THE CONSTITUTION OF

THE CONSTITUTION OF

CHINESE GRACE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

西雅圖播道會華恩堂章程

PREAMBLE 前言

We, baptized members of the Church of Christ, responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, desiring to unite together to preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God's mission, do hereby adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its provisions. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

聖靈藉福音對我們的呼召,信心的賜與使成為基督教會受了洗的會眾,我們立志聯合在一起宣講神道和施行聖禮,敬謹製訂此章程,共同遵守.奉聖父,聖子,聖靈的名。

Chapter 1 第一章

NAME AND INCORPORATION 法人組織和名稱

C1.01 The name of this congregation shall be Chinese Grace Evangelical Free Church. (Amended on Jan 11, 2009)

我們教會的名稱是〈西雅圖播道會華恩堂〉。(Jan 11, 2009 修訂)

C1.02 For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Chinese Grace Evangelical Free Church is hereinafter designated as "this congregation."

為章程及其所附細則之緣故,以下西雅圖播道會華恩堂均簡稱「本會」。

C1.03 This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington.

本會按華盛頓州的法律,成立財團法人組織。

Chapter 2 第二章

CONFESSION OF FAITH 宣信

C2.01 This congregation 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 faith and life.

C2.02 This congregation believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C2.03 This congregation believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived

of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.

C2.04 This congregation believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus

Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.

C2.05 This congregation believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and

therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.

C2.06 This congregation believe that 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 born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become children of God.

C2.07 This congregation believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances to be

observed by the church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.

C2.08 This congregation believe that the true church is composed of all such persons who through

saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the Head.

C2.09 This congregation believe that only those who are thus members of the true church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.

C2.10 This congregation believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that

every local Church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.

C2.11 This congregation believe in the personal premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord

Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.

C2.12 This congregation believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to

everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.

Chapter 3 第三章

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 目標

C3.01 To participate in God's mission, this congregation shall:

為了參與上帝的工作,做為基督教會的一份子,我們要:

C3.01.1 Worship God in proclamation and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.

透過宣講上帝的話,施行聖禮,並藉著過禱告,讚美,感恩,和服務的生活來崇拜上帝。

C3.01.2 Proclaim God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake through faith alone.

宣講唯獨信心和上帝的恩典在基督耶穌裡得因信稱義,並忠誠持守和將這福音傳給未來

的世代。

C3.01.3 Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ.

執行基督的大使命,帶領全人類相信耶穌。

C3.01.4 Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith, hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their lives together.

用上帝的道餵養會眾,使其在信,望,愛中長進;使其視每日的生活是蒙召操練的機會；

並使其能使用聖靈的恩賜在此世界中活出上帝對其呼召的目的.

C3.01.5 Accommodate and minister the Cantonese and Mandarin speaking people.Therefore, both dialects will be used at all times.

為了顧及所有會眾, 廣東話和國語會一起並用。

C3.02 To fulfill these purposes, this congregation shall:

為完成上項目標,我們要:

C3.02.1 Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered.

提供崇拜的事奉,在其中傳講上帝的道和施行聖禮:聖餐,聖洗。

C3.02.2 Provide pastoral care and assist all members to participate in this ministry.

提供教牧關懷並協助所有會眾參與此事工.

C3.02.3 Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying out their calling in their daily lives and in their congregation.

鼓勵,裝備並支持所有會友來完成他們在生活中和教會中所蒙的呼召.

C3.02.4 Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people.

向全人類見証上帝在基督裡與人和好的真道.

C3.02.5 Motivate its members to provide financial support for the congregation's ministry.

鼓勵會友在經濟上支持教會,和福音的聖工。

C3.03 This congregation shall develop an organizational structure to be described in the bylaws.

本會要建立一個基於細則而設立的組織。

C3.04 This congregation shall, from time to time, adopt a mission statement which will provide specific direction for its programs.

本會要不斷的陳明其目標,俾能提供教會計劃的特定方向。

Chapter 4 第四章

POWERS OF THE CONGREGATION 教會的權力

C4.01 The powers of this congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose.

本會的權力是為著需要完成其目標的需要.

C4.02 The powers of this congregation are vested in the Congregation Meeting called and conducted as provided in this constitution and bylaws.

本會的權力在於教友大會.其召開和執行請參照此規範及細則.

C4.03 Only such authority as is delegated to the governing board is recognized. All remaining authority is retained by the congregation. The congregation is authorized to:

除了在本會正式文件上註明賦予教會執事會,其餘所有的權柄歸屬於本會.本會有權:

C4.03.1 Call a pastor as provided in Chapter 7;

聘牧,參第七章規範;

C4.03.2 Terminate the call of a pastor as provided in Chapter 7;

解聘;

C4.03.3 Approve the annual budget;

同意本教會年度預算;

C4.03.4 Acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means;

經由贈予,設置,購買或其它合法程序得到不動產及個人產物;

C4.03.5 Hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;

使用本教會的名稱和一切產物進行任一或所有與教會目標相一致的活動;

C4.03.6 Sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means; &

在合法的方式下藉賣售,抵押,轉讓來放棄其產物;

C4.03.7 Elect its governing board, and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution and bylaws.

選舉教會的職員,教會執事會各部門和委員會的成員, 並根據此章程,細則,及接續條款

責成各部門完成其責任。

Chapter 5 第五章

CHURCH AFFILIATION 教會歸屬

C5.01 This congregation shall be affiliated with the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF AMERICA..

本會隸屬北美播道會聯會。

C5.02 In the unlikely event that this congregation shall dissolve as a church, all church property shall

become the property of Pacific Northwest District of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

本會若解散，一切教會財物均歸播道會聯會處理。

Chapter 6 第六章

MEMBERSHIP 會友資格

C6.01 Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll of this congregation at

the time that this constitution is adopted and those who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintained their membership in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and its bylaws. A candidate for membership is expected to:

本會的會友必須是在本會接受此章程時已列名本會名錄的受洗基督徒; 或其後按此章

程及細則被接納並保留的會友籍的基督徒.欲成為本會會員者，必須：

C6.01.1 Truthfully make the following statements:

C6.01.1.1 I believe that Jesus Christ is God's Only Begotten Son (John3:16).

C6.01.1.2 I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that God raised Him from

the dead (Rm.10:9; 1Cor.15:3-4).

C6.01.1.3 I believe that Jesus Christ is the only hope of salvation and eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4;12).

C6.01.1.4 I have personally received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord

(John1:12-13).

C6.01.2 Church member must subscribe to our Statement of Faith (Acts 20:28-31)

C6.01.3 Procedure:

C6.01.3.1 Having expressed their desire for church membership, candidates are

interviewed by the pastor and/or the deacons as to their qualification for membership.

C6.01.3.2 The Governing Board, after approval, shall present the names of the

candidates at the next congregational meeting. They are voted into membership by a two/third majority.

C6.02 Members shall be classified as follows:

會友的分類如下:

C6.02.1 Baptized members are those persons who have been received by the Sacrament of

Baptism in this congregation, or, having been previously baptized in the name of the Triune God, have been received by transfer from other congregations.

受洗會友:是那些在本會接受聖洗禮的人,或是以前就曾奉三一上帝之名受洗,由別教會轉會成本會會友。

C6.02.2 Voting member are those baptized members who have reached their eighteenth

birthday, who regularly attend church functions for the previous six months.

投票權會友:是那些在教會中已受洗的會友,年滿十八歲,在過去六個月經常聚會者。

C6.03 It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to:

本會的會友有權利及責任:

C6.03.1 Live a Christian life in accordance with the Word of God; and

經常接受上帝的話語及聖禮的造就;活出一個與上帝的道相稱的生命。

C6.03.2 Support the work of this congregation through contributions of their time, abilities, and financial support as biblical stewards.

奉獻時間,才能,財物如聖經中的好管家來支持本會。

C6.04 Membership in this congregation shall be terminated by any of the following:

會員資格將因下列因素終止:

C6.04.1 Death;

死亡;

C6.04.2 Resignation;

退出;

C6.04.3 Transfer or release;

轉會或放棄

C6.04.4 Disciplinary action by the governing board; or

受教會執事會懲誡;或

C6.04.5 Removal from the roll due to inactivity as defined in the bylaws. Such persons who

have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom the church has a continuing pastoral concern. Their membership may be reinstated as defined in the bylaws.

未如細則中所說的參與本教會活動而從名錄中除名.那些在會員名錄中除名者,仍可被

視為教牧關懷的對象.

Chapter 7 第七章

THE PASTOR 牧師

C7.01 A pastoral search committee shall recommend one candidate at a time to a duly called congregation

meeting to fill a particular vacancy. A seventy-five percent affirmative vote shall be required to

call a pastor. (Amended on Dec 20, 2009)

牧委員會每次推薦一位候選牧師給會眾，召聘牧師須在教友大會中得百分之七十五的贊成

票方可通過。(Dec 20, 2009 修訂)

C7.02 Every pastor shall:

每一位受職牧師必須:

C7.02.1 Preach the Word;

傳講上帝的道¸

C7.02.2 Administer the sacraments;

施行聖禮;

C7.02.3 Conduct public worship;

帶領會眾崇拜;

C7.02.4 Provide pastoral care;

提供教牧關懷;

C7.02.5 Install regularly elected members of the governing board; and

定期選舉設立會友擔任教會執事會的執事;和

C7.02.6 With the board, administer discipline.

與本會執事會共同執行懲誡.

C7.03 The first term of the pastor shall be one year.The subsequent term shall be mutually determined

by the governing board and the pastor, then approved by the congregation with a two-third majority.

牧師首次合約為期一年,續約條款由牧師與執事會商議,經過教友大會三分之二票數

通過。

C7.04 The service of the pastor may be terminated as follows:

牧師與教會的合約中止如下:

C7.04.1 A pastor shall give three months’ written notice of termination of his service to the

Church board. This Church likewise shall give a pastor three months’ notice should a

resolution to terminate his service be passed at a congregation meeting of members.

(Amended on Dec 20, 2009)

牧師辭職須在離職前三個月向執事會以書面提出。同樣，如牧師在教友大會中被終止聘任合

約，教會須給牧師三個月的終止聘任合約通知。(Dec 20, 2009 修訂)

C7.04.2 Death of the pastor;

牧師死亡;

C7.04.3 Inability to conduct the pastor office effectively in the congregation in view of local conditions,

without reflection on the competence or the moral and spiritual character of the pastor;

牧師已經不能有效地執行其工作,並且也不能顯示其牧師應有道德及屬靈的特性;

C7.04.4 The physical or mental incapability of the pastor;

牧師有身體及精神上方面的問題;

C7.04.5 Disqualification of the pastor through discipline on grounds of doctrine, morality, or

continued neglect of duty; or

牧師已有違反教義,道德,或持續忽略職守的問題時,不得按照上面的規定執行,而

應將所有此類情形併入懲誡事件內.

C7.04.6 The dissolution of the congregation.

教會解散。

C7.05 At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor may be called by the congregation or the governing board.

在牧師暫缺期間,職務代理牧師得由本會執事會同意後任命.

C7.06 During the period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor. The interim pastor shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor.

代理牧師任職期間,須履行職責和享有權利如聘任的牧師一樣.但限制不能運用其牧師職權來影響牧師的選任.

C7.07 This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to a former pastor before calling a successor. A pastor shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to this congregation.

在聘任另一繼位牧師前,本會當在財務的責任上給予前任牧師清楚合理的支付.牧師也

需對本會的帳務有清楚的交代.

C7.08 The pastor shall keep accurate records of all baptisms, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation.

牧師要正確的記錄所有受洗,堅信,婚喪禮,領聖餐,轉入轉出,除名會友的資料。

C7.09 The pastor shall be a member of this congregation and advisor with voting power of the governing board.

牧師應隸屬於本會成為會友. 同時是執事會有投票權的顧問。

Chapter 8 第八章

CONGREGATION MEETING 教會會議

C8.01 The annual meeting of this congregation shall be held at time specified in the bylaws.

本會的年會將於細則內詳定時間召開.

C8.02 A special Congregation Meeting may be called by the pastor, or the chair-person of the

governing board with board approval, or can be called at the written request of at least ten percent of the voting members. The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is to be held and no other business shall be transacted.

牧師,教會執事會, 或不少於本會百份之十的投票會員書面要求下得召開特別的教友大會. 此大會需聲明其召開目的,在會中亦不得討論進行其它議案或事務.

C8.03 Notice of all meetings of this congregation shall be given at the services of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays and by mail or by phone to all voting members at least 10 days in advance

of the date of the meeting.

會友大會通知需於二個主日以前在崇拜中報告, 並於大會十天前書面通知所有選舉會友.

或電話通知。

C8.04 Fifty percent of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.

超過半數以上的選舉會友算為法定人數。

C8.05 Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted.

代理投票或缺席用代投票籤不被允准.

C8.06 All actions by the congregation shall be by majority vote except as otherwise provided in this constitution.

除了那些章程特別提出的情形以外,本會所有行動將由大多數會友投票決定。

Chapter 9 第九章

GOVERNING BOARD 教會執事會

C9.01 The voting membership of the governing board shall not be more than seven members of the congregation. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. A member's place on the governing shall be declared vacant if the member a) ceases to be a voting member of this congregation or b) is absent from four successive regular meetings of the governing board without cause.

教會執事會內具有投票權的執事不多於七位,教會會友及教會內的的職員,除了受限於其

職務的任期之外,任何教會內的選舉會友都有被選舉權,若因 a)該執事不再為教會的選舉

會友. b)缺席定期會議達四次而無正當理由.則其職位當宣告暫缺.

C9.02 The members of the governing board except the pastor shall be elected by written ballot to serve no more than two full terms consecutively. Their terms shall begin at the close of the annual meeting at which they are elected.

教會執事會內組成執事除牧師(們)外,其餘當以票選方式選出,任期三年,或至其繼任者被

選出.被選出的執事任期以二任為限. 於年會中被選出之執事其職務期始於該年年會

的結束.

C9.03 Should a member's place on the governing board be declared vacant, the governing board shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting.

若執事會中有職務空缺,本會執事會當以過半數通過的投票方式選出任期到下次年會結束

的繼任者(後補者).

C9.04 The governing board shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God. The duties of the governing board shall include the following:

本會執事會有權責監督整個教會的事工. 特別是其崇拜的部份,以確定每一件事都合乎上帝的道.教會執事的責任將包括:

C9.04.1 To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals

and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.

領導會眾完成其使命,訂定長期計劃,設定目標和優先次序,並按目標及使命評估其活動.

C9.04.2 To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support.

致力使會眾參與崇拜,學習,見証,事奉和支持.

C9.04.3 To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.

監督並負責教會行政以使教會能發揮其功能並執行其任務.

C9.04.4 To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor and staff and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling, appointment, or employment.

立於持續支持牧師(們)及職員的關係中,並每年幫助他們評估其工作及職務.

C9.04.5 To arrange pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.

當牧師不在或生病時,安排教牧事奉.

C9.05 The governing board shall be responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation.

教會執事會要對教會的經濟及物產相關的事物負責.

C9.06 The governing board shall see that the provisions of this constitution [and] its bylaws [and the continuing resolutions] are carried out.

本會執事會將執行此章程,細則,及待決議案之條文規定.

C9.07 The governing board shall provide for an annual review of the membership roster.

本會執事會當每年審核會友名錄.

C9.08 The governing board shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the annual meeting.

本會執事會當每年在會友大會中提出工作報告.

C9.09 The governing board shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall be called at the request of at least one-half of its members. Notice of each special meeting shall be given to all who are entitled to be present.

本會執事會當每月開會一次. 特別會議可由牧師,主席或半數以上執事要求後召開臨

時會議.特別會議的通知當發給每一位應當參加會議的執事.

C9.10 A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the members of the governing board, including the pastor or interim pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent and has given prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall be the only business of the meeting.

處理教會事務的法定人數當佔執事會執事人數的過半.包括牧師,暫代理牧師,除非其

事先要求或同意不在席,並事先同意會議中將要討論的議程.會議中不得討論其它議題.

C9.11 The governing board shall keep accurate records of all baptisms, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation.

執事會要正確的記錄所有受洗,堅信,婚喪禮,領聖餐,轉入轉出,除名會友的資料,

Chapter 10 第十章

DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS 會友懲誡

C10.01 Denial of the Christian faith as described in this constitution, conduct grossly unbecoming a member of the Church of Christ, or persistent trouble-making in this congregation are sufficient cause for discipline following Matthew 18:15-17.

因拒絕本章程中所述的基督徒信仰; 大體上行事為人不像基督教會的一員;或持續的在教

會中製造困擾等,均足以給予懲誡.在懲誡之前,協調的工作將依照馬太福音18:15-17節的

步驟.

C10.02 A member charged with the offense shall appear before the governing board having received a written notice, specifying the exact charges that have been made against the member, at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

被懲誡的會友得在接到書面通知後出席教會執事會.通知中將說明罰則並於會議十天

前交至該會友.

C10.03 Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the governing board and renewed admonition prove ineffectual, the board shall impose one of the following disciplinary actions:

懲誡須得三分之二以上的執事會委員同意而實行, 但若勸誡証實無效,執事會當課予

下列一種懲誡:

C10.03.1 Reprimand before the board or congregation;

在執事會或會眾前公開訓誡;

C10.03.2 Suspension from membership for a definite period of time; or

限期暫除會籍;或

C10.03.3 Exclusion from membership in this congregation. Disciplinary actions b and c shall be delivered to the member in writing.

開除會籍. (b和c項的懲誡當書面通知當事人)

C10.04 The member against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the governing board shall have the right to appeal.

被懲誡的會友有權至執事會申訴.

C10.05 Disciplinary actions may be reconsidered and revoked by the governing board upon receipt of

a) evidence that injustice has been done, or, b) evidence of repentance and amendment.

懲誡行動可因 a)不公平的決定存在 b)該員已有明顯的悔改及改變. 得教會執事會的

重新考慮或取消.

Chapter 11 第十一章

BYLAWS 細則

C11.01 This congregation may adopt bylaws. No bylaws may conflict with this constitution.

本會可採行細則但任何細則不得與章程衝突.

C11.02 Bylaws may be adopted or amended at any legally called meeting of this congregation with a quorum present by a majority vote of those voting members present and voting.

細則將可在合法召開的會友大會中接納採行或修正.在會中必須有法定人數的參加並得過

半數的出席選舉會友的決議通過.

C11.03 Changes to the bylaws may be proposed by any voting member provided, however, that such addition or amendments be submitted in writing to the governing board at least 60 days before a regular or special congregation meeting called for that purpose and that the governing board notify the members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the congregation meeting.

任何選舉會友均可提案更改細則.但須於召開以修訂細則為目的的例會或特別大會之前六

十天以書面告知教會執事會.教會執事會應於此會友大會三十天前將其對提案的建議一併

通知會友.

Chapter 12 第十二章

AMENDMENTS 修訂

C12.01 Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by at least a simple majority voting members or by the governing board. Proposals must be filed in writing with the governing board 60 days before formal consideration by this congregation at its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The governing board shall notify the members of the proposal with their recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.

修改章程須有過半數以上的選舉會友提出或由教會執事會提出.提案須於召開以修訂章程

為目的的例會或特別大會之前六十天以書面告知教會執事會.教會執事會應於此會友大會

三十天前將其對提案的建議一併通知會友.

C12.02 A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:

章程修訂提案應:

C12.02.1 Be approved at a properly called meeting according to this constitution by a majority vote of those present and voting;

在合法召開的大會中有超過章程的法定人數出席並得過半數以上的會友投票

表決通過;

C12.02.2 Be ratified without change at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting; and

在下一次的年會中經由出席會友的三分之二以上的表決核定而無任何的改變;和

C12.02.3 Have the effective date included in the resolution and noted in this constitution.

有正式生效日期在決議方案並在章程中註明.

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(Revised on 1/11/2009 and 12/20/2009)