Statement of Church Practice
1. Crabtree Church
Crabtree Church seeks to glorify God in worship, in spiritual growth, and in reaching out to the community with God’s love, compassion, and grace as seen in Jesus Christ.
Our goal as a church is taken from Matthew 28:18-20. This passage speaks about conversion (make disciples), followed by baptism, and then growth in the body of Christ. In this context, we place ourselves under the leadership and teaching of the church (Hebrews 13:17).
2. Statement of faith
As members of the Evangelical Alliance, Crabtree Church subscribes to the Basis of Faith of the Evangelical Alliance.
3. Church leadership
Christ is the head of the church, and part of this leadership is delegated to Pastoral Leaders who are supported by spiritually gifted people with administrative and practical gifts.
3.1 Pastoral Leaders
Pastoral Leaders are called by God to lead his people with biblical teaching in the context of prayer. In doing this, they prepare God’s people for works of service (Ephesians 4:11).
The New Testament uses different names for Pastoral Leaders, but the most common is that of overseer. This word is used in Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9, and 1 Peter 5:2. With this idea of spiritual oversight in mind, a pastoral leader is to...
Shepherd God’s People — Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1‑3.
Protect God’s People — Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17.
Guide God’s People — 1 Timothy 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:12.
Pray for God’s People — Acts 6:4.
Pastoral Leaders should meet regularly to reflect on the well-being of the church, discuss pastoral matters, and to pray. In doing this, Pastoral Leaders are accountable to each other for mutual support and encouragement.
It is the responsibility of the existing Pastoral Leaders to look out for additional pastoral leaders. Having made the necessary enquiries and obtained the consent of a proposed leader, the Pastoral Leaders should make a recommendation to the church. After waiting for 21 days, and if in the opinion of the Pastoral Leaders, there is no good reason not to proceed, the Pastoral Leaders shall confirm the appointment of the new pastoral leader at a church meeting. Pastoral Leaders who are paid by the church must have at least 75% support from the church members who respond. Employment terms and conditions should also be documented.
3.2 Pastoral Support Group
To enable Pastoral Leaders to perform their duties, a pastoral support group is appointed to help run the church in a practical way.
The Pastoral Support Group should meet regularly (with at least one Pastoral Leader present).
Each person in the pastoral support group should be accountable to and encouraged by the Pastoral Leaders.
Additional pastoral support group members can be appointed as the need arises. Such additions should be approved by the Pastoral Leaders, and announced to the church.
3.3 Other Leadership Roles
Apart from the above, other leadership roles function in the church. Those regularly involved in such ministry, however, should be church members, and approved by the Pastoral Leaders for that ministry.
All church workers are accountable to the Pastoral Leaders for their work and for their conduct.
All those who desire to engage in ministry with anyone under eighteen should be approved according to the guidelines of the church’s Child Protection Policy.
3.4 Decision Making in the Church
In theological issues, the Pastoral Leaders are to lead, direct, and make decisions on behalf of the church. They should do this in consultation with the Pastoral Support Group when appropriate, other leaders where applicable, and the church body if necessary.
Decisions of a more practical nature should be made by the church as guided by the Pastoral Leaders and/or the Pastoral Support Group. This applies particularly to financial matters (including the appointment of paid workers).
4. Church membership
Those in regular attendance at Crabtree Church are encouraged to become members after appropriate discussion with pastoral leaders, and by completing an application form. This form asks the applicant to affirm their faith and their baptism, and to abide by this document of church practice.
After consideration by the Pastoral Leaders, those ready for membership shall be notified, and then welcomed at a church meeting (preferably a communion service).
All members should maintain fellowship through prayer, attendance at meetings, engaging in ministry, and financial contribution when possible.
5. Church meetings
Church meetings shall be held regularly to help facilitate openness, accountability, and spiritual insight. At times, these meetings may be restricted to church members.
6. Church discipline
If a member fails to fulfil the obligations of membership, the Pastoral Leaders shall encourage them to fulfil their commitment to the church. If there is no improvement, the Pastoral Leaders shall ask them to re-consider their membership.
If there is an accusation of unworthy conduct against a member, the Pastoral Leaders shall make enquiry into the matter and take appropriate action. Any action should be done in love—following Matthew 18:15-20. The outcome could be a withdrawal of membership, but with a view to restoration in accordance with Galatians 6:1.
When the church body cannot resolve matters, an independent body may be sought for clarity and guidance.
7. Church ordinances
7.1 Baptism
Having satisfied themselves regarding an applicant’s conversion and appreciation of the meaning of baptism, the Pastoral Leaders shall organise baptism by immersion for the applicant.
7.2 Communion
The Lord’s Supper shall be celebrated regularly and is open to all who confess and follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
8. Church finances
Funds for the work of the church shall normally be received by financial contributions from those who attend the church.
Under the guidance of the Pastoral Leaders, the church shall appoint a Treasurer who is to provide regular financial reports to the church.
This is a working document and as such can be amended by the Pastoral Leaders (in consultation with the church as outlined in this document)
The current document was approved by the church on 16 October 2011