Article 25 - Discipline

Article 25 - Discipline

ARTICLE 25

DISCIPLINE



25.1 We believe that the purpose of Church discipline is for
the glory of God, the purity of The Church, and the
spiritual benefit of members. It serves as a warning
to the congregation and also averts reproach upon the
name of Christ and for the transgressor; especially, that he/she may repent and be saved.


25.2 DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS


An Officer or member of The Church who commits any of the following offences shall be disciplined in accordance with the principles of The Church.


(a) Habitually visiting questionable places


(b) Falling into open sin


(c) Embracing or spreading false doctrine


(d) Divorcing wife or husband


(e) Marrying more than one wife


(f) A sister getting married to a married man


(g) Disobeying and showing disrespect to The Church
authority at any level


(h) Practicing immorality.


25.3 SANCTIONS


Depending upon the gravity of the offence committed an offending officer or member:


(a) May be publicly rebuked



(b)Maybe suspended from taking active part in all Chun 11 programmes and activities


(c)Shall not partake of the Lord's Supper


(d)Shall not minister or witness on the platform of The Church, etc,


(e)May be removed from office


(f)The Office of Elder, Deacon or Deaconess may be revoked by the appointing authority


(g)In extreme cases, an offending member/officer maybe excommunicated from The Church by the Executive Council on the recommendation of the Area Head and the Area Executive Committee.


25.4 RIGHTS OF APPEAL/REVIEW


(a) APPEAL


There shall be a right of appeal in all cases of sanctions. The appeal shall first be made to the District Executive Committee, then to the Area Executive Committee and finally to The Church Executive Council where applicable


(b) REVIEW


Decisions of any Council or Committee may be reviewed upon a petition of the affected person. This opportunity will be in addition to the right of appeal



(c) Any Appeal/Application for Review shall be
lodged within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision appealed against


(d) A member may resort to proceedings outside The Church to redress issues or grievances within The Church only after exhausting the laid down procedures of The Church.