Article 28 Three assemblies
Three ecclesiastical assemblies shall meet regularly: The consistory, the classis and the synod.
Article 29 Opening and closing of the assemblies
The proceedings of all assemblies shall begin with calling upon the name of God and be closed with thanksgiving.
Article 30 Authority of the assemblies
These assemblies shall only deal with ecclesiastical matters and in an ecclesiastical manner.
A major assembly shall deal only with those matters which concern the regional churches in common or which could not be resolved in the minor assembly.
If it concerns a new matter arising from the churches, it can be placed on the agenda of the major assembly only by way of preparation in the minor assembly.
Article 31 Appeal to a major assembly
If anyone is of the opinion that he is wronged by a decision of a minor assembly, he can appeal to a major assembly. The other classis can also serve as a major assembly. (Thus: Consistory -> Classis -> Other classis -> Synod).
The decision which is taken by a majority vote shall be accepted as binding, unless it is proved to be in conflict with the Word of God or with the Church Order.
Article 32 Delegation to major assemblies
Delegates to major assemblies shall bring with them their credentials, signed by their senders, on which basis they have the right to vote. They shall not vote on matters which concern themselves or their own churches.
Article 33 Instructions and proposals
A minor assembly shall not draw up an instruction or a proposal for a major assembly, before any decisions of previous synods concerning the proposed matter are accurately read. That which is finished must not be brought up again, unless it is considered that amendment is essential.
Article 34 Task of chairman and secretary
The task of the chairman is to clearly present the matters that are to be dealt with. He shall ensure that discussions take place in an orderly manner. He shall command to silence those who argue about minor things or who let themselves be carried away by their emotions, and reprove them if they refuse to listen. His task shall cease when the assembly ends.
In addition to the chairman, a secretary shall be appointed who shall write down those matters worthy of being recorded.
Article 35 Jurisdiction of the major assemblies in respect of the minor
The classis has the authority to make judicial pronouncements in respect of the consistory. This also applies to the synod in respect of the classis.
Article 36 Consistory
In all churches there shall be a consistory consisting of the minister(s) of the Word and the elders. It shall meet regularly and be presided by the minister, or the ministers in turn. The consistory shall also meet regularly with the deacons.
This meeting shall deal with those matters as described for that purpose by the Church Order, the material affairs of the church, financial management, and all things which the consistory considers to be necessary for general management.
Article 37 Co-operation where the number of office bearers is small
Where the number of elders and deacons is small, the consistory can, on the basis of local rules, always meet together with the deacons. In that case, matters pertaining to supervision and discipline shall be handled with the advice of the deacons and matters pertaining to the office of deacons with the advice of the elders.
This shall invariably be the rule if both the number of elders and the number of deacons are less than three.
Article 38 Institution of offices
Initial or renewed institution of the offices in a place shall be carried out only with the consent of the classis.
Article 39 Places without a consistory
Places where as yet no consistory can be constituted shall be placed by the classis under the care of an advisory consistory.
Article 40 Meetings of deacons
The deacons shall, under invocation of the Lord, regularly come together to deal with the matters pertaining to their office.
They shall give account of their policies and management to the consistory.
Article 41 Classical meetings
A classical meeting shall consist of the churches of the region who shall respectively delegate a minister and an elder with the required credentials.
Such meetings shall be held at least once every six months. Every meeting shall determine where and when the churches shall meet again. At these meetings the ministers shall preside in turn. The meeting may also choose a chairman. However, the same minister shall not be chosen twice in succession.
The chairman shall ask whether the ministry of the offices is proceeding, whether the decisions of the major assemblies are being executed, and whether there is any matter about which the consistories require the judgment or the help of the classis for the proper continuation of their congregational life.
At the last meeting prior to a synod delegates shall be chosen to attend that synod.
Article 42 Ministers not delegated to the classis
Where two or more ministers are bound to a church, those who have not been delegated according to the foregoing article, may be present at the classical meetings in an advisory capacity.
Article 43 Counsellors
For each vacant church the classis shall appoint a minister as counsellor. He shall, for the sake of good order, serve the consistory with advice, particularly in relation to the calling of a minister.
Letters of call shall also be signed by him.
Article 44 Church visitation
Each year classis shall authorise some of its most experienced and capable ministers to carry out church visitations in all the churches of the region. Where it is necessary, the classis may authorise a capable elder to carry out this task together with a minister.
The visitors shall enquire whether the office bearers, individually and collectively, faithfully carry out their offices, adhere to the sound doctrine, whether the adopted order is being observed and maintained, and whether they promote the up building of the congregation to the best of their abilities, by word and deed.
The purpose of the visitation is to admonish those office-bearers who are found to be negligent; and to advise and assist, so that the peace, edification and wellbeing of the churches may be promoted.
The visitors shall submit a written report of their work to the classis.
Article 45 Regional synod
If a regional synod can be formed, it will consist of a number of neighbouring classes, which shall respectively delegate two ministers and two elders. The number may be three if the synod consists of two or three classes. The regional synod shall meet once a year, unless there are urgent reasons to meet more than once.
At the conclusion of the regional and general synod the time and place of the next synod shall be determined as well as the convening church for that meeting appointed.
Article 46 Synod
The synod shall be convened once every three years, unless there are urgent reasons which require an earlier meeting.
Every classis shall delegate to the synod three ministers and three elders.
Where a classis considers that the synod must be convened within the three-year period, the church appointed for the purpose of convening the next synod shall, with the approval of its classis, determine its time and place.
Article 47 Relation with foreign churches
The relation with foreign churches shall be regulated by synod. With foreign churches of reformed confession a sister church relation shall be maintained as far as possible.
Foreign churches shall not be condemned on minor points of church order and ecclesiastical practice.
Article 48 Censure in major assemblies
At the conclusion of the classical and other major assemblies, censure shall be exercised over those who have misconduct themselves at the meeting.
Article 49 Deputies of major assemblies
Every major assembly shall appoint deputies to execute matters ordained by it. Different groups of deputies shall, as much as possible, be appointed for separate matters.
The synod, in addition, shall appoint deputies who are to assist the classes in all matters comprised in the Church Order, and upon the request of the classes in cases of special difficulties. They, or some of them, shall also oversee the peremptory examination of prospective ministers.
The deputies shall keep an accurate record of their work and submit a written report. They shall, if so required, justify their actions.
Article 50 Archives
The consistories and major assemblies shall take proper care of the archives.
Article 51 Representation of the consistory in material matter
Regarding the management of material matters, a church is legally represented by two persons appointed for that purpose by the consistory with the deacons.
Article 52 Representation of the churches in lawsuits regarding church property
In lawsuits regarding property, both real and personal, that belongs to the churches in common in the classes or synod respectively, the churches shall be represented by the respective classis or synod, or by deputies which those assemblies shall appoint, instruct and dismiss. Such deputies shall be bound by the terms of their appointment and instruction.