FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of other churches of like precious faith, and that we may more readily help each other in our Christian service, we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. On May 14, 1968 in the community of Federal Way, Washington, the congregation of people meeting under the ministry title of Bible Baptist Church incorporated as an Independent, fundamental, Baptist Church. The church body later moved into facilities purchased in Northeast Tacoma near the border of Federal Way, and by vote of the people accepted the new church name of Faith Baptist Church. Since its inception in 1968, the church has purchased property, built buildings, and acquired vehicles and equipment to further aid in the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Over the years, the church felt it necessary to incorporate changes to the original by-laws and constitution. This revision of by-laws and constitution was submitted to the membership of Faith Baptist Church for review on the 17th day of March 1996, and upon approval of reading and a vote of the church, became the official document of Faith Baptist Church Constitution.
ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE SECTION 1 - NAME: This congregation of believers shall be known as the FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH of Northeast Tacoma, WA.
SECTION 2 - PURPOSE: (A) This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to establishing and maintaining religious worship, and building, maintaining, and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, cemeteries, and any other ministries the Church may be led of God to establish.
(B) The Church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide to pursue in obedience to the will of God.
(C) The specific and primary purpose of this corporation is the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible. The object of the church shall be maintenance of public worship, proclamation of the Gospel for the evangelization of the world, and administration of the ordinances of the New Testament church for the edification of its members. The church, now and in the future, shall not become officially connected with any convention or association of churches, but shall remain an independent, self-governing body that conducts its business in accordance with the Word of God.
ARTICLE II STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT SECTION 1 - STATEMENT OF FAITH: (A) The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the complete and Divine revelation of God to man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the Church (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21).
(B) Dispensationalism We believe that the Scriptures, interpreted in their natural, literal sense, reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man's responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations, the age of law, the age of the Church, and the age of the Kingdom, are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture (Genesis 1:28; I Corinthians 9:17; II Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24-25, 27; Revelation 20:2-6).
(C) The Godhead We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfection (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; John 14:10, 26). The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Pet. 1:2). The Son is God (Isaiah 44:6; John 1:1; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8; Jude 1:24; Revelation 1:17). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3; Acts 5:4; I Corinthians 3:16).
(D) The Person and Work of Christ (1) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2,14; 3:17; II Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 9:26).
(2) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through his death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24, 1:3-5; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 13:12).
(3) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10, 1:3; Hebrews 9:24, 7:25; Romans 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:4; I John 2:1-2).
(E) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit (1) We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:13- 14).
(2) We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures, and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-18, 5:18; I John 2:20,27).
(3) We believe that through the power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit, God bestows spiritual gifts to every believer in accordance to Scripture. Also, that God, through His Holy Spirit, uniquely uses the ministry of evangelists, pastors, and teachers to edify, teach, exhort, and challenge believers to do the work of the ministry.
(4) We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit, and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing (1 Corinthians 1:22,13:8,14:21-22).
(F) The Total Depravity of Man We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; man is totally depraved, and in himself is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; John 3:18; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12, 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:17-19; Titus 3:5).
(G) Salvation We believe that salvation is the gift of God, brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-19).
(H) The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers (1) We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; I Corinthians. 1:4-8; I Peter 1: 4-5).
(2) We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word. However, the Scriptures forbid the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:18; Titus 2:11-15).
(I) The Church (1) We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again, baptized believers (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41,42; I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27).
(2) We believe that the establishment and continuance of churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42, 14:27, 16:4, 20:17, 28-32; I Corinthians 1:2; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
(3) We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control (Matthew 18:17; Acts 1:23, 6:3, 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; I Corinthians 3:9, 16; I Corinthians 5:4-7, 13; I Corinthians 12:25-27; I Peter 5:1-4).
(4) We recognize water baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the Church in this age (Matthew 26:26-28, 28:19-20; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 11:23-26).
(J) Separation We believe that all of the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, and worldly, sinful pleasures, practices and associations, is commanded of God (Romans 6:13, 14; 12:1-2, 14:13; II Corinthians 6:14-17, 7:1; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11).
(K) The Second Advent of Christ We believe in that “blessed hope,” the personal, imminent return of Christ, Who will rapture His Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. The Glorious Appearing at the end of the Tribulation, when Christ personally and visibly returns with His saints to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom, was promised to the Nation of Israel (Psalm 89:3-4; Daniel 2:31-45; Zechariah 14:4-11; Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6).
(L) The Eternal State (1) We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2, 13; Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29, 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5- 6, 12-13, 21:1-9, 11-15).
(2) We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).
(3) We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain after death in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection. Then, with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgement, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment. (Matthew 25:41-46, Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15)
(M) The Personality of Satan We believe that Satan is a created being, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (The person of Satan is an angelic creation of God, a cherub, Isaiah 14:14, created as Lucifer, the anointed cherub who fell in pride and sinful rebellion to become Satan, the Devil. (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:13-17; Matthew 4:2-11, 25:41; Revelation 20:10)
(N) Creation We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11).
(O) Civil Government We believe that God has ordained and created all authority, consisting of three basic institutions: (1) the home; (2) the Church; and (3) the State. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God, and are governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities, and He balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the State are equal and sovereign in their respective, Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14).
(P) Human Sexuality We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sexual intimacy (Genesis 2:24, 19;5,13; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1, 6:9; I Timothy 3:2, 12;I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).
(Q) Divorce and Remarriage We believe that God hates divorce, and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. In the Bible, divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery, except on the grounds of fornication. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the Church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they cannot be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Romans 7:1-3; I Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6).
(R) Abortion We believe that human life begins at conception, and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable (Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5, 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24, 49:1,5; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
(S) Missions We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As Ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations, and not wait for them to come to us (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:20).
(T) Lawsuits between Believers We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company, as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (I Corinthians 6.1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32).
(U) Giving We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spreading of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9; Acts 4:34-37; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Timothy 5:17-18; I John 3:17).
SECTION 2 - AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH: The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members.
SECTION 3 - COVENANT: Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly living and the support of or involvement in practices that promote ungodly lifestyles, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation without delay.
We moreover engage that, when we remove ourselves from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other Church of like faith, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP: Presentation for Membership: Prior to presentation to the congregation, prospective members are required to review the Church Constitution and Covenants with the Pastor (or deacons in the absence of Pastor) and make verbal confirmation of the acceptance of and the adherence to this Statement of Faith and Covenant. Upon a majority vote of the qualified voting members present at any Church service or meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; and who enter into the Church covenant contained herein; and upon compliance with either of the following conditions:
(A) By Statement of Faith, acknowledging a new birth by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, and evidencing a testimony of obedience in Christ through believer's baptism by immersion, under the authority of a local New Testament Church of like faith and practice.
(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice. This written statement testifies to the public acknowledgment of salvation and subsequent open profession of faith through water baptism by immersion, and the testimony of Christian conduct under the authority of that local church.
SECTION 2: Duties of a Member On becoming a member of this Church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article II, Section 3, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the Pastor; to pray for him; and to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the Church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the Church; to support the Church in prayer, tithes, offerings, and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands to support through a life-style walk affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the Church.
SECTION 3: Privileges of Membership This congregation functions, not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the Pastor as the undershepherd with the counsel of the Board of Deacons. Membership in this Church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract or civil rights based on principles of democratic government.
SECTION 4: Discipline of a Member (A) There shall be a Discipline Committee consisting of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the Church Covenant. If the Pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as member of the Discipline Committee. He shall be entitled to the same steps as other Church members and be subject to the same discipline.
(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of restoration.
(C) If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the Pastor is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, the Discipline Committee, as the Church representatives biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the Discipline Committee, the Committee shall recommend to the members of the Church that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member's restoration.
(E) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and (D) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the Church upon a majority vote of the membership present at the meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action.
(F) No matter may be heard by the Discipline Committee or the Church unless the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.
(G) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the Church membership, all contact with him from that point forward must be for the sake of restoration. The breaking of fellowship is for restoration, not retaliation. Family members not associated with the offense or participants in refusal of restoration are not to be held accountable.
SECTION 5: Transfer of Membership Members, not under the disciplining process of Section 4, may request that letters of transfer be sent to another church.
SECTION 6: Termination of Membership (A) The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the Church in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the Pastor and the Discipline Committee, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member according to the discretion of the Pastor and the Discipline Committee.
(B) No member of this Church may hold membership in another church. If any member unites in membership with another church, that person is automatically terminated without notice from membership in this Church.
(C) A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the Pastor and Discipline Committee after review of the matter.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS SECTION 1: Church Officers The Church officers are Pastor (see Article V, Section 1) and deacon (see Article V, Section 2). The respective duties of each deacon are directed by the Pastor pertaining to ministry.
SECTION 2: Designation of Corporate Officers As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the Church the Pastor shall serve as president of the corporation. The pastor and deacons shall choose from among the deacon board a secretary of the corporation, a treasurer of the corporation, and the deacons shall also elect a chairman who will serve as Vice President of the corporation. The pastor and deacons shall delegate the position of church clerk to a qualifying member who shall maintain business records according to Article V Section 2 (4).
SECTION 3: Eligibility for Continuance in Office (A) All Church officers shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in Article II) annually in the presence of each other with a signed statement.
(B) All Church officers must be approved initially and thereafter annually by the Pastor in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.
(C) Only Church members are eligible for election or appointment to any Church office or position.
SECTION 4: Terms of Office The length of terms of office shall be as follows: The relationship between the Pastor and the Church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month's notice, or less by mutual consent. The severance of the relationship between the Pastor and the Church may be considered at any regular Church administration meeting, provided notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the Church two Sundays prior to said regular Church administration meeting. A three-fourths majority of the members present and voting shall be required to decide the matter. Disciplinary removal of the Pastor from office automatically terminates his membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be subject to the requirements of Article II, Section 1(D). The term of service for all offices and positions in the Church, except the Pastor, shall be one year, at the expiration of which they may be re-elected or re-appointed.
SECTION 5: Election of Officers The annual election of officers by the Church membership shall occur during the month of December at the annual Church administration meeting.
SECTION 6: Pastoral Oversight of Officers and Staff (A) Subject to the approval of the Church membership and on the condition that they shall become a member of the Church upon assuming their duties, the Pastor may hire associates and assistants, to assist the Pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities.
(B) All Church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the Pastor who has the sole authority to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same. The Pastor shall be actively involved as a member of every committee.
SECTION 7: Voting (A) The system of voting shall be open public response by majority show of hands in support or opposition of any proposal and voicing of the Scriptural endorsement of "Amen".
(B) Ballot or closed voting is used only for the protection of names suggested for office.
(C) Voting is according to the traditional patterns practiced by Robert's Rules of Order or appropriate actions. The Pastor and Deacons make recommendation and the church approves or disapproves. During the business meeting the congregation may have opportunity to present suggestions of business for consideration.
(D) A quorum must consist of at least one-third of the church's regular attendance, and all votes must be calculated by the majority of eligible voters.
(E) Eligible voters are represented by those 18 years and older who regularly attend and faithful and consistently manifest the beliefs of the Faith Baptist Church.
(F) No voting action or recommendation of action can take place outside of the context of Pastor, Deacon, Church Body. No secret meetings shall be held; no vote can be considered outside of this pre-approved method of practice.
(G) Business meetings are called to present current business, promote new business, and discuss the possible options and opinions of the church.
(H) The church authorizes the pastor to make purchases on behalf of the church up to $200 without a voting session of the church, and up to $1000 with the approval of the majority of serving deacons and/or trustees. Purchases in excess of $1000 must be presented to the church in regular business meetings for approval by a vote of the church.
(I) The authority to act as representatives of the church body is granted by the vote of approval to office by the church. The authority to carry out the actions of the respective offices is therefore given in accordance to the By-laws, Constitution, and Articles of Faith.
ARTICLE V - QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS SECTION 1: The Pastor (A) The pastor will be required to meet Biblical requirements given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
(B) The Pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the ordinances of the Church, act as moderator at all Church meetings for the transaction of Church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the Church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual interests of the membership.
(C) The Pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees at the annual Church administration meeting. He shall serve as the president of the corporation. He shall publicly inform all newly-elected officers of the particular function and the responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the Church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The Pastor shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.
SECTION 2: The Board of Deacons (A) Deacons are required to meet Biblical requirements given in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
(B) The board of deacons shall assist the Pastor, in such manner as he shall request, in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Church, in conducting the religious services, and in performing all other work of the Church. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of the Church. They shall, if requested by the Pastor, consider applications for Church membership. They shall, in cooperation with the Pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They shall assist the Pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the Church. They shall provide the pulpit supply and act as leaders for Church meetings if the office of Pastor is vacant. The board of deacons shall assist the Pastor in caring for the administrative needs of the Church's various ministries as requested by the Pastor.
(C) Immediately following the annual Church administration meeting, the board of deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman, who shall be vice president of the corporation, a treasurer, and a secretary, who shall assume the designated responsibilities assigned to each position.
(D) The board of deacons shall constitute the board of trustees of the corporation. The board of trustees shall exercise only the following specific powers:
(1) To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the Church, and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the Church.
(2) To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the Church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the Church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the name of the Church, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges. (This is in accordance to the approval of the church body by majority vote and in keeping with the principles of church leadership as specified within this context.)
(3) To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the Church corporation, if such action is mandated by a vote of the Church membership.
(4) The appointment of the church clerk shall keep a record of Church proceedings, of the membership roll, of all baptisms, of certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions as directed by the Church, and preserve all documents, papers, and letters coming into the clerk's hands during the clerk's term of office. All records are to be kept in the Church office, and delivered to any successor upon leaving office. The clerk shall keep an account of any special events in the life of the Church which are of historical interest and shall give a report at the annual Church administration meeting of the status of the Church membership roll in the past year.
(5) The treasurer shall account for all funds contributed to the Church and shall disburse the same as ordered by the Church. He shall maintain a written report of itemized disbursements for Church administration meetings and make a general report for the year at the annual Church administration meeting. All expenditures of the Church except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements shall be paid by check. The minister of finances shall also serve as treasurer of the corporation.
SECTION 3: Associate Pastors Under the direction and guidance of the Pastor, the associate pastors of the Church shall assist the Pastor in carrying out the ministries of the Church.
SECTION 4: Duties of All Officers Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the constitution for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the Pastor and Deacons Disciplinary Council, and another may be appointed by the Pastor to serve the unexpired term.
SECTION 5: Installation of Officers Pastor or Deacons shall be presented in regularly scheduled church meetings for official election, and, if necessary, ordination and instruction pertaining to the offices.
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS SECTION 1: Meetings for Worship Unless otherwise determined by the Pastor, the Church shall meet each Sunday for public worship both morning and evening and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer. Except when circumstances forbid it, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed throughout the year at pre-scheduled times.
SECTION 2: Meetings for Church Administration A regular Church administration meeting of the Church shall be held on prearranged dates using Sunday evening Training Union hour or Evening Worship Services, at which time the regular Church administration shall be considered. A quorum shall consist of at least one-third of the regular attendance of Faith Baptist Church. The Church shall set a date for the annual election of Church officers and proposed budget for the upcoming year in December.
SECTION 3: Special Meetings (A) The Pastor (or deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant or the Pastor is the subject of possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting and the purpose for which it is called to the Church from the pulpit at least one Sunday and not less than one week prior to said meeting. A meeting for election of a pastor may be called by the pulpit committee at any regular Church meeting of the Church at least two weeks in advance.
(B) Bible conferences, missionary conferences, and revivals may be held as the Pastor deems beneficial.
SECTION 4: Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.
ARTICLE VII - MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SECTION 1: Purpose The Church believes that it is to provide the members' children with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The Church believes that the home and Church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the Church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates.
SECTION 2: Church Participation All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the Church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the Church; however, the Pastor may permit non-Church members to participate in Church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the Church.
SECTION 3: Staff Membership All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this Church. This provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelist, or preachers, engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis complying with church authority.
SECTION 4: Statement of Faith Accord All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the Church.
SECTION 5: Unity All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the Church.
SECTION 6: Teaching All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.
SECTION 7: Christian Walk All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a life-style consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.
ARTICLE VIII - UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES Any expenditures must be authorized in the regular annual budget or be authorized by the Pastor (or the Board of Deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant).
Any expenditures in excess of $1000 must be presented to the assembly of the church according to the standards of a business meeting as described in Article VI Meetings. The direction of decision shall be established according to Article 3, Section 3.
The majority vote of the congregation shall be deemed viable pertaining to the final decision by the Pastor or Deacons. The majority vote shall establish the general direction of church business, should the Pastor feel led of the Spirit to another decision, the matter should be discussed again, bathed in prayer and , if necessary, brought forth for re-vote and reassurance of spiritual direction.
ARTICLE IX - ORDINATION SECTION 1: Ordination Qualifications Any member of this Church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel.
SECTION 2: Ordination Procedure (A) Upon a conference with the Pastor and after the Pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the Pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the candidate. The ordination council shall consist of ordained ministers of like faith invited to participate in the examination of the candidate.
ARTICLE X - TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS SECTION 1: Private Inurement No part of the net earnings of the Church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article I, Section 2 hereof.
SECTION 2: Dissolution Upon the dissolution of the Church, the Trustees shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the liabilities of the Church, dispose of all of the assets of the Church to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to organizations which agree with the Church's Statement of Faith.
SECTION 3: Racial Nondescrimination The Church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
ARTICLE XI - DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS From time to time the Church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the Church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article I, Section 2.
AMENDMENTS This Constitution may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and voting, at any regular Church administration meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.