pohutukawa temple constitution

8/9/2019 Pohutukawa Temple Constitution

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ConstitutionAnd

BylawsFor

The Pohutukawa Temple

Of The Risen Christ

Within

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This book Belongs To:

_______________________________________

In case Im lost, please return me to:

________________________________________________

Thank you! God bless you!

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The New Testament says nothing about constitutions. So, why do we need one?After all, we have God's Word, the Bible, which tells us how we ought to liveand function. Isn't that sufficient? If New Testament Churches didn't have

constitutions, why should we? If the Bible was good enough for Paul to run hisChurches with, then why isn't it good enough for us to use?

Those are valid questions that deserve an answer. We would point out that firstof all, that New Testament Churches (and especially the Jerusalem Temple)were living, growing, and evolving ministries.

They were in their infancy and were still in the process of developing. As theChurches grew larger and more complex, they devised more and more structureto guide and regulate their ministries.

The book of Acts and the Pauline epistles record this on-going development of the church. Many of Paul's writings were sent to correct abuses that had arisenin the Churches. As already pointed out in the previous section, men's hearts(including the hearts of the redeemed) are depraved and deceitful.

Christians do sin and take advantage of one another. Leaders do usurp andmisuse their authority. Unqualified men do seek leadership positions. Believersdo mistreat each other. As problems and new situations arose, new standardswere introduced and greater detail was given.

To argue that we should not have written constitutions to guide Churches because they are not found in neither Scripture or in the New TestamentTemple is not a valid argument. It is an argument from silence that ignores thefact that they did have a wide variety of rules and regulations governingeverything from leadership and membership qualifications, to the handling of finances, and disciplinary procedures.

A constitution is simply a compilation of principles, rules, regulations andstandards that have been extracted from Scripture and recorded in logical,systematic fashion. These may be modified in some cases to fit the culturalcontext in which the Temple is found while retaining the biblical content.

Rather than being unbiblical, constitutions are the very embodiment of NewTestament principles. The fact that constitutions are not specifically mentionedin Scripture does not preclude their use in our Churches today. We havemultiple institutions in our Churches that are not mentioned directly inScripture. Sunday Schools, trustees, bus ministries, youth programs, Biblecamps, public address systems, bathrooms, and Temple buildings are but a fewof the many examples of things not found in New Testament Churches, butwhich play a prominent role in our Churches today. Few would argue that these

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are unscriptural simply because they are not found in the Bible. The same istrue of church constitutions.

No, church constitutions are both Scriptural and necessary. We point out thefact that even though a man may be a godly Christian, his deceitful heart and propensity to take advantage of others requires some means of regulating hisconduct and that of the group of which he is a part. But there are some other reasons why a Temple needs a written constitution to guide it.

Among them are these:

1) A written constitution complies with the biblical injunction to doall things decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40).

2) A written constitution ensures the rights of both the majority andthe minority.

3) A written constitution protects the Temple from abuse and harm .

4) A written constitution insures that proper procedures arefollowed.

5) A written constitution clarifies the lines of authority,responsibility, and accountability .

6) A written constitution instills confidence in the public andmembers alike.

7) A written constitution sets the standard of practice for decades tocome.

(How to Write A Church Constitution A Ministry for Equipping the SaintsRoger N. McNamara 2006 by Baptist Mid-Missions)

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Preamble:

We, the Members of The Pohutukawa Temple of The Risen Christ Within, in

order to carry out more effectively the Great Commission given by the LordJesus Christ to His disciples, followers, and those who choose to congregate infellowship together, do ordain and establish the following Constitution to whichwe voluntarily submit ourselves, in full trust and loving conviction.

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Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the Pohutukawa Temple, and therefore our mission,to advance Gods Word to the people, gathering in those to whom the

Word has meaning. We will share our teachings to those who accept it,nurturing them for future ministry. We will seek to bring the spirituallyhurt, lame, wounded and the seeker back into the Light of Gods love,healing and ministering to their spiritual needs.

Article 1. Name:

The name of this entity shall be The Pohutukawa Temple of the RisenChrist Within, otherwise known as The Pohutukawa Temple, or,simply, The Temple. It is to be known as a singular entity, not as yetaffiliated to, or part of, any associations, Churches, groups, conventions,

or denominations, etc.Article 2. Business Location:

The (temporary) address of the principle office of this Temple shall be:1-16 Barneys Farm Road,Clendon Park,Manukau City, Auckland,

New Zealand 2103Phone: 027 645 2215Email: [email protected] page: www.myspace.com/pohutukawatemple

Article 3. Authority:

Firstly, by the Divine Directive found in Matthew 28 v 1920 ;Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in thename of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching themeverything I have taught you.

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Before God,. I charge you,. proclaim the messageand, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refutefalsehood, correct error, give encouragement but do all

with patience and with care to instruct (2 Tim. 4:12).Authority is invested in the hierarchy of the Temple, by chain of command. The temples clergy, officers, staff, and lay ministers, etc,share in the governance of the Temple and her chattels.

Article 3. Purpose:

1. The purpose of this congregation shall be to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ, any similar and/or complementary teachings andScriptures, and of the Father, (God), in every way prescribed or

approved by the various Sacred Writings, to engage in such religious,educational, charitable, and benevolent work as the Constitution andBylaws of this congregation may determine, and to own and maintainsuch property and equipment as may be required to carry out the abovestated purposes.

2. To minister to the needs of the members and others as the Temple isable to do so.

Article 4. Statement of Faith:

1. We believe that Gods Word, in scripture and teachings, are universaland from varied sources. Divinely inspired, written by the hand andunderstanding of imperfect man, to be our guides in matters of faith,doctrine, and Christ-like living.

2. We believe in the One True God, Maker and Creator of the Heavensand the Earth and all that lives upon, and in, Her. Eternally existing,moving through us and around us, shaping events for our instruction andedification.

3. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, Gods agent upon this earth

to lead and guide us on the shining path towards individualenlightenment.

4. We recognize and believe in the Divinity of the one known as Jesusthe Christ, so named by men, and worthy of the appellation. We believein his teachings, finding life lessons and life changing examples in hislife and work among men and women.

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5. We believe man was created in Gods image, pure spirit inhabiting a body of flesh and bone, imperfect but striving always upward towardself-awareness and divinity. We believe mans purpose whilst in this

present lifetime is to strive with all his or her heart and might to emulateall the good qualities found in those of higher spirituality, living a life pleasing to God and being a good witness to all men.

6. We believe that man has it within himself to attain after successfullynavigating the muddy waters of his lifetimes, spiritual excellence, andultimately, perfection and divinity found in Ascension.

7. We believe in the sacrament of water baptism and partaking of theLords Supper, in keeping with the New Testament directives.

8. We believe that man is the inheritor of his own salvation. Throughdiligently living a life of good works and putting aside all negative behaviours, and by showing to others a Christlike alternative to their way of living, man will achieve his own glorious salvation through thein-working power of Gods Holy Spirit.

9. We believe in the immortality of the Spirit, being mans true natureand expression. Though the body dies and is subject to corruption, thespirit lives on to incarnate again, at its desire to finish learning its lifelessons, until such time as Perfection is achieved.

10. We believe in the autonomy of the Temple. The Temple shallmanage its own affairs and shall not be subject to any other religious

body or organization.

11. We believe that all members of the Temple, clergy, officers, staff,lay ministers, and congregation shall have all human rights awardedthem whilst in the employ of, or membership of, the Temple.

a). All are entitled to a fair hearing, and should disagreements happen,or discipline need applying, then everyone concerned shall be treatedwith respect and fairness, until such time as a satisfactory, (to allconcerned), settlement is achieved.

12. We believe that any form of child molestation, bestiality, incest, pedophilia, or child pornography is not only against the laws of the land, but also against the Laws of God. To engage in said behaviour shallopen the door to the dark side of human nature, and is to denounced and

brought forth in council for the reproof, disciplining, and restoration of the offender. (See Policy and Procedure)

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13. We believe God ordained marriage, and the family as the foundationof human society, and that marriage is a sacred bond and covenant

between two loving people who wish to share their lives together.

a). We make no distinction between straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexualcouples who wish to be married or handfasted. Should couples wish to

be united in marriage, all rights and privileges of marriage shall beaccorded to them, without bias or censure.

b). Any couples living together in a common-law situation, whether straight or same-sex, shall be respected for their decision and right todo so, without bias or censure. Their children, of their bodies or adopted, shall be given respect and acceptance as is their basic humanright.

14. We believe in the Doctrine of Reincarnation, as was taught in theearly Temple, and as it is taught worldwide. Everyone searches for answers, and answers to those questions can sometimes come fromsources other than the Bible.

15. We believe in Predestination, but also we believe that it within the power of a person to change his or hers own future and destiny.

Article 5. Membership:

Membership of the Pohutukawa Temple shall consist of people whohave made a profession of faith by their public declaration, and who,having been baptized by immersion, and are in agreement with theArticles of faith, and the Covenant of the Temple.

There shall be a Membership Agreement, or Covenant, at the back of this Constitution, to be filled out and a copy placed in the records of thePohutukawa Temple.

There shall be no censure for not signing, but it must be acknowledgedthat failure to sign means that the person forfeits all rights and privilegesof membership, and only retains visitor status, thus excluding them fromthe inner workings and teachings of the Pohutukawa Temple.

Rights of Membership

Every active/resident member shall have the right to participate in thefollowing matters: The annual budget of the Temple, the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Temple, the merger or

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dissolution of the Temple, acquisition of property, and amendments tothe Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Temple.

Termination:

Membership in this Temple shall be terminated when a member:

a). Requests a letter of transfer to join another Temple. b). Is dropped from the roll of membership when he or she joins another kind of Temple without prior warning. A letter of transfer is notnecessary.c). Diesd). Is dismissed by a vote of the Temple due to reasons andcircumstances provided in the Temple discipline. The pastor and

Deacons will do all they can to counsel the member for restoration prior to action of dismissal or a request of the member to be dismissed fromthe Temple membership.

Orientation of New Members:

Candidates for membership and new members need to attend theTemple Membership Class to learn and understand the privileges andresponsibilities of members to God and the Temple.

a). Members in good standing shall have the right to a voice and vote inall Temple transactions (within reason) and shall have the right and

privileges to full participation in the life and work of the Temple.

b). It shall be the duty of Temple members to uphold the Articles of Faith, Constitution and Bylaws, and Covenant of the Temple.

(Although there is really no formal need for people to read, sign, andabide by a Membership Agreement, it is still important for a persons

peace of mind to know that they belong*. This shall be respected,and explained that, by signing and abiding by the Temple MembershipAgreement, shall accord the signee all rights and privileges of his or her station within the Temple.)

* Although there is no scriptural mandate for Temple membership, thereis certainly nothing to prohibit it. Temple membership is a way of officially identifying oneself with a local body of believers. Templemembership is a statement that a Christian is in agreement with that local Temple and is willing to be identified as a representative of it.Temple membership is also valuable for organizational purposes and a

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good way of determining who is allowed to vote on important Templedecisions and/or who is involved in official Temple positions and

functions. Temple membership is not required of Christians. It is simply

a way of saying, "I am a Christian and I believe _____ Temple is a good Temple." http://www.gotquestions.org/ Temple-membership.html

Article 6. Property:

The Pohutukawa temple has the right to acquire and possess temporalgoods, to the edification of The Temple and its members. Once a pieceof property, as defined by its description, has been purchased by Templefunds, then it becomes included into the Temples chattels, and once

listed, becomes part of the Temple proper. Gifts likewise enter thisdomain. Once an item, or items, has been sold or gifted to the Temple, itis to be understood that the said item/s has now become Temple

property, and all rights, privileges, and claims upon it are hereby nulland void, into perpetuity, or when and if the Temple has been dissolved.

(To be updated when consultation with an attorney has been achieved).

Article 7. Amendments:

This Constitution and its Bylaws shall, without previous or prior warning, may be updated and revised at the discretion of the TempleHierarchy. The elected officers will then pass down the changes to thecongregation at large.

Article 8. Officers and Staff:

Officers of the Temple shall not, under any circumstances, be restrictedsolely to male members. Female members shall be given full humanrights to serve and worship God in this capacity, and no Officer of theTemple shall be under eighteen years of age.

a). However, that being said, should a young person show exceptionalabilities or promise, then this Rule shall be relaxed, pending revue andconfirmation from the Temple Hierarchy. This shall be equalopportunity positions and open to all who have the appropriate skills or qualifications. On the job training is to be provided for those with

potential to do the work.

All Temple officers must be members of the Temple in good standing.

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A). The Pastor:1. The qualifications for pastor shall be consistent with those listed in 1Timothy 3:1-7. His training, skills, and experiences are needed in this

area of leadership.2. His responsibilities:a) These generally fall into the following areas: Preaching, teaching,

pastoral counseling, administration, planning, and guiding the Temple togrow and fulfill its purposes.

b) He shall lead the Temple, the organizations, and all leaders of theTemple in performing their tasks in worship, proclamation, education,and evangelism.c) The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all Temple standingcommittees.(d) He shall assist the Deacons in securing pulpit supply for times in his

absence.B). Temple Staff:This Temple shall employ or call staff, as it shall need.a). Staff members other than that of the pastor shall be recommended for employment by the Temple Council or a special committee.2. A written job description and mutual contract/agreement will be

prepared when the need for Temple staff is determined.

C). Deacons:1. Number, term of office:There shall be five (5) Deacons for the first 100 resident members andone (1) for each additional fifty (50) of portion thereof. Deacons shall beelected for a term of service of three years or longer term of service asvoted upon by the Temple.

2. Qualifications:a) A Temple Deacon must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy3:8-13.

b) A Deacon shall demonstrate an exemplary Christlike testimony in private, family, and public life; a committed Christian leader and partner of the pastor; supporter and promoter of the Temple faith, practice,

programs, and ministries.

3. Election:a) When a Deacon vacancy occurs, the chairman of the DeaconsCommittee shall announce that an election of a Deacon will be heldduring a named Temple business meeting.

b) The Deacon Committee will enlist active men and women to berecommended to the congregation. The duties, qualifications, and

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importance of the office of a Deacon will be interpreted to thecandidates and be reviewed to the congregation prior to the scheduledelection of Deacons.

4. Ordination:(a) Selection, election, and ordination of Deacons is a privilege of thePohutukawa Temple.(b) When ordination of Deacons is planned by the Temple, the pastor shall assemble a council to examine the candidates concerning their fitness to serve as Deacons.(c) The council directed to examine the Deacons shall be composed of the pastor, invited ordained pastors of the temple, and existing Deaconsof the Temple.(d) When the council recommends the ordination of Deacons, the

ordination service shall be scheduled as led by the pastor.5. Duties:(a) Elected Deacons shall elect the chairman of their committee.(b) Deacons serve as a committee of counsel to assist the pastor concerning the progress and welfare of the Temple.(c) Assist the pastor in ministering to the members.(d) Seek to solve any fellowship problem of the Temple.(e) Assist the pastor in administering the Temple ordinances.(f) Serve as Temple membership committee.(g) In the absence of the pastor, the chairman of the Deacons Committeeshall serve as an advisory member to all organizations, departments, andcommittees of the Temple.

D). Moderator:1. The Temple moderator may be the pastor or a lay leader elected tothis position.2. The moderator shall preside at all regular and called businessmeetings of the Temple.3. In the absence of the moderator, the chairman of Deacons shall

preside of the regular and called business meetings of the Temple.4. In the absence of the moderator and the chairman of Deacons, theTemple clerk shall call the Temple to order and an acting moderator will

be elected.

E). Clerk:1. The Temple clerk shall be elected and be responsible for keeping anaccurate record of all business meeting transactions of the Temple and

preparing the annual report to the association.

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2. He or she shall keep a register of the names and addresses of theTemple members, with dates of admission, dismissal, dedication of children, and deaths of members of the Temple family.

3. He or she shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the Temple andwrite letters of transfer of membership, prepare written reports of theTemple, and keep an accurate history of the Temple.4. An assistant Temple clerk may be elected or the clerk'sresponsibilities shall be delegated to a Temple secretary if and when theTemple can afford to employ one.

F. Treasurer:1. The Temple treasurer shall be elected as the custodian of all moneysof the Temple and shall disburse these moneys by checks as authorized

by the Temple.

2. He or she shall keep, at all times, an itemized account of all receiptsand disbursements and shall render a monthly and annually writtenreport of this account to the Temple.3. The treasurer's report shall be audited annually by an auditingcommittee.

G. Financial Secretary:1. The Temple financial secretary shall be elected and shall beresponsible for seeing that the offerings are properly received, counted,and deposited in the Temple's bank account.2. He or she shall properly credit each contributor and their offerings.3. He or she shall be responsible for preparing for mailing a quarterly or annual record of contribution to donors.

H. Trustees:1. At least three (3) trustees shall be elected by the Temple to hold trustthe property of the Temple.2. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the Temple without a specific vote of the TempleHierarchy authorizing each action.3. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any, and all legaldocuments involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of Temple

property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of thetrustees for and in behalf of the Temple.

I. Temple Council:1. The Temple Council shall have as regular members the pastor, clerk,treasurer, chairman of Deacons, Sunday School director, discipleshipdirector, chairperson of each Temple standing committee, presidents of men's, women's, and youth fellowships.

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2. The Temple Council shall be to recommend to the Temple objectivesand goals; review the coordinated program plans recommended by the

pastor, Temple officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend

to the Temple the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resourcesaccording to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievementsin terms of Temple goals and objectives.3. All matters agreed on by the Temple Council calling for action notalready provided for shall be referred to the Temple to be voted upon.

We are ruled by a council and this is to be twelve, six women, and sixmen, and a master, the Pastor, who will remain impartial, only givingthe deciding vote should a tie or stalemate happen. There will be a HighCouncil of five and a Low Council of seven within the full council.There will be a half council of four chosen by the full council, to be

judges in disputes and overseers of chastisements.The High Council is to appoint Deacons who will lead the brethren ingroups of twenty. The Low Council will appoint beadles who will reportto it. All are to obey the Deacons and beadles and those of higher rank than themselves, but they may complain to the low council about anyinstruction given them.

J. Vacancies:In case of vacancy in any office, except that of the pastor and staff members, the vacancy shall be filled by the Temple at a regular or special meeting as soon as possible after such vacancy has occurred.

Temple CommitteesAll Temple committee members shall be elected by the Temple fromnominations presented by the Nominating Committee, and nominationsfrom the floor with the consent of the nominee.There shall be a minimum of three (3) committee members with achairperson. Any committee member elected to fill any vacancy shallserve the unexpired term of the position vacated. Each committeechairperson shall submit an annual budget request to the Budget andFinance Committee.

A. Nominating Committee:The Nominating Committee shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and presenting to the Temple people to serve in various

positions of the Temple (unless provided for otherwise in these Bylaws)vacated by expiration of term of office, by death, by resignation, or byremoval. Each person contacted shall be informed of his or her responsibilities.

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B. Budget and Finance Committee:This committee shall have the responsibility of assuring that the adopted

budget is adhered to. It shall recommend financial policies to the

Temple and shall foster and promote programs of stewardship. Inconsultation with the Temple Council for the new Temple year, it shalldraw up and submit to the Temple an annual budget during the month of October for the next calendar year and recommend the chairperson of

budget promotion annually. The taking of special offerings shall beapproved by this committee. This committee shall be responsible for theannual audit of the treasurer's books.

C. Properties Committee:This committee shall be responsible in matters to propertiesadministration. Throughout the year, this committee shall give attention

to and study the condition and state of repair and appearance of the building and grounds of the Temple and equipment therein, makingarrangements for repairs and improvements authorized by the Templeand included in the Temple budget. All matters of major repairs,changes, improvements or items of equipment not included in the

budget shall be referred to the Stewardship Committee for fiscal review.Purchase of equipment shall be through this committee unless another committee is directed specifically to make studies, report to the Temple,and make necessary arrangements as the Temple decides.

D. Missions CommitteeThis committee shall be responsible for discovering possibilities for starting new congregations. If this occurs, this committee will work outa mutual agreement with the Temple mission congregation(s) asapproved by the Temple. It shall seek also possibilities for local, state,national missions projects, share findings with Temple programorganizations, and serves the Temple in establishing and conductingsuch missions projects. This committee shall lead the Temple in itsinvolvement with the Baptist association, state convention, and other Southern Baptist Convention mission related ministries or programs thatmutually benefit the Temple.

E. Music Committee:This committee will plan and evaluate the music program of theTemple, in the formation of choirs in the Temple and planning specialmusical programs throughout the year. It is responsible for recommending people for the positions of pianist and organist, songleader, and in assisting the pastor with special music in the regular andother services of the Temple. In the event that a music director is neededas a staff of the Temple, this committee will look for a qualified person

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to be recommended to this compensated position, which requiresapproval by the Temple.

F. Youth Committee:This committee is responsible in planning and coordinating youth programs and activities inside and outside of the Temple. Theseactivities are to be correlated with the activities of the Temple programorganization in attaining objectives set forth by the Temple. An electedrepresentative of the Youth Committee shall serve as a member of theTemple Council.

G. Social and Recreation Committee:This committee shall be responsible for all social and recreationactivities of the Temple, formulating policies and supervising the

services rendered to the Temple through the kitchen and promotingregular Temple functions to build the fellowship of the Temple.

H. Kitchen Committee:This committee shall have general supervision of the supplies,equipment, and use of the Temple kitchen suggesting to the Templerules and regulations as they deem wise. It shall enforce policiesnecessary to properly maintain the kitchen in a clean, orderly, andacceptable condition.

I. Ordinance Committee:This committee shall assist the pastor in preparing for the twoordinances of the Temple. The members of this committee shall beresponsible for preparing the candidates and the baptistery for theordinance of baptism and will prepare the elements of the Lord'sSupper.

J. Christian Education Committee:This committee shall lead the Temple in developing and implementingan effective education-training program. Foremost of these are:

a). Sunday School:The Sunday School shall be divided into classes and departments as itgrows and conducted under the direction of a director for the study of God's Word. The tasks of the Sunday School shall be to teach the Bible;lead in reaching all prospects; lead all Temple members to worship,witness, learn, and minister daily; provide and interpret informationregarding the work of the Temple and denomination.

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b). Temple Training:The discipleship program shall serve as the training organization andarm of the Temple. Its tasks shall be to teach Christian doctrine, ethics,

Temple policy and organization; train leaders for the Temple anddenomination; provide for specialized training for special projects of ministry for the Temple; and to provide organization and leadership for special activities in the Temple.

c). Missionary Education Ministry:There shall be a missionary education with such officers and such formsof organizations to teach missions, lead members to participate inmissions, and provide organization and leadership in special missions

projects of the Temple.

d). Outreach Committee:This committee is under the immediate leadership of the pastor. Heforms a committee to develop and implement a strategy for effective

programs of community evangelism outreach such as visitation; Biblestudies in homes, offices, places of works; special evangelistic meetingsinside and outside of the Temple; and other needed programs to reach

people with the gospel.

This committee is also responsible for planning training events for soul-winning, as well as the production or securing evangelistic printedmaterials to be used by the Temple.

Other committees may be formed as needed by the Temple.

Temple Meetings

A. Worship Services:The Temple shall meet regularly each Sunday morning and evening for the worship of God, for preaching, instruction, evangelism, and onWednesday, or another night, designated for prayer and Bible study.These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the Templeand for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the

pastor or designated Temple officer in the absence of the pastor.

B. Regular Business Meetings:Regular business meetings shall be held on every first Wednesday of themonth. The agenda shall be circulated or made known to the Templeone week prior to the business meeting. Should there be any unusualmeeting or matter of unusual interest to be brought before such regular

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C. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christiankindness and forbearance, but should an adverse decision be reached,the Temple may proceed to admonish or declare the offender to be no

longer in the membership of the Temple.

D. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offensemay be restored by vote of the Temple, upon evidence of his repentanceand reformation; or if an account of continued absence, uponsatisfactory explanation.

Ratified by action of the Temple in its business meeting on ______(day/date)_______ .

Moderator: ____________________________

Temple Clerk: __________________________

Article 9. Meetings of Members

Business meetings of the members shall be held in the times, in themanner and the purposes set forth below:1. An annual meeting of the Temple shall be held prior to the beginningof the calendar year. The primary purpose of the meeting is to receiveand adopt the annual report and Temple budget.2. The Temple may change the dates of the annual or other scheduledmeetings by notifying the members at least 10 days in advance.3. A special business meeting of the Temple may be called at any time

by (a) the Pastor, (b) or in absence of the Pastor by any other officer of the Temple or by a majority agreement of the Lay Pastors.4. Notification of members for business meetings may be given by anyone of the following methods:a. Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at aSunday service. Announcement of the meeting in the Templenewsletter.c. Oral announcement to the congregation at a Sunday service.d. By first-class letter to members.5. A quorum shall consist of those members present and voting.6. Members shall be notified no less than 10 days prior to a meetingwhich consider any matters set forth in Article 5 section 2 of theBylaws.

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Article 10. Non-profit Status and Liquidation:

We are a non-profit organization, as defined under Inland Revenue (NZ)

Laws and Regulations. The Temple is not organized for profit. In theevent of liquidation or dissolution of the Temple, all of its assets and property of every nature and description whatsoever shall be paid over and transferred at the direction of the appointed Attorneys nominatedfor that purpose.

Unless a member, or Temple Officer, or any member of the public,(non-members), have written documentation or valid proof of ownershipof a particular item, no part of the Temple or its chattels, property, etc.,shall be passed over into said persons hands for liquidation.

(To be updated).

Article 11. Association:

The Pohutukawa Temple is to be known as a singular entity, not as yetaffiliated to, or part of, by word or deed, any associations, Temples,groups, conventions, or denominations, etc. If any organizations, etc,who wish to affiliate or bind themselves to The Temple, then theapplication shall be bought forth and discussed before the full council,with a nominated and duly authorized representative of the enquiringorganization present.

Article 12. Records and Reports

The Temple will maintain the following records and reports:a). Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financialrecords).

b). Minutes of the proceedings of its members and Councils.c). A record of its members, giving their names and addresses.d). Contribution statements for contributors.e). Reports of annual review of all Temple financial books, records, and

proceedings.

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Certificate Of Secretary

I, the undersigned, certify that I am the acting secretary of The Pohutukawa

Temple of the Risen Christ Within, a Nonprofit Religious Organization and theabove Constitution and Bylaws, consisting of eighteen (18) pages, are theConstitution and Bylaws of this Organization as adopted __________, 20__.

Executed at ______________, ______________this __th day of ____, 20__.

________________________, Church Clerk and Secretary

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Membership Agreement or Covenant

of the

Pohutukawa Temple of the Risen Christ Within.

Having professed in public my faith in God and in the Teachings andOrdinances of the Pohutukawa Temple, and after having been immersed uponmy confession of faith, and being in agreement with The Pohutukawa Templesstatement of Faith, Constitution, and Philosophy of Ministry, I now henceforthchoose to unite as One with this body of believers. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members of this fellowship to do the following:

1. I pledge to protect the unity of my Temple:a. By acting in love toward the other members (Romans 14:19) b. By refusing to gossip, listening to gossip, or passing on gossip. Also,

to refrain from backbiting, any and all unwholesome words that may be interpreted as hurting to others. (Ephesians 4:29)

c. By abiding by the terms of the Temple's Covenant, Constitution, andDoctrinal Statement.

d. By the full cooperation on my part with my Pastor, (Pastor), and thenominated spiritual leaders of this Temple. (Hebrews 13:17)

2. I pledge to share the responsibility of my Temple:a. By praying for the its spiritual and numerical growth (1

Thessalonians 1:2) b. By inviting spiritual seekers and others to attend its services and

worship times (Luke 14:23)c. By warmly welcoming those who visit our services (Romans 15:7)

3. I will serve the Ministry of my Temple:a. By discovering my spiritual gifts and talents (1 Peter 4:10)

b. By accepting training and equipping for ministry from my Pastor (Ephesians 4:11, 12)

c. By developing a servants heart and a teachable spirit.(Philippians 2:2,4,7)

4. I will support the Testimony of my temple:a. By attending its services faithfully (Hebrews 10:25)

b. By living a godly and Christ-like life (Philippians 1:27)c. By contributing financially on a regular basis (1 Corinthians 16:2)

______________________________________________Signature

______________________________________________Date

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pohutukawa temple constitution

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