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The following are minesterial guidelines for Pastors of NLCNZ member Churches.
Essentially NLCNZ credentials those ministries who have been ordained in and by an NLCNZ church or mission endeavour. Credentialing of pastors is very important for pastors entering NLCNZ so that we maintain cohesion and a high standard of likeminded pastors with the same ethos and core values.
- Credentials will be given to functioning pastors based in or ministering from a public established and viable NLCNZ church (IE: pastoral and other gifted ministry)
- Such ministers (male or female) will be the senior pastor or assistant / associate ministry of or accountable to an NLCNZ church led by a NLCNZ pastor who has completed a 12 month provisional period.
- All applications for credentialing are to be endorsed by appropriate Regional Leader and a sponsoring NLCNZ Pastor and ratified by presentation at the next Regional Leaders meeting, (this supersedes the statement in the introduction to NLCNZ Brochure).
- All credentials will be reviewed annually.
- All new credentials will be issued provisionally for the first 12 months and then ratified by the Regional Leaders.
- Regional Leaders would have the discretionary power to withdraw credentials if the above credentialing criteria are not adhered to, or if the credentialed person ceases to function in or be based in a NLCNZ church.
- At the discretion of the Regional Leaders, provision will be made for ministers to be in fellowship with NLCNZ, with the privilege of observing and attending regional gatherings, MAS and conferences, while not holding NLCNZ credentials.
- Both husband and wife are to apply for credentialing separately. It will not be automatic for the spouse to be co-credentialed.
The New Life Churches of NZ are a fellowship of ministers and a movement of autonomous churches, each governed by its own leadership yet recognising the anointing and authority of National and Regional leadership to advise, counsel and encourage. Therefore in accepting credentials, each NLCNZ minister enters into the following agreement.
- I am willing for my church and I, to seek the advice and counsel of the Regional Leaders for my region.
- In the event of any conflict not being resolved at a local church level, I agree to refer such conflict to the Regional Leader/s and if resolution is not reached, to refer this to the Regional Leaders at a National level for their deliberation and counsel.
- In matters of substance concerning my tenure of ministry, my church and its future and assets, I agree to seek the counsel of the Regional Leader
- Understanding that membership in the New Life Churches of New Zealand requires each church to pay an annual levy based on 1% tithe income of each church, I agree for my church to pay this on a regular basis with an annual reconciliation and settlement.
- I accept an annual reaffirmation of credentials by a response form supplied by the NLCNZ administration.
- Proper internal control should be in place.
- Pastors should avoid handling money. This should apply to his family as well.
- Pastors should countersign cheques only as necessary.
- Proper filing systems should be in place.
- Qualified people should advise on taxation matters.
- A pastor should be meticulous in his claim for expenses and provide supporting documents.
NLCNZ Credentialed ministers are expected to be responsible in areas of Pastoral Direction. A Pastor should give pastoral direction in the area of finance because all resources including financial resources and their allocation will be determined by the vision of the church. Other competent people should however act as checks and balances.
"If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall"
1 Cor 10:12, "Flee the evil desires of youth" 2 Tim 2:22.
- Neither a pastor nor his staff should visit a person of the opposite sex in their home alone. Either they take their spouses with them or see them at the office at a time where others are present in the vicinity.
- As much as possible men should counsel men and women with women.
- A pastor should be accountable to 2 or 3 mature Christians or a mentor who could ask straight questions to guard against immorality.
- The best protection against infidelity is a healthy relationship with a spouse.
- Build in other margins of safety
"Power Corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely", so said Lord Ashton. The only person who can handle power perfectly is God because of his perfect character. All other beings must have:
- limits to power
- build in checks and balances
Only God has absolute authority over individuals. All humans have circumscribed (limited) authority.
No practising homosexual or lesbian person shall be appointed or function as a minister of the New Life Churches of New Zealand. On disclosure of such conduct they would be expected or requested to relinquish credentials.
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