Ecclesiastical Order

The churches, through their delegates meeting in national gatherings, attest to their mutual association by the following declaration:

1. Declaration
After everything that the congregations of the Lord have experienced in this country throughout history by way of persecution, governmental interference, spiritual deception, subjection to regulations and synodical hierarchy, it is now their heartfelt desire, under the merciful protection of her Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ in the midst of the confusion of the times and in peace and obedience to the Holy Scriptures, to live with one another under the sole dominion and leadership of the Head of the church, our Saviour.
Just as during the Reformation of the sixteenth century, the unity of the churches consisted in the same faith in obedience to the Word of God and in the communal confession, so the Nederlands Gereformeerde Kerken, who have gathered here together, once again promise one another--devoting themselves first to the Lord and then to one another--to abide by the Word of God and to the confession of the church of all ages. In that confession of the Truth of the Holy Scriptures as it is expressed in the three forms of unity, they declare that they find their unity and the foundation for standing together.
They also declare that they will stand by one another in the struggle for the Name and honour of the LORD, join in Scriptural teaching toward an ordered ecclesiastical community. Their purpose here is, in organizing the life of the churches, to adhere to the covenant of the LORD, not because of a tyrannical coercion towards unity, but in the freedom of Christ, in the unity of the Spirit of the God who binds them together in obedience to His command, in love for God and one's neighbour.
They also desire to appear to the world as united in Christ in these things--praying that all truly Reformed Churches in confession and life and all who fear the LORD and know His witnesses (Psalm 119:79) join in one community, being perfectly united in mind and thought (1 Cor. 1:10), through the Spirit of our God.

2. Statement
The churches declare that the acceptance or rejection of the (an) ecclesiastical agreement may not be a cause for division among or expulsion from congregations that are one in faith and confession.

3. Request
The churches request that all congregations that object to the acceptance of the (an) ecclesiastical agreement aim as much as possible at that which most found to be good, and to lend their cooperation especially to and allow their voice to be heard at communal assemblies, even though no joint responsibility can be borne for that which is decided there.

1. The Goal and Content of the Agreement
Within the congregations of Christ everything must be carried out in good order. To this purpose regulations have been agreed upon with respect to:

I. The Offices
II. Supervision of the Doctrine and the Worship Service
III. Discipline
IV. The Assemblies of the Church

I. THE OFFICES

2. Three Offices, No Difference in Rank
There are three offices: the office of servant of the Word or minister, of elder and of deacon. There is no distinction between these offices with respect to rank, only with respect to task.

3. The Necessity of Being Duly Called; Installation of Office-bearer
No one is eligible for any of these offices without being duly called and installed. Members are called to a ministry or office by the congregation, under the supervision of the church council. The installation shall take place in a public worship service with the use of a form designated for this purpose.

4. The Call to the Office of Elder and Deacon
Members are generally called to the office of Elder or Deacon in the following manner:
The church council presents the congregation with the opportunity to nominate confessing members whom they feel fulfill the requirements stated in the Word of God for office-bearers. The church council is subsequently required, if possible, to announce twice the number of names to be elected.
The election, in which the confessing members of the congregation are entitled to take part, shall take place after a prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The names of those elected to office shall be announced to the congregation on two Sundays. If no well-founded objections are made the installation shall take place.

5. Preparation for the office of Minister
5.1 Training
Those who desire to be admitted to the office of Minister should have successfully completed a satisfactory theological training for this ministry and possess the required gifts for this ministry (humility, wisdom, knowledge, spiritual discretion and the ability to teach).

5.2 License to exhort for students
Those who have not yet completed the prescribed theological training may apply for license to exhort from the regional assembly of the area in which they live. They will be subjected to examination by the regional assembly with regard to doctrine and life and competence. Those who come through this investigation successfully shall be licensed to exhort in the churches, as a rule, for a period of one year.

5.3 The Call to the Ministry of the Word
After successful completion of the training they will be subjected to examination with regard to doctrine and life and competence. This examination will be carried out by the regional assembly of the area in which they live. If the regional assembly rules favourably candidates will become eligible for a call and for this reason will be licensed to exhort in the churches for a period of two years.

5.4 Singular gifts for the office of Minister
Those who have not received the prescribed theological training may be admitted to the examination for this office if they give evidence that they are singularly gifted, including the gifts mentioned above in 5.1. They will be subjected to examination with regard to doctrine and life and competence. This examination will be carried out by the regional assembly of the area in which they live. If the regional assembly rules favourably candidates will be licensed to exhort in the churches for a period of two years. Those who have successfully undergone further examination will be eligible for call for a period of two years and for this reason will be licensed to exhort in the churches.

6. The Call and Examination of Candidates
When a candidate is called to a congregation and accepts the call, the regional assembly of the calling congregation will instigate a concluding examination with regard to doctrine and life and competence. On successful completion of this examination he will be installed in the office of Minister.

7. The Call of Ministers
Whoever is serving a congregation can be called by another congregation. If the Minister accepts the call the installation shall take place after approval by the regional assembly of the calling congregation. This requires the letter of call with proof of acceptance of the call, a legitimate proof of discharge, good testimonials to doctrine and life from his previous congregation and a recommendation from the regional assembly of this congregation.

8. Connection to a Specific Congregation
No one shall fulfill the office of minister without being connected to a specific congregation nor shall he perform any other ministerial work without having received a request to do so from the church council of that congregation.

9. Support During and After Term of Office
The congregations shall provide for the proper support of their ministers even if they are no longer able to perform their office because of illness, old age or similar conditions and for the widows and orphans of the ministers after they die.
As a rule, the ministers of the Word shall be released from their office when they reach the age of 65, unless otherwise agreed upon by mutual consent and they shall retain the name and honour of minister of the Word.

10. Termination from Service for Weighty Reasons
If, for weighty reasons, the church council deems a minister no longer able to serve a congregation without being guilty of an offence requiring discipline, he can be discharged in accordance with the "Procedure for the Termination from Service of a minister for Weighty Reasons".
Unless the regional assembly decides that the minister will be unable to fulfill his office in another congregation he will be made eligible for call for a specified period and will remain as minister of the congregation he served.

11. The Office of Minister; Extraordinary Tasks
11.1 The service of the minister
The office of the minister entails:

• preaching the Word of God,
• administering the sacraments,
• conducting the public prayers of the congregation,
• defending and passing on the pure doctrine and catechizing the youth of the congregation and all those in need of education,
• exercising pastoral care over the congregation and its members alongside the other office bearers and equipping it for service,
• supervising to the doctrine and life of fellow office bearers,
• administering church discipline together with the elders

11.2 Ministers charged with an extraordinary task
It is possible that some ministers are charged with an extraordinary task for the purpose of training others for the ministry of the Word, for spiritual care of an extraordinary nature or for evangelism. They will remain connected to a congregation. The relationship in which they stand to the congregation shall be decided upon with the approval of the regional assembly.

12. Duration of Office for Elders and Deacons
The elders and deacons shall serve for two or more years according to local regulations. Unless the church council rules that circumstances make it desirable that they serve for a longer period than agreed upon, they shall be succeeded after their term of office by others. The congregation shall be asked to concur with this ruling of the church council.

13. The Office of Elder
The office of elder entails:

• shepherding the congregation and its members,
• equipping for service of the congregation,
• supervising the doctrine and life of their fellow office-bearers
• and administering church discipline together with the ministers of the Word.

14. The Office of Deacon
The office of deacon entails:

• administering Christian mercy toward the members of the congregation and, if possible, to others who are in need,
• and standing by them with counsel and comfort,
• inspiring members of the congregation to deeds of charity towards their neighbours.

15. The Church Council
The office-bearers together constitute the church council, which is charged with the leadership of and care for the congregation. The church council shall meet regularly for consultation with respect to this. Careful notes shall be made of decisions made. Administering discipline is the reserve of the Elders together with the Minister.

16. Counselors
A regional assembly shall, if desired, provide assistance to a congregation in their area by appointing a minister as counselor to help them with advice and practical aid.

II. SUPERVISION OF THE DOCTRINE AND THE WORSHIP SERVICE

17. Signing the Forms of Unity
Signing the three Forms of Unity (that is, the Belgic Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt) will show agreement with the doctrine of the church.
This agreement is required after the installation of an office-bearer and after the regional examination for license to exhort, a call to the ministry or admission to the office of minister.
He who refuses to sign the three Forms of Unity or is no longer able to abide by them he must give full explanation to his church council. Until the church council is satisfied with this explanation he shall be suspended from practicing his office, exhorting to churches or being eligible for a call to the ministry. The church council shall inform the congregation and the sister churches and, if desired, give a more detailed account of this matter.

18. The Worship Service
As a rule the church council shall assemble the congregation twice on Sundays. In each service the Word of God shall be preached. Regularly the congregation will be instructed in the doctrine of the church using the Heidelberg Catechism. The local churches themselves shall decide as to the celebration of Christian feasts.

19. Administration of Baptism
The covenant of the Lord shall be administered and sealed to children of believers as soon as feasible by baptism in a public gathering of the congregation, making use of a form designated for that purpose. Adults who have not been baptized and wish to be included in the congregation shall receive baptism after making a public confession of faith, using a form designated for this purpose. The church councils shall keep a careful record of every administration of baptism.

20. Admission to the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper shall be open to those who have made a public confession of faith and demonstrate a way of life that reflects their faith. Confessing members from other congregations shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper if there are grounds for assuming that they conduct themselves in doctrine and life as good Christians.

21. Administration of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper as a sign and seal of the communion with Christ shall be administered at least once every three months in a public gathering of the congregation using a form designated for this purpose.

22. Instruction for the Youth of the Congregation
22.1 Catechism
The church councils shall supervise the catechetical (religious) instruction for the youth of the congregation. The instruction is to be directed at preparing them to confess their faith publicly.

22.2 Confession of faith
The church council shall examine doctrine and life of those who intend to make a confession of faith. Their names will be announced on two Sundays. If no well-founded objections are made confession of faith shall take place in a public gathering of the congregation using a form designated for this purpose.

23. Certificates
Confessing members who move to a sister church are entitled to a certificate, issued by the church council, concerning their doctrine and life for the council of that church.
For those who have not made a public confession of faith, a certificate of baptism shall be sent to the council of that church.

24. Marriage
The church councils should see to it that the members of the congregation enter into marriage in accordance with the Word of God. After the civil ceremony of marriage, if so wished, the Christian confirmation or intercession shall take place in a public gathering of the congregation using a form designated for this purpose. The names of those who wish to have Christian confirmation of their marriage shall be announced on two Sundays. If no well-founded objections are made the confirmation or intercession will take place.

III. DISCIPLINE

25. The Nature of Discipline
Church discipline is spiritual in character and is intended to maintain the offending members in the faith, reconcile them with God, with the congregation and their neighbours and to maintain the congregation in the sanctity of the covenant of the Lord.

26. Mutual Supervision
If a member has offended in a way that is not public in nature, he shall then be admonished (according to the rule of Matthew 18:15, 16, and Galatians 6:1).
If the member does not repent, the church council shall be made aware of this (Matthew 18:17).
If a member has offended publicly, this shall be brought to the attention of the church council.

27. Admonition and Reconciliation
27.1 Investigation and Admonition
The church council shall investigate the charge and allow the member to account for himself. Should the charge be deemed well-founded the church council shall admonish the member to confess the sin and to reform.

27.2 Repentance and Reconciliation
When the admonition of the church council leads to repentance, the method of reconciliation is to be determined by the church council.

28. Continuing Discipline
A member who shows no sign of repentance and rejects the admonitions of the church council shall be barred from partaking of the Lord's Supper. If after repeated admonitions there is still no sign of repentance, the church council shall resort to excommunication. The church council shall only make use of the final remedy after informing the congregation with its concurrence in mind. The excommunication shall take place in a public gathering of the congregation using a form designated for this purpose.

29. Readmission
If anyone who has been excommunicated desires to become reconciled to the church, the church council shall announce this to the congregation with its concurrence in mind. Readmission shall take place in a public gathering of the congregation with thanks to the Lord and with the use of a form designated for this purpose.

30. Discipline of Office-Bearers
30.1 Suspension and deposition
If an office-bearer introduces a non-biblical doctrine or publicly commits a grave public sin, the church council shall suspend or depose him from his office.

30.2 Suspension procedure
The church council shall only resort to suspension after:
a. the proposed decision to suspend has been discussed with the office-bearer concerned by or on behalf of the church council;
b. approval has been obtained from the closest neighbouring church.
As soon as possible the church council shall inform the office-bearer concerned of its decision in writing stating its motivation and the approval of the neighbouring church. The congregation shall be informed of the suspension with its concurrence in mind. Sister churches shall also be informed of the suspension of a minister.

30.3 Deposition procedure
The church council shall only resort to deposition after:
a. the proposed decision to depose has been discussed with the office-bearer concerned by or on behalf of the church council;
b. approval has been obtained from the regional assembly.
Approval by the regional assembly shall be obtained in a closed meeting in which the office-bearer and the church council concerned are given the opportunity to be heard in each other's presence. The church council, office-bearer, other representatives and interested parties who have been concerned in the disciplinary action shall have no part in the deliberations.
The approval requires cooperation from a neighbouring region from which at least two representatives shall attend the meeting.
As soon as possible the church council shall inform the office-bearer concerned of its decision in writing stating its motivation and the approval of the neighbouring church. The congregation shall be informed of the suspension with its concurrence in mind. Sister churches shall also be informed of the deposition of a minister.

IV. THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH

31. Cooperation between Churches
31.1 Working Together in Unison.
The churches, which belong to Christ, work together in unison. They appeal to one another to preserve the Word of God and to remain within the doctrine of the church according to the three 'Forms of Unity'. They help and serve one another and promote the concerns that they have in common at regional and national level. In this they shall not dominate one another but shall have patience with one another and await together the time of God in which He shall make clear which path to travel.

31.2 Region, Regional and National Assemblies
Together, neighbouring churches form a region. The churches of a region, through their representatives, shall meet in regional assemblies. All the churches together, through their representatives, shall meet in national assemblies. These assemblies are not of a permanent character but are temporary and cease to exist at the moment that they are closed.
They are hosted by the church that was decided upon at the previous assembly. Decisions taken shall be carefully noted.

32. Ecclesiastical Matters Only
The agenda of the regional and national assemblies, which is limited to ecclesiastical matters, is determined by the churches.
Regional assemblies deal with matters that cannot be dealt with by church councils and national assemblies with matters that cannot be dealt with by regional assemblies as well as issues that are common to the churches concerned.
The convocated churches shall be given sufficient notice of the issues that will be discussed so that they can make their judgments known and sufficiently instruct their representatives.
Those who are charged with a duty by regional or national assemblies receive the task well-defined and report to the churches concerned on time. Their report is discussed at the next regional or national assembly.

33. Decision-making
Regional and national assemblies shall deal with the tasks laid before them in an ecclesiastical manner, which means that they shall strive for agreement before a matter is voted on.

34. Confirmation of and Compliance with Decisions
A decision of the regional or national assembly shall be confirmed by the local churches and complied with in mutual love, unless this decision is found to conflict with the Word of God or does not concur with the doctrine of the church or with this Agreement of the ecclesiastical community.
A church council which does not confirm a decision for the reasons mentioned above or cannot implement it for reasons that involve the well-being of the congregations shall give an account of this to the sister churches.

35. Appealing to Regional or National Assemblies
Decisions made by the church council can be appealed against to the regional assemblies or decisions made by regional assemblies to a national assembly. In every case only one appeal is possible; with regard to a decision that concerns the doctrine of the church or discipline in the case of an office-bearer or deposition of a minister of the Word appeal to a national assembly is open.
A member of the congregation, church council or regional assembly concerned in a decision are given the opportunity to be heard in each other's presence but shall have no part in the deliberations. The decision reached shall be complied with, unless it is not right before God.

36. Representatives at Regional Assemblies
The neighbouring churches shall send two representatives with the right to vote to the regional assembly, provided with proof of representation and possible instructions. At these assemblies, which are held at least twice a year, chairmanship is held by the representatives of each church in turn.

37. Mutual Assistance and Information
37.1 Ruling and Assistance
During the regional assemblies the question shall be raised as to whether there is some matter in which a church requires the ruling and assistance of the sister churches.

37.2 Showing Concern for One Another
The regional assemblies are responsible for the churches that gather in these meetings being kept up to date on the work of the office-bearers, so that these churches can assist one another, showing concern for one another and admonishing one another in time when a church is found to be negligent.
For this purpose a regional assembly can appoint a few people from its midst to visit the church councils and report on their findings.

38. National Assembly
38.1 Representation, management and frequency
Each regional assembly shall send four representatives with the right to vote to a national assembly, providing them with proof of representation and possible instructions. If possible, these four representatives will each belong to a different congregation. A national assembly will presided over by a chairman and three other members chosen from and by that assembly. As a rule, national assemblies are held once every three years. Earlier convocation shall take place:

• if appeal has been made concerning discipline or the dismissal of a minister, or
• at the request of the board of the Stichting Nederlands Gereformeerde Predikantenopleiding in accordance with their statute, or
• at the request of two regional assemblies

38.2 The Agenda of National Assemblies; Provisional Decisions
A national assembly is closed after having dealt with its agenda. With regard to weighty matters laid before it, the national assembly is free to give only a provisional decision in this meeting. In that case, after the agenda has been dealt with, it is provisionally closed.
A national assembly is provisionally closed if at least twelve churches have made this desire known before the opening of this national assembly or if at least one third of the attending representatives have expressed this desire at the meeting.

38.3 Continued National Assemblies
A provisionally closed national assembly shall be continued in order to conclude the matters about which it had made a provisional decision. Each church shall send one representative with the right to vote to the continued national assembly, providing him with proof of representation. The original representatives of this regional assembly shall have an advisory function in the continued national assembly. But they can also be appointed as a representative with the right to vote of the congregation of which they are members. The minutes regarding this matter shall be sent out within two months after this provisional decision. The continued assembly takes place within four months after this provisional closing.
A continued national assembly can accept or reject a provisional decision - possibly amended - but cannot replace it.

39. Relationships with Other Churches
The churches should seek unity in the truth with all Reformed Churches in confession and life within and outside of the Netherlands, even though their practice may differ.