Tabling of constitutional changes at Benoni Baptist Church

At our special general meeting on Sunday, 27 July 2025, the executive tabled constitutional changes to the membership of Benoni Baptist Church for adoption at a later general meeting.

The proposed changes are:

42. 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.
43. Deacons serve the church in practical ministries as determined by the executive.
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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.

You can read a document which includes Biblical principles on deacons, The present constitutional section on deacons, The proposed constitutional section on deacons, and A description of each article of the proposed constitutional section on deacons here.

You can read a webpage which includes How the process will work, Frequently asked questions, and the ability to Submit a question here.