Revival Centres Assembly guidelines January 1993

The following guidelines are for the protection of individuals and the assembly as a whole and are but a practical application of the teachings of scripture.

All problems should be "aired" at the area leaders meetings. Problems that require further clarification or the formulation of new policy will be discussed at the pastors' meeting.

All policies are international and are not subject to local change of variation.

1. No private gatherings, seekers' meetings, sporting groups or evangelical outreaches are to be held without permission.

2. All persons who have been attending other churches, or have received the Holy Spirit elsewhere must see the Pastor personally before endeavouring to join the Assembly or before discussing religion with members.

3. No literature whatsoever is to be brought into the assembly to be handed to others without permission. This includes **** gospel, books, tapes and recordings.

4. Assembly members should check with the Pastor before visiting new members, and keep him informed after each visit.

5. Member should not enter into any conversation criticising doctrines, practices or beliefs held by the Assembly. Again Pastor and Elders are ready to discuss any such problems that may arise.

6. Members should not criticise or reprimand other members regarding mode of dress or personal habits or doctrines, and anything thought harmful to the assembly should be made known to the Pastors and Elders.

7. Soliciting Church members to attend private functions should be first checked with the oversight. Any such function should not clash with Assembly meetings.

8. Any members who are not fully satisfied in their spiritual experience or who are still bound by faults and failings, or who are still looking for complete healing are expected to join the seekers' meetings whenever possible until satisfaction is gained.

Behaviour

27. Any drivers reported for foolish or reckless practice will be debarred from carrying assembly members and may be grounded.

28. Any unlicensed persons driving vehicles will risk dismissal from the assembly.

29. Young people that do not cooperate with Young People’s oversight at Young People’s meetings will be debarred from attending.

30. Members who indulge in smoking, drinking, drug taking or attendance at discos, night clubs or “worldly” parties, “R” rated movies will be stood out of the assembly. Members must not attend entertainment during meeting times.

31. Members who have been stood out of the assembly will not be returned to fellowship until the matter has been considered at the monthly Pastor’s meeting.

Relationships

The following guidelines are for the protection of both parties in a relationship, and should help parents from unwittingly condoning situations that are not scriptural. Keeping company is to be with continually, to visit at home, with obvious special interest, to be arm in arm etc.

36. For a couple to keep company they must not have any encumbrance to future marriage.

37. Couples will not keep company until each person has been in the Assembly at least three months and has been approved by the oversight.

38. Couples will not keep company unless aged {male} 17 years {female} 16 years.

39. Couples are reminded that the legally gazetted age for marriage is 18 years. Therefore those who default in moral issues may need to be outside the fellowship until marriage is possible.

40. The Bible is specific about permissive behaviour. “Touching” falls into a similar category as fornication. It is important, if unsure, to gain advise in these matters.

41. Couples will not keep company until BOTH persons have notified the Young People’s Leader.

42. Couples must BOTH notify the Young People’s Leader if they propose to cease keeping company.

43. Parties to broken agreements must not keep company with another for at least three months and only then, when approved by the oversight.

44. Difficulties between couples must be brought by BOTH persons to the oversight.

45. Parents are advised to ensure that there is no deviation from these policies. Parents should ensure that the ‘under-aged’ young people do not contravene the guidelines. Failure to observe regulations will indicate antagonism towards oversight and will be dealt with accordingly.

46. Couples are not permitted to stay over at each others homes until they are engaged.

47. Weddings will be conducted privately or at the Church hall as arranged.

48. Wedding receptions should be arranged through private caterers outside the Assembly.

49. Details of wedding programs, toasts etc. must be discussed with the officiating Pastor.

50. Kitchen Tea/Shower Tea Parties – Birthday Parties – Engagement Parties involving assembly members must not be arranged before checking with the oversight. These functions must not interfere with the assembly program.

51. Assembly members are not to invited other assembly members (other than immediate family) to defaulters weddings. Pastors will not officiate where these guidelines are disregarded. Couples should not invite other defaulters to be in their bridal party.

52. Parents of defaulters should not challenge the oversight, Matters of policy and restoration to fellowship will be discussed directly with those who have defaulted.