Q. When will the New Constitution -- the fifth edition -- be published? It was supposed to be ready on 15 October [1995].

The Patriarchate wishes to apologise for the delay in the publication of the latest Constitution which was promised for 15 October following the Solemn Assembly of the Church of Christ in Bergen, Norway. What we did not realise was just how extensive a revision of the fourth edition would be required. Originally conceived as a replacement of the 4th NPKF edition, the Constitution has since evolved to include every part of the New Covenant Church of God -- the NPKF, the Church of Christ, and the Holy Order. It is, moreover, the first constitution written with a long term view for the Church as it shall be and not what it is now.

It was also felt by the Patriarchate that as a prophetic constitution was required that looked forward into the next generation, more time and prayer was required for its preparation. Most editions have, until now, only incorporated minor changes. The fifth edition will be radically different and will reflect less of the traditions we have inherited from other churches and more of what has been personally revealed to us by the Spirit. This is not to say, however, that the fifth edition will be the last one and we fully anticipate further revisions as our world mission becomes more developed and as local needs direct the evolution of administrative structures.

Our goal is to have a draft edition available by 1 January 1996 for use by the present NPKFs with a final edition ready for the beginning of Holy Week, on 1 April 1996. I know such delays are somewhat out of character for the Patriarchate but we hope this will indicate the seriousness with which we are undertaking the present project. Already over 100 hours have been spent on the present project as past assumptions (on Church structure, for example) are challenged and the Lord is invited to reveal a more perfect order. Much study has recently been devoted to early Church history as we have sought to understand the rôle of culture, apostasy, local needs, the political environment, etc. of the first three centuries A.D. in the formation of the Church, and compared this with what has been revealed for today's needs and the overall prophetic goal of tomorrow and the next generation. Rather as King David carefully gathered stones for the temple he was not permitted to build, so are we, the first generation of the New Covenant Church of God, gathering in our treasure house of knowledge and revelation together to prepare our sons and daughters for the Church they shall inherit in what will be an even crueler, heartless and more unbelieving world.

Footnote

The Constitution was 95% prepared by General Conference (1996) but was not adopted following confirmation by the Spirit to wait. It has still not been published (8 May 1998) and will not be until further instruction from the Lord has been received. A few modifications will be required following the dissolusion of the NPKF (the precursor to the modern New Covenant Church of God).

This page was created on 8 May 1998 Last updated on 8 May 1998

Copyright © 1987-2008 NCCG - All Rights Reserved