Dear Member of Disciples Church Springfield,
As regulations around child safety tighten and our church continues to grow, we recognise the need to clarify and refine our constitution regarding minors (under 18) in church membership. Consequently, the board are proposing some updates that will ensure our governance aligns with legal requirements, practical realities, and best practices for child safety, while also providing clearer pathways for age-appropriate involvement at church.
There are 3 alterations being proposed;
1. Membership & Minors (under 18)
2. Elder Vowels - an edit of phrasing
3. Provision for External Elders - a common consideration for churches
According to our constitution, any constitutional amendment requires the approval of its members at an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year, that date falls on 18 March, 2025.
Please note: The following proposed constitutional amendments are currently in draft form. A lawyer has been engaged for legal advice, and any necessary alterations will be made accordingly. Any updates to the proposal will be communicated as early as possible before the AGM.
There are 3 alterations being proposed;
1. Membership & Minors (under 18)
2. Elder Vowels - an edit of phrasing
3. Provision for External Elders - a common consideration for churches
According to our constitution, any constitutional amendment requires the approval of its members at an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year, that date falls on 18 March, 2025.
Please note: The following proposed constitutional amendments are currently in draft form. A lawyer has been engaged for legal advice, and any necessary alterations will be made accordingly. Any updates to the proposal will be communicated as early as possible before the AGM.
Alteration #1: Membership & Minors
Current Constitution (Section 12.3):
"A person who has not attained the age of eighteen years may not vote in any proceedings of the Church nor be eligible to sit on the Board or any congregational committees but may otherwise enjoy all rights and privileges attaching to Membership of the Church."
Complication:
As ChildSafe regulations change and practical challenges of a growing community arise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for minors to fully engage in all rights and privileges attaching to Membership of the Church. This includes, but is not limited to:
Proposed Amendment:
To create two classes of membership:
1. Adult Membership (18 years and older)
2. Minor Membership (under 18).
This change ensures that membership responsibilities align with maturity and legal requirements, particularly concerning ChildSafe regulations and government laws. It also allows us to create two membership forms for each class of membership, allowing for child appropriate opportunities and the involvement of parent/guardian responsibilities.
"A person who has not attained the age of eighteen years may not vote in any proceedings of the Church nor be eligible to sit on the Board or any congregational committees but may otherwise enjoy all rights and privileges attaching to Membership of the Church."
Complication:
As ChildSafe regulations change and practical challenges of a growing community arise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for minors to fully engage in all rights and privileges attaching to Membership of the Church. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Serving in Ministries – ChildSafe policies restrict minors' involvement due to adult-to-child supervision ratios and required training.
- Membership Form Requirements – Existing commitments (e.g., serving, tithing) and oversight are designed for adults, making it difficult for minors to meet expectations.
- Access to Members’ Updates – Some updates contain sensitive information (e.g., financial records, confidential church matters) that may not be appropriate for minors.
Proposed Amendment:
To create two classes of membership:
1. Adult Membership (18 years and older)
2. Minor Membership (under 18).
This change ensures that membership responsibilities align with maturity and legal requirements, particularly concerning ChildSafe regulations and government laws. It also allows us to create two membership forms for each class of membership, allowing for child appropriate opportunities and the involvement of parent/guardian responsibilities.
Required Action:
Since Section 12.5 states that the “Board may not create new classes of members without congregational consent”, this amendment must be voted on at the AGM.
Since Section 12.5 states that the “Board may not create new classes of members without congregational consent”, this amendment must be voted on at the AGM.
Alteration #2: Elder Vowels
Current Wording (Sections 21.4 & 22.2.1):
“Do you believe the Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only rule of faith and practice?"
Rationale for Change:
To change the wording from ‘contained’ to ‘is’. This revision reinforces our doctrinal stance on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, aligning our language more clearly with our theological convictions.
Required Action:
This change must be incorporated into Section 21.4 (Ordination of Elders) and Section 22.2.1 (Ordination of Pastors).
“Do you believe the Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only rule of faith and practice?"
Rationale for Change:
To change the wording from ‘contained’ to ‘is’. This revision reinforces our doctrinal stance on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, aligning our language more clearly with our theological convictions.
Required Action:
This change must be incorporated into Section 21.4 (Ordination of Elders) and Section 22.2.1 (Ordination of Pastors).
Proposed Amendment:
“Do you believe the Word of God in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only rule of faith and practice?”
“Do you believe the Word of God in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only rule of faith and practice?”
Alteration #3: Provision for External Elders
Current Constitution (Section 21.1 & 21.2):
Currently, elders must be part of the Elders Council, and there is no provision for appointing external elders when needed.
Reason for Alteration:
Amend Section 21 to allow for the appointment of external elders in special circumstances, such as:
Required Action:
This amendment should be added to Section 21.2 (The Elders Council) to formalise the provision for external elders.
Currently, elders must be part of the Elders Council, and there is no provision for appointing external elders when needed.
Reason for Alteration:
Amend Section 21 to allow for the appointment of external elders in special circumstances, such as:
- Church growth requiring additional oversight.
- Internal eldership vacancies that need temporary or permanent filling.
- The scope for external spiritual guidance and accountability.
Required Action:
This amendment should be added to Section 21.2 (The Elders Council) to formalise the provision for external elders.
Required Action:
The Elders Council may, with the consent of the Board, appoint external elders to the board to provide oversight, accountability, and guidance when numbers fall below three (3). External elders must meet the same biblical qualifications as internal elders and must affirm the Statement of Beliefs and governance structure of Disciples Church Springfield. Their role, term, and scope of influence shall be determined by the Elders Council and the Board, with their appointment subject to review at the AGM.
The Elders Council may, with the consent of the Board, appoint external elders to the board to provide oversight, accountability, and guidance when numbers fall below three (3). External elders must meet the same biblical qualifications as internal elders and must affirm the Statement of Beliefs and governance structure of Disciples Church Springfield. Their role, term, and scope of influence shall be determined by the Elders Council and the Board, with their appointment subject to review at the AGM.
In Conclusion
Each of these proposed amendments aims to clarify and strengthen our church governance. We encourage members to review these changes, ask questions, and prayerfully consider their implications. A vote will be held at the AGM, and a two-thirds majority is required for constitutional amendments to pass.
Thank you for your time and commitment to the mission of Disciples Church Springfield.
The DC Elder Board
Thank you for your time and commitment to the mission of Disciples Church Springfield.
The DC Elder Board