a. Ordinarily the congregation shall have been in existence at
least three years.
b. The congregation shall include a sufficient number of members
who meet the biblical requirements for church office and are
committed to use their personal and spiritual gifts in providing
leadership and support to the congregation and its ministry.
c. The congregation exercises financial stewardship for the
continuing development and effectiveness of its ministry and,
prior to organization, provides the classis with financial
information that reflects its capacity and commitment toward
financial self-support, including personnel expenses and
classical and denominational ministry shares.
d. The community in which the congregation is located offers the
potential for continuing ministry, and the congregation gives
evidence of its continuing commitment to fulfill the great
commission with the resources and opportunities God gives.
(Acts of Synod 2005, pp. 762-63)