Statement of Church Practice
1. THE CHURCH
1.1 What is the church here for?
To glorify God through:
- corporate worship
- evangelism
- fellowship
- teaching
- pastoring
- serving
1.2 What sort of church is Crabtree?
- evangelical
- autonomous
- Bible based
- praying
- open to the Holy Spirit
- practising God given gifts
1.3 What is the mission of Crabtree church?
Spread the gospel by:
- discipleship
- local evangelism
- social responsibility
- missionary support
- being salt and light
1.4 What are the key practices of the church?
- regular celebration of the Lord's Supper
- believers' baptism by immersion
2. MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Why should I be a member?
- to receive and to give
- to demonstrate commitment to Crabtree Church
2.2 Who can become a member?
- a born-again Christian
- you accept the church's statements of faith and practice
- someone wanting to grow spiritually
- be over 18 years of age
2.3 How can I become a member?
- take part in its activities and see how you could contribute to the life of the church
- ask one of the elders and attend a membership course(whose content may vary depending on the background of the individual)
- if your application is accepted, you will be welcomed into membership at a church service and given the opportunity to give a word of testimony
2.4 What are the responsibilities and privileges of membership?
- for the time being, you are primarily committed to the work of God at Crabtree
- regular attender at services and meetings (including Home Groups), especially the Lord's Supper
- praying for the life, ministry and fellowship of the church
- dedication of your gifts and talents to God through the church
- consistent financial commitment to Crabtree Church
- regular pastoral care through the elders and Home Group leaders
- opportunities to take part in specific training courses in conjunction with the church
- provide open and honest views/comments at church business meetings and to leaders
3. LEADERSHIP
3.1 How is the church led?
- by a plural and equal authority eldership aided by a leadership team
3.2 Who can be an elder?
- fulfil the qualities of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9
- have the gifting and calling of God
- humility and a servant heart
- have time to devote to fulfil the elder's role
- baptised(by immersion or infant with later confirmation) and supports the church's teaching on believers baptism by immersion
- has displayed the qualities above by serving the Lord in some leadership capacity at Crabtree Church
3.3 How are elders appointed?
- The elders will put forward a name/some names to the church, having first consulted the church members
- The names of proposed new elders will be mentioned on three consecutive Sundays
- A spiritual CV for each proposed new elder will be circulated to all church members
- Any objections to a nomination will be considered by the elders
- The elders will look to the church for recognition of the proposed new elders by a vote of > 80% of members, based on those returning a ballot paper
3.4 How long do elders serve for?
- elders will normally serve for 3 years, after which they may be re-recognised, as in 3.3 above
- term may be for 3 or 5 years or a period agreed and documented at the time of appointment
3.5 What are the responsibilities of the eldership?
- to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit
- to equip the members for ministry
- to pray for the church and its witness to the community
- to devote themselves to God's Word and its preaching and teaching
- to lovingly discipline and correct where necessary
- to pastor the flock and one another
- to take ultimate responsibility for decision-making
- to take responsibility for every area of the church's life and ministry
- to be responsible for the appointment of all leaders within the church
- communicate and agree things with members in church business meetings taking members views into account
3.6 Appointment of paid church worker (such as pastor or youth worker)
- to be agreed at church business meeting
- requires > 80% membership vote of those returning ballot paper
- fulfils requirements for role - evidence of previous work/experience
- employment terms and conditions documented
- method of review and payment documented
- accountable to church business meeting
- should a appointment of a pastor be made an amendment to section 3.1 is required, and a revised church practice issued to all members
4. CHURCH BUSINESS
4.1 How often should church business meetings take place?
- about four times a year
- in exceptional circumstances, special church meetings may be called
4.2 Who can attend church meetings?
- anyone in regular attendance may attend church meetings, but only members may vote
- to be over 18 years of age
4.3 How can Church Practice be altered?
- After full discussion at church business meeting
- ideally by unanimous decision; if not, by a vote of > 80% of church members
- revised document to be issued within 30 days of change
4.4 How does the church resolve major issues?
By following the steps below:
- prayer
- re-examining the Bible's teaching
- listening to one another
- consultation of church members
- hold meeting run by a facilitator to allow members to voice views/concerns, aim to find common ground and understand others views
- consult a independent body for advice and guidance
- elder's decision: if there is no unanimous decision of the elders, then there may need to be a church vote which will be decided by a simple majority
Agreed at CBM of 15 November 2001
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