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Constitution
And
Bylaws
For
The Pohutukawa
Temple
Of
The Risen Christ
Within
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This book Belongs To:

_______________________________________

In case I’m lost, please return me to:

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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 live
and 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 his
Churches 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 first
of 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 the
Churches grew larger and more complex, they devised more and more structure
to 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 arisen
in 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 and
misuse their authority. Unqualified men do seek leadership positions. Believers
do mistreat each other. As problems and new situations arose, new standards
were 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 Testament
Temple is not a valid argument. It is an argument from silence that ignores the
fact that they did have a wide variety of rules and regulations governing
everything from leadership and membership qualifications, to the handling of
finances, and disciplinary procedures.

A constitution is simply a compilation of principles, rules, regulations and

standards that have been extracted from Scripture and recorded in logical,
systematic fashion. These may be modified in some cases to fit the cultural
context in which the Temple is found while retaining the biblical content.

Rather than being unbiblical, constitutions are the very embodiment of New
Testament principles. The fact that constitutions are not specifically mentioned
in Scripture does not preclude their use in our Churches today. We have
multiple institutions in our Churches that are not mentioned directly in
Scripture. Sunday Schools, trustees, bus ministries, youth programs, Bible
camps, public address systems, bathrooms, and Temple buildings are but a few
of the many examples of things not found in New Testament Churches, but
which 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 is
true of church constitutions.

No, church constitutions are both Scriptural and necessary. We point out the
fact 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 his
conduct 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 do

all things decently and in order. (I Corinthians 14:40).

2) A written constitution ensures the rights of both the majority and

the minority.

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

4) A written constitution insures that proper procedures are

followed.

5) A written constitution clarifies the lines of authority,

responsibility, and accountability.

6) A written constitution instills confidence in the public and

members alike.

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

come.

(How to Write A Church Constitution A Ministry for Equipping the Saints

Roger 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 Lord
Jesus Christ to His disciples, followers, and those who choose to congregate in
fellowship together, do ordain and establish the following Constitution to which
we 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 God’s 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 spiritually
hurt, 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 Risen
Christ Within’, otherwise known as ‘The Pohutukawa Temple’, or,
simply, ‘The Temple’. It is to be known as a singular entity, not as yet
affiliated 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 2103
Phone: 027 645 2215
Email: ptotrcw@gmail.com
Web page: www.myspace.com/pohutukawatemple

Article 3. Authority:

Firstly, by the Divine Directive found in Matthew 28 v 19–20;

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
everything I have taught you.”
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“Before God,…. I charge you,.… proclaim the message

and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute
falsehood, correct error, give encouragement – but do all
with patience and with care to instruct ” (2 Tim. 4:1–2).

Authority is invested in the hierarchy of the Temple, by chain of

command. The temple’s 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 and
Scriptures, 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 and
Bylaws of this congregation may determine, and to own and maintain
such property and equipment as may be required to carry out the above
stated purposes.

2. To minister to the needs of the members and others as the Temple is

able to do so.

Article 4. Statement of Faith:

1. We believe that God’s Word, in scripture and teachings, are universal

and from varied sources. Divinely inspired, written by the hand and
understanding 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 Heavens
and the Earth and all that lives upon, and in, Her. Eternally existing,
moving through us and around us, shaping events for our instruction and
edification.

3. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s agent upon this earth
to lead and guide us on the shining path towards individual
enlightenment.

4. We recognize and believe in the Divinity of the one known as Jesus

the Christ, so named by men, and worthy of the appellation. We believe
in his teachings, finding life lessons and life changing examples in his
life and work among men and women.
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5. We believe man was created in God’s image, pure spirit inhabiting a

body of flesh and bone, imperfect but striving always upward toward
self-awareness and divinity. We believe man’s purpose whilst in this
present lifetime is to strive with all his or her heart and might to emulate
all 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 successfully

navigating the muddy waters of his lifetimes, spiritual excellence, and
ultimately, perfection and divinity found in Ascension.

7. We believe in the sacrament of water baptism and partaking of the

Lord’s Supper, in keeping with the New Testament directives.

8. We believe that man is the inheritor of his own salvation. Through

diligently 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 the
in-working power of God’s Holy Spirit.

9. We believe in the immortality of the Spirit, being man’s true nature

and expression. Though the body dies and is subject to corruption, the
spirit lives on to incarnate again, at its desire to finish learning it’s life
lessons, until such time as Perfection is achieved.

10. We believe in the autonomy of the Temple. The Temple shall

manage it’s 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 awarded
them 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 treated
with respect and fairness, until such time as a satisfactory, (to all
concerned), 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 shall
open 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 foundation
of 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 bisexual

couples who wish to be married or handfasted. Should couples wish to
be united in marriage, all rights and privileges of marriage shall be
accorded 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 to
do so, without bias or censure. Their children, of their bodies or
adopted, shall be given respect and acceptance as is their basic human
right.

14. We believe in the Doctrine of Reincarnation, as was taught in the

early Temple, and as it is taught worldwide. Everyone searches for
answers, and answers to those questions can sometimes come from
sources 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 who

have made a profession of faith by their public declaration, and who,
having been baptized by immersion, and are in agreement with the
Articles 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 the
Pohutukawa Temple.

There shall be no censure for not signing, but it must be acknowledged

that failure to sign means that the person forfeits all rights and privileges
of membership, and only retains visitor status, thus excluding them from
the inner workings and teachings of the Pohutukawa Temple.

Rights of Membership

Every active/resident member shall have the right to participate in the

following 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 to

the 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 not
necessary.
c). Dies
d). Is dismissed by a vote of the Temple due to reasons and
circumstances 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 from
the Temple membership.

Orientation of New Members:

Candidates for membership and new members need to attend the

Temple Membership Class to learn and understand the privileges and
responsibilities of members to God and the Temple.

a). Members in good standing shall have the right to a voice and vote in
all 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, and
abide by a Membership Agreement, it is still important for a person’s
peace of mind to ‘know’ that they ‘belong’*. This shall be respected,
and explained that, by signing and abiding by the Temple Membership
Agreement, 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, there

is certainly nothing to prohibit it. Temple membership is a way of
officially identifying oneself with a local body of believers. Temple
membership 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 Temple

decisions 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 temporal
goods, to the edification of The Temple and it’s members. Once a piece
of property, as defined by its description, has been purchased by Temple
funds, then it becomes included into the Temple’s chattels, and once
listed, becomes part of the Temple proper. Gifts likewise enter this
domain. Once an item, or items, has been sold or gifted to the Temple, it
is to be understood that the said item/s has now become Temple
property, and all rights, privileges, and claims upon it are hereby null
and 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 Temple
Hierarchy. The elected officers will then pass down the changes to the
congregation at large.

Article 8. Officers and Staff:

Officers of the Temple shall not, under any circumstances, be restricted

solely to male members. Female members shall be given full human
rights to serve and worship God in this capacity, and no Officer of the
Temple shall be under eighteen years of age.

a). However, that being said, should a young person show exceptional
abilities or promise, then this Rule shall be relaxed, pending revue and
confirmation from the Temple Hierarchy. This shall be equal
opportunity 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 1
Timothy 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 to
grow and fulfill its purposes.
b) He shall lead the Temple, the organizations, and all leaders of the
Temple in performing their tasks in worship, proclamation, education,
and evangelism.
c) The pastor shall be an ex officio member of all Temple standing
committees.
(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 and
one (1) for each additional fifty (50) of portion thereof. Deacons shall be
elected for a term of service of three years or longer term of service as
voted upon by the Temple.

2. Qualifications:
a) A Temple Deacon must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy
3:8-13.
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 Deacons
Committee shall announce that an election of a Deacon will be held
during a named Temple business meeting.
b) The Deacon Committee will enlist active men and women to be
recommended to the congregation. The duties, qualifications, and
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importance of the office of a Deacon will be interpreted to the

candidates and be reviewed to the congregation prior to the scheduled
election of Deacons.

4. Ordination:
(a) Selection, election, and ordination of Deacons is a privilege of the
Pohutukawa 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 Deacons
of 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 Committee
shall serve as an advisory member to all organizations, departments, and
committees of the Temple.

D). Moderator:
1. The Temple moderator may be the pastor or a lay leader elected to
this position.
2. The moderator shall preside at all regular and called business
meetings 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, the
Temple 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 an
accurate 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 the

Temple 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 and
write letters of transfer of membership, prepare written reports of the
Temple, and keep an accurate history of the Temple.
4. An assistant Temple clerk may be elected or the clerk's
responsibilities shall be delegated to a Temple secretary if and when the
Temple can afford to employ one.

F. Treasurer:
1. The Temple treasurer shall be elected as the custodian of all moneys
of 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 receipts
and disbursements and shall render a monthly and annually written
report of this account to the Temple.
3. The treasurer's report shall be audited annually by an auditing
committee.

G. Financial Secretary:
1. The Temple financial secretary shall be elected and shall be
responsible 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 trust
the 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 Temple
Hierarchy authorizing each action.
3. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any, and all legal
documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of Temple
property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the
trustees 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, discipleship
director, 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 objectives

and 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 resources
according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements
in terms of Temple goals and objectives.
3. All matters agreed on by the Temple Council calling for action not
already 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 six
men, and a master, the Pastor, who will remain impartial, only giving
the deciding vote should a tie or stalemate happen. There will be a High
Council 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 in
groups of twenty. The Low Council will appoint beadles who will report
to 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 any
instruction 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 Committees
All Temple committee members shall be elected by the Temple from
nominations presented by the Nominating Committee, and nominations
from the floor with the consent of the nominee.
There shall be a minimum of three (3) committee members with a
chairperson. Any committee member elected to fill any vacancy shall
serve the unexpired term of the position vacated. Each committee
chairperson shall submit an annual budget request to the Budget and
Finance 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 by
removal. 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. In
consultation with the Temple Council for the new Temple year, it shall
draw 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 be
approved by this committee. This committee shall be responsible for the
annual audit of the treasurer's books.

C. Properties Committee:
This committee shall be responsible in matters to properties
administration. 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, making
arrangements for repairs and improvements authorized by the Temple
and 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 Committee
This committee shall be responsible for discovering possibilities for
starting new congregations. If this occurs, this committee will work out
a mutual agreement with the Temple mission congregation(s) as
approved by the Temple. It shall seek also possibilities for local, state,
national missions projects, share findings with Temple program
organizations, and serves the Temple in establishing and conducting
such missions projects. This committee shall lead the Temple in its
involvement with the Baptist association, state convention, and other
Southern Baptist Convention mission related ministries or programs that
mutually benefit the Temple.

E. Music Committee:
This committee will plan and evaluate the music program of the
Temple, in the formation of choirs in the Temple and planning special
musical programs throughout the year. It is responsible for
recommending people for the positions of pianist and organist, song
leader, and in assisting the pastor with special music in the regular and
other services of the Temple. In the event that a music director is needed
as 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 requires

approval by the Temple.

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

G. Social and Recreation Committee:

This committee shall be responsible for all social and recreation
activities of the Temple, formulating policies and supervising the
services rendered to the Temple through the kitchen and promoting
regular 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 Temple
rules and regulations as they deem wise. It shall enforce policies
necessary to properly maintain the kitchen in a clean, orderly, and
acceptable condition.

I. Ordinance Committee:
This committee shall assist the pastor in preparing for the two
ordinances of the Temple. The members of this committee shall be
responsible for preparing the candidates and the baptistery for the
ordinance of baptism and will prepare the elements of the Lord's
Supper.

J. Christian Education Committee:

This committee shall lead the Temple in developing and implementing
an effective education-training program. Foremost of these are:

a). Sunday School:

The Sunday School shall be divided into classes and departments as it
grows 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 information
regarding the work of the Temple and denomination.
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b). Temple Training:

The discipleship program shall serve as the training organization and
arm of the Temple. Its tasks shall be to teach Christian doctrine, ethics,
Temple policy and organization; train leaders for the Temple and
denomination; 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 forms
of organizations to teach missions, lead members to participate in
missions, 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. He
forms a committee to develop and implement a strategy for effective
programs of community evangelism outreach such as visitation; Bible
studies in homes, offices, places of works; special evangelistic meetings
inside 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 printed
materials 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 on
Wednesday, or another night, designated for prayer and Bible study.
These meetings will be open for the entire membership of the Temple
and 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 the
month. The agenda shall be circulated or made known to the Temple
one week prior to the business meeting. Should there be any unusual
meeting or matter of unusual interest to be brought before such regular
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meeting, notice shall be given to the membership one week prior to that
meeting.

C. Special Business Meeting:

A special called business meeting may be called by the pastor, and with
other Temple officers, or by action of the Temple to consider special
matters of significant nature. A one-week written notice or
announcement must be given for the especially called business meeting.

D. Quorum:
The quorum consists of those who attend the business meeting, provided
it is a stated meeting or one that has been properly called. At least one-
fourth of the members shall constitute a quorum.

Licensing and Ordaining

A. Licensing:
Any member of the Temple who has shown by his life and has felt the
call to the gospel ministry may by vote of the membership at a regular
meeting be licensed by the Temple to the Christian ministry.

B. Ordination:
When a Temple of life faith and order shall have called as its pastor a
member of this Temple who possesses scriptural qualifications and as
demonstrated by his skills and training for ordination to the work of the
gospel ministry, and shall request in writing that he be ordained, or the
Temple Council recommends him for ordination, a special committee
shall be elected to conduct the process of his ordination. Deacons of the
Temple may be ordained as Deacons upon the recommendation of the
Temple Council. The Temple shall consider such request and by a vote
of majority in a regular meeting approve such request. The pastor shall
assemble an ordaining council for the ordination of qualified and
recommended candidates.

Temple Discipline
A. Should any unhappy difference arise among members, the aggrieved
member shall follow in a tender spirit, the rules given by our Lord in
Matthew 18:15-17.

B. Should any case of gross breach of covenant, or of public scandal

occur, the Deacons shall endeavor to resolve the conflict; and if this
effort fails, shall report the case to the Temple.
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C. All such proceedings shall be pervaded by a spirit of Christian

kindness 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 offense
may be restored by vote of the Temple, upon evidence of his repentance
and reformation; or if an account of continued absence, upon
satisfactory 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 the

manner and the purposes set forth below:
1. An annual meeting of the Temple shall be held prior to the beginning
of the calendar year. The primary purpose of the meeting is to receive
and adopt the annual report and Temple budget.
2. The Temple may change the dates of the annual or other scheduled
meetings 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 any
one of the following methods:
a. Distribution of written material to the congregation in attendance at a
Sunday service. Announcement of the meeting in the Temple
newsletter.
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 meeting
which consider any matters set forth in Article 5 section 2 of the
Bylaws.
 23

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 the
event 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 nominated
for that purpose.

Unless a member, or Temple Officer, or any member of the public,

(non-members), have written documentation or valid proof of ownership
of a particular item, no part of the Temple or it’s chattels, property, etc.,
shall be passed over into said person’s hands for liquidation.

(To be updated).

Article 11. Association:

The Pohutukawa Temple is to be known as a singular entity, not as yet

affiliated 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 the
application shall be bought forth and discussed before the full council,
with a nominated and duly authorized representative of the enquiring
organization present.

Article 12. Records and Reports

The Temple will maintain the following records and reports:

a). Adequate and correct books and records of accounts (financial
records).
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.
 24

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 the
above Constitution and Bylaws, consisting of eighteen (18) pages, are the
Constitution and Bylaws of this Organization as adopted __________, 20__.

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

________________________, Church Clerk and Secretary

 25

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 and

Ordinances of the Pohutukawa Temple, and after having been immersed upon
my confession of faith, and being in agreement with The Pohutukawa Temple’s
statement of Faith, Constitution, and Philosophy of Ministry, I now henceforth
choose 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, and
Doctrinal Statement.
d. By the full cooperation on my part with my Pastor, (Pastor), and the
nominated 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 servant’s 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
 26

Errata.