senior Pastor and Elders assisted by Ministry Leaders, all of whom must be members of the Church.

3.4             The church may set up a Charitable Trust or Trusts to provide resources which will enable the Church through the Trust to minister to its local community by seeking to meet the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and educational needs of the people of its local community. The Elders shall approve the appointment of Trustees when required under the relevant Trust Deed(s).

4.       MEMBERSHIP

4.1       Membership is open to any person who:

4.1.1     Following repentance has accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

4.1.2     Gives evidence in their lifestyle of the new birth.

4.1.3     Has been baptised by immersion in water as an outward sign of inner change.  (Persons unable to be baptised for physical or other reasons may be accepted for membership at the discretion of the Elders)

4.1.4     Accepts the beliefs of the Church (1.3), agrees with the aims and functions of the Church and is prepared to abide by it’s constitution.

4.1.5     May be a transferring member in good standing of any other Baptist church or other Christian fellowship acceptable to the Elders.

4.1.6        Is prepared to accept encouragement, exhortation, direction and admonition in accordance with the principles laid down in Scripture.

4.1.7        Will endeavour to abide by their Members Pledge. (see Addendum)

4.1.8        Has reached the age of 18 years.

4.2             Application for membership shall be made to a Pastor or Elder. After the applicant has attended any Church membership course that the Church may from time to time require, the Elders will consider the application and make a decision.  The Church shall be advised.

4.3             A membership roll shall be kept. It will consist of “A”- resident members and “B” – non-resident members, being those living 30 kilometres or more from the Church premises. The roll shall be reviewed annually by a group of the Elders and Ministry Leaders. Any member who has ceased to fulfil the spirit of the member’s pledge shall be contacted, where possible, and given the opportunity to comment. The review group will then bring any recommendation to the Elders who will decide which names, if any, shall be removed from the roll.

4.4             Upon announcement of an annual general meeting, or any other members meeting, membership shall be closed off until such time as that meeting and all decisions from that meeting are completed.


4.5             Resolution of differences and church discipline.

 4.5.6        In cases of difference between Church members, the Lord’s words, as set out in Matthew 18:15 – 17 shall be followed. The Church shall have the power to admonish, suspend or expel any member for misconduct.

4.5.7        If an allegation of conduct inconsistent with the teaching of scripture is received the Elders shall arrange to have the allegation investigated.

  • If the allegation is found to have substance, appropriate action will be taken by the Elders to address the issue and to seek repentance and reconciliation.

  • Where repentance and/or reconciliation does not result, the Elders may take appropriate action and/or bring a recommendation to a church meeting.

  • The person or persons concerned shall, where possible, be given an opportunity to speak at any meeting called to consider their membership.

5.       LEADERSHIP

5.1             Senior Pastor

5.1.1        Pastoral Responsibility The Senior Pastor shall be entrusted with the spiritual and pastoral oversight of the Church (along with the other Elders), and of all Ministry Leaders. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for preaching and teaching to build up the body of Christ for the work of ministry. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for identifying and establishing the Church vision and mission and ensure an annual plan aligned with these is produced for the Church. This plan shall require the approval of the other Elders. The Senior Pastor shall be accountable to the other Elders for these responsibilities and performance of the plan.

5.1.2     Pastoral Vacancy When a vacancy occurs in the senior pastorate, the Church may, on the recommendation of the Elders, appoint an interim pastor who shall temporarily take up this function. A search committee shall be appointed by the Church, on the recommendation of the Elders at a members meeting. The committee shall be guided by the Baptist Union pastoral placement protocols. The committee shall, after consultation with the Elders, bring one nomination to a Church meeting called for that purpose. Two weeks notice shall be given of the meeting. No call to the pastorate shall be made except on the votes of at least 75% of the votes cast at that meeting.  Voting shall be by secret ballot.

5.1.3     Termination of the Pastorate Three months notice shall be given by the Church or the pastor before the pastorate is terminated unless another period is negotiated between the parties. If the Eldership believe a Pastor has completed their time of ministry to the Church they should share this with the Pastor. The Elders shall also be the members’ representatives in all matters relating to a termination, save any final decision to terminate. Any resolution to terminate the pastorate shall require a vote of at least 51% of votes cast by secret ballot at a properly constituted special members’ meeting called for that purpose.

While it is acknowledged that the Senior Pastor, and any person appointed under section 5.3.3, is not an employee, the church membership shall ensure that the pastor is treated with fairness and dignity upon the conclusion of the pastorate. Any dispute or difference arising out of the conclusion of the pastorate must be referred to an independent party for resolution by way of mediation or such alternative dispute resolution process that is agreed as being appropriate. In the event it is not possible to reach agreement as to the identity of the independent party, a senior staff member of the Baptist Union shall appoint such an independent person.

5.1.4     Nature of the Relationship Unless the parties agree in writing to the contrary, the relationship between the church membership and the Senior Pastor and any Staff appointed under section 5.3.3 will not be an employment relationship, but a relationship of spiritual service, and is not intended to create a legal relationship.

5.2       Elders

5.2.1     Character 

Elders shall be members of this Church, who are recognised by the Church as having shown the necessary qualities of spiritual maturity and leadership as outlined in scripture (1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). 

5.2.2     Conduct 

Elders shall be prepared to submit to each other and to accept counsel and guidance from each other in a spirit of humility and shall at all times endeavour to act in and remain in unity.

 5.2.3     Members 

The Eldership shall consist of the Senior Pastor, and a minimum of four and a maximum of six elected Elders.

5.2.4     Nominations 

Shall be brought by the Elders, after consultation with the wider leadership team (see 3.3) to a Church meeting.  A majority of not less than 66% of the votes cast by secret ballot is required. Elders shall serve for a term of two years and shall be eligible for re-election.

 A nomination may also be made by seven Church members who should have such a nomination affirmed by the leadership before placing it before a Church meeting. However prior to beginning this process the initiating nominator should confer with an Elder regarding the above sections 5.2.1 and 5.2.2.

5.2.5     Responsibilities

The Elders, including the Senior Pastor, are responsible for, and shall focus primarily on, the governance and direction of the Church seeking to bring into reality the vision and mission of the Church.

5.2.6     Meetings

The Elders shall meet at least 12 times a year with the Senior Pastor and at least quarterly with the leadership team (see 3.3). Meetings shall be chaired by an elected Elder, not the Senior Pastor. 

5.3       Ministry Leaders

5.3.1     Ministry Areas

The Elders shall determine the ministry areas of the Church.  The Senior Pastor may appoint Church members to be “Ministry Leaders” heading up ministry areas. Such appointment will require the ratification of the Elders.

 5.3.2        Ministry Leaders

Each Ministry Leader will develop an annual plan, including goals, expected outcomes and the resources required. This plan requires the agreement of the Senior Pastor and will be incorporated in the Annual Plan agreed to by the Elders (see clause 5.1.1).

 The Ministry Leaders will be required to work according to the values and policies of the Church and within the parameters of the budget allocated to that ministry. They will be given the authority to develop their ministry and will be accountable to the Senior Pastor for achieving the agreed outcomes.

A Ministry Leader may appoint others of the congregation to form a team to assist them in their ministry.

5.3.3        Other Pastoral Staff

Where a pastoral ministry area cannot be achieved by a volunteer but requires the appointment of a full or part time worker, that person shall be appointed by the Elders on the recommendation of the Senior Pastor and ratification by a Church meeting. A majority of not less than 66% of the votes cast by secret ballot is required.  Clear terms of call shall accompany the call to that person together with the arrangements for the termination of the call.

6.       GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH

6.1       There shall be an annual Church members meeting and such other members meetings as may be called from time to time. The Church financial year shall end on the 30th June. The annual meeting shall be held within three months of year end and shall include:

  • The consideration of the annual report and of the audited accounts for the preceding year.

  • The consideration of the annual plan.

  • Approval of the budget for the current financial year.

 The election of the Elders shall normally be made at this meeting but can be made at any members meeting. The Elders may call any other Church members meeting as necessary. At least two Sundays notice is required for any Church members meeting.

6.2       Purpose

The purpose of any Church members meeting shall be to seek to discover and confirm the mind of God on matters affecting the life and work of the Church and its mission.

The following are matters that must be decided by a members meeting:

  • Calling of a Senior Pastor and other paid pastoral ministry leaders.

  • Appointment of Elders.

  • Approval of the church budget.

  • Approval of non-budgeted expenditure, outside the agreed parameters that have been delegated to leadership by the members.

  • Purchase or development of land and property.

  • Altering this Church constitution. 

6.3       Quorum and Voting

At least 30% of the resident church membership, (“A”roll), shall be the quorum for any Church members’ meeting where binding decisions are to be made. Unless otherwise stated, decisions shall require a majority of not less than 66% of valid votes cast at that meeting, whether by a show of hands or secret ballot.

6.4       Chairperson

 The Elders will appoint a chairperson for congregational and members meetings. In all discussion, normal rules of procedure shall be observed and the ruling of the chair in questions of order shall be final. In the event of a meeting being called where the interests of the Elders may be involved, the meeting should be chaired by a suitably qualified person.

6.5       Special Meetings

The Elders, on receipt of a request signed by at least 10% of the resident members shall call a special meeting of the Church members within 21 days of the request being received. Normal notice of the meeting shall be given. 

6.6       National Leader

The National Leader of the Baptist Union of New Zealand may call a special Church members meeting by making announcements, or arranging for announcements to be made, on at least two Sundays prior to the meeting. The National Leader or nominee will chair such a meeting.

6.7       Delegated Expenditure Levels

To enable the Church to function effectively, the Eldership may approve additional expenditure levels up to 5% in total of the current budgeted income. This delegation is for items not included in budgets approved by a Church members’ meeting. 

 Agreed expenditure will be notified to the members at the next members meeting. Any expenditure above these delegated figures will require the approval of a Church members’ meeting. 

6.8       Attendance

Both Church members and others of the congregation are able to attend Church meetings, but only members may vote. A secret ballot shall be held if requested by not less than 10% of the members present at the meeting or if requested by the chairperson.

  • All voting involving any position of leadership within the Church shall be carried out by secret ballot.

  • The meeting shall approve scrutineers who shall be members but not relatives of the nominee(s).

  • All members are to be encouraged to attend all meetings wherever possible.  However if this is not physically possible then absentee voting will apply for any known option.

6.9       Absentee Voting

The use of absentee voting will apply only when the options are known in advance. The following voting procedures will apply when using the option of absentee voting: -

6.9.1     The member must go to the Church office before the close off date set for absentee voting, complete the voting form and place it in a sealed envelope.

6.9.2     The designated person will witness the voting by signing and dating the envelope.

6.9.3     The designated person will record the member’s name on the member roll sheet, which is to be used at the Church meeting.

6.9.4     Absentee votes cannot be used in determining numbers for a quorum. If there are insufficient members to reach a quorum then the absentee votes become null and void and are to be destroyed unopened.  New votes will need to be recorded for those members who are not able to attend the rescheduled meeting.

6.9.5     If for any reason the motion changes at the meeting the absentee votes will become null and void.

6.9.6     No Church member or the chairperson of the meeting has the right to over ride the voting of the absentee voter.  i.e. if the absentee vote cannot be used as in 6.9.1 – 6.9.5 above, the vote becomes null and void.

7.       DECLARATION OF TRUST

7.1             Any land or any property including church buildings and manses shall be vested in the Baptist Union as Trustee, which shall hold them for and on behalf of the Church; and shall deal with the property by consent and direction of the Church in accordance with the Trusts declared in the Sixth Schedule to the “Baptist Union Incorporation Act 1923”.

8.       ALTERATIONS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

8.1             Any recommended alteration to the constitution shall be announced and publicised at least two Sundays before a members meeting, either by including the details of the proposed change in the Church newsletter or by posting it on a noticeboard in the Church foyer. No alterations or additions shall be made to the constitution unless adopted by a majority of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a members meeting.

8.2             Unless the Church agrees to forgo its charitable status and income tax exemption, no alteration shall be made to this constitution which would in any way detract from the exclusively charitable nature of the Church and in particular shall not alter the provisions of clauses 9 and 10 hereof.

 9.       NO PECUNIARY PROFIT FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL 

9.1       No decision of the Church or its leadership shall be made which would allow a member or members to receive any private pecuniary profit provided that:

9.1.1      A member may receive reimbursement for all expenses properly incurred in connection with the affairs of the Church;

9.1.2     The Church may pay reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or employee of the Church in return for services actually rendered to the Church;

9.1.3      Any member of the Church may be paid for all usual professional business or trade charges for services rendered, time expended and all acts done by that member or by any firm or entity of which the member is a partner, employee or associate, in connection with the affairs of the Church.

9.1.4      Any member may retain any remuneration properly payable to the member by any company or undertaking with which the member may in any way be concerned or involved for which the member has acted in any capacity whatever notwithstanding that member’s connection with that company or undertaking is any way attributable to that member’s connection with the Church.

9.1.5       Nothing shall prevent the Church from making payments to any individual (whether a member or not) in fulfilling any of the purposes expressed in clause 2 hereof.

 9.2              Members or leaders of the Church, in determining all reimbursements, remuneration and charges payable in this clause, shall ensure that the restrictions imposed by the following clause are strictly observed

9.3              Notwithstanding anything contained or implied in this constitution, no member of the Church or any person associated with a member shall participate in or materially influence any decision made by the Church in respect to the payment to or on behalf of that member or associated person, of any income benefit or advantage whatsoever.

10.     WINDING UP PROVISIONS 

Subject to clauses 17, 18 and 19 of the Sixth Schedule to the Baptist Union Incorporation Act, if the members resolve at a properly constituted meeting of the Church adopted by a majority of at least two thirds of the members present at such a Church meeting that the Church should be wound up then the net proceeds arising from such winding up shall be applied, with the prior approval of the Baptist Union of New Zealand, to such charitable purposes within New Zealand as the members may determine or in default of such determination as may be determined by a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand on application by the members, and such proceeds shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members of the Church.

Addendum to the Constitution

Member’s Pledge

Being called of God into the fellowship of His people and into the membership of this Church, I pledge myself, by the grace of God, to endeavour:

1.           To live at all times such a life as becomes a true Christian and member of this Church.

2.           To take an active and diligent part in the life and work of the Church, regularly attending its services of worship and congregational meetings; participating in one of the home groups as far as I am able, and being willing to help with whatever gifts I have.

3.           To be faithful in prayer for the Church and its witness in the community.

4.           To share conscientiously by tithe and offering to the funds of the Church.

 5.           To do all in my power to deepen and enrich the spirit of the fellowship in the Church, always endeavouring to refrain from uncharitable thought and word and ever seeking to develop the spirit of love in this family of God’s people.

6.           To share by life and by word in the supreme task of the Church, namely in witnessing to the saving power of Jesus Christ our Lord, making disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that our Lord has commanded.