Abstract

SMIT, J.  and  DU PLOOY, A. le R.. Regulation of a Reformed minister's office - a labour law or internal church matter?. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.1, pp.51-74. ISSN 2305-0853.

In this article it is argued that Labour Law is not applicable on the relationship between a minister and a church council to the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The main focus of the argument is that Labour Law does not have the purpose to regulate a relationship based on an exegetic-dogmatically founded foundation. It is also argued that a minister in the Reformed Churches in South Africa cannot be considered an employee of the church council because of the calling he received from the Lord. The calling of a minister is the main indication that he is not an employee of the church council, but a servant of the Lord. Therefore it is also stated that the Church Order does not regulate the minister's office on a contractual basis, but that the Church Order regulates the calling of a minister. Labour Law intents to regulate the labour aspect of a person's life while the Church Order applies to a minister's whole life.

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