CITY LIGHT CONSTITUTION

The Constitution of City Light Church comprises the Statement of Purposes, Statement of Faith, Core Values and Rules adopted by the Church Board on 10 December 2011. The current revision was formally amended on 17 July, 2024.
City Light Church was founded by Daniel Cheong Hooi Lau in April 2010.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSES

The name of the Christian organization is City Light Church

The primary purpose for which City Light Church is established is to express its core values in the fulfillment of its mission: – To build a church with strong spiritual atmosphere, where every member is discipled in the Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commandment and Cultural Mandate, as a light to the world. This purpose is not limited to, but includes, the following: –

• to be a Church in accordance with the will of God as expressed in the New Testament;
• to glorify and worship God our Father and to recognise Jesus as Head of the Church and Lord of all, taking His direction and acting according to His leading and principles;
• to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves;
• to have meetings in private and public places for purposes of worship, fellowship, baptism, teaching, communion, receipt of tithes and offerings and any other Christian purpose;
• to propagate the message of the Word of God in order to make disciples for Jesus Christ in all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded.
• to engage in evangelism by any means such as public meetings, the printed page, electronic media and all forms of mass media;
• to foster the establishment of Christian small groups throughout our city;
• to engage in church planting locally, interstate or overseas;
• to support and engage in missionary enterprise in Malaysia and other nations;
• to be involved in relief, development and the giving of direct aid, for the alleviation of poverty, sickness, destitution, suffering and misfortune as appropriate in Malaysia and overseas;
• to apply biblical principle and practice to the issues of social justice and human rights in Malaysia and overseas as appropriate;
• to provide counsel, financial aid and emotional support to needy people, as appropriate;
• to uphold the family as the basic social unit of society;
• to provide Christian education for all age groups and to encourage training for active ministry at home and abroad;
• to conduct associated ministries (whether separately incorporated or otherwise) as is appropriate from time to time;
• to be involved in any other purpose in pursuit of our mission;
• to assist individuals to grow and become mature in Christ and to motivate them to make a positive contribution to the church and the community in which they live.
• to assist members of the body of Christ to discover their spiritual gifts and to train, equip, enable and mobilize these members into using their God-given gifts and talents as led by the Holy Spirit in the cause of the kingdom of God;

The foundational teachings of City Light Church are reflected in the Statement of Faith.
The values of City Light Church are reflected in the Core Values and will be outworked through all activities undertaken.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that the Bible is God’s unique revelation and that every word was supernaturally inspired by the Holy Spirit as it was being written down by various human authors. The Bible is our final authority for all matters of belief and behavior (2 Tim 3:16).

We believe that there is only one God, creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally as three distinguishable persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, each fully God yet each personally distinct from the other (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Cor 13:14).

We believe that Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born by the Virgin Mary, ,the eternal Son of God and the Saviour of the world. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords (Matt 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; John 14:2,3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor 15:1-7; 1 Thess 4:13-18).

We believe in the Holy Spirit who is equal to the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He gives believers power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance for doing what is right. He also empowers believers with spiritual gifts with which to serve the church and a lost and needy world (John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 12-14; Rom 12:3-13; Eph 4:11-13).

We believe that all people are created in the image of God and matter deeply to Him. Although human beings have tremendous potential for good, they are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called ‘sin’. Our sin separates us from God and there is nothing we can do to attain right standing with God (Rom 5:12, 18).

We believe that human beings were created to exist forever. Each individual will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death (Hell). To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life (Heaven). Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence (Matt 25:31-46; John 3:16; 5:24; 2 Thess 1:9; Rev 20:10-15).

We believe that salvation is a gift of God received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to make up for our sin through self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in God’s offer of forgiveness through Christ in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary can people be saved from sin’s penalty (Eph 2:8, 9; Heb 9:12, 22; Rom 5:1, 11; 6:23). Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Saviour (John 17:3).

We believe in water baptism by immersion in the name of the Godhead in order to fulfill the command of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38; 19:1-6). Although we do not believe that water baptism is a requisite for salvation, it is nonetheless an important public declaration by a person of their faith in Jesus Christ and is inextricably linked as a step of obedience in a believer’s life as an outward acknowledgment of the salvation experience that has already taken place. (Acts 8:8; 16:32; 18:8).

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an important experience available to every believer. Although important, this baptism is not necessary for salvation. Baptism of the Holy Spirit may occur at the time of salvation or at some time afterwards. We believe that the normal Biblical evidence of being baptized with the Spirit is the ability to speak in other languages or ‘tongues’ (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46).

This ability is given for the purpose of personal prayer, worship and edification (1 Cor 14:1-4, 15. Jude 20). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available for all believers to be used for their spiritual benefit, not as a mark of spiritual maturity.

We believe that there is one true universal church made up of genuine believers and comprising many churches in various localities each exercising autonomous government under the headship of Jesus Christ (Acts 15:22; Matt 16:18; 18:15-20).

We believe in the Lord’s Table, commonly called “communion” or “the Lord’s Supper”, for believers (1 Cor 11:28-32; Matt 26:26-28).

We believe in the healing of the body by God’s power as practiced in the early church (Acts 4:30; Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 12:9; Jam 5:14) and by deliverance in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17).

We believe in the reality and personality of the devil and eternal judgment in the Lake of Fire for the devil and his angels (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:14, 15).

We believe in the Great Commission to go into the world to preach the gospel to every human being (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 20:21).

CORE VALUES

Values are what we consider important and worthwhile. Commonly held Core Values are the key to unity and are the foundation upon which all activity must be based. Paul encourages us to be “like-minded” and “one in spirit and purpose” (Phil.2:2). We are committed to developing and pursuing Biblical Kingdom values. We value the following:

• Jesus Christ – We value keeping Christ at the center of our church and His lordship over every ministry and aspect of our congregation, so that we can be a vibrant Christian community that impacts lives through the gospel.
• Biblical Integrity – We value adherence to the truth and authority of Scripture as the foundation for our teaching and practice of faith, in order to develop mature followers of Christ rooted in the Word of God.
• The Holy Spirit – We value being led by the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit across all ministries and facets of church life, which empowers us to accomplish our vision.
• Loving Community – We value fostering a welcoming, supportive church family unified across diversity where each person can grow in faith and build meaningful relationships, mirroring Jesus’ command to love one another.

Our Values Commitments

As we bring to life our Core Values and fulfill our vision of building a vibrant church community that spreads the gospel and impacts lives, we actively and wholeheartedly pursue:

• Discipleship – We pursue helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus through bible teaching, leadership development, and spiritual mentorship, equipping disciples who can reach others.
• Worship – We pursue facilitating impactful gatherings to express our devotion to God through music, prayer, and preaching, welcoming the presence of God.
• Prayer – We pursue establishing a vibrant prayer culture and making our church a genuine house of prayer that seeks God’s guidance and moves His hand.
• Community – We pursue fostering a loving, caring church family where each person feels valued, supported and has a sense of belonging, reflective of God’s kingdom.
• Outreach & Evangelism – We pursue fulfilling the Great Commission mandate locally and globally through outreach initiatives, evangelism, church planting, overseas missions, and social justice ministries, spreading the hope of the gospel to all nations.
• Youth & Young Adults – We pursue investing in the next generation of leadership and empowering youth and young adults to live out their faith, raising up tomorrow’s church.
• Unity & Submission – We pursue fostering unity within our church while submitting to legitimate spiritual authority, functioning in harmony as the body of Christ.
• Education – We pursue providing excellent biblical education and training to equip each member to grow in their theological knowledge, ministry skills and societal influence.
• Creativity & Talents – We pursue encouraging members to utilize their God-given creativity and talents to serve the church and community for Kingdom impact.
• Cultural Relevance – We pursue ensuring our ministries and church culture appropriately connect with the wider community we are seeking to reach.
• Excellence – We pursue excellence in how we execute ministry programs, events, communications, and facilities for the glory of God.
• Relevance – We pursue presenting the unchanging gospel message in culturally relevant ways that meaningfully engage our community.
• Cultural Mandate – We pursue equipping members to positively influence society’s seven pillars of family, religion, education, economy, government, media and arts.

RULES

PART I – PRELIMINARY

NAME

The name of the Christian organization is City Light Church (hereinafter in these Rules called “City Light” or “the Church”).

INTERPRETATION

In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:-

• “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Church appointed in accordance with Rule 10.
• “Directors” means those partners appointed in accordance with Rule 11.2.
• “Financial Year” means the year ending on 31st December or such other date as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
• “General Meeting” means a general meeting of partners convened in accordance with Rule 11.
• “Partner” means a member of City Light.
• “Secretary” means a person appointed in accordance with Rule 11.2.
• “Relevant Documents” means the Register of Partners, the Statement of Purposes and Rules of the Church, the public accounts of the Church and any other documents from time to time required by law to be made available for inspection by the partners.
• “Lead Pastor” means –
  • where there is only one Pastor appointed to the Church, that person,
  • where there is more than one Pastor appointed to the Church, the person so appointed as Lead Pastor in accordance with Rule 11.1.

PART II – MEMBERSHIP

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

A natural person who applies and is approved for membership as provided in these Rules is eligible to be a partner of City Light.

A person who is not a partner of the Church at the time of the incorporation (or who was such a partner at that time but has ceased to be a partner) shall not be admitted unless the person meets the following qualifications: –

• has a personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour
• a willingness to commit to:
  • Love Jesus with all their heart, mind, soul and strength
  • Know Jesus and follow Him through Bible, prayer, and worship
  • Love the Body of Christ through fellowship and serving one another
  • Be discipled and make disciples for Jesus.
  • Be a good steward of their spiritual gifts, time and resources
  • Build the Kingdom of God and share the good news with others with the power of the Holy Spirit.
• agreement with the Statement of Purposes, the Statement of Faith and the Core Values; and,
• voluntary submission to the spiritual oversight of City Light.
• has applied for membership as provided in Rule 3.2;
• has complied with such other requirements or conditions of admission as prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time; and
• has had his or her admission as a partner approved by the Board of Directors or their delegated representative.

An application for membership of City Light –

• shall be made in such form as is approved by the Board of Directors; and
• Individuals applied to membership shall affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members by the Board of Directors at a public worship service.

The applicant’s name shall be entered by the Secretary in the Register of Partners kept for the purpose and, upon the name being so entered; the applicant becomes a partner of City Light.

A right, privilege or obligation of persons by reason of their membership –

• is not capable of being transferred or transmitted to another person;
• terminates upon the cessation of their membership, whether by death or resignation or otherwise as set out in these Rules.

ENTRANCE FEE

There shall be no entrance fee or annual subscription fee; however, all partners are expected to consistently give tithes and offerings to support the ministries of City Light as outlined in Rule 3.1.

REGISTER OF PARTNERS

The Secretary shall keep and maintain a Register of Partners, in which shall be entered the full name and the date of application of each partner.

A Partner may apply in writing to have access to their details on the Register of Members restricted where they have special circumstances.

RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS

A partner of City Light may resign from the organization at any time by serving notice in writing to the Board of Directors. Such a resignation shall take effect immediately.

Upon the receipt of a notice given under Rule 6.1, the Board of Directors shall direct the Secretary to make an entry recording the date on which the partner resigned in the Register of Partners.

The Board of Directors shall ensure that the Register of Partners is reviewed at least annually, and that any partners whose membership has lapsed in the opinion of the Board of Directors shall be removed from the Register.

For the purpose of Rule 6.3, the criteria to be used may include consideration of whether the person, in the opinion of the Board of Directors or their delegated representatives, has, is or is likely to satisfy the criteria set out in Rule 3.1.

REINSTATEMENT OF PREVIOUS PARTNERS

Any person who has previously been a partner of City Light and who has been removed from the Register of Partners under the provisions of Rule 6 may apply in writing to the Board of Directors for reinstatement of his or her membership.

The Board of Directors in considering any application under Rule 7.1 shall by resolution determine whether to reinstate the membership of the applicant. The outcome of such determination shall be notified in writing to the applicant. The Board of Directors reserves the right to decline to readmit a person to partnership on any grounds.

DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION OF PARTNERS

All situations appearing to require the disciplining of a partner will be investigated by a City Light staff pastor, and, if necessary, referred to the Board of Directors. If deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, the partner will be visited by two church leaders as appointed by the Board of Directors in an endeavor to “restore them gently” (Galatians 6:1). If the partner persists in such conduct, the process outlined in this Rule shall apply.

Subject to these Rules, the Biblical principles set out in Matthew 18:15-20; Matthew 5:23-26; Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15, the Board of Directors may determine to –

• expel a partner from membership; or
• suspend a partner from membership for a specified period –
  • if the Board of Directors is of the opinion that the partner –
  • has refused or neglected to comply with these Rules;
  • failed to uphold and maintain biblical moral standards; or
  • has been guilty of conduct unbecoming a partner or which is deemed prejudicial to the interests of City Light.

A determination of the Board of Directors under Rule 8.2 does not take effect unless the Board of Directors, at a meeting held not earlier than seven (7) and not later than fourteen (14) days after the service on the partner of a notice under Rule 8.4, confirms their previous determination after giving an opportunity for the Board of Directors to hear from the partner to be expelled or suspended.

Where the Board of Directors makes a determination under Rule 8.2, the Secretary shall, as soon as practicable, cause to be served to the partner a notice in writing –

• setting out the determination of the Board of Directors and the grounds on which it is based;
• stating that the partner may address the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not earlier than seven (7) and not later than fourteen (14) days after service of the notice;
• stating the date, place and time of that meeting; and
• informing the partner that he or she may do one or more of the following:
  • attend that meeting; or
  • give to the Board of Directors before the date of that meeting a written statement seeking the revocation of the determination.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors held in accordance with Rule 8.3, the Board of Directors –

• shall give to the partner an opportunity to be heard (if the partner has elected to be present at the meeting) or shall give due consideration to any written statement submitted by the partner (if the partner has elected not to be present at the meeting); and
• shall by resolution determine whether to confirm or to revoke the previous determination of the Board of Directors.

A partner aggrieved by the determination or a resolution of the Board of Directors shall have no right of appeal.

The purpose of discipline is restorative and remedial. However, if a person is either suspended or expelled from City Light, they may not be re-instated until there has been genuine repentance of the offence and reconciliation which will be attested to by the Lead Pastor or his or her representative and confirmed by the Board of Directors

DISPUTES AND MEDIATION

The grievance procedures set out in this shall be conducted within the spirit of the Biblical principles set out in Matthew 18:15-20; Matthew 5:23-26; 1 Corinthians 6:1-6.

The grievance procedures set out in this Rule 9.2 applies to disputes under these Rules between –

• a partner and another partner; or
• a partner and the Association.

where the matter in dispute is of a nature covered by the Act or that, directly or indirectly, impacts City Light as an organization as described in the purposes, beliefs or core values of City Light as set out in this Constitution.

The parties to the dispute must meet and discuss the matter in dispute, and, if possible, resolve the dispute within fourteen (14) days after the dispute comes to the attention of all of the parties.

If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute at the meeting, or if a party fails to attend that meeting, then the parties must, within ten (10) days, hold a meeting in the presence of a mediator.

The mediator must be-

• a person chosen by agreement between the parties; or
• in the absence of agreement-
  • in the case of a dispute between a partner and another partner, a person appointed by the Lead Pastor; or
  • in the case of a dispute between a partner and the Association, a person who is the Lead Pastor of another Christian Church of a similar tradition and beliefs.

A partner of City Light can be a mediator.

The mediator cannot be a partner who is a party to the dispute

The parties to the dispute must, in good faith, attempt to settle the dispute by mediation.

The mediator, in conducting the mediation, must–

• give the parties to the mediation process every opportunity to be heard; and
• allow due consideration by all parties of any written statement submitted by any party; and
• ensure that natural justice is accorded to the parties to the dispute throughout the mediation process.

The mediator must not determine the dispute.

Disputes or grievances between partners arising from matters other than those considered to be disputes under these Rules, shall, at the first instance, be settled by the partners. If attempts at settlement fail, then the matter may be referred to the Lead Pastor or his or her delegated representative for consideration and conciliation in a manner determined appropriate for the situation.

Disputes or grievances between a partner and the Church arising from matters other than those considered to be disputes under these Rules, shall, at the first instance, be settled by the partner and the Lead Pastor or his or her representative. If attempts at settlement fail, then the matter may be referred to the Board of Directors for consideration and conciliation in a manner determined appropriate for the situation.

Part III – FINANCIAL PROVISION AND PROCEDURE

Subject to the following provisions in these rules the funds of the Church may be expended for any purpose necessary for the carrying out of its objects, including the expenses of its administration, the payment of salaries, allowances and expenses to its office-bearers and paid staff, and the audit of its account, but they shall on no account be used to pay the fine of any member who may be convicted in a court of law.

The Finance Manager may hold a petty cash advance not exceeding Ringgit Three Thousand (RM3,000.00) at any one time. All money in excess of this sum shall within seven days of receipt be deposited in a bank approved by the Church Board. The bank account shall be in the name of the Church.

The authorised signatories of the Church accounts consist of not more than four people shall be appointed from among the following officials: Pastors, Elders, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Finance Manager.

All cheques or withdrawal notices shall be signed by any two of three authorized signatories.

The Board of Directors, in collaboration with Ministry leaders and church staff, shall be responsible for the preparation and approval of an annual budget for the Church. The actual performance of the Church shall be monitored against the approved budget on a quarterly basis, at minimum.

Any financial outlay surpassing the threshold of RM20,000 shall necessitate the procurement of at least three competitive bids, subject to the Board’s express authorization. The adjudication of such bids shall prioritize factors such as cost-effectiveness, qualitative merits, and the extent to which they align with the Church’s best interests.

The Church’s financial resources shall not be utilized for endeavors that could potentially jeopardize its standing and reputation. Examples of such activities include political campaign interventions or excessive lobbying. The Church’s funds must be employed solely for the advancement of its mission and the fulfillment of its vision.

Members are entitled to review the Church’s most recent annually audited financial statements and projected annual budget upon submitting a formal written request.

Donor-designated contributions shall be utilized exclusively in accordance with their specified objectives. Should such utilization become unfeasible, the Board of Directors shall promptly initiate communication with the donors to facilitate the reallocation of funds in a manner consistent with their original intent.

A formal separation of financial responsibilities must be established to prevent a single individual from simultaneously holding or performing multiple essential tasks, such as the safekeeping of funds, authorization, documentation, and reconciliation of financial transactions.

An independent audit shall be conducted on an annual basis by a qualified party (whose selection must be approved by the Board). The audit results, including any adverse findings or material weaknesses, shall be presented to the Board for their review and appropriate response or corrective action.

The retention of adequate financial documentation is imperative for a minimum period of seven years. This documentation should encompass bank statements, receipts, budgets, ledgers, invoices, and audit reports.

The Board of Directors shall enact a formal Conflict of Interest policy mandating the disclosure of personal financial interests and the recusal of members from decision-making processes where potential conflicts of interest may arise.

PART IV – GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Role

The affairs of City Light shall be managed by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall –

• govern all matters pertaining to City Light;
• determine and ensure the implementation of the mission, purposes and values of City Light and its ministries;
• determine the policies of City Light;
• appoint a qualified and competent Lead Pastor in accordance with Rule 2.2;
• ensure adequate and appropriate resources for achieving the mission of City Light;
• ensure the accountability of the Lead Pastor; and,
• hold itself accountable to its governance policies.

Powers

The Board of Directors, subject to these Rules and the Regulations (if any) –

• may exercise all such powers and functions as may be exercised by the Church other than those powers and functions that are required by these Rules to be exercised by general meetings of the partners of the Church; and
• has power to perform all such acts and things as appear to the Board of Directors to be essential or necessary for the proper management of the business and affairs of the Church.

Composition

The Board of Directors shall consist of –

• the Chairperson;
• The Lead Pastor;
• all other partners of City Light designated “Director” from time to time pursuant to Rule 11.2; and
• a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of twelve (12) Directors, with a maximum of one-third (1/3) of the Directors being staff members employed by City Light.

Directors are permitted to serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms, followed by a compulsory one-year hiatus. This stipulation promotes a gradual process of board rejuvenation.

Within the context of the Board, no individual shall concurrently serve as a board member while their spouse or immediate family member also holds a board position. In instances where necessary, one spouse shall relinquish their board position upon the election of their spouse, ensuring that no more than one family representative occupies a board position simultaneously.

Secretary

The Board shall appoint a Secretary from among the partners, who shall serve a 3-year term and may be reappointed.

The Secretary shall be responsible for documentation and communication of Board business, including meeting minutes, records management, and member correspondence.

Treasurer

The Board shall appoint a Treasurer from among the partners, who shall serve a 3-year term and may be reappointed.

The Treasurer shall oversee the Church’s financial governance, policies and controls, but shall not be directly responsible for day-to-day financial management.

Appointment of the Treasurer shall be revocable by the Board.

Finance Manager

The Lead Pastor shall designate a suitably qualified Finance Manager to oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Church.

The Finance Manager shall report to and be accountable to the Treasurer and the Board.

Meetings

The Board of Directors shall meet at least four (4) times per year at such times and places as the Board itself determines from time to time.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be regulated as the Board itself determines from time to time.

APPOINTMENTS

Lead Pastor

The Lead Pastor shall be appointed by a not-less-than two-thirds (2/3rds) majority resolution of the Board of Directors and ratified by a not-less-than two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of partners who vote in person at the general meeting, or, if proxies are allowed, by proxy in favor of the resolution.

If not already, the Lead Pastor shall become a Director of the Church by virtue of his or her appointment as Lead Pastor.

The role of the Lead Pastor is to provide leadership to the church in order that it achieves its Mission and Vision, and lives out its Core Values in alignment with its Statement of Faith. In fulfillment of this role, the tasks of the Lead Pastor include:

• waiting upon God to receive a clear vision for the church that will enable it to fulfill its mission;
• creating a strategic plan that will enable the vision of the church and its ministries to be implemented over a period of years;
• ensuring that other qualified and competent church leaders are selected, trained and coached into effective ministry;
• taking a primary role in the spiritual feeding of the congregation and ensuring that a balanced plan of teaching is provided by a variety of speakers;
• creating vital links to other churches, ministries and organizations outside of City Light congregation; and,
• intentionally creating a culture that outworks the Core Values, is consistent with the Statement of Faith and is conducive to the ongoing health and growth of the congregation.

The length of tenure of the Lead Pastor shall be determined by the Board of Directors and his or her ministry effectiveness shall be reviewed at least annually.

Notwithstanding Rule 11.2(d), the Lead Pastor may be removed prior to the expiration of his or her term in office due to –

• scriptural (moral, doctrinal or ethical) disqualification; or
• ill health or physical incapacity; or
• ineffectiveness in the role of Lead Pastor

by a not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) majority resolution of the Board of Directors.

The Lead Pastor may resign his or her position. In the event that the Lead Pastor resigns he or she may be invited by the Board of Directors to remain on the Board of Directors until such time as a replacement Lead Pastor is appointed. During such period, he or she shall have the same powers as conferred by these Rules as if he or she had not resigned.

The Lead Pastor may also act as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

The role of the Chairperson is to

• ensure the integrity of the Board of Directors’ process in accordance with these Rules and the governance policies determined in accordance with Rule 24;
• chair Board of Directors meetings in an effective manner; and,
• ensure that the Board of Directors behaves consistently with its own rules as well as those legitimately imposed on it from outside the organization.

Directors

The Directors shall be drawn from the partners of City Light according to the criteria set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and such other processes determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. After confirmation by a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of the Board of Directors these partners so selected shall be nominated by the Board of Directors to the partners for appointment at a general meeting in accordance with Rule 11.2 (b).

The appointment of Directors shall be by a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority resolution of partners who vote at the general meeting in person, or, if proxies are allowed, by proxy in favor of the resolution.

The length of tenure and rotation of Directors shall be determined by the Board of Directors itself from time to time but at all times the Board shall have regard to balancing continuity with an opportunity for new Directors to make a contribution to the Board.

The Chairperson may suspend for a period of time or remove any member of the Board of Directors if it is confirmed by two- thirds (2/3rds) majority vote of the Board.

VACATION OF OFFICE

For the purposes of these Rules, the office of the Secretary or of a member of the Board of Directors or any other appointment made pursuant to these Rules becomes vacant if the Secretary or member resigns, ceases to be a partner of City Light or is suspended or removed from office by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the direction of the Chairperson.

In addition to the requirements of Rule 12.1, the office of Secretary shall become vacant if the Secretary becomes insolvent under administration.

In the event that the office of the Secretary, a member of the Board of Directors or any other person appointed pursuant to these Rules becomes vacant pursuant to Rules 12.1 or 12.2, the Chairperson may appoint another partner (including the Chairperson him or herself) in that officer’s stead until a replacement is appointed pursuant to Rule 11.

Any partner may bring forward at any time valid scriptural objections to be considered by the Board of Directors in relation to any partner being appointed to an office in City Light or continuing to hold membership in City Light.

COMMITTEES

The Board of Directors may delegate any of its powers to a Committee as it thinks fit. The Board of Directors may determine the purpose, powers and membership of the Committee and the Committee shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated conform to these Rules and to any regulations that are imposed on it by the Board of Directors.

All acts done by any Committee shall not be automatically invalidated by a subsequent discovery that there was a defect in the appointment of a Committee member.

PART V – ADMINISTRATION

MINUTES

The Board of Directors shall cause to be kept minutes of the resolutions and proceedings of each general meeting, each Board of Directors meeting and each Committee meeting, in books provided for that purpose, together with a record of the names of persons present at those meetings.

ACCOUNTS, RECEIPTS, EXPENDITURE

The Board of Directors shall be responsible to ensure that –

• all monies due to City Light are collected and received and all payments authorized by City Light are made; and
• all accounts and books showing the financial affairs of City Light are kept correctly with full details of all receipts and expenditure connected with the activities of City Light.

Cheques, electronic funds transfers, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be attested by the signatures of two of the representatives delegated this responsibility by the Board of Directors.

COMMON SEAL

The Common Seal of City Light shall be kept in the custody of the Secretary or under his or her control.

The Common Seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the authority of the Board of Directors and the affixing of the Common Seal shall be attested by the signatures of

• two members of the Board of Directors; or
• one member of the Board of Directors and of the Secretary; or
• one member of the Board of Directors and one representative delegated this responsibility by the Board of Directors; or
• two representatives delegated this responsibility by the Board of Directors.

ALTERATION OF RULES AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSES

These Rules (including the Statement of Faith and Core Values) and the Statement of Purposes of City Light shall not be altered.

Notwithstanding Part V – Rule 4.1, a special resolution to alter these Rules or the Statement of Purposes must be a resolution made at a general meeting and supported by majority vote of the Board of Directors and 80% majority vote of partners who vote in person at the general meeting, or, if proxies are allowed, by proxy in favor of the resolution.

As soon as practicable after City Light resolves, pursuant to this Rule, to amend the Statement of Purposes, Rules, Statement of Faith or Core Values, the Secretary shall submit the amendment to the Registrar for approval.

SERVICE OF NOTICES

A notice may be served by or on behalf of City Light upon any partner either personally, by email, facsimile transmission or by post to the partner at his or her address shown in the Register of Partners.

Where a document is properly addressed and posted to a person as a letter, the document shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to have been given to the person at the time at which the letter would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post.

In addition to the method of service referred to in Rule 18.1, notice of general meetings may be served in accordance with Rule 12.

WINDING UP

If upon the winding-up of City Light there remains, after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the partners of City Light but shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions having objects similar to the Statement of Purposes of City Light and whose constitution shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income and property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on City Light under and which itself is a Tax Concessional Charity, such institution or institutions to be determined by the partners of City Light at or before the time of dissolution and in default thereof by application to the Supreme Court for determination.

CUSTODY AND INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS

Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Secretary shall keep in his or her custody or under his or her control all Relevant Documents of the Church.

All Relevant Documents of the Church must be available for inspection, free of charge, by any partner upon request.

A partner may make a copy of any Relevant Documents of the Church.

SOURCE OF FUNDS

The funds of City Light shall be derived from tithes, free-will offerings, donations and such other sources as the Board of Directors determines.

INCOME AND PROPERTY

The income and property of City Light whensoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the purposes of the church as set forth in the Statement of Purposes of City Light and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise to partners of City Light.

Notwithstanding Rule 9.1, nothing herein contained shall prevent:

• the payment in good faith of remuneration to any officer, member of the Board of Directors, partner of City Light, employee or agent of City Light, in return for services actually rendered to City Light or for goods supplied in the ordinary and usual way of business nor prevent the payment of interest on money borrowed from any officer, member of the Board of Directors, partner of City Light or employee or agent of City Light or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised or let by any officer, or member of the Board of Directors, partner of City Light or employee or agent of City Light.
• Any officer or member of the Board of Directors, partner of City Light or employee or agent of City Light being appointed to any salaried office of City Light or any office of City Light paid by fees.
• The bona fide relieving or assisting of partners or the spouses, widows, widowers, families or relatives of partners who are poor or in necessitous circumstances.

AUDIT

• An auditor shall be a natural person or an entity.
• An auditor shall not be a paid staff of City Light.
• An auditor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
• An auditor may resign or be removed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
• Where an auditor resigns or is removed in accordance with Rule 10.4 above, the Board of Directors may appoint another person, not being a member of the Board of Directors, to be the auditor.
• The auditor shall have power at all times to examine the books and documents of City Light and shall, after the close of the financial year in each year, audit the balance sheet and statement of receipts and expenditure setting forth the financial business of City Light since the end of the preceding year. An audit opinion on the annual financial statements shall be submitted to the Board of Directors at the end of the year.

POLICIES

The Board of Directors may, from time to time, make policies not inconsistent with these Rules for the official working of City Light and may alter, amend or rescind those policies as it thinks fit. All policies shall be entered by City Light in a book to be kept for this purpose. All governance policies shall be posted on the City Light website and made available for inspection by partners as per Rule 7. Partners will be informed of all changes to governance policies via the City Light website