We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that
it has truth without any admixture of error for its matter; and therefore is, and
shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the
will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard
by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
-
By "The Holy Bible," we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from
Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written, does not only contain
and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
-
By "inspiration," we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy
men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their
writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and are free from error, as no
other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
(Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm
119:89, 105, 130, 160; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; Luke 24:25-27,
44, 45; John 5:39, 45-47; John 12:48; John 17:17; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Romans
3:4; Romans 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; II Timothy 3:16, 17; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:19-
21; Revelation 22:19)
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God; an infinite,
intelligent 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
the unity of the Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious
offices in the great work of redemption.
(Genesis 17:1; Exodus 15:1; Exodus
20:2, 3; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19;
Mark 12:30; John 4:24; John 15:26; Romans 11:33-36; I Corinthians 8:6; I
Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:6; I Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:11)
The Second Person of the Triune God is the Son, Whose name is the Lord Jesus
Christ. He existed eternally with the Father, and at the time of his incarnation,
without change in His deity, became a man through the miracle of His divine
conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless, impeccable life, died a
substitutionary death for all men; was buried and arose from the grave physically
the third day. He ascended into Heaven; is presently fulfilling His intercessory and
mediatorial ministry; and has promised to return to rapture the church prior to the
Tribulation, at the conclusion of which He will institute His Davidic reign over
Israel and the nations.
(Matthew 1:20-25; Matthew 17:5; Luke 1:26-35; John 8:28;
John 14:3; I Corinthians 15:4; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews
9:24; Hebrews 10:12; I John 2:2)
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; equal 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 judgment; that He bears
witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent
in the New Birth; that He seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses,
sanctifies, and helps the believer.
(Genesis 1:1-3; Matthew 3:11; Matthew 28:19;
Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; Luke 3:16; Luke 24:49; John 1:33; John 3:5,6; John 14:16,
17, 26; John 15:26, 27; John 16:8-11, 13; Acts 5:30-32; Acts 11:16; Romans 8:14,
16, 26, 27; Ephesians 1:13, 14; II Thessalonians 2:7, 13; Hebrews 9:14; I Peter
1:2)
Regarding the ministry of spiritual gifts, we believe that God is sovereign in the
bestowment of all His gifts; that the gifts of evangelists, Pastors, and teachers are
sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; that speaking in tongues and the
working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were
completed and their authority became established.
(I Corinthians 12:4-11; II
Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-12)
We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His
will, for the sick and afflicted.
(John 15:7; James 5:14, 15; I John 5:14, 15)
We believe that Satan was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through
pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels;
that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of
this world. We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His
Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power of
the present apostasy, the lord of the anti-Christ, and the author of all the powers of
darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hand of God's Son, and to the
judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
(Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; Matthew 13: 25, 37, 39;
Matthew 25:41; Mark 13:21, 22; Luke 22:3, 4; John 14:30; II Corinthians 11:13-
15; Ephesians 2:2; I Thessalonians 3:5; II Thessalonians 2:8-11; I Peter 5:8; II
Peter 2:4; I John 2:22; I John 3:8; I John 4:3; II John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10;
Revelation 13:13, 14; Revelation 19:11, 16, 20; Revelation 20:1-3, 10)
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally,
and not allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own
image and after His own likeness; that man's creation was not a matter of evolution
or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of
time from lower to higher forms; that all animal and vegetable life was made
directly, and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after
their kind."
(Genesis 1:1, 11, 24, 26, 27; Genesis 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11;
Nehemiah 9:6; Jeremiah 10:12; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; Acts 17:23-26; Romans 1:20;
Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 10:6)
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 born into sin and continue in sin, not by constraint, but of
choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
(Genesis 3:1-6 24; Ezekiel 18:19, 20; Romans 1:18, 20, 28, 32; Romans 3:10-19; Romans
5:12, 19; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1, 3)
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous
and the wicked; that such only are justified through faith in the name of the Lord
Jesus and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem;
while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and
under the curse. This distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the
everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
(Genesis 18:23; Proverbs 11:31; Proverbs 14:32; Malachi 3:18; Matthew 7:13, 14;
Matthew 25:34, 41; Luke 9:26; Luke 16:25; John 8:21; John 12:25; Acts 10:34, 35;
Romans 1:17; Romans 6:16-18, 23; Romans 7:6; I Corinthians 15:22; Galatians
3:10; I Peter 4:18; I John 2:29; I John 3:7; I John 5:19)
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
the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the
unjust, Christ the Lord bearing our sins 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.
(Isaiah 53:4-7, 11, 12; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; John 10:18; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24,
25; I Corinthians 15:3, 20; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:8;
Philippians 2:7, 8; Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:12-15; Hebrews 12:2;
I Peter 2:24; I Peter 3:18; I John 2:2; I John 4:10)
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, not by culture,
not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and 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.
(Luke 5:27; John 1:12, 13; John 3:3,
6-8; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:30-33; Romans 6:23; II Corinthians 5:17, 19; Galatians
5:22; Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 2:13; II Peter 1:4; I John 5:1)
We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free
to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial,
penitent, and obedient faith; that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest
sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the
gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
(Isaiah 55:1, 6, 7; Matthew 11:28; John 3:15, 16, 18, 36; John 5:40; John 6:37;
Acts 2:38; Romans 8:29, 30; Romans 10:13; I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians
2:4, 5; Colossians 3:12; I Thessalonians 1:4; I Timothy 1:15; Titus 1:1; I Peter
1:2; Revelation 22:17)
We believe that the great gospel blessing, which Christ secures to such as believe
in Him, is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of
eternal life on principles of righteousness; 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 is His righteousness imputed unto us.
(Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk
2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; Romans 4:1-8; Romans 5:1, 9;
Romans 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38)
We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations, and also inseparable
graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply
convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by
Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly
confessing Him as our only and all-sufficient Savior.
(Psalm 51:1-4, 7; Isaiah 55:6,
7; Mark 1:15; Luke 12:8; Luke 18:13; Acts 2:37, 38; Romans 10:9-11, 13)
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their
persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from
superficial professions; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and
that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
(Psalm
121:3; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 13:19-21; John 8:31, 32; John 10:28, 29; John
16:8; Romans 8:28, 35-39; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:14; I
Peter 1:5; I John 2:19)
We believe that a church of Jesus Christ is a congregation of baptized believers
associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the
ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and
privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are Pastors or elders and
Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the
Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great
Commission; first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church;
third, to teach and instruct, as He has commanded. We hold that the local church
has the absolute right of self-government, free from interference 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 true churches to co-operate with
each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that
every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-
operation; on all matters of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church
is final.
(Leviticus 27:32; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41, 42; Acts
6:5, 6; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:22, 23; Acts 20:17-28; I Corinthians 5:11-13; I
Corinthians 6:1-3; I Corinthians 8:11; I Corinthians 11:2; I Corinthians 12:4; I
Corinthians 16:1, 2; II Corinthians 8:23, 24; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Ephesians 4:11;
Ephesians 5:23, 24; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 3:1-13; I Peter 5:1-4; Jude 3, 4)
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a born-again
believer, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to show forth
in solemn and beautiful emblem their faith in the crucified, buried, risen, and
coming Savior, with its effect in their death to sin and resurrection to a new life
and that it is a prerequisite for proper church relationship and a God-blessed
life. We, hereby, declare that the Church will receive into its membership those
who have been truly born again, and then baptized (immersed) in obedience to
the command of Christ.
(Matthew 3:6, 16; Matthew 28:19, 20; John 3:23; Acts
2:41, 42; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12)
We believe the Lord's Supper to be an ordinance of the church in which born-again
believers are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always
by solemn self-examination. We, hereby, declare that the Church invites other
scripturally baptized Christians, to participate in our communion service.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19, 20; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 10:16; I
Corinthians 11:23- 28)
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and
good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously
honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of the Lord Jesus
Christ as expressed in Scripture, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the
coming Prince of the kings of the earth.
(Exodus 18:21, 22; II Samuel 23:3; Psalm
72:11; Daniel 3:17, 18; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 22:21; Matthew 23:10; Acts
4:19, 20; Acts 5:29; Acts 23:5; Romans 13:1-7; Philippians 2:10, 11; Titus 3:1; I
Peter 2:13, 14, 17)
We believe that at death the spirits and souls of believers pass instantly into the
presence of Christ and remain in conscious joy until the resurrection of the body
when Christ comes for His own. (I Corinthians 15:50-58; II Corinthians 5:6-8; I
Thessalonians 4:13-18) The blessed hope of the believer is the imminent, personal
pre-tribulation, premillennial appearance of Christ to rapture the church. His
righteous judgments will then be poured out on an unbelieving world during the
Tribulation, the last half of which is the Great Tribulation. The climax of this
fearful era will be the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth in great glory to
introduce the Davidic kingdom. Israel will be saved and restored to national
superiority. Satan will be bound and the curse will be lifted from the physical
creation. Following the Millennium, the Great White Throne judgment will occur,
at which time the bodies and souls of the wicked dead shall be re-united and cast
into the Lake of Fire. Jesus Christ shall reign forever and forever as Lord of Lords
and King of Kings.
(Isaiah 11:1, 2; Matthew 24:29, 30; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II
Thessalonians 2:1-12; I John 4:3; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 20:2, 3, 11-15)
-
Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a
change of heart, and adopting the views of faith and practice held by this
church as set forth in this document, may upon baptism by immersion be
received into its membership.
-
Members from other churches holding the same faith may be received by
letter of recommendation and dismissal from their respective churches. If
the person for various reasons is unable to secure a letter, he may be
received by a statement of faith.
-
Any member, who has been excluded from church membership, may upon
making satisfactory explanation to the church be restored to full membership.
-
All candidates for membership shall be examined by the Pastor and then be
presented before the members of this church for reception during the invitation of
any service of the church. This will be by a voice confirmation. Three-fourths must
vote in favor of reception.
Members may be removed by request of the member, or upon three-fourths vote of
the members of this church in one of the following ways:
-
By death of the member. (this shall be so recognized.)
-
By transfer to another church.
-
By church discipline.
-
Definition: Discipline is that procedure including Christian teaching, training,
admonition and rebuke both private and public, with the view to helping the
individual grow in grace, mature in the individual faith, break off from worldliness
and live wholly for the Lord. At such time that a member shall refuse to receive
such help it will be necessary for the church to exclude him from the membership.
-
Church action:
-
Unscriptural conduct or radical departure from the Articles of Faith held by the
Church shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which such member may be
removed from the church roll (Romans 16:17,18; I Corinthians 5:1-13; Galatians
1:8,9). The action to remove a member from the church roll shall at all times be
first recommended by the Pastor and Deacons and be voted upon by a three-fourths
majority of those active members voting at any business meeting of the church.
-
When a member is out of fellowship as provided in subparagraph (a) above,
such person shall be dealt with in accordance with Matthew 18:15-18; he shall
thereafter be notified by letter of the action of the church.
-
A member formally accused is automatically released from any office or
position, and cannot speak at business meetings except at the hearing, and is
deprived of his or her right of vote.
-
At the close of the hearing, the congregation shall vote, by ballot, to determine
if the accused is found guilty. If the accused is found guilty he must be excluded
even if he repents. Statement of exclusion, including reasons and admonitions, is to
be presented to the excluded in person or by mail. After time has elapsed and his
repentance is proven to be genuine he may again apply for membership.
-
An excluded member can be received back into membership only after
repentance and public confession of the sin(s) and following the constitutional
procedure for being admitted.
A member shall be considered inactive if such person has not attended any service
for an extended period of time without just cause. An inactive member cannot hold
office or vote in a business meeting of the church. All questions herein will be
decided by the Pastor and Deacons.
-
That we strive to have a Regenerated church membership (John 3:16).
-
That we strive to have a Spiritual church membership (Matthew 5:48; Romans 8:1-9).
-
That we strive to have a Separated church membership (John 17:14, 15; I John 2:15).
-
That we strive to have a Compassionate church membership (John 20:21).
-
The government of this church is by its members.
-
To work towards the acquisition of Scriptural knowledge, constant progress in
grace and spirituality, consistency in conduct and the control of unholy temper.
-
To pray for their Pastor, to manifest a tender regard for his reputation, and also
to pray for the work of the church that many souls will be saved and that those who
are saved might be rooted and grounded and built up in the faith.
-
All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are a part of the
body of our Lord Jesus, that we are of the household of Faith, and that in God's
sight we are brothers and sisters. It is therefore our duty to love each other as such,
to love and pray for our Church as our earthly home, and to strive to honor our
Lord in all we do, say, or act, bearing in mind that we are epistles of Christ, known
and read by men.
-
To contribute according as God has prospered toward the maintenance of the
church and its missionary program; and in general, assist in bearing expenses and
sharing the duties and services of this congregation.
-
The congregation shall meet regularly every Lord's Day for public worship.
-
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed as often as the Lord lays it
on the pastor’s heart.
-
Regarding business meetings:
-
The ultimate authority in any situation is Scripture. All topics and issues must be
decided accordingly.
-
All business meetings shall be considered binding if a simple majority of voting
members are in attendance.
-
Regular business meetings are to be held quarterly (April, July, October, and January).
-
Special meetings may be called when necessary, providing two weeks’ notice has been given.
-
An emergency business meeting may be called at any regular service by the
Pastor or acting Moderator, with the consent of three-fourths of the voting
members present. This business meeting must have a specific agenda set and no
new items of business may be brought up at this meeting.
-
These meetings shall be conducted in a decent and orderly way.
-
Every business meeting shall be opened and closed by prayer.
-
No second motion shall be entertained until the one under consideration has
been disposed of, except a motion of amendment, adjournment or "puts the
question."
-
Any speaker who introduces any matter foreign to the subject under discussion
shall be ruled out of order.
-
Discourteous language or remarks meant to injure the reputation or feelings of
any member shall be ruled out of order and shall forfeit the speaker's right to the
floor.
-
The Pastor or acting moderator may speak upon any subject under discussion.
-
Every active member wishing to speak shall respectfully address the Pastor or
acting moderator.
-
Every proposition presented for action of the church must be introduced by
motion of one member and seconded by another.
-
All questions shall be decided by a majority vote, unless otherwise specified in
this constitution.
-
All church members 18 years of age and over are eligible to vote, unless
disqualified for reasons specified in this constitution.
We believe the scriptures require only two (2) offices in the church: the Pastor and
Deacons, and we accept them as God-given.
-
Calling of a Pastor
-
The Pastor is to be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs.
His election shall take place at a regular meeting called for the purpose, of which at
least one week's public notice shall be given. The Deacons of the church shall be
the pulpit committee to seek out a suitable pastor, and their commendation will
constitute a nomination. In the absence of Deacons, the pulpit committee shall be
chosen by the congregation from among the active members of the church. The
committee shall bring to the consideration of the church only one man at a time.
-
Any Candidate for the office of Pastor must meet the qualifications laid out in I Timothy 3:1-7.
-
Election shall be by ballot, an affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present
and voting being necessary to a choice. A quorum of 30% of the voting
membership must be present at this meeting. The Pastor thus elected shall serve
until the relationship is terminated for some reason. The Pastor's term of office
shall be indefinite.
-
Termination of Pastoral Relationship
-
The pastoral relationship may be terminated by the Pastor - after having given
the church 30 days written notice of his desire to close his pastorate.
-
The pastoral relationship may be terminated by the church for scriptural reason
and/or gross immoral misconduct. The church may give notice if a three-fourths
majority of members at a regular or called business meeting vote to terminate the
ministry.
-
Duties of the Pastor
-
It shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach at the meetings of the church;
to administer the ordinances of the gospel; to act as moderator at business
meetings; to have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church; and to handle
the daily ministrations of the church. The Pastor will be responsible for any
speakers in the church for any regular meeting of the church, or for any protracted
meeting, or a missionary conference, or an evangelistic campaign. The Pastor shall
be responsible for the selection of the pianist(s) and musical program. The Pastor
shall be responsible for the selection of the assistant Pastor and/or Youth Pastor.
The Pastor shall be an "ex-officio" member of any board. He shall be the Sunday
School Superintendent and may appoint an Assistant Sunday School
Superintendent. The Pastor will appoint Sunday school teachers, and Department
Heads, and has authority to dismiss individuals from any of the positions he has
appointed if necessary.
-
The Pastor shall be the President of the Corporation. The Pastor shall be the
moderator of the church; he may call the Deacons or the church together for
special meetings to transact the business of the church; he shall devote his time and
energies to the welfare of the church; he shall receive such compensation as the
church may decide.
Deacons shall be elected when the congregation has grown sufficiently that the
Pastor requires them to assist in the daily ministrations of the church.
-
There shall be one or more deacons (the maximum number determined by
Pastor and Deacons) whose term of office shall be one (1) year. These men shall be
recommended to the Pastor by the members of the church, and voted on by the
church at each annual meeting.
-
Any candidate for the office of Deacon must meet the qualifications laid out in I Timothy 3: 8-13.
-
It shall be a duty of the Deacons to meet at least once each quarter. They may
select a chairman and a secretary from among their own number. The secretary
shall keep a record of the minutes and proceedings of all meetings. The chairman
shall act as Moderator of the church in the absence or removal of the Pastor. The
Pastor and Deacons shall constitute a standing committee for the purpose of
examining questionable applications for membership and to which all matters of
discipline shall be referred. It shall be a duty of the Deacons to seek out such
members of the church who need pecuniary assistance and to use the alms of the
church for their relief, to visit the sick, to prepare and distribute the elements of the
Lord's Supper, and to assist the Pastor in the performance of his duties. Pastor and
the Deacons shall recommend the Pastor's remuneration and all items of
missionary payments to the church. The Deacons shall act in an advisory capacity
concerning all matters of church business, and in the employing and dismissing of
staff members.
-
When the church is a self-supporting church, the Trustees (one or two) shall be
selected annually by the Pastor and Deacons and approved by the church. The
Trustees shall act in an advisory capacity in all matters concerning legal
transactions and church properties.
-
The clerk shall keep a complete record of all the official acts of the church.
He or she shall certify all documents upon order of the church. The clerk shall keep
a complete and accurate registry of the active, inactive, and erased membership.
-
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all monies from the offerings of
the church. He or she shall keep an accurate account of all such monies received
and disburse them only by the approval of the church, unless monies have already
been given a specific designation. The treasurer shall give a report of the treasury
at the regular business meetings of the church, all of which shall be kept on file at
the church. No designated funds shall be diverted from their purpose, except by
vote of the church.
-
It shall be the duty of the Assistant Treasurer to serve under the direction of the
Treasurer in any or all matters pertaining to the Office of Treasurer.
-
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer to receive all
offerings, to count the money, to keep a record of the same, and to deposit the
same to the account of the church.
-
The record of all the officers, boards, and committees shall be delivered to the
properly elected successor. Original copies of all documents pertaining to the
church shall be maintained at the church.
-
The officers enumerated in paragraph C shall serve for one year, and shall be
voted upon at the annual business meeting, unless there is a vacancy that needs to
be filled.
-
The church regards as integral parts of itself all organizations formed to carry
out its activities and which use the facilities of the church. The Pastor and board of
Deacons will have general oversight over such organizations and may ask for
written or verbal reports whenever desired.
-
Organizations may be formed upon the approval of the Pastor and Deacons and
must conform to the spirit, policy, and teachings of the church.
-
Officers of all organizations of the church, including sponsors of children,
youth, and adult activities, shall be members in good standing and be approved by
the Pastor and Deacons.
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting
of the church by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided
that the amendments do not conflict with the Articles of Incorporation. Notice of
intent to amend with proposed amendment or amendments shall be made in writing
and announced from the pulpit at all church worship services on the two Sundays
immediately preceding the meeting. The Articles of Faith are irrevocable.
This church, now, or in the future, shall never in any manner become officially
connected with any convention or association, but shall remain as an Independent
Fundamental Baptist Church.
The Authorized Version (KJV) shall be the official text of this church, and shall be
used in the Sunday school classes and church services.
Be it resolved that the policy of this church is to be opposed to all forms of sexual
immorality and abuse, including, but not exclusive to, homosexuality, fornication,
adultery, incest, pornography or bestiality. Further be resolved that we believe in
the literal interpretation of Scriptures within the Bible which condemn these acts,
materials, or relationships. To be consistent with this position, we could not,
therefore, knowingly place into leadership positions, or receive into church
membership any person actively practicing or condoning these sexual perversions.
Any person found to be violating Scripture in this area would be subject to
dismissal from any leadership position and possible removal from church
membership if there is not proper repentance and restoration. Further be resolved
that the moral corruption of sexual sin can be fully forgiven through repentance
and faith in Christ’s atoning work (I Corinthians 6:9-11; I John 1:9. Thus we affirm
that God fully forgives all who repent of sexual sin. We believe that relationships
broken by sexual sin can be restored through genuine repentance and faith. Further
be it resolved that we believe the Bible defines marriage as a God ordained union
between one man and one woman. Therefore we recognize that same-sex marriage
and polygamy are in violation of Scripture.
We believe all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction of righteousness (II Tim. 3:16).
Therefore, Scripture shall be the final word in any and all amendments to by-laws,
or constitutions, and any rules or statements found to be contrary to The Word of
God shall be modified to conform or be stricken from the document. The Word of
God shall be our ultimate authority, and shall dictate any and all disputes,
transactions, activities, or dealings of our members within or without the confines
of the church building.
