HARVEST HOUSE INTERNATIONAL INC.

 

CONSTITUTION ADOPTED ON 25 JANUARY 2008

 

HARVEST HOUSE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH AUSTRALIA

 

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We are hungry and desperate for God's Presence, expectant of the mighty moves of God in this season...May His Spirit reign...Reign Jesus Reign!

 

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

Whereas it is the express purpose of God, our Heavenly Father to call out of the world a saved people who shall constitute the Body or Church of Jesus Christ, built upon the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Cornerstone, and

 

Whereas, the members of the Body, the Church of Jesus Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves for worship, fellowship, counsel and instruction in the Word of God and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices set forth in the New Testament,

 

Be it resolved, that we recognise ourselves as a Body of Christian believers according to the Scriptural plan for the local assembly in order that we may worship God as a united Body, exercising all our inalienable rights and priviledges granted to a religious body by the Australian law and do hereby adopt the articles of this constitution and agree to be governed by them.

 

 

1.         NAME

 

The name of the incorporated association shall be Harvest House International

Inc.

 

 

 

2.1              MEMBERSHIP

 

2.1.1          Membership shall be open to any person who confesses and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, regardless of the person’s race, tribe of origin, political opinion, color, creed, sex or denominational background.

 

2.1.2          All born again believers are welcome into fellowship in spite of their denominational affiliation.

2.1.3          Anyone desiring to be a member must meet the following requirements:-

§         Be born again (regenerated by the Holy Spirit) John 3:3-8

§         Confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Rom 10:9 – 10

§         Be baptized in water by immersion.  Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16

§         Live according to Christian principles and values.  Gal 5:22 – 23

§         Support the church through tithes and offerings. Mal 3:10

§         Accept and abide by the Church’s constitution.

§         Attend church service and meetings consistently.

 

 

2.2              MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

 

The application for membership shall be made in writing and signed by the applicant.

 

 

2.3              ADMISSION AND REJECTION OF MEMBERS

 

The management committee shall consider an application for membership at the next meeting after receiving the application for membership. The management committee shall decide at the meeting whether to accept or reject the application.

 

If a majority of the management committee members present at the meeting vote to accept the applicant as a member, the applicant shall be accepted as a member. Upon the acceptance or rejection of an applicant the secretary shall give the applicant a written notice of the decision.

 

 

2.4              TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

A member may resign from the association by giving a written notice of resignation to the secretary. The resignation takes effect on the day and at the time the notice is received by the secretary, or if a later day is stated in the notice, the later day.

 

The management committee may terminate a member’s membership if the member’s conduct contradicts the Association’s belief and objections and is prejudicial to the integrity of the Association. Before the management committee terminates a member’s membership, the committee must give the member a full and fair opportunity to show why the membership should not be terminated.If, after considering all representations made by the member, the management committee decides to terminate the membership; the secretary of the committee must give the member a written notice of the decision.

 

 

2.5              APPEAL AGAINST REJECTION OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

 

A person whose application for membership has been rejected, or whose membership has been terminated, may give the secretary written notice of the person's intention to appeal against the decision.

 

On receipt of the notice, the secretary must, within 1 month after the day of receipt, call a general meeting to decide the appeal.

 

The meeting to decide an appeal will be held within 3 months after Secretary receives the notice to appeal.

 

At the meeting, the applicant shall be given a full and fair opportunity to show why the application should not be rejected or the membership should not be terminated.

 

 

The management committee and the committee members who rejected the application or terminated the membership shall be given an opportunity to show why the application should be rejected or the membership should be terminated.

 

An appeal shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present and eligible to vote at the meeting.

 

 

2.6              REGISTER OF MEMBERS

 

2.6.1          The management committee shall keep a register of members.

 

2.6.2          The register of members shall include the full name, residential address, and the date of admission as a member and any other relevant details the management committee may decide.

 

 

2.6.3          The register shall be open for inspection at all reasonable times by any member who previously applies to the secretary for inspection.

 

2.6.4          The Management Committee shall also keep a Register containing names of all Pastors, members of the Board of Elders, Assistant Pastors and members of the Management Committee showing dates of appointment and dates of ceasing to hold office.  Such Register shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by any member who previously applies to the secretary for inspection.

 

 

 

2.7              CLASS OF MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership of the association shall consist of committed member.The number of committed members is unlimited.

 

 

2.8       RIGHT OF MEMBERS

 

Each associate member shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Association.

Each voting member of this Association shall be entitled to one vote.

All members shall have equal opportunity of serving in various capacities based on their                    maturity as outlined in the bible.

 

 

           

2.9              MEMBERSHIP  FEE

No membership fees apply.

 

 

 

3          OBJECTIVES OF THE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION

 

3.1               To establish and operate Harvest House International churches locally, regionally and internationally.

 

3.2        To establish Bible schools, Christian schools, medical institutions and orphanages.

 

3.2               To hold regular and special religious services for the purposes of worship, preaching, teaching, healing, baptisms, marriages, dedication services and funerals.

 

3.3               To organize, hold and to assist or partake in national and international conferences, outreaches, camps, and seminars.

 

3.4               To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ scripturally, recognizing and upholding the word of God as the sufficient rule and guide (II Tim 3:16).                               

 

3.5               To establish a publishing house and media centre for the printing, recording, broadcasting, publishing and/or selling of gospel literature, recordings and other materials.

 

3.6               Encouraging and practicing mutual church interaction and co-operation.

 

 

3.7               Establishing and building strong Christian marriages.

 

3.8               Initiating, promoting and/or actively participating in any national and/or international church activities.

 

 

 

4                    STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

The fundamental teachings of this congregation are reflected in the following clear statements of faith: -

 

4.1               We believe in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of scripture originally given. The scriptures are infallible, inerrant and the sole and final authority for all matters of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:16, I Corinthians 2:13)

 

4.2               We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as One God existing in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible. (Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14)

 

 

4.3               We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very Man.  (Luke 1:26 – 35, John 1 :14-18)

 

4.4               We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, the necessity of water baptism by immersion, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a real experience subsequent to salvation.  (Ephesians 2:8,9, Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:1-4)

 

 

4.5               We believe that there is a five (5) fold  ministry consisting of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, whose purpose is to evangelise and equip the saints (Eph 4:11-17).  We also believe in the Supportive of Helps Ministries (Rom 12:5).

 

4.6               We believe scripture teachings on the importance of paying tithes and giving of offerings as means of supporting the work of God. (Malachi 3:8-11).

 

4.7               We believe in the healing of the body by Divine Power, or Divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced in the Early Church. (Acts 4:30, Rom 8:11, I Cor 12:9)

 

4.8               We believe in the table of the Lord, commonly called the Communion or the Lord’s supper for believers. (I Cor 11:28-32, Matthew 26:26-28).

 

4.9               We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and perfecting of holiness in the fear of God as expressing the true Christian faith. (Ephesians 5:18, II Corinthians 6:14).

 

4.10            We believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth again and that the Saints will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds (rapture).  (I Cor 15:51-54, Rev 1:7, Matt 24:27-30)

 

4.11            We believe that marriage is between one man and one woman who are to pledge fidelity to one another (1 Corinthians 7:1).  The two ought not to be separated by man (Mark 10:9).  Parties wishing to marry have to attend extensive pre-marital counsel and continue to be counseled after marriage.

 

4.12            We believe that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16).  Divorce or separation is obtainable only in the instance of infidelity or when the unbelieving party to the marriage walks out and not without lengthy Godly counsel. (Matthew 19:9, 1 Corinthians 7:15)

 

4.13            Marriage shall be between those not having married before, and those who have lost marriage partners through death.  Those having lost their partners through divorce may also marry after having waited on the Lord and having gone through Godly counsel.

 

 

 

5.         POWERS OF THE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION

           

5.1               To acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of all kinds of tangible or intangible, legal or equitable, real or personal property.

 

5.2               To receive gifts, donations, subscriptions, pledges, legacies, requests, endowments and other benefits.

 

5.3               To borrow or raise money in such manner as the Management Committee shall from time to time deem fit.

 

 

5.4               To open and operate accounts with any bank, building society or any other financial Institution as the Management Committee determines and to draw, make, issue, negotiate or exchange and enter into other negotiable instruments.

 

5.5               To lend money, give guarantees, or indemnities to any person or persons or bodies with or without security, as the Management Committee shall deem fit.

 

5.6               To engage in any lawful investment projects.

 

 

5.7               To enter into any lawful arrangements with any Government(s) and/or authorities which may seem conducive to the realization of the churches objectives and principles.

5.8               To employ, suspend or dismiss any persons employed by the Church on Biblical grounds.

 

5.9               To remunerate the Church’s employees or any professional person or firm, company or organization for services and/or assistance rendered to the Church.

 

5.10            To establish and conduct any business activity or undertake any venture that helps in the furtherance of the Church’s general objectives.

 

5.11            To have its Ministers registered and practice as Marriage Officers.

 

5.12      To delegate any of its powers to other committees or officers of the Church.

 

 

 

 

 

6.         STRUCTURE

The overall church officers are listed as follows:-

 

·                            Senior Pastor

·                            Associate Pastors

·                            Board of Elders

 

 

           

7          SENIOR PASTOR

 

The Senior Pastor shall be appointed for an indefinite period and the appointment shall be in recognition of the ministerial gifts, initiative and teaching.

The Senior Pastor is entrusted with the oversight of the objectives of the Incorporated Association. The Senior Pastor shall initiate the spiritual program and vision of the church.

The Senior Pastor shall preserve sound doctrine, minister and teach.

The Senior Pastor shall exercise leadership and discipline over the church.

 

 

7.1       TERMINATION AND RESIGNATION OF THE SENIOR PASTOR

 

The Senior Pastor shall cease to hold office if he voluntarily resigns or through death. The senior pastor shall have the authority to name his successor in counsel with the management committee.

 

The appointment of the pastor may be terminated upon his failure to uphold the objectives of the Incorporated Association and where his conduct is prejudicial to the integrity of the church by his failure to uphold ethical standards.

Termination will be effected upon the management committee calling a special (extraordinary) general meeting at which three quarters (3/4) of the voting members agree to his removal.

7.2     REMUNERATION

 

The Pastor's initial compensation shall be specified by the management committee. The church shall provide adequate salary, housing allowance, expense allowance, superannuation, conference fund, and continued education, and other special funds as needed for his ministry.  The church shall also defray the costs of sending the Pastor to out-of-town conferences or conventions attended for the church, as approved by the management committee.

 

 

8        BRANCH / ASSSOCIATE PASTORS

 

a)      Shall satisfy the spiritual leadership qualities of 1 Timothy 3 vs 1-7 and Titus 1 vs 6-8 and must be acceptable to the Church leadership.

b)      Shall be persons who are called by God and who meet the stipulations of Ephesians 4vs 11.

c)       Shall be spiritual leaders of their designated areas and shall be assisted by their local Elders.

d)      Shall recommend new Elders to the local leadership in their stations. 

e)      Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers shall submit and operate from the local churches.

f)        Shall operate in consultation with the Main Church.

 

 

8.1      RESIGNATION AND TERMINATION OF AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR

The Associate Pastor shall cease to hold office if he/she voluntarily resigns or through death.

The appointment of an Associate Pastor may be terminated upon his/her failure to uphold the objectives of the Incorporated Association and where his/her conduct is prejudicial to the integrity of the church by his failure to uphold ethical standards.

Termination will be effected upon the management committee calling a special (extraordinary) general meeting at which three quarters (3/4) of the voting members agree to his removal.

 

 

8.2      REMUNERATION OF AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR

The Pastor's initial compensation shall be specified by the management committee. The church shall provide adequate salary, housing allowance, superannuation, and other special funds as needed for his ministry.  The church shall also defray any other costs as approved by the management committee.

 

 

9        BOARD OF ELDERS

The Senior Pastor will appoint the Elders in consultation with the management committee, persons who embrace the beliefs and objectives of the Association and reflect a stable and mature Christian lifestyle.

The Elders shall operate under the authority and leadership of the Senior Pastor.

The Elders will be required to assist and co-operate with the Senior Pastor to initiate the spiritual program and vision of the church.

The Senior Pastor shall review each function of the Elders annually.

 

 

9.1      RESIGNATION AND TERMINATION OF A CHURCH ELDER

An Elder shall cease to hold office if he/she voluntarily resigns or through death.

The appointment of an Elder may be terminated upon his/her failure to uphold the objectives of the Incorporated Association and where his/her conduct is prejudicial to the integrity of the church by his failure to uphold ethical standards.

Termination will be effected upon the management committee calling a special (extraordinary) general meeting at which three quarters (3/4) of the voting members agree to his removal.

 

 

9.2      REMUNERATION FOR THE BOARD OF ELDERS

An Elder can only be remunerated if they are employed by the Church. The Church will cover any expenses incurred by an Elder in the execution of his/her church duties.

 

 

10.      MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

The management committee shall control the business and operations of the incorporated association.

 

 

10.1          MEMBERSHIP OF THE MANAGEMANT COMMITTEE

 

The Management Committee of the Association shall consist of a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, all of whom shall be members of the association, and any other members the association members may elect or appoint at a general meeting.

 

 

10.2          ELECTING THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

At the annual general meeting of the Association, all the members of the Management Committee for the time being shall retire from office, but shall be eligible upon nomination for re‑election.

 

Any two members of the Association may nominate and second any other member of the Association to serve as a member of the Management Committee. The nomination shall be in writing and signed by the nominated candidate and the members who nominated them. The nomination shall be lodged with the secretary at least fourteen (14) days before the annual general meeting at which the election is to take place.A list of candidates’ names with the names of the members who nominated each candidate, shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the office or usual place of meeting of the association for at least 7 days immediately preceding the annual general meeting. Should, at the commencement of such meeting, there be an insufficient number of candidates nominated, nominations may be taken from the floor of the meeting.

 

Each member of the Association who is present and eligible to vote at the annual general meeting shall vote for 1 candidate for each vacant position on the management committee by a show of hands. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

 

 

10.3          TERM OF OFFICE

 

The term of office of each Management Committee Member shall be one (1) year.

 

 

10.4          RESIGNATION OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

 

A member of the management committee may resign from the committee by giving written notice of resignation to the secretary.

Resignation takes effect on the day and at the time the notice is received by the secretary; or if a later day is stated in the notice, the later day.

 

10.5          REMOVAL OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

 

A member may be removed from office at a general meeting of the association if a majority of the members present at the meeting vote in favour of removing the member. Before a vote of members is taken about removing the member from office, the member shall be given a full and fair opportunity to show cause why he or she should not be removed from office.

 

A member has no right of appeal against the member’s removal from office under this section.

 

 

10.6          VACANCIES ON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

The continuing members of the committee in consultation with the Pastor shall appoint another member of the association to fill the casual vacancy until the next annual general meeting.

 

10.7          MEETINGS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

The management committee shall meet as often as necessary to properly manage the affairs of the Association. The management committee shall meet at least once every four (4) months.

 

The Chairman or any two (2) other Committee members shall call meetings of the Committee at any time. The Secretary shall give at least seven (7) days written notice of a meeting setting the date, time, place of meeting and the agenda.

 

10.8          PROCEDURE FOR MEETINGS

 

A member of the management committee shall not vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract with the association in which the member’s vote shall not be counted. The president shall preside as chairperson at every meeting of the management committee. Where there is no president, or if at any meeting the president is not present within 10 minutes after appointed for holding the meeting, the members may choose 1 of their members to be chairperson of the meeting.

 

A majority of the Management Committee shall constitute a quorum. If within half an hour from the time appointed for the commencement of a management committee meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned for at least one day and the members of the management committee who are present shall decide the time and place of the adjourned meeting.If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting shall lapse.

 

 

10.9          FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

The Management Committee shall have the general control and management of the administration of the affairs, property and funds of the Association.

The Management Committee has the responsibility of making sure that the association complies with its obligations under the Association Incorporation Act 1981 QLD.

The Management Committee shall exercise all the powers of the Incorporated Association as stated in the Rules.

The Management Committee shall cause proper books of account to be kept and such books shall be open to inspection by members of the Ministry at such time and place, as the Board shall from time to time determine.     

 

 

 

11          General Meeting

 

(i) The Association shall meet as often as is necessary to discharge their responsibilities.

 

(ii) The meetings shall be convened for matters such as:

§         Confirmation of the last preceding minutes

§         To receive reports from various Department leaders and the Senior Pastor

§         To discuss appointments of the various Departmental leaders and their leaders.

§         To approve the budgets of the different departments

 

(iii) The secretary shall call a general meeting of the Association after being directed to call a meeting by the Management Committee. The secretary shall call a general meeting by giving at least fourteen (14) days written notice of a meeting setting the date, time, place of meeting and the agenda.

 

(iv) A member of the Association requiring a matter to be brought before the general meeting shall make representations to the secretary. The secretary will ensure that such matter is placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the general meeting.

 

 

11.2     PROCEDURE FOR GENERAL MEETINGS

The president shall preside as chairperson at every general meeting. If there is no president or if at any meeting the president is not present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members may choose 1 of their members to be chairperson of the meeting.

 

The quorum for a general meeting is the number of members elected to the management committee at the close of the last annual general meeting plus one.If a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting called on the request of members of the management committee or association, the meeting shall lapse. If a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting other than on the request of members of the management committee or association, the meeting shall stand adjourned for at least seven (7) days and the members of the management committee who are present shall decide the time and place of the adjourned meeting.

 

If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting shall lapse. A matter arising at a general meeting shall be decided by a majority vote of the members of the association present at the meeting. If the votes are equal the question shall be decided in the negative. Voting shall be by show of hands.

 

 

12       ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The annual general meeting shall be held once a year, within six (6) months after the end of the Association’s reportable financial year( 30 June).The secretary shall give twenty one (21) days written notice of the annual general meeting setting the date, time and place of meeting.<