CONSTITUTION and BY-LAWS
of the
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Beloit, Kansas
of the
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Beloit, Kansas
ARTICLE I: ARTICLES OF FAITH
The name of this Church shall be Calvary Baptist Church. It is always to be an independent Baptist Church, using the King James Version of the Bible in all services, accepting jurisdiction from no convention now existing or to join with any convention organized in the future.
A Bible Baptist is one who believes in a supernatural Bible, which tells of a supernatural Christ, Who had a supernatural birth, Who spoke supernatural words, Who performed supernatural miracles, Who lived a supernatural life, Who died a supernatural death, Who rose in supernatural splendor, Who intercedes as a supernatural priest and Who will one day return in supernatural glory to establish a supernatural kingdom on the earth.
I. Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men super-naturally 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.
1. 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.
2. 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 free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Psa. 119:160; Psa. 119:105; Psa. 119:130; Luke 24:26-27; John 17:17; Luke 24:44-45; Psa. 119:89; Prov. 30:5-6; Rom. 3:4; I Pet. 1:23; Rev. 22:19; John 12:48; Isa. 8:20; Eph. 6:17; Rom. 15:4; Luke 16:31; Psa. 19:7-11; John 5:45-47; John 5:39.
II. Of the True God
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.
Ex. 20:2-3; Gen. 17:1; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; Psa. 83:18; Psa. 90:2; Jer. 10:10; Ex. 15:11; Rev. 4:11; I Tim. 1:17; Rom. 11:33; Mark 12:30; Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; I Cor. 12:4-6; I John 5:7; John 10:30; John 17:5; I Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; II Cor. 13:14.
III. Of the Holy Spirit
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 judgment and of righteousness; 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, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer.
John 14:16-17; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; II Thess. 2:7; John 16:8-11; John 15:26-27; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Eph. 1:13-14; Matt. 3:1.1; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; John 16:13; Rom. 8:14; Rom. 8:16; II Thess. 2:13; I Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:26-27.
IV. Of the Devil or Satan
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 back of the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness-destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek 28:14-17; Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; II Pet. 2:4; Eph. 2:2; John 14:30; I Thess. 3:5; Matt. 4:1-3; I Pet. 5:8; I John 3:8; Matt. 13:39; Luke 22:3-4; Rev. 12:10; II Cor. 11:13-15; Mark 13:21-22; I John 4:3; II John 7; I John 2:22; Rev. 13:13-14; II Thess. 2:8-11; Rev. 19:11, 16, 20; Rev. 12:7-9; Rev. 20.1-3; Rev. 20:10; Matt. 25:41.
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.”
Gen, 1:1; Ex. 20:11; Acts 4:24; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Rev. 10:6; Rom. 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jer. 10:12; Neh. 9:6; Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 2:21-23; Gen. 1:11; Gen. 1:24.
VI. Of the 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 by constraint, but of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:19; Rom. 3:10-19; Eph. 2:1, 3; Rom. 1:18; Ezek 18:19-20; Rom 1:32; Rom. 1:20; Rom. 1:28; Gal. 3:22.
VII. Of the Virgin Birth
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost, in a miraculous manner; born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God, and God the Son.
Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:14; Psa 2:7; Gal. 4:4; I John 5:20; I Cor. 15:47.
VIII. Of the Atonement for Sin
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediate offices of the Son of God, who by 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 tender sympathies with divine perfection, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all-sufficient Saviour.
Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24; John 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Isa. 53:4-7; Rom. 3:25; I John 4:10; I Cor. 15:3; II Cor. 5:21; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 1:4; I Pet. 2:24; I Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53:11; Heb. 12:2; I Cor. 15:20; Isa. 53:12; Heb. 9:12-15; Heb. 7:25; I John 2:2.
IX. Of 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, 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.
John 3:3; II Cor. 5:17; Luke 5:27; I John 5:1; John 3:6-7; Acts 2:41; II Pet. 1:4; Rom. 6:23; Eph 2:1; II Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:13; John 1:12-13; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph 5:9; Eph 2:8-9.
X. Of the Freeness of Salvation
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 an obedient faith; and 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.
I Thess. 1:4; Col. 3:12; I Pet 1:2; Titus 1:1; Rom. 8:29-30; Matt. 11:28; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Rom. 10:13; John 6:37; Isa. 55:6; Acts 2:38; Isa. 55:7; John 3:15-16; I Tim. 1:15; I Cor. 15:10; Eph 2:4-5; John 5:40; John 3:18; John 3:36.
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, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 5:1; Tit. 3:5-7;Rom. 1:17; Hab. 2:4;Gal 3:11; Rom 4:18; Heb. 10:38.
XII. Of Repentance and Faith
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 Saviour.
Acts 20:21; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; Luke 18:13; Rom 10:13; Psa 51:1-4; Psa 51:7, Isa. 55:6-7; Luke 12:8; Rom 10:9-11.
We believe that a Baptist church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, said church being understood to be the citadel and propagator of the divine and eternal grace; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers of ordination are pastors or elders whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commissions: first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church; third, to teach and instruct as He has commanded. We do not believe in the reversal of this order; we hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the 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 cooperate 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 cooperation; on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is first.
Acts 2:41; Acts 2:42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph 1:22-23; Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:4, 8-11; Acts 14:23; Acts 6:56; Acts 15:23; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim 3:1-13; Matt. 28:19-20; Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24; I Pet 5:1-4; Acts 15:22; Jude 3-4; II Cor. 8:23-24; I Cor. 16:1; Mat. 3:10; Lev. 27:32; I Cor. 16:2; I Cor. 6:1-3; I Cor. 5:11-13.
XIII. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer; in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, with the authority of the local church, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and the fruit of the vine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:6; John 3:23; Rom 6:4-5; Matt. 3:16; Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; I Cor. 11:23-28; Acts 19:1-5; II John 9-11; Gal 1:6-9.
XIV. Of the Perseverance of the Saints
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 professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
John 8:31-32; Col. 1:21-23; I John 2:19; Matt 13:19-21; Rom. 8:28; Psa 121:3; Heb. 1:14; I Peter 1:5; Phil. 1:6; John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:35-39.
XVI. Of 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, 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, and 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.
Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17-18; Prov. 11:31; I Pet 1:18; Rom. 1:17; I Cor. 15:22; Acts 10:34-35; I John 2:29; Rom. 6:16; I John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 6:23; Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; Matt. 25:34, 41; John 8:21; Luke 9:26; John 12:25; Matt. 7:13-14.
XVII. Of Civil Government
We believe that civil government is of Divine appointment, for the interest 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 our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth.
Rom. 13:7; II Sam. 23:3; Ex. 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Pet. 2:13-14; I Pet. 2:17; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 23:10; Phil. 2:10-11; Psa 72:11.
XVIII. Of the Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value. Of the resurrection, we believe that Christ arose bodily "the third day according to the Scriptures;" that. He alone is our "merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God;" "that this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in his manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" - bodily, personally and visibly; that the "dead in Christ shall rise first," that the living saints "shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" that the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David;" and that "Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet"
Matt. 28:6-7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; I Cor. 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-7; Acts 1:9, 11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 12:2; Heb. 8:6; I Tim. 2:5; 'John 2:1; Heb. 2:17; Heb. 5:9-10; John 14:3; I Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:27; Matt. 24:42; Heb. 9:28; I Cor. 15:42-44, 51-53; I Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:20-21; Luke 1:32; I Cor. 15:25; Isa 11:4-5; Psa 72:8; Rev. 20:1-4; Rev. 20:6.
The command to give the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this Commission was given to the churches.
Matt. 28:18-20, "And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world Amen."
Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”
Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Rom. 10:13-15, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
XX. Of the Grace of Giving
Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. II Cor. 8:7, “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”
II Cor. 9:6-7 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
We are commanded to bring our gifts into the storehouse (common treasury of the church) upon the first day of the week.
I Cor. 16:2, “ Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”
Under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe ‘Abraham Gave the tenth of the spoils” – Hebrews 7:2, 4 – and this was four hundred years before the law, and is confirmed in the New Testament; Jesus said concerning the tithe, “These ye ought to have done.” – Matt. 23:23.
We are commanded to bring the tithe into the common treasury of the church. Lev. 27:30, "The tithe...is the Lord's." Mal. 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
In the New Testament it was the common treasury of the church. Acts 4:34-35, 37, “and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet… and laid it at the APOSTELS’ FEET.”
XXI. Human Sexuality
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex. We believe that God rejects any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery or appearance.
2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman.
3. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church.
Gen. 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Cor. 7:10; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 5:22-23; Col. 3:18; 1Thess. 4:1-8; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 1 2; He b. 13:4.
Article II: Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour 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. angels 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 the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; 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, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from gambling, the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and the sale and use of illicit drugs, and to be zealous in our effort to advance the kingdom of our Saviour. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to be slow to, take offence, but always ready for reconciliation; and mindful of the rule of our Saviour to secure it without delay. We moreover, engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith and order, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; giving evidence of a change of heart, followed by Christian baptism by immersion and accepting the faith and practice of this church, and declaration of faith, may be received into its membership upon the vote of the church. Christian Baptism is defined as: 1. Proper Candidate – Saved: Acts 2:41-42; Acts 8:36-39. 2. Proper Reason – Obedience: Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 28:19-20. 3. Proper Mode – Immersion: Acts 8:36-39. 4. Proper Authority – Baptist Church: Galatians 1:7-8; Acts 19:1-5; 2 John 9-11.
ARTICLE IV: Officers
The officers of the church in addition to the pastor shall be deacons, trustees, treasurer, church clerk and such other officers as the Church shall designate from time to time.
ARTICLE V: Business Meetings
Section 1: The Pastor shall call all business meetings of this Church.
Section 2: Special business meetings may be announced during any regular service to be held at the close of that service, or at such times as may be agreed upon.
Section 3: The annual business meeting for the election of officers shall be held on the second Sunday of December, and the newly elected officers shall take office the first Sunday of the calendar year.
Section 4: Fifty per cent of active members up to twelve shall constitute a quorum at any business meeting of the Church. In the event of a tie vote the moderator shall cast his vote to bring about a decision. Robert's rules of order shall be followed in all meetings.
Section 5: No business meetings shall be called, or business transacted during the absence of the Pastor. In the event of the death or resignation of the Pastor, the Secretary of Trustees shall moderate all business meetings until the Church shall call another man and he accepts this pastorate.
Section 6: All business meetings of this Church shall be held within the Church building.
ARTICLE VI: Amendments
This Constitution may be amended as desired at any special business meeting called for that purpose by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I: Reception of Members
Section 1: By Baptism. Any person upon public confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, may, upon baptism and the vote of the Church, be received into its membership.
Section 2: By Letter. Members from other New Testament Baptist Churches of like faith and order, may upon presentation of their letter of good standing, and upon the vote of the church, be received into its membership.
Section 3: By Experience. Those who have once been members of a New Testament Baptist Church and for some reason, due to peculiar circumstances are unable to secure their letter of good standing, may be received upon the statement of their experience and scriptural faith.
Section 4: By Restoration. Any person whose name, for any cause, has been dropped from the membership roll, may upon confession of their wrong or satisfactory explanation to the Church, and upon the vote of the Church, be restored to its membership.
ARTICLE II: Duties of Members
It shall be the duty of the members of this church to live up to the Covenant of this Church as stated in Article II of the Constitution.
ARTICLE III: Dismissal of Members
Section 1: By Letter. Upon request of any member in good standing, the church shall grant a letter of dismissal to unite with any church of like faith and order.
Section 2: By Unchristian Conduct. In case of habitual violation of Covenant obligations, or the subjection to ridicule in any way the Church Covenant or Articles of Faith held by this Church, on the part of any member past, present, or future, that said person shall by such stated unbelief, automatically sever any and all relationship they may have had, do have, or could hope to have with this Church. Wherein any of the above shall occur it shall be the duty of the Pastor and Deacons/Trustees to admonish the offender. If this proves ineffectual, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons/Trustees and action by the Church, the name of such member shall be dropped from the roll. This will be done according to Article IV of the By-Laws.
ARTICLE IV: Discipline of Members
Section 1: In order to attain the highest spiritual achievements, it is recognized that there must be maintained in our church, the unanimity of the Faith, and it is therefore hereby declared as the policy of this church, in accord with the scriptural position heretofore set forth in this instrument, that all officers and teachers appointed by the Pastor and the Church, accept such office or appointment on the clear Christian understanding that they give whole-heartedly their loyalty and support to the recognized scriptural leadership of the Pastor and the voice of the church body.
Section 2: And that if or when any officers or teachers decides that he or she cannot accept or support this declared policy of the church, that such persons shall declare their positions by declining to accept office, or resigning from office in order that their offices may be filled by those who are prepared to give their loyalty and support to the policy and leadership of the church.
Section 3: AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any member of this church has any cause for complaint of sufficiently serious nature to justify expression, that this church requires that such complaint be taken to both the Pastor and Deacons/Trustees for consideration and action, and further, that if any member be known to give expression here or elsewhere to sentiments likely to cause division or dissention in the membership, or to impede the progress of the work, such course, if persisted in, shall constitute sufficient grounds for bringing the names of the ones so doing before the church by the Deacons/Trustees or Pastor for exclusion from membership.
Section 4: AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Pastor or Deacons/Trustees, the church may order the names of members dropped from the church roll, whereupon they shall cease to be members of this church for the following reasons:
a. UNCHRISTIAN CONDUCT- Consistent violation of the CHURCH COVENANT.
b. HOLDING OR TEACHING DOCTRINES SUBVERSIVE of those held and preached by this church, whether such teaching is done in this church's buildings or in some by-the-way class, fellowship or home.
c. CALLING, HOLDING, OR PARTICIPATING IN SECRET OR UNAUTHORIZED meeting with members of the church.
d. UNBRIDLED TONGUE- Definition hereof is set forth in instrument known as CHURCH COVENANT.
e. Active and continuous opposition to the policy or leadership of the church or conduct calculated to cause or create dissention or division within the church.
Section 5: AND FINALLY BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that this church hereby authorizes and enjoins its Pastor and his appointed helpers to review the work of this church and its present status as related to this policy, and to bring it immediately into harmony with the terms of this policy.
Section 6: PREVIOUSLY EXCLUDED OR DISCIPLINED MEMBERS of this church may be restored to Membership in the following manner:
a. Upon public acknowledgment of their sins and errors which brought forth the church discipline and/or exclusion together with
b. A six-month attendance after said confession that reveals faithfulness in attendance, Christ-likeness in spirit and liberality in stewardship. Then --
c. Should the above be satisfactorily performed it shall merit on the part of the individual seeking restoration of membership, a special meeting with the Pastor and Deacons/Trustees wherein it shall be frankly and fully discussed as to the individual's future intentions and relationship to the church. If results of meetings are satisfactory, the Pastor may recommend to the Church or cause the Deacons/Trustees to recommend to the Church that the individual in question should again be received into membership.
d. No excluded member may ever be restored to new membership without the consent of the Pastor.
e. Members once excluded will not be permitted to hold a Church elective office until at least six months after full restoration.
Section 7: No person shall be received as a member of this Church to whose admission ten (10) percent of those voting with no less than two (2) or more than seven (7) object.
ARTICLE V: Officers
Section 1: Qualifications. The officers of the church shall be members of the Church in good standing, qualified to perform the duties demanded by the office to which they are elected. I Timothy 3.
Section 2: (a) PASTOR. The Pastor shall be chosen by the members of the Church when a vacancy occurs, shall hold office without limitation of time, as long as he is led by the Holy Spirit to do so. He shall act as moderator of all business meetings of the Church. It shall be the duty of the pastor to watch over the interests and welfare of the church, both spiritual and otherwise, preach the Gospel, administer the Church Ordinances, and be ex-officio member of all committees of the Church. He shall be responsible for finding supply speakers.
(b)DEACONS. The number of deacons shall be determined by the Church as may best suit the needs from time to time. Deacons shall be elected at the annual business meeting for a period of one year and may be re-elected. No one shall be considered for, nor serve as Deacon who is not in accordance with the Articles of Faith of this Church. The general duties of a Deacon shall be, to assist the Pastor in building up the Church numerically, financially and spiritually; to visit the sick; to personally strive to win the lost to Christ; to guard and protect the reputation of the Church and Pastor against gossip, lies and false accusations; to cooperate with the Pastor and are to assist the Pastor in the administration of the Lord's Supper.
(c) TRUSTEES. The board of Trustees shall consist of no more than five members, who shall be elected for a term of two years each by the members of the Church. Two to be elected one year and three the next. Providing however, that the first year two shall be elected to serve one year and three to serve two years, thereafter the term shall be two years. The Trustees shall have the care of all property owned by the Church. They shall hold title of all properties for the church, BUT shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer property without specific authority by vote of the Church. In case of death, resignation, or removal of any member of the board of Trustees, an election shall be held to fill the vacancy at a special business meeting of the Church. The Trustees shall be the permanent and regular standing Finance Committee, and shall have authority to transact business in the name of, and for the Church. The Pastor shall be the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
(d) FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Pastor, Trustees, and Treasurer shall compose the Finance Committee of this Church. The Treasurer and Trustees of this Church shall count all offerings that are received in this Church regardless of nature. They shall maintain a correct, open book of all offerings received and expenditures.
(e) TREASURER The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Pastor and Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall keep a true and fair book of accounts; he shall keep a record of the receipts and disbursements of the Church money. He shall pay all disbursements by check, signed by himself as Treasurer of the Church and countersigned by the Chairman of the board of Trustees at his option or as the Chairman designates. He shall- make a detailed report of the financial condition of the Church at such times as he may be called upon to do so by the Church. He shall place a written financial report of all offerings received and dispersed for each individual month on the bulletin board of the Church. Each report is to be placed upon the board the next Sunday following the last date of the previous month. The Treasurer shall be on the Finance Committee. In case of death, resignation, or removal, the Pastor and Board of Trustees shall appoint a new Treasurer.
(f) CHURCH CLERK. The Church Clerk shall be appointed by the Pastor and Board of Trustees. In case of death, resignation, or removal, the Pastor and Board of Trustees shall appoint a new Church Clerk. It shall .be the duty of the Church Clerk to keep an accurate record of the approved minutes of all church business meetings. The Clerk shall have charge of and carefully preserve all the records of the church, keep a correct and complete list of the members and their addresses, issue letters of dismissal as granted by the church, and letters of transfer as requested by the Church. The Church Clerk shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to this office.
(e) BIBLE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. The general superintendent of the Bible School shall be elected at the annual business meeting of the Church. The term of office shall be one year.
(f) BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS AND OFFICERS. The teachers and officers of the Bible School, meeting the Pastor's qualifications, shall be appointed by the Pastor and the Bible School Superintendent and subject to the approval of the board of Deacons/Trustees.
ARTICLE VI: AUDITORS
The Church shall at its annual business meeting elect two Auditors who shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer and present a report of the same to the Church for its approval.
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
These BY-LAWS may be amended as desired at any special business meeting called for that purpose, by 2/3 majority vote of members present. No amendments shall ever be made to the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant of the Church or where no right to amend is stated.
ARTICLE VIII: KING JAMES VERSION
This Church shall use the King James Version of the Bible in all its Services. This Church shall consider all other English versions of the Bible as perversions of the Holy Scriptures.
ARTICLE IX: CHURCH PROPERTY
Be it known to all members and officers of this Church, that all legal papers, books, deeds, contracts of this Church shall be the absolute property of the Church. Though put in care by any officer or member for a term of office, it is expected that said member or officer shall at the termination of his or her office turn over all instruments, books or papers of the Church to the Pastor and Trustees.
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"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
Matthew 28:18-20
"Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is
not in vain in the Lord."
I Corinthians 15:58