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Doctrinal Statement |
Constitution |
I. |
Preamble | I. |
Incorporation |
II. |
The Holy Scriptures | II. |
Purpose |
III. |
God | III. |
Church Government |
IV. |
Man | IV. |
Church Membership |
V. |
Salvation | V. |
Elders |
VI. |
The Church | VI. |
Other Councils, Committees, and Offices |
VII. |
Angels | VII. |
Officers of the Corporation |
VIII. |
Last Things (Eschatology) | VIII. |
The Senior Pastor |
IX. |
The Lord's Day | IX. |
Financial Policy |
X. |
The Family | X. |
Settlement of Disputes |
XI. |
What it Means to be a Christian | XI. |
Meetings |
XII. |
Licensing | ||
XIII. |
Dissolution of the Church | ||
XIV. |
Doctrinal Position | ||
XV. |
Amendments |
Constitution
Preamble
We, the members of the Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC), in order to preserve the principles of our faith and to set forth certain guidelines for governing our church in an orderly manner consistent with New Testament principles, do hereby establish this constitution.
Article I. Incorporation [top]
On November 28, 1962, Emmanuel Baptist Church was incorporated under the Revised Statutes of the State of Texas. It is classified under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act as a non-profit organization for religious purposes.
Article II. Purpose [top]
This Corporation is organized for exclusively religious purposes (including charitable and eleemosynary purposes common to a pastoral church ministry as defined by Scripture). Our commission is summarized as follows: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
It shall be the purpose of this church to magnify the Person, work and program of the Lord Jesus Christ; to promote the worship of the Triune God in regular, public services, to proclaim the gospel message of salvation by word and deed; to build up the believers in the "most holy faith" [Jude 20]; to administer the two ordinances of the New Testament [believer's baptism and the communion of the Lord's Supper]; to provide Christian fellowship; to promote an active missionary program at home and abroad through Biblical ministry and the establishment of local churches; and to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" [Jude 3].
Article III. Church Government [top]
Insofar as it is practical and biblical this church will cooperate with and support the association and state convention affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. However, the final authority of this church is vested in the body of the members of whom it is composed. This authority is exercised by an elected board of elders who have been entrusted with all of the governing responsibilities and affairs of the church as enumerated in the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution. This church is not subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body.
Article IV. Church Membership [top]
Section One: Qualifications for Membership
The membership of this church shall be constituted of persons, who having professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, give evidence of regeneration and of conduct worthy of their profession, whose convictions are in harmony with the faith and practice of this church as set forth in the Constitution, and who have, after baptism by immersion, been placed into membership of the church.
Persons desiring to unite with this church by profession of a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior shall be examined as to their Christian faith and experience. Membership requirements are:
a. Belief in the finished atoning work of Christ for sin (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8; I Timothy 1:7).
b. Belief in the Bible as the only inspired, inerrant, sufficient, authoritative guide for life (II Timothy 3:16).
c. Submission to the EBC Doctrinal Statement and Constitution.
d. Believer's baptism.
Section Two: Process of Becoming a Member
Anyone desiring to unite with this church must appear before the Board of Elders (or duly appointed Committee of the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board). Candidates must be examined and must meet with the unanimous approval of the Board. If a committee is appointed by the Board, candidates must be examined and must meet with unanimous approval of the committee. Once approved by the committee, a recommendation for approval will be submitted to the Board of Elders.
Once approved by the Board of Elders, candidates for membership will be listed in the first appropriate Lord's Day bulletin and if there is no congregational objection the right hand of fellowship shall be given on the next Lord's Day and their names added to the official membership list of the church.
If there are dissenting members of the church, those that object must appear before the Board and/or committee and the candidate to give just reason. If reasons are not justifiable in the mind of the Board and/or committee the candidate will be given the right hand of fellowship and their names added to the official membership list of the church.
Section Three: Obligations of Membership
The members of the church shall be responsible for faithful support to the body of Christ, the church (II Corinthians 9:6-15; Hebrews 10:24-25), for submission to the leadership (Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:5), and for a ministry of support and encouragement to one another (Galatians 6:2; Colossians 3:12-17). Members are encouraged to contact any elder if they wish to meet with the Board of Elders to discuss any matter of concern.
Section Four: Types of Membership
Due to a variety of circumstances and situations, the following types of membership are recognized by the Church.
a. Active member: One who attends regularly the meetings held in this church, and who contributes and participates in the work of this church according to New Testament teachings.
b. Inactive member: Names remaining inactive for more than six months shall be removed from the church rolls. This is done by simple action of the Board of Elders (or duly appointed Committee of the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board) after a single effort to contact the individual involved.
c. Permanent inactive member: Consists of those who are permanently ill, retired, or moved to a community where no church of like precious faith exists, and who faithfully support the church with their tithes or one who through no circumstances of their own cannot faithfully attend the house of God. Each case shall be separately judged by the Board of Elders (or duly appointed Committee of the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board) and approved by them.
d. Associate member: Students and others temporarily residing in the Bryan/College Station area who are members of an evangelical church may apply for associate membership. All those under a “watch care” program will be considered associate members. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home church.
Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for other members except that:
a. When absent from the Bryan/College Station area for extended periods of time they are released from the responsibility to attend our church services.
b. While they will be encouraged to participate and serve on committees, teams, and various ministries of the church they will not be eligible to vote in a duly called meeting of the members.
Termination of associate membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination. Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the ending of the period of temporary residence in the Bryan/College Station area.
Section Five: Official Membership List
Four types of memberships shall be designated on the official membership list and shall be maintained in the official church records at all times.
a. Active members
b. Inactive members
c. Permanent inactive members
d. Associate members
Only those names appearing on the active and permanent inactive rolls shall be entitled to vote and included in membership tallies. No member shall be eligible to vote until he or she attains 16 years of age.
Section Six: Termination
Membership may be terminated for any of the following reasons:
Voluntary termination at the request of any member in good standing. No member may withdraw his/her membership during the process of church discipline of that member, as set forth in Article IV.7.
Involuntary termination as a result of remaining on the inactive rolls for six (6) months, or as a result of discipline under Article IV.7.
Section Seven: Discipline of Members
The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before such dismissal, however,
it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individuals heresy or misconduct to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then
the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then
it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders determines-after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18, 1 Timothy 5:19-that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly scheduled worship service. If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then
he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service. If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders (or duly appointed Committee of the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board), then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the elders in the exercise of their discretion may proceed directly to the third stage of church discipline, (i.e. the informing of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance) or to the fourth stage of church discipline, (i.e. the dismissal from the fellowship and/or membership of the church) when one or more of the following have occurred:
Where the transgression and the refusal to repent have been public, i.e. openly and to the offense of the whole Church (I Corinthians 5:1-5);
Where the disciplined party has taught or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the elders, then chosen to disregard the direction and reproof of the elders (Romans 16:17); or
Where the disciplined party has been warned twice to cease from factious and divisive conduct and has chosen to disregard that warning (Titus 3:10-11).
The members of this church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline.
Members, who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church. Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.
Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted committee thereof), a member, non-member, regular attendee, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. If such person refuses to comply with the request of the elders, the proper authorities may be contacted at the sole discretion of the elders. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
Protection of the flock as well as each individual will always be carefully considered by the elders. Removal of the believer subject to church discipline from ministry responsibilities will be by the decision of the elders, and will always be necessary whenever a public confrontation is required. After restoration of fellowship for this believer, time to restore trust and credibility (I Timothy 3:7) with opportunities to serve and to be proven (I Timothy 5:22-25) will be provided before resumption of ministry responsibilities.
Section Eight: Pastors, Pastor’s Wives, and their Children
The pastors of the church and wives shall be considered members of the church. Their children shall be approved for membership according to Article IV of this Constitution.
Article V. Elders [top]
Section One: Powers
Subject to the limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution and of pertinent restrictions of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, all the activities and affairs of the Church shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Elders, who are responsible for shepherding and having oversight of the flock. Without prejudice to such general powers, but subject to these same limitations, it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall have the following powers in addition to the other powers enumerated by this Constitution:
To select and remove all the officers, agents, pastors, staff, council members, committee members, and employees of the Church; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with this Constitution; and fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the Church as are required to fulfill the purposes of this Church as are more fully set out in the Articles of Incorporation and this constitution, thereof and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the Church and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures, with law, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with this Constitution, as they may deem best.
To adopt, make and use a corporate seal, and to alter the form of such seal from time to time as they may deem best.
To establish policies and practices for the Church consistent with the purposes of this Church.
To assist the Senior Pastor in the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and Communion.
To carry on a business and apply any such profit that results from the business activity in which it may legally engage.
Section Two: Limitation of Powers
In addition to the limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution and of pertinent restrictions of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, it is hereby expressly declared that the Board shall not have the following powers to effect the following without a 2/3 majority vote of those members present at a properly called meeting of the church:
Adopt, amend, or repeal the Articles of Incorporation, the Doctrinal Statement, or the Constitution of this Church.
To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the Church and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the Church’s name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and securities.
Section Three: Number of Elders
In accordance with the provisions of Article 1396-2.15 of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, the authorized number of directors of the Church shall not be less than three (3). It is therefore desirable that there be no less than three (3) elders. However, if there are not three qualified elders as described in section five of this article then two (2) elders shall be sufficient. In such case a temporary director shall be appointed to serve the corporate needs of the church in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act.
Section Four: Nomination, Selection, and Tenure of Office
Recommendations to fill the office of Elder shall be requested once a year from all church members. The process shall be as follows:
Each year, during the final quarter, responsibilities and qualifications for Eldership will be provided to the congregation for review, study and prayer.
After review of qualifications and responsibilities members will be encouraged to submit to the elders the names of members whose lives and gifts are consistent with their being considered for nomination to the role and task of elder.
The existing elders will contact and interview all nominees to determine each nominee’s qualifications according to the guidelines given by Scripture (section 5 of this article).
After prayer and consideration of the nominee’s qualifications, the elders will present to the congregation an approved list of men that are qualified to be added to the Board of Elders.
The membership will have three weeks to review the list of nominees and submit, in writing, any biblical objections to why they think the nominee should not be added to the Elder Board.
After a three-week period or, after all objections have been handled, the qualified nominee(s) will be presented to the congregation for affirmation at the annual meeting of the church members.
At this meeting, the nominee(s) shall be presented to the members to affirm the decision of the elders. If the nominee(s) is affirmed by a 2/3 majority, the newly elected elder(s) shall assume office immediately.
We believe that the Scriptures affirm that the anointing of the Spirit (Acts 20:28) and the empowering (Romans 12:8) are for life. Therefore, as long as an Elder is and remains qualified in accordance with sections 5, 6, 7 & 8 of this article, is physically capable, and faithful in his service, he shall continue to serve the Church on the Elder Board.
Section Five: Qualifications
Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:
Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
Given to hospitality, including the love of strangers (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching
(1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3;
Titus 1:7)
Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)
Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)
Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)
Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Section Six: Definitions – Disqualified and Unqualified
For purposes of this article, disqualified shall mean a failure to meet any qualification as outlined in Section Five of this article. Unqualified shall refer to an individual who has not been disqualified but for whatever reason lacks the readiness, willingness, ability, or time necessary to carry out the duties of an elder.
Section Seven: Process for Evaluating Continued Qualifications
The purpose of this section is to outline the process to insure that only qualified elders continue to hold office. This process takes place on three levels as described below:
a. Self Evaluation – It is the responsibility of each elder to continually be evaluating his life and doctrine in accordance with Section Five of this article as well as the whole counsel of Scripture and shall remove himself from office if his self evaluation reveals disqualification or unqualification as described in Section Six of this article.
b. Elder Evaluation – Each year, during the final quarter, the elders shall assemble for a peer evaluation to determine continued qualification for each elder. The evaluation shall proceed as follows:
i. The elder under review is to leave the assembly of elders so that discussion can take place in his absence.
ii. The remaining elders are to quietly review the qualifications outlined in Section Five of this article.
iii. After a period of silent review and prayer, the remaining elders are to discuss any areas of concern they may have with the elder under evaluation. However, no elder may bring up an area of concern if the concern has not been personally brought to the attention of the elder under evaluation in accordance with Matthew 18:15-18.
iv. After the discussion period, the elder under review is to be brought back into the assembly.
v. The elder under review shall be asked to comment on his own self evaluation. Only after the discussions regarding the self evaluation are completed can other discussions begin.
vi. Once all discussions have been completed a determination by the remaining elders is to be made regarding the ongoing qualification of the elder under review.
vii. If the elder under review is determined to be qualified, the remaining elders shall commission him by the laying on of hands and prayer for another year of service and publicly make this known to the church at an appropriate time.
viii. If the elder is determined to be unqualified or disqualified, he is to remove himself or be removed from office according to Sections Eight and/or Nine of this article whichever is appropriate.
c. Church-wide Evaluation – It is the responsibility of every member to continually be evaluating elders in light of Section Five of this article. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of every church member to lovingly confront any elder exhibiting blatant violations of the same. This confrontation shall be in accordance with pertinent Scripture including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. Only after 2 or 3 witnesses have confronted the erring elder to no avail shall the matter be brought to the attention of the pastor and/or other elders.
Section Eight: Vacancies
Subject to Article 1396-2.16 of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or this Constitution, any vacancy occurring in the board of directors shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors though less than a quorum of the board of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his predecessor in office. Any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of directors shall be filled by election at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of members called for that purpose.
Any elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary of the Board, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time. A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any elder, or if a need exists and the specified limit is not exceeded. No reduction of the authorized number of elders shall have the effect of removing any elder prior to the expiration of the elder’s term of office.
Section Nine: Removal of Elders
Any elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), after thorough corroborating investigation by the elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board, at the sole discretion of the Board), in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. When an elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.
Section Ten: Place of Meetings
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Constitution, any meeting (whether regular, special, or adjourned) of the Board of Elders of the Church may be held at any place within or without the State of Texas.
Section Eleven: Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held without call or notice on the first Wednesday after the second Sunday of each month, unless otherwise modified by the Board. Regular meetings shall be open to church members.
Section Twelve: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at any time by order of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Secretary of the Board of Elders or by a quorum of the members of the Board of Elders.
Section Thirteen: Notice of Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board shall be held upon four days notice by first-class mail or a forty-eight-hour notice given personally or by telephone or other similar means of communication or made by oral announcement at a regularly scheduled worship service prior to such meeting.
Section Fourteen: Quorum
Except as otherwise provided herein, a majority of the Elders currently serving shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the elders in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such majority shall constitute either one-third of the authorized number of elders or at least two Elders, whichever is larger, or unless the authorized number of elders is only one. A majority of the elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place. Whenever the matter to be considered concerns calling or dismissing a pastor, or buying or selling real estate, a quorum shall consist of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board.
Section Fifteen: Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone
Members of the Board may participate in a meeting through use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another.
Section Sixteen: Adjournment
A majority of the Elders present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn any elders’ meeting to another time and place. Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given to absent elders if the time and place be fixed at the meeting adjourned, except as provided in the next sentence. If the meeting is adjourned for more than forty-eight (48) hours, notice of any adjournment to another time or place shall be given prior to the time of the adjourned meeting to the elders who were not present at the time of the adjournment.
Section Seventeen: Action without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to a duly prepared resolution to such action. Such consent or consents shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote of the Board and shall be documented by attaching the signed resolution with the minutes of proceedings of the Board.
Section Eighteen: Rights of Inspection
Every elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the Church of which such person is an elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an elder.
Section Nineteen: Fees and Compensation
Elders (as such) shall not receive any stated or fixed salary for their services, however, nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any elders from serving the Church in any other capacity and receiving compensation. Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from Emmanuel Baptist Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of said compensation.
Article VI. Other Councils, Committees, Ministry Teams, and Offices [top]
Section One: Other Councils, Committees, Ministry Teams and Offices
To promote efficient handling of Board matters, the Board may appoint various councils, committees, ministry teams, and/or offices from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large. These councils, committees, ministry teams, and/or offices shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Board. The general functions of these councils, committees, ministry teams, and/or offices are as follows:
To bring considered recommendations to the Board concerning ministries.
To provide a wider base of counsel and assitance to the Elders having the oversight responsibilities of specific ministries.
All councils, committees, ministry teams, and/or offices shall exist for the period specified by the Board.
Section Two: Deacons
The deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The deacons shall serve for a term of one (1) year. The deacons shall assist the elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Senior Pastor at Communion and baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the church, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders. A deacon shall be a man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, first tested and found above reproach.
Section Three: Deaconesses
The deaconesses shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:3-5 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The deaconesses shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall prepare the Communion elements, assist the Senior Pastor at baptismal services and in the general spiritual care of the church, and shall assist in the care of the sick and needy. A deaconess shall be dignified, not a malicious gossip, temperate, and faithful in all things.
Section Four: Ushers
The ushers shall consist of members to be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The ushers shall serve for a term of one (1) year. They shall act as church ushers, greeters at the door, church collectors, and assist the Senior Pastor in the services in such matters as he deems necessary. An usher shall meet the qualifications enumerated for a deacon in Section Two above.
Section Five: Nomination and Selection
The nomination and selection of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ushers shall be done in the same manner as for Elders, as set forth in Article VI, Section Four of this Constitution, except they shall be affirmed at the annual meeting by the members of the church.
Section Six: Vacancies
In the event any of the above-mentioned offices becomes vacant during the period between annual elections, the Board of Elders may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.
Article VII. Officers of the Corporation [top]
Section One: Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Senior Pastor shall hold the office of Chairman. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section Three of this article. These officers must be members of the Church and be in full agreement with the constitution and doctrinal statement. Also, no member shall be eligible to hold one these offices unless he has reached the age of 21. New officers shall assume responsibilities upon taking office.
Section Two: Election
The officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section Three or Section Five of this Article, shall be chosen annually by, and shall serve at, the pleasure of the Board of Elders. Each officer shall hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified.
Section Three: Subordinate Officers
The Board of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in the Constitution or as the Board of Elders may from time to time determine.
Section Four: Removal and Resignation
Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an elder per Article VI, Section Six of this Constitution. In accordance with the applicable provisions of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Board of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section Five: Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this Constitution for regular election or appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and not on an annual basis.
Section Six: Inability to Act
In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Board of Elders may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or other person whom the Board may select.
Section Seven: The Chairman
The Chairman shall be the President of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees, if any, and shall have powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders or the Constitution.
Section Eight: Vice-Chairman
In the absence or disability of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall perform all the duties of the Chairman, and when so acting shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed for him by the Board of Elders or the Constitution.
Section Nine: Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Board of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Board and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, the Board and committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office in the State of Texas the original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles and Constitution, as amended to date. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board and any committees thereof required by this Constitution or by law to be given, shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Corporation, a church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.
Section Ten: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Corporation, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration… for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). He shall select “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility. The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions are consistent with the pertinent Articles of this Constitution as well as pertinent sections of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder as required by the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Elders. He shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Board meeting and at the annual meeting of members.
Article VIII. The Senior Pastor [top]
Section One: Election
The Senior Pastor shall be selected by the Board and confirmed by the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business meeting, and such confirmation shall be a three-fourths (3/4) majority of all the votes cast. He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The Elders reserve the right to dismiss the Senior Pastor upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Senior Pastor must give one month’s notice if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Senior Pastor’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Senior Pastor and the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.
Section Two: Duties
The Senior Pastor shall be an ex officio member of all councils, committees, and ministry teams, and he shall be responsible to the Board of Elders. The Senior Pastor shall arrange for and conduct all public and regular services of the church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. In the absence of the Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board at the sole discretion of the Board), shall be responsible to arrange for the public and regular services of the church.
Article IX. Financial Policy [top]
Section One: Policy
This church shall be supported by the voluntary giving of tithes and offerings by God's people. We believe that every Christian should give systematically, regularly, proportionately, sacrificially and cheerfully of his substance to the Lord's work through the local church (I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 8-9). All other forms of support shall be approved by the Board of Elders.
Section Two: Budget
The church budget shall be a unified budget. It shall be a single general fund budget not consisting of several different budgets. All monies shall be kept by the church treasurer in appropriate financial institutions. No member or organization of the church has a right to indebt the church without permission of the Board of Elders and the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business meeting with such a confirmation being 2/3 majority of all the votes cast. The budget of the church shall be approved at the annual business meeting by a majority of the members present. In order for any organizational part of the church to exceed its budget it must have approval of the Board of Elders. The following also apply:
The Corporation shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes for which the Corporation was formed (as shown by the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution). However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the Corporation as shown by said Articles and this Constitution.
The Corporation shall hold, manage, and disburse any funds or properties received by it from any source in a manner that is consistent with the expressed purposes of this Corporation.
Section Three: Property Rights
Persons dismissed or who have withdrawn from the membership of the church have no right to make claim upon any of the church property or on financial gifts that they have given to the church.
Article X. Settlement of Disputes [top]
In any dispute arising between church members, pastors, or staff pertaining to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the church (or a duly appointed Committee of the Board at the sole discretion of the Board). A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Article XI. Meetings [top]
Section One: Annual Business Meeting
An annual business meeting shall be held no later than the 15th of December. Quarterly update meetings will be held quarterly if determined to be necessary.
Section Two: Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders at any time. Notice shall be posted two weeks before any special business meeting is held. At any regular service of the church, new members may be brought into membership.
Section Three: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be the calendar year, beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
Section Four: Quorum
15% of the voting members of the church shall constitute a quorum. Robert's Rules of order shall be the guide in all matters of business procedure unless otherwise specified. All votes of the church shall be determined by a simple majority unless otherwise stated in this constitution.
Article XII. Licensing [top]
As a sovereign church the congregation has authority to license and to ordain upon a majority vote of the voting members present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose.
Any member who evidences a divine call to preach the gospel, may be recommended to the church for licensing after an examination by the Senior Pastor and elders. This examination will address scriptural qualifications, suitable gifts, necessary training, and the evident blessing of God on his ministry.
Article XIII. Dissolution of the Church [top]
In event of dissolution, the property of the church, real, personal, and other assets shall be disposed of according to the majority vote of the remaining members, in compliance with the Articles of Incorporation and/or the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act.
Article XIV. Doctrinal Position [top]
Section One: Preamble [top]
We recognize that any doctrinal statement is but a feeble human attempt to summarize the inexhaustible riches of God’s Holy Word. However, this in no way detracts from the importance of such a statement. The following is a summary of the positions held by the pastoral leadership with regard to the major biblical doctrines, which, no doubt, provides the framework for the teaching ministry of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
The intent here is to provide those attending Emmanuel Baptist Church a candid look at our biblical convictions as best as we can present them. We also recognize that we may not articulate things as well as they could be and there may be need for clarification and/or revision in the future.
The positions that we hold and are described below are well within historic and current Baptist theology.
Section Two: The Holy Scriptures [top]
We believe that the Bible is God's written revelation to man, and thus the sixty six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all parts) Word of God (1Corinthians 2:7 14; 2 Peter 1:20 21).
We believe that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God breathed. We are committed to the literal, grammatical historical interpretation of Scripture.
We believe that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12 13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15 17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20 21).
We believe that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God's Word to man (2 Peter 1:20 21) without error in the whole or in the part (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16).
Because the term inerrancy is fraught with many differing definitions and understandings, instead of avoiding the term altogether, we have provided two definitions that we think catch the essence of what we mean by the word inerrancy.
“Inerrancy means that when all the facts are known, the Scriptures in their original autographs and properly interpreted will be shown to be wholly true in everything that they affirm, whether that has to do with doctrine or morality or with the social, physical, or life sciences” (Feinberg).
“The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact” (Grudem).
We believe that the process of written revelation has ceased (Jude 3, Rev 22:18-19) and that, consequently, any and all gifts that are, or can be construed to be revelatory of this nature have ceased. The canon of Scripture is closed, and being such those gifts or aspects of gifts that were used to speak forth and bring Scripture into being have fulfilled their purpose and are no longer in operation today. The Scripture is the final authority in matters of faith and practice.
Section Three: God [top]
We believe that there is but one living and true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5 7; 1 Corinthians 8:4), an infinite, all knowing Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all His attributes, one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)—each equally deserving worship and obedience.
God the Father. We believe that God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace (Psalm 145:8 9; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1 31; Ephesians 3:9). As the only absolute and omnipotent Ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36). His fatherhood involves both His designation within the Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians 4:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8:14; 2 Corinthians 6:18). He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ; He adopts as his own all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption, Father to His own (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:5 9).
God the Son. We believe that Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine excellencies, and in these He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9).
We believe that God the Father created according to His own will, through His Son, Jesus Christ, by whom all things continue in existence and in operation (John 1:3; Colossians 1:15 17; Hebrews 1:2).
We believe that in the incarnation (God becoming man) Christ surrendered only the privileges of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind.
In His incarnation, the eternally existing second Person of the Trinity accepted all the essential characteristics of humanity and so became the God Man (Philippians 2:5 8; Colossians 2:9). We believe that Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness (Micah 5:2; John 5:23; 14:9 10; Colossians 2:9).
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was virgin born (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23, 25; Luke 1:26 35); that He was God incarnate (John 1:1, 14); and that the purpose of the incarnation was to reveal God, redeem men, and rule over God's kingdom (Psalm 2:7 9; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:29; Philippians 2:9 11; Hebrews 7:25 26;
1 Peter 1:18 19).
We believe that, in the incarnation, the second person of the Trinity laid aside His right to the full privileges of coexistence with God, assumed the place of a Son, and took on an existence appropriate to a servant while never divesting Himself of His divine attributes (Philippians 2:5 8).
We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary, vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive (John 10:15; Romans 3:24 25; 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24).
We believe that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now mediates as our Advocate and High Priest (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:38 39; Acts 2:30 31; Romans 4:25; 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1).
We believe that in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, God confirmed the deity of His Son and gave proof that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Jesus' bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future resurrection life for all believers (John 5:26 29; 14:19; Romans 1:4; 4:25; 6:5 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to receive the church, which is His Body, unto Himself at the rapture. (Acts 1:9 11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18; Revelation 20).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the One through whom God will judge all mankind (John 5:22 23; 1 Corinthians 3:10 15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31 46; Revelation 20:11 15). As the Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), the Head of His Body the church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18), and the coming universal King (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:31 33), He is the final Judge of all who fail to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior (Matthew 25:14 46; Acts 17:30 31).
We believe that on the basis of the efficacy of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into the family of God (Romans 3:25; 5:8 9; 2 Corinthians 5:14 15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
God the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, eternal, underived, possessing all the attributes of personality and deity including intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10 13), emotions (Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12:11), eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresence (Psalm 139:7 10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13 14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and truthfulness (John 16:13). In all the divine attributes He is coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3 4; 28:25 26; 1 Corinthians 12:4 6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Jeremiah 31:31 34 with Hebrews 10:15 17).
The broad scope of His divine activity includes convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and transforming believers into the image of Christ (John 16:7 9; Acts 1:5; 2:4; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:22).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit also indwells, sanctifies, instructs, empowers them for service, and seals them unto the day of redemption (Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13).
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the divine Teacher, who guided the apostles and prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God's revelation, the Bible. Every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation, and it is the duty of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (John 16:13; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18; 2 Peter 1:19 21; 1 John 2:20, 27).
We believe that the Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the church. The Holy Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts, but He does glorify Christ by implementing His work of redeeming the lost and building up believers in the most holy faith (John 16:13 14; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4 11; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Section Four: Man [top]
We believe that man was directly and immediately created by God in His image and likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, self determination, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15 25; James 3:9).
We believe that God's intention in the creation of man was that man should glorify God, enjoy God's fellowship, live his life in the will of God, and by this accomplish God's purpose for man in the world (Isaiah 43:7; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11).
We believe that in Adam's sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of God, man lost his innocence; incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death; became subject to the wrath of God; and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. With no recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost. Man's salvation is thereby wholly of God's grace through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 2:16 17; 3:1 19; John 3:36; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1 3; 1 Timothy 2:13 14; 1 John 1:8).
We believe that because all men were in Adam, a nature corrupted by Adam's sin has been transmitted to all men of all ages, Jesus Christ being the only exception. All men are thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Psalm 14:1 3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:9 18, 23; 5:10 12).
Section Five: Salvation [top]
We believe that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption of Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8 10; 1 Peter 1:18 19).
Regeneration. We believe that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3 7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24), when the repentant sinner responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good works will be its proper evidence and fruit (1 Corinthians 6:19 20; Ephesians 2:10), and will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit in his life through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Ephesians 5:17 21; Philippians 2:12b; Colossians 3:16; 2 Peter 1:4 10). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Such a conformity is climaxed in the believer's glorification at Christ's coming (Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:2 3).
Election. We believe that there is a mystery between the sovereignty of God in salvation and the responsibility of man such that God’s purposes in election are not denied nor acquits man of his responsibility for his sin.
We believe that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves, and sanctifies (Romans 8:28 30; Ephesians 1:4 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1 2). We believe sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord, and that salvation does not take place without a willful decision by the recipient of salvation (Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18 19, 36; 5:40; Romans 9:22 23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10 12; Revelation 22:17).
We believe that election should not be looked upon as based merely on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with His other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace, and love (Romans 9:11 16). This sovereignty will always exalt the will of God in a manner totally consistent with His character as revealed in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:25 28; 2 Timothy 1:9). If you do not fully comprehend this mystery, then welcome to the human race!
Justification. We believe that justification before God is an act of God (Romans 8:33) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 55:6 7) and confess Him as sovereign Lord (Romans 10:9 10; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Romans 3:20; 4:6) and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ (Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24) and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). By this means God is enabled to "be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26).
Sanctification. We believe that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is therefore identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer's standing, not his present walk or condition (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2).
We believe that there is also by the work of the Holy Spirit a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the standing the believer positionally enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17,19; Romans 6:1 22; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 4; 5:23).
In this respect, we believe that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict—the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh—but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin (Galatians 5:16 25; Ephesians 4:22 24; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 3:9 10; 1 Peter 1:14 16; 1 John 3:5 9). However, the fact that we will never achieve a state of sinless perfection in this lifetime does not mean that we do not strive for it!
Security. We believe that a person once saved is kept by God's power and is thus secure in Christ forever (John 5:24; 6:37 40; 10:27 30; Romans 5:9 10; 8:1, 31 39; 1 Corinthians 1:4 8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24).
We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Romans 6:15 22; 13:13 14; Galatians 5:13, 25 26; Titus 2:11 14).
Separation. We believe that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and worldliness shall increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1 5).
We believe that out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of God granted to us and because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God and so as not to bring reproach upon our Lord and Savior. We also believe that separation from all religious apostasy and worldly and sinful practices is commanded of us by God (Romans 12:1 2, 1 Corinthians 5:9 13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 John 2:15 17; 2 John 9 11).
We believe that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11 12; Hebrews 12:1 2) and affirm that the Christian life is a life of obedient righteousness that reflects the teaching of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2 12) and a continual pursuit of holiness (Romans 12:1 2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; Titus 2:11 14; 1 John 3:1 10).
Section Six: The Church [top]
We believe that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12 13), the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23 32; Revelation 19:7 8), of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18).
We believe that the formation of the church, the Body of Christ, began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1 21, 38 47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18).
We believe that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ, made up of all born again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11 3:6). The church is distinct from Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Ephesians 3:1 6; 5:32).
We believe that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23, 27; 20:17, 28; Galatians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Corinthians 11:18 20; Hebrews 10:25).
We believe that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18) and that church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, pastors, and pastor teachers; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1 13; Titus 1:5 9; 1 Peter 5:1 5). We believe that these leaders lead as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17 22) and have His authority in directing the church (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
We believe the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19 20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:5 14), as well as the need for discipline of sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15 22; Acts 5:1 11; 1 Corinthians 5:1 13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 15; 1 Timothy 1:19 20; Titus 1:10 16).
We believe the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We believe that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. Each local church, however, through its leaders and their interpretation and application of Scripture, should be the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. The elders should determine all other matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government as well (Acts 15:19 31; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 5:4 7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1 4).
We believe that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13 16), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16 17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38 42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).
We believe the calling of all saints to the work of service (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 22:12).
We believe the need of the church to cooperate with God as He accomplishes His purpose in the world. To that end, He gives the church spiritual gifts. First, He gives men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:7 12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5 8; 1 Corinthians 12:4 31; 1 Peter 4:10 11).
We believe that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:38 42). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36 39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:1 11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41 42).
We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self examination (1 Corinthians 11:28 32). We also believe that whereas the elements of Communion are only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, the Lord's Supper is nevertheless an actual communion with the risen Christ who is present in a unique way, fellowshipping with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Section Seven: Angels [top]
Holy Angels. We believe that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. They were created to serve God and to worship Him (Luke 2:9 14; Hebrews 1:6 7, 14; 2:6 7; Revelation 5:11 14; 19:10; 22:9).
Fallen Angels. We believe that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12 17; Ezekiel 28:11 19), by taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:1 14), and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3:1 15).
We believe that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isaiah 14:13 14; Matthew 4:1 11; Revelation 12:9 10); the prince of this world, who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20); and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Isaiah 14:12 17; Ezekiel 28:11 19; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
Section Eight: Last Things (Eschatology) [top]
We believe that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9 11), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), that there is a separation of soul and body (Philippians 1:21 24), and that, for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13 17), which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4 6), when our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:35 44, 50 54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:8).
We believe the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John 6:39; Romans 8:10 11, 19 23; 2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Revelation 20:13 15).
We believe that the souls of the unsaved at death are kept under punishment until the second resurrection (Luke 16:19 26; Revelation 20:13 15), when the soul and the resurrection body will be united (John 5:28 29). They shall then appear at the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11 15) and shall be cast into hell, the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41 46), cut off from the life of God forever (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 9).
Section Nine: The Lord’s Day [top]
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; 3:16; Rev. 1:10
Section Ten: The Family [top]
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7
Section Eleven: What it Means to be a Christian
Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in Scripture.
God is Sovereign Creator. Contemporary thinking says man is the product of evolution. But the Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God is Holy. God is absolutely and perfectly Holy (Isaiah 6:3), therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13). God requires holiness of us as well. First Peter 1:16 says, “You shall be holy for I am holy.”
Mankind is Sinful. According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: “There is no man who does not sin” (1 Kings 8:46). That doesn’t mean we’re incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we’re utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own (Romans 3:10-12).
Sin Demands a Penalty. God’s holiness and justice demand that all sin be punished by death: (Ezekiel 18:4). That’s why simply changing our pattern of behavior can’t solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.
Jesus is Lord and Savior. The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (Colossians 1:16). Therefore He owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Even though God’s justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). Christ’s death satisfied the demands of God’s justice and Christ’s perfect life satisfied the demands of God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
The Character of Saving Faith. True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9) and pursue Christ (Matthew 11:28-30; John 17:3) and obedience to Him (1 John 2:3). It isn’t enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
Article XV. Amendments [top]
This constitution may be altered or amended at any regular or called meeting of the church by a 2/3 majority vote of the active members present and voting, providing the notice of such alterations or amendments is presented to the church in written form at least one month before action is taken.