教會章程 / Church Bylaws

信仰告白 | 教會章程 | 異象目標

(2020-11 修正)

第一條 － 名稱

本教會的名稱是主愛華人福音教會．

第二條 － 信仰告白

1. 聖經：

我們相信包含66本書的聖經，是有絕對的權柄、真實無誤，其原本是神所默示的話語，為基督徒信心及生活的最高權威。(箴言 30:5; 以賽亞書 40:8; 提摩太後書 3:16, 17; II 彼得後書 1:19-21).

2. 神：

我們相信一位獨一的真神，創造、攝理及掌管萬物，有完全的聖潔、無限量的智慧和無可測度的能力，並以聖父、聖子、聖靈的三個位格彰顯自己。． (申命記 6:4; 尼希米記 9:6; 歷代志上29:11, 12; 出埃及記 15:11; 約翰壹書 4:8下; 馬太福音 28:19).

3. 基督：

我們相信耶穌基督是上帝的永恆和唯一的兒子，受聖靈感孕為童貞女馬利亞所生，是真實的神，也是真實的人，作上帝與人之間的唯一中保。 (馬太福音1:20; 路加福音 1:35; 約翰福音 1:1, 12, 14; 約翰福音 12:45; 14:9提摩太前書 2:5).

4. 聖靈：

我們相信聖靈是神聖的一位位格，是與聖父、聖子同質同等的，祂的工作在於叫人知罪、公義和審判，為教會作見證，藉著祂使人重生，祂使信徒與基督合而為一，並內住、引導、教訓信徒，使信徒得著能力，過敬虔的生活，為主作見證。(約翰福音16:8-11, 3:3-7; 以弗所書 1:13; 哥林多後書13:14; 約約翰福音14:16, 17; 羅馬書8:14-27; 哥林多前書12:12, 13).

5 人：

我們相信人乃照神的形象所造，原本與上帝相交，因人的選擇而犯罪，失去與上帝的相交，因而墮落在靈魂與肉體的死中。因此全人類按其本性及其作為皆為罪人，全然無法靠己恢復與上帝的相交，唯有因信耶穌基督得以與神和好。(創世記1:26; 以西結書18:20上; 羅馬書3:23; 提多書3:5; 以弗所書 2:8, 9; 羅馬書 6:23).

6. 稱義：

我們相耶穌基督為我們的罪而死，成為代贖的犧牲，使相信接受耶穌基督的人，方能因祂的流血而稱義。(哥林多前書l5:3,4; 啟示錄l:5).

7. 救贖：

我們相信救贖是本乎恩因著信，不是出於行為，相信接受耶穌基督為救主的人方能得著聖靈的重生，成為神的兒女。我們相信信徒決不致失去得救的確據。(以弗所書2:8,9; 約翰福音3:3,7; l:l2; l0:27-29; 羅馬書8:l4-l7).

8. 主耶穌基督的復活：

我們相信主受死後帶著身體復活、升天，現今執行大祭司的職份，為我們代求。(使徒行傳l:9-11; 約翰壹書2:l-2; 馬太福音28:5-7).

9. 人的復活：

我們相信義人和惡人的身體都將復活，復活後義人要得永遠的榮耀，惡人將受永遠的審判。(哥林多前書l5:20-24; 啟示錄20:l2-l5; 哥林多後書5:8).

10. 教會、洗禮：

我們相信教會是主耶穌基督的肢體，由不分階級與條件的受洗信徒組成，服膺於神的話語之下，不受教規的拘泥。我們相信洗禮為信徒應當遵守的聖禮，雖無救贖之功效，但成為表明信徒與救主同釘死、同埋葬，同復活的莊嚴神聖象徵。(馬太福音28:l9; 使徒行傳2:4l; 使徒行傳8:38; 使徒行傳l8:8; 羅馬書6:3-5).

11. 主餐 ：

我們相信主餐所用的餅杯是表明基督身體與血的象徵，信徒領受主餐是為記念救主犧牲的死，與等待主的再來，信徒應當先自己省察，然後領受主餐。(路加福音22:l9,20; 哥林多前書11:23-30).

l2.未來 ：

我們相信主耶穌基督在末日必親自有形體的與眾信徒榮耀再來，建立地上的千禧年王國並將來永遠的新天新地，信徒必永遠在主面前與主相交，不信者必離開主面受永遠的滅亡。(哥林多前書l5:4; 使徒行傳l:9-11; 希伯來書4:l4-l6; 約翰壹書2:l,2; 帖撒羅尼迦前書4:l3-l7; 啟示錄 l9:11-l6; 20:l-l5; 2l:l-8).

第三條 － 與其他教會的關係

本教會由本教會中的信徒管理，不受其他的教會所管轄．但我們承認有需要與其他信仰相同的教會商議及合作．

第四條 － 會員

第一節 接受成為會員

申請成為主愛華人福音教會會員可有如下方式：

● 藉著表白相信基督為救主，並在本教會授權下受洗。

● 藉著從信仰相同的教會的推薦信，曾受洗，足以成為教會會員。

● 若沒有推薦信，藉著信仰的表白，使本教會確定為曾受洗，足以成為教會會員者。

● 曾被本教會排除會藉者，若顯示悔改的證據，可被接納恢復會藉。

若符合上述條件之一，經過牧師和執事們共同開會投票，並獲得最少三分之二出席該會議者的同意票，就能接納成為會員。

第二節 終止會籍

在下面所述的情況下得終止會籍：（一）因死亡；（二）主動提出會籍轉移（三）因受紀律處分

第三節 對會員的紀律處分

紀律處分由牧師與執事們共同審議及執行，其程序是遵從聖經所概述。（馬太18:15-17;哥林多前書5:4-13;帖撒羅尼迦後書3:6）處分的結果可包括但不限制於取消會籍並趕出教會。

第四節 活動性會員和非活動性會員

若有會員在連續四個月內沒有參加主日崇拜或禱告會，將被列為非活動性會員，所有被列為非活動性會員者皆喪失投票權及在教會中擔當職務的資格。

若有會員遷離本地，或離開本地到外地求學而無法每月最少一次參與主日崇拜者，從其搬離之日開始自動成為非活動性會員。

凡被列為非活動性會員者，若連續四個主日參加崇拜或禱告會，並願意恢復活動性會員身分者，得重新列為活動性會員。

第五條 -- 職位與領袖

第一節 牧師

資格

牧師（在聖經裡又稱作長老或監督）的資格如在提摩太前書 3:l-7 及提多書 l:5-9所列。

選舉過程

牧師的選舉可在有需要時在任何教會的經常性或特別召開的會議中進行，需最少提前兩星期在主日崇拜講台上宣佈，並在佈告欄公佈，通知會眾。

事工的描述

1. 藉著傳福音，講道，崇拜，教導，訓練與關懐等事工帶領教會，以幫助會員靈命成熟，多結果子。

2. 主持洗禮及聖餐。

3. 監督教會所有會議及團契或小組。

任期

牧師的任期沒有限制。

在教會有必要罷免牧師時，可召開罷免牧師的會議，會議前兩星期須發通告。會議可在由過半的執事提出，或由不少於三分之一的活動性會員簽名的書面要求下召開。除非教會另有別議，會議將由執事會主席主持。投票是以不記名投票方式進行，只有兩項選擇，「是」表示罷免，「否」表示不罷免。在有三分之二的活動性會員出席，才能進行投票。 出席的人數中至少四分之三投「是」時，牧師將被即時罷免。罷免會議不容許缺席投票，因為會員必須在考慮了所有的討論後方可投票。

第二節 執事

資格

按聖經: 提摩太前書 3:8-13

其他:

1. 成為基督徒最少三年

2. 成為主愛華人基督教會活動性會員並參與服事最少一年

3. 年齡最少21歲．

選舉過程與任期

執事可在年會上選舉，任期為一年。或可在有需要補充空缺時選舉，年會之後選舉的執事，任期從當選日至翌年的年會止。

執事可連任，連任次數沒有限制。

事工的描述

1. 執事須在有關於會眾的屬靈生活與聖禮（洗禮與聖餐）的一切事宜上協助牧師。

2. 執事須與牧師一同審核成為會員的申請及執行教會的紀律處分。

3. 執事須從他們當中選出一主席。主席將主持執事會所有會議。當主席缺席時，執事們得指定一執事主持該會議。

4. 在選聘牧師時，執事們將籌組聘牧委員會。

5. 執事須處理教會的所有法定交易。執事為教會財產的保管者，並代表教會出售或購入財產。除非經教會會員大會特別投票授權，他們沒有權力出售，購買，租用或轉交任何教會財產。若非經執事們建議並被教會會員大會投票通過，他們不能改變或售賣教會的財產。 執事們必須有超過三分之二的執事人數，才能行使此項法定交易職權。

6. 執事須監督財務帳目的查核。

第三節 事工團隊負責人 

資格

必須是重生得救的基督徒，願意參與服事，並得到牧師和執事們的同意。

委任過程及任期

所有事工團隊負責人皆由牧師和執事們於每年十二月底前委任，或在出現空缺或有需要時委任，並在下一次同工會議上宣佈。在某年十二月被委任者，其任期從翌年的二月一日開始，任期為一年。在任何其他時間被委任者，其任期從由執事會所指定的日期開始，至翌年的一月底為止。

第六條 -- 聚會

第一節 崇拜聚會

教會在每星期的主日有崇拜聚會，在星期三晚上或在其他教會所定的時間有禱告聚會。

第二節 主餐

凡信徒得守主餐，主餐在牧師所定的日期及時間舉行，須提早公開通知。

第三節 同工會

教會視情況需要可在每月有一次經常性同工會議，提供同工們的事工分享和討論，一月分的會議是年會，進行執事改選和教會預算案的通過。財政年度在十二月三十一日結朿。牧師或執事會可召開特別同工會議，除本會章另有規定的情況，開會的目的須提早一週公開的通告。

第四節 投票

所有年滿十八歲的活動性會員皆有投票權．除本會章另有規定的情況外，需要投票時，同工會必須不少於三分之二的有投票權的會員出席時方能投票；待表決事項須由具投票權會員過半數的投票所決定。不能委托代表投票(proxy)。若因特殊原因無法親自出席投票者，可在會議之前向執事會申請缺席投票。投票的方式由教會決定，可用聲音，舉手，起立或用票。

第五節 開會程序

開會程序如下：禱告、閱讀會議記錄、事工報告、其他報告、臨時動議、結束。

第七條 -- 會章修改或其他重大提議

本會章可在由過半的執事提出，或由不少於三分之一的活動性會員簽名的書面要求下進行修改。所提出之修改須在該會議前最少四星期在教會佈告板上公告，並在主日崇拜中宣布。

會章修改案可在任何經常性同工會上經具投票權會員不少於三分之二票數通過下確認修改。

會員若有重大提議，需交付會員大會表決時，也適用此原則。

第八條   --   解散

若教會因故解散，教會財產須捐贈其他相同信仰之基督教機構，不得成為任何個人之財產。

備註: 本章程以中文版本為解釋標準

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this body shall be Agape Chinese Evangelical Church.

ARTICLE II - DOCTRINE

1. Bible:

We believe in the absolute authority, accuracy and inerrancy of the 66 books of the Bible; its full verbal inspiration of the original manuscripts and its all-sufficiency and final authority as the Christian's rule of faith and practice (Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 40:8; II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21).

2. God:

We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of all things, who is perfect in holiness, and in love, infinite in wisdom and measureless in power, and who reveals Himself to us as three distinct entities, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Nehemiah 9:6; I Chronicles 29:11, 12; Exodus 15:11; I John 4:8b; Matthew 28:19).

3. Jesus Christ:

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal and only begotten Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and that He is true God and true man and is the only mediator between God and man (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 12, 14; John 12:45; 14:9; I Timothy 2:5).

4. Holy Spirit:

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, equal with the Father and the Son, and of the same substance and nature; that He convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment; that He bears witness to the church; that He is the agent of the new birth; and that at conversion He baptizes the believer into the Body of Christ; and that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses to, sanctifies and helps the believer, indwelling every true child of God (John 16:8-11, 3:3-7; Ephesians 1:13; II Corinthian s 13:14; John 14:16, 17; Romans 8:14-27; I Corinthians 12:12, 13).

5. Man:

We believe that man was created in the image of God by direct creation and that he was originally in fellowship and communication with God. By man's choice he sinned, breaking this fellowship and incurred both physical and spiritual death. Thus all mankind by nature and by choice are sinners and unable of their own selves to reestablish fellowship with God. Apart from Christ all individuals shall be forever separated from God (Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 18:20a; Romans 3:23; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 6:23).

6. Justification:

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, that all who believe on him are justified on the ground of His shed blood (I Corinthians l5:3,4; Revelation l:5).

7. Salvation:

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works, and that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are born again of the Holy Spirit, thereby becoming children of God. We believe in the eternal security of the believer (Ephesians 2:8,9; John 3:3,7; l:l2; l0:27-29; Romans 8:l4-l7).

8. Resurrection - Jesus Christ:

We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven and in His present ministry there for us as High Priest and Advocate. (Acts l:9-11; I John 2:l-2; Matthew 28:5-7).

9. Resurrection - Man:

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just, the bodily resurrection of the unjust, the everlasting conscious blessedness of the saved and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost (I Corinthians l5:20-24; Revelation 20:l2-l5; II Corinthians 5:8).

10. Local Church, Baptism:

We believe that the local church is the local expression of the Body of Christ and is a voluntary association of baptized believers equal in rank and privilege, subject to the Word of God, and independent of any external ecclesiastical control whatsoever. We believe that God's Word commands every believer to be baptized. Though baptism has no saving merit, it does show forth in solemn and beautiful symbolism the believer's faith in and union with the crucified, buried, and risen Savior (Matthew 28:l9; Acts 2:4l; Acts 8:38; Acts l8:8; Romans 6:3-5).

11. Lord's Supper:

We believe that the Lord's Supper is a provision of bread and the cup which are symbolical of Christ's broken body and shed blood; that the Lord's Supper is partaken of by saved individuals in commemoration of the suffering and death of their Lord and in anticipation of His soon coming again; that its observance is to be preceded by faithful self-examination (Luke 22:l9,20; I Corinthians 11:23-30).

l2. The Future:

We believe in the personal, visible, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His church in His coming in Glory with the believers to set up His millennial kingdom upon the earth followed by an eternal kingdom on a new heaven and earth. The saved will forever be in His presence and fellowship while the unsaved will forever be separated from God and His fellowship (I Corinthians l5:4; Acts l:9-11; Hebrews 4:l4-l6; I John 2:l,2; I Thessalonians 4:l3-l7; Revelation l9:11-l6; 20:l-l5; 2l:l-8).

ARTICLE III - ASSOCIATION

The Government of this Church is vested in the body of baptized believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but we recognize our need of mutual counsel and co-operation with other churches of like faith and order.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1 Reception of Members 

Members may be received in the following manner: (1) By profession of faith in Christ as Savior, followed by baptism by authority of this Church; (2) upon promise of a letter of recommendation from another church of like faith and order, it being determined by this church that the person has been Scripturally baptized and otherwise qualified for membership; (3) By statement, where a letter of recommendation is not available, it being determined by this church that the person has been Scripturally baptized and otherwise qualified for membership; and (4) By restoration, having been excluded from this Church and giving evidence of repentance.

If one of the above conditions is met, a vote is taken in a meeting jointly held by the pastor and deacons, and if at least two-thirds of those attending the meeting agree, they can be accepted as members. 

Section 2 Termination of Membership 

Membership may be terminated as follows: (1) By death; (2) By a request of the member to transfer his/her membership, and (3) By discipline.

Section 3 Disciplinary Action Against Members 

Disciplinary action is considered and enforced by the pastor and deacons, and the procedure is in accordance with the Bible. (Matt. 18:15-17; I Cor. 5:4-13; II Thes. 3:6). The results of the disciplinary action may include, but are not limited to, the cancellation of membership and expulsion from the Church.

Section 4 Active Members and Inactive Members 

If any member does not attend worship services or prayer meeting for four consecutive months, his/her name shall be placed on an inactive membership role. Any person whose name appears on the inactive role will forfeit his/her rights as a member to vote or to hold office in the Church.

If a member moves out of the area, or leaves the area to study elsewhere and is unable to attend Sunday worship at least once a month, his/her name will automatically be placed on an inactive membership role from the day of his/her departure.

Those who are classified as inactive members may be reclassified as active members if they attend worship or prayer meetings on four consecutive Sundays and desire to resume active membership.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND LEADERS 

Section 1 Pastor 

Qualifications 

The qualifications of Pastor (also known as elder or overseer in the Bible) are set forth in the scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9).

Election Process 

The pastor's election can be conducted at any regular or specially convened church meeting when needed, and must be announced at least two weeks in advance on the Sunday worship podium and posted on the notice board to notify the congregation. 

Description of Ministry 

1. Through evangelism, preaching, worship, teaching, training, and care, the pastor leads the church to help members mature spiritually and bear more fruit. 

2. Preside over baptisms and communion. 

3. Oversee all church meetings and fellowships or groups. 

Pastor's Call 

This shall be an indefinite call.

Termination of Pastor’s Call 

Should circumstances require the church to terminate the relationship, such action shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least two week's public notice has been given. The meeting may be called upon recommendation of a majority of the deacons or by written petition signed by not less than one-third of the church members. The moderator for this meeting shall be the chairman of the deacon body unless the church directs otherwise. The vote to declare the office vacant shall be by a secret, simple ballot yes to terminate; no not to terminate. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present is necessary to declare the office vacant, and the termination shall be immediate. Absentee ballots will not be permitted for dismissal action because all of the discussion should be considered before any decision is made by the members.

Section 2 Deacons 

Qualifications 

According to the Bible: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 

Other: 

1. Must have been a Christian for at least three years

2. Must have been an active member of the Agape Chinese Christian Church and participated in service for at least one year

3. Must be at least 21 years old.

Election Process and Term 

Deacons can be elected at the annual meeting, with a term of one year. Or they can be elected when there is a need to fill vacancies. Deacons elected after the annual meeting serve from the date of election until the next annual meeting. 

Deacons can be re-elected, and there is no limit to the number of consecutive terms. 

Description of Ministry 

1. Deacons must assist the pastor in all matters concerning the spiritual life of the congregation and sacraments (baptism and communion). 

2. Deacons must review membership applications and execute church disciplinary actions with the pastor. 

3. Deacons must elect a chairman from among them. The chairman will preside over all meetings of the board of deacons. When the chairman is absent, the deacons may designate a deacon to preside over the meeting. 

4. When calling a pastor, the deacons will form a pastoral calling committee. 

5. Deacons must handle all legal transactions of the church. Deacons are the custodians of church property and represent the church in selling or purchasing property. Unless authorized by a special vote of the church membership, they have no power to sell, purchase, lease, or transfer any church property. They cannot change or sell church property unless recommended by the deacons and approved by a vote of the church membership. Deacons must have more than two-thirds of the number of deacons to exercise this legal transaction authority. 

6. Deacons must oversee the audit of financial accounts. 

Section 3 Ministry Team Leaders 

Qualifications 

Must be a born-again Christian, willing to participate in service, and approved by the pastor and deacons. 

Appointment Process and Term 

The pastor and deacons appoint All ministry team leaders before the end of December each year, or when vacancies or needs arise and announce at the next staff meeting. Those appointed in December of a year, their term begins on February 1 of the following year, for a term of one year. Those appointed at any other time, their term begins on the date specified by the board of deacons, and ends at the end of January of the following year. 

ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS 

Section 1 Meeting for Worship 

The church shall meet for public worship on the first day of the week, on Wednesday evening for prayer, and at such other times as the Church may determine.

Section 2 The Holy Communion

All believers can observe the Holy Communion, which is held on the date and time set by the pastor and must be announced in advance. 

Section 3 Coworkers Meetings 

The church can have a regular staff meeting once a month as needed, providing a platform for staff to share and discuss their ministries. The meeting in January is the annual meeting, where deacon elections and church budget approval take place. The fiscal year ends on December 31. The pastor or board of deacons can convene special staff meetings. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, the purpose of the meeting must be publicly announced one week in advance. 

Section 4 Voting 

All active members aged 18 and over have the right to vote. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, when voting is required, the staff meeting must have at least two-thirds of the members with voting rights present to vote; the matter to be decided must be decided by a majority of the members with voting rights. Proxy voting is not allowed. If, for special reasons, one cannot personally attend the vote, they can apply to the board of deacons for absentee voting before the meeting. The church determines the method of voting which can be by voice, hand raising, standing, or by ballot. 

Section 5 Meeting Procedures 

The meeting procedures are as follows: prayer, reading of meeting records, ministry reports, other reports, temporary motions, and adjournment. 

ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS OR OTHER MAJOR PROPOSALS 

These bylaws can be amended by a proposal from more than half of the deacons or by a written request signed by no less than one-third of the active members. The proposed amendment must be posted on the church bulletin board at least four weeks before the meeting and announced during Sunday worship. 

The amendment to the bylaws can be confirmed by a vote of no less than two-thirds of the members with voting rights at any regular staff meeting. 

If members have major proposals that need to be submitted to the membership meeting for decision, this principle also applies. 

ARTICLE VIII - DISSOLUTION 

If the church is dissolved for any reason, the church's property must be donated to other Christian organizations of the same faith. It must not become the property of any individual.

Note: The Chinese version of this document is the standard for interpretation.