DAVID YOUNQfEN
E. Other factors
2.8 Durban Christian Centre's methods of operation .1 Authority: hierarchical structure of the DCC
2.8.3 The DCC constitution
From the flow chart and the representation of the hierarchical structure, it is evident that the DCC practises a formal division of labour and all actions are subordinate to the leaders at the top. It is necessary to include the constitutional
briefings of the DCC regarding the role of different levels of its power structure. I intentionally include a detailed view into the DCC constitution in order to provide a clear sense of the organisational attributes of the DCC. An understanding of these attributes will facilitate further study into the typology of the DCC authority system.
2.8.3.1 The DCC Board of Directors
The constitution contains a lengthy discussion on church governance.
The church as to its business shall be fully controlled, governed and operated by its Board of Directors which shall consist of a minimum of two members or of five members but the number may increase as the need arises. Should the board of Directors be two, there shall be President and Secretary-Treasurer. Should the Board be five there shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and Advisory Members. Board Members shall serve for a term of one year and may serve consecutive terms as long as they are approved. They are subject to removal at any time when they cease to qualify under the original qualifications by which they were appointed.
Reason for dismissal
If he/she leads an immoral lifestyle;
If he/she conducts an unscriptural and unholy practise;
If he/she has an uncooperative spirit and attitude;
If he/she fails to support the church financially;
If he/she unreasonably neglects church attendance.
Duties of the board
To exercise the business affairs of the congregation
To manage and control any gifts, legacies and beneficiaries of any kind given to the church
To manage and control investments
To meet any costs, expenses and liabilities for such funds that may be needed from the church
To insure, build, repair and maintain property
Together with and subject to the approval of the Senior Pastor, to employ such staff as may be required in the functioning of the Church and to discuss such staff issues
To properly attend to accounts and audit and keep records of all payments. The treasurer being appointed to prepare a proper balance sheet of the Church Business as at the end of February each year (Constitution: 9-10).
2.8.4 Role of the Senior Pastor
The senior pastor is granted authority by virtue of the fact that he has founded the church, received training and has years of experience in his field of work. He is positioned at the top of the power base and thus wields maximum power. He expresses self-affirmative power because he possesses a high self-esteem, a positive self-image and self-confidence. He has occupied his position and played his role as senior pastor for over twenty-five years in a changing congregation through dynamic times. Fred Roberts exercises personal power aside from his office as pastor.
2.8.4.1 Constitution on the role of the Senior Pastor.
The church recognises the calling to the position of Senior Pastor.
When Jesus descended and ascended He gave special gifts to the church. The office of pastor is one of the apostolic gifts that Jesus placed in the church. Ephesians 4:8-12. Jesus gave five ministry gifts.
The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These are the highest callings and the most powerful authorities in the local church under Jesus Christ. It is the responsibility of the pastor to give directions to the church body and to provide instruction to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 1:12. The church respects the office of Pastor and recognises that he is 'Shepherd', 'teacher', 'nurse' and an instructor in righteousness, and an example to the saints. His position is for life and can be subject to removal (Article 9.1.4).
The Senior Pastor should be considered the spiritual overseer of all matters pertaining to the church and shall direct all of its activities. He should be cognisant of all business meetings of the church. He should be a member of all boards, committees and departments, although this may be in an ex-officio capacity.
The Senior Pastor shall have authority to name his successor in the event of his retirement or resignation. In the event of his death, the decision will be taken by his wife, having a casting vote in the Board of Directors.
The Senior Pastor shall have authority to employ and dismiss staff, set vacation; set wages and can make all other decisions relative to the employees of the church. All employees including Pastors shall work under the direction, leadership and authority of the Senior Pastor. The Senior Pastor's decision in matters relating to each employee is final. The Senior Pastor shall be authorised to purchase material, supplies, and equipment, allocate contributions to ministries and ministers and anything else necessary for the daily operation of
the staff and the administration of business and ministry of the church. This amount shall be any amount up to one-twentieth of the annual budget or a specific amount set by the Board of Directors.
(Constitution: 13-14)
2.8.4.2 Elders
An elder is recognised as such only because of his ministry and commitment to the development of the Church and such elder must:
Serve as a deacon prior to being recognised as an elder or an ordained minister.
Must have proven ministry and have fulfilled certain requirements.
May serve on the Board of Directors or a committee if so designated by the Senior Pastor. In the event of a joint meeting of boards, such person shall be allowed only one vote.
Will pray for the sick, anoint with oil, minister to the spiritual needs of the body of believers, baptise believers in water, be wiling to fill places of responsibility and stand with the Senior Pastor and staff in the work of the ministry of the Church.
Shall assist the Senior Pastor in giving direction to the congregation in matters of doctrine and/or other spiritual matters.
Will direct the affairs of an area of ministry, by supervising the youth, children, women's ministry, evangelism, home groups, etc.
There shall be no accusation accepted against any elder/pastor unless there are two witnesses to testify.
This is a calling of God and should not be viewed as a secular job, if in full-time service there are no limits to time involved in the ministry.
(Constitution: 14-15)
2.9 The relationship between power and authority in the DCC
The relationship between power and authority in this congregation has been determined by the goal of this organisation. Their goal is world evangelism.
They believe that their local church is an equipping centre. Thus leaders are empowered and encouraged to maximise their potentials in this regard.
Consequently the lower level leadership of the DCC have the power to fulfil the mission and vision of the church in the departments of the church to which they are assigned; however, they have little authority over the final decisions that are made about the running of the church as a whole.