Church Constitution

Our foundational beliefs and governance structure

Complete Church Constitution

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Preamble

We, the members of New Jerusalem Church Kenya, in order to carry out more effectively the commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, do hereby adopt this constitution as our articles of governance, to be interpreted at all times to reflect the character of Christ and the biblical principles of the Kingdom of God.

This constitution establishes the principles by which this local assembly shall be governed and sets forth the structure through which the objectives of this church shall be accomplished.

The name of this organization shall be New Jerusalem Church Kenya, with headquarters in Nairobi and branches throughout Kenya.

Statement of Faith

1. The Scriptures

We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2. The Godhead

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections.

3. Jesus Christ

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and personal return in power and glory.

4. The Holy Spirit

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, and by whom the church is empowered to carry out Christ's mission in the world.

5. Salvation

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works, and that all who receive Christ are born again by the Holy Spirit and become children of God.

6. The Church

We believe in the universal church, composed of all true believers in Christ, and in the local church as an expression of the universal church, gathered for worship, fellowship, instruction, and evangelism.

7. Last Things

We believe in the personal, visible return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, the eternal joy of the righteous, and the eternal punishment of the wicked.

Membership

1. Qualifications

Membership in New Jerusalem Church Kenya is open to all who:

  • Profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
  • Have been baptized by immersion as a believer
  • Commit to regularly attend worship services
  • Agree with the Statement of Faith and Constitution
  • Complete the membership orientation course

2. Responsibilities

Members are expected to:

  • Live according to biblical standards
  • Support the church through regular attendance
  • Give financially as God prospers
  • Serve in ministry according to their gifts
  • Pray for the church and its leadership

3. Discipline

The church shall exercise loving discipline according to Matthew 18:15-17 for members who:

  • Persist in sinful behavior without repentance
  • Promote false doctrine
  • Cause division within the church

The purpose of discipline is always restoration, not punishment.

Leadership Structure

1. Bishop

The Bishop is the spiritual overseer of New Jerusalem Church Kenya, responsible for:

  • Providing visionary leadership
  • Teaching sound doctrine
  • Ordaining ministers
  • Overseeing all branches

2. Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees consists of 5-7 mature believers who:

  • Provide legal and financial oversight
  • Hold church property in trust
  • Advise the Bishop on major decisions
  • Serve staggered 3-year terms

3. Pastors

Each branch shall have a Senior Pastor who:

  • Shepherds the local congregation
  • Preaches and teaches regularly
  • Provides pastoral care
  • Reports to the Bishop

4. Deacons

Deacons are appointed to assist with practical ministry needs:

  • Must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
  • Serve in areas like hospitality, benevolence, facilities
  • Are nominated by the congregation and appointed by pastors

Ordinances

1. Baptism

We practice believer's baptism by immersion:

  • For those who have professed faith in Christ
  • As a public declaration of faith
  • Symbolizing death to sin and resurrection to new life
  • Administered by ordained ministers

2. Holy Communion

The Lord's Supper is celebrated regularly:

  • Open to all born-again believers
  • Using unleavened bread and grape juice
  • As a memorial of Christ's sacrifice
  • Looking forward to His return

Church Government

1. Decision Making

New Jerusalem Church Kenya operates under a blended model of governance:

  • Spiritual authority rests with the Bishop and pastoral team
  • Legal and financial matters are overseen by the Board of Trustees
  • Major decisions are made with prayerful consensus

2. Branch Autonomy

While united in vision and doctrine, each branch has:

  • Local leadership under the Senior Pastor
  • Flexibility in ministry methods
  • Responsibility for local finances and operations

3. Amendments

This constitution may be amended by:

  • Proposal from the Bishop or Board of Trustees
  • Review by all branch pastors
  • Two-thirds majority vote of the Board
  • Final approval by the Bishop

Complete Church Constitution Document

Download the official PDF version of our complete constitution, including all bylaws and operational policies.