In May 2004, two Polish Reformed Evangelical churches have signed a covenant document, thus establishing the Confederation of Reformed Churches in Poland. Initially, the members of the Confederation are: the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poznan and the Evangelical Reformed Church in Wroclaw, together with its mission stations in Legnica and in Gdansk.
Constitution of CRCP
Index
Preamble
1.Confession of Faith
2.Rules of Confederation
3.Local Congregations
4.Presbytery
5.Amendments
Preamble
Almighty God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Ruler over all that is, the only Lawgiver and Judge, sent his Son Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. It is He who by the power of the Holy Spirit summons His church out of all mankind and rules over her as the only Lord and the only Head.
Desiring to bring Him glory and bring one witness of the Truth we thereby come together as Confederation of Reformed Churches in Poland, as a COVENANT of local congregations to the goal of working together for the furthering of the Kingdom of God and in particular:
1. Formal expression of organic unity of the Church of Jesus Christ;
2. Mutual support in the following areas:
a. spiritual discipline,
b. recognition and education of elders,
c. planting new churches,
d. service of compassion,
3. Representing member churches in other contexts.
Scripture requires sincerity of us (Ex. 20:16). That is why, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we call future generations who come after us in the Confederation, to joyfully and sincerely submit to the authority of the Scripture. If it turns out that some part of this Constitution or some part of a confessions subscribed to by our churches is not in accordance with the Bible, we call upon you to faithful and wise clinging to biblical truth. Please do it aware of our responsibility before God, who tests every heart. We call upon you to faithful and sincere service of God, so that your children may experience the Covenant blessings through thousands of generations.
Chapter 1
Confession of Faith
Art. I
As evangelical churches we proclaim saving Gospel of Jesus Christ and confess the faith which once for all has been committed to the saints (Jude 3). Recognizing the need of teaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) we believe in the following:
1. Sovereignty of the triune God over in the work of creation, providence and salvation,
2. Inerrancy and historicity of the Scriptures, which is the Word of God,
3. Organic unity of the Old and New Testaments,
4. Covenental unity between God and His people,
5. The end of the special revelation as the canon of the Scripture was completed,
6. The presence of the Kingdom of Christ on the Earth,
7. The Law of God as the basis for all justice,
8. The Lord’s Day worship as the pattern and the source of power for transforming the world to the glory of the triune God.
Art. II
As reformed churches we see the need of freeing the Church from many common today abuses - according to the Protestant orthodoxy rules. Therefore, we recognize justice and application rules formulated in the times of Protestant Reformation:
1. sola scriptura – tota scriptura (Scripture alone and all of the Scriptures) The Scriptures - all of it and without differentiation - as the written Word of God is the highest authority, the only sure and sufficient rule of faith and living and also the foundation of all knowledge,
2. sola gratia (grace alone): man, enslaved by sin, can be saved only through the grace revealed by the Father in Jesus Christ and given through the Holy Spirit,
3. sola fide (faith alone): God justifies sinners only through faith active in love,
4. soli Deo gloria (to God alone be the glory): the goal and meaning of human life is giving glory and honour to the only God - the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit,
5. ecclesia reformata et semper reformanda (reformed church - always reforming): The church ought always to be tested by the Word of God, cleanse herself from unbiblical views and practices. She should continually reform her institutions and customs so as to grow in faithfulness and more effectively bring about her holy calling.
Art. III
Confessing the Scriptures - the Word of God as the highest authority and the only infallible rule and instruction of faith, with deep respect we deem tradition and theological heritage of the Church. In humbleness we confess that we are only a small link in the chain of many generations of the People of God. In gratitude we recognize catholicity of the church which allows for the encouragement and instruction flow not only from the contemporary but also from those who ran before us. That is why, each and every church in the Confederation will accept as his the following confessions: Each church will adopt into its statement of faith the Apostles Creed, the Nicean Creed, and the Definition of Chalcedon and at least one of the historical reformed confessions.
Chapter 2
Rules of Confederation
Our desire is cooperation in harmony among the churches of the Confederation; therefore, we seek to establish clear rules to govern ourselves. Because of that we announce the Rules of the Confederation together with the explanations as a declaration of goals, character and direction we take. Our intention is that all that is written in this Constitution and remaining documents of the Confederation should be interpreted in their light.
Article I
Autonomy of the churches
1.All the churches in the confederation act as independent confessional subjects (legal term for independent churches), or they function under some other legal shape - depending on individual circumstances. Constitutional statements and other documents defining the individual structure of the member church is not subject to Confederation except those points which are deem the relations with the Confederation.
2.Any input into internal affairs of a church is only allowed in cases and to the degree specified in this Constitution.
3.Confederation has no powers to regulate financial affairs of the churches in the confederation
Art. II
Servant character of the Confederation
1.Confederation is to serve and to assist churches in the confederation.
2.Confederation possesses only such authority over the churches as clearly stated in this Constitution.
3.Confederation accumulates no capital, employs no employees, creates no permanent committees or offices.
Art. III
Openness
The goal of cooperation within Confederation is not to separate from the other Christians. Confederation is a community created within the frames of the larger Church for the purpose of more effective Reformation. Membership in the Confederation does not exclude warm, brotherly and active relationships with other churches who hold to true Faith. Churches who are members of other denomination may join the Confederation as long as it is not in contradiction with the rules of those denominations.
Art. IV
Mutual recognition of offices, membership and discipline
1.Churches in the Confederation mutually recognize all of the ordained elders and deacons.
2.A person who is a member of the any of the churches in the Confederation must be received into the membership by any other church in the Confederation, in spite of doctrinal differences between the churches. In the process of membership transfer between two churches in the Confederation issues like: membership, infant baptism, pedocommunion must be dealt with pastoral sensitivity. Church which receives new members does not need to accept their differing practices but should do all it can to bring them in with openness.
3.Churches in the Confederation mutually recognize their decisions deeming church discipline and pledge not to accept into their membership people excluded elsewhere in the Confederation. If the elders of one church disagree with the discipline decision taken by elders of another church, they are obliged to pursue solution in the spirit of love and gentleness with that church or if need be at the Presbytery meeting
Art. V
Pursuing onemindedness in the spirit of peace, love and patience.
Churches in the Confederation are obliged to a willing and perseverant studying of the doctrinal differences for the purpose of being of one mind (Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 3:16). Resolution for any controversy should be sought in the spirit of peace, love and patience.
Chapter 3
Churches in the Confederation
Art. I
Confederation can be joined by a church which was recommended by a church already in the Confederation, which also participated in at least one presbytery meeting, and on the following meeting will be received in with majority of 2/3 present. Delegates of the newly accepted church will be able to vote at the following presbytery meeting.
Art. II
Church can be admitted into the Confederation under the condition that the elders of this church will sincerely embrace this Constitution and Confessions with making clear any points of difference before the church is admitted (Ex. 20:16; Col. 3:9). If the change of convictions takes place after joining the Confederation, the church elders will notify the presbytery before they make any changes in their own confessional standards and other documents which would vary with those accepted by the Confederation.
Art. III
Elders of the church which is being admitted into the Confederation are supposed to sign declaration which is an attachment to this constitution. Declaration is to be signed also by every newly recognized elder of the confederated church.
Art. IV
1.Each congregation must be committed in principle and practice to government by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Jas. 5:14)
2.Elder of the church is defined as a man meeting the biblical criteria (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:6-9), who has been ordained and practices the office in his church.
3.Church which have only one elder must remain under the oversight of another church in the Confederation.
4.Some of the confederated churches distinguish between elders who are in a special way devoted to the service of the Word (1 Tim 5:17), they are called teaching elders, pastors or preachers, and those who are called ruling elders. Every church decides according to its own traditions, also how practically those two offices are to be distinguished.
Art. V
1.Confederated churches are obliged to present candidates for the teaching elder to the presbytery, which will also examine them. Examination will include such areas as attitude, behavior and knowledge of the Scriptures and doctrine.
2.After the examination the presbytery either recommends or advises against the ordination of the candidate. The church vary with the presbytery's recommendation. In such a case the presbytery can start the process of exclusion of such a church from Confederation.
Art. VI
Every church, according to its means, will have many deacons (Acts 6:5-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13).
Art. VII
Worship and service of each church must be shaped by the teaching and the example from the the Scriptures. Such requirement assumes practical understanding of the teaching of all of the Bible, including primary and secondary things, understanding of weaker brothers (Rom. 14:1), freedom which does not mean license (Col. 2:20-23); avoiding unreasonable zeal (1Sam. 21:6; 2Kings 5:18-19; Luke 4:16). We regard Sunday worship as the central institution of the Church and it must be shaped by the whole Word of God and it should be focused on true teaching and preaching of the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16-17; 4:2) as well as administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Mt.28:19-20; 1 Cor.11:23-26) with the scrupulous observance of biblical church discipline (1Cor. 11:17, 20).
Art. VIII
A church can be removed from the Confederation if it consistently breaks the rules of Confederation or disregards the presbytery decisions, on the basis of 2/3 majority after honest and open investigation.
Chapter 4
Presbytery
Art. I
1.Presbytery is the organ of the Confederation
2.Presbytery serves by mean of advice, assistance, encouragement and exhortation for the elders of the confederated churches. Presbytery, first of all, initiates ways to educate and equip the leaders of the confederated churches.
3.The authority of the Presbyterium:
A)coordination of cooperation among the confederated churches;
B)taking decisions under the name of the Confederation
C)issuing statements and declarations for the whole Confederation
D)mediation between the confederated churches as well as disagreements between elders or with the participation of elders if those disagreements cannot be resolved by the church.
E)resolving in the affairs of accusations brought forth by at least two church members against an elder concerning a serious departure from the doctrine or rules of conduct defined by the church constitution or other serious problem in behavior.
F)resolving other issues presented by the churches
G)conducting the examination and recommending or denying recommendation for the candidate for an elder.
Art. II
Presbytery decisions are spiritually binding for individual churches; however, legally speaking they are only recommendations. Church elders may refuse to accept the recommendation of the presbytery. Nevertheless, if the refusal is accompanied with a distinct lack of respect for the presbytery counsel, such church may be removed from the Confederation.
Art. III
Every church will delegate two elders for the presbytery meetings (one of them should be a teaching elder), equipped with the right to vote. During voting, every delegate has one vote. The other elders participate in the meetings without the right to vote.
Art. IV
1.Presbytery decisions are made with the presence of at least 2/3 of the delegates.
2.Presbytery strives for unanimous decisions. In case of lack of unanimity the decisions are taken by simple majority in an open vote.
Art. V
1.Presbytery chooses a moderator and a vicemoderator from its delegates. They both form a presidium.
2.In case of absence of the moderator or his resignation before his term expires his office passes to the vicemoderator.
3.Moderator, vicemoderator and secretary all serve a three year term. Moderator cannot hold office two consecutive terms.
4.Moderator can resign his office before the end of his term or be recalled by the presbytery by the majority of 3/4 votes.
5.Moderator, vicemoderator and secretary must be teaching elders in office. If during their term any of them ceases to be an elder - he has to give up his position.
Art. VI
Moderator leads the meetings of the presbytery and acts as its the representative
Art. VII
In between the presbytery meetings presidium will take care of urgent and current affairs, leaving the final decisions up to the presbytery, or if need be summoning the extraordinary meeting of the presbytery according to the usual procedures.
Art. VIII
1.Presbytery meetings take place at least once in half a year. At each meeting delegates choose the date for the next meeting.
2.Churches can submit points for review at least three weeks before the planned meeting.
3.The agenda of the meeting must be submitted to the churches at least two weeks before the meeting.
4.Extraordinary meeting can be called when a written request submitted by at least half of the confederated churches. It must be called within a month of the request.
Art. IX
Minutes must be kept at each presbytery meeting. Minutes should be sent by the moderator to each church (at the expense of his church) for an approval within two weeks after the meeting. Minutes after its approval in final shape should be made available within two weeks of their approval.
Chapter 5
Final statements, changes in the constitution
Art. I
Confederation can undertake steps towards gaining a status in the light of the Polish law of interdenominational organization. In order to achieve that some of the statements of this constitution can be adjusted to the requirements of the Polish law, or a separate attachment can be added. All of those decisions would be within the power of the presbytery.
Art. II
Confederation can become a member or in other way associate with foreign organizations or confederations of churches.
Art. III
This constitution can be changed by following this procedure:
1.Proposals of changes can be presented by the delegates of a confederated church during a presbytery meeting. If all the churches are represented at the meeting and the delegates unanimously accept proposed change, the change passes and is put in practice immediately with the vote.
2.If the change is accepted unanimously by all the present delegates, the moderator representing the presbytery in writing submits a request for an opinion as far as the proposed change to the church which was absent. If all the churches which had no delegates present accept the changes, the moderator states that the change took place and notifies all the confederated churches. The change is put into practice on the 1st day of the first month following the notifications.
3.If there is no unanimity during the usual presbytery meeting, a discussion over the proposed changes takes place. If at the end of the discussion there is unanimity and all the churches are represented or the elders who are absent previously accepted the changes, the changes are binding at the time of the vote.
4.If the discussion does not produce unanimity at the next presbytery meeting a vote is held. The change becomes binding if it receives 2/3 support of all present.
5.The change proposal which did not receive the required majority must not be presented at the presbytery within a year of the vote.
Attachments
I. Creedal Statements
A. The Apostles’ Creed (2nd century)
I believe in God the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the virgin, Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hades. On the third day He rose again, ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father; from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
B. Nicean Creed (381 AD)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin, Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the Prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church; acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
C. Definition of Chalcedon (451 AD)
Following, then, the holy fathers, we unite in teaching all men to confess the one and same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This selfsame one is perfect both in deity and in humanity; truly God and truly man, with a rational soul and a body; consubstantial with the Father according to His deity, and consubstantial with us according to the humanity; like us in all respects, sin only excepted. Before the ages He was begotten of the Father, according to the deity, and in these last days, for us and for our salvation, He was born of Mary the virgin, who is Godbearer according to His humanity; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, to be acknowledge in two natures; without confusing them, without interchanging them, without dividing them, and without separating them; the distinction of natures by no means taken away by the union, but the properties of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one subsistence; not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same only-begotten So, the Lord Jesus Christ, as from the beginning the prophets have declared concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has taught us, and the symbol of the fathers has handed down to us.
II. Membership declaration
We, the elders (the name of the church), declare in the presence of God that:
We pledge to fight a good fight of the faith, hold on fast to the eternal life to which we have been called and present a good witness in the presence of many witnesses.
Sincerely have we received the Confessions of the Confederation and we accept the their statements in full submission to the Word of God, which is the only sure rule of faith and living.
We pledge to watch over one another and over the whole flock, in the midst of which the Holy Spirit established us as bishops to tend the church of the Lord which He purchased with His own blood.
We pledge to live in peace and unity of the Spirit with the other church in the Confederation. We pledge to pray for those churches, encourage them, exhort them and cooperate with them in accordance with the Constitution of the Confederation in full commitment to the Word of God.
(Place and date and signatures of the elders of the church)