First Baptist Church Constitution

Preamble

We the members of First Baptist Church of Fremont, Michigan, set forth the following constitution and confession of faith by which we agree to be governed.

Article I - Name

This church will be known as the First Baptist Church of Fremont, Michigan.

This Church is in fellowship with both the Grand Rapids and General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

Article II - Articles of Incorporation

The purpose of this corporation will be: the maintaining of public Christian worship, the study and teaching of the Bible, the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, the administration of the New Testament ordinances, the spiritual improvement of its members, the winning of the lost to Christ and to exercise, as far as possible, a Christian and moral influence in the community and a missionary spirit in the world at large.

These Articles of Incorporation may be changed by proceeding according to the provisions of Act No. 327, Public Acts of the State of Michigan, for the year 1931.

Article III - Dissolution of Corporation

If this organization should bring its work to a conclusion and dissolve its corporation, none of its assets remaining after meeting all responsibilities and payment of all just obligations, will inure to the benefit of any individual member of the corporation, board member, employee, or any other private individual. All such assets, if any, will, in the event of its dissolution, be turned over by the decision of an annual meeting or a special meeting of the members of the corporation, to an organization, or organizations, which is or are in harmony with the objectives and doctrinal position as stated in the constitution of the corporation. Such an organization or organizations must also be recognized by the United States Treasury Department as entitled to income tax exemption.

Article IV - Our Church Covenant

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the public confession of our faith, having been immersed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, solemnly and joyfully enter into a covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. (Gal 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.)

We purpose, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to attend its services regularly; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to give faithfully of time and talent in its activities; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.(Mat 28: 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.)

We also purpose to maintain family and private devotions; to train our children according to the Word of God; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our conduct; to abstain from any activity which dishonors our Lord Jesus Christ, such as, gossip, backbiting and unrighteous anger, the sale and use of intoxicating beverage which may cause stumbling to a fellow believer or hinder the winning of a soul to Christ.(Rom 12: 1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.; 1 Cor 6: 19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorifY God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.; 1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.)

We further purpose to encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord's return; to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to seek it without delay.(Titus 2: 11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.)

We, moreover, purpose that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith and order where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. If there is no such church, we will seek, with the Lord's help, to establish one.(Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.)

Article V - Articles of Faith

Section 1 - Of the Scriptures

We believe in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, as originally written; that it was verbally and plenarily inspired and is the product of Spirit-controlled men and, therefore, is infallible and inerrant in all matters of which it speaks.(Psa 119:89 For ever, 0 LORD, thy word is settled in heaven; Psa 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.)

We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creed and opinions will be tried.(2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works; 2 Pet 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.)

Section 2 - God the Father

We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.(Isa 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 2 Cor 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.; Eph 2:8-10 Eph 4:30)

Section 3 - God the Son

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is both fully God and fully man, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.(Mat 1: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost; Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us; Mat 1 :25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.)He grew and developed as a man without sin.(Luke 2: 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.)

He died by crucifixion to pay the penalty for mankind's sin. He was buried, rose bodily from the grave on the third day and ascended to Heaven where, at the Father's right hand, He prays for and defends His children.(1 Cor 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.)

He will return and ultimately establish His kingdom on earth.(Heb 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, a God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.; Col 1:13-19; Heb 1:2,3)

Section 4 - God the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer.(John 14: 16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you; Eph 1: 13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Mat 28: 19; Heb 9: 14; Luke 1:35; Gen 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5; John 14:26; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Rom 8: 14,16,26,27)

Section 5 - The Devil, or Satan

We believe in the reality and personality of Satan, the Devil; and that he was created by God as an angel; but, through pride and rebellion, became the enemy of his Creator; that he became the unholy god of this age and the ruler of all the powers of darkness and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire.(Isa 14:12-16 How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; Rev 20: 1 0 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever; 2 Cor 4:4)

Section 6 - Creation

We believe the Biblical account of the creation of the physical universe, angels, and man; that this account is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process; that man was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race.(Gen 1: 1-2 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Gen 1; Gen 2; John 1:3)

Section 7 - The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created in innocence (in the image and likeness of God) under the law of his Maker, but, by voluntary transgression, Adam fell from his sinless and happy state and all men sinned in him, in consequence of which all men are totally depraved, are partakers of Adam's fallen nature, and are sinners by nature and by conduct, and therefore are under just condemnation, without defense or excuse.(Gen 3: 1-6 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat; Rom 5: 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom 5: 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous; Rom 1: 18, 32)

Section 8 - The Virgin Birth

We believe that Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God and God the Son.(Isa 7: 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel; Luke 1: 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God; Gen 3: 15; Mat 1: 18-25; John 1: 14)

Section 9 - Salvation

We believe that God the Son shed his blood to pay for man's sin and was raised from the dead to provide perfect righteousness for those who believe salvation is a free gift of God's love, mercy and grace which can not be earned by any virtue or work of man, but may only be received by personal faith in Jesus Christ. All those who repent of their sin and believe in and receive Christ as Savior are completely forgiven, born into the family of God and receive eternal life. All those who are genuinely saved are kept eternally secure by God and should demonstrate their salvation by living in obedience to God.(Jonah 2: 9 But 1 will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that 1 have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD; Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yours elves: it is the gift of God; John 3: I 6 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; Acts 15:11; Rom 3:24,25; Mat 18: II; Phil 2:7,8; Heb 2: 1417; lsa 53:4-7; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24)

Section 10 - Resurrection and Priesthood of Christ

We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ and in His ascension into Heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest interceding for us.(Acts 1: 9-11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven; 1 Tim 2: 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Mat 28:6, 7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; 1 Cor 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6,51; Rev 3:21; Heb 8:6; Heb 12:2; Heb 7:25; 1 John 2:1; Heb 2:17; Heb 5:9,10)

Section 11 - Grace and the New Birth

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again.(John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, 1 say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God)

We believe that justification is that judicial act of God whereby He declares the believer righteous upon the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any work of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's shed blood.(Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified; Rom 4:5; Rom 5: 1; Phil 3:9)

Section 13 - Sanctification

We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner;

First, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Savior;(Heb 10: 1 0 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all)

Second, a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life;(1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:)

Third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord's return.(John 17: 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth; 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is; Heb 3:1; 2 Cor 3:18; 1 Cor 1:30)

Section 14 - The Security of the Saints

We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ.(Phil l:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; 1 John 5: 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God; John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand; Rom 8:35-39; Jude 1)

Section 15 - The Church

We believe that a local church is an organized congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures.(1 Cor 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you; 1 Tim 3: 1-13 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.)

We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; that on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline and of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.(Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers; Mat 16: 17-18 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; Acts 20: 17-28)

We believe in the unity of all New Testament believers in the church, which is the Body of Christ.(1 Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ; Eph 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all; Eph 3:1-6; Eph 4:11; Eph 5:23; Col1:18; Acts 15:13-18)

Section 16 - Baptism and the Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion of a believer in water to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our identification with the crucified, buried and risen Savior, through Whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that baptism is to be performed under the authority of the local church; and that it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.(Mat 28: 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, 10, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.; Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers; John 3:23; Rom 6:3-5; Mat 3:16; Co12:12; Acts 8:36,38-39)

We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination.(1 Cor 11:23-28 For 1 have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.)

Section 17 - Separation

We believe in obedience to the Biblical commands to separate ourselves unto God from worldliness and ecclesiastical apostasy.(1 Tim 6: 3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself; 2 Cor 6: 14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and 1 will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor 7: 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God; 1 Thes 1 :9,10; Rom 16: 17; 2 John 9-11; John 17: 14-16; 1 John 2: 15-17)

Section 18 - Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming King of kings.(Rom 13:1-7 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour; 2 Sam 23:3; Exo 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; Mat 22:21; Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19,20; Dan 3:17,18)

Section 19 - Isreal

We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ, and that she will be regathered in the Holy Land and, after the completion of the church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ.(Rom 11: 1-2 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel; Rom 11 :25-26 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob; Gen 13: 14-17; Ezek 37)

Section 20 - Rapture and Subsequent Events

We believe in the premillennial return of Christ, an event which can occur at any moment, and that, at that moment, the dead in Christ will be raised in glorified bodies, and the living in Christ will be given glorified bodies without tasting death, and all will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the seven years of the Tribulation.(1 Th 4: 13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words; 1 Cor 15:4244; 1 Cor 15:51-54; Phil 3:20,21; Rev 3:10)

We believe that the Tribulation, which follows the Rapture of the Church, will be culminated by the revelation of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon the throne of David and to establish the millennial kingdom on Earth.(Mat 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other; Rev 20: 1-4 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years; Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years; Dan 9:25-27; Luke 1:30-33; Isa 9:6,7; Isa 11:1-9; Acts 2:29,30)

Section 21 - The Righteous and the Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who are justified by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in the lake of fire.(Prov 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death; Rev 20: 14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire; Mal 3: 18; Gen 18:23; Rom 6: 17,18; 1 John 5: 19; Rom 7:6; Rom 6:23; Luke 16:25; Mat 25:34-41; John 8:21)

Article VI - Church Government

Section 1 - Authority

• Under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate human authority for the government of the church rests with the voting age members of the congregation. Under the authority of Christ and the church body, the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor are designated by God and called by the congregation as the shepherds and overseers of the church.(Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood; Acts 6:3-5 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.)
• Repealing Clause: The church and it's ministries will be governed by this constitution and by-laws. All by-laws or part thereof passed, but not included in these by-laws, are hereby rescinded.
• The congregation (voting age members present) will vote on calling of pastors, the officers, membership items, the approval of the annual church budgets and recommended adjustments to them, the incurring of indebtedness, the acquiring of assets and the spending outside of the budgets, the construction of new buildings, and on matters of business as required by the constitution and the bylaws or as requested by the pastors, officers, or the church body. All other matters of business will be carried out by the pastors, staff, officers, and committees of the church.
• The church and its ministries are under the authority of the congregation and the leadership of the Senior Pastor and must operate in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the church, and within the budgets approved by the congregation.(Heb 13:7-17 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you; 1 Thes. 5: 12)
• The Properties Committee will be limited to a maximum monthly expenditure of $1000 to any individual or organization. The Board of Deacons will be limited to a maximum monthly expenditure of$5000 without prior approval of the membership at a duly called business meeting. Payments made to individuals or organizations that have prior approval of the Church are not subject to the limitations noted above.
• These by-laws may be changed at any quarterly business meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present, previous notice of said change having been given and written copies made available at the two Sunday morning services prior to said business meeting.

Section 2 - Meetings

• Meetings for worship, fellowship, instruction and evangelism will be held each Lord's day (Sunday morning and evening) and during the week (Wednesday prayer meeting) as needed to accomplish the purpose of the church and meet the needs of the church family.
• Church Business Meetings
• An annual business meeting will be held on the third Monday of January at 7:00 pm. to present reports to the congregation along with the annual budgets.
• A business meeting for the election of officers and committee members will be held after the close of the first Sunday evening service of December.
• The quarterly business meeting will be held after the close of the third Sunday evening service of the months of April, July, and October.
• Special business meetings may be called by the Senior Pastor, the deacons, or, upon written request to the church clerk, by fifteen unrelated members of the church. Prior notice of all business meetings must be announced at all regular Sunday services of the church on two consecutive Sundays.
• The Senior Pastor or deacon board may call an emergency meeting in cases of extreme importance.
• The sequence of presiding chair will be the Senior Pastor, and if he is unavailable, the chairman of the deacon board.
• Business will be conducted according to the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order or the Hiscox version (New Directory for Baptist Churches) unless in conflict with the constitution.
• A quorum for all deacon board and committee meetings will be a simple majority of its members.
• All regular deacon board meetings will be held once a month at a time and date set by the deacon board.

Article VII - Membership

Section 1 - Qualifications

Any person having accepted Christ as his personal Savior and giving evidence of the new birth, having been baptized by immersion and in harmony with the articles of faith, church covenant, and the by-laws, will be received as a member of this church.

Section 2 - Procedure

• Each candidate will meet with the Senior Pastor and a deacon, Of, in the absence of the Senior Pastor, meet with two deacons, to review qualifications for membership, including a personal testimony of salvation. If the Senior Pastor and/or deacons are satisfied that the qualifications of membership have been met, they will recommend the candidate to the congregation for membership.
• A majority vote of the voting members present grants membership immediately if previously baptized.
• A voting member is defined as one who has attained the age of seventeen and is in good standing with the church.
• New members will be received and welcomed with the "right hand of fellowship" at a regular service of the church.
• Members joining with another church may be dropped from membership by recommendation of the deacon board, and majority vote of the congregation. A letter of transfer may be granted upon request from any member in good standing.

Section 3 - Associate Membership

An associate member is one who is not able to be in regular attendance of the services and ministries of the church, but who desires to maintain his/her membership status. (Associate members might be students, missionaries, members having moved to a distant location, etc.) Associate members can not vote or hold office.

Section 4 - Member Not in Good Standing

A member will not be considered to be in good standing if they have absented themselves from the services for a period of three months without justifiable cause and in spite of all reasonable efforts to re-enlist them. They will be placed on an inactive membership list and will not be permitted voting privileges until they are restored to active membership status. Should the inactive membership status extend beyond one year, the Board of Deacons will recommend to the church for its vote that the inactive member be dropped from the membership rolls. Said actions will be final at the moment it is adopted by the church. If the whereabouts of the inactive member is known, the individual will be notified by whatever means is deemed appropriate by the Worship Committee of the Board of Deacons.

Section 5 - Discipline

• Church discipline is appropriate for any member who is guilty and unrepentant of:
• promoting doctrinal error
• engaging in sinful conduct
• exhibiting divisive behavior
• neglecting consistent church attendance without just cause
• Efforts for restoration according to the procedure of Matthew 18: 15-17 and the spirit of Galatians 6: 1-2 should be lovingly pursued.(Mat 18: 15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican; Gal 6: 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.) Lack of appropriate response by the member will result in removal from church membership by recommendation of the deacon board and majority vote of the voting members present at a duly called business meeting.
• Upon repentance, confession and correction of the sinful condition, the disciplined individual may request restoration to membership. By recommendation of the deacon board and majority vote of the voting members present at a duly called business meeting, membership may be restored.

Article VIII - Officers/Committee

Section 1 - Senior Pastor

Qualificaitons

The Senior Pastor must meet the qualifications of! Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1 :6-9.(1 Tim 3: 1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil; Titus 1:6-9 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.)

When it is necessary to call a Senior Pastor, the Pulpit Committee will investigate the merits of every candidate under consideration in regard to his personal character, his ministerial record, his preaching and pastoral ability, and his zeal for the Lord's work, in determining his fitness for the pastorate. He will subscribe completely to the doctrinal statement as set forth in the constitution of this church. When a suitable man is found, the committee will then recommend him to the deacon board. (The candidate will have opportunity to preach at the church services as the Pulpit Committee may direct.)

Election

Upon recommendation of the Pulpit Committee and deacon board, a call may be extended by seventy-five percent majority vote of the members present at a duly called business meeting for that purpose. The Senior Pastor and his wife's membership will be automatic upon acceptance of the call.

Responsibilities

The Senior Pastor's leadership will be that of exemplary servanthood setting forth an example of godliness before those with whom he serves, the congregation, and the community at large. At his discretion, he may have a training class for new deacons coming into office. He, or his designee, is an ex-officio member of all organized groups or committees and he is responsible for the oversight of the ministry of the officers, staff and committees of the church. He will be moderator of the church and deacon board. Those members of the pastoral staff and paid employees of the church will be accountable to the Senior Pastor and under his authority.

Termination

The Senior Pastor's indefinite term of office may be terminated by thirty days written notice, either by the Senior Pastor or by the church. Such period may be waived by mutual agreement. The Senior Pastor may be dismissed by a majority vote of membership present at a duly called business meeting called for that purpose. However, the congregation may, in cases of immorality or doctrinal heresy, dismiss the Senior Pastor immediately from all responsibility and salary. The Senior Pastor will be given thirty days to vacate the parsonage.

Section 2 - Associate Pastor

Qualificaitons

Deacons must meet the qualifications of Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13(Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 1 Tim 3: 8-13 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus).They must be a member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year.

Election

Deacons will be elected for staggered three-year terms by the voting membership present. There will be one deacon for every thirty-five voting members with a minimum of seven deacons. A sabbatical of one year will be taken at the end of two consecutive terms. Deacons will assume their office on January 1 of the new year.

Responsibilities

Deacons will serve under the leadership of the Senior Pastor to minister to the needs of the church in such a way that the Senior Pastor will be free to focus his attention on prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Termination

An Associate Pastor's indefinite term of office may be terminated in the same manner as the Senior Pastor's. However, the Senior Pastor may temporarily suspend the duties of an Associate Pastor until congregational action is taken with regard to this recommendation. Salary and benefits will continue during this suspension.

Section 3 - Deacons

Election

The Associate Pastor must meet the same qualifications as the Senior Pastor. The Associate Pastor will be recommended to the deacons following recommendations by the Senior Pastor and Pulpit Committee and called by seventy-five percent of the membership present and voting at a duly called business meeting for that purpose. The Associate Pastor and his wife's membership will be automatic upon acceptance of the call.

Responsibilities

The Associate Pastor will be under the supervision of the Senior Pastor in the ministry and oversight of the church.

Section 4 - Other Officers

Clerk

The clerk will have charge of the statistical records and will keep an accurate record of the meetings of the Board of Deacons and the church business meetings. He will keep a record of the membership of the church and perform such duties as may be requested by the church.

Treasurer

The treasurer will serve as chairman of the Finance Committee. He will be responsible for the disbursement of all monies and make a report of the same at all board meetings and regular business meetings of the church.

Head Usher

The Worship Committee will recommend a head usher to the Board of Deacons for approval. He will be under the leadership of the Worship Committee.

Director of Music

The director of music will be recommended by the Worship Committee to the Board of Deacons for approval and will be responsible for the music ministry of the church, working closely with the Senior Pastor and the Board of Deacons. In the event the church retains an Associate Pastor whose job description includes any of these responsibilities, no further implementation of the particular responsibilities of this section will be needed.

Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday School superintendent will be recommended to the Board of Deacons for approval by the Christian Education Committee for a two-year term. He will perform all duties associated with his office, appoint his assistants, and make an annual report of the condition of the Sunday School. He will exercise care in seeing that the teachers subscribe to the doctrine of the church, and will consult with the Senior Pastor and Christian Education Committee on all changes made in the teaching staff. He will appoint all teachers and officers, subject to the approval of the Christian Education Committee.

Section 5 - Standing Committees

Each standing committee will be chaired by a deacon and each deacon will serve on a committee.

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee will consist of two or more deacons, one of which will be the chairman of the Board of Deacons, the director of music and a member from the membership at large. They will take care of the observance of the ordinances as requested by the pastors. They will also supervise the Music Committee and Visitation Committee.

Music Committee

The Music Committee will consist of one or more deacons, the director of music, one organist, one pianist and two members from the membership at large.

Visitation Committee

The Visitation Committee will consist of one or more deacons, the visitation pastor and two or more members from the membership at large.

Properties Committee

The Properties Committee will consist of one or more deacons and three members from the membership at large. They will have the responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the properties of the church. They will make all emergency repairs as efficiently as possible and report cost to the Board of Deacons and the congregation as soon as possible. Other than emergencies, the Properties Committee must work within their budget unless prior approval is received from the congregation.

They will have the responsibility of retaining custodial care for the purpose of maintaining, cleaning and orderliness of the buildings and grounds. The chairman will be registered as the legal representative of the church and will have the authority to sign such legal documents as required by law and by order of the church.

Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education Committee will consist of one or more deacons, the Sunday School superintendent, the Associate Pastor and three members from the membership at large. They will have the responsibility for children's church, youth training, A W ANA, Daily Vacation Bible School and Christian camping. They will assist in securing personnel for each of these ministries and will approve appointments. They will discuss and determine curriculum where necessary and perform such other duties as required.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consist of one or more deacons and two members from the membership at large. They will have the responsibility of receiving, counting, and depositing the income of the church and will keep accurate records of same. They will approve the payment of all bills. They will prepare monthly and annual statements of receipts and disbursements. They will serve as the budget directors and will recommend to the Board of Deacons salary adjustments as well as other items of expenditures annually.

Missions Committee

The Missions Committee will consist of one or more deacons and four members from the membership at large. They will investigate and recommend to the Board of Deacons for approval all missionary enterprises assumed by any department of the church. They will recommend to the finance chairman missionaries and missionary projects to be included or altered in the church budget. They will report to the church bi-monthly the activities and needs of missionaries (if known). These reports will be intended to increase missionary interest within the church, as well as to assist the missionaries in their labors through intelligent praying and other ways. They will correspond with the missionaries to determine their needs and their activities.

They will assist the Senior Pastor in planning missionary conferences, providing hospitality and fellowship for visiting missionaries and generally promote missionary ministry in church. They will also assist and direct the following mission groups:

• The Ladies Missions and Ministry Fellowship, which will choose a president at their annual meeting by popular vote for a term of office of one year. This group will also have charge of the nursery and its scheduling.
• Men for Missions, which will choose a chairman or Co-chairman at its January meeting.

Section 6 - Other Committees

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will consist of two deacons who continue in office and two members from the membership at large. The Board of Deacons will select the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee's report must be submitted to the Board of Deacons for approval, and then to the church for prayerful consideration at least two weeks before the annual election of officers.

Pulpit Committee

The Pulpit Committee will consist of two deacons and three members from the membership at large.

ADHOC Committee

Any adhoc committees will be appointed by the Board of Deacons as needed.

Discipline Committee