CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive
the Lord Jesus Christ as our Personal Savior, and on the public
profession of our faith, having been baptized (immersed) in the name
of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the
presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter
into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We purpose. therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk
together in Christian -love; to strive for the advancement of this
church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity
and spirituality; to attend its services regularly; to sustain its
worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred
preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to give faithfully
of time and talent in its activities; to contribute cheerfully and
regularly, as God prospers us, to the support of the ministry, the
expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the
gospel throughout all nations.
We also covenant to maintain family and personal devotions; to
train our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord; to seek the
salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in
the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements,
and exemplary in our conduct; to avoid all gossiping, backbiting, and
anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a
beverage and from everything that will cause our brother to stumble or
that will bring reproach upon the cause of Christ; and to be zealous
in our efforts to make our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ known.
We further covenant to watch over one another in brotherly love,
giving and receiving admonition with meekness and affection; to
remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and
distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy -in feeling and courtesy in
speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for
reconciliation and mindful of the commands of our Savior to seek it
without delay.
We moreover covenant 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 Holy Word.
In the event there is no such church, we shall seek, with the Lord's
leading to establish one.
THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP IN SHEPHERD ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH
In this day of apostasy, worldliness and indifference, we do not
hesitate to say that the Shepherd Road Baptist Church is
"different" from many other churches.
MEMBERSHIP IN
SHEPHERD ROAD
BAPTIST CHURCH
This church is separate from all forms of apostasy and modernism. We
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ deserves the very best from each of
the members of our church. We believe that any habit, practice,
association or affection which hinders spiritual growth and an ever-
deepening knowledge of the Lord Jesus should be laid aside.
When you become a member of this church, you enter into a fellowship
which asks all its members to do their best in maintaining its
peculiar and significant testimony against apostasy, worldliness and
indifference, and to seek by every means possible to assist it in its
positive preaching of the Bible as the Word of God, and in seeking to
win the lost for Christ
STATEMENT OF BELIEF
1. SCRIPTURE
We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally
inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore has
truth without any admixture of error for its matter. We believe the
Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme
standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions, shall be
tried. Il Timothy 11 Peter 1:19-20.
11. TRUE GOD
We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite
Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly
glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and
love; that in unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine
perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption. John 14:16, 17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John
14:26; Luke 1:35.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became
man without ceasing to be God, having been supernaturally conceived by
the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might
reveal God and redeem sinful men. Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,2; Luke 1:35;
John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1—3; Titus 2:14; Isaiah 7:14.
We believe in His bodily resurrection from the grave, His ascension to
the right hand of God where He ever liveth to make intercession for
believers; and His personal, pre—millennial, visible, bodily return to
the earth at the end of the age,
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, with God the
Father and God the Son and of the same nature, that He was active in
the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He
restrains the evil one until God s purpose is fulfilled; that He
convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement; that He bears
witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony: that He
the agent -in the New Birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches,
witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer, indwelling every true
child God. Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:33; 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32;
11:16; Ephesians Mark 1:8; Luke 24:49; Romans
See supplement, page 50,
111. DEVIL OR SATAN
We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of
this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is
destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire,
Matthew 4:1—34; Il Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.
CREATION
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth, including all
life, "each after its own kind", by direct act, according to the
Genesis account; and not by the process of evolution, and that man was
created in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1, 2; Colossians
1:16,17; John 1:3.
V FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his
Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy
state in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by
constraint, but of choice; and therefore, under just condemnation
without defense or excuse. Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 1:18-20; 13:32;
5:10-19.
VI ATONEMENT FOR SIN
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through
the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of
the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored
the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full
and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not
in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary
substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the
unjust; Christ the Lord bearing our sin in His own Body on the tree;
that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and
uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine
perfection; He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a
compassionate, and an all sufficient Savior, Ephesians 2:8; Acts
15:11; Romans
John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews
2:14-16; Isaiah 53:4-7; 1 John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 11 Corinthians
5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; 2:24.
Vil. GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that
the new birth is a new creation -in Christ Jesus; that it .is
instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead
.in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and
receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is
brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power
of the Holy Spirit In connection with divine truth, so as to secure
our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; that its proper evidence
appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of
life. John 3:3, 6—8; Il Corinthians 1 John 5:1; Acts 11 Peter 1:4;
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13.
Vill. JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such
as believe in Him is Justification:
A, That Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of
eternal life on principles of righteousness.
B. That it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the
Redeemer's Blood, His righteousness imputed to us. Acts 13:39; Isaiah
53:11; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 5:1,9; 8:1.
rx. FAITH AND SALVATION
We believe that personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only
condition of salvation. Acts 16:31.
x. THE SECURITY OF THE SAINTS
We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the
Father for Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6; John 10:28,29; Romans 8:35—39; Jude
1 .
THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between
the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the
Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such
as continue in unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse;
and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the
everlasting joy and peace of the saved and the everlasting conscious
suffering of the lost. Malachi 3:18; Genesis 18:23; Romans 7:6; 1
John 5:19; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 6:25; Matthew 25:34-41; John 8:21.
Xll. MARRIAGE AND THE HOME
We believe the home was the first institution God provided for man
(Genesis and that marriage is a sacred relationship and honorable for
all
(Hebrews 13:4; I Corinthians Marriage is used as an emblem of the
union of Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:21—23). "What therefore
God hath Joined together let no man put asunder." (Mark 10:9).
B. We believe that mixed marriages of believer and unbeliever are
forbidden in scripture (Il Corinthians Galatians 6:7).
Xlll. THE CHURCH
A, UNIVERSAL CHURCH - We believe that the true Spiritual church is a
New Testament organism; unknown to the Old Testament prophets;
established by Jesus Christ, who .is its sole Head; empowered, and
perpetuated by the Holy Spirit; His "body" for service; and His
"bride" for glory. It began with Pentecost, after the ascension of
Christ and will be consummated at the coming of Christ in the Rapture.
Ephesians 3:2— 6; I Thessalonians 4: 13—18; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians
1:22,23; Acts 1:8, 1
Corinthians
B. LOCAL CHURCH - 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 are pastors, and deacons, whose
qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the scriptures. We
believe that 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 hag the absolute right of self—government free from the
interferences of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and
that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy
Spirit; that it is scriptural for the true churches to cooperate with
each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the
gospel that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and
methods of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of policy,
of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local
church is final. Acts 1:8; 15:4-28; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians
4:11; 1 Timothy 3:15; Colossians 1:18; Matthew
18:15-17.
XIV. ORDINANCES
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in
water to show a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in the
crucified, buried, risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin
and resurrection to a new life; and that it is a prerequisite for
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. Acts 8:26—39; John 3:23;
-20-
Romans 6:3—5; Matthew 28:19; 3:16; Colossians 2:12; 1
Corinthians 23:28; Luke 22: 14—20,
crv1L GOVERN>ENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the
interest and good order of human society; that the magistrates are to
be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only .in
things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only
Lord of the conscience, and the coming King of Kings and Lord Romans
13:1—7; I Timothy 2:1,2; Acts 5:29;
19:16.
LAST THINGS
THE SECOND ADVENT CHRIST We believe in the "Blessed Hope' the
personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and pre—millennial coming of the
Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones and in His return to earth
after the tribulation with His saints to establish the Millennial
Kingdom. I Thessalonians 4:1318; Il Thessalonians 1:6—12; Revelation
20:1-6,
THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST We believe that every saved person will
appear before the "judgement seat" to be judged by the Lord in regard
to faithful service. I Corinthians 3:11—15; 11 Corinthians 5:10.
c. THE ETERNAL STATE - We believe in the bodily resurrection of all
men: the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgement and
everlasting punishment. The soul of the redeemed are, at death, absent
from the body and present with the Lord where in conscious bliss they
await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul and body are reunited
to be forever glorified with the Lord. The souls of the unbelievers
after death remain in conscious misery until the second resurrection,
when with spirit, soul, and body reunited they shall appear before the
Great White Throne Judgment and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire,
not to be annihilated but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment.
Luke 16:19-26; Matthew 25:46; John
Philippians 1:23; Il Corinthians 5:8t10; Revelation 20:1-6, 12-1.
D. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM - We believe that the Millennial Kingdom
on earth will be ruled from the throne of David. Luke 1:32; Acts
Isaiah
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1. NAME
This body shall be known as the Shepherd Road Baptist Church.
ARTICLE 11. PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to glorify God through the salvation of
the lost and to instruct, edify, and strengthen Christian believers,
and to prepare them for effectual service for Christ.
(1) The promotion of spiritual worship. John
4:24; Hebrews
(2) The teaching and preaching of the Word of God to all the world.
Matthew 28:19,20; Mark Luke 25:46-48; Acts 1:8; Galatians 11 Timothy
4:1—5.
(3) The administration of the ordinances of the church. Matthew
28:19; I Corinthians 11:23-26.
(4) The defense of the faith once delivered unto all the saints.
Hebrews 10:23; Jude 3; Revelation 3:8.
ARTICLE 111. ASSOCIATIONS
A New Testament Church is autonomous and subject only to Christ, its
Head; therefore, it cannot join anything outside itself, but only
affiliate therewith on the grounds of fellowship. This church declares
itself presently to seek fellowship with the General Association of
Regular Baptist churches, and the Sunshine State Regular Baptist
Fellowship.
The above-named associations now hold strong Biblical convictions, and
are vigorously opposed to all apostasy and compromise. If these
associations should waiver from their present Biblical stand, this
church in standing true to the Word itself could no longer fellowship
with these associations,
ARTICLE IV. ORDINANCES
Section 1
Baptism shall be by single immersion.
Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Romans
Section 2
The Lord's Supper, Matthew 26:26—29; Corinthians 11:17—34.
ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 Reception of Members
(a) Membership of the church shall consist of persons who:
1. Have received and confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
and Lord, and
2. Have been baptized by immersion, and
3. Have been accepted by unanimous vote of members present and
voting, Any negative vote shall be given consideration by the pastor
and deacons. If the reason given shall be found to be sufficient as to
warrant, membership shall be withheld; if not, the matter shall again
be presented to the church and the person or persons shall be received
into membership by a three— fourths (3/4) vote of members present and
voting.
(b) All persons desiring to unite with the Shepherd Road Baptist
Church shall appear before the deacons to determine their
qualifications for membership.
(c) The candidates shall be required to state their acceptance and
their adherence to the Articles of Faith, Constitution, and Covenant
of this church before receiving the privilege of membership.
(d) Members from other Baptist churches holding the same doctrinal
convictions may be received by letter of recommendation and dismissal
from their respective churches, after being interviewed by the pastor
and deacons, and accepted by vote of the members.
(e) Persons coming from other denominations who have been "born
again" (John 3) and have obeyed the Lord in being scripturally
baptized (immersed) and those who have been "born again" members of
Baptist churches, and in consequence of any circumstance, have no
regular letter of dismissal, may be received by giving satisfactory
evidence of change of heart, scriptural faith, and Christian conduct,
to the pastor and the deacons and accepted by vote of the members.
(f) The names of all candidates recommended by the deacons for
membership shall be presented to the church at least one regular
scheduled church service before voting. See supplement on pages 50 —
51 (Watchcare Program).
Section 2 Duties of Members
The church Covenant sets forth the obligations assumed by every
member of this church, Frequent reading of the Covenant is recommended
to every member.
(b) Loyalty to Christ and to the church requires that every member
shall attend regularly the services of worship; shall maintain
honorable business relations with the church and with all men; shall
make regular contributions as the Lord has prospered him (I
Corinthians 16:2), toward the expenses and missionary interests of the
church, Furthermore, it shall be the duty of members to honor and
esteem their pastor, and officers; to pray for them fervently and
daily, in love, manifesting a tender regard for their welfare and
reputations.
Section 3 Discipline of Members
(a) As it is vitally important to the church's success and her
greatest responsibility, that the church keep herself pure, it
shall be the duty of the deacons with the pastor to seek,
diligently to reclaim any member living in disregard of his
covenant obligation.
(b) In case of personal difference between location, conduct toward
the church, members of the church, the deacons shall recommend that
the parties endeavor to settle their differences in the manner laid
down by our Savior in Matthew 18: 15, 17.
(c) The deacons together with the pastor shall constitute the
discipline committee of the church, and are instructed to carry out
any such cases in the light Il Thessalonians 3:6—15 and Titus 3:10.
Section 4 Dismissal of Members
(a) Dismissal shall be by death, letter or action to the church that
his name be exclusion.
(b) Any person in good standing shall be entitled to and granted a
letter of dismissal to any Baptist church of faith and practice. The
letter shall be granted only to the church with the member wishes to
unite.
(c) Any member who for a period of at least six (6) months absents
himself from the regular services of the church shall forfeit his
right of franchise until reinstated by the church. If this absence
is without justifiable reason, he shall be notified of his Covenant
violation by the deacons at the place of last known residence. In
determine this Covenant violation the deacons shall be governed by the
age, vocation, health, location, conduct toward the church, pastor,
officer etc. of the offending member. If there is no response upon
the part of the member within three (3) months of the date of
notification, he shall be excluded from the membership by vote of the
church.
(d) When a member of the church shall request that his name be removed
from the church roll, and no violation is charged him, and if the
deacons are satisfied that reclamation is impossible, and that is
shall be for the good the church; they shall submit a recommendation
to the church that his name be excluded – stating the reasons and the
church may act immediately.
€ Excluded members may be restored to membership upon recommendation
of the deacons after such person has given them acceptable evidence of
honest repentance and has made full confession of wrong doing. Such
restoration shall be effected according to the provisions of Article V
Section (a) 1-3.
Article VI Officers of the Church
(a) The officers of the church shall be pastor, deacons, clerk,
treasurer, and a Bible School Superintendent. These shall be elected
from among the members of the church, and shall be at least twenty—
one (21) years of age.
(b) No one shall be elected to office who has not been a member of
this church for at least six (6) months; except that after three (3)
months membership and upon recommendation of the pastor and deacons,
they may be considered for office by the church.
(c) All officers shall be spiritually mature, of unquestioned
Christian character, loyal to the Word of God, dedicated and devoted
to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the spiritual welfare of this church.
They shall also be faithful and diligent in attendance, and
participation in both regular and business meetings of the church. No
one who is (or becomes) a member of a secret society shall be
permitted to hold office in this church. Their moral conduct shall be
beyond reproach and free of carnal indulgences, such as the use of
intoxicating liquors, tobacco in all its forms, and narcotic drugs. In
the light of I Timothy 3, the home and family relationships must be
considered, as well as individual qualifications.
(d) All new officers shall assume office the first Sunday of
February.
(e) The number of deacons shall be not more than seven (7) for the
first one—hundred
(100) members. This number may be increased by one (1) for every
thirty-three (33) additional members. The minimum number shall be
determined by the number of "Spirit Filled' men available who meet the
qualifications listed in Acts 6; I Timothy 3; and Titus They shall
serve terms of 3 years each, and election shall be arranged so that
approximately one—third (1/3) of their number shall be elected
annually. All other officers shall be elected annually.
(f) Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of his
office shall resign from his office. If and when any officer shall
refuse to subscribe to the Articles of Faith, the Covenant, or the
Constitution of this church, his resignation shall be requested by the
deacons.
Section 2 The Pastor
(a) The candidate for the pastorate shall be extended a call at a
special meeting of the church for that purpose by public notice given
on two (2) Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting; a
two—thirds (2/3) majority of the total voting membership present and
voting shall be necessary for his call,
(b) The candidate, before he is caned, shall be required to state his
acceptance of and adherence to the Articles of Faith, Constitution,
and Covenant of this church to the pulpit committee.
(c) The pastor shall continue in office until he resigns or is
dismissed by two thirds (2/3) vote of the total voting membership
present and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose.
Public notice shall be given on two (2) Sundays immediately preceding
the date of the meeting.
(d) The pastor shall give the church not less than thirty (30) days’
notice of intent to resign. The church shall give the pastor not Jess
than thirty (30) days’ notice of dismissal, except where moral or
doctrinal issues should be involved, in which event he may be
dismissed immediately with one (1) months’ salary.
Section 3 Duties of Officers
(a) Pastor
1. The pastor shall have charge of the spiritual welfare of the
church; he shall preach the Gospel, shall have in his charge stated
services of public worship, shall administer the ordinances, and
perform the usual duties of a Baptist minister. The pastor shall be a
regular member of the Board of deacons, and a member ex—officio of all
other boards and committees of the church.
2. The pastor shall act as moderator for all business sessions of
the church, except in matters that may pertain to him personally. In
such cases, the chairman of the Board of deacons will serve as
moderator, In the pastor's absence he may appoint a member of the
Board of deacons to act as moderator.
Deacons
1. It shall be the duty of the deacons to assist the pastor .in
promoting the spiritual welfare of the church: to be his counsellors,
to exercise special and prudent watch—care over the church membership,
to seek out such members as need assistance, to administer the aims,
to inquire into the fitness and qualifications of applicants for
membership, to visit the sick, to supervise the preparation and
distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper,
2. They shall appoint a chairman and a secretary of their number and
shall keep minutes of their monthly meetings in a permanent record.
They shall appoint the financial secretary. Section 3 (d).
3. They constitute a pulpit committee in securing pulpit supplies
and in recommending candidates for the Pastorate.
4. They, together with the pastor, shall constitute the discipline
committee.
5, They shall make quarterly and annual reports to the church.
6, They shall appoint two (2) of their number to serve on the
Nominating committee, and one (1) on the Christian Education
committee, and two (2) on the Budget committee.
7. The deacons shall provide ushers for all services.
8. They shall have full jurisdiction in the administration of the
deacon's Fund within the member— ship of the church. Aid to non—
members shall require approval of the church upon recommendation of
the deacons at any business meeting.
9, Agreeable to the provisions of the "Act of Incorporation" and the
laws of the State of Florida, the deacons shall act as trustees,
representing the church as its agent,
10. The deacons shall not have authority to sell, lease, give away, or
dispose of church property in any manner to exceed two hundred fifty
dollars ($250.00) in value; not to mortgage or encumber the same with
debt to exceed the above amount except as the church shall order by a
corporate act,
11, They shall appoint two (2) of their number to be authorized to
sign checks in the absence of the financial secretary and/or
treasurer.
(c) Clerk
1. The church clerk shall have charge of the official correspondence
and shall keep records of all business meetings of the church, the
clerk shall keep a record of the reception and dismissal of members,
marriages, and baptisms. The clerk shall perform such duties as
properly belonging to the office; making quarterly and annual reports
to the church.
2. The clerk shall provide the financial secretary, the treasurer
and the pastor with a transcript of the minutes of each church
business meeting in which authority is granted for the disbursement or
transfer of funds, The pastor shall get a copy of all minutes of
business meetings,
3. The clerk shall certify annually to the bank the names of
officers who are authorized to have access to the safety deposit boxes
and who are to sign the checks for disbursement of funds.
4. Upon his retirement or removal from office the clerk shall
deliver to his/her successor or the chairman
of the Board of deacons all records, files and/or other papers
belonging to the church, and shall present the same with all contents
complete to the date of surrender of such documents,
(d) Financial Secretary
1, It shall be the duty of the financial secretary together with one
(1) or more of the deacons to count and record in
a permanent record all monies received in the general offerings of the
church. This shall be done immediately following each service of the
church,
2. Records shall be kept in accordance with written instructions
issued by the auditing committee and approved by the deacons.
3, The financial secretary shall be responsible for depositing all
funds in the bank, including monies received from organizations within
the church or from individuals.
4, The financial secretary shall provide the treasurer with a record
of all monies received and/or deposited, specifying the distribution
into various funds.
5, The financial secretary shall initiate and sign checks covering
payment of all approved bills and liabilities. These checks together
with the approved bills shall then be given to the treasurer for
countersigning, recording, and mailing.
6. The chairman of the deacons shall assume the duties outlined under
the above clause (d), Article VI. Section 3, in the financial
secretary's absence, except that he may not assume the duties of the
treasurer as outlined -in clause (e), Article Section 3 ,
simultaneously.
Treasurer
1. The treasurer shall be responsible for the recording of all
financial transactions in permanent records and shall make quarterly
and annual reports to the church,
2. The treasurer shall countersign, record, and mail all checks, The
chairman of the deacons shall assume the responsibility of
countersigning checks In the treasurer's absence, except that he shall
not perform the duties of the financial secretary as outlined in
Article VI. Section 3 (d) simultaneously,
3. The treasurer shall keep the books or records and report the
financial transactions in accordance with written instructions issued
by the auditing committee and approved by the deacons,
(f) Bible School Superintendent
1. The Superintendent shall have general supervision over the Sunday
Bible School, teachers, and officers. He shall carry out the program
established by the Christian Education committee and shall report
quarterly and annually to the church.
2. The superintendent shall appoint all teachers and officers for
the Bible School after they have been approved by the Christian
Education committee,
ARTICLE Vll. COMMITTEES
Section 1 Budget Committee
The Budget committee shall consist of two (2) deacons, the financial
secretary, treasurer, and one (1) member selected from among members
present at the October business meeting.
(b) The duties of the committee shall be to prepare the budget for the
ensuing year for presentation to the church and its approval at the
annual meeting.
(c) The committee shall function throughout the year to recommend
budget revisions to the church as may be deemed necessary.
Section 2 Nominating Committee
(a) The Nominating committee shall consist of two (2) deacons and one
(1) member selected from the congregation, This member is to be
selected by the church from among the members present at the October
business meeting.
(b) They shall submit a list of nominees for all offices to be filled
at the annual business meeting. This list shall be posted in the
church building one (1) Sunday previous to the election,
(c) They may recommend to the church candidates to fill vacancies as
they occur. Such recommendations shall be acted upon at the next
quarterly business meeting, or at a specially called meeting.
(d) They shall approach the proposed nominees as to their acceptance
of candidacy and qualifications.
Wherever possible, they shall select two (2) or more candidates for
each office.
(f) They shall provide ballot forms for the annual election.
3 Auditing Committee
The committee shall consist of two (2) members appointed by the board
of deacons following the annual election.
They shall audit ail accounts of the church and its organizations and
certify same, reporting at the annual business meeting.
The auditing committee, subject to the approval of the deacon board,
shall be responsible for establishing the procedures and methods to
be followed by the financial secretary and treasurer in maintaining
the financial record.
Section 4 Miscellaneous Committees
All advertising, flower, music, missionary and other special
committees shall be chosen by the deacons following the annual
business meeting, and shall be instructed by the moderator as to their
duties.
If and when a building and/or Building financial committee is needed
the members will be nominated by the nominating committee and elected
by the church.
All committees shall report quarterly and annually to the church
unless instructed otherwise by the church.
Section 5 Christian Education Committee
The Christian Education committee shall consist of one (1) deacon, the
Bible School Superintendent, the pastor, the counsellor of the Bible
Training Fellowship, and two (2) members appointed by the deacon board
following the annual meeting.
They shall supervise and coordinate the general teaching program of
the church in the Bible School, Bible Training Fellowship, Vacation
Bible School, and other teaching programs.
They shall constitute a committee for approving all teachers,
officers, and literature as applicable to the various teaching
sections of the church.
ARTICLE Vlll. MEETINGS
Section 1 Public Worship
Public worship services shall be held regularly, morning and evening
on the Lord’s Day. These services shall always include the
presentation of the Gospel. Neither shall they be merged into union
services
At least once each week there shall be a meeting for prayer and
praise.
It shall be the practice of this church to observe the Lord's Supper
at least once each month at which time the Covenant may be read. The
materials used shall be unleavened bread and grape juice.
Section 2 Bible School
There shall be a Sunday Bible School
maintained each week. This meeting shall not be concurrent with the
Worship Service.
Sections 3 Business Meetings
The official church year shall begin the first (1st) day of January
and close December thirty—first (31st).
The annual meeting shall be held following the prayer meeting of the
second (2nd) Wednesday after the first (1st) Sunday in January,
The quarterly meetings shall be held following the prayer meeting on
the second Wednesday of each of the following months: April, July, and
October. At this time, written reports shall be read as required by
the Constitution.
The day for business meetings may be changed at the discretion of the
church.
Special business meetings may be called at any time provided public
notice be given of the same on the Lords s Day preceding, except that
those for calling or dismissing a pastor and/or corporate business and
business meeting shall be given public announcement for two preceding
Sundays. At such meetings thirty percent (30%) of the voting
membership with a minimum of eleven (11) shall constitute a quorum.
However, routine business may be called by the pastor, the board of
deacons, or any five (5) families who are members of the church who
request such of the clerk, providing the particular object(s) of the
meeting are clearly stated in the notice and no other business shall
be transacted in such a meeting.
Only members eighteen (18) years of age and above shall be eligible to
vote.
All financial matters concerning salaries must be proposed in written
form and discussed at a business meeting other than the one in which
it is voted upon.
All financial (monetary) matters concerning salaries shall be voted on
by paper ballot.
Section 4 Other Meetings
All public gatherings arranged under the auspices of this church shall
be first approved by the board of deacons.
Section 5 Rules of Order of Business
The ordinary rules of deliberative assemblies shall be observed in the
transaction of business.
ARTICLE rx. CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1 The Sunday Bible School
The purpose of the Bible School is to win every scholar to the Lord
Jesus Christ as personal Savior and to instruct him in Christian
living, including church attendance.
(b) All officers, regular teachers, and class officers shall be
members of the church.
(c) All officers and teachers of the school shall be appointed
annually and shall state their acceptance of the Confession of Faith,
Constitution, and Covenant of the Church. Any whose conduct or
teaching is considered injurious to the class, school, or church shall
upon recommendation of the superintendent and the Christian Education
committee, be referred to the deacons for necessary action.
Ali questions of an important nature shall be brought before the
Christian Education committee for consideration. They may make
recommendations to the church for actions.
Ali teachers, officers, and literature must first be approved by the
Christian Education committee.
Section 2 Bible Training Fellowship
(a) The purpose of the Bible Training Fellowship is to train
Christian people for Christian Service.
(b) All officers of the Junior High age and above shall be members of
the church.
(c) All counselors and literature must first be approved by the
Christian Education committee.
Section 3 Subsidiary Organizations
No subsidiary organization of the church shall engage in any practice
or hold any policy contrary to the general position of the church
itself, All regular officers and teachers shall be members of the
church.
ARTICLE X. MISSIONS
It shall be the policy of this church to support only missionaries
engaged principally In evangelization. The church may also consider
budget support of schools dedicated to training students for Christian
service. Support of social agencies will also come under the heading
of missions. All the above shall be known to be in hearty agreement
with our Statement of Belief, both in doctrine and practice, and be
Baptist in name as well as principle. They shall be examined for
approval annually by the board of deacons, Percentage of giving shall
be designated in the annual missionary budget. Special designated
gifts to missions other than these supported by the church will be
handled at the discretion of the board of deacons.
ARTICLE Xl. GENERAL
Section 1 Use of the Church Property and Name
Use of the property for other than regularly scheduled meetings shall
first be approved by the deacons.
(b) All gatherings off the church property held in the name of the
church shall first be approved by the deacons.
(c) No pastor or pulpit orator will be permitted to preach from the
pulpit of the church who denies the fundamentals of the faith once
delivered unto the saints, Jude 3. Any visiting speaker must have the
approval of the pastor or deacons.
Section 2 Pastors s Vacation and Salary
(a) The pastor shall have not less than three (3) weeks paid vacation
every year.
(b) The pastor's salary shall be reviewed and determined at least
once a year. The amount will be recommended by the deacon board, after
consultation with the Budget committee.
Section 3 Elections
(a) The election of all officers of the church shall be by written
ballot.
(b) The nominee or nominees receiving the largest number of votes of
members present and voting shall be declared elected. Deacons and
unopposed nominees require a two—thirds 2/3 majority,
(c) In the event more deacons are nominated than offices open, a
preliminary ballot shall be cast to determine the names that will
appear on the ballot. The number needed, receiving the highest number
of votes shall be the nominees,
All persons nominated from the floor must be present in the meeting.
The nomination is to be made in the form of a motion and will require
a two-thirds 2/3 majority of members present and voting.
Section 4 Resignations
All resignations of officers, committee members and messengers elected
by the church shall be accepted by the church after full
consideration, The nominating committee shall be notified of the
vacancy by the church clerk. The vacancy may then be filled at the
next regular business meeting, or at a specially called meeting.
Section 5 Monetary Principles
The systematic giving of money for the support of the work of the
Lord is worship as well as duty. It must be kept on the plane of
voluntary free-will offering, untarnished by any hope of material
gain. Ail members are expected to give regular financial support to
the
church and to the advancement of the projects it shall •sponsor. In
determining the Lord's portion, we believe and affirm with the
scriptures that a bare minimum of one—tenth (1/10) of one's income
should be faithfully and cheerfully given by everyone (Il Corinthians
And many can and should give more than the tithe for all we have
belongs to Christ (I Chronicles Acts 4:32—35). No monies shall be
raised for the support of the church and its various activities by any
but the Biblical plan of tithe and offerings, and gifts and
sacrificial love considerations for Christ’s work. This shall be
construed to mean that church suppers and bazaars, professional fund
raising organizations, etc. are not a Scriptural means of raising
money.
(b) A statement of each subscriber's account shall be given to him at
the end of each year, if he desires it, , from available records by
the financial secretary.
ARTICLE Xll. AMENDMENTS AND BY-LAWS
(a) This constitution may be amended, altered, or revised at any
quarterly meeting by a two—thirds (2/3) vote of members present and
voting, provided such proposed changes shall have been submitted in
writing not later than the quarterly business meeting preceding.
(b) The church may adopt from time to time such by—laws In
amplification hereof as may be necessary or desirable, and shall
provide therein for amendment of the same.
ARTICLE Xlll. DISSOLUTION
Section 1
This church shall have the right to own, buy or sell tangible
properties, both real and personal in its own name and through
properly elected an authorized officers.
Section 2
No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the
assets, holdings or other transactions in which this corporation may
become involved.
Section 3
In event of the dissolution of this corporation, all of its debts
shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be
divided among its members, but shall be irrevocably dedicated by the
deacons to such other non—profit religious corporations as are in
agreement with the letter and spirit of this constitutional statement
of faith, and in conformity with the requirements of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service, Code of 1954 (Section 501 c—3) or any subsequent
amendments thereto.
Supplement
CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT
We believe that the "present day charismatic movement" is definitely
not of God and is contrary to the teaching of Holy scripture.
For example from the scriptures we learn that the infant church at
times spoke in an "unknown language" as a "sign, not to them that
believe, but to them that believe not" (I Corinthians 12:22); while
from Church history we learn that with the completion of the books of
the Bible this sign ceased, and for nearly nineteen (19) centuries was
not practiced by the Christian Church.
This is consistent with the teaching of the Apostle Paul who wrote the
Corinthian Church in I Corinthians 13:8 "whether there be tongues,
they shall cease", of PAUO, which in the Greek means 'come to a
complete stop".
WATCHCARE PROGRAM
The watchcare program will be open to temporary residents, providing
a closer relationship with those who worship with us while temporarily
residing in this area and do not wish to move their church membership.
To be eligible for the watchcare relationship, a person must meet all
the constitutional requirement for membership and be commended by
their home church.
They will be granted the various privileges of service within the
church but with no power of , vote. As a church and pastor we would
seek to minister to them in the same personal way we would to our
membership in matters of counseling, visitation, care by pastoral
calling and other such matters,
Upon request, those in the Watchcare Program will be placed on our
mailing list while away from us, to receive the weekly bulletin and
other items of concern to the church family.
Request must be made for such relationship, We expect faithfulness,
except that the tithe should go to the home church. Offerings would be
accepted.
