OVERSEER COURSE LESSON EIGHTY-NINE

TOOL BOX FOR THE GENERAL OVERSEER AND

HIS MINISTERS
MODULE EIGHT

How to Constitute a New Church

Henry Epps
founder

HARVEST LIFE
GLOBAL NETWORK
Overseer Course Lesson 89
 Lesson Eighty-Nine

How to constitute a new church

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

How to Constitute a New Church

To be present at the formal constitution of a new church is exciting and awe inspiring. The
constitution service is the culmination of significant events which have gone before.
Some churches are begun as missions of another congregation. These new churches have a spiritual
family who have been supportive and helpful along the way. Someone or some group likely prayed
and longed for the day when a healthy church would be established in that place. The constitution
service will be planned with appropriate honor for those who have dreamed, prayed, and worked
for this day.
Some churches are begun after some person or small group of persons starts a Bible study or
worship service in a community. A church may be born without the help of a sponsoring church.
The constitution service in a church like this should honor those who invested themselves in the
new church.
Some churches come into existence because of a split in another congregation. Many of these
churches overcome their sad beginning and mature into healthy, effective congregations. In these
situations the constitution service should focus on the future of the new church. Remember that
many of the people involved in the new church are wounded and hurting.

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Regardless of the reason for the existence of the new church, the constitution service should be
approached with a sense of dignity. Yet it should be a celebration, never dry and boring, but
reflective of the joy and anticipation in the hearts of the people in the new church. Here are some
things to consider as you approach constituting a church.
Set a date to constitute.
Seek assistance and information from denominational leaders such as the associational director of
missions.
Invite neighboring churches of like faith and order to send representatives to form a council.
If the new church is a mission of an existing church, the sponsoring church should be vitally
involved in the process.
This council will meet prior to the constituting service to choose a moderator or clerk and constitute
the church.
A Service of Constitution
Devotional
Song"The Church's One Foundation"
Scripture ReadingMatthew 16:18-19;
Acts 2:41-42;
1 Corinthians 12:27;
Ephesians 4:11-13;
Colossians 1:18
Prayer
A Look at the Church's History
Welcome and Recognition of Guests
Statement of Purpose of This Meeting
Recommendation of the Sponsoring Church
(This is read by the sponsoring church and approved by the constituting church.)
Roll Call of Member's Names
Election of Officers and Committees of the New Church
(The moderator of the council may serve as a temporary moderator for further proceeings. The
names of church officers and committees are presented for election. A pastor should be called
according to the plan previously adopted.)

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Worship Service
Hymn"To God Be the Glory"
Offering
Sermon
(Should include a charge to the pastor and people.)
Invitation for New Members
Reception of New Members
Benediction
Toolbox for [Busy] Pastors.