Grace Baptist Church Constituion
Preface - Introduction
- Article I - Name
- Article II - Purpose
- Article III - Articles of Faith
- Article IV - Church Government
- Article V - Membership
- Section 1 - Requirements for Membership
- Section 2 - Forms of Membership
- Section 3 - Procedure of Receiving
New Members
- Section 4 - Termination of Membership
- Article VI - Conduct
- Section 1 - Means of Grace
- Section 2 - Government of the Home
- Section 3 - Missions and Witnessing
- Section 4 - Principles of Giving
- Section 5 - Christian Liberty
- Section 6 - Support of Church Officers
- Article VII - Church Discipline
- Section 1 - Formative
- Section 2 - Corrective Discipline
- Article VIII - Council of Appeal
- Article IX - Church Officers
- Section 1 - General Statement
- Section 2 - Eldership
- Section 3 - Deacons
- Article X - Elders
- Section 1 - Responsibility of Elders
- Section 2 - Officers of Elders
- Section 3 - Membership and Discipline
- Section 4 - Church Officials and
Teachers
- Section 5 - Pulpit Supply
- Section 6 - Grievances and Suggestions
- Section 7 - Miscellaneous Duties
- Article XI - Deacons
- Section 1 - Ministry of Mercy
- Section 2 - Business Affairs
- Section 3 - Limitation of Powers
- Section 4 - Representation at Meetings
- Section 5 - Officers of the Deacons
- Article XII - Ordinations
- Section 1 - Ministers of the Gospel
- Section 2 - Installation of Elders
- Section 3 - Installation of Deacons
- Article XIII - Finances
- Article XIV - Associations of Churches
- Article XV - Amendments
Preface
There are many good reasons why a New Testament Church should
have Articles of Faith, a Covenant, and a Constitution. Together
they can greatly assist us in the efforts of biblically organizing
and conducting the ministries which have been entrusted to
us by our Head, Jesus Christ. It must be readily acknowledged,
however, that these documents, despite their usefulness and
precision, will avail nothing apart from the presence and
power of the Spirit of God in a Church. It is with this keen
awareness of our absolute dependence upon our great God, that
these articles are set forth.
Preamble
We, the members of Grace Baptist Church, do ordain and establish
the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.
1. Article I - Name
The name of this church shall be 'Grace Baptist Church of
Cape Coral, Florida'.
2. Article II - Purpose
The purpose of this church is to glorify the God of the Scriptures
in promoting His worship, evangelizing sinners, and edifying
saints. To this end we are committed to proclaiming God's
perfect Law and His glorious Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ
throughout the world, and to defending the "faith once
delivered unto the saints", (Jude 3).
3. Article III - Articles of Faith
The Articles of Faith (see Appendix A), Church Constitution,
and Church Covenant (see Appendix B) are accepted by its present
members and shall be subscribed to and accepted voluntarily
by new members as they offer themselves for membership.
We do hereby adopt as the fullest expression of our faith
the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. This ancient
document is a most excellent summary of things most surely
believed among us. We accept the same, not as an authoritative
rule or code of faith, whereby we are to be fettered, but
as an assistance to us in controversy, a confirmation in faith,
and a means of edification in righteousness. In this Confession
the members of our church will have a body of Divinity in
small compass and by means of Scriptural proofs will be ready
to give a reason for the hope that is in them (I Peter 3:15).
4. Article IV - Church Government
Church Authority Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of this church.
His will as expressed in the Holy Scriptures, both Old and
New Testaments, is the sole authority in matters of faith
and practice.
Church Polity The Government is vested in the body of members
who compose the church as further defined in this Constitution.
The church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body, but
is associated with churches of the Southern Baptist Convention
for purposes of fellowship, consultation and cooperation.
This, and any other voluntary associations with other bodies
shall not infringe on the rights of this church.
5. Article V - Membership
- Section 1 - Requirements for Membership.
The membership of this church shall consist of only those
who have given a credible profession of faith in Christ
Jesus as Lord. Any person who professes repentance toward
God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been
baptized, and who expresses substantial agreement with the
doctrines, covenant, aims, and government of this church,
shall be eligible for membership.
- Upon Confession Of Faith - Any person who meets the
above mentioned requirements shall apply for membership
to the Pastor or one of the other church officers. A
time and place shall be set for a meeting with the applicant,
who shall attend and be questioned as to his or her
basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness
of intention to support wholeheartedly the total ministry
of this church.
- By Letter - Any person desiring to unite with this
church, upon letter of recommendation from another evangelical
church, shall present such letter, or a promise thereof,
to officers of the church and shall be examined concerning
his or her Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs,
and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly
the total ministry of this church.
- Section 2 - Forms of Membership
- Regular - All who are received into the membership
of the church on the above mentioned conditions shall
be considered members in good standing until such status
is changed by one of the conditions set forth in Article
V, Section 4.
- Other - The membership status of invalids, shut-ins,
Christian workers, and others whose relationship to
the church involves special consideration and circumstances,
shall be determined on a case by case basis.
- Section 3 - Procedure of Receiving
New Members. When the responsible church officers are satisfied
that an applicant gives a credible profession of faith and
meets the requirements for membership, they may accept that
person as a member, by a two-thirds vote. The right hand
of fellowship will be extended to new members by the church
at a regular worship service.
- Section 4 - Termination of Membership
- By Dismissal - Letters of dismissal shall be granted
to members who apply for them, provided they are in
good standing and not subject to or under discipline
at the time of the application. When such letters have
been granted, the relationship to this church shall
be considered terminated. Letters of dismissal shall
be forwarded and given only to other evangelical churches.
- By Exclusion - If a member is habitually absent from
the stated meetings of this church without just cause,
or is unwilling to settle differences with others in
a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership,
he may be excluded from the membership at the discretion
of the Elders, subject to the approval of the congregation.
- By Excommunication - It is right and in harmony with
the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation
of the Elders, to exclude from this fellowship any person
who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine;
or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently
with his profession; or who lives in violation of the
law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or who
persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church
(Matt. 10:15ff; 1 Cor. 5:1ff; 2 Thess. 3:6,11,15; Romans
16:17).
6. Article VI - Conduct
- Section 1 - Means of Grace. All public
and private means of grace, such as keeping the Sabbath,
regular attendance at the services of the church, daily
systematic reading of the Bible, and private and family
prayers shall be urged upon our members.
- Section 2 - Government of the Home.
The church expects its members to follow the Scriptures
in home government. God has required that godliness in the
home have a high priority in every life. The home holds
a central attention in God's Law and is the object of frequent
exhortation in the New Testament. Men are expected to rule
their homes with gentleness but firmness. They are to love
their wives with a Christ-like love. Women must be subject
to their husbands. Parents should train up their children
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) by
holy example, catechizing, consistent education, and firm
discipline (including the use of the rod of correction -
Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). Children must reverently
obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). These primary responsibilities,
prayerfully executed, will honor the name of Christ in the
community and strengthen the cause of Christ in generations
to come.
- Section 3 - Missions and Witnessing.
It is the duty of every Christian and of every Church of
Christ to seek to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Missionary efforts are the natural consequence of regeneration
(Psalm 51:10-14). 'Preach the Gospel' is a frequently repeated
command of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God
to witness by life and word. Personal efforts at witnessing
for Christ are expected of every member. Beyond this, we
are committed to common efforts for sending the Gospel to
the ends of the earth.
- Section 4 - Principles of Giving.
It is clearly taught in Scripture that Christians are to
support the work of the Lord by systematic and proportionate
offerings made through the local church. This is set forth
in both positive command and favorable example (Malachi
3:8-11; 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9). Hence we pledge
ourselves to systematic contribution for the support of
this church with a proportion of our income according to
the principle in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
- Section 5 - Christian Liberty. We
shall require of each other in our daily walk and conversation
loyal obedience to all those moral precepts established
in the Word of God (Hebrews 10:24, 25). However, where God
has not prohibited certain practices in His Word, the Christian
has liberty to participate in them. The following principles
must always guide the Christian's exercise of liberty:
- Fear Of God - As the servant of Christ, all actions
must be motivated by love to God, and all objects must
be used for His glory. The term 'liberty' is often used
as a cloak of malicious self-indulgence, which is sin.
(1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Tim. 4:4-5; 1 Peter 2:15-16).
- Love Of Brethren - Though no man may dictate to the
Christian's conscience, the welfare of fellow saints
must always deeply affect his decisions. In a spirit
of serving the brethren, he must do that which he judges
will edify them and prevent their stumbling (Gal. 5:13;
1 Cor. 10:23; 1 Cor. 8:9).
- Compassion For The Unconverted - Use of liberty must
always be regulated by its effect upon sinners, and
that behavior chosen which is likely to win some (1
Cor. 9:19-22).
- Watchfulness Over The Soul - Though free in conscience
to use all of God's creation, carefulness in practice
is demanded because of remaining lusts. Where the Christian
judges himself weak through lust, he must abstain in
order to persevere in the faith (1 Cor. 9:23-27).
- Section 6 - Support of Church Officers.
It is the duty of every member to respect the God-appointed
officers of the church. The duties of church members toward
their Elders and Deacons, as well as other ministers and
teachers, are as follows:
- To pray for them, that God would open a door of utterance
unto them, to unfold the mysteries of the Gospel (Eph.
6:18-20).
- To obey them in the Lord, in whatsoever they admonish
them, according to the word of God (Heb. 13:17-22).
- To follow their example and footsteps, as far as warranted
by the Word (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; Heb. 13:7).
- To stand by them, in all their trials and afflictions,
and defending them in all good causes, as far as in
them lies. In 2 Tim 1:5 those of Asia are blamed for
turning away or not standing by the Apostle.
- To avoid exposing the infirmities of their person,
remembering that the prosperity of the Gospel depends
much on their good report (Acts 23:5).
7. Article VII - Church Discipline
- Section 1 - Formative. Formative church
discipline is set forth through the teaching of God's Word,
the example of Christian living, and the mutual ministry
of the several members of the body of Christ. It has as
its goal the instruction of disciples, the transformation
of their lives, and their edification in love (Eph. 4:11-13;
Rom. 12:1-16; 1 Cor. 12:4-27). Formative discipline has
a sanctifying influence. Every member should be satisfied
with his/her God-given ministry, and thus we shall all grow
in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pet.
4:7-12). Formative discipline utilizes the talents of each
member, whether young or old, for the edification of all.
As members of this church we recognize our obligation
to honor, serve, worship, praise and glorify the Lord
Jesus Christ in all that we say and do (1 Cor. 10:31).
Jesus Christ is the head of the church and, therefore,
its Lord and Lawgiver (Eph. 1:22; Isa. 33:22); and those
who truly love Him will endeavor to keep His commandments
(John 14:15). In His Holy Word our Lord has entreated
believers to perform certain duties one toward another.
Some of these duties are:
- To love one toward another without offence or hypocrisy
(John 13:34, 35; Rom. 12:9; 13:8-10).
- To labor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace (Eph. 4:3).
- To endeavor for the edification and spiritual benefit
of the whole body that they all may grow up to be a
holy temple in and for the Lord (1 Cor. 14:12-26; Eph.
4:12, 29; 2:21, 22).
- To watch over one another for good (Phil. 2:3-4).
- To pray with and for one another (James 5:16).
- Not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together,
for the celebrating of divine worship, and thereby to
promote one another's spiritual benefit (Heb. 10:25;
Acts 2:42).
- To contend unanimously for the faith and truth once
delivered to the saints, in the purity thereof, according
to the Holy Scripture (Ps. 93:5; Zech. 14:2; 1 Cor.
14:33-40; 11:2).
The above duties, when faithfully performed by all,
will have a positive, formative effect upon the whole
assembly; and with the blessing of the Holy Spirit
we will all be enabled to grow in grace and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The following section is provided in the event of
the failure of formative discipline as set forth above.
- Section 2 - Corrective Discipline.
Corrective discipline is called for by disorderly conduct
or heretical doctrine which is contrary to the church's
standard of life and doctrine. Reasonable efforts shall
be made through counsel and admonition to resolve difficulties,
correct errors, and remove offenses before any further action
is taken. No offenses shall be brought before the church
until the instructions of Christ have first been followed
(Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-18). Corrective discipline always
has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity
of the church, and the restoration and spiritual growth
of the offender. The following are elements of corrective
discipline:
- Exclusion - If a member is habitually absent from
the fellowship of this church without just cause, or
is unwilling to settle differences on Scriptural grounds,
or requests severance of membership, he or she may be
excluded from the membership at the recommendation of
the Elders and vote of the congregation.
- Suspension - If a member has publicly sinned, but
shows hopeful signs of repentance, including submission
to the admonitions of church officers, then severe discipline,
such as excommunication, would be improper. Nevertheless,
serious offenses may not be overlooked altogether, lest
God's enemies multiply their blasphemies, lest other
saints be emboldened to sin, and lest the offender is
harmed by a failure to test his own soul and appreciate
the gravity of his offense. Therefore, at the discretion
of the Elders, less severe terms may be imposed upon
a member-such as public rebuke, or suspension of membership.
The latter consists of a temporary suspension of the
rights to attend the Lord's Table, to serve publicly
in the church or vote in congregational meetings. Those
who submit to such discipline are to be wholly forgiven
and received as brethren. All such actions shall be
reported to the congregation.
- Excommunication - When restoration is not secured
by the processes required in Matt. 18:15-18, further
steps must be taken to correct offenders. Written charges
shall be given to the accused offender if he requests
a hearing. The Elders shall meet with the accused, unless
the person refuses to appear. After a fair and impartial
hearing of all the witnesses accessible, and all facts
ascertainable, the Elders must form a judgment. If they
believe the accused to be guilty and deserving of severe
biblical discipline, they shall make a recommendation
that the offender be excommunicated at a duly called
congregational meeting. The congregation shall have
the right to excommunicate a member by a two-thirds
vote of the members present and voting. Excommunication
always has as its end the glory of God, the purity of
the body of Christ and the restoration of the offending
party.
- Restoration - It is the duty of the church to forgive
and restore to membership those persons who give satisfactory
evidence of being repentant (II Cor. 2:6-8). The Elders
shall meet with and restore those who have been excluded
or suspended when they have judged that the aims of
the discipline have been accomplished. Such action is
to be reported to the church. Upon recommendation of
the Elders the congregation shall have the right to
restore an excommunicated person by a majority vote
of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational
meeting.
8. Article VIII - Council of Appeal
Any matter involving controversy within this church, within
the officers, or between the congregation and the officers,
if it threatens to cause dissension and injury to the welfare
of the church, must be called to the attention of the Elders.
If the Elders fail to resolve the difficulty so as to allay
dissension, any such matter may be taken to a Council of Appeal.
A Council of Appeal shall be formed at the request of the
Elders or by a two-thirds vote of the members present and
voting at a duly called congregational meeting. The Council
shall consist of the Elders and/or Deacons and an equal number
of other members in good standing to be chosen by the congregation.
The congregation shall also appoint a chairman from those
on the Council to preside at its meetings.
A quorum for a Council of Appeal shall be four of the officers,
four laymen, and the chairman. If a member of the Council
is unable to attend a meeting after the judicial process has
begun, he may thereafter sit and hear the case but will be
disqualified to vote on the final issue of the case.
The resolution of any matter shall require a two-thirds vote
of a Council of Appeal. When a final decision of the Council
of Appeal is announced to the congregation, that decision
is final and the case is ended.
9. Article IX - Church Officers
- Section 1 - General Statement.
Jesus Christ alone is the head of His church. However, as
head, He has ordained that individual churches should be
blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of special
office bearers. Therefore, it is the duty of the church
to seek to discover those to whom Christ the Lord has imparted
the necessary gifts for office bearing. The Lord's appointment
is recognized by not only the inward conviction of the individual
involved, but also by the approval of the church observing
the possession of those gifts and graces required, and by
Scriptural definition of the office.
It should be the desire of the congregation to come to
one mind regarding those office bearers to whom they must
submit in the Lord, but should such unanimity not be fully
realized, no less than two-thirds majority of the members
present and voting shall be required for the election
of an officer. (See 'Method of Election' - Art. 3 of By-Laws.)
Christ has ordained that the administration of local
churches is to be by Elders and Deacons (Philip. 1:1;
Acts 6:1-7; 14:23). When the church is too small to maintain
both offices, overseers will function as both Elders and
Deacons until such time that the growth of the church
requires Elders and Deacons. In such cases where the overseers
function in the capacity of both Elders and Deacons, ALL
REFERENCES IN THE CONSTITUTION OR BY-LAWS TO EITHER ELDERS
OR DEACONS WILL APPLY TO THE OVERSEERS.
- Section 2 - Eldership.
- Teaching Elders (Pastors)
Among the Elders are those whom we call Pastors. These
are set apart for prayer and the study of the Word and
should, as far as is possible, be adequately maintained
in material necessities, so as to be disentangled from
the cares of a secular calling.
- A Pastor, being by Scriptural terminology, a teaching
and ruling Elder, must evidence the personal, domestic
and ministerial qualifications for this office as
set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9.
- Anyone called to this office must be able to affirm
conscientiously his agreement with the Articles
of Faith, the adopted Confession, and Constitution
of the church. Should he at any time move from this
position, he is under spiritual and moral obligation
to make this known to the church.
- The Pastor shall seek to discharge all the functions
of his office as set forth in the Scriptures and
in keeping with the exercise of his own distinctive
gifts of ministry. In conjunction with the Elders,
he shall have general oversight of all the church
and its ministry and functions.
- If at any time the Pastor shall make application
to be released from his office, or if the congregation
shall choose by majority vote to dismiss him, the
relationship between Pastor and church may be terminated
by the congregation in ninety days from the date
of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of
time, if it is mutually agreed upon. If the relations
between the Pastor and congregation become detrimental
to the welfare of the church, the Elders shall have
authority to consider this matter and make recommendation
to the congregation at a duly called congregational
meeting. If the Pastor's life or preaching shall
violate the standards of this church, and the Elders
so recommend, the services of the Pastor may be
terminated immediately following a congregational
meeting, at which his dismissal has been requested
by a majority vote of those present and voting.
- Ruling Elders
Elders are responsible for the spiritual ministrations
of the church, the implementation of church discipline,
and watching over the souls of the members as those
who must give account to God for this responsibility.
They, in conjunction with the Pastor, shall exercise
the oversight of the church in all its ministries and
functions.
- Anyone desiring the office of an Elder must evidence
the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications
as set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9.
- Elders must seek to discharge their duties as
set forth in the Scriptures, particularly such passages
as Acts 20:17, 28ff; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17.
- While every Elder bears spiritual rule, some will
be more engaged in formal and public teaching, while
others will be more exclusively engaged in the details
of ruling (1 Tim. 5:17).
- Elders shall be men in full communion with the
church, of mature judgment, of unquestioned Christian
character, loyal to the Word of God, able to teach
sound doctrine, and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ
and the spiritual welfare of the church (1 Tim 3,
Titus 1:6-9). They shall be ordained as Elders after
their first election, as soon as convenient.
- It shall be the duty of the Elders to be diligent
and faithful in attendance at the Elder's meetings
and at the regular services of the church. They
shall assist the Pastor at the Lord's Table. They
shall make suggestions regarding the Pastor's pulpit
ministry, and encourage him in the work of the Lord.
Elders may at their discretion call upon one or
more of the Deacons to assist with any of their
responsibilities when necessary.
- Section 3 - Deacons
- Deacons are responsible for the business and secular
affairs of the church, which are to be administered
with spiritual grace and in cooperation with and
subjection to the Elders.
- Deacons shall be men in full communion with the
church, being sober in life, having a good reputation,
and being able to comfort the oppressed (1 Tim.
3:8-13).
- They shall be installed as Deacons after their
first election, as soon as convenient. It shall
be the duty of the Deacons to be diligent and faithful
in attendance at Deacons' meetings and at the regular
services of the church. They shall be watchful to
assist the Elders at the Lord's Table and in every
possible way.
10. Article X - Elders
The Elders shall consist of the Pastor and all those whom
the church duly elects to the office.
- Section 1 - Responsibility of Elders.
The Elders shall have the general oversight of all this
church's affairs. The conduct of all church business and
the work of all church organizations shall be subject to
their supervision and oversight.
- Section 2 - Officers of Elders. Following
each annual congregational meeting, at its first meeting,
the Elders shall reorganize. A Chairman and a Clerk shall
be elected from the membership of the Elders to serve for
one year, or until their successors are elected.
- Section 3 - Membership and Discipline.
The Elders shall give leadership in receiving applicants
for church membership. Likewise, they shall lead in the
administering of biblical church discipline to offending
members in accordance with Article VII. The Elders shall
watch over the souls of the flock as "they that must
give account." (Heb. 13:17) They must be persistent
in prayer for, visitation of, and instruction of the membership
and its families.
- Section 4 - Church Officials and
Teachers. The Elders shall appoint the Superintendent of
the Sunday School and the directors of all church groups.
These, in turn, upon request, shall be responsible to present
to the Elders for their approval, all proposed teachers
and leaders.
- Section 5 - Pulpit Supply. It shall
be the duty of the Elders to supply the pulpit with men
whose ministry in our church shall be consistent with the
Confession of this church.
- Section 6 - Grievances and Suggestions.
The Elders shall receive, consider, and dispose of any grievance,
suggestion, or recommendation by any member or organization
of this church.
- Section 7 - Miscellaneous Duties.
The Elders shall exercise all other powers and duties which
properly belong to the sole governing body of an independent
church, congregation and corporation, but shall at all times
be subject to the majority vote of the congregation unless
otherwise stated.
11. Article XI - Deacons
The Deacons shall consist of all this church's duly elected
Deacons.
- Section 1 - Ministry of Mercy. The
ministry of mercy in our church and community is a special
responsibility of the diaconate. The Deacons shall see that
the sick, the sorrowing, the aged, and the feeble-minded
receive spiritual and physical comfort. They shall minister
the Word of God, administer this church's benevolence funds,
and render counsel to those in need of assistance. They
shall be vigilant for opportunities to do good, especially
to those who are of the household of faith.
- Section 2 - Business Affairs. The
Deacons shall have general executive powers to administer
the business affairs of this church. It shall be the Deacons'
responsibility to work with the finance committee in preparing
the church budget and submitting it to the Elders before
presenting it for adoption each year. When the congregation
has approved the budget, it will be the Deacons' responsibility
to oversee the administration of it with the finance committee.
The duty of caring for and maintaining the church's properties
shall belong to the Deacons.
- Section 3 - Limitation of Powers.
The Deacons shall not encumber, transfer, sell or purchase
any real estate for the church except by the express authorization
conveyed by a majority vote of the membership present and
voting at a duly called congregational meeting. No obligation
shall be incurred to spend over $1,000.00 on one item without
the special vote of the congregation, unless that item already
appears in the adopted budget.
- Section 4 - Representation at Meetings.
The Deacons shall communicate with the Elders about their
planned meetings so that a representative may be present.
- Section 5 - Officers of the Deacons.
The Deacons shall reorganize at its first meeting following
each annual congregational meeting. A Chairman, Vice Chairman,
Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected to serve for one
year or until their successors are elected.
12. Article XII - Ordinations
- Section 1 - Ministers of the Gospel.
It is our hope that Spirit-filled men will be called out
from among us to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God.
The church will commission such men by giving a license
to those whose ministries will be limited in scope or time,
or by ordination to the ministry.
When there is a prospective candidate for ordination
to the ministry, the Elders shall guide that person in
his studies and preparation. They shall then call a council
to examine the qualifications of the candidate. It shall
look into the soundness of his conversion, the godliness
of his walk, the soundness of his doctrine, the degree
of his gifts, the extent of his training, and the blessing
of God upon his labors for Christ.
If the council heartily recommends that the candidate
be ordained, the church may give the recommended commission
by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting
at a congregational meeting.
The Elders, under the principles set forth in Article
VII, shall have the power to exercise discipline, even
to the revocation of this church's ordination or license.
- Section 2 - Installation of Elders.
In a regular worship service of the church, the Pastor shall
question newly elected Elders as follows:
- Do you believe the Scriptures as written in the Old
and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and do you
accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and
practice?
- Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully
submit to and defend the Confession (1689 London Baptist),
Constitution and By-Laws of this church?
- Do you accept the Office of Elder readily, and do
you promise to perform its duties of caring for the
flock of God in the fear of His Name?
Then the hands of the existing Elders shall be placed
on the heads of the new Elders and prayer offered in their
behalf. Following this, the people shall be exhorted to
esteem and obey those whom God has placed over them.
- Section 3 - Installation of Deacons.
In a regular worship of the church, the Pastor shall question
newly elected Deacons as follows:
- Do you believe the Scriptures as written in the Old
and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and do you
accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and
practice?
- Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully
submit to and defend the Confession (1689 London Baptist),
Constitution and By-Laws of this church?
- Do you accept the Office of Deacon and do you promise
to care for the poor and needy and to manage the business
of this church in the fear of God?
Then the hands of the officers shall be placed on the
heads of the new Deacons and prayer offered in their behalf.
Following this, the people shall be exhorted to esteem
and obey those whom God has placed over them.
13. Article XIII - Finances
The work of this church is financially dependent upon the
voluntary gifts of God's people. Before the annual congregational
meeting, the Elders shall obtain from the Deacons and finance
committee an estimate of the needs of the several divisions
of the work, and a prepared budget, detailing the proposed
expenditures for the coming year. When this budget is approved
by a vote of the congregation, it shall be considered the
basis for the current liabilities. No committee or board is
authorized to make changes in its provisions, or to make unauthorized
disbursements without the consent of the congregation.
The fiscal year of the church shall begin January first and
end December thirty-first.
14. Article XIV - Associations
of Churches
When it is thought desirable to have fellowship, consultation,
and cooperation with local churches of like faith and order,
this church may join itself to association of churches. Upon
recommendation of the officers, such affiliations may be entered
by a vote of the congregation. Withdrawal from associations
may be effected by the same procedure.
15. Article XV - Amendments
Amendments to the Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds
majority vote of the members present and voting at a congregational
meeting, provided that such amendments have been distributed
by the officers in written form at least two weeks prior to
the congregational meeting. |
