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
- A pastor appointed by the church has an equal authority to all the other elders but he is empowered by the elders with agreed delegated authority to enable him to work effectively.
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 75% or more of church members who vote by 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 matters 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 a vote of 75% or more of church members who vote by returning a 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
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 75% or more of church members who vote by returning a ballot paper
- 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
Church practice changed as per church vote closing on Sunday 2nd August 2009 and awaiting final ratification at Church Business Meeting on Thursday 15th October 2009.
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