Rock Prairie Constitution

Date of Adoption:

Revised 2017

CONSTITUTION OF ROCK PRAIRIE SEPARATE BAPTIST CHURCH, INC.

Located at 421 N. Ash St., Tipton, IN  46072

CONSTITUTION OF THE ROCK PRAIRIE CHURCH

PREAMBLE

Receiving, by faith, the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation; believing the Bible to be the divinely inspired, plenary, infallible, and authoritative Word of God: and knowing that all things should be done decently and in order; we, therefore, band ourselves together as a body of immersed believers in Jesus Christ, and hereby adopt the following Constitution as our method of faith and practice.

ARTICLE I

IDENTIFICATION

The name of this church is “Rock Prairie Separate Baptist Church, Incorporated” of Tipton County, Indiana.  It is a member of the Northern Indiana Association of Separate Baptists in Christ. This church supports the doctrine of the association and agrees to abide by the regulations regarding membership in that body so long as this church is a member. 

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The Rock Prairie Separate Baptist Church, Inc. is a United Body of believers who have been placed in right standing with God through personal faith in Jesus Christ, enabled and kept by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building of churches, day-care centers, and camps; the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country.  

ARTICLE III

COVENANT

The covenant by which this church exists as a distinct body, and which every member affirms, is as follows:

“Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, 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 engage, 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 sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of this church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children in the Word of God; 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 deportment; to avoid all tattling and backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and/or use of non-medicinal drugs; and to be zealous in our efforts to promote the cause of Christ.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other 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 rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that, if we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.”

ARTICLE IV

DECLARATION OF FAITH

Section I.   Doctrine of the Bible:

We believe in the inspiration of the Bible (both the Old and the New Testaments) as being plenarily and verbally inspired without any human error; that the Bible is reliable in science, history and every other matter it discusses; and that the Bible is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice.  II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21

Section II.  Doctrine of God:

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections.  Exodus 20:2,3; I John 5:7; Matthew 28:19,20; II Corinthians 13:14; I Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11.

(a)   God the Father:

We believe in God, the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that he saves from hell all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Psalm 22:3; John 17:11; Psalm 147:5; I John 3:20; Matthew 19:26; John 3:16; Matthew 6:26, 28, 30; Psalm 65:2; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 5:8; I Timothy 2:5; John 14:6.

(b)   God the Son:

We believe in the absolute Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ; His eternal existence as God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit; His incarnation by means of the virgin birth; his sinlessness; his vicarious atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding of his blood on the cross; His literal bodily resurrection from the dead; His ascension; his present high-priestly ministry in Heaven for believers; and His personal, visible return to earth. I John 5:20; John 1:18; John 14:9; Hebrews 1:8; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35; I Peter 2:22; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:14; Luke 24:36-43; Acts 10:40,41; Acts 1:9; Luke 24:51; Hebrews 8:1,2; I John 2:1; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16.

(c) God the Holy Spirit:

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, equal with the Father and Son and of the same nature; that he convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; that he bears witness to the Truth; that He is the agent of the new Birth; that he baptizes all true believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sanctifying all of them, sealing and thus securing them unto the day of redemption; that he endues, guides, teaches, and helps believers; and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit, the evidence being the fruits of the Spirit.  Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; Acts 5:3,4; Galations 5:22,33.

Section III.  Doctrine of Creation:

We accept the Genesis account of Creation and believe that man was directly created by God.  We reject any and all evolutionary theories. Genesis, Chapters 1 and 2; Colossians 1:16,17; John 1:3.

Section IV.  Doctrine of man and of sin:

We believe that God created man in His own image but that man sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is conscious and eternal separation from God in hell.  We believe that all men are born with a sinful nature, evidenced by sinful acts; that man is totally depraved; and that if he is not born again he is eternally lost. Genesis 1:26,27; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Luke 16:23; Romans 3:10-23; 5:12; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:21,22; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8.

Section V.  Doctrine of Salvation:

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty of the sin of mankind by His death on the cross, His burial, and His resurrection; that all who receive Him are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become children of God; that no rite, ceremony, or work can avail for the sinner’s salvation or make the believer’s salvation more secure; that Christ is the only and all-sufficient Savior.  Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5-7; John 5:24; John 1:12; Romans 10:9-13; Acts 16:31; Acts 4:12; II Timothy 1:12; Philipians 1:6; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 8:3-5; Hebrews 9:14-15; Hebrews 10:10; I Peter 1:5.

(a)   Regeneration:

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 its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and newness of life.  John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6,7; II Peter 1:4; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 6:23; Colossians 2:13.

(b)   Justification:

            We believe that because of the guilt of sin, salvation restores our judicial relationship to God; that the need is due to sin; that the method is by grace and not by works; that the ground is the shed blood of Christ; that the only condition is faith; and that the blessings include peace, forgiveness of sin, and the imputed righteousness of Christ.  Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 5:9; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:17.

( c ) Sanctification:

We believe that sanctification for the believer is two-fold.  Positionally, in the eyes of God, believers are sanctified immediately upon accepting Christ as Savior.  Practically, in the eyes of men, believers are sanctified progressively through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Sanctification is consummated when the believer sees Christ face to face. I Corinthians 1:2; I Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:10,14; I Thessalonians 3:12,13; II Peter 3:1;8.

(d)   Two Natures:

            We believe that every saved person possesses two natures; that he has the old nature, inherited from the first Adam, for the duration of his earthly life; but that provision is made for victory of the new nature of Christ over the old nature through the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Romans 7:15-25; Romans 6:11-14; Philippians 3:7-14; II Corinthians 12:7-10.

Section VI.  Doctrine of Marriage and Sexuality

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture  (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe that God’s Word allows for divorce and / or remarriage only in the event of unfaithfulness, death of a spouse, or when an unbeliever chooses to divorce a believing spouse (Mal 2:16, Mat 5:31-32, Mat 19:3-9, 1 Cor 7:12-16, 1 Cor 7:3-9).

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.  (1 Cor 7:2)

We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery(Ex 20:14, Deut 5:18; Heb 13:4); fornication(1 Cor 5:1, 1 Cor 6:9-10, 2 Cor 12:21, Gal 5:19); homosexual or bisexual conduct (Lev 18:22, Lev 20:13, Rom 1:18-32; 1 Cor 6:9-11) bestiality(Ex 22:19, Lev 18:23; Deut 27:21), incest(Lev 18:6-18, Lev 20:17, Deut 22:30), or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God (Gen 1:27, Deut 22:5, 1 Cor 6:8-10, Psa 139:13-14).

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10)

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the church.

Section VII.  Doctrine of Church:

We believe that the church exists in two aspects:

First, it is an organism and is composed of all true believers in Jesus Christ as Savior. Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 1:14-18; I Corinthians 12:12-31.

Second, it is an organization composed of regenerated, immersed believers, voluntarily united for the purpose of worship, edification, observing the ordinances, fellowship, the establishment of Christian education and service; that among the scriptural officers of the local church are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; that the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity in the local community and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.  Acts 2:41-47; Romans 1:7; Colossians 1:2; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7; Acts 11:26; Titus 1:5-8; Acts 6:1-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 11:29-30.

Section VIII. Doctrine of Church Ordinances:

(a)   Baptism:

We believe that scriptural baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, setting forth, in symbol, his union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; that every believer should be baptized because of the example and command of our Lord; and that while there is no saving power in water baptism, it is an act of obedience by those who are already saved to picture their death, burial, and resurrection to walk in newness of life with Jesus Christ, and that blessed hope of bodily resurrection.  Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:13-17; Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 8:36-39; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; John 5:24.

(b)   Lord’s Supper:

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of the Lord’s death until He comes again; and that, in this ordinance, the Lord’s table should be opened to all regenerated persons after self-examination.  I Corinthians 11:24-32; Luke 22:14-20.

( c ) Feetwashing:

We believe feetwashing to be a beautiful illustration of Christian service, as demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 13: 1-17).   While we do not view feetwashing as an ordinance, we do recognize the historical significance of this practice to the Rock Prairie Body, and may voluntarily practice it from time to time.  When practiced, feetwashing should be conducted in a manner and spirit which honors our Lord’s command and example of humility and service to others. 

Section IX. Doctrine of 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 that his destiny is eternal punishment in the lake of fire.  Ezekiel 28:1-19; Job 1:6-9; I Peter 5:8; Matthew 4:1-11; I Timothy 3:7; James 4:7; II Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10.

Section X. Doctrine of Future Things:

            We believe in the literal, bodily, personal and imminent coming of our Lord in the air to catch away all believers unto Himself; also, in the personal, visible, and glorious return of Christ to the earth to judge the living nations.  Acts 1:11; John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:42-44; II Thessalonians 2:7,8; Matthew 24:29-31; II Peter 3:1-13.

(a)   Resurrection of the dead:

(b)         We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead, the saved to everlasting blessedness at the coming of Christ and the lost to the judgment at the Great White Throne and then to everlasting, conscious punishment in the Lake of Fire. John 5:21-30; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:42-52; Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 20:11-15.

(c)   Destiny of the soul:

We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection; and that the souls of the lost remain after death, in conscious misery in hell until the second resurrection.  II Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23,24; II Peter 2:9; Revelation 20:13-15; Luke 16:23-24.

Section XI: Doctrine of Stewardship:

            We believe that stewardship is the active recognition of the Lordship of Christ over all believers, and that it is our joyous privilege to give back to the Lord our tithes and offerings – of our money, talent, and time.  Mark 12:41-44; Genesis 28:22; Leviticus 27:30; I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 8:1-6; Ephesians 5:16.

Section XII:  Doctrine of Security of Saints:

            We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by the power of God the Father for the Lord Jesus Christ; and that no outside person or  influence can separate a Christian from the love of God. We also believe it is the duty of each Christian to be faithful to their salvation; that, as the decision to be saved and follow Christ is by personal choice, so also the decision to remain faithful to that salvation is by personal choice.  We believe that a believer may on account of sin, neglect, and unfaithfulness, leave the salvation they once embraced, destroying their relationship and faith in Christ; a decision if not repented of, will result in eternal damnation for that individual. Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:35-39; I Peter 1:5; Matthew 24:13; John 15:2,6; I Corinthians 8:11; Ezekiel 18:26, 31-32; Hebrews 2:1-3; 4:1; 10:26-29.

Section XIII: Doctrine of Civil Government:

            We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that those in authority are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the direct and revealed will of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 13:1-7; I Timothy 2:2,3; Acts 4:19,20; Acts 5:27-29.

Section XIV:  Doctrine of Lord’s Day:

            We believe that in this age of Grace, the Lord’s Day, which is the first day of the week, the day of our Lord’s resurrection, is the proper day for Christian worship and service, and that it ought to be kept sacred to spiritual purposes, by abstinence from all unnecessary secular labor and other activities unbecoming to such a day.  Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1,2; Colossians 2:13-17; Hebrews 10:25; John 20:1, 19,26; Mark 16:2; Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1.

Section XV: Doctrine of Separation:

(a)   Ecclesiastical:

            We believe that we must, in love, separate ourselves from fellowship with all groups which do not hold to and practice the biblical fundamentals expressed in this constitution.  We also believe it is our Christian duty to support and encourage all of those who share like, precious faith. I John 4:1; Romans 16:16-18; I Timothy 6:3-5; II John 9:11; Titus 3:9-11; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; I John 1:5-7; II Peter 1:1,2.

(b)   Personal:

            We believe that every Christian is to keep himself unspotted from the world, and in so doing must deny various sinful practices, sinful habits, and worldly dress; and that a proper standard and example must be raised to the lost world and to weaker Christians.  James 1:27; I Peter 2:11; Romans 6:11-13; I Corinthians 6:12, 19-20; Matthew 5:13-18.

Section XVI:  Doctrine of Music:

            We believe all church music should honor the Lord and be consistent with the Bible.  We believe the purpose of all church music should be to lift the hearer closer to God and to prepare the way for God to speak to the hearts of individuals.  We believe the style of the music and conduct of the musicians should glorify God  Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 14:14,15; Romans 12:1,2; James 5:13; Psalm 147:7.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.  Admission of Members:

Candidates for membership shall make known this desire, shall be counseled by the Pastor or Deacons, shall be recommended to the body for membership, and upon approval then given the right hand of fellowship by the church to be admitted to the fellowship by any of the following methods.

(a)   By Baptism:

Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a change of heart, and accepting the views of this church may, upon immersion, be received into its membership.

(b)   By Letter:

Any member from some other church holding the same faith may be received by a letter of recommendation and dismissal.  

( c )  By Christian Experience:

Any person who has been immersed and has no regular letter of dismissal may be received upon the statement of faith in Jesus Christ and Christian experience.

(d)   By Restoration:

Members of this church from whom the hand of fellowship has been withdrawn may be restored.

Section 2.  Dismissal of Members:

(a)   By Letter:

A member in good standing, upon request, may be dismissed to the fellowship of some other church holding the same faith, by a letter of recommendation to that church.

(b)   By Erasure:

A member uniting with other than a church holding the same faith, may be dismissed by written request, and the name removed from the membership of this church.  A member uniting with another church, without notifying this church, is automatically removed from the membership of this church.

( c )  By Exclusion:

A member may be dismissed after the exercise of scriptural church discipline as set forth in section 5 of this Article.  Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:12-13. (10/12/03)

(d)   By Death

(e)   By Absence:

The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated with notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the pastor, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the pastor. 

(f)   By Resignation:

A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the pastor. 

Section 3.  Voting:

All members in good standing on the active membership list, present in person, may vote on matters of business which are legally and properly presented at any business meeting with the following exceptions:

Only members eighteen (18) years of age and above may vote on:

(a)   The call or dismissal of a pastor;

(b)   The incurring of major indebtedness;

(c)   The disposal of church property;

(d)   The discipline of a member.

Except as otherwise herein specified, a majority vote of all members present shall be required for passage of any motion, resolution, or transaction of any business.

Section 4.  Responsibilities of Membership:  (in compliance with church covenant)

All persons becoming members of this church by whatever constitutional method voluntarily accepts these responsibilities:

(a)   Active participation in the work of the church;

(b)   Faithful attendance at the church’s regular meetings;

(c)   Sincere support of the church and its ministry through prayer;

(d)   Regular financial support of the church’s ministry;

(e)   A general deportment in matters of language, habits, entertainment, dress, and general appearance which will enhance the testimony of the church at all times.

Section 5- Discipline and Suspension of Members

a. Discipline Committee: The deacons with the pastor shall constitute the discipline committee of the church and have sole charge in determining covenant violations and disciplines

b. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another (I John 3:16; John 13:34,35).   When a member becomes knowledgeable of an offense of the magnitude to hinder spiritual growth and testimony he is to go alone to the offending party only after self examination and rectification (Matthew- 7:3) always in a spirit of humility and with a goal of restoration (Matthew 18:15-18; Galatians 6:1).  Each member is to endeavor to make reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-25a; Ephesians 4:29-32).

c. If reconciliation is not reached a second member usually a deacon or pastor is to accompany after following the same procedure of self-examination and in a spirit of humility and restoration.

d. If still unresolved the pastor and deacons as elected representatives Biblically responsible to put down murmuring must hear the matter.  If the matter remains unresolved they must recommend to the church prayerful examination of our own lives then prayerful effort to restore the offending member and if still unresolved the exclusion of such members who refuse to be restored

e. No matter or offense may be heard unless previous Biblical steps have been followed, except in the case of a public offense such as Galatians 2:11-15

f. No information concerning parties not under discussion may be heard.

g. No member may be excluded where there is genuine fruit of repentance evidenced.

h. When the unrepentant offending party is excluded from the membership and the Lord’s table, all relationship with him from that point is for the purpose of restoration (except for family members) (Matthew 18:17, I Corinthians 5:11; II Thessalonians 3:15). The entire church body should recognize a responsibility to say the same thing in loving effort to restore the offending one and to maintain the church’s testimony and harmony

i. The pastor and deacons are directed to move promptly in the safeguard of the purity and peace of the church when anyone is obstructing the work in any way.  

ARTICLE VI

Meetings

Section 1.  For Worship:

(a)   The regular meetings of this church for public worship shall be held on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening

(b)    The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be conducted at times designated by the pastor and deacons.

Section 2.  For Business:

(a)   Regular meetings for the transaction of business of the church shall be held as needed; the specific times being set by the body.

(b)   Special business meetings may be called at the moderator’s discretion, providing the pastor and deacons have been notified.

(c)   The meeting of for the purpose of organizing the church for the coming year shall be held sometime during the time period comprising the months of November and December; the specific time to be set by the moderator.  Advance notice and announcement of the meeting on at least two (2) Sundays prior to this is required.

(d)   The moderator is the final authority on questions of procedure, and his decision is final and                                                                                                                                                                      controlling.

(e)   ARTICLE VII A.

CHURCH STAFF

Section 1.  Pastor:

(a)   Duties and Qualifications:

The pastor shall conduct the public services of this church, unless otherwise specified by the church or delegated by the pastor.  He shall be the overseer of the entire church ministry. He shall be responsible to strive to fulfill the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:3-9.  He shall have the authority to schedule special speakers, films, and other ministries for the regular public services of the church, at his discretion.

(b)   Election:

The pastor shall be elected by the church body.  This election shall require a 2/3majority of the eligiblemembership present.  The pastor shall serve as elected unless he resigns or is instructed otherwise unanimously by the deacons and a 2/3 vote of the body.

 ( c) Salary:

The salary shall be fixed at the time of election and willbe reviewed at each annualchurch business meeting.  

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(d)   Absences:

Any absence from a regular Sunday service shall be done only after prior notice being given to the deacons. Each absence shall be paid unless otherwise specified by the body.

Section 2. Ministerial staff

(a)   Duties and Qualifications:

The ministerial staff shall assist the pastor in conducting the public services of this church.  The specific duties of each ministerial staff member will be specified by the church or delegated by the pastor.  Each staff minister shall be responsible to strive to fulfill the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:3-9.  

(b)  Election:

Upon recommendation of the pastor(s) and deacons, permanent or temporary ministerial staff positions may be created  with the approval of the church. All new ministerial staff positions shall be approved by the church prior to initiation of the search for a candidate.  A simple majority of the eligible church membership present shall be required to create a new ministerial position. When a vacancy occurs in a ministerial staff position, the pastor(s) and deacons shall seek the best candidate for the position.  The candidate will then be presented to the body for a vote. The quorum for calling a ministerial staff member shall be 2/3 majority of the eligible membership present at the vote. All ministerial staff members shall serve as elected unless said ministerial staff member resigns or is instructed otherwise unanimously by the deacons and a 2/3 vote of the body.

        ( c)   Salary:

The salary shall be fixed at the time of election and willbe reviewed at each annualchurch business meeting. 

         (d)   Absences:

Any absence from a regular Sunday service shall be done only after prior notice being given to the deacons. Each absence shall be paid unless otherwise specified by the body.

Section 3.  Support Staff

Upon recommendation of the pastor(s) and deacons, permanent or temporary support staff positions may be created with the approval of the church.  All new support staff positions shall be approved by the church prior to initiation of the search for a candidate. A simple majority of the eligible church membership present shall be required to create a new support staff position.  The hiring and releasing of support staff shall be under the supervision of the deacons. However, they may designate the pastor or a ministerial staff member to carry out these functions.

ARTICLE VII B.

OFFICERS

The main elective officers of this church shall be Pastor(s), Deacons, Moderator, Trustees, Clerk, Treasurers and their assistants if any.  Other offices may be created by the body at their discretion. All officers, unless otherwise specified, are elected for a one (1) year term concurrent with the church year. As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church the moderator shall serve as president of the corporation; the clerk shall serve as secretary of the corporation, and the general fund treasurer shall serve as treasurer of the corporation.   

All church leaders, whether elected or appointed, shall be chosen in light of Scriptural guidelines for spiritual leadership.

Section 1.  Pastor:

(a)    Duties and Qualifications:

The pastor shall conduct the public services of this church, unless otherwise specified by the church or delegated by the pastor.  He shall be the overseer of the entire church ministry. He shall be responsible to strive to fulfill the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:3-9.  He shall have the authority to schedule special speakers, films, and other ministries for the regular public services of the church, at his discretion.

(b)    Election:

The pastor shall be elected by the church body.  This election shall require a 2/3majority of the eligiblemembership present.  The pastor shall serve as elected unless he resigns or is instructed otherwise unanimously by the deacons and a 2/3 vote of the body.

        ( c) Salary:

The salary shall be fixed at the time of election and willbe reviewed at each annualchurch business meeting.  

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         (d) Absences:

Any absence from a regular Sunday service shall be done only after prior notice being given to the deacons. Each absence shall be paid unless otherwise specified by the body.

Section 2.  Deacons:

(a)   Election:

The deacons of this church shall be selected by the body, using the guidelines of I Timothy 3:8-13. The pastor and deacons shall submit their nomination for deacon to the body for approval.  This nomination shall be at a regular business meeting, with the vote or election at the following meeting. A majority vote is required of the active members present. They are elected for life.

(b)   Duties:

The deacons shall work in cooperation with the pastor in the spiritual oversight of the church.  The deacons shall have the responsibility for the spiritual wellbeing of the church, and for its doctrinal soundness. They shall help with the ordinances of this church.  They shall be responsible to see that the pulpit is filled in the pastor’s absence. They shall work with the pastor in counseling with wayward members.  

Section 3.  Moderator:

The moderator shall conduct all church business meetings.  He shall have authority to vote only in the case of a tie. He shall be entitled to speak on any business, after giving place to his assistant.  The moderator has the responsibility of appointing committees to do research and make recommendations to the body as a whole.

Section 4.  Trustees:

The trustees shall number seven (7), elected for a five (5) year term, elected on (1) per year for three years and two (2) per year for two years.  Vacancies for any reason shall be filled at the next business meeting. They shall have responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the church property and facilities, as well as the oversight of any new improvements and construction.  They shall elect a yearly chairman.

Section 5.  Clerk:

The clerk shall be responsible to keep an accurate and permanent record of church business proceedings.  The Clerk shall keep a registry of church membership, and shall be responsible for correspondence pertaining to it.  The Clerk shall maintain a memorial membership record of members of this church which depart from this life.

Section 6. Treasurers:

This church shall have three (3) separate treasurers:  General Fund, Mission Fund, and Building Fund. The church will designate when and how offerings for each fund will be taken, and may transfer funds between treasuries by a vote of the body.  Each treasurer will be responsible for the accurate handling of their funds, and the accurate recording of any transactions. Each treasurer will assemble a monthly report for public inspection each month.  Each treasurer will dispense funds in the following manner.

(a)   The General Fund Treasurer shall pay the bills incurred in the normal operation of this church, shall meet expenditures as authorized by the body, and shall dispense funds when requested by the Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, Director of Children’s Ministries, Sunday School Superintendent, or Moderator. The limit of the request will be set at the annual church business meeting.

(b)   The Mission Fund Treasurer shall meet the mission budget as set by the church, pay additional amounts as authorized by the church, and shall dispense funds when requested by the Pastor, Deacons, or Moderator. The limit of the request will be set at the annual church business meeting.  The mission fund treasurer shall be elected annually by the members of the missions committee from among their members.

( c)  The Building Fund Treasurer shall pay out any funds authorized by the church, and shall dispense funds when requested by thePastor, Deacons, Moderator, or Chairman of the Trustees. The limit of the request will be set at the annual church business meeting.

Section 7. Assistants:

Any assistant to an officer of this church shall cooperate with that officer and shall fulfill their duties in their absence.

ARTICLE VIII

MINISTRIES

Section 1.  Statement:

All ministries and organizations of this church, all classes and groups in this church, are subservient parts of the total ministry of this church.  They are not separate from the church, and should work to cooperate with the church as a whole. No bylaws, doctrine, or practices shall be promoted and practiced by any group within this church contrary to the established rules and doctrine of the church.

Section 2.  Standards:

All officers, teachers, and leaders of ministries in this church shall adhere to the following standards:

(a)   Personal testimony of salvation;

(b)   Faithful attendance at regular church services;

(c)   Faithful tithe and giving to the church;

(d)   Faithful witness to the world in soulwinning;

(e)   Faithful testimony the world in conduct.

Failure to abide by these standards will result in counseling by the Pastor and Deacons, and possible recommendation to the church for removal from office.

ARTICLE IX

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

This church shall be a non-stock, non-profit, and exclusively religious organization.

Section 1.  Autonomy:

This church is governed solely by the power in its membership.

Section 2.  Private Inurement

No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Section 1.02 hereof.

Section 3.  Political Involvement

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Section 4. Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of the church, the trustees shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the liabilities of the church, dispose of all of the assets of the church to such organization or organizations formed and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the membership shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to tax exempt organizations, which agree with the church’s Statement of Faith.

Section 5.  Racial Nondiscrimination

The church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

Section 6.  Limitation of Activities

Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the church shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes stated in ARTICLE II.  

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Literature:

Any literature which represents or is used by this church is subject to approval by the Pastor and Deacons.

Section 2. Amendments:

Revisions and amendments may be adopted by a ¾ vote of the body at a regular business meeting, provided said changes were proposed in writing and discussed at a previous business meeting. Any change in Articles III and IV require a ¾ vote plus approval by the Pastor and all Deacons.  Any amendments added to this constitution shall be recorded and listed with it and the date or their adoption in later editions of this document.

Section 3.  Church Year:

The church year shall be from January1 to December 31, inclusive. 

Section 4.  Rules of Order:

Unless otherwise specified, “Roberts Rules of Order” shall apply.

Section 5. Availability:

Copies of this document, once adopted, shall be made available to any member of this church desiring one.

Section 6.  Record of Business:

The clerk shall compile at the end of each church year a list of the specific motions passed at the business meetings of the church during the previous year.  This list shall be made available for inspection to the body, and a permanent record shall be maintained for future reference. 

ARTICLE XI

Designated Contributions

From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals.  Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the pastor and the board of deacons.  No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in ARTICLE II.  

ARTICLE XII

Indemnification

Section 1.  Actions Subject to Indemnification 

The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or in the right of thc church) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgements, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding; and If that person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to he in or not opposed to thc best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendereor its equivalent. shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of thc church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. 

Section 2. Expenses Subject to Indemnification

To the extent that a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter in that action, suit, or proceeding, he or she may be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding.

Section 3.  Limitations of Indemnification

Any indemnification made under this Article, may be made by the church only as authorized in the specific case on a determination that indemnification of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 of this Article. The determination shall he made (a) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of the pastor and deacons who were not and are not parties to or threatened with the action, suit, or proceeding; ( b ) if the: described quorum is not obtainable or if a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested deacons so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by a majority vote of the members of the church.

Section 4.  Timing of Indemnification

Expenses of each person seeking indemnification under this Article, may be paid by the church as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the board of deacons in the specific case, on receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not qualified to be indemnified by the church.

Section 5.  Extent of Indemnification

The indemnification provided by this Article shall be deemed to be discretionary unless otherwise required as a matter of law or under any agreement or provided by insurance purchased by the church, both as to action of each person seeking indemnification under this Article in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding that office, and may continue as to a person who has ceased to be a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent and may inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of that person.

Section 6.  Insurance

The church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in that capacity, or arising out of his status in that capacity, whether or not the church would have the power to indemnify him against liability under the provisions of this Article.