Theredeemed Christian Church of God

TheRedeemed Christian Church of God

-Garden of Peace

MINISTERS’ MANUAL(CODEOFCONDUCT)

©January2016

Contents

RCCG –Garden of PeaceMinisters’ Manual January2016

1 Garden of PeaceMinisters’Manual

RCCG –Garden of Peace Ministers’ Manual January2016

1.1 Introduction

As the Garden of Peace Model Parishes continues to grow globally, it has become necessarytohave astandardizedanddocumentedapproachtotheconductand operation of theministerialteam..

Thisdocumentisafirstversionthathasbeencreatedtoachievethatpurpose.Itisbyno meansanexhaustivedocumentation ofeverythingthattheministerneedstonote,itisonly provided asa guide.Accordinglyitis alsosubjectto changeand modification based onneeds andapprovalofthePastorate.

1.2 Foreword

Thehubofthepastoral ministryistrust.Thisisduetotheintricaciesofdealingwiththe vulnerable,thesickand theweak.Assuch, ministersareexpected toworkwithinadefined frameworkin thedischargeoftheirresponsibilities.Theprofessionalcodeofconduct,church plantingandwelfarepoliciesfor ministerswithinthe RedeemedChristianChurchofGodare vitalwith thehope ofachievingthebestpossible practiceamongstministers.

These guidelines are also provided to enable ministers avoid likely pitfalls and aid good practiceamongstRCCG Garden of Peace ministers.

Thework ofbeinga ministerisquitedemandingand itishopedthattheguidelineswillassist ministersinmaximizingtheirpotentialsbyfocusingonthehallmarks oftheir callingandthe peopletheyservetherebyendearingourheartsandaspirationstothesacrednessofour calling.

1.3 Benefits oftheMinisters’ Manual

Theprovisionofthismanual offers anumberof benefits toGarden of Peace. Theseinclude:

1. Itensurescontinuityoftheworksuchthatintheabsenceofoneormorepeople,the ministerialteamcancontinuetofunctioneffectively.

2. Itservesasagoodtoolforwelcomingnewjoinerstotheteamandtogivetheman induction.

3. Ithelpsclarifytotheministerialteamwhattheyaredoingwellandwhattheyneedto improveon.

4. Itservesasaquickreferenceforeveryministerandhelpsthemtoensurethedeliveryof qualityserviceatall times.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Ministers’ Manual January2016

1.4 Accessingthe Manual

Thisdocument willbemadeavailable toministers oftheGarden of Peace Abu Dhabiasrequired for theadministration of their assigned tasks.

NOTE:Thisis aproprietaryproductofthe Garden of Peaceofthe RedeemedChristian ChurchofGodbutmaybe used andadopted byotherchurcheswithintheRCCGnetworkand outside astheymayrequire.

1.5 Updatingthe Manual

All updates tothemanual shall beapproved bythePastorateandimplemented byall ministers as required.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

2 PolicyonProfessionalConductofMinisters

TheRedeemedChristian Church ofGod(RCCG)commitstoacode ofpracticeforitsministers regardingtheirresponsibilitiestotheMissionandgeneralconductwhenperformingtheir dutiesas ministersto thecongregationandother members of thepublic. This policydocument thusprovidesguidelines ontheboundariesofacceptableprofessional conductand moral etiquetteexpectedof allministerswithintheRCCG.

2.1 Guidelines for Ministers’Responsibilities

a) Ministers have the responsibility of teaching, leading and pioneering missionary endeavorsfor RCCG.

b) Ministersshouldencourageorempowerpeople throughtheological orleadershiptraining programstoengagein missionarywork.Suchinvolvementin missionaryworkscaninclude actual visitsand engagementin a mission field,financial supportand sponsoring other missionaryactivities.

c) Ministersshouldensurethatwell-laidoutandaccessiblediscipleshiptrainingisavailable toedifyandenhancethemembers oftheircongregationtorenewtheir Christian commitment.

d) Ministersshould consistentlynurturetheflockthrough variouschurch programmers.The programmers should meet the religious and socio-economic aspirations of the congregation.

e) Continuouspersonaleducationisapathwaytopersonaldevelopment. Ministersshould continuallyseektoimprovetheir ministerialknowledgethroughformaland informal avenues.

f)Ministersshouldconsistentlyendeavortocriticallyexaminetheircommunicationskills andtheirpreachingpatternstocontinuallyadapttothecongregation.Thiswillcreate fresh perspectivesonvarious communicativestyles.

g) Ministersshouldavoidthe useofpersonalillustrationsthatmightconstitutea breachof confidentiality.

h) ThesacrednessoftheBiblicaldoctrinesasespousedbyRCCGintheStatementofFaith

Shouldbeupheldbyallministers.

I)Ministersshouldconsistentlyidentifythecompositionoftheircongregationinorderto ministereffectivelyto theneeds andaspirationsof their members.

j) PreachingengagementsshouldsolelybebyinvitationandnotbesolicitedbyMinisters. k) Ministersshouldendeavor toenhancetheir spiritualgrowththrough:

I. Mentoring ii. Counselling iii. Coaching

Ministersshouldhavesomeonetoturntofor pastoralandspiritual care.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

l)Ministersshouldhaveadequatefamilyandrecreationallife. Personalhealthindicesshould consistentlybeevaluated duetothemental andphysical demands oftheministry.

m) Ministers within the RCCG are subject to disciplinary measures if by commission or omission theyarefound wanting morally,doctrinally,relating tofinancialimproprietyor disobedience toconstitutedauthorities.Such misconductisnotlimitedtooccurrences withinthechurchsettingbutalso toreportedcasesinvolvingministers outside thechurch. Theseshallbeinvestigatedandappropriatedisciplinarymeasures takenasprescribedby the disciplinarycommitteewith theapprovalof the Pastorate

n) Disciplinarydecisions will beimplementedas directedby thepastorate

2.2 Guidelines for Ministerial Conduct

2.2.1CharacterandExecutionofDuties

a) TheMinisterisexpectedtofollowthetenetsofgoodcharacteraslistedinthebible.

Particular emphasis isonthecharacteristicslisted byApostlePaultoTimothy:

I.Blameless, faithful to his one wife, exercise self-control, live wisely, a good reputationwithoutsiders,enjoyhavingguestsinhishome,abletoteach,not given toalcohol or violence,gentlei.e.notquarrelsome,faithful in their secular jobs,not lovemoney,abletomanagehisownfamilywell,theirwivesmustalso bewellrespected.1setTimothy3vs.1-13.

b) Ministersshould givepastoral caresensitivelytothesick,thedistressed,thedying and the bereaved.This includes being conscious of genderand other socio-cultural considerationsduringministration.

c) Inthedischargeofpastoralresponsibilities,ministersshouldendeavortoofferdignityandequalopportunities toallandsundry.

d) Ministersshouldunderstandthedifferencebetween pastoral careandcounsellinginthe discharge of their responsibilities. Ministers should be mindful of possible legal implicationsthat couldariseas aresultof improperorindecentpastoralcare.

e) Aministershouldconsistentlybesensitivetotheplace of meeting,the arrangementof furniture,lighting, pastoralattire andthe use oftouch.

I.Sincetouchissensitiveandsuggestive,ministersshouldconsistentlyclarifyany pastoralcarethatmightentail touchingamemberwithhis or herconsent.

Ii.Incasetherecipientofsuchpastoralcareismentallyincapacitated,incoherentor a minor.Aministershouldalways obtainconsentformthenext ofkin orguardian beforeanypastoralcareisadministered.

f)Ministersshouldnotbeemotionallyinvolvedinpastoralcareorcounselling.Aminister should consistently know his or her emotional limits and avoid circumstances, environmentor people thatcouldbringhis/hercharacter todisrepute.

g) Ministersareenjoinedtomaintainappropriateethicalboundariesinpastoralcareand avoidphysical orsuggestivesexualrelationshipwiththe oppositegender.Similar boundariesshouldalsobemaintainedemotionallyandpsychologically.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

h) Ministersshouldconsistentlyexerciserestraintnottoabusethe positionof trustespecially inthedischarge ofpastoralcaretothevulnerable, children,theelderly ortheopposite gender.

I)Ministersshouldavoidamanipulative,suggestiveorabusivedispositiontothosetowhom theyminister.

I.Ministersshouldalwaysrealizethatthosetheygivepastoralorspiritualcareto mightbe vulnerable andassuchatnotimeshouldtheirpastoralcare be misconstruedas abusive.

j)Itisgrosslyinappropriatetohavesuggestivephysicalcontactwiththeoppositegender; andeven whensuchcontactinvolvesthesamegenderit mustbepoliteandfree ofany suggestiveundertones.

I.For example, a handshake could be appropriate with the same gender, but indiscriminatehuggingor apatonthebacktotheoppositegendercanbe misconstruedaspatronizingandsuggestiveof sexualintent.

k) Ministersshouldrefrainfromcoercion,manipulationorflagrantimpositionoftheirviews ontheflock.Condemnatorywords,attitudesandsuggestiveisolation oftherecipient of pastoralcareshouldbeavoided byallmeans.

l)Ministersshouldavoidmisuseofwordsorabusivedispositionintheuseofscriptures duringtheirpreaching,teaching,leadershiporpastoralcare.Thesacrednessof theBible andtheOfficeof aministershouldalways betreated reverentlybyministers.

m) Ministers should avoid seeking sexual, emotional or psychological advantage in the discharge oftheir responsibilities.

I.Sexualadvantageispotentiallyalandmine.Thiscouldconstitutelegalprosecution shouldacaseof sexual abusebeestablished

n) Ministersshould alwaysmaintain confidentialityofpastoral information attheirdisposal except, suchinformationmightconstitute

I. A threattothelifeof someone ii. A crimeagainstthestate or

iii. A breach topublicpeace

o) Ministersshouldatnopointintimebeanaccessoryoraccomplicetoanycrimeorbe perceived topervertthecourse ofjustice.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

2.2.2Commitmentto ContinuousSelf-Improvement

Allministersareexpectedtocontinuallyseekopportunitiestoimprovethemselvesintheir areasofMinistrytofurtherincreasetheimpactof theirministration.Whilethechurchwill provideopportunitiesforministerstoimprovethemselves,eachmemberisalsoencouraged to takeitasapersonalcalling. As Paul said“And herein doI exercisemyself” (Acts 24:16- KJV)

Thereforeeachministerisexpected to:

a) Read,listentoandwatchChristianmaterialsthatwillimprovehis/herunderstandingof the workofministry.

b) Attendconventions,seminarsandprogrammersthatwillreleasefreshspiritualimpartation for theministry.

c) Engage in practical tips on how to improve communication including public speaking, homiletics,English andGrammar improvement, impactfulpresentationsetc.

d) Regularlyreviewone’sministrationsandrequesttheHolySpiritonguidanceonhowto

Improve.

However itshouldbenotedthatspiritualdiscernmentisrequired inexecutingthe aboveasthebibleforewarns usthatfalseteachersandfalse prophetswill increaseinthelastdays.

2.2.3ConducttowardsChurchMeetings

AllministersaregoodChristiansandareexpectedtobemodelworkersintheRCCGassuch the followingconductshouldbedemonstratedtowards church meetings:

a) Regularly and punctually attendallscheduledministermeetingsespeciallythe weeklyprayermeetings.

b) Regularlyreviewrostertobesureofwhenhe/sheis ministering tomakeadequate preparation.

c) Attend Wordkerns’ MeetingonFridaysregularlyandpunctually. D) Attend FridaySchoolregularlyandpunctually.

e) Attend Midweek Servicesregularlyandpunctually.

f) Attend HouseFellowshipmeetings regularlyandpunctually. g) Attend FridayServicesregularlyandpunctually.

h) Punctuallyattendother specialservicesandmeetingsincludingHealingService,Workers’

Workshop amongstothers.

I)MinistersassignedtosharetheWordonFridayServicesareadvisedtosharethetitleof theirmessage with theChoiratleast one daybefore (asfaras possible)toensureaflow between themessageandsongministrations.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

2.2.4Conductduring Church Meetings

Theconduct of ministersduringtheServicegreatlyinfluencesthe overallspiritualtemperature of theService.Accordingly,thefollowingisexpectedof all ministers:

a)Actively participateintheService–prayers, bible reading,sermon etc.

I. Theministershouldbeagoodexampletothecongregationofhowtobehaveduring

Services.“….Beingexamplesto theflock” (IPet5:3)

ii. A ministershouldnotappear distracted whileprayersare goingon

iii. A ministershouldbealertandsensitivewhiletheWordisbeingshared.

b)Prayerfullysupportothersministers whiletheyareministeringduringtheService I. Supportingany‘altar calls’with prayers.

ii. Supportingchoirministrations with prayer.

iii. Supportingother formsofministrationswith prayersas guided bytheHolySpirit.

c) Demonstratethehighestlevelofdisciplineinkeepingtothescheduledtimings(ICor.

14:32)

I. Anyministerwhohabituallyexceedsallottedtimewillbesanctioned.

d) Bereadytoimmediatelytakeupimpromptutasksasassignedduringtheservicetofillagapormeetaneed.

e) Readilymixwiththemembersofthecongregationbeforeandafterservicetomeetneeds andcare for theflock.

I. Consequently,ministers(whoarenotofficiating)arefreetositanywherewithinthe congregation(Iftheyso desire).

ii. Officiatingministers shouldmandatorilysitat thedesignatedministers seat(s) forquick access to thepulpit..

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

2.3 Guidelines for NewlyAssigned Ministers

TheRCCGGarden of Peace Model Parish isanintegralpart oftheRedeemedChristian ChurchofGod(RCCG)worldwideandisinfullalignmentwiththevisionandmissionof RCCG. However,inadditiontothisglobalvision,theRCCG Garden of Peace Model Parishhasits own culture,uniquewayandapproachtoachievingthis global vision.

Accordinglyitisimportant foreveryministerespeciallythenewlyassignedonestounderstand thisuniqueapproachandalignwithitcompletely.Toensurethisisachieved, thefollowing guidelinesare provided forall newlyassignedministers:

a) All newly assigned ministers to the RCCG Garden of Peace shall be required to undergoa familiarization/Induction Periodofminimumof 3 months.

b) Duringthisperiod,suchaministershallbeexpectedtoattendallmiINStars’ meetings

Andattendallchurchservices.

c) Duringthis period, thenewlyassigned minister shallnotbeallowedtominister to ensure he/she fullyunderstands theRCCGGarden of Peace uniqueapproach.

d) AfterthecompletionoftheInductionPeriod,theministermaybeassignedtovarious assignmentsatthe discretionofthePastorate.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

3 PolicyonChurchPlanting

TheRCCGGarden of Peace iscommittedtochurchplantinginconsonancewiththevision of theChurch.

a) The PastorateshallgiveprioritytoChurch plantingin relation totheavailablefinancialand Human resources at the Church disposal in consonance with RCCG Church planting mandateandstrategy.

b) ForChurchesplantedoutside/withinofAbu Dhabi,the Pastorateshallgiveafixed(one-off)subvention tothenewparish(Thesubventioncanbespread oversomemonthsasdecidedbythe Pastorate.

c) ChurcheswillbeplantedwithinAbu Dhabi (totheextent possible)aswell asoutsideAbu Dhabi.

d) Thenewly-establishedparishesinAbu DhabiwillbeassistedbythePastorateoftheParent

Churchuntil suchatimethatthe newparishbecomesfullyautonomous.

I.Theexacttimewhennewparishbecomesfullyautonomousisatthediscretionof the pastorate.

e) Thenewly-plantedchurchwillinitiallycommenceasanoff-shootoftheparent church. f) Tohave oversightofa parish,a minister:

I. Should have attended School of Disciples and/or Bible College with proof of

Academicattainment.

ii. MustbeanordainedministerintheRCCG.

iii.Should have gone through the mandatory RCCG Garden of Peace familiarization/Inductionperiod.

iv.Mustbemarriedandlivingwithhiswifeinthelocationofoperation,withthewife availableto supportinministerial activitiesas required.

v.Theabovecriteriamustbefullymetbeforetheconcernedministercanhave oversightfunctionof aparish.

vi. Anywaivertobegivenontheaboverequirementswillbeatthediscretionofthe

Pastorate.

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

4 MinisterMeetingSchedulesandRosters

Various meetingschedulesandrostersarepreparedfor ministerstoensureasmooth administration.Ministersareexpectedtochecktherostersregularlytobeawareoftheir directinvolvementandprepare accordingly.

4.1 Ministers’ Rosters

Therosters tobepreparedinclude:

a) FridayServiceRoster–tocoverPrayers,BibleReading,Preaching,Announcementsand

Offering.

B) DiggingDeepRoster–tocoverPreaching,OfferingandAnnouncements(whererequired).

c) Holy Communion ServiceRoster–tocoverPrayers,Bible Reading, Testimonies,Preaching, OfferingandAdministeringtheCommunion.

d) HealingServiceRoster–tocoverPrayers,Testimonies, Preachingand Offering.

e) Allassignedministersontherosterareexpectedtoperformthisdutyasassignedandwithintheallottedtime.

f) Ifforanyreasontheministerisnotabletoministerhe/sheisto informthePastorateassoonas possible in order tosecureareplacement.

4.2 Ministers’Meetings

Toensurethecontinuousalignmentofvisionandcommunicationofimportantinformation, theministersshallmeetonaregularbasis. Someofthesemeetings will include:

a) Weekly Prayer Meetings – at least once a week for a short duration. Ministers areexpected tocomefastingfor thismeeting.

b) Monthly/QuarterlyMeetings–thiswilltypicallybefor a longer duration.

c) OtherSpecialMeetings.

ThePastorateshall communicatethedetails ofeachof these meetingsappropriately.

5 OrganizationalChart

RCCG –Garden of Peace Minister’s Manual January2016

EndofMinsters’ Manual