“A local church ministry focused on advancing the glorious kingdom church”
In pursuit of
ONE TEAM
ONE PURPOSE
ONE VISION
“Of the increase of Jesus’ government and peace there shall be no end …” (Isaiah 9:7)
Box 665, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, KZN, South Africa
e-mail: info@kingdomlifeacademy.org
CONTENTS
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Article |
Headings |
Page |
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I |
PREAMBLE |
3 |
|
II |
DEFINITIONS |
3 |
|
III |
NAME and ADDRESS |
3 |
|
IV |
FOUNDING STATEMENT |
3 |
|
V |
OUR PURPOSE |
3 |
|
VI |
OUR VISION |
4 |
|
VII |
OUR OTHER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES |
4 |
|
VIII |
OUR STATEMENT OF BELIEF |
4 |
|
IX |
MEMBERSHIP |
5 |
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- Condition of membership |
5 |
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- admission into membership and fellowship |
6 |
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- receiving converts into fellowship |
6 |
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- acceptance of members from other denominations |
6 |
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X |
THE MANAGEMENT TEAM |
6 |
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- The composition of the Management Team |
6 |
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- Duties of the Founders (Ricky and Devandree Pillay) |
6 |
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- The Responsibilities of the Management Team |
7 |
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- Rules and regulations for the Management Team |
8 |
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- Removal of Management Team member |
8 |
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XI |
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM |
9 |
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- The Leadership shall consist of |
9 |
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- Qualifications of Coordinators |
9 |
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- Undertaking by the Coordinators |
10 |
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- The Responsibilities of the Leadership Team |
10 |
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- Rules and regulations for the Leadership Team |
11 |
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- Duties of Coordinators |
11 |
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- Leadership Coordinator |
11 |
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- Other Coordinator |
12 |
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XII |
REMOVAL OF COORDINATORS AND OFFICERS |
12 |
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XIII |
CORRECTIVE CHURCH DISCIPLINE |
12 |
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- The pattern and basis for discipline |
13 |
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- The purpose of Church discipline |
13 |
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- Practice of Church discipline |
14 |
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- When it is to be practised |
14 |
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- How it is to be practised |
14 |
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XIV |
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES |
15 |
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XV |
SOURCE OF INCOME |
15 |
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XVI |
UTILIZATION OF FUNDS |
15 |
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XVII |
PROGRAM |
15 |
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XVIII |
TRADING ACTIVITIES |
16 |
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XIX |
AUTONOMY |
16 |
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XX |
MEETINGS |
16 |
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XXI |
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING |
16 |
|
XXII |
AMENDMENTS |
16 |
|
XXIII |
VOTING |
16 |
|
XXIV |
DISSOLUTION |
17 |
ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE
This written document is a declaration of our beliefs and understanding of the Holy Scripture, as to our doctrinal beliefs, form of church government, organisational structure, and purposes as a body. It is vitally important for a church, if it is to glorify God and accomplish His purposes, that its people be in agreement with regard to the vision, purpose, aims, objectives, doctrine, and organisational structure. This is thus designed to be a statement of these things that it might promote a oneness of mind within our own ranks, and that those interested in becoming a part of this ministry might have a clear concept of our beliefs and objectives. This document is not a higher authority than the Word of God. It must be remembered that the local church itself is a living, growing, and flexible body subject ultimately to the authority of Jesus Christ alone as it is declared in the Word of God (Ephesians 1:22; 4:12-16). As we grow in the Word, this document is therefore subject to amendment according to the provisions of Articles XXII and XXIII.
ARTICLE II: DEFINITIONS
1. “Kingdom” refers to God’s rule and reign in the earth through the Believer, as demonstrated through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.
2. “Academy” means a place for study, training and cultivating a Kingdom lifestyle (inclusive of Kingdom literature, arts, culture, music and science).
3. Any reference to “ministry, fellowship or church”, is a reference to Kingdom Life Academy.
1. The name of this local church ministry, a non-profit organisation, shall be Kingdom Life Academy.
2. The Ministry shall have its offices and shall be located at 70 Ringwood Avenue, Woodview, Phoenix, Kwazulu-Natal or such other address as may be decided upon the Management or Leadership Team from time to time. The Ministry’s mailing address shall be P.O. Box 665, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, Kwazulu-Natal.
ARTICLE IV: FOUNDING STATEMENT
Kingdom Life Academy is a local Church Ministry that honours the Bible as God’s Word and final infallible authority on all matters of life and godliness, where God is worshipped in spirit and truth. Kingdom Life Academy was founded by Ricky and Devandree Pillay and officially established on 07 May 2000, in Phoenix, a suburb of Durban, in the province of Kwazulu-Natal, of the Republic of South Africa. The vision of Kingdom Life Academy is that of Ricky Pillay, but the ministry itself belongs to God and His people, not to Ricky and Devandree Pillay, the Founders and Senior Leaders of this Ministry.
To represent and manifest all that the Kingdom of God is by teaching, training, developing and equipping ourselves with the wisdom, knowledge, skills and diplomacy required to apply the message, power, principles, leadership spirit and influence of the Kingdom of God to the environments of our home, work, business, career and school; and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to every creature, teaching them to observe all things commanded by Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE VI: OUR VISION
To advance the Glorious Kingdom Church by becoming responsible sons of God, committed Citizens of the Kingdom, and effective Leaders of destiny, strategy and skill; accurately living and speaking the mind, will and purposes of God to our generation; and contributing to the fulfilment of Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
ARTICLE VII: OUR OTHER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. In terms of the Lord’s Prayer of Luke 11:2-4, we pursue to be:
· A prayerful church,
· A worship church,
· A Kingdom church,
· A Word Church
· A blessed church,
· A holy church, and
· A triumphant church.
2. Develop, and preserve the spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Thessalonians 5:23)
3. Prepare the church and make His paths straight and make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:17)
4. Encourage and provide for the development of creative leadership, effective management and efficient administration through research, training, education and application of biblical principles to the challenges facing the church of today and tomorrow.
5. Strive for a high-class performance in all our activities and be dedicated to the progressive spirit of excellence and change.
6. Mobilise Believers by helping them to maximise their true potential through the discovery of their purpose and destiny.
7. Be a growing congregational expression of the Body of Christ through teamwork.
8. Cultivate and produce men and women of God full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, the uncompromised Word of God, character and sound family values.
9. Educate the church of God by expounding the way of God perfectly, keeping back nothing that would be profitable and declaring all the counsel of God, so that the people would know God and serve Him in worship and ministry. (Acts 20:28, Jeremiah 3:15, Acts 18:24,26, 20:20,27)
ARTICLE VIII: OUR STATEMENT OF BELIEF
1. We believe in the one true God eternally self-existing as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1-3; Ephesians4:5-6)
2. We believe in the infallibility of the Holy Scripture as the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit and our need to preach the Word with the same inspiration of the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven, giving life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God unto everyone who believes. (2Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:16-17, 1Peter 1:12; 2Corinthians 3:2-6; John 6:63)
3. We believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the Son of God sent by God the Father to bring salvation to the world as well as a revelation of the Father and the sending of the Holy Spirit to continue the work of the Lord through the instrumentality of the Church and His people. (Matthew 16:16-18)
4. We believe in the person and work of the Holy Spirit who now guides, directs and empowers the Church to continue the relationship and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and our need to personally embrace His (the Holy Spirit's) ministry in the earth today. (Acts 2:8)
5. We believe in the virgin birth, the life and ministry, the substitutionary death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ultimate return. (Luke 2; Matthew 28:1; 1Corinthians 15)
6. We believe in the fallen state of man through sin and his need for salvation by grace through faith as a gift from God and not of works (Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9), and in the power of the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ that brings justification by faith. (Romans 3:23-26)
7. We believe that revelation is progressive and that there is much more that we will believe as it is revealed by the Holy Spirit and consistent and in harmony with the written Word of God. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
8. We believe that there is a heaven as the reward of the believer beyond death, including a bodily resurrection from the dead. Likewise, there is a hell as the reward of the unbeliever beyond death, including a bodily resurrection to live in everlasting torment and separation from God. (Matthew 25:31-34)
9. We believe that there is a new heaven and a new earth that will take the place of this physical planet at the return of Christ to renovate and restore all things to their original created form. (Revelation 21:1-7)
10. We believe that the Great Commission was given by Christ and is binding on every believer to go into all the world preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God to every creature making disciples of all nations; and that every believer is a minister of reconciliation. (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; 2Corinthians 5:17-20)
11. We believe that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Everything, which appears and has substance in the universe, comes from things invisible, creating a merging of the natural and supernatural. God is God of heaven and earth and made all things for our good. When put in their divinely created order, the natural and supernatural are to work together for the meeting of man's needs spiritually, mentally, physically, financially and in the family for the evangelisation of the world for Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and for the fulfilment of God's ultimate purpose. (John 1:1-12; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:1-5)
12. We believe that all born of Christ by His Spirit are the Body of Christ and constitute the true Church. The purpose of the true Church is to represent and manifest all that the Kingdom of God is in the earth because it is founded on Jesus Christ, the Stone/Rock who came from heaven to demonstrate, set up and establish the Kingdom of God in the earth. The Church therefore is called and equipped with the Word of the Kingdom and the Holy Ghost to function as fellow citizens, ambassadors, kings and priests - to bear fruits of the Kingdom; to rule and reign in righteousness, peace and joy; and to be victorious over the devil. (Matthew 16:18-19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:3-7, Daniel 2: 31-45, Luke 17:20-21, Ephesians 2:19, 2Corinthians 5:20, Revelation 1:6, Matthew 4:23, Matthew 13:19, 23, 21:43, John 14:17, Romans 14:17, Matthew 12:28, Luke 10:17-22).
13. With regards to sexual behaviour, we believe in heterosexual relationship between a natural man and natural woman within the confines of lawful matrimony. Adherence to this stated principle of sexual behaviour is an inherent requirement of membership of Kingdom Life Academy.
ARTICLE IX: MEMBERSHIP
1. CONDITION OF MEMBERSHIP – the following persons may be accepted into membership of Kingdom Life Academy.
1.1 Those who have truly repented of their sins, and
1.2 Have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her personal Saviour and in consequence have had a real experience of regeneration (2Corinthians 5:17).
1.3 Have taken all reasonable steps to make restitution where possible.
1.4 Have been baptised in water by immersion (Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19)
1.5 Who are willing to subscribe to the vision, purpose, aims and objectives, statement of belief, doctrine, rules and regulations of the Ministry.
1.6 Those who are not already members of another Christian denomination.
2.1 RECEIVING CONVERTS INTO FELLOWSHIP
2.2 ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBERS FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS
2.2.1 Those who wish to join the ministry from other denominations must submit the following documentation to the Pastor, which will be in turn given to the Management or Leadership Team for approval:
2.2.1.1Letter of resignation written to previous denomination, together with a written reply from the previous Pastor accepting their resignation; and
2.2.1.2Baptismal certificate as proof of having been baptised.
ARTICLE X: THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
1. The Management Team shall consist of the founders of Kingdom Life Academy (Ricky and Devandree Pillay) and the first 25 adults that signed up as members on 16 July 00.
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List of the first 27 adults (including founders Ricky and Devandree Pillay) that make up the Management Team are: |
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Ricky Pillay |
Devandree Pillay |
John Pillay |
Vijie Pillay |
Marleen Pillay |
Karl Rangasamy |
Vani Rangasamy |
Ravi Naidoo |
Mumsy Naidoo |
Brenden Naidoo |
Gloria Naidoo |
Johnny Rangasamy |
Mallie Rangasamy |
Charles Naidoo |
Ziona Naidoo |
Anita Govender |
Julian Rangasamy |
Louie Pillay |
Ishara Pillay |
Ravi Perumal |
Shirley Perumal |
Chris Pillay |
Brenda Pillay |
Eddy Pillay |
Leela Pillay |
Kustury Bedessy |
Junie Bedessy |
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2. Duties of the Founders (Ricky and Devandree Pillay)
2.1 They shall serve as advisors to the Management Team, making recommendations on whatever aspects of the Ministry they see fit and assisting in ministry activities where there is a lack in the rest of the Management Team.
2.2 They shall oversee the administration of the Ministry affairs, including finances, record keeping and publicity. They may delegate some or all of these responsibilities to members of the Management Team and/or other members and officers.
2.3 It is their particular responsibility to care for the Management Team, members and other officers, to see that each is growing as a Christian, and functioning effectively in his or her office, so that the growth of the Ministry in maturity and size is maintained. They must be able to discern and guide the direction of the Ministry as they continue to seek vision from God and the ability to transmit that vision to the Management Team and the Ministry as a whole.
2.4 Shall preside at all management meetings and general meetings of the Ministry at which they are present.
2.5 Shall be the official representatives of the Ministry whenever such representation is necessary, or shall see that a fitting substitute is provided.
2.6 Shall be finally responsible for the choice of speakers at all activities on the criterion that they shall normally be in accord with the Conviction of the Ministry.
2.7 Shall be responsible for all training and development programmes.
2.8 Shall be responsible for all educational and academic matters.
2.9 Shall consider it their particular responsibility to watch for future leaders of the Ministry and shall endeavour to see that they are experienced in and understanding of the purposes and operations of the Ministry.
2.10 Shall be responsible for updating the membership records.
2.11 Shall render a yearly report on the ministry’s activities to the membership.
3. The responsibilities of the Management Team:
3.1 To carrying out the vision, purpose, aims, objectives, policies and programmes of the ministry as efficiently as possible, is the responsibility of the Management Team as a whole, and no specific job description given to an individual should be understood to take away from this wider and deeper concern.
3.2 They shall commit to serve the ministry's real needs with minimum bureaucracy and manage the operations of the ministry efficiently and effectively.
3.3 They shall be responsible for the continuance of this ministry and training of future leadership.
3.4 Every Management Team member shall see that he/she is thoroughly familiar with, and shall make it his/her duty to uphold, all parts of this constitution.
3.5 The Management Team shall meet as often as it is deemed necessary, but at least once every three months for the purpose of discussing the general progress and extension of the ministry.
3.6 The Management Team shall formulate and make decisions for the sound improvement of the ministry.
3.7 The Management Team shall hold ultimate administrative responsibility for all components of the ministry and shall be the final authority in all matters concerning the ministry.
3.8 They may delegate responsibilities to qualified members.
3.9 They shall be responsible to show pastoral care to the membership.
3.10 They shall be responsible to handle sensitive or spiritual matters in which the fellowship or individuals may need guidance, discipline, or correction.
3.11 They shall keep oversight over all office bearers with regard to execution of their responsibilities and their adherence to the programme of the ministry.
3.12 The Management Team shall also be responsible for the appointment of Pastors, Deacons and Officers to assist in the carrying out of ecclesiastical and administrative functions of the ministry.
3.12.1 Persons considered for any office (such as book-keeper, secretary, full time pastor, etc) shall be chosen not only for their particular aptitude for the position considered but also and principally for their spiritual life and their evident concern for the maintaining of an effective Christian witness.
3.12.2 Officers shall be appointed by the Management Team according to their giftedness, willingness to serve the fellowship, and faithfulness to an assigned task.
3.12.3 Officers shall be elected every two years by the Management Team, except where the Officer is a full time employee of the Ministry.
3.13 The Management Team shall be responsible for the management of the Ministry’s capital resources, budgets and financial control.
3.14 The Management Team must ensure that employee policies encourage innovation, reward, and creativity; be current and written; easily understood and accepted by employees; and be non-discriminatory within all employee classifications.
3.15 The Management Team must settle disputes fairly.
3.16 The Management Team shall be responsible for the preparation of financial statements annually in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals, which shall be readily available to constituents upon request.
3.17 They shall have authority to amend this Constitution, provided that the membership has been duly notified. This publicity shall include announcement of the specific changes being considered.
4. Rules and regulations for the Management Team
4.1 Under no circumstances will the financial control be vested in any one person on his own.
4.2 One of the Founders (Ricky or Devandree Pillay) and two other Management Team members appointed by the Management Team shall have signing powers for a maximum of two years and thereafter reviewed by the Management Team.
4.3 A two-third majority shall decide the quorum necessary for the transaction of the business. Questions arising at any meetings of the Management Team shall be decided by a majority of votes and in the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
4.4 Funds must be invested with registered financial institutions.
4.5 The Ministry shall not be entitled to enter into any speculative transaction.
4.6 No building owned by the Ministry may be occupied free of charge by any persons.
4.7 All donations made by or to the ministry must be irrevocable and be subject to the terms and conditions of this constitution.
4.8 Where the immovable property is donated or bequeathed to the Ministry, and such property is rent producing, the Management Team is permitted to continue letting the property, without jeopardising the exempt status of the Ministry.
4.9 All property, which the Ministry may acquire, whether movable or immovable, shall be held and administered solely for the furtherance of its objectives and principles.
4.10 All immovable property owned by the Ministry shall be registered in the name of the Ministry.
4.11 The Ministry’s financial year shall end on the last day of February.
5.1 Management Team members shall remain in office as long as he or she walks in accordance with the New Testament standards and in terms of the conditions set out in this Article and the Standard Operating Procedures of the ministry. In the event of there being any reasonable cause to suspect that any Management Team member or Officer is not fulfilling these standards and conditions, then the Management Team shall call a Special Meeting to evaluate this. At any such Special Meeting each member of the Management Team shall have one vote and a resolution put to vote shall be decided by a two-thirds majority.
5.2 The Management Team may at a Special Meeting convened as aforesaid accept the resignation of and liberate from office its member/s or Officer/s, or for good cause dismiss such member/s or Officer/s from their offices, in accordance with the terms of any contract or engagement entered into with them by the Ministry.
5.3 Management Team member/s and Officer/s shall automatically resign:
5.3.1 If he/she ceases to be a member of the Ministry.
5.3.2 If by notice, in writing to the Management Team, he/she resigns his/her office.
5.3.3 If he/she negotiated unauthorised transactions in the name of the Ministry.
5.3.4 If his/her convictions so change that he/she is no longer able to subscribe the vision, purpose, aims and objectives of the Ministry.
5.4 Immediately upon the resignation of a Management Team member/s or Officer/s, the remaining members of the Management Team shall appoint a new member/s or Officer/s to the office for the duration of the business and fiscal year.
6. The Management Team shall manage and administrate the ministry for a period not exceeding two years effective from 26 November 2000 and thereafter be replaced by a Leadership Team as outlined in Article XI.
ARTICLE XI: THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
1. The Leadership Team shall eventually replace the Management Team in terms of paragraph 6 of Article X.
2. The leadership team shall consist of the Leadership Coordinator, Assistant Leadership Coordinator and Coordinators of the various disciplines pursued by the Ministry.
3. Qualifications of Coordinators
3.1 The scriptures emphasise that Leaders in the Church are not appointed by men, but by God. (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 4:11). The Leadership Team shall therefore consist of men and women whose lives are characterised by the qualities set forth in Scripture. These qualities can be categorised as:
3.1.1 They must be lovers of God who take God and His word seriously.
3.1.2 They must be responsible sons of God, who also bear witness with their character and anointing that they are called by God and equipped to function in their God-given gift/s to the Church, as an Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher, according to Ephesians 4:11 and 1Corinthians 12:27-28.
3.1.3 They must be able to manage their household in a biblical manner.
3.1.4 They must be able to spiritually manage their interpersonal relationships.
3.1.5 They must committed to the vision, purpose, aims and objectives, and statement of belief of this ministry.
3.1.6 They must exhibit maturity, independence and good judgement.
3.1.7 They must be able to use their God-given gift/s in ministry for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry and for the building up of the Body.
3.1.8 They must be accountable to God and His people.
3.1.9 They must honour their commitment to the ministry with their tithes.
3.1.10 They must be regular members of the ministry.
4. Undertaking by the Coordinators
4.1 All Coordinators of the Leadership Team shall be required to sign a statement of agreement to the Purpose and Conviction of the Kingdom Life Academy (as laid out in Articles V, VI, VII and VIII). They must understand that their position and commitment means that they are responsible for the activities of their area of service.
5. The responsibilities of the leadership team:
5.1 To carrying out the vision, purpose, aims, objectives, policies and programmes of the ministry as efficiently as possible, is the responsibility of the Leadership Team as a whole, and no specific job description given to an individual Coordinator should be understood to take away from this wider and deeper concern.
5.2 They shall commit to serve the ministry's real needs with minimum bureaucracy and manage the operations of the ministry efficiently and effectively.
5.3 They shall be responsible for the continuance of this ministry and training of future leadership.
5.4 Every Leadership Team Coordinator shall see that he/she is thoroughly familiar with, and shall make it his/her duty to uphold, all parts of this constitution.
5.5 The Leadership Team shall meet as often as it is deemed necessary, but at least once every three months for the purpose of discussing the general progress and extension of the ministry.
5.6 The Leadership Team shall formulate and make decisions for the sound improvement of the ministry.
5.7 The Leadership team shall hold ultimate administrative responsibility for all components of the ministry and shall be the final authority in all matters concerning the ministry.
5.8 They may delegate responsibilities to qualified members.
5.9 They shall be responsible to show pastoral care to the membership.
5.10They shall be responsible to handle sensitive or spiritual matters in which the fellowship or individuals may need guidance, discipline, or correction.
5.11They shall keep oversight over all office bearers with regard to execution of their responsibilities and their adherence to the programme of the ministry.
5.12The Leadership Team shall also be responsible for the appointment of Pastors, Deacons and Officers to assist in the carrying out of ecclesiastical and administrative functions of the ministry.
5.12.1 Persons considered for any office (such as book-keeper, secretary, full time pastor, etc) shall be chosen not only for their particular aptitude for the position considered but also and principally for their spiritual life and their evident concern for the maintaining of an effective Christian witness.
5.12.2 Officers shall be appointed by the Leadership team according to their giftedness, willingness to serve the fellowship, and faithfulness to an assigned task.
5.12.3 Officers shall be elected every two years by the Leadership Team, except where the Officer is a full time employee of the Ministry.
5.13The Leadership Team shall be responsible for the management of the Ministry’s capital resources, budgets and financial control.
5.14The Leadership Team must ensure that employee policies encourage innovation, reward, and creativity; be current and written; easily understood and accepted by employees; and be non-discriminatory within all employee classifications.
5.15The Leadership Team must settle disputes fairly.
5.16The Leadership Team shall be responsible for the preparation of financial statements annually in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals, which shall be readily available to constituents upon request.
5.17They shall have authority to amend this Constitution, provided that the membership has been duly notified. This publicity shall include announcement of the specific changes being considered.
5.18All Coordinators of the Leadership Team shall present a written report to the Leadership Coordinator at the end of each month.
6. Rules and regulations for the Leadership Team
6.1 Under no circumstances will the financial control be vested in any one person on his own.
6.2 The Leadership Coordinator and two other Leadership Team members appointed by the Leadership Team shall have signing powers for a maximum of two years and thereafter reviewed by the Leadership Team.
6.3 A two-third majority shall decide the quorum necessary for the transaction of the business. Questions arising at any meetings of the Leadership Team shall be decided by a majority of votes and in the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting vote.
6.4 Funds must be invested with registered financial institutions.
6.5 The Ministry shall not be entitled to enter into any speculative transaction.
6.6 No building owned by the Ministry may be occupied free of charge by any persons.
6.7 All donations made by or to the ministry must be irrevocable and be subject to the terms and conditions of this constitution.
6.8 Where the immovable property is donated or bequeathed to the Ministry, and such property is rent producing, the Leadership Team is permitted to continue letting the property, without jeopardising the exempt status of the Ministry.
6.9 All property, which the Ministry may acquire, whether movable or immovable, shall be held and administered solely for the furtherance of its objectives and principles.
6.10 All immovable property owned by the Ministry shall be registered in the name of the Ministry.
6.11 The Ministry’s financial year shall end on the last day of February.
7. Duties of Coordinators
7.1 Leadership Coordinator
7.1.1 The Leadership Coordinator shall serve as an advisor to the leadership team, making recommendations on whatever aspects of the Ministry he/she sees fit and assisting in Ministry activities where there is a lack in the rest of the leadership team.
7.1.2 The Leadership Coordinator shall oversee the administration of the Ministry affairs, including finances, record keeping and publicity. He/she may delegate some or all of these responsibilities to members of the leadership team and/or other officers.
7.1.3 It is the Leadership Coordinator's particular responsibility to care for the Leadership Team and other officers, to see that each is growing as a Christian, and functioning effectively in his or her office, so that the growth of the Ministry in maturity and size is maintained. The Leadership Coordinator must be able to discern and guide the direction of the Ministry as he/she continues to seek vision from God and the ability to transmit that vision to the Leadership Team and the Ministry as a whole.
7.1.4 Shall preside at all Leadership meetings and general meetings of the Ministry at which he/she is present.
7.1.5 Shall be the official representative of the Ministry whenever such representation is necessary, or shall see that a fitting substitute is provided.
7.1.6 Shall be finally responsible for the choice of speakers at all activities on the criterion that they shall normally be in accord with the Conviction of the Ministry.
7.1.7 Shall be responsible for all training and development programmes.
7.1.8 Shall be responsible for all educational and academic matters.
7.1.9 Shall consider it his/her particular responsibility to watch for future leaders of the Ministry and shall endeavour to see that they are experienced in and understanding of the purposes and operations of the Ministry.
7.1.10 Shall be responsible for updating the membership records.
7.1.11 Shall render a monthly and yearly report on the ministry’s activities to the membership.
7.2 Other Coordinators
Duties of the Assistant Leadership Coordinator and all other Coordinators shall be outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures of the Ministry.
8. A written job description specifying functions and duties for full time employees (i.e. paid staff members) shall be fully outlined in the contract of employment.
(This article will come into effect when the Leadership Team is in operation.)
1. Coordinator/s and Officer/s shall remain in office as long as he or she walks in accordance with the New Testament standards and in terms of the conditions set out in Article XI or the Standard Operating Procedures of the Ministry. In the event of there being any reasonable cause to suspect that any Coordinator or Officer is not fulfilling these standards and conditions, then the Leadership Team shall call a Special Meeting to evaluate this. At any such Special Meeting each member of the Leadership Team shall have one vote and a resolution put to vote shall be decided by a two-thirds majority.
2. The Leadership Team may at a Special Meeting convened as aforesaid accept the resignation of and liberate from office its Coordinator/s or Officer/s, or for good cause dismiss such Coordinator/s or Officer/s from their offices, in accordance with the terms of any contract or engagement entered into with them by the Ministry.
3. Coordinators and Officers shall automatically resign:
3.1 If he/she ceases to be a member of the Ministry.
3.2 If by notice, in writing to the Leadership Team, he/she resigns his/her office.
3.3 If he/she negotiated unauthorised transactions in the name of the Ministry.
3.4 If his/her convictions so change that he/she is no longer able to subscribe the vision, purpose, aims and objectives of the Ministry.
4. Immediately upon the resignation of a Coordinator or Officer, the remaining members of the Leadership Team shall appoint a new Coordinator or Officer to the office for the duration of the business and fiscal year.
ARTICLE XIII: CORRECTIVE CHURCH DISCIPLINE
1. We believe in the responsibility and necessity of church discipline as clearly outlined in Scripture. It is a very difficult area and hard to practice. Nevertheless, church discipline has the divine authority of Scripture and is vital to the purity of the church. In church discipline, the following matters must be carefully understood and applied.
2.1 The discipline of the church is first patterned after the fact that the Lord Himself disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6) and, as a father delegates part of the discipline of the children to the wife, so the Lord has delegated the discipline of the church family to the church itself.
2.2 Discipline is further based on the holy character of God (1 Pet. 1:16; Hebrews 12:11). The pattern of God's holiness, his desire for the church to be holy, set apart unto Him, is an important reason for the necessity of church discipline. The church is therefore to clean out the leaven of malice and wickedness from its ranks (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). A failure to discipline in a church today evidences a lack of awareness of the holiness of God.
2.3 Church discipline must be patterned after and based on the divine commands of Scripture. We have numerous passages, which both command and give us biblical directives on the how, when and where of church discipline. Again, a failure to exercise this responsibility demonstrates a lack of obedience and belief in the authority of the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Matt. 18:17-18; Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:20; Gal. 6:1).
2.4 A final basis for the necessity of church discipline is the testimony of the church in the world. The world observes the behaviour and life of the church. When the church acts no differently than the world it loses its credibility and authenticity (1 Pet. 2:11-18; 3:8-16; 4:1-4).
3. The Purposes of Church Discipline
3.1.1 Concern for the glory of God and the testimony of the church.
3.1.2 The restoration and building up of the sinning believer.
3.1.3 The winning of a soul to Christ (if only a professing Christian).
3.1.4 The purity of the local body and its protection from moral and doctrinally impure influences, knowing a little leaven can leaven the entire lump (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
3.2 Such goals automatically govern the spirit in which all disciplinary action is to be given. Thus:
3.2.1 It must be done in the spirit of humility, gentleness and patience, looking to yourself lest you too be tempted (Gal. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:24-25).
3.2.2 Those who walk disorderly are to be admonished, warned, and appealed to in love (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Tim. 4:2). This admonishing, etc., is not restricted to the leaders but may be done by any member (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
3.2.3 If there is no response in repentance and obedience, then members are to withhold intimate fellowship until there is obedience (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14). This is to indicate to the offender that his action has caused a rupture in the harmony of the body. Its goal is restoration and the person is still to be counted as a brother (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
3.2.4 If the person persists after admonition and withdrawal of intimate fellowship, the final step is rejection or excommunication (Titus 3:10; Matthew 18:17b), accompanied by public rebuke before all (1 Timothy 5:20). Examples of church discipline are found in Scripture. The Corinthian believers were to be "gathered together" in order to take action against the offending brother (1 Corinthians 5:4). We also find that it was the whole church in Rome and in Thessalonica who were to take action with regard to the unruly and schismatic and not just a few (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Romans 16:17).
3.2.5 Finally, discipline in the name of our Lord always includes a readiness to forgive. The many or majority who discipline must also be ready and eager to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm their love to the sinning person (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).
4. Practice of Church Discipline
4.1.1 Great care must be exercised here. According to Scripture, there are five categories, which warrant church discipline. These are:
4.1.1.1Difficulties between members (Matt. 18:15-17).
4.1.1.2Divisiveness. People causing divisions in the church (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11).
4.1.1.3Disorderly conduct. Conduct clearly out of line with the prescribed commands of Scripture (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).
4.1.1.4Sins of the type mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5: incest, immorality, covetousness, idolatry, abusive speech, drunkenness, and swindling (1 Corinthians 5:1, 11).
4.1.1.5False teaching. Erroneous teaching and views which concern the fundamentals of the faith, not lesser differences of interpretation (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18; also implied in Revelation 2:14—16; Philippians 3:2-3, 15-19; Romans 16:17-18).
4.1.2 The key concerns here are:
4.1.2.1The holy character of God.
4.1.2.2The testimony of the ministry.
4.1.2.3The effect upon the unity and purity of the fellowship, and
4.1.2.4The edification and restoration of the individual.
4.2 How it is to be Practised
4.2.1 Scriptural procedure here is clear and specific steps are prescribed. They are as follows:
4.2.1.1Recognise the offence. Caution—one must be sure it is an offence, which calls for discipline. Again, the Word is our criterion.
4.2.1.2Seek private correction and/or reconciliation with the offender (Matthew 18:15). This is when the problem involves two believers. The one offended or the one who recognises the offence is to go privately and try to rectify the problem. If this fails, he is to take witnesses, preferably spiritual leaders, so that if it has to be brought before the whole church it can be firmly proven or established (Matthew 18:16-17).
4.2.1.3Seek reconciliation through the Management or Leadership Team if the problem involves an offence that is against the whole body, or is a threat to its unity. Initiatory action following the concept of Galatians 6:1 should be taken by the mature spiritual leaders of the church rather than by just one person. "You who are spiritual" in Galatians 6:1 is plural meaning literally, "you, the spiritual ones …". These initial contacts provide opportunity for loving admonition, correction and forgiveness. On the other hand, if these first steps are not heeded, it constitutes a warning that further action will be taken and gives occasion for serious rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; Titus 2:15; 3:10).
4.2.1.4Seek reconciliation through the whole body. If further action is necessary, it is to be taken before the whole church (Matthew 18:17). Any action taken must be approved by a congregational vote as outlined in Article XXIII.
4.2.2 In essence then, this is the action of the Lord carrying out discipline through the action of the whole body through the leadership or the spiritually mature (1 Corinthians 5:4 "in the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, … with the power of our Lord Jesus…"). Similar heavenly authority is seen in the ratification of this disciplinary action as spelled out in Matthew 18:18-20).
1. Suggestions and proposals from the fellowship can be a vital and healthy avenue by which the leadership may minister to the rest of the fellowship. When handled scripturally, this type of communication edifies the body, ministers to the needs of the fellowship, helps preserve and promote unity within the church and brings glory to God.
2. Any member of the fellowship who harbours a disagreement about any policy or procedure promoted by the church or its leadership, should as a first step, prayerfully and privately approach the leadership. This may be done through informal consultation with a Management or Leadership Team member, by means of a signed letter to the Management or Leadership Team, or meeting with the Management or Leadership Team at the member's request. It is recognised that these steps should be taken prior to public discussion of any issue so as to help the leadership minister to the body more effectively and to help avoid discord and disunity within the fellowship (Proverbs 13:3; 16:27-28; 17:4).
3. The church leadership should seek to prayerfully accept and address any complaint thus presented and seek to resolve all problems in a manner which best promotes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 16:21-24).
4. When these policies are not followed, causing factions and strife, it will be necessary to exercises church discipline to deal with the offending member as per Article XIII (Titus 2:10-11).
17.1 The Ministry shall be financed through the following medium:
17.1.1 freewill tithes and offerings from its members, and
17.1.2 monies obtained through the Ministry's fund raising projects.
1. The income of the Ministry shall be utilised solely for world evangelism, the acquisition of property and building, and the promotion of the Ministry’s vision, purpose, aims and objectives. No portion thereof shall be paid, transferred or loaned, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus, or otherwise howsoever, to the members of the association: provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment in good faith of reasonable remuneration to any Coordinator or officer of the Ministry or to any other member thereof in return for any services actually rendered to the Ministry.
1. All meetings and gathering convened in the name of the Ministry shall be for the furthering of its Vision, Purpose, aims and objectives. Following completion of the year's program there shall be made in writing an assessment of its effectiveness in this regard and this assessment shall be kept on file in the Management or Leadership Team records.
2. Meetings for worship, fellowship, outreach, prayer, children, youth groups, education and training shall be decided by the Management or Leadership Team with consultation with the members.
3. All programmes shall be designed to meet the current spiritual needs of the membership.
1. The Ministry will be allowed to sell religious material on its premises as a service to its members.
2. In the event of the Ministry selling books, tapes or miscellaneous goods at an outlet in a commercial business centre, such outlet would operate as a separate legal entity and thus could become taxable.
1. This Ministry shall be an independent body, free from Control by or interference from any denomination or other church professing the same principles. The Ministry shall manage its own affairs without reference to any outside authority.
1. Meetings shall be open to all members, but must be attended by all the members of the Management or Leadership Team and Officers, unless granted exemption by the chair.
2. The Management or Leadership Team shall ensure that the agenda and meeting time is announced to the fellowship at least 2 weeks before the meeting.
3. Meetings for the transaction of business shall be called by the Management or Leadership Team or upon the request of three members.
4. Other meetings for the discussion and presentation of matters pertaining to the purpose stated herein shall be held as occasion warrants.
1. An Annual General Meeting of the members shall be held within four months after the financial year-end of the Ministry. At such Annual General Meeting the Management or Leadership Team shall submit a report on the financial position of the Ministry as follows:
1.1 The financial statements of the Ministry shall be available to its members two weeks before the intended Annual General Meeting for their perusal.
1.2 The financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals.
1. Motions to make, alter, rescind, or suspend constitutional rules may be proposed in writing by the Management or Leadership Team or by any ten members of the Ministry.
2. Any such motion shall be submitted in writing to the whole membership at least two weeks in advance of a general business meeting at which the change will be voted upon.
ARTICLE XXIII: VOTING
1. The purpose of any voting is not to simply obtain a "majority-rules" consensus. Rather, all voting in this church is designed to show God's leading within the fellowship on an issue, unity of acceptance and understanding of it. Unless specifically indicated differently within the Constitution, a two-thirds, majority vote in favour of an issue shall signify to the church leadership that the fellowship agrees that God is leading favourably in the decision being voted on. If the two-thirds majority vote in favour is not achieved, the leadership will re-evaluate the situation. No steps will be taken on any issue that requires a vote without the two-thirds majority.
2. Any member of the church may vote. The person may vote in person or they may vote absentee. An absentee vote is valid if the person writes down on any piece of paper the issue being voted on, their vote, and their signature. Absentee votes must be turned in to a Management or Leadership Team member no later than the date of the meeting.
3. The means of voting will normally be by written ballot. This may vary, however, if the leadership announces the form of voting to be used when the meeting of the vote is announced. The fellowship will be advised of the date and time of a meeting for a vote at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
4. At least 50 percent of the church membership must vote to make the results of the vote binding.
1. Upon dissolution of the Ministry the remaining assets must be donated or transferred to ecclesiastical, educational and/or charitable institutions within the Republic of South Africa, which are themselves exempt from income tax and donations tax.
2. The decision to dissolve or disband must be approved by two-thirds of the membership of the congregation by means of the procedure outlined in Article XXIII.