Our quarterly general meeting will be on Sunday, 23 November, after the morning service. At this meeting we will vote on the proposed changes to the deacons section of our constitution.
We have followed a careful process. A constitution committee of elders, together with 2 members, Ian Austin, and Adrian Pearson, have drafted the revisions. The executive reviewed the draft. And our church has had time to read, discuss, and hear teaching from the pulpit on the proposed changes. Now is the time for decision.
Why this matters. Good governance honours Christ. Good governance protects the flock. Good governance helps us serve Benoni well. The elders want our polity to be biblical, workable, and clear.
To help us think biblically we distributed Understanding Church Leadership by Mark Dever. We have also preached through relevant texts. Sermons on Acts 6:1–7, 1 Timothy 3:8–13, and Philippians 1:1–2 are available for download on the church YouTube Channel. Please listen if you have not yet done so. Read, pray, and come to the meeting informed.
The proposed wording for the deacons section is below.
13.1. 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.
13.2. Deacons serve the church in practical ministries as determined by the executive.
13.3. 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.
13.4. 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.
13.5. 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.
If you require a printed copy of the proposed changes, or a copy of the supporting documents, collect one from the office. If you have questions before the meeting, speak to an elder, or email the office at office@benonibaptistchurch.com.
Pray with me. Pray for wisdom. Pray for unity. Pray that our governance will help us achieve our mission to reach Benoni with the gospel, and equip all for life.
The election/re-election of deacons is clear enough, I see some ambiguity in re-election ( or not) after the initial two terms. ( is the period extendable or not?)
Hey David,
The deacon serves for a period of 2 years, and could be re-elected thereafter. This could roll. So after serving the second term, they could be re-elected again. And again. And again.
Thanks for the question. I’ve added it to the FAQs.