Placing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for sa1vation believing in
the teaching and practices of Baptists and the following distinctive New
Testament principles, namely:
1.
The Lordship of Jesus Christ,
2.
The Bible, the sole authority for Faith and practice,
3.
The Sovereign Autonomy of the local church and the free exercise
of religion apart from governmental interference.
4.
Spiritually Reborn Active Church membership,
5.
Two church ordinances to observe:
a)
Believer's Baptism by immersion
b)
The Lord's Supper
6.
The Soul Liberty of the Believer,
7.
Progressive Sanctification,
8.
Eternal Security of the Believer,
we therefore band ourselves together as a body of immersed believers in
Jesus Christ and adopt, ordain and establish for our government and plan
of worship and service the following Declaration of Faith, Covenant,
Constitution and By-Laws, and Standing Rules.
DECLARATION OF FAITH
THE BIBLE:
We believe that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" by which
we understand the whole Bible is inspired in the sense that holy men of
God "were moved by the Holy Spirit" to write the very words of
Scripture. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and
fully to all parts of the writings--historical, poetical, doctrinal, and
prophetically- as appeared in the original manuscripts. We believe that
all the Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ in His person and
work in His first and second coming, and hence that no portion, even of
the Old Testament, is properly read, or understood, until it leads to
Him. We also believe that all the Scriptures were designed for our
practical instruction. (Mark 12:26,36; 13: 11; Luke 24:27,44; John 5:39;
Acts 1: 16; 17:23; 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23; Rom. 15:4; I Cor. 2:13;
10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
THE GODHEAD:
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons-- The
Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit--and that these three are one God;
having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and
worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience. (Matt.
28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; I Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1-3;
Rev. 1:4-6)
GOD THE FATHER:
We believe that God the Father is eternal, holy, changeless, omnipotent,
omniscient, omnipresent. He is also faithful, merciful, loving and
infinitely concerned with all men. His works can be seen in creation;
calling and caring for Israel; in providing a Redeemer; in His sovereign
control of the universe; and in His future fulfilling of all His coming
promises. (ps. 90:2; Ps. 36:5-7, Ps. 139; Ps. 19:1; Gen. 12; Acts
15:16-17; Gal. 4:4; Dan. 4:3; 34; Revelation)
GOD THE SON (CHRIST):
We believe that, as provided and proposed by God and as announced in the
prophecies of Scripture, the eternal Son of God came into this world
that He might manifest God to men, fulfill prophecy, and become the
redeemer of the lost world. To this end He was born of the Virgin Mary
and received a human body and a sinless human nature. (Luke 1:30-35;
John 1: 18,3: 16; Heb. 4: 15)
We believe that, on the human side, He became and remained a perfect
man, but sinless
throughout His life; yet He retained His absolute deity, being at the
same time very God and very man, and that His earth-life sometimes
functioned within the sphere of that which was human and sometimes
within the sphere of that which was divine. (Luke 2:40; John 1: 1-2,
Phil. 2:5-8)
We believe that in fulfillment of prophecy He came first to Israel as
her Messiah-King, and that, being rejected of that nation, He, according
to the eternal counsels of God, gave His life as a ransom for all. (John
1: 11; Acts 2:22-24; I Tim. 2:6)
We believe that, in infinite love for the lost, He voluntarily accepted
His Father's will and became the divinely provided sacrificial Lamb and
took away the sin of the world; bearing the holy judgments against sin
which the righteousness of God must impose. His death was, therefore,
substitutionary in the most absolute sense--the just for the unjust-and
by His death He became the Savior of the lost. (John 1:29; Rom. 3:25-26;
2 Cor.
5: 14; Heb. 10:5-14; I Peter 3: 18)
We believe that, according to the Scriptures, He arose from the dead in
the same body, though glorified, in which He had lived and died, and
that His resurrection body is the pattern of the body which ultimately
will be given to all believers. (John 20:20; Phil. 3:20)
We believe that, on departing from the earth, He was accepted of His
Father and that His acceptance is a final assurance to us that His
redeeming work was perfectly accomplished. (Heb. 1:3)
We believe that He became Head over all things to the church which is
His body, and in this ministry He ceases not to intercede and advocate
for the saved. (Eph. 1:22-23; Heb. 7:25; I John 2: 1)
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT:
We believe that the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the blessed
Trinity, though omnipresent from all eternity, took up His abode in the
world in a special sense on the day of Pentecost according to the divine
promise; dwells in every believer, by His baptism unites all to Christ
in one body; He, as the Indwelling One, is the source of all power and
all acceptable worship and service. We believe that He never takes His
departure from the church, nor from the feeblest of the saints, but is
ever present to testify of Christ, seeking to occupy believers with
Christ and not with themselves. We believe that His abode in the world
in this special sense will cease when Christ comes to receive His own at
the completion of the church. (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15; I Cor. 6:19; Eph.
2:22; 2 Thess. 2:7)
We believe that, in this age, certain well-defined ministries are
committed to the Holy Spirit, and that it is the duty of every Christian
to understand them and to be adjusted to them in his: own life and
experience. These ministries are: the restraining of evil in the world
to the measure of the divine will; the convicting of the world
respecting sin, righteousness;' and judgment; the regenerating of all
believers; the indwelling and anointing. of all who are saved, thereby
sealing them unto the day of redemption; the baptizing into the one body
of Christ all who are saved; the continued filling for power for
teaching, and service of those among the saved who are yielded to Him
and who are subject to His will. (John 3:6; 16:7,11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor.
12:13, Eph. 4:30; 5: 18; 2 Thess.2:7; 1 john 2:20,27)
ANGELS FALLEN & UNFALLEN:
We believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual
beings, known as angels; that one, "Lucifer, son of the morning" the
highest in rank then sinned through pride, thereby becoming Satan; that
a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of
whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates. in the
prosecution of his unholy purposes, while others who fell are "reserved
in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great
day". (Isa. 14:12,17; Ezek. 28:1119; I Tim. 3:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6)
We believe that Satan is the originator of sin, and that, under the
permission of God, he, through subtlety, led our first parents into
transgression, thereby accomplishing their moral fall and subjecting
them and their posterity to his own power; that he is the enemy of God
and the people of God, opposing and exalting himself above all that is
called God or that is worshipped; and that he who in the beginning said,
"I will be like the most High," in his warfare appears as an angel of
light, even counterfeiting the works of God by fostering religious
movements and systems of doctrine, which systems in every case are
characterized by a denial of the efficacy of the blood of Christ and of
salvation by grace alone. (Gen. 3:1-19; Rom 5:12,14; 2 Cor. 4:3-4;
11:13-15; Eph. 6:10-12; 2 Thess.2:4; I Tim. 4:1-3)
We believe that Satan was judged at the cross, though the sentence was
not then executed, and that he, a usurper, now rules as the "god of this
world" that, at the second coming of Christ, Satan will be bound and
cast into the abyss for a thousand years, and after the thousand years
he will be loosed for a little season and then "cast into the lake of
fire and brimstone, "where he shall be tormented day and night for ever
and ever". (Col. 2: 15; Rev. 20: 1-3, 10)
We believe that a great company of angels kept their holy estate and are
before the throne of God, whence they are sent forth as ministering
spirits to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. (Luke
15:10; Eph. 1:21; Heb. 1:14)
We believe that man was made lower than the angels; and that, in His
incarnation, Christ took for a little time this lower place that He
might lift the believer to His own sphere above the angels. (Heb.
2:6-10)
MAN - CREATED & FALLEN
We believe that man was originally created in the image and after the
likeness of God, and that he fell through sin, and, as a consequence of
his sin, lost his spiritual life, becoming dead ;in trespasses and sins,
and that he became subject to the power of the devil. We also believe
that this spiritual death, or total depravity of human nature, has been
transmitted to the entire human race of man, the Man Christ Jesus alone
being excepted; and hence that every child of Adam is born into the
world with a nature which not only possesses no spark of divine life,
but is essentially and unchangeably bad apart from divine grace. (Gen.
1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Ps. 14:1-3; 51:5; Jer. 17:9; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:53; Rom.
3: 10-19; 8:6-7; Eph. 2: 1-3; I John 3:8)
SALVATION:
We believe that, owing to universal death through sin, no one can enter
the kingdom of God unless born from above; and that no degree of
reformation however great, no attainments in morality however high, no
culture however attractive, no baptism or other ordinance however
administered can help the sinner to take even one step toward heaven;
but a new nature imparted from above, a new life implanted by the Holy
Spirit through the Word, is absolutely essential to salvation, and only
those thus saved are sons of God. We believe, also, that our redemption
has been accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
was made to be sin and was made a curse for us, dying in our room and
stead; and that no repentance, no feeling, no faith, no good
resolutions, no sincere efforts, no submission to the rules and
regulations of any church, nor all the churches that have existed since
the days of the Apostles, can add in the very least degree to the value
of the blood, or to the merit of the finished work wrought for us by Him
who united in His person true and proper deity with perfect and sinless
humanity. (Lev. 17: 11; Isa. 64:6; Matt. 26:28; John 3:5, 18; Rom.
5:6-9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3: 13; 6: 15; Eph. 1:7; Phil. 3:4-9; Titus 3:5;
James 1:18; I Peter 1:18-19, 23)
We believe that the new birth of the believer comes only through faith
in Christ and that repentance is a vital part of believing, and is in no
way, in itself, a separate and independent condition of salvation; nor
are any other acts, such as confession, baptism, prayer, or faithful
service, to be added to believing as a condition of salvation. (John
1:12; 3:16; 18,36; 5:24; 6:29; Acts 13:39; 16:31; Rom. 1:16-17; 3:22,
26; 4:5; 10:4; Gal. 3:22)
We believe that when an unregenerate person exercises that faith in
Christ which is illustrated and described as such in the New Testament,
he passes immediately out of spiritual death into spiritual life, and
from the old creation into the new; being justified from all things,
accepted before the Father according as Christ His Son is accepted,
loved as Christ is loved, having his place and portion as linked to Him
and one with Him forever. Though the saved one may have occasion to grow
in the realization of his blessings and to know a fuller measure of
divine power through the yielding of his life more fully to God, he is
as soon as he is saved, in possession of every spiritual blessing and
absolutely complete in Christ, and is, therefore, in no way required by
God to seek a so-called "second blessing", or a "second work of grace".
(John 5:24; 17:23; Acts 13:39; Rom. 5:1; I Cor. 3:21-23; Eph. 1:3; Col.
2:10; I John 4:17; 5:11-12)
We believe that, because of the eternal purpose of God towards the
objects of His love, because of His freedom to exercise grace toward the
meritless on the ground of the propitiatory blood of Christ, because of
the very nature of the divine gift of eternal life, because of the"
present and unending intercession and advocacy of Christ in heaven,
because of the immutability of the unchangeable covenants of God,
because of the regenerating, abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the
hearts of all who are saved, we and all true believers everywhere, once
saved shall be kept saved forever. We believe, however, that God is a
holy and righteous Father and that, since He cannot overlook the sin of
His children, He will when they persistently sin chasten them and
correct them in infinite love; but having undertaken to save them and
keep them forever, apart from all human merit, He, who cannot fail, will
in the end present every one of them faultless before the presence of
His glory and conformed to the image of His Son. (John 5:24; 10:28;
13:1; 14:16-17; 17:11; Rom. 8:29; I Cor. 6:'19; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:1-2;
5:13; Jude 1:24)
We believe it is the privilege, not only of some, but of all who are
born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ as revealed in the
Scriptures, to be assured of their salvation from the very day they take
Him to be their Savior, and that this assurance is not founded upon any
fancied discovery of their own worthiness or fitness, but wholly upon
the testimony of God in His written Word, exciting within His children
filial love, gratitude, and obedience. (Luke 10:20; 21:32; 2 Cor.
5:1,6-8; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 10:22; I John 5:13)
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
We believe that we are called with an holy calling, to walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit, and so to live in the power of the
indwelling Spirit that we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But
the flesh with its fallen, Adamic nature, which in this life is never
eradicated, being with us to the end of our' earthly pilgrimage, needs
to be kept by the Spirit constantly in subjection to Christ, or it will
surely manifest its presence in our lives to the dishonor of our Lord.
(Rom. 6: 11-13; 8:2,4; 12-13; Gal. 5: 16-23; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 2: 1-10;
I Peter 1: 14-16; I John 1:4-7; 3:5-9)
CHRISTIAN SERVICE:
We believe that divine, enabling gifts for service are bestowed by the
Spirit upon all who are saved. While there is a diversity of gifts, each
believer is energized by the same Spirit and each is called to his own
divinely appointed service as the Spirit may will. In the apostolic
church there were certain gifted men--apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers-- who ere appointed by God for the perfecting of
the saints unto their work of the ministry. We believe also that today
some men are especially called of God to be evangelists, pastors and
teaches, and that it is to the fulfilling of His will and to His eternal
glory that these shall be sustained and encouraged in their service for
God. (Rom. 12:6; I Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:11)
We believe that, wholly apart from salvation benefits which are bestowed
equally upon all who believe, rewards are promised according to the
faithfulness of each believer in his service for his Lord, and that
those rewards will be bestowed at the judgment seat of Christ. (I Cor.
3:9-15; 9:18-27; 2 Cor. 5:10)
THE CHURCH:
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, which is
composed of all true believers, and in Him is invested supremely all
power for its government. According to New Testament commandments,
Christians are to associate themselves into particular ,societies or
churches; and to each of these local churches He has given needful
authority for administering that order, discipline, and worship which He
has appointed. (Co1. 1: 18; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5)
We believe that a Local Church is a congregation of immersed believers
associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing
the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the
gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its
officers and Elders and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and
duties, are clearly defined in the scriptures. We believe the true
mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as
we have opportunity. We hold that the local Church has the absolute
right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of
individual or organizations; and that the one and only Superintendent is
Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches
to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the
furtherance of the Gospel; the each Local Church is the sole judge of
the membership, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the Local
Church is final. (Acts 1:8,2:41,42; 20:17-28; I Cor. 11:2; 5:1-6:4; Col.
1: 18; Eph. 5:23,24; I Tim. 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9)
THE ORDINANCES:
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in
water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the
crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effort in our death to sin
and resurrection to a new life. That it is pre-requisite to church
membership. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of
His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn
self-examination. (Matt. 28: 19; Acts 10:47-48; 8:26-39; John 3:23; Rom.
6:3-5; Matt. 28:19; Co1. 2:12; I Cor. 11:23-28)
CIVIL GOVERNMENT:
We believe that civil government is of Divine appointment for the
interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be
prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except in things opposed
to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only Lord of the
conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth. (Rom.
13:1-7; n Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; 5:20; 4: 19,20; Matt.
22:21; Dan. 3:17,18; I Peter 2: 13-17)
THE LAST THINGS:
We believe in the personal, imminent and pre-millennial coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on
the personal life and service of the believer. (I Thess. 4:13-18;
5:1-11; Rev. 20:1-6; Titus 2:11-14) In accord with our beliefs we teach
the following:
- The next great event for the Church in the fulfillment of prophecy
will be the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into
heaven 1:5pth His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and
also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus, and that this event is the
blessed hope set before us in Scripture, and for this we should be
constantly looking. (John 14: 1-3; I Cor. 15: 1-52; Phil. 3:20; I
Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2: 11-14)
- The coming of the Lord for His Church will be followed by the
fulfillment of Israel's seventieth week, (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1-19:21)
during which the church, the body of Christ, will be in heaven. The
whole period of Israel's seventieth week will be a time of judgment
on the whole earth, at the end of which the times of the Gentiles
will be brought to a close. The latter half of this period will be
the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer.30:7), which our Lord called the
great tribulation (Matt. 24: 15-21). We believe that universal
righteousness will not be realized previous to the second coming of
Christ, but that the world is day by day ripening for judgment and
that the age will end with a fearful apostasy.
- The period of great tribulation in the earth will be climaxed by the
return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as He went, in person
on the clouds of heaven, and with power and great glory to introduce
the millennial age, to bind Satan and place him in the abyss, to
lift the curse which now rests upon the whole creation, to restore
Israel to her own land and to give her the realization of God's
covenant promises, and to bring the whole world to the knowledge of
God. (Deut. 30:1-10; Isa. 11:9, Ezek. 37:21-22; Matt. 24:15-25; 46;
Acts 15:16-17; Rom. 8:19-23; 11;25-27; I Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3: 1-5;
Rev. 20: 1-3)
THE ETERNAL STATE:
We believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted
in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation pass immediately into His
presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of
the glorified body when Christ comes for His own, whereupon soul and
body reunited shall be associated with Him forever in glory; but the
spirits and souls of the unbelieving remain after death conscious of
condemnation and in 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; 23:42; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23,2
Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 1:6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)
COVENANT OF FELLOWSHIP
As born-again believers and members of this local church, we agree by
the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit:
To walk together in Christian love. (John 13:34-35; I Thess. 4:8-10)
To strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and
comfort by promoting its prosperity and spirituality; sustaining its
worship, ordinances, discipline and beliefs; giving it proper
preeminence over institutions of human origin. (Hebrews 10:24-25; 13:7;
I Thess. 5: 11-13)
To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry;
the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of
the gospel through, missions. (I Cor. 8:12-13; 9:6-7; 16:1-2)
To involve ourselves in family and personal worship. (II Tim. 2:15; 3:
15-17)
To train our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, seeking to
educate them in accord with biblical truths, realizing that God holds
parents responsible for the education of their children. (Eph. 6:4;
Duet. 6:1)
To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances. (Rm. 1: 16-17;
Acts 20:20-21)
To walk circumspectly in the world. (I Thess. 4: 12)
To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary
in our deportment. (I Thess. 4:11-12; 5:15; 1:6-7)
To abstain from anything whi9h is a form of evil or which might cause a
fellow believer to stumble. (I Thess. 5:22, I Cor. 8:9; 10:23; 31-32)
To remember each other in prayer, aiding each other in sickness and
distress. (Gal. 6:2,10; Eph. 3: 14-19; Phil. 4:14-16)
To cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech. (Eph.
4:25,29; Phil. 4:8)
To be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and
mindful of the instruction of our Savior, to secure it without delay.
(Eph. 4:31-32; James 1: 19-20; Matt. 5:23-24)
CONSTITUTION
Article I.
The name of this Organization, a corporation, shall be The First Baptist
Church of Hood River, Oregon. The church may establish, from time to
time, subsidiary corporations for ministry purposes, which are governed
in the manner specified in the By-laws of the Corporation.
(Definition of a subsidiary corporation: A corporation having more than
half of its ownership owned by another corporation.)
Article II. Object
The object of this organization shall be:
- To provide for the worship of God.
-:
- To educate its constituency with a Christian view of God and the
world.
- To teach and preach the Word of God in order to win people to a
personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- To seek the spiritual improvement of its members.
- To administer the ordinances of the New Testament.
- To advance the interests of the above Church in its community.
- To extend the ministry of the Gospel unto an the earth.
Article III. Membership
The Objective of Membership
Membership is encouraged of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who
are fellowshipping at First Baptist Church. Those who already are
members here desire to see (non-members) come into agreement with the
goals and objectives of FBC, and join in concert with the First Baptist
family. This will ensure the non-members God-given gifts, spiritual
insight, and Christian growth are maximized in ministry. This will also
benefit the non-member with accountability to God's ministry agent in
this present age, the Local Church.
Prerequisites to Membership
The membership of this church shall consist of believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ who have been immersed, who have acknowledged agreement
with the faith, practice and covenant of this church and have been
received into fellowship by regular action of the church. (By-Laws and
Standing Rules. Art. A)
Article IV. Officers
The Scriptural officers of this church are Elders and Deacons. Their
election, term of
service and succession are determined by the By-Laws. The church shall
elect and appoint to the various forms of service as indicated by titles
and as defined in the By-Laws and such other members as are deemed
advisable. (By-Laws and Standing Rules. Art. B)
Article V. Meetings
Meetings for worship, prayer, praise, instruction, fellowship, business,
and special purposes shall be held as set forth in the By-Laws. (See By
Laws and Standing Rules Article E)
Article VI. Relationships
Believing in the local church as an autonomous body of believers under
the leadership of the Holy Spirit, this church by official action shall
determine the maintaining of fraternal fellowship and cooperation with
churches of like faith and practice, or with organized groups of
Baptists or inter-church relationships when our cardinal beliefs will
not be compromised. To such groups this church may send statistical
reports and may be represented in their meetings. No financial support
is to be given to a work, or workers, whose doctrinal position is not in
keeping with the Preamble of this Constitution.
Article VII - Amendments
This constitution may be amended by a three-fourths vote of members
present and voting at any quarterly business meeting provided such
amendments have been submitted in writing at the previously regularly
scheduled quarterly business meeting. All such proposed amendments shall
be reviewed by the Board of Elders prior to the vote of members (Art. J
- Amendments; Art. E, Section 3 - Quorum)
BY-LAWS AND STANDING RULES
Preamble
These By-Laws and Standing Rules are adopted, ordained, and established
for our government and plan of worship and service. No by-law or
standing rule which conflicts with the Articles of Incorporation or the
Constitution of this church shall be effective. Detailed method of
application is embodied in the standing rules.
Article A - Membership
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
a)
Persons applying for membership must profess faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ and hold to convictions of faith and practice that are in
conformity with those of this church which include baptism by immersion
and a willingness to yield to the duly called and elected leadership of
this church.
Section 2. Manner of Receiving Members
a)
All applications for membership in this church shall be presented
to the Board of Elders.
b)
All applicants for admission to membership of this church shall
appear before the Board of Elders for consultation and examination.
c)
All applicants, sixteen years and older, shall be presented with
a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. They shall be required to have
read it and indicate their willingness to accept the views of faith and
practice adopted by this church as written in the Preamble and
Declaration of Faith. If the applicant is a child under sixteen years of
age, that person, upon reaching the age of sixteen will be required to
accept the Constitution and By-Laws.
d)
All applicants shall read and study any material recommended by
the Board of Elders.
e)
Applicants may be received:
1)
By letter of transfer. Upon receipt of a letter duly granted,
members of other Baptist churches, whose doctrinal position is in
agreement with the Preamble of this church, may be received.
2)
By statement of Christian Experience. Persons who have been
immersed upon the profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, have a
credible testimony, and accept the views of faith and practice adopted
by this church, may be received.
3)
By restoration. Persons who have been members of this
church from whom the hand of fellowship has been withdrawn, or whose
membership has lapsed due to dereliction on the individual's part, may
upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders and a vote of the church
be restored to membership after public testimony.
f) Names of applicants recommended to
the church by the Board of Elders shall be read at any two consecutive
Sunday morning and evening services of the church. If no objection to
the applicant is received by the Elders within one week after the second
week of notice, the applicant will be automatically accepted into
membership. No applicant shall be presented to the membership without
said recommendation.
Section 3. Duties of Members
It shall be the duties of each member of this church to keep the
covenant of obligations set forth in this Constitution and to humbly
assist fellow members in keeping theirs; to attend all regular services
of the church when possible; to honor and esteem the Elders, to pray for
them fervently and daily, to yield to them in the Scriptural exercise of
their office; in proportion to ability, to contribute materially to the
support of the ministry of this church; to actively seek and develop an
active witness as a way of life.
Section 4. Termination of Membership
a)
Letter of transfer. Upon the request of another church of like
faith and order, the Member Care Council shall grant a letter of
transfer and the FBC body be informed.
b)
Letter of dismissal. Upon request of any member, the Elder Board
may grant a letter of dismissal and the church informed.
c)
Others:
1) If a member, resident or non-resident, fails to keep in touch with
the church, or neglects the covenant obligations, the church may, after
a period of six months, put the individual's name on an inactive list.
Twice a year, in December and June, the inactive list will be reviewed
by the Member Care Council to determine if a person's name should be
permanently removed from the membership roll excepting for reasons of
illness, handicap, or temporarily out of town. This requires a
two-thirds vote of members voting at a business meeting announced at a
regular church meeting one week prior to the vote.
2) Exclusion (See Section 5 - Discipline) Members may be excluded from
membership for conduct unbecoming to a Christian, or for any other cause
that promotes discord and injures the Unity and effectiveness of the
church, by two-thirds vote of members voting at a business meeting.
Announcement of such a vote is to be made -one week prior to the vote
and the member in consideration is to be notified one week prior to the
vote.
Section 5. Discipline of Membership
As it is one of the important duties of the Christian church to keep
itself pure, it shall be the duty of the Board of Elders to seek to
reclaim those members who disregard their covenant obligations. When the
Board is satisfied of continued gross misconduct, public or private,
such matters shall be dealt with according to New Testament teaching and
every effort made to give a fair and impartial hearing to the accused
and to win the member or members to renewed Christian living and church
relation. If the accused stubbornly persists in un-Christian behavior it
shall be the duty of the Board to prefer charges before the church
against the one or ones involved and opportunity given to state one's
case.
If the member's address is unknown, or if the member has consented to
have the hand of fellowship withdrawn, or has definitely informed the
Board that he or she does not want a formal trial of the case, the Board
shall recommend that the name of the member be removed from the roll and
the church shall act immediately upon such recommendation. When the
Board prefers charges, the trial shall be conducted in accordance with
the spirit and teachings of the New Testament and all possible
consideration of the rights of the member and the welfare of the church.
(Matt. 18:15-17; I Cor. 5:1-6:4, II Cor. 2:1-11)
Section 6. Non-members
We value everyone who attends our regular worship services and other
church programs. It is our goal to help people "get to know" God and his
love for them, and progressively deepen their relationship with him. We
encourage all people who attend to obey the Spirit's prompting to
participate or serve on church councils or committees. Non-members may
participate as a leader in the church's various ministries, although
this will require a meeting with the appropriate church council or the
Elder overseeing that ministry. Non-members cannot vote at church
business meetings nor can they be elected to an office such as Elder.
Everyone attending church services or participating in church ministries
should conduct themselves appropriately in Christian love and humility.
To do otherwise brings harm and embarrassment to the body of Christ, and
such a person would be subject to church discipline. (See Section 5 -
Discipline of membership)
Article B - Officers
Section 1 _Board of Elders
a)
Election and Term of Office. The governing body of this local
church corporation shall be known as the Board of Elders and shall
consist of not less than three (3) nor more than (15) members elected
and confirmed at the annual business meeting for the term of three (3)
years, excluding those on the Pastoral team. Elders shall be voted on
individually and elected by a three-fourths majority of those present
and voting. The expiration of the terms of the members of this board
shall be staggered so that each year approximately one-third of the
members shall be retired and a like number shall be elected to the
office of elder, unless qualified person are not available to serve.
All Pastors, officers, councils, committees, subsidiary ministry
corporations and Staff shall be responsible to this Board. The Board
shall be accountable to the local church. The local church is
accountable to its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ.
b)
Biblical Qualifications. Each member of the Board of Elders shall
be an active member of this local church and posses the qualifications
described in
I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-7. He shall be:
1) Blameless (above reproach) as a steward of God.
I Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:6,7
2) Husband of one wife (a one-woman man).
I Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:6
3) Temperate (sober, vigilant).
I Tim. 3:2
4) Sober minded (prudent).
I Tim.
3:2,Titus 1:8
5) Of good behavior (orderly, respectable).
I Tim. 3:2
6) Given to hospitality.
7) Apt to teach (able to teach) (He can exhort
believers & refute false
teaching)
I Tim.
3:2, Titus 1:9
8) Not given to wine.
9) Not violent (pugnacious).
10) Patient (moderate, forbearing, gentle).
11) Not a brawler (un-contentious) (not soon angry
or quick tempered)
I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7
12) Not covetous (not a lover of money) (not greedy of base gain). .
I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7
13) Rules well his own house (his children are faithful not accused of
rebellion to God).
I Tim. 3:4, Titus 1:6
14) Not a novice (not a new convert).
I Tim 3:6
15) Has a good report or reputation with outsiders.
I Tim. 3:7
16) Not self-willed.
Titus 1:7
17) A lover of good (men and things).
Titus 1:8
18) Just (fair).
Titus 1:8
19) Holy (devout).
Titus 1:8
20) Self-controlled.
Titus 1:8
Each member of the Board of Elders shall be a believer in and
teacher of the Gospel and fundamental teachings of faith as held by this
church as stated in the Preamble and Declaration of Faith of the
Constitution.
c)
Leadership Gifting - In addition to the qualifications listed
under sub-section b, Elder candidates must also exhibit a spiritual gift
for administrative leadership (Romans 12:6-8), I Cor 12:28)
1)
Elder candidates should have demonstrated ability to provide
leadership for the church. Leadership can be demonstrated in a variety
of ways and is not solely a function of being in a position of
leadership.
2)
Elder candidates should be able to plan, organize, direct, &
manage with diligence the affairs of a council while demonstrating a
style that encourages participation by members.
3)
Elder candidates should be able to listen effectively to member
concerns and should be able to speak effectively both to individuals and
in-group settings.
d)
Duties - The Elders are responsible for shepherding and having
oversight over the local church. Specific Biblical directives include:
1)
To rule, govern, direct and administer the work of the church (I
Tim. 3:4-5, 5:17; I Thess. 5:12; I Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7,
17,24)
2)
To care for the church (Acts 20:35; I Tim. 3:5; Luke 10:34-35)
3)
To provide for the discipline of erring members when such is
deemed necessary, while striving for reconciliation ( I Thess.
5:12;nThess. 3:14-15; I Tim. 3:4-5)
4)
To teach (I Tim. 3:2, 5: 17; Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28; I peter
5:2-3)
5)
To guard the church from error (Titus 1:9; Acts 20:28)
6)
To exercise general oversight of financial matters of the church
and church property (I Tim. 3:3; I Peter 5:2; Acts 11:30)
7)
To be committed to being an elder, recognizing that the work of
the office is described as hard, not an easy task. (Acts 20:35;I Thess.
5:12; I Tim. 5:17; I Cor. 15:10; Gal. 4:11)
Specific duties resulting from these directives would include the
following:
1)
To establish policies and determine practices for the church in
keeping with God's Word and the Church Constitution.
2)
To elect a chairman, vice chairman and secretary-treasurer who
also constitute the "Officers" of The First Baptist Church of Hood
River" Inc.
3)
To designate a member of the Board of Elders to be moderator of
church business meetings.
4)
To serve as co-chairmen of the various councils.
5)
To appoint church members to co-chairman of various councils and
other service positions, e.g. Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent as
may be needed by the ministries of the church.
6)
To develop Operating Agreements with subsidiary ministry
corporations which specify the specific delegation of authority to carry
out the purposes of the ministry and the ongoing relationship that the
subsidiaries will have with the church. Such agreements are subject to a
confirmation vote of the church only on matters which exceed the
authority delegated to the Board of Elders by the church membership.
7)
To hear and consider all reports and recommendations submitted by
pastors" councils, committees and staff.
8)
To prepare an annual church budget, including, but not limited
to, any salaries of Pastor-Teacher(s) and church support staff as
well as missionary and Christian Education commitments. The various
councils will provide the Board suggested budgets from which to work in
the light of each council's needs and goals. The annual budget shall be
posted two weeks prior to the annual meeting and approved by the church
at the annual meeting.
9)
To have charge of the property and all temporalities of the
church, but they shall not sell, mortgage or otherwise encumber the real
estate of other property of the church, and they shall not purchase
property or otherwise obligate the church, without consent of two-thirds
of the members of the church who are present at a special meeting called
for that purpose by public notice given at least two weeks previously.
10)
To contact prospective staff personnel, determine duties,
salaries, vacations, and tenure, and to make recommendation to the
church to fill any staff vacancy in positions existing or created by the
actions of the church. They shall execute the wishes of the church
relative to staff personnel who shall directly be responsible to the
board for the efficient performance of their duties.
11)
To employ one or more custodians from the membership, if
possible, and to recommend their salaries,
and determine their duties.
12)
To be responsible for the designation of a bank for general
banking and a depository for securities and other valuables of the
church as well as supervising the handling of trust and endowment funds.
13)
To acquaint themselves with the laws of the State of Oregon, and
other applicable regulations that pertain to churches and see that such
laws are faithfully obeyed in all matters affecting the church.
14)
To make quarterly and annual reports to the church.
15)
To make expenditures on the behalf of the church as follows:
i) Budgeted Line Items
Full authority to spend sums budgeted by the church by line item,
subject to a majority vote of the Board, and further subject to the
availability of receipts sufficient to fund budgeted expenses.
ii) Restricted Funds (Restricted by the Congregation)
Authority to spend moneys from special funds which have been authorized
by the congregation, subject to a limit of $20,000.00 (Twenty-Thousand
Dollars) per fund. However, notice to the congregation of at least one
(1) week must be given in a regular morning worship service prior to
spending the money. The notice must include the details of the
expenditure, thus allowing members to review and comment on it. If
alternative ideas are received, the Board is expected to respond within
the next week to the people offering feedback.
iii) Non-Budgeted Emergencies
Full authority to spend-funds up to $2,500.00 (Twenty-Five Hundred
Dollars) for non-budgeted emergencies subject to sufficient funds. This
provision is primarily intended to cover emergency repairs to the
buildings.
iv) Restricted Funds (Restricted by the Donor)
Donations can be made to purchase non-budget items. However, before
funds are deposited or expended, the specific council responsible for
the item(s) to be purchased will be required to assess the need, i.e.,
does the item further council's goals and objectives. The council will
inform the Church publicly with notice in the bulletin of the proposed
purchase. The council Elder will then bring the recommended item before
the Elder Board for final approval or disapproval of the expenditure.
e) Officers of the Board of Elders
1)
Chairman - The Chairman shall preside at all Board meetings which
are to be conducted according to scriptural principles such as set forth
in Philippians 2:2-8, and Robert's Parliamentary Rules of Order. The
Chairman shall, in the absence of the Pastor- Teacher, be responsible
for the leadership of the church service. The Chairman serves as the
President of The First Baptist Church of Hood River, Oregon.
2)
Vice-Chairman - The Vice-Chairman shall assume all of the above
enumerated duties of the Chairman in his the absence. The Vice-Chairman
serves as the Vice-President of the- First Baptist Church of Hood River,
Inc.
3)
Secretary - The Secretary shall see that the minutes of all
meetings of the Board of Elders and the Church are kept and shall attach
to said minutes all official, correspondence relating to the Board or
Church. He shall be charged with the duty of giving proper notice to the
congregation of annual and special meetings. He may join the Church
Treasurer in serving as a co-chairman of the Finance and Administrative
Council. He will receive correspondence, e.g. legal papers and send all
official notices of the church, as well as oversee the keeping of the
Church's permanent membership book
f)
Meeting and Quorum
1)
The Board of Elders shall conduct regular meetings at least once
a month and special meetings at such other times as called for by the
Pastor-Teacher or Chairman of the Board. A majority of the Board
membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting
church business. The first part of the meetings will be given over to
time in God's Word and prayer.
2)
Regular meeting dates of the Board of Elders shall be determined
at the first Elder's meeting of each year and be posted as to date, time
and place.
3)
Regular meetings of the Board of Elders shall be open to members
of the church except when meeting in executive session to discuss
personnel matters.
4)
Subsidiary Ministry Corporations will be represented at each
public Board of Elders meeting by the Chair or Vice Chair of that
Ministry Corporation. The positions will be ex-officio for voting
purposes unless that particular individual is also an Elder of the
Church.
g) Decisions of the Board of Elders
1)
Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration in a
spirit of humility, with each Elder respecting the opinions of other
members.
a)
It is the goal of the church for the elders to reach decisions by
unanimous consent without the need for formal voting.
b)
Sometimes after careful consideration, it is not possible to
reach a unanimous vote. In those cases, a majority vote of 80% or more
is required to proceed with an action or recommendation to the church.
c)
When a vote is required and has passed by the required 80% mar_
those elders not voting for the majority will make every effort to
support the decision of the full board.
2)
Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from The
First Baptist Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature
or amount of said compensation. The remuneration of any Elder shall be
determined by the Board and approved by vote of the church. This may be
changed at any regular business meeting of the church.
h) Disciplining of Elders
The congregation has the responsibility to discipline an Elder according
to the Biblical principles as necessary (I Tim. 5: 19-22)
Section 2. Senior Pastor
a)
Election - The Senior Pastor shall be sought out by the Board of
Elders and presented to the church for confirmation 1,)y the members at
its annual or at a special business meeting. Such confirmation shall
consist of a three-fourths majority of all votes cast. Any meeting
concerned with the selection and confirmation of a Senior Pastor must be
publicly announced at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
b)
Qualifications - The Senior Pastor shall be a believer in and
preacher of the " Gospel and fundamental doctrines of faith as held by
this church as stated in the Preamble and Declaration of Faith of the
Constitution. The Senior Pastor shall meet the same qualifications as
the Elder.
c)
Duties - The Senior Pastor shall be a voting ex-officio member of
the Board of Elders. (See exception Article B,(g), 2) He shall be
responsible to the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor shall arrange for
and/or conduct all public and regular services of the church. He, in
conjunction with the Board of Elders, shall be responsible for the
general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. The Senior
Pastor shall give himself primarily to the ministry of the Word and
prayer (Ephesians 4: 12-16; I Tim. 5: 17).
d)
Termination. The Pastoral relationship may be terminated, by the
Senior Pastor or church, with sixty (60) days notice, or sooner, by
mutual consent. Church
action to terminate the relationship to be preceded by two (2) weeks
notice and a vote of three-fourths of the members present at the called,
meeting.
Section 3 Other Pastoral Staff
a)
Election - Other pastoral staff as needed by the ministries of
the church shall be sought out by the Board of Elders and presented to
the church for confirmation by the members at its annual quarterly or at
a special-called business meeting. Such confirmation shall consist of a
three-fourths majority of all votes cast. Any meeting concerned with the
selection and confirmation of a Pastoral staff must be publicly
announced at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
b)
Qualifications- Other Pastoral staff members shall be a believer
in and teacher of the Gospel and fundamental doctrines of faith
as held by this church as stated in the Preamble and Declaration of
Faith of the Constitution.
c)
Duties - A position description will be developed for each
pastoral staff member which includes the required qua1ifications
training & and duties of the position along with the expected hours of
work for compensation purposes if paid. Pastoral staff members will
receive their day-to-day guidance from the Senior Pastor. Pastoral
staff' may be elected as e1ders if so qualified and nominated. They are
excluded from voting on the amount of their salary.
d)
Termination - The Pastoral staff relationship may be terminated
by the Pastor Staff member or with sixty (60) days notice, or sooner,
by mutual consent. Church action to terminate the re1ationship to be
preceded by two (2) weeks notice and a vote of three-fourths of the
members present at the called meeting.
Section 4. Deacons
a)
Election - The Deacons shall be elected at the annual business
meeting for a term of one (1) year.
b) Qualifications - The Deacons shall consist of members possessing
the qualifications described in I Timothy 3:8-13.
c)
Duties - The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding
of the saints and assist the Pastor at the communion and baptismal
services. They shall oversee church ushers, greeters at the doors, and
will be responsible for the safety and security of church property
during the services. They shall aid in the general spiritual and
physical care needs of the church, including the assisting in the care
of the sick and needy, and perform other duties as determined by the
Member Care Council which can include visitation, administering
communion to shut-ins, counseling and other such needs as may exist from
time to time. A deacon will serve as co-chairman of the Member Care
Council. All deacons are members of the Member Care Council.
Article C - Councils, Committees and
Stated Positions
Section 1. Purpose
a)
To enable efficient handling of Board matters, the Board of
Elders may appoint various councils and committees from within its
membership, the staff and from the church-at-large. These councils and
committees shall perform tasks in accordance with the duties and with
powers specifically delegated by the Board.
b)
The general functions of councils and committees are to conduct
the day-today work of the church and to bring considered
recommendations to the Board concerning ministries and to provide a
wider base of counsel to the Elders having the responsibility of
specific ministries.
c)
All committees shall exist for the period specified by the Board.
d)
The various individual positions will be filled by recommendation
of the Board of Elders and approval by the church. Length of terms to be
included in the job descriptions specified by the Board.
Section 2. Standing Councils
a)
Member Care Council - The Member Care Council shall consist of
the Deacons, and Deaconesses and other members wishing to serve in this
vital ministry of people care. Overall the council shall plan and carry
out activities that encourage togetherness and a genuine mutual sharing
in the lives of this local body of believers. This will be accomplished
by developing and maintaining fellowship care groups, a church-wide
prayer ministry and other activities that encourage and strengthen the
body as we walk together in Christian love. The Member Care Council
shall prepare a suggested budget for the Board of Elders showing
priority and optional items of expense in keeping with the goals of the
council.
b)
Great Commission Council - The Great Commission Council shall be
responsible for creatively developing ministries within the church body
including evangelism, volunteer and church supported missions, and
evangelism ministries focused on specific segments of the community. The
Great Commission Council shall be responsible for creating ministry
opportunities awareness, a missions awareness in the church through
education, conferences, correspondence and other creative means. The
Great Commission Council shall prepare a suggested budget for the Board
of Elders showing priority and optional items of expense in keeping with
thee goals of the council.
c)
Discipleship Council - This council is responsible for the
development of committed followers of Jesus Christ. This would include
developing ministries and Christian educational programs for new
Christians and/or new church members, assisting the Member Care Council
in developing, leading and maintaining small group ministries within the
church, developing prayer ministries within the church, and developing
specific programs for all ages and segments of the church community.
In addition, the Discipleship Council shall establish and maintain an
interest profile for each member of the congregation. It shall aid
members in discerning and developing their spiritual gifts. It shall
endeavor to place every member in an area of ministry where he/she can
use his/her gifts.
They shall select and train staff from among church members; choose
appropriate materials and curricu1um to present to the Board of Elders
for approval; and seek to creatively develop a learning climate within
the church. The council shall prepare a suggested budget for the Board
of Elders showing priority and optional items of expense in keeping with
the goals of the council.
d)
Finance & Administrative Council - The Finance and administrative
Council, co-chaired by the Treasurer, shall assist the Elders in all
financial matters of the church.
1)
Budget and financial oversight,- including retirement funds and
property transactions.
2)
The supervision of paid office staff
3)
Ensuring that all insurance coverage's are adequate for the
church and that the church is in full compliance with laws that may
affect the church.
4)
Shall assist the Facilities Council in fundraising programs that
may be necessary to implement facilities improvements;
5)
Shall serve as an audit committee and report their findings
annually to the Church at the December business meeting.
e)
Facilities Council - The council is responsible for developing
short and long range facility plans, and work with Finance and
Administrative Council in fund raising programs that may be necessary to
implement facilities improvements, and to supervise the care and
maintenance and improvement of church buildings, properties and
equipment. The Facilities council shall regulate all physical use of
the church property in accordance with policies set by the Board of
Elders and shall supervise custodial staff. It shall prepare a
suggested budget for the Board of Elders showing priority and optional
items of expense in keeping with its goals.
f)
Subsidiary Ministry Councils - Each subsidiary Ministry
Corporation may form councils to help assist the Subsidiary Ministry
Board of Directors in the performances of its duties as
delegated from the church Board of Elders. These subsidiary
ministry councils will follow the same guidelines as other church
councils, except that they will provide their assistance to the ministry
Board of Directors instead of to the Church Board of Elders.
g)
Nominating Council - The Board of Elders shall appoint a
Nominating Council of not less than five (5) active members of
the church. Council members will serve for one year. Using the interest
profile, the council shall make every effort to examine more than one
person for any one position they are trying to fill. The congregation
will be informed when the council is actively seeking to fi1l vacancies
and church members may suggest people for consideration.
After consultation with the Elder Board, the council will prepare and
present to the church, a list of nominees for any church
office/positions, which need to be filled at the annual business meeting
or other quarterly business meetings. (See Article F - Elections
- for further details.)
h)
Worship Services Council - This council is responsible for
coordinating the various aspects of the churches worship services
including, music, teaching, communion, ushering, audio-visual,
publicity, and special services (baptisms) for specific segments of
the church and or community.
From the church interest profile, council members shall encourage
participation from those in the body who are gifted in singing, 'playing
musical instruments and being part of a worship team. The worship
leader, volunteer or paid, shall be a member of the church.
The
Senior Pastor will be an active member of this council and can serve as
one of its co-chairman.
The Worship Services Council shall prepare a suggested budget for the
Board of Elders showing priority and optional items of expense in
keeping with its goals.
Section 4. Stated Positions
a)
Deaconess - The Deaconesses shall be appointed at the annual
business meeting for a term of one (1) year. The Deaconesses shall be of
the same spiritual caliber as the Deacons with careful consideration
given to the instructions noted in, I Timothy 3: 11. They shall prepare
the communion e1ements, assist the, pastoral staff at baptismal services
and in the genera1 spiritual care of the church, e.g. prayer chain,
visitation. All deaconesses are members of the Member Care Council.
b)
Treasurer - The duties of the treasurer shall be:
1) To ensure that funds contributed to the church are deposited into
designated church bank account(s), donor records are maintained, and
that disbursements made from church bank account(s) are in accordance
with the adopted policies of the church, the legal restrictions placed
upon those funds by contributors and in compliance with all federal,
state and local laws. All bank deposits of the church shall be made
and kept in the name of the church.
2) As co-chairman of the Finance and Administration Counci1, the
Treasurer will oversee the preparation of the church's annual budget be
a signatory on all church checks and work with the church administrative
staff to ensure that proper and timely financial statements are
presented to the Elder Board and the Church. The Treasurer also is
responsible for seeing that the annual non-profit corporation report is
filed with the State of Oregon, and the annual fee paid.
3) Authorization for payment from any fund not in the church budget
shall be by a vote of the Board of Elders.
c)
Sunday School Superintendent - The Sunday School Superintendent
with the advice of the Discipleship Council and approval of the Board of
Elders shall appoint and determine the tenure of such assistants and
teachers as he may require, and shall have general charge of all matters
pertaining to Sunday school as it fits with the mission of the
Discipleship Council.
Article D- Auxiliary Organizations
Section 1. Organization
The church may upon recommendation of the Board of Elders, recognize
organizations whose primary purpose is to foster various phases of the
life and activity of the church as Auxiliary Organizations. With the
exception of the Sunday School these groups shall effect their own
regulations insofar as these do not come into conflict with these
By-Laws. All officers of recognized auxiliary organizations of high
school age and over shall be members of this church.
Section 2 - Reports of Income and Disbursements
The treasurer of each auxiliary organization
shall make a written
quarterly report of income and disbursements at the annual and.
quarterly Business Meetings.
Article E - Meetings
Section 1- Worship
a)
Public worship shall be held each Sunday morning and evening;
prayer service Bible Study and other meetings as the church may direct.
b)
The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least one Sunday of each
month at which time the Hand of Fellowship shall be extended to new
members. A fellowship offering for relief work shall be received by the
Deacons.
c)
The church covenant shall be read at a regular meeting of the
church at least twice a year.
d)
Special meetings for evangelism, Bible Study, missions, etc., may
be held as the church may direct.
Section 2-ForBusiness
a)
The annual meeting of the church for the election of designated
positions for the ensuing year shall be held during the month of
December. The annual meeting of the church for approval of the annual
budget and transactions of other business will be held in January of the
New Year.
b)
The regular quarterly business meeting shall be held in the
months of April, July and October.
c)
Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, by the
Chairman of the Board of Elders or by a quorum of the members of the
Board of the Elders, or upon written request of ten members. Notice of
such meetings shall be given from the pulpit by the Pastor at least
seven (7) days prior to the meeting and shall also be published in the
regular church bulletin on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.
The notice shall specify the date, time and place and the general nature
of the business to be transacted.
Section 3 - Quorum
All members present at an annual business meeting, quarterly or special
meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Standing Rule: Meetings
The order of business for the annual business meeting shall include the
following items:
a)
Reading of the minutes and reports.
b)
Unfinished business.
c)
New business.
Article F - Elections
Section 1 - Time
The election and appointment confirmation of the officers and positions
of this church enumerated in, Articles B and C of these By-Laws shall be
at the annual business meeting.
Section 2 Mode
All elections shall be by written ballot. No voting by proxy shall be
permitted.
Section 3 - Nominations
The Nominating Council (See Article C - Section G) using the interest
profile, suggestions from the Elder Board and congregation shall make
every effort to examine more than one person for any one church office
or position it is trying to fill. The Council shall review all
candidates and determine each nominee's qualifications.
Members of the Nominating Council may be nominees, but no Council member
shall nominate himself/herself for any office. In conjunction with the
secretary of the Board of Elders, the Nominating Council shall publicly
post the list of nominees for each office at least three (3) weeks prior
to the annual meeting, or any quarterly meeting as provided in Article
B2, Section 2g. After the list has been posted and no less than fourteen
(14) days before a meeting any member may submit any additional
nominations to the Board of Elders for their consideration.
Section 4 - Interim Vacancies
In the event that any of the elective offices becomes vacant during the
interim between annual elections, the Board of Elders shall have the
authority to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term, subject to the
vote of the church, at the next quarterly business meeting or a
special-called business meeting. The Board of Elders shall further have
the authority to fill vacancies which may exist on its own Board,
subject to the vote of the church at the next quarterly business meeting
or special-called business meeting.
Article G - Manner of Conducting
Business or Standing Rules
Section 1 - Led by God
The business of this church shall be conducted as becomes the Body of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Regular parliamentary procedures shall be
followed until such time as it is evident that-neither the Holy Spirit
is directing nor Christian graces manifest. At such a time any member so
cognizant of the loss may call the group to this remembrance; and
regardless of what is before the house, the floor shall be cleared and
new effort made to be led of God in order concerning the business at
hand.
Section 2 - Emergency Suspension of Rules
A rule of order may be suspended by a vote of the body, to allow the
transaction of business, which could not be otherwise done without
violation of such rule. A two-thirds majority of members present and
voting would be required.
Article H - Licensing and Ordaining
Section 1 - Licensing
Any member who, in the judgment of the church gives evidence, by his
Christian life, zeal, and aptness to teach, that he is called of God to
the work of the ministry, after having preached in the hearing of the
church, may be given a license for the term of one year, subject to
renewal, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ provided three-fourths of
the members present and voting at any regularly called meeting, agree
thereto.
Section 2 - Ordaining
If the church, upon a three-fourths affirmative vote of the members
present and voting at a regularly called meeting decides that a licensed
preacher possess the scriptural qualification and training for full
ordination it shall call a council of ministers and lay members to
examine the qualifications of the candidate to which council the
propriety of ordaining shall be referred. After receiving a favorable
report from the council, the church shall proceed with the ordination
service.
Article I- Financial Year
Section 1
The financial year of the Church shall close with the last day in
December and full financial reports shall be made available at the
annual business meeting or as soon thereafter as is practicable.
Subsidiary Ministry corporations may have unofficial fiscal years ending
on different dates if desirable by the nature of the ministry.
Article J - Amendments
Section 1
Amendments to these By-Laws or Standing Rules may be adopted by a two
thirds majority vote of the members present arid voting at any annual,
quarterly or special business meeting. Notice of the proposed amendment
by the church shall first be given to the membership of the church in
the following manner: The Pastor shall announce from the pulpit in the
regular Sunday morning service for two successive Sundays prior to the
date of said meeting. In addition thereto, notice shall be published in
the regular church bulletin for two successive Sunday prior to the date
of said meeting. No such By-Law or standing role shall be amended or
adopted which shall conflict with or void any provision of the
Constitution (Article E - Section 3).
Article K - Review and Cancellation
Section 1
Three years after their adoption this Constitution and By-Laws shall be
completely reviewed by the Board of Elders and revised if necessary
subject to a vote of the church. They are also subject to cancellation
by the church body. A three-fourths (3/4) vote of members present and
voting shall be required at a meeting specifically called for such
purpose.
(Originally adopted by the vote of the Church on March 20, 1983 becoming
effective in June of 1983. Reviewed and reaffirmed without change by a
vote of the Church in a duly called meeting for such purpose
specifically on May 18, 1986. Revision to Baptist Christian School
Council (changed to Summit Christian 1999) made on July 28, 1996. Major
revision adopted June 25) 1997. Article E section 2, a and b & section 3
revised June 17, 1999.) (Article A, Section 4 and 7 revised April13,
2003)
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