A few general meetings ago, we shared a plan to bring our church constitution in line with our biblical convictions and current practice. We believe our structure should serve our mission. It should reflect our values. It should honour Scripture.
So we formed a committee. It includes our elders (Mark Penrith, Andre Broodryk, Robin Sammons, David Somerset), as well as church members with governance experience (Ian Austin), and a lawyer (Adrian Pearson). Their task is to revise the constitution, section by section, with care, prayer, and clarity.
We committed to a transparent process.
- The committee would carefully rewrite one section at a time.
- The executive would review those changes and, if satisfied, propose them to the church.
- The proposed changes would be made available to the congregation for review and discussion at a general meeting.
- A final vote would take place at a later general meeting.
We are now ready to begin. The first proposed changes are to the section on deacons. These revisions aim to reflect what Scripture teaches, what we already practice, and where we believe the Lord is leading us:
- The church may appoint to the office of deacon a member recognised as filled with the Holy Spirit, and who meets the qualifications as detailed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
- Deacons serve the church in practical ministries as determined by the executive.
- The executive shall, from time to time, invite the church to submit written nominations for the office of deacon. Having considered all nominations, the executive may identify suitable candidates, who may undergo a six-month period of testing where necessary. Thereafter the executive may present a recommended candidate at a general meeting. The name of the candidate shall be included in the notice of the meeting. Appointment to the office of deacon shall be confirmed by a favourable ballot of at least 75% of the members present and voting at the meeting.
- A deacon shall serve a term of two consecutive years. At the conclusion of this term, the executive may recommend the deacon at a general meeting for reappointment for a further period of two consecutive years. The name of the candidate shall be included in the notice of the meeting. Reappointment to the office of deacon shall be confirmed by a favourable ballot of at least 75% of the members present and voting at the meeting.
- The executive may if necessary recommend the removal of a deacon from the office at a general meeting. The name of the deacon shall be included in the notice of the meeting. Removal from the office of deacon shall be confirmed by a favourable ballot of at least 75% of the members present and voting at the meeting.
At our next general meeting, we will present this section for discussion. This is your opportunity to ask questions, give feedback, and consider the path forward with us. At a later meeting we will vote on the proposed changes.
Thank you for your patience in this process. Thank you for your commitment to walking together as a church body. Thank you for caring about the structure that helps us reach Benoni with the gospel, and equip all for life.