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.