Dear Friend,
The guidebook of the
local, New Testament church is the Bible.
It is our only rule of faith and practice. Baptists have no creed but the Bible. It is the only inspired book in the
world. However, in order to please the
“powers that be” (our government), this booklet has been prepared and accepted
as guidelines in legal and technical matters by the congregation of the Victory
Baptist Church of Beaver, West Virginia.
This is the work of many
minds over a period of several years by godly men who laid no claim to
inspiration and, for that reason, this document is not going to be
perfect. Because of the impossibility of
man to produce anything without error, it is hoped that the reader will
interpret this writing in the spirit in which it was produced, rather than in
the letter of the law. Our only purpose
in life is to glorify our Lord, and it is hoped that this constitution will
help us to more effectively fulfill our purpose.
In Christ’s Love,
Rollan Roberts, D.D.
Pastor
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to maintain a proper testimony for Jesus Christ, and recognizing the necessity for a constitution to guide us in matters of church affairs, the following instruments are established. They are designed so that the members of this church may be a blessing to this church, and that this church might be, in return, a blessing to them as both seek to glorify God.
INSTRUMENT
NUMBER ONE (I)
COVENANT
Having been led, as we
believe, by the Spirit of God (Rom. 8:14) to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as
our Saviour (Matt. 10:40; Gal. 4:14; I Thess. 2:13), and on the confession of
our faith (Acts 2:41; 8:37), having been baptized in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 28:19), we do now in the presence
of God, angels, and this assembly, most joyfully enter into covenant with one
another, as one body in Christ (I Cor. 12:13).
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13) to walk together in Christian love (Eph. 5:2; Heb. 13:1), to strive for the advancement of this church (Eph. 2:21) in knowledge (II Peter 3:18), holiness (II Cor. 7:1), and comfort (I Thess. 5:14); to promote its prosperity and spirituality (Gal. 6:10); to sustain its worship (Heb. 10:25; Jude 19), ordinances (I Cor. 11:2), discipline (Rom. 16:17; II Thess. 3:6), and doctrines (Matt. 44:46; Acts 2:44); to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin (Acts 2:42; II John 9-11); and to contribute cheerfully and regularly (I Cor. 16:2) to the support of the ministry (Matt. 10:10; Gal. 6:6), the expenses of the church (Acts 4:34-35), the relief of the poor (Matt. 25:40), and the Gospel through all nations (Acts 1:8).
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions (Deut. 11:18-20); to religiously educate our children (Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4); to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances (Mark 5:19); to walk circumspectly in the world (Matt. 5:16; Eph. 5:15); to be just in our dealings (Rom. 12:17), faithful to our engagements (Eph. 4:25), and exemplary in our deportment (Eph. 5:8); to avoid all tattling (Eph. 4:31; I Tim. 5:13), backbiting (II Cor. 12:20), and excessive anger (Col. 3:8); to abstain from sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage (Eph. 5:18; I Cor. 6:10); and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch (I Thess. 5:14) over one another in brotherly love (Rom. 12:10); to remember each other in prayer (Eph. 6:18; I Thess. 5:17); to aid each other in sickness and distress (Gal. 6:10); to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling, courtesy and in speech (I Cor. 12:25-26; Titus 3:2); to be slow to take offense (Rom. 12:19); to be always ready for reconciliation; and to be mindful of the rule of our Saviour to secure it without delay (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-18).
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word (Heb. 10:25).
INSTRUMENT
NUMBER TWO (II)
These Articles of Faith are not intended to add anything to the simple conditions of salvation revealed in the New Testament (repentance toward God, and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord), nor do we regard them as complete statements of our faith, having any quality of finality or infallibility.
Section 1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of Heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us and, therefore, is and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried (Matt. 5:18; John 14:26; 16:12, 13; II Tim. 3:16, 17; II Pet. 1:20, 21). We believe the King James authorized Version is the best English translation of the original manuscripts available today, and it should be loved, studied, and cherished as the Word of God to English speaking people.
Section 2. THE TRUE GOD: We believe that there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Deut 6:4; II Cor. 13:14).
Section 3. THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, (John 21:14) being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35) in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. We believe He accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross, His blood being the purchase price (Rom. 3:24, 25), and that He secured that redemption forever by His literal, bodily resurrection from the dead (Rom. 4:25; I Peter 1:3-5).
Our Lord Jesus Christ is now in Heaven, exalted at the right hand of God, where as the High Priest for His people, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, Mediator, and Advocate (Rom. 8:34; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:1, 2).
Section 4. THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the day of Pentecost, Who according to promise, indwells every believer at salvation (John 14:16, 17; I Cor. 6:19, 20), baptizes each believer at salvation into the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13), and seals them unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30); and it is the duty of every believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The ministry of the Holy Spirit to the world is that of conviction in relation to sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11); that of bearing witness to the truth of the gospel in preaching and testimony (Acts 5:30-32); and that of agent in the new birth (John 3:5, 6). He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer (Mark 1:8; Luke 24:49; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Rom. 8:16, 26, 27; Eph. 1:13).
We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, were temporary and have ceased. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayer of believers for physical healing (Mark 16:17-20; I Cor. 1:22; 13:18; 14:21-22; II Cor. 2:12; Heb. 2:3-4).
Section 5. THE ORIGIN AND PERSONALITY OF SATAN: We believe that Satan was in Heaven (Isa. 14:12-15) and enjoyed heavenly honors (Ezek. 28:14-17), but through pride and ambition to be as God, fell and drew after him a host of angels (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:9); that he is now the deadly prince of the power of the air and the unholy god of this world (John 14:30; Eph. 2:2).
He is man’s great tempter (Matt. 4:1-3; I Thess. 3:5); the enemy of God and Christ (Luke 22:3-4; I Peter 5:8; I John 3:8); the accuser of the saints (Rev. 12:10); the author of all false religions (II Cor. 11:13-15); the chief power behind the present apostasy (Mark 13:21-22); the lord of the antichrist (I John 2:22; 4:3; II John 7); and the author of all the powers of darkness who will be destroyed at the hands of God's own Son (II Thess.2:8-11);and is destined to the judgment of and eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels (Rev. 12:7-9; 19:11; 16:20; 20:1,3,10).
Section 6. THE CREATION AND FALL OF MAN: We believe that creation happened exactly as the book of Genesis records it (Gen. 1:1; Ex. 20:11), and that it is to be accepted exactly as written (John 1:3; Acts 17:23-26; Rev. 10:6); that man was created directly in God’s own image and after His own likeness (Gen. 1:26,27; 2:21-23); that man’s creation was not by evolution of species or development through time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God’s established law is that they would bring forth only “after their kind” (Gen. 1:11,24).
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary sin fell from his sinless and happy state (Gen. 3:1-6,24); in consequence of which, all men are now sinners (Rom. 1:18; 3:10-19; 5:12,19; Eph. 2:1,3), not because they are forced to be sinners, but because they want to be sinners (Ezek. 18:19,20; Rom. 1:32) and therefore, are under just condemnation without excuse (Rom. 1:20,28; Gal. 3:22).
Section 7. THE WAY OF SALVATION: We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Mediator and Propitiation; who by the appointment of the Father freely became flesh, yet without sin; honored the divine law by personal obedience, and by His substitutionary death made a full atonement for our sins. Having risen from the dead, the Son of God is now enthroned in Heaven, uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, and is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Saviour. We believe the Bible teaches a whosoever-will salvation, and nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner but the voluntary rejection of the gospel (John 1:12,14; Eph. 2:8,9; II Cor. 5:21).
Section 8. THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER: We believe because of the eternal purpose of God toward His creation and because of His freedom to exercise grace toward the sinner on the grounds of the finished work of Christ, all genuine, true believers who are once a child of God are kept secure forever (John 3:24; 10:27-30; 17:11; Rom. 8:1,38,39; I Peter 1:5). We believe it the privilege of all who are born again to be assured of their salvation (I John 5:13). We believe, however, that God is a holy and righteous Father and that, since He cannot overlook the sins of His children, He will, when they persistently sin, chasten them and correct them in infinite love (Heb. 12:6).
Section 9. SANCTIFICATION: We believe that sanctification, which is a setting apart unto God, is threefold. First, at the time of salvation the individual is “positionally” set apart once for all (Heb. 10:10; I Cor. 6:11). Second, we believe that the believer retains his sin nature, which cannot be eradicated in this life. There is, therefore, a “continual” sanctification wherein the Christian is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Saviour (John 17:17; II Peter 3:18). Third, we believe that the child of God will be “ultimately” sanctified in his state, as he is now in his standing in Christ, when he shall see his Lord and shall be “like Him” (I Thess. 3:13; 5:23).
Section 10. THE RETURN OF CHRIST: We believe that at Christ’s coming in the air, the bodies of the dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible and reunited with soul and spirit; the bodies of Christians who are alive shall be changed and glorified, and without dying, shall be caught up to be with the Lord (I Cor. 15:51-53; I Thess. 4:13-17). On earth the tribulation will occur, while in Heaven, the saved will appear before the judgment seat of Christ, be rewarded for their works (I Cor. 3:11-15; II Cor. 5:10), and enjoy the marriage supper of the Lamb. After these things, Christ will return bodily and visibly to the earth with His saints, bind Satan, and rule the world in righteousness for a thousand years at the end of which, the unsaved dead will be resurrected, and their judgment and condemnation shall take place (Matt. 24:30,31; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:2,6,11-15). We believe in an imminent, pre-tribulation rapture and the pre-millennial second coming of Christ.
Section 11. THE ETERNAL STATE: We believe that the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation do at death immediately pass into His presence (Phil. 1:23) and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at the rapture, when soul and body, reunited, shall be associated with Him forever; but the souls of unbelievers remain after death in conscious misery until the final judgment of the great white throne at the close of the millennium, when soul and body, reunited, shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (Luke 16:19-26; II Cor. 5:8; II Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6,7; Rev. 20:11-15).
Section 12. THE CHURCH ORDINANCES: We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s supper are the only ordinances of the church, and that they are the scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (I Cor. 11:2).
Believer’s baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, setting forth the essential facts in the experience of the believer – death to sin and resurrection to newness of life (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 8:36-39). Believer’s baptism pictures the spiritual baptism which has already taken place (Matt. 3:13-17).
We believe that the Lord’s supper is a commemoration of His death until He comes and is to be observed at designated intervals by the local church (I Cor. 11:23-26). We will practice “open” communion (I Cor. 11:28). The elements will include unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, unfermented grape juice (Mark 14:23-25).
Section 13. STEWARDSHIP: We believe that God, the Creator and Owner of all things and persons, has entrusted to the Christian life, time, talents, influence, money, goods, and all things whatsoever he possesses; that as steward of these possessions, he is to administer them under the will of God for the purposes of Jesus Christ; that in definite expression of this stewardship, he is to contribute systematically at least a tithe of his means to the support of his local church and freewill offerings to the missionary and benevolent enterprises of the church as God directs (Mal. 3:16; Luke 6:38; I Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10).
Section 14. THE LORD’S DAY: We believe that Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Lord’s Day and is to be kept sacred for religious purposes by abstaining from secular labor when at all possible (John 20:19; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10).
Section 15. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BELIEVERS: We believe that all believes should seek to walk in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Lord and Saviour and that separation from worldly practices is commanded by God (Rom. 12:1,2; 14:13; I Cor. 6:19,20; Col. 3:17).
We believe that it is the obligation of every believer to witness by life, dress, attitude, and word to the truths of Scripture (I Cor. 10:13; I Thess. 5:22); to seek to proclaim the gospel to the world (Acts 1:8); to pray for and faithfully support the church with their means as the Lord has prospered them (I Cor. 16:2).
Section 16. CIVIL GOVERNMENT: We believe that God has ordained all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the church; and 3) the state. Every person is subject to those authorities and is answerable to God. God has given each institution specific responsibility and balanced that grant of authority with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Peter 2:13,14).
Section 17. HUMAN SEXUALITY: We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of marriage between a man and woman. We reject homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, and adultery as sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8,9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
Section 18. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE: We believe that God disapproves of divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.
Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2,12; Titus 1:6).
Section 19. ABORTION: We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of an unborn life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defect, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
Section 20. A LOCAL CHURCH: We believe that the church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism. The local church is a congregation of born-again, baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His Word, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications are defined in the epistles of Timothy and Titus, together with such other leaders, teachers, and workers as the church may select and as are needed in carrying out the true functions of a local New Testament Church.
We believe the local church is individual, autonomous, and self-governing, but that it is under moral obligation to associate itself with other churches of like faith and order in approved common enterprises which seek the promotion of Christ’s kingdom, particularly such as missions, Christian education, and benevolences (Heb. 10:19-25).
Section 21. SEPARATION: We believe II Cor. 6:14-7:1 teaches separation of the believer form the world and unrighteousness, both personally and professionally, wherever it is found, and that it displeases God to attempt to do His work unequally yoked as described in this passage. We take this position against modern day inclusivism, neo-evangelicalism, ecumenicalism, and interdenominationalism which cooperates with the ecumenical movement, secret lodges, cults, and questionable societies and clubs. We believe this passage not only teaches direct separation from the above, but separation from those who tolerate and cooperate with those evils as well (Eph. 5:6-17). We believe that we should earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints; and that we should preach the Word, being instant in season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Tim. 3:16; 4:1-8; I John 2:15-17).
Section 22. ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION: This church will not knowingly support, cooperate with, or lend its name or influence to any organization, movement, or men who are:
A. Members of the World Council of Churches
B. Members of the National Council of Churches
C. Members of the Charismatic movement
D. Of the hyper-Calvinist position
E. Ecumenical in nature, New-Evangelical, or liberal in work and associations (I John 2:3-5; 3:18; 5:2,3; II John 9-11).
The Victory Baptist Church shall not be represented at any religious gathering or church function, such as church singspirations, concerts, associations, conventions, revival services, or youth meetings without prior approval of the pastor, or in his absence, the deacons or church body. This is to prevent our church from being represented at modernistic or compromise gatherings where our church would not be in agreement in doctrine or principle, and thus bring reproach upon the church and the name of Christ.
We believe a Bible
Christian is one who believes in a supernatural Christ, who had a supernatural
birth, who spoke supernatural words, who performed supernatural miracles, who
lived a supernatural life in supernatural splendor, who intercedes as a
supernatural priest and who will one day return in supernatural glory to
establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth.
INSTRUMENT
NUMBER THREE (III)
ARTICLE I –
NAME
The corporate name of this church as organized under the laws of the state of West Virginia for perpetual duration shall be VICTORY BAPTIST CHURCH. Its primary place of worship is located on Scott Ridge Road, Beaver, West Virginia.
Section 1. The purpose of this church shall be to carry out the command of our Lord Jesus Christ who has made the church to be His earthly body. We shall do this by:
A. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25).
B. Observing His ordinances of baptism by immersion and the Lord’s supper (Matt. 28:18-20).
C. Preaching and teaching the Word of God (Matt. 28:18-20; II Tim. 2:2; 4:2).
D. Witnessing for Him in our community and, to the fullest possible extent, throughout the whole world (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
E. Educating our children (Deut. 6:6,7; Prov. 22:6; Psa. 1:1; Eph. 6:4).
F. Spreading the Gospel through all available means by training men, women, boys, and girls everywhere possible in Bible doctrine, philosophy, and practice. In order to fulfill these stated purposes, this church shall engage in activities and/or conduct ministries which may include soul winning efforts, prayer meetings, youth activities, radio and television broadcasting and programming, a Christian day school, a Sunday school, a bus ministry, a teaching ministry, missionary activities, nursing homes, a Bible institute, college, seminary, rescue mission, day care program, camps, seminars, mission churches, printing, publishing, and distribution of literature (Matt. 18:18-20).
G. Supporting other scriptural institutions or organizations in their efforts to carry out the Great Commission.
Section 2. This church is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, for such purposes, the establishment and maintaining of religious worship, the building and maintaining of churches, parsonages, schools, hospitals, chapels, and such other religious, educational or other charitable institutions as may be appropriate in accordance with said charitable, educational, or other religious purposes, and further including the ordaining and licensing of men to the Gospel ministry, the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and week day schools of Christian education, and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and in any foreign country.
SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be
extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of
regeneration through faith in, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal
Saviour; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto
the Lord; who fully subscribe to the governing instruments contained herein,
upon compliance with any of the following conditions:
A. By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Saviour;
B. By letter of transfer from another Baptist church, applicant in good standing and having been duly baptized;
C. By experience, having been duly baptized and having demonstrated through profession and lifestyle Christian experience and faith in Jesus Christ; and
D. By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon confession made publicly before the church membership of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance.
Voting members shall be
those persons whose name appears on the most recent membership roster, who are
eighteen years of age or over, and are present to vote at any business
meeting. A majority vote is defined as a
majority of votes of the present, eligible, voting members at a duly called
business meeting. A percentage or
fractional vote is based upon the number of present, eligible, voting members
at a duly called business meeting.
A.
To
Themselves: The acquisition of
scriptural knowledge, constant progress in spirituality and consistency in
external conduct.
B. To Their Pastor: To honor, esteem, and love him; to pray for him fervently and often; to submit to him in the scriptural exercise of his official authority; to attend constantly upon his ministrations; to manifest a tender regard for his reputation; and to contribute to his support in proportion to their ability.
C. To Other Members: To cultivate and cherish brotherly love for all of them; to show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity as set forth in the church instruments and, as nearly possible, refrain from becoming party to cliques or groups whose spirit is manifestly selfish and not in the interest of “all other members.”
D. To The Church: To be faithful in all the spiritual duties of the church essential to the Christian life; to attend habitually the services of the church; to give to its support and its ministries; and to share in its activities.
E. To Those Not Connected With The Church: To be exact in fulfilling obligations and performing promises; to commend the gospel of Christ unto them; and to live in such a manner that reproach is not brought upon the testimony of Christ or the church.
Members are cautioned to be
slow to anger and slow to take offense, always remembering the caution of Gal.
6:1. However, in view of the practical
need of godly testimony on the part of the members and upon the principles set
forth in Scripture, this church shall have the right to discipline its members,
and if need be, to exclude any who persist in sinful practice after due counsel
and warning have been given by the pastor and/or deacon board.
A. Any member of the church who exhibits willful and rebellious conduct or is out of harmony with the policies of the church may be disciplined or removed from the membership roll. A majority vote of the pastor and deacons will decide any types of discipline needed to purify the church and then recommend such action to the church for a majority vote by secret ballot (II Thess. 3).
B. Unscriptural conduct, immoral conduct, ethical impropriety, or departure from the tenets of the faith held by this church shall be considered sufficient as grounds upon which such person may be disciplined and possibly excluded from membership (Matt. 18:15-18; I Cor. 5:11; Gal. 1:8,9).
C. All charges against members are to be brought before the pastor and/or deacons after the parties involved have first followed the course of action outlined in Matthew, chapter 18. After thorough investigation, if the pastor and/or deacons are unable to satisfactorily conclude the matter, then they have the responsibility of bringing the matter before the church membership. All disciplinary action involving church members being brought before the church assembly shall be at a closed meeting of the present voting church membership.
D. If a member, having erred privately and not publicly, shall voluntarily confess it to the pastor and manifest repentance, no further proceedings, except as the pastor deems advisable, shall be entertained against him. If the wrong was public, the member must acknowledge his sorrow and repentance to the church publicly.
E. If a member fails to give satisfaction to the pastor, deacons, or church in relation to the charges referred against him/her or perversely refuses to appear before the pastor and deacons and /or church when cited, he shall be excluded from membership by a majority vote of the membership.
F. Any member dismissed through discipline shall have his/her name dropped from the church records, shall cease to be a member, and shall not be commended to any other church by letter.
G. Any member of the church having knowledge of another member’s guilt of any crime of gross impropriety, it shall be the duty of the member knowing of it to inform the pastor of the report, and that member and the pastor shall visit the accused and inform such member that unless immediately righted, disciplinary action will be decided upon by a majority vote of the pastor and deacons and recommended to the church for approval by a majority vote.
A.
By Letter. A letter of transfer to unite with any other
Baptist church of like faith and order may be granted upon request of any
member on the church roll in good standing.
All such letters shall be addressed to the church with which the member
wishes to unite. A letter of dismissal
shall be granted for members to unite with churches other than those of like
faith and order.
B. By Removal. Members of this church, unless having a valid excuse (as determined by the pastor and deacons) who have not attended and contributed to its support for the period of six months shall be automatically, without any action by the church, dropped from the membership after an honest effort has been made by the pastor and deacons to correct the delinquency.
C. By Exclusion. Should a member become an offense to the church and its good name by reason of failure to perform the duties of membership, immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent (doctrinal or practical) breach of covenant vow, the church may, by recommendation of the pastor and deacons, terminate membership by following the procedure outlined in the Scriptures in Matthew 18:15-18 and I Corinthians 5:1-13, but only after faithful efforts have been made by the pastor and representatives from the board of deacons to bring such member to repentance and amendment. Excluded members may be restored to membership by a majority vote of the church, provided that the pastor and the board of deacons shall be satisfied that the applicant has sincerely repented and intends to walk in accord with the instruments of this church.
D. By Death.
E. By member’s request in writing to be removed from the membership.
F. Any person uniting with any other church shall automatically cease to retain membership with this church.
The instruments of government of this church shall be the Holy Bible, (King James Version), the Church Covenant (Instrument Number I), Articles of Faith (Instrument Number II), Constitution and Bylaws (Instrument Number III), and the Church Policy (Instrument Number IV).
The Holy Scriptures (KJV) shall be accepted as final authority on matters relating to Faith and Practice by the members of this church.
SECTION I – STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE
The church is an independent body of baptized believers. The government of this church is to be vested in its assembled membership through its duly elected officers, and it shall never be subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body, and no denominational or associational representative shall ever sit in judgment over its affairs. The church may fellowship and cooperate with other churches for the furtherance of the gospel when such shall be wholly in accordance with the Scriptures, but no rules, regulations, or commitments shall be made to such bodies which call for more than voluntary action on the part of this church, and any such fellowship and cooperation may be broken at any time by the pastor or a majority of those members present and voting at any regular or special business meeting.
A.
Congregational
Authority. Under the headship of the
Lord Jesus Christ, the government of the church is vested in the body of
believers who compose its membership.
For efficiency and expediency a measure of this authority is delegated
to the church officers.
B. Executive Authority. 1. Executive authority in legal matters shall be exercised by the pastor and the duly elected, current trustees (deacons) or their successors. 2. Executive authority in all other matters shall be exercised by the pastor.
C. Parliamentary Authority. “Roberts Rules of Order”, (revised) shall be the general parliamentary authority used for church business meetings.
D. Amendments to these governing instruments, or the sale or purchase of land, shall require a three-fourths (75%) majority vote. All other business brought before the church shall be decided by a simple majority vote of those present and qualified unless otherwise stated in these instruments. Those present constitute a quorum. Votes may be by voice, show of hands, or secret ballot as determined by the moderator. The call or dismissal of a pastor or the discipline of a member shall be by secret ballot.
A.
Pastor
a. I Tim. 3:1-7; I Peter 5:1-4; and Titus 1:5-9 give the qualifications of a pastor. The life of the pastor and his wife should be one of godliness and spirituality. They should not indulge in worldly or sinful practices which would tend to weaken the testimony of the church (I Thess. 5:22). No one who partakes of intoxicating liquors, illegal drugs, or tobacco in any form; who brings disrepute upon the church through sinful language, practices, or association with questionable organizations (secret or otherwise) shall be considered for pastor, or (the pastor or his wife) having fallen into such, shall be retained as pastor if such course is not discontinued (Rom. 12:1,2; 6:11-18).
b. Only a male shall be considered for the office of pastor. He may not be divorced or married to a divorced woman.
c. No man shall be considered for the office nor serve as pastor who maintains connection with the National Council of Churches or any of its agencies, conventions, or any other denominational or ecclesiastical bodies.
d. No man shall be pastor whose beliefs and teachings are not in accordance with these governing instruments as set forth herein, or who will not declare himself to be a “Fundamental”, “Conservative”, “Pre-Millennial”, “Independent Baptist”.
The pastor shall be elected by secret ballot, and three-fourths (75%) of the qualified voters present shall be necessary for election. His term of office shall be indefinite.
a. By the pastor, if he should desire discontinuance of his office, by giving the church at least thirty (30) days notice of this fact.
b. By the church, should the church desire a severance of pastoral relations because of his failure to maintain the listed qualifications as stated above. In such case, the procedure would be as follows: the chairman of the deacons would be notified as to the accusations against the pastor. He would, in turn, notify the pastor of such accusations. The pastor would call a meeting of the deacons at which time the matter would be discussed. If, by unanimous vote, the deacons deem it necessary to bring the matter before the church, a business meeting will be called. At that time the matter will be presented to the voting membership only for a vote as to whether the church deems it necessary to discipline or dismiss the pastor. A three-fourths (75%) majority vote of the present qualified members will carry the motion (secret ballot). Upon a vote of dismissal, said pastor shall receive at least thirty days (30) salary and benefits.
c. Because of the office, the pastor shall be counted worthy of double honor (I Tim. 5:17). No accusation shall be accepted against him without the previous testimony of at least two or three reputable witnesses (I Tim. 5:19).
a. The word “Pastor” means a shepherd or spiritual overseer (Webster). The Scriptures (KJV) refer to the office as “Pastor”, “Elder”, or “Bishop”. Scripture references such as Acts 20:28; I Thess. 5:12,13; I Tim. 3:1-5; 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:17, and I Peter 5:1-4 show clearly that the Pastor is to oversee and supervise the affairs and ministries of the church. He shall have unrestricted liberty in presenting any matter to the church that he deems necessary for its consideration and instruction.
b. It shall be the duty of the pastor to preach regularly at the church, to administer the ordinances of the Gospel (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and to perform various duties incumbent upon his office.
c. He shall be the moderator of the church and preside at all of its business meetings.
d. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees with full voting powers.
e. He shall be in charge of the pulpit and shall be responsible for supplying special speakers.
f. He shall act as President in all legal matters.
g. He shall be in control of the music program and any public broadcasting of the church.
h. The pastor shall be entitled to an average of one day off per week, and an annual vacation with pay of at least 20 days (two Sundays and the surrounding days not necessarily consecutive). The pastor may be permitted additional time away from his duties in the church for outside ministries such as revival campaigns, conferences, seminars, etc., upon agreement with the board of deacons.
i. The pastor shall see to it that a deacon becomes the chairman of the deacon board.
B.
Deacons
The word “deacon”, according to the Greek dictionary of James Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (word numbers 1247-1249), means servant, attendant, aid, waiter, etc. The meaning given for the Greek word translated “deacon” in I Tim. 3:10,13, is “to be an attendant or to wait upon (menially, or as in host or friend)”. The Greek word translation in Phil. 1:1 and I Tim. 3:8,12 concerning deacons is given to mean “to run errands, an attendant, a waiter (at table or in other menial duties), specifically for a Christian teacher and pastor. In Acts 6:1-4 certain men were chosen by the church and appointed for the purpose of performing such tasks (deaconing) as would free those in charge for prayer and study of the Word; therefore, because this church accepts the Scriptures as final authority, the office of deacon shall not in any way be taken to mean authority over the congregation or pastor.
a. Only male members of the church shall be considered for the position of deacon. He may not be divorced or married to a divorced woman. The number of deacons may be adjusted as the needs and circumstances dictate.
b. Acts 6 and I Timothy 3 give the qualifications of a deacon. The life of a deacon and his wife should be one of godliness and spirituality. They should not indulge in worldly and sinful practices, which would tend to weaken the testimony of the church (I Thess. 5:22). No one who partakes of intoxicating liquors, illegal drugs, or tobacco in any form; who brings disrepute upon the church through sinful language, practices, or association with questionable organizations (secret or otherwise) shall be considered for the office of deacon, or (the deacon or his wife) having fallen into such, shall be retained as deacon if such course is not discontinued. In keeping with the Scriptures, gossiping, tattling, backbiting, undermining, holding grudges, uncontrolled temper, etc., are unbecoming of the office of deacon and if indulged in, by either a deacon or his wife, shall be considered as grounds for dismissal from the office of deacon.
c. No person shall be elected to the office of deacon who has not been a faithful member of the church for a period of one year or more (I Tim. 3:10) and has not contributed at least a tithe of his income to the church for the last year.
d. No one shall be considered for the position of deacon who is not completely qualified, in total agreement with the constitution, procedures, and by-laws of this church (Instruments I-IV) and in total agreement with the pastor and his leadership. Paid staff members shall not be eligible for the office of deacon.
e. All deacons will, by virtue of their office, automatically become Trustees. It shall be the duty of the Trustees, upon request of the pastor, to execute such legal documents and do such acts as the law requires religious, not-for-profit corporations to do from time to time. They shall also be considered a Board of Directors for legal purposes with the pastor as chairman. In the event of having less than three deacons, the church may approve other faithful men as temporary Trustees.
f. To assist the pastor in drawing up and/or submitting an annual budget to the congregation for approval, in upgrading the membership roll periodically, and in determining compensation and benefits for staff members.
g. The deacons shall, upon the vacancy of the office of pastor, have the responsibility and authority to keep the church in harmony with the governing instruments (I-IV) of this church.
a. The term of office for deacons will be based on a rotating system. The office of deacon will be for a four-year period, unless otherwise requested by the pastor. If possible, it will begin and terminate in such a manner that 1/4 of the deacons terminate and a new group (1/4) are elected once a year.
b. After a deacon has filled his office and has had one year off, he can be re-elected to another term of office.
c. A chairman and a secretary of the deacons shall be elected by a majority vote of the pastor and deacon body following the annual election of deacons.
a. The pastor and deacons are to serve as a screening and selection board.
b. Recommendation of prospective candidates may be received from active church members.
c. The names of all prospective candidates are listed in the presence of the deacons by the pastor. The entire matter is committed to the Lord in a serious season of prayer. The pastor will verbally review the qualifications of a deacon as stated in this constitution and in the Bible. The pastor will ask for heads to be bowed with eyes closed and ask for the indiscreet raising of a finger if there are any questions or doubts about any individual candidate’s qualifications. The pastor also has a vote. Any prospective candidate not meeting 100% of the qualifications shall be dropped from further consideration.
d. Upon the unanimous approval of the pastor and deacons up to this point, an interview should be conducted with the candidate and his wife.
e. Upon satisfactory completion of the interview and a written questionnaire the pastor and deacons vote (as stated above in c.) once again for final approval and recommendation to the church.
f. Upon 100% acceptance, the individual or group is presented to the church family in a business meeting for a formal majority vote approval.
C.
Treasurer
D.
Church Clerk
a. The clerk shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the church business meetings, shall keep a roster of all church members which is dated and approved by the pastor and deacons periodically, and write church letters as directed by the pastor.
b. The clerk shall keep a copy of all records at the church office.
Section 1. When, and as needed, full or part-time employees may be engaged by the pastor. These employees include church workers, associates, assistants, choir directors, workers in Christian education, secretaries, youth directors, etc. Such workers shall constitute a church staff and shall not serve as, or be elected to the office of deacon. They must be in agreement with the governing instruments of this church and abide by the staff handbook.
Section 2. Candidates for any church staff position shall be interviewed by the pastor with a view to determine their educational and spiritual qualifications as well as their compatibility to the church members.
Section 3. All full or part-time staff shall be under the direct supervision of the pastor. Resignations of staff members are to be presented in writing with thirty days notice to the pastor. Should the need arise for termination of the services of a staff member, the pastor is to either give thirty (30) days notice or, in the event of misconduct, immediately dismiss the staff member and give him/her two weeks salary.
The church shall conduct such meetings as the pastor deems necessary for public worship, prayer, evangelism, business, promotional work of Christian education, missions, and the general work of the ministry. Regular services of the church shall be conducted on the Lord’s day, and a mid-week Bible study/Prayer meeting shall be held unless the pastor determines that due to unique circumstances a particular service should be postponed or cancelled.
A.
A general report
of receipts and expenditures shall be available to the membership of the
church. A detailed report shall be given
to the pastor and deacons.
B. The annual business meeting shall be announced on the previous Sunday and held in the church auditorium by the end of the month of February. The fiscal year of the church shall be from July 1st through June 30th.
C. All valid business meetings shall be called by the pastor providing that notice of the same be read by the pastor at the public services on the Sunday preceding such meetings. Non-members of the church may be excluded from any business meeting if the moderator deems it necessary. Members under eighteen years of age may be excluded from any business meeting if the moderator deems it necessary.
No secret or unauthorized
(without the pastor) business meetings are valid. No business beyond that of routine weekly
affairs shall be carried on in the absence of the pastor.
Present members shall constitute a quorum to transact business for annual, regular, or special business meetings of the church.
The pastor is to oversee and supervise the affairs and ministries of the church. The deacons act as an advisory board to help plan, conduct, and pray over the business of the church and to make positive recommendations. The pastor and deacons will meet regularly. The pastor will chair all meetings and determine the agenda of such meetings. The pastor and/or deacons will have the authority to purchase items for the operation and maintenance of the church within the means of the treasury.
A.
Every business
meeting shall be opened and closed by prayer.
B. No second motion shall be entertained until the one under consideration has been disposed of, except a motion of amendment.
C. Any speaker who introduces any matter foreign to the subject under discussion shall be ruled out of order. Any item of new business should be previously addressed to the pastor so he can in turn discuss the item with the deacons if deemed necessary. All new business items should be prayed over and considered by the pastor and deacons before being brought before the church for a discussion or vote.
D. Discourteous language or remarks adapted to injure the reputation or feelings of any member, including the moderator, shall be ruled out of order and shall forfeit the speaker’s right to the floor.
E. The moderator may speak upon any subject under discussion.
F. Only those persons whose names appear on the membership roster shall have any voice or vote in any business meeting.
G. Every member wishing to speak shall rise and respectfully address the moderator.
H. No member shall speak more than twice upon the same subject.
I. All motions and amendments shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present at said meeting unless otherwise stated in these instruments.
Section 1. Every organization within this church shall be an integral part of the church and not independent in itself. They shall, therefore, have as their aims and objectives, that of assisting the church in discharging the obligations and responsibilities which it has imposed upon itself, rather than having separate aims and objectives which always acts as a diversion.
Section 2. The officers of such organizations shall be members of this church in good standing, appointed by the pastor, and subject to ratification or removal by the pastor or deacon body.
Section 3. The pastor shall have the power of general oversight and control of all such organizations. The head of each such organization shall be responsible for a report to be read at the annual business meeting. The heads of such groups must be members in good standing with the church. Any meetings or activities must be cleared with the pastor and church calendar before being scheduled or announced. No organization is to buy or sell in the name of the church without authorization by the pastor.
The pastor and deacons shall screen all missionary projects following the instructions given in the Holy Scriptures (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 26:15-18), and the example of the first missionaries (Barnabas and Paul) sent forth from the church at Antioch by the call and empowering of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, winning souls, teaching them, establishing churches and pastors, and moving on to other places to do the same. Any other foreign or domestic type of missionary projects must be kept to a minimum in comparison to the entire missions program.
Before presenting a potential missionary endeavor to the church for monthly financial support, the pastor and deacons shall confirm the doctrinal beliefs, philosophy, and worthiness of the candidates through both written and oral questioning of his/her position as well as any mission board they may represent.
The pastor and deacons
shall recommend a specific amount and time period, if applicable, for support
of any missionary or mission project to the church for approval at any business
meeting.
Support may be discontinued temporarily or permanently for any of the following reasons by the pastor and deacon board.
A. No regular progress report in writing at least quarterly.
B. No personal contact with this church when on furlough.
C. Change of status such as, but not limited to, a change of mission field or board, not returning to field after furlough, marital status, work status, beliefs, affiliations, etc.
D. Misuse of designated support.
E. Failure to comply with periodic reviews conducted by pastor and deacons to determine validity of support needed and accomplishments in missionary endeavors.
F. A majority vote of members at any business meeting.
G. A lack of funds available to continue.
All missions projects will be supported with funds raised through Faith Promise giving. In the event that funds from Faith Promise giving is not enough for the monthly support designated for each missionary, the pastor and deacons will decide by majority vote whether to subsidize the needed support with regular church funds or to pro-rate as much support to each missionary as possible. Any surplus may be periodically designated by the pastor and deacons for special missionary projects when deemed wise to do so.
Section 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as near and as far, as often and as truly, as is possible by the grace of God; that by every honest means as a church, we shall strive to leave no stone unturned to get the people to the gospel and the gospel to the people both far and near whether by word of mouth, the air waves, or the printed page.
Section 2. To baptize by immersion all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and give satisfactory evidence that such is really true, and upon such an act become members of the church.
Section 3. To teach, exhort and admonish all believers until they are provoked unto holy living, love, and good works.
Section 4. To fulfill any and all of the charitable, religious, and educational purposes stated in the governing instruments of this divine institution.
It is deemed essential to the Biblical beliefs of the church to have the members’ children provided with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings in both content and structure of activity. It is the church’s belief that the home and church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates:
A. Church Participation. All educational programs or courses of
instruction
formulated and offered by the church in furtherance of one or more of its functions as specified in
these governing instruments shall be for the benefit of the members of the
church. Non-church members shall be
selectively allowed to participate in or take advantage of any such programs or
courses of study only if there is room for their participation after meeting
all of the needs of the members wishing to participate.
B. Staff Membership. All instructors, teachers, and administrators,
excluding visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers, engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis, in any educational program or course of instruction, shall be members of this church in good standing. Staff members that have prior affiliation and membership with another area local, independent, fundamental church of like doctrine may