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Form of Government

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THE CHURCH

1.1 The Church - Catholic and Particular

1.1.1 The Church of Christ signifies:

1.1.1.1 the whole number of the elect, who, before the foundation of the world, were given by the Father unto the Son that by the Son they might be redeemed; and who, in due time, are called, justified and glorified. This is commonly called the invisible, Catholic or Universal Church.

1.1.1.2 all those throughout the world who profess true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are subject to His laws and give obedience to Him, together with their children. In this sense we speak of it as the visible Catholic or Universal Church.

1.1.2 A particular Church

1.1.2.1 A particular Church is a branch of the Catholic visible Church and all its members are members of the visible church. Such of its members as are, or are ordained of God to be, savingly united to Christ belong to the invisible Church.

1.1.2.2 A particular Church is a body or community professing and maintaining the saving truths of the Gospel. It is formed under Christ's authority and exists for the keeping of Christian ordinances and for the gathering, edifying and perfecting of God's people. It may consist of one congregation or a number of congregations under a common government.

1.1.3 The Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales was first constituted as a particular Church in 1996.

1.2 The Head of the Church

1.2.1 The Lord Jesus Christ is the only King and Head of the Church and He has revealed in His Word that He has appointed offices, ordained orderly government, instituted ordinances of worship and enacted principles and laws of fellowship in His Church.

2. THE STANDARDS OF THE CHURCH

2.1 Our Creed

2.1.1 The Word of God as set forth in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only infallible rule of faith and practice, and the supreme standard of the Church.

2.1.2 The subordinate standards of our Church are the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms; we believe these subordinate standards, as amended in this sub-section, accurately summarise, interpret and apply the teaching of the Scriptures on important points of doctrine and worship.

2.1.2.1 Chapter 23 - Of the Civil Magistrate.

We do not receive this Chapter in any sense as to mean that the Civil Magistrate has a controlling power over Synods or Councils with respect to the exercise of their Ministerial authority, or power to persecute any for their religion.

We allow individual elders and sessions to accept or reject the principle of establishment as their consciences dictate.

2.1.2.2 Chapter 24 - Of Marriage and Divorce.

We accept all the statements of this Chapter except the last sentence of Paragraph 4. Individual elders and sessions are allowed to accept, or not accept, the words, 'The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred, nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindred, nearer in blood than of her own.'

2.1.2.3 Chapter 25 - Of the Church.

Individual elders and sessions are allowed to accept, or not accept, the words, 'but is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God,' from Paragraph 6.

3. THE CONGREGATION

3.1 Membership

3.1.1 Acceptance to membership is determined by the Session. It is open to all such persons as have made a credible profession of faith in Christ as God the Son, their Saviour and Lord, have been baptised and exhibit a teachable spirit.

3.1.2 Members transferring from one congregation to another must obtain a certificate from the Session, confirming that they are members in good standing. Applications for membership from outside this Church should be supported by a disjunction certificate where possible, or a valid reason given for failure to produce such a certificate. Applicants must satisfy the Session that their profession of faith is credible.

3.1.3 Children of such members (though not admitted to full communion) are, because of God's Covenantal promise, received as infant members of the congregation in the Sacrament of Baptism. Such children shall be admitted to full communion upon their profession of faith.

3.1.4 Members have a responsibility faithfully to attend the means of grace, submit to the authority of the Session, respect and encourage their Elders, promote the peace and prosperity of the congregation, give of their substance as the Lord may prosper them, pray for the work of the Gospel at home and abroad and exhibit a Christian spirit at all times.

3.2 Oversight

3.2.1 Each congregation, so far as its membership may justify, should have men elected to the position of Elder (Bishop/ Presbyter/ Overseer or Minister/ Pastor).

3.2.2 The Scriptures teach that in each congregation there are a plurality of Elders (Acts 14:23; 20:28: Phil. 1:1). In New Testament times all Elders ruled and some of them also laboured in the Word and Doctrine (Tim. 5:17); hence the titles Teaching Elder and Ruling Elder. Teaching Elders are referred to as Ministers in this book.

3.2.3 The Elders, including the Minister, comprise the Session, which has to do with the whole spiritual oversight of the congregation, including the admission to, or exclusion from, the Sacraments of the Church, and Church discipline (in necessary cases in conjunction with the Presbytery).

3.2.4 We endorse the right of every congregation to call its own Minister(s) and Ruling Elders, subject to the approval of Presbytery.

3.3 Business Meetings

3.3.1 Calling of Business Meetings

3.3.1.1 Every business meeting shall be called from the pulpit by the authority of the Session.

3.3.1.2 At the written request of 25% of the members a special meeting must be called by the Session.

3.3.1.3 The congregation must also meet when directed to do so by Presbytery.

3.3.1.4 An Annual business meeting must be held at which there shall be presented reports (including, inter alia, Session, Pastoral and Financial reports) assessing the preceding year and any plans and objectives for the ensuing year; such information and explanation of the reports as may be asked for shall be given.

3.3.2 Announcement shall be made of the meeting on the two preceding Sabbaths. Such announcement shall specify the business to be transacted and no business other than that specified may be brought before the meeting.

3.3.3 The quorum for a business meeting shall be 25% of the membership.

3.3.4 At every business meeting the Minister (or an Interim-Moderator) shall ordinarily preside. The Session may appoint another Elder to preside where the need arises.

3.3.5 Only members in full communion have the right to vote or engage in debate.

3.3.6 Sessions have the right to restrict attendance at a business meeting to members only.

3.3.7 The proceedings and decisions of business meetings shall be recorded in the Session minute books.

4. THE SESSION

4.1 Composition

The Session consists of the Teaching and Ruling Elders of a congregation.

4.2 Meetings

4.2.1 The Minister shall ordinarily preside at meetings of the Session. In his absence another elder may preside; or an Interim-Moderator appointed by Presbytery.

4.2.2 The Session shall meet at least bi-monthly for the transaction of ordinary business, public intimation having been given on a previous Sabbath.

4.2.3 Any member of Session may request, in case of urgency, a special meeting of Session.

4.2.4 A quorum consists of a majority of Session members, with a minimum of two.

4.2.5 All Session meetings must be opened and closed with prayer.

4.2.6 The Session must appoint a Clerk who shall make a record of the proceedings of each meeting. Any member of the Session may enter his dissent from any part of the proceedings and may require his dissent to be recorded; or he may dissent and complain to the Presbytery as per Rules of Discipline 1.3.

4.3 Responsibilities

4.3.1 The Session must maintain registers of members and of their baptised children.

4.3.2 The Session has the responsibility for the administration of the Sacraments and maintain a record of attendance at the Lord's Supper.

4.3.3 The Session shall make arrangements for the pulpit supply and essential ministerial services of the congregation during the absence of the minister

4.3.4 The Session shall encourage the graces of liberality and concern for the needy among the people.

4.3.5 The Session shall ensure that all congregational Title and Trust Deeds are in order and preserved in a safe place, together with all official congregational documents.

4.3.6 The Session shall present annually a report to the congregation and to the March meeting of Presbytery.

They shall report as follows:

4.3.7 In any congregation lacking a Board of Deacons the duties of Deacons shall fall upon the Elders.

4.4 Authority

4.4.1 All Elders, Deacons, members of and workers in the congregation must submit to the authority and decisions of the Session, but any member who disapproves of or feels aggrieved by a decision of Session has the right of petition to Session and appeal to Presbytery.

4.4.2 The Session shall conduct all elections to the offices of Minister, Ruling Elder or Deacon. It must decline any person put forward for election whom it regards as unsuited for the office.

4.4.3 The Session, in exercising its power of discipline, may call before it members of the congregation and, if necessary, admonish, rebuke, suspend or exclude from the Sacraments those who are found to deserve censure.

4.4.4 Members of Session, including the Minister, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Presbytery.

5. THE DIACONATE

5.1 Composition and Appointment

5.1.1 The Deacons' Board consists of the Deacons and (ex-officio) members of Session of a congregation.

5.1.2. Deacons must be members in full communion with the congregation in which they are appointed. They must be men qualified in accordance with 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They must be approved by the Session and be chosen by popular vote.

5.1.3 At his ordination and/or installation a deacon must answer affirmatively the following questions:

5.1.4 In exceptional circumstances, in small congregations, when candidates for the office of Deacon are not able to endorse the WCF because of different views on baptism, otherwise suitable men may be eligible for election, at the sole discretion of presbytery.

5.1.5 Elections for Deacons shall be held any time after 3 years, but in no case beyond 5 years following the previous election.

5.1.6 Deacons shall relinquish their office if:

5.2 Meetings

5.2.1 A member of session shall ordinarily preside at all meetings.

5.2.2 The Deacons' Board should meet at least four times annually for transacting ordinary business.

5.2.3 A special meeting of the Board may be called by the Minister or the session or at the request of two Deacons.

5.2.4 Meetings shall be intimated publicly from the pulpit or by notice given to every member.

5.2.5 A majority of Board members, which should preferably include one member of the Session other than the Chairman, constitutes a quorum.

5.2.6 All meetings of the Board shall be opened and closed with prayer.

5.2.7 The Deacons' Board must appoint a Clerk who shall make a record of the proceedings of each meeting. Any member of the Board may enter his dissent from any part of the proceedings. He may require his dissent with/without reasons to be recorded.

5.3 Duties

5.3.1 The duty of the Deacons' Board is to assist the Session in administering the social and material affairs of the congregation, e.g.

5.4 Authority

5.4.1 The Deacons' Board shall act under the authority of the session, and has no power of discipline.

6. THE PRESBYTERY

6.1 Composition and Appointment

6.1.1 The Presbytery shall consist of

6.1.2 Each congregation may have up to two voting Elder Commissioners to Presbytery. Ordinarily this will be one Teaching and one Ruling elder.

6.1.3 Each congregation may have up to three voting Elder Commissioners to Presbytery.

6.1.4 Each Session shall inform the Clerk as to who their voting representatives are prior to the beginning of business at each meeting.

6.2 Officials

6.2.1 The officials of the Presbytery are the Moderator, Clerk or Clerks and the Treasurer, and shall be appointed by the Court from among its members.

6.2.2 The Presbytery shall elect a Moderator annually at the March meeting in accordance with the following rules:

6.2.2.1 The Presbytery Arrangements Committee shall, and each congregational Session may, submit in writing the name of the member of Presbytery they wish to nominate to the Clerk at the November meeting for inclusion on the March agenda.

6.2.2.2 Where there is more than one nomination there shall be an election by ballot.

6.2.2.3 To be elected, a nominee must secure a majority of the total votes cast. Until this is achieved, the nominee with the smallest number of votes is eliminated and another vote taken.

6.2.3 The new Moderator shall enter upon his office at the meeting following his election.

6.2.4 In the absence of the Moderator the immediate past Moderator shall preside, but if he, too, is absent, the Presbytery shall elect a Moderator for that meeting.

6.2.5 The Clerk and Treasurer shall be elected every three years at the March meeting in accord with the same rules as for the Moderator.

6.3 Meetings

6.3.1 There shall be a minimum of four ordinary meetings during each calendar year.

6.3.2 Presbytery shall determine the date, time and place of each meeting, but shall ordinarily meet on the first Saturday of March, and the last Saturday of June, September and November.

6.3.3 The dates of all Presbytery meetings shall be known for the next twelve months and appended to the minutes of all Presbytery meetings. The date of the meeting twelve months hence shall be decided at every Presbytery.

6.3.4 Commissioner elders should normally be present at all meetings of Presbytery. The quorum for a meeting is one half of the voting members of presbytery.

6.3.5 The Moderator and Clerk(s) may call a special meeting.

6.3.6 The Clerk shall summon a special meeting on the written request of four members of Presbytery, provided they represent at least two congregations.

6.3.7 Any member may express his dissent from any part of the proceedings; he may require his dissent, including reasons, to be recorded.

6.4 Commissions and Committees

6.4.1 Presbytery may appoint a Commission or Committee for such purposes as it may determine.

6.4.2 In every case the Commission or Committee shall report to the Presbytery through its appointed Convenor. [At the request of Presbytery and following due notice the Convenor of a standing Committee shall produce the Committee Minute Book for inspection].

6.4.3 A Commission of Presbytery consists of a minimum of three of its members [one of whom is a Minister and one of whom is its Convenor] appointed to consider matters referred to it by the Presbytery and invested with the powers of Presbytery itself so far as these matters are concerned.

6.4.4 Presbytery may authorise temporary co-option of persons from within the Church membership, and note its reasons for doing so in the minutes.

6.4.5 The Standing Committees of Presbytery are:

6.4.6 Special Committees are appointed for special business and are dissolved when that business is completed.

6.4.7 All Committees shall consist of not more than five and not less than three members, at least one of whom shall be a Minister, and at least one of whom shall be a Ruling Elder.

6.4.8 Appointments to Standing Committees, other than the Presbytery Arrangements Committee, shall be made annually at the June meeting; members shall ordinarily be appointed to serve for three years.

6.4.9 The Annual Reports of Presbytery Committees (both Standing and Special) shall be submitted to the March meeting for consideration at the June meeting.

6.4.10 PRESBYTERY ARRANGEMENTS

6.4.10.1 The Presbytery Arrangements Committee shall consist of the Moderator, who shall act as Convenor, immediate past Moderator, Moderator-elect, and the Clerk.

6.4.10.2 The Presbytery Arrangements Committee shall:

6.5 Responsibilities

6.5.1 The Presbytery shall:

6.5.1.1 Assist its congregations in spiritual and temporal affairs by, giving advice in cases of difficulty and by receiving and determining petitions, complaints or appeals.

6.5.1.2 Check every two years that the session's minute books and register are properly kept.

6.5.1.3 See that the ordinances are duly administered and discipline upheld in the congregations, and in any that may become vacant; appoint a Minister as Interim-Moderator, unless declined by the Session, and assist the Church as to filling the vacancy.

6.5.1.4 Approve students for the Ministry, receive them under its care, direct their theological training and after trial, license them to preach the Gospel.

6.5.1.5 Examine, approve, ordain and/or install Ruling Elders.

6.5.1.6 Approve the appointment of congregational and general Trustees.

6.5.1.7 Approve the appointment and demission where necessary of any officebearer or paid official of the Church.

6.5.1.8 Ordain to the Gospel Ministry and watch over all that pertains to the call, ordination, and/or installation of Ministers and to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship.

6.5.1.9 Try charges against Ministers, Ruling Elders, Deacons, Licentiates and Missionaries and, if necessary, administer censure.

6.5.1.10 Appoint the Editor and Assistant editor of the 'Presbyterian Network' and review the appointments formally every five years.

6.5.1.11 Control the Funds of the Presbytery.

6.5.1.12 Receive the views of Sessions before enacting, altering, or abrogating any part of the Book of Church Order.

6.5.1.13 Require the Clerk to:

6.6 Authority

6.6.1 Until such time as a General Assembly is formed the Presbytery is the supreme Court of the Church in legislative, administrative and judicial matters.

(The presbytery remains the radical (i.e. most representative) court in the wider affairs of the church even when a General Assembly has been formed).

7. THE CONDUCT OF PRESBYTERY BUSINESS

7.1 Agenda

7.1.1 An agenda will be issued to members at least seven days before the date of the meeting.

7.1.2 The agenda is to contain sufficient detail to enable knowledgeable preparation. Documentation should be appended where appropriate.

7.1.3 Items of business for inclusion on the agenda must be communicated to the Clerk not later than fourteen days before the date of the meeting.

7.1.3.1 Wherever possible the agenda for Presbytery meetings should state what has to be decided under each item of business.

7.1.3.2 Wherever possible specific questions or resolutions should be sent out to church sessions under each item on the Presbytery agenda.

7.1.4 Urgent business arising too late for the published agenda may be included at the discretion of the Moderator after discussion with the Clerk.

7.1.5 Minor and incidental business only may be raised under 'any other business'.

7.1.6 All business involving the Book of Order of the Church shall require written notice of motion submitted to the Presbytery.

7.1.7 Items of business on the agenda may take the form of a proposal, motion (seconded proposal), report, petition, appeal, complaint or reference.

7.1.8 The petitions, appeals and complaints procedures give circumstances where those other than Presbytery members can place business on the agenda.

7.1.9 Every normal Presbytery agenda shall contain one major item of devotional, pastoral or theological interest _ to deepen fellowship, to encourage elders in the work of the local congregation and to produce guidelines and policy statements where these are necessary; and, where appropriate, a report from one or more of the congregations.

7.2 Laws of Debate

7.2.1 All participants in Presbytery business must address Presbytery through the Moderator in whom is vested control of the proceedings.

7.2.2 Decisions shall be made by formal motions and amendments, so that, after discussion, responses to questions or motions should normally be; 'Yes' or 'No', or an amendment or counter motion.

7.2.3 A member may put forward a proposal either at the beginning or end of his comments. The item of business can proceed only if the proposal is seconded, making it a motion.

7.2.4 Discussion on the motion may follow for which the Moderator should allow reasonable time and opportunity for those wishing to contribute.

7.2.5 Discussion of a motion may be facilitated by any of the following procedural motions, other than amendment, for which notice of motion is not required:

The Moderator has discretion to accept or reject a procedural motion.

7.2.6 DEFINITIONS OF PROCEDURAL MOTIONS

7.2.6.1 'That the question be now put' is to conclude discussion. If successful, a vote is taken at once. If defeated, discussion continues.

7.2.6.2 'That Presbytery pass from the question'. If successful, the motion and discussion is discontinued immediately.

7.2.6.3 'That the business be postponed' is to defer discussion because of lack of information or because of untimeliness at that point.

7.2.6.4 'That the meeting, or debate be adjourned'.

The Moderator himself may ask the meeting for permission to adjourn.

7.2.6.5 'That the recommendation be referred back' is for further consideration by a Committee.

7.2.6.6 'That the recommendation be referred to a Committee' applies where it is felt that the nature of the business is such that a concentrated treatment by Committee is the efficient procedure.

7.2.6.7 'That a counter-motion be considered' is to interrupt a debate by laying the original motion on the table to give opportunity for an alternative motion to be considered. If the counter-motion is adopted the original motion automatically falls; but if it is not adopted discussion is resumed on the original motion.

7.2.7 A motion may be subjected to amendment and notice of motion is not required. It must not be negative or substantial; it may include a 'rider'.

7.2.8 Only one amendment can be allowed at any one time. Parties to the original motion or previous amendment cannot propose or second. Any number of amendments may succeed.

7.2.9 Amendments to amendments are allowed.

7.2.10 All amendments and amendments to amendments should be individually put to the vote in the order in which they affect the motion.

7.2.11 All adopted amendments are embodied in the motion and put to the vote as a 'substantive motion'.

7.2.12 If all amendments are lost the motion is put to the vote.

7.2.13 A motion or amendment may be withdrawn by agreement between the proposer and seconder and with the consent of the meeting. Such should be minuted.

7.2.14 When carried, a motion becomes a 'resolution'.

7.2.15 Presbytery may resolve itself into Committee on any occasion it deems fit in which case no minutes shall be recorded of the debate and/or discussion. The following provisions apply:

7.2.16 For Presbytery decisions to be reversed a rescinding motion should be put at one meeting but not voted upon until the next.

7.2.17 Points of order may be raised to deal with a departure from normal procedure in the following areas:

7.2.18 Behaviour will be a ground of censure by Presbytery on any of its members after the member has been given opportunity of withdrawal, explanation and apology.

7.3 Voting Procedures

7.3.1 A formal vote is necessary only when the mind of the meeting cannot otherwise be ascertained. i.e. 'without objection'.

7.3.2 Voting shall be by a show of hands or, on occasions when Presbytery specifically decides, by ballot. The Clerk shall act as teller and may receive assistance for this purpose.

7.3.3 The Moderator has a 'casting vote' only.

7.3.4 For a motion involving any change in the Book of Order of the Church to be carried, a vote in its favour of two thirds of the voting members of Presbytery present at the meeting, at two consecutive Presbytery meetings, shall be required.

7.3.5 Proxy voting shall not be permitted.

7.4 Minutes

7.4.1 All motions and amendments, with the names of proposers and seconders and the results of all votes, should be recorded in the minutes, together with key arguments in the debate helpful for future reference and not noted in documents appended to the minutes.

7.4.2 Minutes should highlight decisions made and action to be taken (indicating by whom and, usually, by when such action should be taken).

7.4.3 Minutes should be sent out within seven days after each meeting.

8. THE RULING ELDER

8.1 General

8.1.1 Ruling Elders must be members in full communion with the congregation in which they are appointed. They must be men qualified in accordance with 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. They must be chosen by popular vote and submitted to Presbytery in accordance with FOG 11.3.

8.1.2 In a congregation not having two Ruling Elders, the Presbytery shall, at the request of the congregation, appoint one or more of the Elders under its jurisdiction to that congregation as Assessor or Borrowed Elders for an interim period.

8.1.3 At his ordination and/or installation a Ruling Elder must answer the following questions:

8.1.4 Ruling Elders are elected for life in the congregation appointing them. An Elder may not of himself demit the duties of his office; but he may ask Session to relieve him of them and his request, if sustained by satisfactory reasons and approved by Presbytery, shall be granted. The granting of such relief shall automatically extend to the duties of Assessor or Borrowed Elder and other Presbytery appointments.

8.2 Responsibilities

The Ruling Elders shall join with the Minister(s) in the government, nurture and discipline of the congregation. Upon them, equally with the Minister(s), devolves the responsibility of caring for the spiritual welfare of the people and the superintendence of all meetings and organisations within the congregation. It is the responsibility of Ruling Elders to pray with, and for the congregation and to seek fruit among them. They are to visit the people, paying special attention to the sick, and to irregular attendees, and also to instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, warn the careless and nourish and guard the children of the Church.

9. THE MINISTER

9.1 General

9.1.1 Ministers are Elders who rule and also labour in the Word and Doctrine. They shall be members of the congregation and, together with other Ruling Elders, have the responsibility for its Spiritual oversight.

9.1.2 At his ordination and at every installation, the Minister must answer affirmatively the following questions:

Substitute Questions to be put to Missionaries:

9.1.3 Ministers are subject to the jurisdiction of the Presbytery.

9.2 Responsibilities

9.2.1 The Minister has particular responsibility to:

9.3 Dissolution of the Ministerial Relationship

9.3.1 When any minister shall submit a resignation of his ministerial charge to his Session:

9.3.1.1 The Session shall notify Presbytery and call for a meeting of the congregation in accordance with FOG 3.3. If possible, the meeting should be moderated by a member of presbytery, invited by the session, from another congregation.

9.3.1.2 The Presbytery shall require the church to appear by its commissioners, to show why the Presbytery should or should not accept the resignation.

9.3.1.3 If the church fails to appear, or if its reasons for retaining its minister be deemed insufficient, his resignation shall be accepted and the ministerial relation dissolved.

9.3.2 If any church desires to be relieved of its minister:

9.3.2.1 The Session (having exhausted all reasonable means to resolve any disputes, including mediation by the presbytery) shall notify Presbytery and call for a meeting of the congregation in accordance with FOG 3.3. The meeting shall be moderated by a member of presbytery, invited by the session, from another congregation.

9.3.2.2 The Presbytery shall require the church to appear by its commissioners, to show why the Presbytery should or should not dissolve the ministerial relationship.

9.3.2.3 If the church fails to appear, or if its reasons for dissolving the relationship with its minister be deemed insufficient, his ministerial relationship to the church shall be retained.

9.3.3 In either case, the minister must not physically leave the field until the presbytery or its commission empowered to handle uncontested requests for dissolution has dissolved the relation.

9.4 Demission of Office

9.4.1 Ministers who, resign their charges in order to engage in other recognised Christian ministry, that is, for work other than designated work for presbytery, may be moved to a list of those under the care of presbytery, but without voting rights.

9.4.2 The Minister may offer his resignation when he reaches the age of 65; if it is accepted he shall have a seat on the Session should he continue to worship with the congregation.

9.4.3 Where it appears that the Minister has become - through illness, infirmity or other reason - permanently unfit for his work Presbytery may, after consultation with the Session, require him to retire and declare the office vacant.

9.5 Deposition of Office

9.5.1 A Minister shall be deposed by Presbytery if convicted of heresy or immorality.

10. THE MINISTRY: TRAINING AND ADMISSION

10.1 General Principles

10.1.1 Final authority in regard to ministerial training, the examination of candidates for ministry and admission to the ministry of the EPCEW is vested in the Presbytery.

10.1.2 The Presbytery may use any such theological training schools it deems appropriate, but the completion of such courses shall not be deemed equivalent to approval by Presbytery.

10.1.3 The stages of progress toward the ministry, as recognised by the EPCEW are:

10.2 Committee for Ministerial and Eldership Training (CMET)

10.2.1 The Committee shall consist of a Convenor, and two other Presbytery members.

10.2.2 Presbytery shall decide all appointments for training and admission to the Ministry after considering reports and recommendations from the Committee. It shall delegate to the Committee the implementation of its decisions and the administration of procedures.

10.2.3 The Committee shall convene twice annually and additionally as occasion may demand, submitting a report to Presbytery of each meeting.

10.2.4 Business at regular Committee meetings shall include:

10.3 Conditions Relating to Coming Under Care

10.3.1 A candidate wishing to be taken under care of Presbytery should have been a member of a congregation of the EPCEW for at least six months, and have the written recommendation of his session. (See also 10.3.4).

10.3.2 Normally applicants for training or for admission to the Ministry shall be University graduates but those of more mature years or whose circumstances are exceptional may apply to Presbytery. In these cases great stress will be placed on the examinations required in section's 10.5.2, 10.5.3, and 10.5.6. (See note under 10.5.9).

10.3.3 Admission to training or to the Ministry shall be subject to the satisfaction of the Presbytery as to the applicant's foreseeable commitment to the Ministry of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales.

10.3.4 Applications shall be submitted to the CMET and shall include: A full C.V., a written reference and completed questionnaire from the applicant's Session.

10.3.5 The Committee shall:

10.3.6 The applicant must appear before Presbytery in person and give a testimony of his personal experience of grace and call to the ministry.

10.3.6.1 The Presbytery may examine him regarding these testimonies.

10.3.6.2 A decision to accept shall require a 60% majority of those present and voting.

10.3.6.3 If approved, the moderator shall ask the candidate the following questions:

10.3.6.4 If these questions are answered in the affirmative, the moderator, or someone appointed by him shall lead in prayer for the candidate. The applicant shall then be entered on the roll of candidates for the ministry.

10.4 Training for the Ministry Fund

10.4.1 The Fund shall be administered by the General Treasurer.

10.4.2 All grants and disbursements shall be made by Presbytery considering the recommendations of the Committee and the General treasurer.

10.4.3 Congregations shall be requested to make an annual collection for the Fund, the Committee ensuring that each Session is aware of current need.

10.4.4 Applicants for training who will be considered for financial support must be members in full communion of at least two years' standing with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales, and the applicant must be willing to study at one of the Theological Colleges approved by Presbytery at its last evaluation.

10.4.5 Each applicant for financial assistance is required to make application for a grant to his Local Education Authority before commencing training. When evidence of the grant or grants awarded is received Presbytery will consider the need to further supplement income up to the level determined by Presbytery from time to time.

10.5 Licensing

10.5.1 The Committee shall maintain sufficient contact with the students in training, to ensure effective communication and the monitoring of training progress in particular.

10.5.2 Each candidate for licensure shall sit three Presbytery examinations. Ordinarily they shall be one in each year of Theological training. The areas of examination shall be as follows:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

10.5.3 Each candidate for licensure shall submit during the last two years of theological training a critical study of a prescribed passage of Scripture from each of the Old and New Testaments; the passages may be those prescribed by his Theological College.

10.5.4 Each student shall complete his Theological College's Syllabus and sit the final examinations in those subjects required by the Committee.

10.5.5 Each student shall gain a minimum of six months' practical experience either as a summer assistant under a serving Minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales or in secular employment (depending on the recommendation of the CMET) before becoming eligible for licensure.

10.5.6 Presbytery shall require a candidate for licensure, on completion of his theological training, to preach a trial sermon on an occasion when a Commission of Presbytery is present or at a meeting of Presbytery.

10.5.7 When the student has completed his training and the Committee has considered in interview with him his:

the Committee shall submit a final training report in writing to Presbytery with recommendation as to licensing, after which the presbytery may ask the candidate questions from the floor.

10.5.8 If the candidate is approved for licensure, the Moderator shall ask the candidate the following questions.

Then he, or someone appointed for the purpose, shall give the candidate a brief charge and conclude in prayer.

10.5.9 Presbytery shall not omit any part of these requirements and trials except in extraordinary* cases. Whenever Presbytery does make an exception, a 3/4 majority of those present and voting is required and the reasons shall be recorded in the minutes.

*Extraordinary cases should be limited to extraordinary circumstances of the church and a man of proven gifts, or the extraordinary circumstances of a man of proven gifts. Presbyteries should exercise care in the use of these provisions so as not to ordain or accept from other denominations anyone who is inadequately prepared for the ministry.

10.5.10 No candidate shall be eligible to be ordained until he becomes a Licentiate.

10.5.11 Licensure shall remain valid for one year after which it shall be reviewed by Presbytery to determine whether it should lapse or be renewed for a further specified period not exceeding twelve months.

10.5.12 Licensure may be withdrawn at any time if Presbytery deems such a course to be prudent, necessary, and/or in the best interests of the Church. Licentiates shall be given a copy of the notice of motion proposing such withdrawal and shall have the right of attending the relevant meeting to put their case to the members.

10.5.13 A 60% majority of those present and voting at Presbytery shall be required to withdraw or renew licensure.

10.6 Admissions From Outside the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales

10.6.1 It is permissible for a vacant congregation to call a Minister or Licentiate from outside the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales.

10.6.2 Whenever a candidate comes under consideration, he should first be provided with the relevant Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales literature by the session.

10.6.3 The Session (or a committee of the congregation appointed for the task of seeking out a minister) shall ask the candidate for a full C.V. and that he complete the standard EPCEW questionnaire. The Session shall then interview the candidate and take up references.

10.6.4 When the session (or committee) is satisfied that the candidate should be presented as a candidate to the congregation, it shall present the candidate together with the assembled documentation, i.e. C.V. questionnaire and references, to the Presbytery's Committee for Ministerial and Eldership Training (CMET), together with a written request for the candidate to be approved for presentation to the congregation.

10.6.5 The CMET shall review the documentation, interview the candidate and make a recommendation to the presbytery. Presbytery may also examine the candidate on the floor of Presbytery.

10.6.6 If the Candidate is not ordained, the above procedure shall be deemed as the basis of licensure in the EPCEW providing all licensing requirements have been fulfilled. The Presbytery may accept the licensure of another denomination, provided it believes it is equivalent.

10.6.7 A decision to approve the candidate shall require a 60% majority of those present and voting.

10.6.8 Confidentiality where other denominations are involved is to be recognised and permission obtained from the applicant before any approach is made to his present employers.

10.6.9 Sessions shall acquaint themselves with current employment legislation and Codes of Practice and conform to them throughout the procedure.

10.6.10 Where an approach is made to Presbytery regarding appointment to our Ministry which is not in response to the interest of a particular vacant congregation, Presbytery shall consider it. Acceptance of such a candidate shall be pending a call.

10.6.11 Where appointment is made from another denomination that denomination should be formally advised.

11. THE REGULATIONS FOR ELECTIONS AND CALLS

11.1 General

11.1.1 All members of a congregation in full communion, and only such, shall be eligible as qualified voters for the purpose of electing Ministers, Ruling Elders and Deacons.

11.1.2 Two months before a call or election the roll of communicant members shall be checked by the Session, lodged in the hands of the Minister/Interim-Moderator, and a copy made available for the members of the congregation.

11.1.3 Any member of the congregation claiming to be a qualified voter may make an objection regarding any name on the roll, or omitted from the roll; he shall lodge the objection, with reasons, in writing with the Moderator/Interim-Moderator of Session within two weeks of the publication of the roll, and the Session shall give its decision thereon or refer the matter for decision by Presbytery.

11.2 Election and Calls of Ministers

11.2.1 When a vacancy occurs in the Pastorate of a congregation, the Session shall seek to bring suitable candidates to the attention of the congregation.

11.2.1.1 The Session may form a committee from members of the congregation to aid in the search for a suitable candidate.

11.2.1.2 Any member in full communion may propose a candidate to the Session or its committee.

11.2.2 When the Session believes that the congregation may be prepared to elect a Minister they shall call a meeting for the purpose in accordance with FOG 3.3; the day specified for the meeting should not be a Sabbath.

11.2.3 At the Meeting the following steps shall be taken:

11.2.3.1 Should more than one candidate be proposed and seconded, a vote shall be taken of the qualified voters and repeated until only one candidate remains.

11.2.3.2 A vote shall be taken on this candidate, for and against. If he be approved by not less than 2/3 of those present and voting, the call shall be drawn up and signed by the communicant members of the congregation concurring (persons not qualified to vote, but closely associated with the congregation may sign on a separate list). The Moderator of the meeting and the Clerk of Session shall certify the signatures.

11.2.3.3 The call may be left in the charge of the Session until the succeeding Sabbath to receive further signatures in the presence of and attested by one Elder.

11.2.4 The Session shall notify the Clerk of Presbytery of its intention to lay the call before Presbytery at its next meeting.

11.2.5 Where the call is to a Minister presently in charge of a congregation of the EPCEW, the Clerk of Presbytery shall notify his Session so that representatives may be given the opportunity of attending and speaking to the issue.

11.2.6 Presbytery shall consider any dissents and representations under 11.2.5 above, determine whether the call is regular and valid and whether, in all the circumstances, it should be sustained.

11.2.7 If the call be sustained Presbytery shall take steps to present the call to the Licentiate or Minister concerned.

11.2.8 A call may be accepted, declined or retained for consideration; if retained an answer must be given at a time specified by Presbytery.

11.2.9 Following acceptance of a call Presbytery shall take steps to ordain and/or install the Minister-elect on a day other than the Sabbath.

11.3 Election of Ruling Elders

11.3.1 The Session shall normally determine when an election is to take place and the number of Ruling Elders to be chosen.

11.3.2 The Minister shall explain to the congregation the duties and qualifications of Ruling Elders.

11.3.3 In the election of Ruling Elders two principles must be secured:

There is no single mandated method of electing ruling elders. The Session exercise their discretion in determining which method will be most generally acceptable locally and occasion least tension and difficulty. The following are some of the methods which honour both the principles stated above. The order of listing is not significant.

11.3.3.1 The session may call a meeting of communicant membership of the congregation for the purpose of electing a specified number of new elders. At this meeting names will be proposed and upon subsequent voting those securing the required majority identified. From these the session selects the required number and ascertains their willingness to accept office.

11.3.3.2 The session may, at a duly called meeting of the communicant membership, propose certain names to them and upon securing a clear majority agreement proceed to invite those named to accept office.

11.3.3.3 The session may submit to the communicant membership a list of names of all male communicants over the age of 21 and ask for the election of a specified number. From the number securing the support of a clear majority of the communicants the session then elects the names of those they deem most suitable.

11.3.3.4 The session may submit to the communicants a list of those whom they deem suitable for office and ask for the election of all or a specified number.

11.3.3.5 The session may issue to qualified voters, voting papers, identifying male communicant members. The names of those they wish to choose, up to the number required, shall be marked and the papers returned to the Session by or before the day appointed. Those receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected.

11.3.4 No person can be admitted as a Ruling Elder if:

11.3.5 The names of every Ruling Elder-elect willing to accept office shall be read to the congregation on the Sabbath following the election making it clear that their formal appointment is subject to Presbytery approval; one week shall be allowed to give opportunity for the lodgement (in writing, with reasons) of any objections with the Moderator of Session.

11.3.6 Should the objection be not sustained or should there be no objection, the Ruling Elders-elect shall appear before Presbytery or a Presbytery Commission which shall satisfy itself of their suitability.

11.3.7 Presbytery shall make arrangements to join with the Session to ordain and install Ruling Elders-elect approved by them. The day appointed may be a Sabbath.

11.4 Election of Deacons

11.4.1 The election of Deacons shall take place in the same manner as in the case of Ruling Elders excepting that:

12. ACCESSION AND SEPARATION OF CONGREGATIONS

12.1 Accession of Established Congregations

12.1.1 The Purpose of this procedure is:

12.1.2 Initial Enquiry

12.1.2.1 An existing congregation which develops an interest in the EPCEW shall first apply through the Clerk of Presbytery.

12.1.2.2 The clerk shall refer the matter to the Committee for Church Planting.

12.1.2.3 The Committee for Church Planting shall prepare a report for the presbytery based upon its meeting(s) with the church's leadership. The report shall include:

12.1.2.4 Upon receipt of the report, the presbytery may:

12.1.3 Formal Application

12.1.3.1 Should the church wish to proceed in joining the presbytery, The congregation should petition the presbytery for acceptance. The petition should include the details of the congregational meeting at which the decision was made and include:

12.1.3.2 Upon receipt of the petition, presbytery shall appoint a commission to deal with the examination of the elders, if necessary to assist with elections, answer the questions of the congregation concerning the EPCEW and receive the church into the presbytery.

12.1.4 Unorganised groups of believers may apply through the clerk to the Committee for Church Planting for assistance in starting a mission church.

12.2 Separation of Congregations

12.2.1 Where the elders of a congregation consider that the presbytery as a whole has departed from a biblical position or to the extent that they can no longer remain in the presbytery; or where the presbytery considers that a congregation and its elders have departed from a biblical position to such an extent that such elders may no longer remain in meaningful fellowship; and where attempts at reconciliation have been exhausted; then separation may be effected by the procedures listed in 12.2.3.

12.2.2 This procedure is intended to be an assurance that the lessons learned in leaving mixed denominations are not forgotten and that once a congregation has agreed to enter the EPCEW that it could leave again if the gospel was in jeopardy. It is not intended to be used as a negative veto to ensure a minority can get its own way, nor is it intended that different presbyteries should be set up to maintain a particular party's view on a point of variation within Presbyterian principles.

12.2.3 CONGREGATIONAL PROTEST

12.2.3.1 The session shall first express their concerns to the presbytery in writing.

12.2.3.2 If, after debate, the concerns are rejected the session may lodge a further protest.

12.2.3.3 Should this, after debate, also be rejected there shall follow a suitable period of silence on the matter, not to exceed one year.

12.2.3.4 The session should pursue their concerns within presbytery for as long as conscience allows.

12.2.3.5 If the issue is of such gravity that the session believes it to be wrong to remain in the presbytery, they must call a meeting of the congregation to inform them of the matter and invite the presbytery to send representatives to the meeting, giving those representatives the privilege of the floor. If the proposal to separate from the presbytery has the support of 70% of the membership, the session shall give written notice to presbytery of the church's intention to leave the presbytery.

12.2.3.6 Upon receipt of the notice of the church's intention to leave, the presbytery shall appoint a commission to meet with the congregation to argue the case of the presbytery.

12.2.3.7 The session shall call a second meeting of the congregation, which shall not be less than six months after the first meeting, to vote on the matter of separation. A 70% majority of the of the membership is required to carry a motion to leave.

12.2.3.8 If the required majority is reached an orderly separation shall be arranged. This should include:

12.2.4 PRESBYTERY PROTEST

12.2.4.1 A concern as to doctrine, practice or moral position prevailing in a particular church may be raised by any member of the presbytery, in writing, through the clerk.

12.2.4.2 If presbytery chooses to consider the protest, it must make an initial inquiry to determine whether the matter is one of advice or ruling then debate the issue, and if it is not an issue which can be referred back to the session, draft a statement of its concerns.

12.2.4.3 Presbytery may ask the session to respond to its concerns in writing.

12.2.4.4 If the presbytery considers the response to be unsatisfactory it shall appoint a commission to visit the congregation. The commission shall, in conjunction with the session, arrange a congregational meeting at which both the presbytery's concerns, and the sessions position, will be explained.

12.2.4.5 The commission will report to the presbytery so that the matter may be further debated in the light of the facts and with the informed representation of the session.

12.2.4.6 A further meeting of the congregation is to be arranged. If the congregation votes at this meeting, by a 70% majority of the communicant membership, to continue its position; and is unable to persuade the presbytery of the rightness of its position, the presbytery may then proceed to separate the congregation from the presbytery.

12.2.4.7 The same safeguards for a minority position shall be applied as in the case of a Congregational protest (12.2.3.8).