注意
本会章中文版部分若与芬兰文版有出入，以芬兰文版为准。
北歐華人基督教會章程
第一章 名稱、宗旨與結構
1.1 名稱
1.1.1 本教會定名為「北歐華人基督教會」(以後簡稱為本教會)。
1.1.2 本教會的英文名稱為 NORDIC CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
1.2 宗旨
1.2.1 北歐華人基督教會是一個由在北歐數個堂會組成的教會,表明在基督裏的合一,以至在事工方面的同心合作;為在北歐的華人信徒提供一個屬靈的家,使主內的弟兄姊妹一起有肢體的相交,有合一的見證,遵基督耶穌為元首,照著祂的大使命,以傳揚基督全備福音,造就信徒靈命為目的。
1.2.2 本教會不分宗派、文化背景、習慣、地域、方言等之差異,鼓勵弟兄姊 妹在主裡彼此相愛、勉勵,一同追求靈命的長進。
1.2.3 本教會各成員必須保持緊密的聯絡,為使北歐各地之華僑信徒能建立更 堅強有力的聯繫,達到同心合力,廣傳福音的使命,並更有效的事奉。
1.3 使命宣言
1.3.1 本教會在基督裡合一的基礎下,當善用各福音堂聯合的資源,探討並推動更 多的聯合事工,重視培訓執事同工的屬靈生命,並按著聖靈的帶領,有策略 地努力拓展北歐本土和普世的福音事工。
1.4 結構
1.4.1 本教會的成員現包括在北歐各城市的福音堂/團契,即挪威奧斯陸、斯達灣格,瑞典哥德堡、斯德哥爾摩、馬爾默及烏普撒拉,芬蘭的赫爾辛基, 還有其它定期的團契聚會、查經班、家庭聚會,並分散在其它城市的信 徒。
1.4.2 每一個成員福音堂/團契在行政、經濟上是自治、自立、自養的。
1.4.3 聯合理事會是本教會行政管理的組織(參考北歐華人基督教會聯合理事 會章程)。
1.4.4 聯合差傳委員會是負責推動、發展和管理本教會的聯合差傳事工(參考 北歐華人基督教會聯合差傳委員會章程)。
1.4.5 聯合教牧團
1.4.5.1 由本教會各成員福音堂的傳道、牧師、長老組成。
1.4.5.2 維護本教會信仰之純正,保守教會在主裡合一和彼此相愛。 若成員福音堂/團契遇上該堂會/團契自己未能處理的教會信 仰和生活行為等問題,經該堂會執事/團契委員、牧師、傳 道人數總和之一半以上決定,即可委托聯合教牧團處理該堂會/團契的長老、執事/委員、牧師、傳道和信徒違反聖經教 導的行為及信仰內容等問題。而聯合教牧團的有關決議,在 獲得該堂會執事會/團契委員會同意之下,即聯同該堂會執 事會/團契委員會執行教會紀律。
1.4.5.3 負責協助未有牧者牧養的成員福音堂的牧養工作。
1.4.5.4 負責建議、策劃和推動教會各項聯合事工的屬靈方向和實 踐。
1.4.5.5 負責執行本教會各項聯合事工內的聖禮和聖言的安排。
1.4.5.6 負責本教會各成員福音堂的牧者的審核和按立。
1.4.5.7 維繫本教會各成員福音堂的傳道牧師,進行彼此牧養、關 懷和幫助。
1.4.5.8 聯合教牧團設主席、文書各一位,兩年一任,由成員互選產 生。主席按需要召開會議。
第二章 信仰
2.1 我們相信:新舊約聖經是神所默示,真實無誤,全然啟示了神拯救世人 之計畫,是信徒信仰和行為的最高權威和準則。
2.2 我們相信:聖父、聖子、聖靈,是三位一體的獨一真神,是全能的父, 創造天地萬物的主。在創造、啟示、救贖與最後審判上掌握絕對的主權。
2.3 我們相信:人按照神之形像被造,但因為犯罪、墮落,破壞了與神的關 係,結果與神隔絕;既無法自救,也無法靠任何方法得拯救並恢復與神 的關係。
2.4 我們相信:聖子耶穌基督,為真神和真人,經聖靈感孕由童貞女馬利亞 所生,為世人的罪被釘死在十字架上,第三天身體從死裡復活,現今已 升天,將來必要榮耀再臨,審判活人死人,他的國度永無窮盡。耶穌基 督受死與復活是信徒得救與稱義之獨一根基;人因信耶穌基督而得拯救, 免去罪咎,免受罪刑,脫離罪的權勢 。
2.5 我們相信:聖靈與聖父、聖子同受敬拜和尊榮,是真理和聖潔的靈。聖 靈感動罪人悔改,信靠耶穌基督,分賜各種屬靈恩賜給眾信徒,使其各 盡其職,合而為一地建立基督的身體 – 教會。
2.6 我們相信:教會是耶穌基督所救贖和呼召出來的神的子民,為要彰顯神 的慈愛,傳揚天國的福音。耶穌基督是教會唯一的根基和元首,為教會 親自設立了洗禮和聖餐禮。
2.7 我們相信:教會元首耶穌基督必會在權能及榮耀中親自再來。當那日, 各人都將在基督的審判台前顯露出來,信徒復活與主同在享永福, 不信 者復活受審判;神要作王直到永遠。信徒需要隨時警醒預備主再來,因 沒有任何人知道耶穌基督再來的日期。
第三章 聖禮:本教會施行兩個聖禮,就是洗禮與聖餐
3.1 洗禮
3.1.1 凡相信主耶穌,清楚重生得救,並願在神和眾人面前表示悔改歸主者, 本教會遵照《聖經》的教訓,予以施行洗禮,以表明與基督同死、同葬、 同復活的意義。
3.1.2 本教會施行洗禮的儀式乃用浸禮,在特殊情形下可選用灑水禮。
3.1.3 本教會不施行嬰兒洗禮。
3.2 聖餐
3.2.1 本教會遵照主耶穌的吩咐,領祂所設立之聖餐,以記念基督捨身流血之救恩,並自我省察,等候主再來。
3.2.2 凡已領受洗禮的重生基督徒,皆可領受聖餐。
第四章 堂會會籍
4.1 堂會的權利與義務
4.1.1 堂會必須依照聯合理事會及差傳委員會之章程的規定,派代表參與推動本教會的聯合事工。
4.1.2 全力以禱告,奉獻和服事來支持本教會聯合事工。
4.2 申請條件和手續
4.2.1 完全接納本教會的信仰、宗旨和章程。
4.2.2 該堂會必須經該堂的會員大會通過申請加入的決定。
4.2.3 向本教會聯合理事會呈遞申請書。
4.2.4 經聯合理事會審查和批准。
4.2.5 若有其他北歐的信徒群體要加入本教會,可向聯合理事會申請。
第五章 福音堂會友會籍
5.1 會友資格
5.1.1 相信主耶穌基督,重生得救並且已經接受洗禮的信徒。
5.1.2 完全接受本教會信仰、宗旨及會章。
5.1.3 經常參加本堂聚會(若遇上特殊情況,可由執事會審定這資格)。
5.2 會友的責任與義務
5.2.1 會友必須倚靠聖靈的能力,履行責任與義務,討神的喜悅,以愛神、愛教會為依歸,盡基督徒的本分。
5.2.2 祈禱讀經,遵行主道,追求個人屬靈生命的長進,與主建立個人親密的關係。
5.2.3 固定參加本堂的主日崇拜,誠心敬拜三一真神,參與團契聚會和查經班/ 小組,與主裡肢體相交、相愛、 相助,學習聖經真理,使屬靈生命得到 全面栽培和成長。
5.2.4 在個人、家庭、社會和教會生活上按照聖經的原則榮神益人。
5.2.5 盡力為主作見證,傳揚福音,引領人歸入神的國度。
5.2.6 明瞭受托與奉獻的真理〈羅十二章一至二節〉,以時間、恩賜、物質和金錢等不同方式參與奉獻,使神的家一無所缺。
5.2. 7 按照聖經的原則,順服教會的屬靈帶領,謙卑與肢體相處,同工同心,維護教會的合一。
5.3 會友的權利
5.3.1 有權利參加會友大會。凡年滿 18 歲或以上的會友有提名和被提名,選
舉和投票表決權。
5.3.2 如有需要,可向教會的執事 / 牧者表達個人對教會的發展方向、管理和 事工等的意見。
5.3.3 會友若遇任何困難或靈性問題,可直接與教牧協談,尋求輔導與關顧。
5.3.4 會友可根據章程規定(7.4)向執事會提出召開臨時會友大會以及建議討 論事項。
5.3. 5 如會友在一年內沒有經常出席本堂的主日崇拜,亦沒有履行會友責任及 義務;經執事會商討,和教牧同意,可暫停該會友在該年的表決權。
5.4 入會程序
5.4.1 申請人應先與教牧約談,並且須閱讀瞭解教會會章,然後填寫申請表,呈交執事會。經執事會通過接納後,立刻成為會友。
5.4.2 原有另一基督教會會籍者,在其本身教會不反對下,亦可同時成為本教 會會友。
5.4.3 若本會某一福音堂會友,搬遷到本會另一福音堂的城市,並將在當地居 住兩年或以上;經原來的福音堂的執事會推薦 / 知會,該會友只須填寫 登記表,給予新遷地的福音堂的執事會存案,則可自動成為該堂會友, 享有該堂會友的權利,責任與義務。
5.5 會籍的取消
5.5.1 凡會友擬轉入其他信仰純正之教會,須以書面向執事會申請辦理轉會手續。經執事會核實對方教會的信仰後,若有需要,執事可寫推薦信 / 証 明書予對方教會。
5.5.2 凡會友無故不參加本堂經常的聚會,也未能履行其義務,音訊全無達三 年之久,自動取消其會籍。
5.5.3 轉籍或遷離北歐者,可向執事會要求,將其名轉入本堂《通訊教友》名 冊,作為保持聯絡之用。
5.5.4 凡會友違反本會信仰、宗旨,明顯違反聖經真理和基督徒倫理、道德操 守,經愛心再三勸戒仍不改正,教會有權執行教會紀律,其中包括採取 停止聖餐,停止事奉等措施。如有必要,最終執行終止會籍的決定。
5.6 會籍的整理 執事會可按需要,每年的年會前整理會籍一次。
第六章 福音堂職位與組織
6.1 執事會
6.1.1 執事會是福音堂之法定代表和主要的治理單位,負責福音堂的日常行政
事務,商討及評估教會事工,確立由教牧團/牧者所訂定的目標、計劃和 方向,並制定全年的財政預算案和財務報告。
6.1.2 執事會是由執事組成,牧師、傳道、長老為當然成員。人數不少於五 人。若人數不足五人,福音堂應向聯合理事會要求協助,維持教會繼續 運作。
6.1.3 執事會設置主席、財政、文書、總務;並按需要,組織各部門或小組, 推動和協調教會事工的執行和發展。
6.1.4 按需要召開執事會會議,最少每季一次。會議議決應向會友公佈。
6.1.5 執事會主席由執事會成員中互選產生。主席負責制定執事會議議程,主 持會議,跟進會議的議決,與教牧團協調。主席是福音堂對外的代表。
6.2 教牧團:按福音堂發展的情況而設立
6.2.1 教牧團是福音堂屬靈領導和牧養單位,主要功能是制定教會方向、目標、計劃;教牧團由牧師、傳道、長老組成;如有需要,執事會主席或其他同工可以被邀列席教牧團會議。
6.2.2 教牧團負責宣揚神的話,為信徒警醒守望,分擔教導信徒和牧養信徒的責任。
6.2.3 教牧團須維護福音堂信仰之純正,保守教會在主裡合一和彼此相愛。
6.2.4 約談會籍申請人,之後推薦給執事會通過接納。
6.2.5 教牧團設主席一位,由牧師/傳道擔任。主席按教牧團需要召開會議。
6.3 牧師
6.3.1 牧師是蒙召受差遣的聖職人員,是神的僕人,應效法基督,負責帶領和牧養教會,宣講和教導聖經,專心以祈禱傳道為事。
6.3.2 負責福音堂的聖禮(洗禮和聖餐)、婚禮、喪禮和其他禮儀。
6.3.3 牧師應與教牧團、執事會各同工配搭侍奉,尊重、接納教會整體行政事 務的決定。
6.3.4 牧師一經聘任,即自動成為福音堂的會友,直至離任為止。
6.3.5 牧師必須受過正規的神學訓練,應受按立,為福音堂受薪職位。
6.3.6 福音堂牧師的按立,應由該福音堂的執事會向北歐華人基督教會聯合教 牧團提出有關人選,並由北歐華人基督教會聯合按牧團啟動有關按立程 序。
6.3.7 有關福音堂牧師的徵聘的安排,應由執事會委派「聘牧小組」處理。聘 牧小組所決定的內容,必須先經執事會通過,然後經聯合教牧團審核, 最後由會友大會接納方為有效。至於合約的安排,必須與當地勞工法例 沒有衝突。
6.4 傳道人
6.4.1 傳道人是蒙召受差遣的聖職人員,是神的僕人,應效法基督,負責引領
和牧養教會,宣講和教導聖經,專心以祈禱傳道為事。
6.4.2 傳道人協助牧師工作。在牧師出缺下代理牧師所委派的職務;若福音堂 尚未設立牧師職位,執事會須詳細安排傳道人負責的禮儀。
6.4.3 傳道人應與教牧團、執事會各同工配搭侍奉,尊重、接納教會整體行政 事務的決定。
6.4.4 傳道人一經聘任,即自動成為福音堂的會友,直至離任為止。
6.4.5 傳道人必須受過正規的神學訓練,應通過就職/委任禮,為福音堂受薪職 位。
6.4.6 有關福音堂傳道人的徵聘的安排,應由執事會委派「聘牧小組」處理。 聘牧小組所決定的內容,必須先經執事會通過,然後經聯合教牧團審核, 最後由會友大會接納方為有效。至於合約的安排,必須與當地勞工法例 沒有衝突。
6.5 長老:按福音堂發展的情況而設立
6.5.1 擔當長老職分,該信徒必須有成熟的屬靈生命,符合聖經(提前 3:1-17; 多 1:5-9;彼前 5:1-3)的要求,並連續最少七年為該福音堂會友,曾經 接受認可的、有系統的聖經課程訓練,願意協助牧者治理教會,維護教 會秩序。
6.5.2 長老應協助牧者配搭侍奉,傳揚神的話和牧養教會。在牧者出缺時,確 保牧者職務之執行。
6.5.3 長老應與教牧團、執事會各同工配搭侍奉,尊重、接納教會整體行政事 務的決定。
6.5.4 有關福音堂長老的委任、解職和細節的安排,應由執事會委派「委任長 老小組」處理。小組所決定的內容,必須先經執事會通過,後由會友大 會接納確認。
6.5.5 受委任長老須經牧者按手禱告委任,方為有效。
6.5.6 長老任期三年,可連任。長老在福音堂並非受薪職分。
6.6 牧養顧問
6.6.1 福音堂未有牧者帶領之前,可根據教會牧養、管理的需要,邀請資深的牧者為牧養顧問。
6.6.2 牧養顧問的邀請程序,交由執事會處理。
6.7 執事
6.7.1 執事乃福音堂的平信徒領袖,負責管理教會的文件、物資、總務、行政、財政等事務;並根據執事會和教牧團的安排,協助牧者治理教會,分擔教會各項聖工。
6.7.2 擔當執事職分,該信徒必須積極追求屬靈生命的成長,符合聖經(提前 3:8-13)的要求,渴慕聖工,有好名聲;並連續最少兩年為該福音堂會友。
6.7.3 合資格信徒,在選舉執事期間,經會友提名,且獲得另外一位會友和議 後遞交執事會,經教牧同工同意後,成為有效的候選人,之後再須經年 終會友大會選舉產生。
6.7.4 執事任期兩年,可連任。
6.7.5 若執事因事離職,須一個月前通知執事會,經執事會接納並向會友公 佈,方為有效。至於執事的解職,須經執事會通過,再經會友大會同意 方為有效。
第七章 福音堂會友大會
7.1 會友大會是堂會的最終行政決策架構
7.1.1 會友大會法定人數為會員人數的三份之一或以上。若法定人數不足,執事會應順延一周再次進行。第二次不論出席人數多少,即為法定人數。
7.1.2 會友大會法定人數包括:出席的會友人數,及未能出席的會友以授權書形式委托其他會友代表出席的人數。每位會友可經授權書委托,最多可 代表三位未能出席的會友出席大會,並按委托人的指示對特定的議案進 行投票。
7.1.3 由執事會主席主持會議。
7.1.4 如無特別規定,議案的表決,以出席會友大會人數的三份二或以上贊成 為通過。
7.1.5 會友大會有年會,常會和臨時會。
7.2 年會
7.2.1 年會每年由執事會召開一次
7.2.2 年會內容包括:新執事選舉,通過新年度財政預算案及有關教會事工之 商討或報告。
7.2.3 文書必須於年會前最少兩周,把會議日期、時間、地點、議程及有關的 報告通知會友。
7.2.4 會友若要提出討論事項,須有最少另外兩位會友和議,於年會前最少一 個月以書面提交執事會處理。
7.3 常會
7.3.1 常會可按需要由執事會召開。
7.3.2 常會內容包括去年財政報告及其他有關教會生活與事工之商討或報告。
7.3.3 召開的過程如年會 7.2.3 和 7.2.4 一樣。
7.4 臨時會
7.4.1 會友可向執事會要求召開臨時會友大會,惟須有最少三份一會友和議, 並以書面提交有關事項,待執事會處理。
7.4.2 執事會主席收到會友的有關要求後,須於兩個月內召開臨時會。
7.4.3 如遇特別需要,執事會亦可召開臨時會。
7.4.4 文書必須於臨時會前最少兩周,把會議日期、時間、地點、議程通知會 友。
第八章 章程附則
8.1 本教會會章每五年由聯合教牧團審議一次,如需要修改,必須經聯合理事會 通過有關決定,並成立修章小組處理。修訂後,必須經各成員福音堂執事會 通過,並須由各成員福音堂的會友大會接納,方為有效。最後交由聯合理事 會決定生效日期。
8.2 本教會章程可按需要譯成其它語文,但以中文為正本。
8.3 任何成員福音堂可依當地法律需要,採用一份經該堂執事會通過,而內容與 本教會章程沒有衝突之當地語文的簡化章程,自行向當地政府處理註冊手續。
NORDIC CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION
CHAPTER I – NAME, PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE
1.1. NAME
1.1.1. The English NAME of the Society shall be: NORDIC CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (hereafter referred to as “this Church”)
1.2. PURPOSE
1.2.1. The NORDIC CHINESE CHRISTAIN CHURCH is formed by a number of the Chinese churches in Nordic with the purposes of: demonstrating the unity in Christ in working together in God’s ministry; providing a spiritual home for the Nordic Chinese Christians for mutual fellowship; maintaining a united witness in having Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church; following His Great Commission to preach the Full Gospel; and nurturing the spiritual life of the believers.
1.2.2. The Church is inter-denominational, crossing culture, tradition and language differences, nurturing brothers and sisters to love one another in mutual encouragement and spiritual growth.
1.2.3. Member churches must maintain close contact in order to strengthen the relationship of the Nordic Chinese overseas Christians working together to preach the Gospel effectively.
1.3. MISSION STATEMENT
1.3.1. This Church, being united in Christ, shall seek to use the joint resources of member gospel churches to: evaluate and promote joint ministries; train and nurture the spiritual life of deacons and fellow workers; and as the Spirit leads to develop strategically the work of the Gospel both in Nordic and globally.
1.4. STRUCTURE
1.4.1. Member of this Church shall consist of the gospel churches and fellowships in Nordic cities, (i.e. Norway’s Oslo, Stavanger, Sweden’s Gothenburg, Stockholm, Malmo, Uppsala, Finland’s Helsinki,) as well as other fellowships, Bible study groups and home groups that meet regularly in other cities.
1.4.2. Each member church or fellowship is independent in its finances, administration and development.
1.4.3. The Joint Council is the organization that manages this Church (reference the Nordic Chinese Christian Joint Council Constitution).
1.4.4. The Joint Pastoral Fellowship
1.4.4.1.This is made up of all the pastors, preachers and elders of the member churches.
1.4.4.2.To ensure the purity of this Church’s faith, to keep this Church’s unity in Christ and to love one another. In the event that member churches/fellowships are unable to resolve by themselves problems regarding this Church’s faith and Christian conducts, upon the agreement of 50 per cent of the deacons/fellowship committees, pastors and preachers of the member churches/fellowships, they can request the joint pastoral council to deal with the offending elder, deacons/committee member, pastor, preacher or member of the member Church/Fellowship on matters concerning his/her conduct and Faith. With the agreement of the member church/fellowship’s deacons’ board/fellowship committee, and together with them, the Joint Pastoral Council shall carry out such church discipline as decided by the Joint Pastoral Council.
1.4.4.3.To provide pastoral care for member church without a pastor.
1.4.4.4.To suggest, plan and implement the spiritual direction and practice in all the joint ministries of this Church.
1.4.4.5.To arrange Holy Sacrament and Preaching in all the joint events of this Church.
1.4.4.6.To examine and ordain the pastors of the member church.
1.4.4.7.To maintain the relationship, pastoral care and help amongst the pastoral staff of member churches.
1.4.4.8.The joint pastoral fellowship shall consist of a chairperson, a secretary, each with a term of two years. They are to be elected amongst the members themselves. The chairperson shall call meetings when and as
necessary.
2. CHAPTER II – STATEMENT OF FAITH
2.1. We believe: The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for Christian life and faith.
2.2. We believe: in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2.3. We believe: that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
2.4. We believe: that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven. One day He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His Kingdom without end. The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are saved from sin’s guilt and punishment, free from the power of sin.
2.5. We believe: that the Holy Spirit together with God the Father, God the Son are worshipped and honored, is the Spirit of Truth and Holiness, convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, give spiritual gifts to the believer, unite them together to build up Christ’s Body, the Church.
2.6. We believe: that the Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and called out to be God’s children, manifesting God’s love, preaching the Good News of the Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, personally instituting the Water Baptism and Holy Communion.
2.7. We believe: that Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, will personally return in power and glory. On that Day, all men will be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ, believers resurrected to everlasting blessedness, unbelievers to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. God will be King forever. Believer must be watchful for the return of the Lord, because no one knows the time of the return of Jesus Christ.
3. CHAPTER III – HOLY SACRAMENTS: THIS CHURCH PERFORM TWO
HOLY SACRAMENTS – BAPTISM AND HOLY COMMUNION
3.1. Baptism
3.1.1. This Church will, according to the teaching in the Bible, baptize anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus, is certain of being born again, and willing to confess his repentance in front of God and others, to demonstrate his being united with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
3.1.2. This Church will perform baptism by total immersion. However, under special circumstances baptism by sprinkling can be performed.
3.1.3. This Church will not perform infant baptism.
3.2. Holy Communion
3.2.1. This Church follows the instruction of the Lord Jesus in observing the Holy Communion that He instituted in remembering His salvation through the breaking of His body and the shedding of His blood, in self-examination and the waiting for His return.
3.2.2. All born-again and baptized Christians are welcome to participate in the Holy Communion.
4. CHAPTER IV – MEMBERSHIP
4.1. Privileges and Duties of Member Church
4.1.1. Member churches must follow the rules set up by the joint council and the joint mission committee in sending representatives to participate and promote the ministries of this Church.
4.1.2. Fully support the ministries of this Church through prayer, financial giving and service.
4.2. Application Procedures
4.2.1. Must accept the Faith, Purpose and Constitution of this Church without reservations.
4.2.2. Application must be accompanied by the resolution to join passed at the member church’s AGM.
4.2.3. Application must be submitted to the joint council.
4.2.4. The application shall be examined and approved by the joint council.
4.2.5. Other Nordic Christian groups that wishes to join this Church may apply to the joint council.
5. CHAPTER V – MEMBERSHIP IN THE INDIVIDUAL GOSPEL CHURCH
5.1. Member Qualification
5.1.1. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, be born-again and have been baptized.
5.1.2. Accept the Faith, Purpose and Constitution of this Church without reservations.
5.1.3. Attend the member church’s meetings regularly (The deacons’ board can make exceptions under special circumstances).
5.2. Responsibilities and Obligations of Members
5.2.1. The member must, by the power of the Holy Spirit, fulfill the responsibilities and obligations, please God, love God, love the church, and fulfill the duty of a Christian.
5.2.2. Pray and read the Bible, obey God’s word, seek personal spiritual growth, and build a close relationship with the Lord.
5.2.3. Attend regularly the church’s Sunday worship, worshipping the Triune God with sincerity; attend fellowship meetings and bible study group. Seek to maintain fellowship with brothers and sisters, love one another, help one another, and learn the biblical truth so that one may achieve healthy spiritual growth.
5.2.4. Seek to glorify God through living according to biblical principle in one’s personal life, at home, in society and in the church.
5.2.5. Do one’s best to, witness for the Lord, preach the Gospel, lead others into God’s kingdom.
5.2.6. Seek to understand the truth about trust and giving (Romans 12:1-2), participate in giving through various means such as, the use of time, spiritual gifts, material things and money, so that God’s house will lack nothing.
5.2.7. Follow biblical principle in submitting to the spiritual leadership of the church, live with brothers and sisters in humility, with one heart and mind to protect the unity of the church.
5.3. Privileges of the Member
5.3.1. The right to attend members’ meeting. If over the age of 18, has the right to nominate and be nominated, to elect and to vote.
5.3.2. If necessary, to reflect to the church’s deacons/pastors personal opinions regarding the church’s future direction, management and ministries.
5.3.3. If a member comes across any difficulties or spiritual questions, he can approach the pastors directly for help, seeking counseling and care.
5.3.4. A member can, according to Chapter 7.4 of the Constitution, request the deacons’ board to call a special members’ meeting and suggest items for discussion.
5.3.5. If a member fails to attend the church’s Sunday worship within a year and has not fulfilled the duties and obligations as a member, the deacons’ board with the consent of the pastors can suspend temporarily the member’s right to vote.
5.4. Membership Application Procedures
5.4.1. The applicant should first discuss with the pastor, read and understand the church’s constitution, then complete an application form and submit it to the deacons’ board. After the approval of the deacons’ board he shall immediately become a member.
5.4.2. If a person is already a member of another church, he can be a member of this church also with the consent of his original church.
5.4.3. When a member of one of this Church’s gospel church has moved and has lived in another city for two years, he can become a member of the gospel church in the latter city upon the recommendation/notice of the previous church. He only needs to complete a registration form for record keeping by the deacon board. He shall enjoy all the privileges, duties and obligations of the newly joined church.
5.5. Termination of Membership
5.5.1. Should a member want to transfer his membership to another church of similar faith of this Church, he can make written request to the deacons’ board for membership transfer. The deacons’ board, after examining the faith of the other church, can issue letter of recommendation/certificate to the other church.
5.5.2. If a member has not attended the church’s meetings regularly for no valid reason, has not fulfilled his obligations, and out of touch for three years, his membership will be automatically terminated.
5.5.3. If a member has changed his membership or moved away from Nordic, he can request the deacons’ board to put his name in the church’s List of Corresponding Members for communication purposes.
5.5.4. A member who violates this Church’s Faith and Purpose, not following biblical truth and Christian ethics, moral conduct, fails to respond to repeated admonishing in love, the church has the authority to carry out church discipline such as, stopping the right to partake Holy Communion, the right to serve. If deem necessary, the termination of membership.
5.6. Updating of Membership
5.6.1. The deacon board shall, where necessary, update the church membership once before the Annual General Meeting.
6. CHAPTER VI – POSITIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE GOSPEL CHURCH
6.1. Deacons’ Board
6.1.1. The deacons’ board is the gospel church’s legal representative and main governing body, responsible for, the daily administration of the gospel church’s affairs, planning and evaluating the church’s ministries, affirming the goal, plan and direction set by the pastoral team, and setting the year’s financial budget and reports.
6.1.2. The deacons’ board shall consist of no less than five deacons. The pastor, preacher and elders are ex-official members. If the number of deacons is less than five, the gospel church should seek help from the joint council in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the church.
6.1.3. The deacons’ board shall consist of a chairperson, treasurer, secretary, and general affairs manager. Department and committees can be formed where necessary to assist the deacons’ board in carrying out and developing the ministries of the church.
6.1.4. The deacons’ board shall call meetings as needed but at least once a quarter. Board decisions should be made known to church members.
6.1.5. The deacons’ board chairperson shall be elected from among the deacons. The chairperson is responsible for setting the meeting agendas, chairing the meeting, following-up on the meeting’s resolutions and coordinating with the pastoral team. The chairperson is also the external representative of the gospel church.
6.2. Pastoral team: According to the need of the individual gospel church
6.2.1. The pastoral team provides spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the gospel church. Its main duty is to set up the direction, purpose, and plan for the church. The pastoral team will consist of the pastor, preacher, and elders. When needed, the deacons’ board’s chairperson and other co-workers can be enlisted to sit in the pastoral team meeting.
6.2.2. The pastoral team is responsible to preach the Word of God, keep watch over the believers, and share in the teaching and pastoral care of the believers.
6.2.3. The pastoral team is responsible in protect the purity of the faith, keeping the unity and brotherly/sisterly love of the church.
6.2.4. Interview membership applicants, and make recommendation to the deacon board for acceptance.
6.2.5. The chairperson of the pastoral team shall be the pastor/preacher of the church. He shall call a meeting as needed.
6.3. Pastor
6.3.1. The pastor shall be, a person called by God to be a clergy, a servant of God, imitating Christ in leading and pastoring the church, preaching and teaching the Bible, dedicating to prayer and preaching.
6.3.2. Responsible for the gospel church’s Holy Sacraments (baptism and Holy Communion), wedding, funeral and other ceremonies.
6.3.3. The pastor shall work with the pastoral team and the deacons’ board in serving, respecting and accepting the church’s administrative decisions.
6.3.4. Once called, the pastor shall automatically become a member of the gospel church until his departure.
6.3.5. The pastor shall have proper theological training, ordained, and shall be a salaried staff of the church.
6.3.6. The ordination of the pastor shall be initiated by the gospel church’s deacons’ board, and shall be recommended to the joint pastoral fellowship of the Nordic Chinese Christian Church. The joint pastoral fellowship will then commence the ordination process.
6.3.7. Regarding the hire of pastor by the gospel church, the deacon board shall appoint a “Pastoral Hire Committee” to carry out the task. Any decisions made by this task group must be approved by the deacon board and then examined by the joint pastoral fellowship, and finally approved at the Membership General Meeting. Employment contract must not conflict with the labor regulation of the local government authority.
6.4. Preacher
6.4.1. The preacher shall be, a person called by God to be a clergy, a servant of God, imitating Christ in leading and pastoring the church, preaching and teaching the Bible, dedicating to prayer and preaching.
6.4.2. The preacher shall be the pastor’s assistant. In the absence of the pastor, the preacher will carry out tasks assigned by the pastor. If the gospel church does not have a pastor, deacons’ board shall make detail arrangement for the preacher regarding performing church ceremonies.
6.4.3. The preacher shall work with the pastoral team and the deacon’s board in serving, respecting and accepting the church’s administrative decisions.
6.4.4. Once called, the preacher shall automatically become a member of the gospel church until he leaves.
6.4.5. The preacher shall have proper theological training. After the inauguration ceremony will become the salaried church staff.
6.4.6. Regarding the hire of preacher by the gospel church, the deacons’ board shall appoint a “Pastoral Hiring Committee” to carry out the task. Any decisions made by this task group must be approved by the deacons’ board and then examined by the joint pastoral fellowship, and finally approved at the Membership General Meeting. Employment contract must not conflict with the labor regulation of the local government authority.
6.5. Elder: According to the needs of the Gospel Church
6.5.1. The elder shall be matured in spiritual life, fulfill the requirement in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3, has been a member of the gospel church continuously for no less than seven years, has received recognized systematic Bible training and is willing to assist the pastor in managing the church and protecting church order.
6.5.2. The elder shall assist the pastor in serving, preaching the gospel and pastoring the church. In the absence of the pastor, he shall assume the duties of the pastor.
6.5.3. The elder shall work with the pastoral team and deacons’ board, respecting and accepting decisions made in the overall management of the church.
6.5.4. Detailed arrangements in the appointment and dismissal of an elder shall be handled by the “Elder Appointment Committee” as delegated by the deacons’ board. Decisions made by the committee must be approved by the deacons’ board and then passed at the Members General Meeting.
6.5.5. The appointed elder shall be confirmed by the pastor with the laying on of hands in prayer.
6.5.6. The elder shall serve a three-year term which can be extended. The elder in the gospel church is not a salaried position.
6.6. Consulting Pastor
6.6.1. In the event that the gospel church is without a pastor and is in need of one to pastor and manage the church, they can recruit an experienced pastor to be their consulting pastor.
6.6.2. The procedure of recruitment is to be handled by the deacons’ board.
6.7. Deacons
6.7.1. Deacons are lay-leaders of the gospel church, responsible for the church’s documents, assets, administration and finance, etc. He shall also help the pastor in managing church business and sharing the various church works.
6.7.2. Deacons shall actively seek spiritual growth, whose life demonstrates qualifications for leadership as found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They must have the desire to serve and have good reputations. They shall have been a member of the gospel church for at least two years continuously.
6.7.3. Believer meeting the qualifications shall be nominated by a church member and seconded by another during the nomination period and accepted by the deacons’ board before becoming a candidate. The candidate shall be voted upon at the Annual General Meeting before becoming deacon.
6.7.4. Term of office shall be two years and can be extended.
6.7.5. Deacon who wants to resign, must give one month advance notice to the deacon board. Upon accepting the resignation, the deacon board shall submit it to the Special General Meeting for approval before the resignation can become effective.
7. CHAPTER VII – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS OF THE GOSPEL CHURCH
7.1. General meeting is the final management decision making machinery.
7.1.1. One third of the current voting membership shall constitute a quorum. If the quorum is not present, the deacon board shall reschedule it to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, and at the rescheduled meeting, regardless of the number represent, the voting members present shall constitute a quorum.
7.1.2. Quorum of members shall consist of: members present and by proxy. Each member can only represent a maximum of three proxy members and must vote according to the absent members’ instructions.
7.1.3. The deacons’ board chairperson shall preside over all meetings.
7.1.4. Except where otherwise specified in this Constitution, all motions shall be passed by a two-thirds majority vote.
7.1.5. The regular general meetings shall be the annual general meeting and the general meeting. Other meetings shall be special general meetings.
7.2. Annual General Meeting
7.2.1. Once a year the deacons’ board shall call an annual general meeting.
7.2.2. At the annual general meeting, members shall elect deacons, receive and discuss reports of the church’s ministries, and pass the budgets of the following year.
7.2.3. The board secretary shall give written notice to individual members at least two weeks before the meeting, stating the meeting date, time, place, agenda and relevant reports.
7.2.4. Member wanting to raise any item for discussion at the meeting must first obtain the agreement of at least two other members and submit the request in writing to the deacons’ board no less than one month before the meeting.
7.3. General Meeting
7.3.1. The deacons’ board shall call a general meeting when necessary.
7.3.2. The general meeting shall include the presentation of last year’s financial report and other matters concerning the life and ministry of the church for report and discussion.
7.3.3. The procedure in calling the meeting is the same as the annual general meeting in 7.23 and 7.24.
7.4. Special General Meeting
7.4.1. Members can request the deacons’ board to call a special general meeting, but must have the agreement of at least one third of members and submit relevant items for discussion in writing.
7.4.2. The deacons’ board chairperson must call a special general meeting within two months on receipt of the written request from member.
7.4.3. When necessary the deacons’ board can also call a special general meeting.
7.4.4. Two weeks before the meeting, the secretary must notify members the date, time, venue and agenda of the meeting.
8. CHAPTER VIII – CONSTITUTION APPENDIX
8.1. The Joint Pastoral Fellowship shall review this Church’s constitution once every five years. If changes are deemed necessary, it must be approved by the joint council who will then form a Constitution Amendment Committee to make the changes. Approval of the proposed amended constitution shall be made by the deacons’ board of member gospel churches as well as their members. The final effective date of the amended constitution shall be decided by the joint council.
8.2. This Constitution can be translated into different languages but the Chinese language shall be the official version.
8.3. Member churches are free to make an abridged version of this constitution in their local language in order to meet the requirement of the local authority, as long as such versions do not conflict with this Church’s version. Registration to the local authority shall be made by the member churches themselves.
北欧华人基督教会赫尔辛基福音堂 章程
于二零一五年六月十七日批准
1§ 名称与地点
中文名称：北欧华人基督教会赫尔辛基福音堂
芬兰文名称：Pohjoismainen Kiinalainen Kristuksen Seurakunnan Helsingin Yhdistys
英文名称：Nordic Chinese Chri stian Church in Helsinki (NCCCH)
地点：赫尔辛基
2§目的与功能
2.1北欧华人基督教会是一个由在北欧数个堂会组成的教会，赫尔辛基堂是其中一个。教会有教牧团，由各堂牧师和传道组成，共同监督各堂的教会工作。教会设有北欧联合理事会，由各堂牧师、传道和各执事会主席组成，其功能为协调各堂工作。本堂在教牧团监督下，旨在赫尔辛基地区华语群体中开展不分宗派的教会工作, 并与北欧的华语群体保持联系。在传福音工作中, 我们将不分宗派地与芬兰各基督徒团体和海外华人基督徒团体密切配合。赫尔辛基堂在行政和经济上独立，在赫尔辛基银行建立账户，根据芬兰法律自行管理。
2.2 为达到上述目的,本堂要组织礼拜,聚会,各类圣经学习及基督教教育课程,以及其它类似的教会活动。
2.3 为了支持教会活动,本堂可以在当局许可范围内,收奉献和组织义卖活动。本堂可以接受外来捐献或遗嘱奉献。但是教会所有的活动都是非赢利性质, 不允许任何个人从中得经济利益。
3§会员资格
3.1凡受过洗的芬兰或其它国家公民,年令满十六岁或以上, 已决志接受主耶稣基督为个人救主，完全接受本教会的信仰、宗旨及会章，均可申请加入本教会。申请者向本堂执事会提交书面申请，经本堂的负责牧师或传道推荐，以及执事会同意后，方可成为本堂正式会员。
3.2 会员不需缴纳会费.
3.3 会员有权利参加会员大会，年满18岁或以上的会员,有提名和被提名，选举和投票表决权。如果会员在一年内没有经常出席本堂的主日崇拜，也没有履行会员责任及义务，执事会可以决定暂停该会员在该年的表决权。
3.4会员终止会籍, 需写书面申请, 交给执事会主席, 或在会员大会上, 口头表达。
3.5如果会员发生以下情况,执事会可终止其会籍:
- a) 不参加教会活动一年以上者，也不回答教会关于其是否希望保持会籍的询问。
- b) 违反本教会信仰、宗旨，明显违反圣经真理和基督徒伦理、道德操守，经爱心再三劝戒仍不改正，教会有权执行教会纪律，停止圣餐，停止事奉等。如有必要，最终执行终止会籍的决定。
3.6会员离开芬兰，居住他国，但愿意与本堂保持联系，列为境外会员。境外会员没有提名和被提名，选举和投票表决权。
4§ 会员大会
4.1 会员大会由年会、常会和临时会组成。
4.1.1 每年在十月或十一月由执事会召开年会，选举新执事，通过新年度财政预算桉及有关教会事工之商讨或报告。
4.1.2 每年在二月或三月由执事会召开常会，内容包括去年的财政报告及其他有关教会生活与事工之商讨或报告。
4.1.3 在以下情况可召开临时会：
- a) 执事会认为有需要召开。
- b) 有十分之一的有表决权的会员,书面向执事会提交议题,要求召开会议。
执事会主席收到会员的有关要求后，须在二个月内召开临时会。
4.2 会员大会法定人数为会员人数的三分之一或以上。会员大会法定人数包括：出席的会员人数，及未能出席的会员以授权书形式委托其他会友代表出席的人数。每位会员最多代表三位未能出席的会员。
4.3会员大会由执事会主席主持。如执事会主席因故不在，由副主席主持。若主席和副主席均因故不在，由执事会推举一位执事主持。
4.4 会员希望要在大会讨论的议题, 应在会议召开十天前通知执事会。
4.5 会员大会选举或议案的表决，以出席会员大会的三分之二或以上赞成为通过。如果有一个会员要求不公开投票, 会议必须就该项议题进行无记名投票。
4.6会员大会依照会章举行，即具有决策权威。会员大会由执事会召开。至少在会议召开前两周，将会议通知刊登在本教会周报和网页上，并在每礼拜的事务报告中告知。会员大会地点在赫尔辛基。
4.7教会常会处理事项
- 选出本次大会秘书
- 说明会议的合法性及所作决定的权威性
- 选出二个会议记要证明人
- 执事会报告去年的教会活动
- 财务组报告去年的财务情况，大会讨论通过财务和事务报告。
- 选出二位查账和一位后备查账
- 讨论其他事先提出的事项
4.8 教会年会处理事项
- 选出本次大会秘书
- 说明会议的合法性及所作决定的权威性
- 选出二位会议记要证明人和二位计票人
- 选举执事会成员
- 决定下年度的教会计划和预算
- 讨论其他事先提出的事项
4.9教会临时会处理事项
- 选出本次大会秘书
- 说明会议的合法性及所作决定的权威性
- 选出二位会议记要证明人和二位计票人
- 讨论事先确定的议题
- 通过表决做出决定
- 讨论其他事先提出的事项
5§ 执事会
5.1 执事会是本堂的法定代表，其职能为操作教会日常工作，人数不少于五人，最多十人。
5.2执事由年会选出，任期二年，可以连任。在选举执事期间，候选人至少经二位会员提名，方能提交执事会，执事会负责收集候选人名单。被聘用的牧者和经指定的长老，都可作为执事候选人。
5.3执事会主席和副主席在执事会成员中互选产生。执事会会议至少每季一次，会议决议应向会员公布。财务人员和其他各部门、小组负责人由执事会指定。
5.4执事会会议由主席/副主席召集，会议召开前至少一周发出通知；与会执事会成员至少达五人，其决策方有效。会议决议的通过采用少数服从多数的原则，如果赞成与反对票数相同，则取决于主席的一票。若在场有一人要求不记名投票，则表决须以不记名投票进行。教会文件必须由主席和副主席共同签字方生效。
5.5执事会负责聘请牧师、传道和其他工作人员，并决定他们的工资和工作任务；执事会也负责委任长老。教会员工招聘和工作合同提前终止的决定，应交付会员大会作出决定，必要时可召开临时会员大会。
6§ 账号
教会每年终由会计结账。在次年年度大会召开一个月前，执事会提交账本及活动报告,供查账人员检查。
7§ 会章修改
如要修改会章条款,执事会必须以书面形式，写下所需修改内容，并有书面声明,一起提交会员大会讨论, 取得三分之二多数通过，方能修改会章。修改后的会章要符合芬兰有关法规。会章修改可以出自执事会的考虑或因北欧华人基督教会会章的更改。
8§ 脱离北欧华人基督教会
必须有四分之三的成员，在会员大会上表决，同意脱离北欧华人教会。并必须在不少于五周的时间, 举行第二次会员大会, 仍然有至少四分之三多数表决, 同意脱离, 方能脱离北欧华人基督教会。脱离后需制定新的会章并重新登记。
9§组织解散
必须有四分之三的成员,在会员大会上表决, 同意解散, 并必须在不少于五周的时间,举行第二次会员大会, 仍然有至少四分之三多数表决, 同意解散, 方能解散北欧华人基督教会赫尔辛基福音堂。如果教会解散，剩余资金转至北欧华人基督教会。