FAQ 204
The New Constitution
NCW 26, December 1995
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 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 NCCF (New Covenant Christian Fellowship) edition, the Constitution has since evolved to include every part of NCAY -- the local assemblies and the Holy Order. It is, moreover, the first constitution written with a long term view for NCAY 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 Ruach (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 assemblies with a final edition ready for the beginning of 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 organisational structure, for example) are challenged and Yahweh is invited to reveal a more perfect order. Much study has recently been devoted to the study of the history of the early Messianic Community (Church) 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 Messianic Assembly of Yahweh, 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 Assemblies of Yahweh, gathering in our treasure house of knowledge and revelation together to prepare our sons and daughters for the Body they shall inherit in what will be an even crueler, heartless and more unbelieving world.
Footnote 1 (8 May 1998)
The Constitution was 95% prepared by General Conference (1996) but was not adopted following confirmation by the Ruach (Spirit) to wait. It has still not been published (8 May 1998) and will not be until further instruction from Yahweh has been received. A few modifications will be required following the dissolution of NCCF (the precursor to the modern New Covenant Assemblies of Yahweh or NCAY).
Footnote 2 (26 June 2017)
In the intervening 15 years, we have now published the 10th (2013) edition which also represents a major overhaul of the two referenced above.
This page was created on 8 May 1998
Last updated on 26 June 2017
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