Preamble

We, the members of Covenant Baptist Church, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this assembly shall be Covenant Baptist Church of Valdosta, Georgia.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The guiding purpose of those assembled shall be to delight in the will and ways of Christ, and lead others to do the same.

ARTICLE III: CONFESSION OF FAITH

Section 1: Sources of Truth

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the ultimate standard of truth, by which all potential truths and sources of truth must be evaluated. The Bible has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without error for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God will judge us and therefore is, and shall remain till the end of the world, the standard we use for judging ourselves and one another (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; John 5:38-39; 12:47-48; Proverbs 30:5-6; Acts 17:24-28; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8, 11; Mark 12:30).

Section 2: God

There is but one true God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, an infinite and intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Lord, and who is perfect in all He is and does. Because of His holiness, to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience (John 4:24; Psalm 83:18; Jeremiah 10:10; Acts 17:24-28; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8, 11; Mark 12:30).

Section 3: The Trinity

God has revealed Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being (Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7; John 1:1-2, 14; 10:30; Acts 5:2-4; Ephesians 2:18).

Section 4: Providence

The Sovereign God, from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events, yet so as not in any way to be the author or approver of sin, nor to destroy the free agency of men (Ephesians 1:11; 2:10; Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:28-29).

Section 5: Election

Election is God’s eternal choice of persons for everlasting life, not because of foreseen merit in them, but solely because of His mercy demonstrated in Christ, and as a result of which choice people are called, justified and glorified. Therefore, the salvation of sinners is based wholly on God’s grace, yet not in such a way as to interfere with the responsibility of men to repent and believe (1 Timothy 1:8-10; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:8-10; Romans 8:28-30; 9:8-26; 11:5-6; Acts 2:38-39; 13:48; John 6:37, 44; 15:16; 1 John 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Exodus 33:19; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:10).

Section 6: The Fall of Man

God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin. But through the temptation of Satan, the first man and first woman violated the command of God and fell from their original holiness and righteousness, as a result of which, all following generations inherit a nature that is corrupt and opposed to God and His rule, and are therefore worthy of being condemned for eternity (Genesis 1:26-27, 31; 3:1-7; 6:5; 8:21; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 3:9-18; 5:12, 16-19; Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 53:6; Ephesians 2:1-3).

Section 7: The Sacrifice and Mediator for Sinners, Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God, is the divinely appointed Mediator between God and men. Having taken upon Himself a human nature, yet without sin, He was perfectly obedient to the Heavenly Father, and then suffered and died on the Cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners. He was buried, and rose again on the third day, and ascended to the Heavenly Father, at whose right hand He sits forever to intercede for His people. He is the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the universe (1Timothy 2:5; John 6:40; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 9:15; 12:24: Philippians 2:6-11; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:5; 1 John 2:2).

Section 8: Regeneration

Regeneration is a change of motives, attributes and desires, brought about by the Holy Spirit, who gives spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead because sin. By doing so, He enlivens their minds to understand the Word of God, and renews their whole nature so that they desire to please God instead of self (John 3:3-8; Ephesians 2:1-2, 4; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; James 1:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-25).

Section 9: Repentance

Repentance is an act of the sinner in which, being convinced by the Holy Spirit of the wickedness of sin, he humbles himself with sorrow, confesses to be a rebel against God, and determines to turn away from sin, toward God, in order to please Him in all things. It always accompanies saving faith (Matthew 3:5-11; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37-38; 11:18; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalm 51).

Section 10: Saving Faith

Saving faith is an absolute trust in the fact that there is no payment that can be made for sin except that made by Jesus Christ on the Cross, and that, therefore, the sinner has no other hope of being a part of God’s Kingdom and His heaven except to depend on Christ alone to pay the penalty for his own sins. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit, always accompanied by repentance, and leads to a life of holiness (Mark 1:15; John 1:12; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8).

Section 11: Justification

Justification is God’s gracious and full acceptance of sinners, who genuinely turn to Christ and trust in Him. In the sight of the Heavenly Father, all of their sin is covered with the righteousness of Jesus. Justification is granted, not by any works of righteousness that we have done, but solely through faith in the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. It secures for us every other blessing needed for time and eternity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:11; Acts 10:43; 13:39; Romans 3:23-30; 4:4-5, 25; 5:1-2, 9, 16-18; 8:1, 30-33; 10:10; Galatians 2:16; 3:11; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 3:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 John 2:12; 1 Peter 2:2 Luke 9:23).

Section 12: Sanctification

Those who have been made spiritually alive are also sanctified by the work of God’s Word and His Spirit dwelling in them. Sanctification is the working of the character of Christ in those who belong to Him. It is progressive, and is empowered by the supply of Divine strength that is taken hold of by faith (1 Corinthians 6:11; Matthew 7:20; 26:41; 1 John 5:18; Ephesians 1:4; Philippians 3:12-16; Romans 8:5; 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17; 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:34; 5:23; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Timothy 4:7).

Section 13: Perseverance of the Saints

Those whom God has accepted because of Christ, and is sanctifying by His Spirit, will never totally or finally fall away from the grip of His grace, but will certainly persevere to the end. Though they may fall into sin, through neglect and temptation, and in so doing grieve the Spirit, disrupt their fellowship with God, dishonor His Church, and suffer the consequences of rebellion against God, those who genuinely belong to Him will eventually be renewed again by repentance, and be kept by the power of God for His Kingdom and Glory (John 6:37-40; 8:31; 10:27-29; Romans 8:28-39; 11:29; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 13:5; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 2:19; 3:9; Job 17:9; Jeremiah 32:40).

Section 14: The Kingdom and the Church

The Kingdom of God is composed of all His true disciples. The church is a local assembly of those who have openly declared their response to the gospel of repentance and faith, and entered a covenant to serve Christ through that Body. Christ is the Head of each church, and as such, rules and exercised authority over each church. The officers of a church are elders and deacons (KINGDOM: Matthew 3:2; 4:17, 23: 6:33; 10:7; 11:12; 13:44-50; 16:19, 28; 21:43; 25:34; Mark 1:15; 9:1; Luke 10:9; 17:20-21; 18:17; John 3:3, 5; 18:36; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Hebrews 12:28; Revelation 1:6; CHURCH: Matthew 16:18-19; 18:17; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11; 6:1-7; 8:1; 14:23; 1 Corinthians 12:1-27; 14:12; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 John 4:21).

Section 15: Baptism

New Testament baptism is obedience to a command of the Lord Jesus. It does not save, but offers a picture of salvation, acted out by those who have already experienced the forgiveness and renewal of God’s grace. In baptism, the believer is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, symbolizing cleansing from sin, death to the old self and new life in Christ, and the burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is a prerequisite to Church membership (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-39; 10:48; John 3:23; 4:1-2; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).

Section 16: The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is obedience to a command of the Lord Jesus, administered with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. It is to be observed by His churches until the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is a reminder of His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their covenant relationship with Him and His Church (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:35, 51-56; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34).

Section 17: The Resurrection

The bodies of men after death return to dust. The spirits of the righteous return immediately to God to rest with Him; those of the wicked are kept in darkness until the Final Judgment. At the Last Day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised (John 5:25-29; Acts 17:31; 24:15; Job 19:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-8; Daniel 12:2; Hebrews 6:1-2).

Section 18: The Second Coming and Judgment

God has appointed a day on which His Son, Jesus Christ, will return to judge the world; therefore we should live with an attitude of expectancy. The wicked will be separated from God and all of His goodness, thrown into everlasting destruction for eternity. The righteous will enter the perfect presence of God where they will live forever without sin or its affects (Matthew 13:36-43; 16:27; 24:30-31; 25:31-46; John 3:36; 5:21-22, 25-29; Luke 14:13-14; 16:19-31; Acts 1:11; 10:42; 17:31; Romans 2:2-16; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Isaiah 25:8; 57:21; 1 John 2:17; Daniel 12:2; Jude 7; Revelation 20:11-12).

Section 19: Stewardship

God’s Word commands every Christian to observe the principles of tithes, offerings and sacrificial giving as the most honorable way of financing His Church. This Church will not attach the name of any person to its properties or programs as a memorial for a gift; all gifts are considered to be memorials to Jesus Christ. We believe that Church members relinquish all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:2-4; Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; Exodus 25:2).

Section 20: Abortion

We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified taking of human life. 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; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).

Section 21: Human Sexuality

We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; 19:5, 13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).

ARTICLE IV: CHURCH GOVERNMENT

Section 1: Church Authority

Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of this Church. His will, as expressed in the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, is the ultimate authority for what we believe and do as a congregation.

Section 2: Church Polity

The government of this congregation is vested in its body of Elders. The Church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body, but is voluntarily associated with churches of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Valdosta Baptist Association for purposes of fellowship, consultation and cooperation in missions.

ARTICLE V: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership

The membership of this Church shall be composed of persons:

1. who are willing for it to be publicly known that they claim Jesus as absolute Lord of their life and trust His work on the Cross, alone, as the payment for their sins (Matthew 10:32-33);
2. who have been baptized by immersion as a sign of submission to Jesus as Lord and the acceptance of His gift of forgiveness (Colossians 2:12);
3. and who desire to enter into a covenant relationship with other believers for the purposes of ministry, encouragement, spiritual growth and moral accountability. The covenant will include promises:
1. to be regularly involved with other Church members in times of worship, Bible study and prayer (Hebrews 10:25);
2. to maintain a determination to search the Scriptures for God’s answers to life’s questions (Acts 17:11);
3. to be involved in voluntary service and/or ministry through the Church (1 Peter 4:10);
4. to support Kingdom work through cheerful, biblical stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7);
5. and to be devoted to living in accordance with the purpose, vision and doctrines of this Church (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Attendance in all the sessions of an orientation class that introduces potential Church members to the essential characteristics of this Church is a prerequisite of Church membership. In addition, an interview of potential members will be conducted by an elder to confirm their statement of faith, conversion, and baptism. They will be required to affirm and sign the church covenant and constitution. The elder body will then recommend them to the congregation for membership. The congregation will vote to confirm the potential member. A simple majority vote is required for confirmation and admission into membership.

Membership in this church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government.

We believe that when Church members have differences with one other, they have an obligation, first, to make every possible effort to work things out personally and privately, and secondly, to involve one or more of the Elders of the congregation in the process in order to mediate the dispute. We believe that the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members, acknowledging that compensation for injuries sought from another member’s insurance company may be pursued as long as it is done without malice, greed or slander (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32).

Voting members shall be those members who are 16 years of age and older.

It is expected that when members move beyond commuting distance to our place of worship, they will transfer their congregational commitments to a church in their new geographic area.

Section 2: Conduct of Membership

In the Bible, our Lord has given believer instructions about their relationship with one another and the world. Those instructions include the following:

1. We will attempt to love one another as Jesus has loved us. The congregation will work to maintain an atmosphere where other members of the body are viewed as family, to be cared for (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:44; 4:32-35; Romans 12:9-10; 13:8-10).
2. Every member will view himself/herself as a minister. The entire congregation, through various gifts and personalities, will be involved in the disciple-making and pastoral ministry endeavors (John 13:34-35; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13).
3. We understand that it is God’s purpose for us to attempt to reach people from all ethnic groups in our community and the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
4. This congregation will look for opportunities to meet needs in the lives of those who may have been overlooked by others, in order to show compassion and urge them to come to Christ (Isaiah 58:6-7; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:10-13; Luke 10:25-37).
5. The use of personal possessions and resources for the good of the Kingdom and the Body is assumed (Acts 2:44; 4:32-35).
6. We expect of one another an appropriate response to the authority of this Church’s God-appointed leadership, recognizing their duty to administer instruction, and corrective discipline, should it ever be required (Hebrews 13:7, 17; James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13).

Section 3: Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated in one of the following ways:

1. by death;
2. by transfer of membership to another church "of like evangelical Christian faith";
3. by willful absence from worship, without just cause, for a period of more than six months;
4. by exclusion as an act of discipline.

Section 4: Watch-Care Membership

1. Definition
Watch-care Membership is a provisional membership status for anyone who is:
1. a temporary resident of Valdosta and/or surrounding regions, or
2. is a member of another church who by agreement with their home church is being cared for by CBC for an agreeable amount of time and circumstances.
2. Qualifications
Qualifications for Watch-care Membership are similar to those for full membership. In the case of a temporary resident, a letter of commendation will be sought from the interested member’s home church.
3. Participation
Watch-care members are encouraged to be involved in Covenant activities and to serve in church life, and attend the members meetings as non-voting guests. This participation is subject to the elders’ discretion.
4. Termination
Termination of watch-care membership, for reasons other than discipline, must be requested in writing from watch-care members or from their home church. If the request for termination comes solely from the watch-care member, the request will be evaluated by the elders and the home church will be notified.
Church discipline, if necessary, will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination.

ARTICLE VI: CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Section 1: Purpose of Church Discipline

It is the God-given duty of every Church member, including Church staff and officers, to participate in and subject oneself to both formative and corrective church discipline. When biblically administered, church discipline is beneficial to both the individual and the church body. The ultimate goal of discipline is always restoration. But when principles from the Bible have been followed, in spirit as well as action, and restoration has not been achieved, separation is necessary (Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:5-8; 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:15; Romans 2:23-24; 2 Peter 2:2; Revelation 2:2, 14-15, 20).

Section 2: Formative Discipline

Formative discipline is the practice of Colossians 3:12-16, particularly “[letting] the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” This is accomplished in the context of public worship and small group meetings, in which there are opportunities for prayer, teaching, preaching, encouragement, counseling, and the exercise of spiritual gifts for building up the body. We believe that the failure of members to participate in formative discipline leads to the necessity of corrective discipline.

Section 3: Corrective Discipline

1. Procedure for Discipline
1. Because every Church member is considered a minister, all members are encouraged to exhort and stimulate one another to love and good deeds. If a member (the restorer) has firsthand knowledge of another member (the offender) in sin (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-17; James 5:19-20), he should go privately to the offender and make an effort to restore him to fellowship with the Lord and His church. If the offender repents, the matter is over; the offender is restored.
2. If the offender does not repent, the restorer is to take one or two other members to again confront the offender with his sin and again seek to restore him to fellowship and obedience. If the offender repents, the matter is over, the brother is restored. If the offender does not repent, the members who went to the offender shall advise the Elders of what has taken place. If the Elders are satisfied that all actions have been undertaken with scriptural motives and actions, and that the offender is indeed in a state of unrepentant sin, then the Elders shall inform the offender of the next step.
3. If the offender remains unrepentant, then, at a special conference of the Church, the Elders shall inform the congregation of the offender’s sin and refusal to repent. The entire congregation shall be encouraged to go to the offender and seek to restore him. If the offender repents, the matter is over; the offender is restored.
4. If the offender does not repent, he is informed by the Elders of the next step. At a special conference of the Church, the Elders shall inform the congregation of the offender’s refusal to repent and of their recommendation that the member be removed from the membership. Upon simple majority approval by the congregation, the member shall be excluded from communion, their name removed from the membership, and the entire congregation urged to avoid any social contact with the offender.
2. Procedure for Reinstatement

Should an offender, previously excluded by discipline, show by his attitude and actions that he has repented of his sin and is once again striving to live a life of obedience to Jesus Christ, upon his request, and by approval of the Elders, he will be reinstated as a member and joyfully restored and welcomed back into full fellowship.

ARTICLE VII: CHURCH OFFICERS

Jesus Christ is the pre-eminent and rightful head of His church, and all believers are in subjection to Him (Ephesians 1:22). As the Head, He has ordained the offices of Elder (1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3) and Deacon (Acts 6:1-6; 1Timothy 3:8-13). In addition, this Church has established the offices of Church Clerk and Church Treasurer. Other offices may be established for the benefit of the Church by the congregation, affirming the recommendation of the Elders.

Section 1: Body of Elders

1. Composition
The Body of Elders, which includes the Senior Pastor, shall consist of a plurality of godly men who meet the qualifications set forth in 1 Tim 3.1-7, Titus 1.5-9, and 1 Peter 5.1-4.
2. Selection
1. The process will begin with either public teaching or private letters informing the Church regarding the definition and function of elders, and an explanation of the selection process.
2. Following a period of prayerful consideration, members of the congregation will be allowed to recommend male Church members for the office of Elder.
3. Those who are recommended will be reviewed by the elders, who will interview any candidates they determine should continue in the selection process. This may include the candidates’ wives as well.
4. After thoroughly interviewing the candidate, and others if necessary, and taking counsel from one another, the active Elders will make a prayerful determination as to whether the candidate is qualified.
5. Those found by the Elders to be biblically qualified will share a public testimony of salvation and be available for interview by the congregation.
6. Following another period of prayerful consideration, the congregation will be given forms that allow them to affirm or not affirm each candidate.
7. Candidates affirmed by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the forms returned will be ordained to the office of Elder, unless a scriptural disqualification becomes apparent during the affirmation process.

3. Term of Office

Elders shall serve an indefinite term:

1. Elders will typically serve six years and receive a one-year sabbatical before resuming official responsibilities. However, the timing and length of the sabbatical may be adjusted by the Elder Body according to the needs of the Church. Active leadership in ministry, apart from attending meetings, is required to continue in service as an Elder.
2. The status of any Elder, with respect to his character or marital status may be reviewed by the active Elders at any time, in accordance with biblical guidelines (1 Timothy 5:19), potentially resulting in a judgment that an individual is no longer qualified to serve. In such an instance the guidelines in Article VII. Section 1. C. iv. would apply.
3. An Elder may resign his office.
4. Any Elder who for any reason no longer meets the biblical qualifications for the office, or who is unwilling or unable to carry out the duties of the office, shall be subject to the following procedure:

Following review and upon recommendation by the Body of Elders, a special Church conference, open only to members, shall be called to consider the matter. The matter shall be presented to the Church body with opportunity for the Elder in question to respond.

The Elders shall recommend appropriate action to the Church body.

Upon recommendation of removal (1 Timothy 5:17-20), an Elder shall be removed by Church vote. Voting shall be by written ballot and shall require two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting.

Once removed from office, and after completing a restoration process prescribed by the Elder Body, a man may be eligible to serve as an Elder through the normal Elder selection process.

4. Leadership of the Body of Elders
The Elder Body shall appoint administrative leadership from within the Elder Body. However, each Elder shares equally in responsibility and accountability for the congregation as a whole.
5. Responsibilities of Elders

The Elders shall:

1. teach and counsel Church member from the Word of God.
2. interview and counsel those requesting membership in this Church.
3. give leadership to providing pastoral ministry for the members of the Church.
4. oversee the ministries, activities and business of the Church based on biblical truths and principles.
5. recommend or delegate actions to the Church when congregational involvement and decision making will enhance ministry without violating biblical principles.
6. appoint leaders for various ministries and activities of the Church.
7. employ and oversee Church staff, including associate pastor(s) and other personnel.
As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the Elders shall designate the following corporate officers: Senior Pastor, president; Clerk, secretary; Treasurer, treasurer, and an additional elder as vice president.

In addition, the Elders shall also have the power and responsibility to serve as the Trustees of the Church. As Trustees, they are empowered to make and execute all contracts, deeds, bonds, notes, negotiable instruments, mortgages, trusts and all other instruments of indebtedness or conveyance of said corporation upon the other thereof. The title to all property, however, shall be vested in the name of the Church. The Elders shall authorize sale of any and all real property and/or tangible or intangible personal property, other than cash, received by the Church as a contribution, donation, or any other form of lifetime gift, or by devise or bequest under will, at such price as the Trustees deem in the best interest of the Church, provided however that all such sales be for cash, and placed in the Church’s general fund unless otherwise previously agreed to by the donor and the Church. They shall represent the Church in any litigation brought by or against the Church.

Section 2: The Senior Pastor

1. Responsibilities of the Senior Pastor

The Senior Pastor will provide spiritual direction to the Body of Elders. The Senior Pastor shall be the primary teaching elder; a great percentage of his “work time” shall be spent in the study of God’s Word. It shall be his responsibility to equip and disciples the people of God for ministry. The Senior Pastor shall be engaged in intercessory prayer for the congregation. The immediate supervision of the Church staff is the responsibility of the Senior Pastor.

2. Call of a Senior Pastor
1. When a pastoral vacancy occurs or is anticipated, the Body of Elders shall appoint a Pastor Search Committee, including both Elders and other members of the Church.
2. The Pastor Search Committee shall begin a prayerful search for the Senior Pastor. By consent of the full committee and recommendation of the Elder Body, the search shall be narrowed to one candidate. This candidate shall be thoroughly interviewed by the Pastor Search Committee.
3. By consent of the full Committee, the candidate shall be invited to speak to the Church body. The Church body shall be given opportunity to get acquainted with the candidate through formal and informal interview sessions.
4. Upon recommendation of the Pastor Search Committee that the candidate be extended a call to become Senior Pastor, the congregation shall assemble at a special conference called for the purpose of considering that recommendation.
5. The affirmation of three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the members present and voting shall be necessary to ratify the recommendation of the Committee.

3. Term of Office

The Senior Pastor shall serve an indefinite period; however, he may resign his office or be removed from office as any other Elder under the previous provisions of this document.

Section 3: Body of Deacons

1. Composition

Based on Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13, it seems to us that deacon ministry in the New Testament church was given leadership by Christian men who had particular character qualities.

2. Selection
1. The process will begin with either public teaching or private letters informing the Church regarding the definition and function of deacons, and an explanation of the selection process.
2. Following a period of prayerful consideration, members of the congregation will be allowed to recommend male Church members for the office of Deacon.
3. Those who are recommended will be reviewed by the elders, who will interview any candidates they determine should continue in the selection process. This may include the candidates’ wives as well.
4. After thoroughly interviewing the candidate, and others if necessary, and taking counsel from one another, the active Elders will make a prayerful determination as to whether the candidate is qualified.
5. Those found by the Elders to be biblically qualified will share a public testimony of salvation and be available for interview by the congregation.
6. Following another period of prayerful consideration, the congregation will be given forms that allow them to affirm or not affirm each candidate.
7. Candidates affirmed by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the forms returned will be ordained to the office of Deacon, unless a scriptural disqualification becomes apparent during the affirmation process.

3. Term of Office

Deacons shall serve an indefinite term:

1. Deacons will typically serve six years and receive a one-year sabbatical before resuming official responsibilities. However, the timing and length of the sabbatical may be adjusted by the Elder Body according to the needs of the Church. Active leadership in ministry, apart from attending meetings, is required to continue in service as a Deacon.
2. The status of any deacon, with respect to his character or marital status may be reviewed by the Elders at any time, in accordance with biblical guidelines (1 Timothy 5:19), potentially resulting in a judgment that an individual is no longer qualified to serve. In such an instance, the guidelines in Article VII. Section 3. C. iv. would apply.
3. A Deacon may resign his office.
4. Any Deacon who for any reason no longer meets the biblical qualifications for the office, or who is unwilling or unable to carry out the duties of the office, shall be subject to the following procedure:

Following review and upon recommendation by the Body of Elders, a special Church conference, open only to members, shall be called to consider the matter. The matter shall be presented to the Church body with opportunity for the Deacon in question to respond.

The Elders shall recommend appropriate action to the Church body.

Upon recommendation of removal, a Deacon shall be removed by Church vote. Voting shall be by written ballot and shall require two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present and voting.

Once removed from office, and after completing a restoration process prescribed by the Elder Body, a man may be eligible to serve as a Deacon through the normal Deacon selection process.

4. Responsibilities of Deacons

The role of a Deacon is that of a servant.

1. They will respond to benevolent needs within and outside of the Church, on behalf of the Church, under the supervision of the Elders;
2. They will care for other matters assigned to them by the Elders.
3. The Deacons may call on other Church members to assist with their designated ministries.

Section 4: Church Clerk

1. Qualifications

The Church Clerk shall meet the moral and spiritual qualifications that are recorded in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

2. Selection and Term of Office

The Church Clerk shall be appointed by and serve under the direction of the Body of Elders until such a time as another Church Clerk is appointed.

3. Responsibilities
1. Record actions of the Church at any Church conference.
2. Maintain an accurate membership roll.
3. Request Letters of Transfer for new members from other churches.
4. Process personal requests for terminations from the Church roll and requests for Letters of Transfer to other churches.
5. Make necessary certifications of actions of the Church in conference.
6. Attest to the corporate seal of the Church on any official document.
7. The Church Clerk shall occupy the office of secretary for the corporation.

Section 5: Church Treasurer

1. Qualifications

The Church Treasurer shall meet the moral and spiritual qualifications that are recorded in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

2. Selection and Term of Office

The Church Treasurer shall be appointed by and serve under the direction of the Body of Elders until such a time as another Church Treasurer is appointed.

3. Responsibilities
1. The Church Treasurer shall have custody of the Church funds and securities, shall ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books (electronic or traditional) belonging to the Church. The Church Treasurer shall ensure that all monies and other valuable effects are deposited in the name of and to the credit of the Church in such depositories as may be designated by the Elders.
2. The Church Treasurer shall reconcile all Church bank accounts monthly and will supervise the preparation and administration of the monthly financial statement published by the Church. The Church Treasurer shall be responsible for making sure that an annual audit of the Church financial records is done by a firm outside the Church membership.
3. The Church Treasurer shall occupy the office of treasurer for the corporation.

ARTICLE VIII: GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATION MEETINGS AND GOVERNMENT

Any active elder may serve as moderator for an administrative conference of the Church. It is the responsibility of the Elders to designate one from among themselves.

Administrative church conferences shall be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, with the understanding that such rules may be suspended or amended at any time by the common consent of those authorized to vote at that meeting.

Determination of the internal affairs of this church is ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures.

Administrative church conferences may be called whenever the Elders deem necessary.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution may only be amended or repealed upon recommendation of the Elders and confirmation by a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members of the congregation present and voting at a special conference duly called for the specific purpose of amending or repealing the same. Proposed amendments from Church members will be accepted for consideration by the Elder Body when received in writing. Notification of the conference shall be published in a regular or special edition of the Church newsletter or mailout. First notification must be at least two weeks before the conference. During the two week period, the Elders shall make provision for public discussion of any proposed amendments or provisions proposed for repeal.

ARTICLE X: BYLAWS

The Church may, upon recommendation of the Elders, adopt and/or amend By-Laws which offer more specific guidelines for the operation and activities of this Church. However, any By-Law in violation of this Constitution will be considered invalid.