FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

425 Rusche

Creve Coeur, IL 61610

 

                                                               CONSTITUTION  

 

                                                                             

                                                            ARTICLE I - NAME

 

The name of this Church shall be the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Creve Coeur.

 

                                                         ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this organization as an Independent, Fundamental, Soul-Winning, Autonomous, Sovereign, local Baptist Church shall be the preaching and teaching of the Word of GOD; the administration of the Ordinances of the New Testament, the Spiritual improvement of its’ members; and, the Evangelization of the lost in its’ local and larger area, and the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world.

 

                                                ARTICLE III - CHURCH BELIEFS

 

Section 1 - BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES

 

Though their roots go back to apostolic times, Baptists, like their spiritual forbears, since the time of the Reformation have been known specifically as “evangelical separatists”.  While many denominations differ in beliefs, the Baptists were not only different than most of those called “Protestants” but substantially so.  They were labeled rightly “separatists” because they would not compromise the Word of GOD and felt that if the Bible was to be the only rule of faith and practice of churches, it should be just that.  Therefore, they would not compromise essential beliefs and Spiritual commands out of expediency, and they would not align organizationally with others who did.  So came the label “separatists”.

 

As the Baptist denomination (not an organization but independent churches of like faith and practice) came into prominence, it was evident that in several primary areas of belief and practice Baptists differed from other evangelicals.  While some evangelicals might have held to several of the Baptist “Distinctives” and others even held to a good number, yet in total no other group of evangelical believes held to all of them.

 

Because Baptists never had an unchangeable creed, nor an “official” statement of faith, it was likewise true that there was never a denominational, or “official” statement of what constituted their distinctives.  Consequently, in listing Baptist distinctives and principles, there must needs to be an acknowledgment that the list is arbitrary and relative as far as any finality is concerned.  Baptist theologians and historians give varied listings as to these principles.  It would seem from a careful acquaintance with Baptist history that a composite listing culled from many authorities would point up to seven (7) distinctives which have characterized most Baptists down through the centuries.

The seven (7) Distinctives are:

 

1.         The Bible as the authority and rule for Christian faith and practice.

 

2.         The necessity of a regenerated (born again) church membership.

 

3.         The autonomy and independence of the local church.

 

4.         Two Offices: Pastor - Deacons

 

5.         Soul liberty and priesthood of the believers.

 

6.         Two Ordinances:

 

a.         Immersion of believers for baptism as a requirement for church membership.

 

b.         The LORDS Supper.

 

7.         Separation of the Church and State.

 

The advent of Modernism in the 20th century brought gross doctrinal heresy and progressively spread its infection in most Protestant denominations, including Baptist Associations.  Since many Baptists who went off into the Modernistic heresy still called themselves “Baptists”, it became necessary in a new, specific manner to reaffirm the historic Baptist position relative to the inspiration and authority of the scriptures, the true deity of Christ, and the necessity of a vicarious atonement by Christ for salvation of only those who personally trust in that atonement.

 

Thus, our Church today as a New Testament, Independent Baptist Church, affirms these seven (7) Distinctives as listed above, which we believe before both GOD and man place us in the right position Biblically as the Word of GOD orders for a church.

 

SECTION 2 - DOCTRINAL STATEMENT OF FAITH

 

We, as New Testament Baptists, believe in a historical Baptist belief that a scriptural Church is a democracy of believers meeting in some local place, sovereign and autonomous in deciding matters of Church policy and affiliation, and composed only of persons who profess to have been born again and have been immersed in water upon their confession of faith in our LORD JESUS as their personal SAVIOUR.

 

In common with Baptists of all ages and nations, we believe:

 

 

 

1.         The Holy Scriptures

 

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbal plenary inspired Word of GOD, the final authority for faith and practice, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and GOD breathed.  II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13.

 

2.         The Godhead

 

We believe in One Triune GOD eternally existing; manifested in three personal distinctions known respectively as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections.  Deuteronomy 6:4; John 6:27; I Peter 1:2-3; Mark 12:29; Luke 1:31-32.

 

3.         The Person and Work of Christ

 

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.  John 1:1-3, 14; Luke 1:35.

 

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.  Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 2:24; I Peter 1:3-5.

 

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; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25, 9:24; I John 2:1-2.

 

4.         The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

 

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and of judgement; and that He is the Super-Natural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all born again believers into the body of CHRIST, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption.  John 1:8-11; Romans 8:9; II Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 5:18.

 

We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth and that it is the privilege and responsibility of all born again believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  John 16:13; Ephesians 5:18; I John 2:20, 27

 

5.         The Total Depravity of Man

 

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of GOD, and that by direct act of GOD, but that in Adam’s sin the entire human race fell, inherited a sinful nature and became alienated from GOD, and that man is totally depraved and of himself utterly unable to remedy this lost condition.  Genesis 1:26-27; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12; Romans 3:22-23

 

6.         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.  Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-19; John 1:12; John 3:16

 

7.         The Eternal Security and Assurance of the Believer

 

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; I Corinthians 1:4-8; Romans 8:1, 38; I Peter 1:18-19

 

We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of GOD’s Word; which however clearly forbids use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh.  Romans 13:13-14; Titus 2:11-15; Galatians 5:15

 

8.         The Believer’s Two Natures

 

We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and that all claims to the eradication of the old nature, in this life, are unscriptural.  Romans 6:13, 8:12-13; Ephesians 4:22-24; I Peter 1:14-16; Galatians 5:16-25; Colossians 3:10; I John 3:5-9

 

9.         Separation

 

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their SAVIOUR and LORD; that everything we do should be to the honor and glory of the LORD.  II Timothy 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II Corinthians 6:14; 7:1; Romans 12:1-2, 14:13; II John 1:9-11; Colossians 3:17

 

 

 

10.       Missions

 

We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the  truths of Holy Scriptures, and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind, both at home and abroad.  Mark 16:15; Acts 1:18

 

11.       The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts

 

We believe that GOD is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts, and that the gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; and that GOD hears and answers the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will for the sick, needy, and afflicted.  I Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:7-12; I John 5:14-15; II Corinthians 12:12; John 15:7

 

12.       The Spiritual Church

 

We believe that the Church is the body and bride of CHRIST who is the bridegroom, and is a spiritual organism made up of all born again persons of this present church age.  JESUS CHRIST is the head of this organism.  Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27; I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 11:2

 

13.       The Local Visible Church

 

We believe that the visible church is a congregation of true believers in JESUS CHRIST who have, upon confession of faith in CHRIST our LORD, been prepared for immersion as set forth in the New Testament, and have carried forth the act of this commandment of the LORD to all believers.  By doing this, the believer wishes to voluntarily associate with other believers for the purpose of worship, fellowship, witnessing, and faithful stewardship.  Acts 2:17, 14:27, 20:28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11

 

14.       The Ordinances

 

We believe that the ordinances which are committed to the Visible Church are Baptism and the LORD’S Supper.

 

Baptism is the immersion, in water, of a believer in CHRIST, in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON and of the HOLY GHOST, and symbolizes the fact of the death of an individual to the old life, the burying of that old life, and his spiritual resurrection of newness of life, and identification with CHRIST.  Matthew 3:6, 13-17, 28:19-20; Mark 1:5, 9-11, 16:16; John 3:23, 6:35; Acts 8:36-38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12

 

The LORD’S Supper is a commemoration of His sacrificial death, and symbolizes the fact that the believer is continuously fed and nourished by CHRIST.  Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20; John 6:63; Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 11:23-29

 

15.       The Personality of Satan

 

We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man, and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire.  Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11, 25:41; Revelation 20:10

 

16.       The Second Coming of Christ

 

We believe that “Blessed Hope,” the personal, imminent, pretribulation and pre-millennial coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST for HIS redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth, with His saints, to establish His millennial Kingdom.  I Thessalonians 1;10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6.

 

            17.       The Eternal State

 

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.  Matthew 25:46; John 5:26-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6; 19:11-16; 2-:1-6

 

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 re-united to be glorified forever with the LORD. Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6; Philippians 1:23

 

We believe the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when, with the soul and body reunited they shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment.  Luke 16:19-26; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Mark 9:43-48; Matthew 25:41-46; Jude 6:7; Revelation 20:11-15

 

18.       The Lord’s Day

 

We believe that the First Day of the week is to be observed as the LORD’S Day, and is a day of rest for the Christian fellowship, worship and communion with God.  John 20:10, 26; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7

 

19.       Civil Government

 

We believe that the Civil Government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; and magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the will of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who is the only LORD of the conscience, and the prince of the kings of the earth.  Romans 8:1-7; 13:1-7; 14:4; II Samuel 23:3; Titus 3:1; Acts 4:18-20; Genesis 16:18; Matthew 22:21; I Timothy 2:1-8; Revelation 19:16

 

Section 3 - COVENANT

 

            Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of GOD, to receive the LORD JESUS CHRIST as our SAVIOUR, and on the 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 the 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 doctrine; 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 secret devotion, to raise and train our children in the fear and admonition of the LORD; 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 deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of  intoxicating drink as a beverage, from every questionable practice or indulgence, 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 in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful the rules of our SAVIOUR, to secure it without delay.

 

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with another Church of like faith and doctrine where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of GOD’S Word.

 

Section 4 - COVENANT OF CHURCH OFFICERS AND S.S. TEACHERS

 

The position of Teacher or Officer in our Church represents a place of leadership and as such, places a sacred trust upon those Christians who have accepted such a call.  To them is entrusted a serious matter, for which they will be accountable before GOD, as they share in the program and the ministry of the church to thereby glorify GOD, edify the saints, and be a means to the end of leading the unsaved to the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

Believing this to be true, I resolve to maintain a proper relationship to the church, as a born again, baptized member of the church in good standing as defined by the church covenant, constitution and by-laws, and that I shall endeavor to demonstrate this by:

 

My relationship to GOD: I shall earnestly and prayerfully seek the will of GOD for my life by regular and constant study and searching of His Word and by communion with Him in personal devotions and prayer.

 

My relationship to the world: I shall examine myself and search my heart in order to live a separated life unto GOD from all questionable worldly habits, friends, amusement and organizations; abstaining from all appearance of evil, and doing all that I do in word or deed to the glory of GOD and in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, thus edifying myself and strengthening my weaker brethren.

 

My relationship to my teaching responsibility (by example or exhortation): I will endeavor to spend at least two (2) hours in preparation of my lesson for my teaching responsibility.  Should emergency or sickness arise that will keep me from teaching my class, I will realize it is my responsibility to notify my immediate superior by Friday, if at all possible.  I will seek to make at least one call a year on each of the homes of my pupils, as well as, constantly following up on any who are absentees to determine the cause.  I will faithfully pray for my pupils; seek the spiritual growth of those who are Christians, and the winning to CHRIST of those who are unsaved.

 

My relationship to my Church I will attend regularly, unless providentially hindered, the stated services of the church, as well as, such other meetings which involve me because of my position; support the ministry of this church systematically and proportionately with my substance as outlined in GOD’S appointed plan of financing His work and it is my personal privilege and responsibility; to seek to maintain a proper attitude toward the program of the church, the brethren, the Sunday School Superintendent, and the Pastor, realizing that only as I am in proper fellowship with them can I effectually fulfill my responsibility as leader in this church.

 

(It is intended that this statement is to be retained by each recipient and used as a guide and standard from time to time.  Any serious willful variation from the provisions of this agreement should be cause for definite concern as to our place of service in the ministry of the church.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                ARTICLE IV - INCORPORATION

 

 

Section 1 - NAME

 

The name of this organization, a corporation, shall be the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Creve Coeur; Creve Coeur, Illinois.

 

Section 2 - PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the organization shall be:

 

1.         To preach the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST in order to win people to a personal faith in Him as SAVIOUR.  Romans 1:16

 

2.         To provide for the worship of GOD, the preaching and teaching of the Word of GOD, to administer the ordinances of the New Testament, to seek the spiritual improvement to our members, to maintain a Baptist Church to minister to its own community and to extend a ministry of the gospel unto all the earth.  Matthew 16:18

 

Section 3 - MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership of this church shall consist of believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST who have been immersed; acknowledged substantial agreement with the faith, practice and covenant of this church; and have been received into the fellowship by regular action of the church.

 

Section 4 - OFFICERS

 

The scriptural offices of this church are Pastor and Deacons, and the By-Laws shall determine their election, term and succession.  The church shall elect and appoint to the various forms of service indicated by their titles and as defined in the By-Laws such other offices as are deemed advisable.

 

Section 5 - MEETINGS

 

Meetings for worship, prayer, praise, fellowship, business and special purposes shall be held as set forth in the By-Laws.

 

Section 6 - RELATIONSHIPS

 

Believing in the sovereignty of the local church s an autonomous body of believers under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, this church by official action shall determine the maintaining of fraternal fellowship and cooperation with churches of like faith and practice; or with organized groups of Baptists or inter-church relationships; when our cardinal beliefs will not be compromised.  To such groups this church may send statistical reports and may be represented in the meetings.  No financial support is to be given to a work or workers whose doctrinal position is not in keeping with this Constitution.

 

                                                    ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

 

Section  1- THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:

 

Consists of the Pastor and Deacons.

 

Section  2 -  RECEPTION OF MEMBERS

 

a.         Qualification for Membership: Persons confessing faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their all-sufficient SAVIOUR, giving evidence of a regenerated life, having testified to this fact before the Deacons and Pastor, and accepting the articles of faith and practice, the provisions of the government and covenant of this Church can present themselves as candidates for church membership, submitting to believer’s baptism (if he has not been baptized since he believed.)

 

b.         Candidates are accepted for membership by Pastor or Deacons.

 

c.         Ways of Becoming a Member:

 

1.         By Baptism - the candidate shall relate his Christian experience and his desire for baptism and church membership to the Pastor and Deacons, who will question the applicant as to his doctrinal beliefs.  This committee being satisfied, they shall recommend to the Church that such a person be baptized and received into the membership of the Church.  If the Church votes to receive him, his membership shall go into effect as soon as he has been baptized.

 

2.         By Experience - Persons who desire to unite with this church on the former Christian experience, may upon interview by the Pastor and Deacons as to his Christian experience and baptism, assurance of salvation and doctrinal beliefs, after having accepted the conditions of membership and upon recommendation of this committee, may be received into Church membership.

 

3.         By Restoration - Persons who have been suspended may, upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons, be restored to membership, after an expression of a renewal of interest and a confession of error where necessary.  Restoration of membership does not restore such a person to any office or teaching position he may have held at the time of his suspension or dismissal.  One whose name has been erased from the roll must be voted in as a new member.

 

Section 3 - DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

 

a.         Church Letters

 

(1)        A letter of dismissal may be granted any member in good and regular standing to a sister Baptist Church of like faith and practice.  In case a member is on the Inactive List, that shall be noted on the letter.  The letter must be addressed to some particular church of the same faith and order as this (not necessarily same association or fellowship) and sent by the Clerk to the Pastor or the Clerk of the church to which the member is transferring.  There must be a request from the other church in writing.  In no case will a letter be given to any member without being addressed to a specific church of like faith and practice.

 

(2)        Other notice of withdrawal from this congregation shall be in writing signed by the withdrawing member, if not uniting with another church of like faith and practice immediately.

 

(3)        Upon hearing from a church that is not of like faith and practice that a member has united with them, the member’s name shall be automatically dropped from our roll by the Church Clerk and notification of that action given by us to that church.

 

b.         Death

 

(1)        In cases of death there shall be automatic removal from the membership roll by the Church Clerk.

 

Section 4 - SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS

 

a.         Any member of this church residing in this general area, who has not attended the regular church services and supported the work of the church (provided they are not hindered by sickness; or disability from doing so), in a six (6) month period, shall automatically be placed on the Inactive Membership List by the Church Clerk.  Every Christian effort should be made during the following six (6) months to restore the delinquent member.  The Inactive Member’s name shall be treated pursuant to the other articles in this Section.

 

b.         Any member of this church removing from this general area and not taking their letter to some other church, shall communicate with the church and contribute to its support at least once a year, and if not heard from for one year, shall automatically be placed on the Inactive Membership List.

 

c.         Any person whose name is on the Inactive Membership List may not be privileged to participate or vote at any business meeting of the church and he shall not be eligible for a letter of transfer to any other church, without this fact being noted on the letter.

 

d.         Any person whose name is on the Inactive Membership List may be reinstated to full fellowship and church privileges by compliance with the customs of the church, in attendance, in support and in Christian living, and by application to the Pastor and Deacons and with their recommendation, to the church, to be reinstated back into active membership status.

 

e.         All persons placed on the Inactive Membership List who fail to reinstate themselves within the period of one year, shall without further action be dropped from the church rolls, and shall be notified in writing of such action.

 

f.          It shall be the duty of the Pastor and one (1) Deacon to visit the resident members whose names are on the Inactive Membership List, and whose addresses are known, during the period of reinstatement in an endeavor to win them back into active membership in the church.

 

g.         Pertaining to those who have made a profession and later realized it wasn’t genuine.  Any member, Active or Inactive, making a profession of faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their personal SAVIOUR, shall be immediately dropped from our rolls by the Church Clerk.  Re-application for membership is to be made as per our constitution.

 

Section 5 - DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

 

a.         We recognize that the New Testament teaches strict discipline of church members.

 

b.         The Pastor and the Deacons shall constitute the Discipline Committee of the Church.

 

c.         In case of personal difference between members of the church, the Pastor and the Deacons shall recommend that the parties endeavor to settle their differences in the manner laid down by our SAVIOUR in Matthew 18:15, 16.

 

d.         Any member of  the church in good and regular standing may prefer charges in writing to the Discipline Committee against any other member where it is claimed that such accused member has violated the principles and practices as Baptists or unbecoming as a follower of CHRIST, or guilty of holding or teaching doctrine contrary to the statement of doctrine in this Constitution.

 

e.         Where charges are made against a member, the accused shall be notified personally, or by registered letter, of the nature of the charges and shall be summoned to appear before the Discipline Committee to make answer to the charges.  At least five (5) days  notice of such a meeting shall be given to the party involved.  If the accused does not appear in response to the summons, unless a satisfactory reason is given for such non-appearance, the Discipline Committee shall recommend to the church exclusion of such a member.  If the accused appears before the Discipline Committee there shall be a full and a fair hearing of the case, and the Discipline Committee is empowered to acquit the accused, if a majority of those present vote and the accused is innocent of the charges.  If, on the other hand, a majority of the Discipline Committee present vote that the accused is guilty of the charges preferred, they shall urge a penitent acknowledgment of the charges and if this is forthcoming, shall be empowered to prescribe measures whereby any rectification they deem necessary shall be made, and the case closed.  However, if the party deemed guilty by the Discipline Committee shows no inclination to acknowledge guilt or to embrace a penitent spirit, then the Discipline Committee shall recommend to the church that the accused be excluded from the membership of the Church, or such other discipline as the case may warrant.  The Church must either approve the recommendation or hear the case for itself.

 

f.          One purpose of this section is to give full protection to any member who may be accused and at the same time protect the Church from interruptions of its regular business and its spiritual activities by matters of discipline, the details of which might be wasteful of the time of the Church, harmful to the young, or discouraging to the membership.

 

g.         It is specifically directed that the Discipline Committee, in safeguarding the purity and the peace of the Church, shall move with promptness in the case of anyone who is obstructing the work or disturbing the peace of the Church by slander, falsehood, unseemly gossip, conspiracy or other unfair and un-Christian methods.  It is recognized that a Baptist Church must be a democracy in which the majority rules.  It is recognized further that, while any person has a right of private opinion on all questions, and the right to appeal in any constitutional and proper manner, they shall NOT have the right of engaging in secret or open propaganda or of deliberately disturbing the peace and interrupting the work of the Church or bring it into disrepute before the public by such wrong methods, which discourage the faithful, and injure the cause of CHRIST in the church and in the community as well.

 

h.         It is understood that this clause shall not be used as an excuse for unnecessary severeness in minor matters; but, that the Discipline Committee shall always use kindness, consideration, and Christian love in determining the cases for discipline and the method of procedure in such cases.

 

 

 

 

Section 6 - CHURCH DISCIPLINE AS OUTLINED IN SCRIPTURE

 

a.         The Duty of Church Discipline

 

The New Testament enjoins upon the Church the duty of exercising discipline over its members.  This is enforced as a positive command.  (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5:5-7, 11, 13; II Corinthians 6:17; II Thessalonians 3:6; I Timothy 5:20) The Apostle commended the Corinthian Church for its careful and its zealous exercise of discipline over its disorderly members (II Corinthians 7:8-13).  Our ascended LORD approved the Church of Ephesus, because “It tried them which say they are apostles and are not”.  On the other hand, HE threatened the Church in Pergamos with judgment because it retained those who held to the “doctrine of Balaam,” and to the “doctrine of the Nicolaitan”.  HE likewise reproved the Church in Thyatira because it suffered “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to deceive HIS servants,” (I Kings 21:7-16; Revelation 2:2, 14, 15, 16, 20).  If, therefore, the church is to expect the approval of its divine head, it must keep itself free from false teachers and from evil persons.

 

b.         The Aim of Church Discipline

 

The chief aim of Church discipline, as set forth in the New Testament, is to save the offender.  (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1; Titus 3:10) Even when it is impossible to bring the offender to repentance and exclusion becomes necessary, his spiritual welfare should still be the end sought for.  Indeed, the very act of exclusion is designed to waken the offender to a sense of his condition and to the realization of the fact that he is not of the Church, but of the world. (I Corinthians 5:5)

 

A further aim is to save others in the church who may be tempted by the evil example of those already guilty (I Timothy 5:20; Revelation 2:20; Deuteronomy 13:10-11).  The moral tone of the entire membership may be lowered by the bad example of one member.  No opportunity should be offered to any one guilty of misdemeanors to shield himself behind some graver offender who remains in the church, unrebuked.

A Church must exercise discipline when necessary, in order that it may vindicate its own character.  The Church is of GOD, who loves right and who condemns wrong.  The Church is “the body of CHRIST”, and HE is “the Head over all things to the Church”.  When, therefore, a Church ceases to cherish the right and condemn the wrong, when it ceases to oppose that which is directly opposed to CHRIST, then it belies its divine origin, and all reason for its separate existence is at an end.  Whenever sin openly manifests itself in the Church, it is to be rebuked, and all who wilfully oppose the plain requirements of the Christian life must be thrust without, as having no part with the disciples of CHRIST.  (II Corinthians 6:14-16)

 

 

c.         The Laws of Church Discipline

 

We have the Law pertaining to personal difficulties which is found in Matthew 18:15-17.  This rule is applicable only in cases of personal difficulty.  When proper explanations and apologies are met with a refusal to be reconciled, it then becomes the duty of the Church to consider the reconciliation, and the matter becomes the duty of the Church to consider the matter even though the first steps, as above indicated, have not been taken.

 

Then we have the law pertaining to heresy in doctrine, “...a man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject...” (Titus 3:10).  Differences of opinion on some minor doctrines and differences of interpretations of some passages of Scripture are natural and admissible.  But a “heretic” strictly speaking is one who is radically deficient in his faith, who denies and seeks to subvert the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.  Moreover, he is as the Greek word implies, “...a faction maker...” who opposes the doctrinal position of the Church.  He will use his false doctrines to create division and strife in the church.  As a general thing he has a bitter and a bad spirit coupled with his errors.  Such a one is to be admonished.  If he is in error through ignorance, and seems to show a teachable spirit, he is to be borne with and admonished, not only once, but twice.  If, however, he is incorrigible and hopeless at the very start, one admonition is sufficient.  After that he is to “be rejected” which means, thrust without the pale of the Church.

 

The law pertaining to wrong conduct.  This law prescribes three (3) methods of procedure according to the gravity of the offense.

 

1.         Sudden faults.  “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”  (Galatians 6:1) This is a case evidently where one, under the pressure of sudden and great temptation, has been surprised and overtaken with sin.  And the sin into which he is led is not some gross wickedness, but a “fault,” a “misstep”.  His sin is just that which the most “spiritual”, under like circumstances and like temptations might fall into.  The manner of dealing with such a person is to seek and to restore him; to reach out to him a helping hand; to encourage him to undertake once more the path of rectitude, as no doubt in his heart he desires to do.  This need not be a formal act of the Church, but brethren should go to him, individually, and by their sympathy and entreaty, seek to reclaim him.  If he has sincere repentance, he will hasten to make due apology and confession to the Church as a whole.

 

2.         Confirmed habits of wrong-doing.  “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother (or sister) that walketh disorderly,” (II Thessalonians 3:6).  This has reference to one who is confirmed in disorderly ways, “who walks disorderly”, who makes that his habit, his mode of life.  The manner of dealing with cases of this kind is left entirely to the discretion of the Church.  It must withdraw itself from these disorderly persons, but the mode of procedure is left to be determined by each case.  The course to be pursued in one case may not be the best in another case.  It is well in most instances to commit the investigation of the case into the hands of a committee specifically appointed for that purpose, the Church to take the results of the investigations.  On rare occasions, it may be well to submit the details of a case to the scrutiny of the entire Church.  The manner of taking evidence in one case may not be possible in another case.  With some it may be well to go through a long process of what is called “labor”, that is, visiting them through committees and individuals, and seeking to reclaim them. With others, this course may be impossible or it may be wholly uncalled for, it being evident from the start that it will be useless.

 

3.         Gross Immorality.  The full text of the law pertaining to this is impossible to quote.  We only refer to the passage which constitutes the whole of I Corinthians 5.  This passage teaches unmistakably that gross immorality is to be treated with great promptness and unflinching severity.  The honor of the Church and the good of the cause of CHRIST may require immediate expulsion and without any reference to the feelings of the offender - it being impossible usually for the Church to distinguish between sorrow for the discovery of the sin and sorry for the sin itself.  (II Corinthians 7:11; Deuteronomy 13:8)

 

                                                                    BY - LAWS

 

                                                       ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS

 

Section 1 - GENERAL

 

a.         The offices of this Church shall be: Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, Clerk, Treasurer.  Minor offices may be created from time to time as may be deemed necessary.

 

b.         No person shall hold more than one (1) major office at one time.

 

c.         All elected offices shall be held by those 21 years or older.

 

d.         No member on the “Inactive Membership List” is eligible to hold office in the church or in any of its organizations.  In case a member who is placed onto “Inactive” status holds an office, the term of which is not expired, his office shall immediately become vacant and one selected to fill the balance of the term.  Any person holding office and being excluded from the church membership automatically is removed from all church offices, including those of all church organizations.

 

e.         No person may be elected to a church office without being a member for one (1) year.  (This applies to first time members.)

 

f.          In cases of flagrant neglect of office or of recognized incompatibility with associates, any officer of the church can be suspended from office by the action of the church can be suspended from office by the action of the Pastor and majority affirmative vote of the Deacons.  This action shall then be considered by the church at a properly called business meeting, and if the action is sustained by a majority vote of members present and voting, the office shall be declared vacant and a successor elected.

 

Section 2 - THE PASTOR

 

a.         The Pastor

 

His office as seen in Scripture: “That man called Pastor”

 

a.)        Given by the Holy Spirit to the churches.

 

b.)        Pastor has various areas of responsibility as shown by the Greek words referring to man and the office:

1.)        Presbyteres or Elder I Timothy 5:7 - The President of a deliberate assembly in the conducting of its business.

2.)        Episcopes or Bishop--A Superintendent or overseer of a working force.  (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:8) His oversight is that of a Shepherd.

3.)        Poimen--to pasture the sheep, a shepherd of the flock.  (I Peter 2:25; I Peter 5:2,4) as such:

(aa)      To protect the flock against false teachers from without.

(bb)      To guard carefully against schismatics from within the flock.

(cc)      To keep watch both day and night like a shepherd.

 

4.)        Kerus--a Preacher to a congregation. (I Timothy 2:7; II Timothy 1:11; I Peter 2:5)

5.)        Didaskales--a Teacher of the Church.  (Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 12:28; Romans 2:20)

 

c.)        “The people and their “Pastor”

1.)        To know and respect him

2.)        To follow his leadership

 

b.         The duties of the Pastor shall be those generally associated with the office, including preaching at the stated services of the Church, administering the ordinances of the church, caring for the spiritual welfare of the members and maintaining a general oversight of the work of the church.  He shall arrange for the supply of the pulpit in his absence from the church and for members of the Deacons to preside at those services.  He shall arrange for all evangelistic and similar special services of the church.

 

c.         The Pastor shall be ex-officio member of all offices and committees of the church, and shall chair these sessions only in case of ties and then only at his option.  He shall act as moderator of all business meetings of the church except, those dealing with the financial obligations of the pastorate or one dealing with the termination of the pastorate.  He shall call for business sessions of the church or any of its officers or committees whenever he deems necessary provided such meetings do not conflict with the provisions of this constitution.

 

d.         The Pastor may speak on any subject under discussion by first inviting the chairman of the Deacons board to preside in his place.

 

e.         The Pastor shall maintain a church activities calendar, and all organizations of the church shall clear with the Pastor, the calendar dates for their activities, so as to avoid confusion and duplications. Those organizations shall also obtain approval of the Pastor before inviting any speaker from outside of the Church (Acts 20:29, 30).

 

f.          The Pastor shall serve for an unlimited term of service, unless other arrangements are made at the time the call is given and accepted.  The relation between Pastor and the church may be dissolved at the option of either by the giving of a two-month (2) notice, or otherwise by mutual consent.

 

g.         The question of terminating the Pastoral relationship may be brought before the church by a majority vote of the Deacons.  A two-week notice shall be given for a called church business meeting.  At this meeting a majority affirmative vote of the voting members present shall be necessary for terminating the Pastorate.  Voting shall be by ballot.  If Pastorate is terminated the Pastor shall receive one (1) month salary and one (1) month housing.  If a Pastor is found guilty of heresy or immorality, he shall be dismissed immediately with two (2) weeks salary and the use of any housing for thirty (30) days.

 

h.         Whenever the Pastoral office becomes vacant the Deacons shall act as a Pulpit Committee.  The Pulpit Committee shall seek by careful investigation to locate a Baptist minister of the Gospel whom they feel shall adequately fill the particular needs of this church and who is in full sympathy with the Church’s present affiliations and doctrinal stand.  They shall endeavor to hear him first as a pulpit supply before inviting him as a candidate.  When he (the prospective candidate) has agreed to the Doctrinal Statement and Practices of the Constitution, and the Pulpit Committee has agreed to invite him as a candidate he shall then be announced as a candidate at least two (2) times in the regular Sunday services.  After the candidate has preached the church will vote on him at least one (1) week after the Sunday he candidated.  A meeting called for the purpose of voting on this candidate must be made during the regular Sunday services a week prior to the meeting.  Voting shall be by ballot, and a majority of voting members present shall be necessary for an affirmative decision.  It is to be understood definitely that the so-called “line-up” method of candidating for the Pastorate of this church is not to be used.  No more than one candidate shall be under voting consideration by the Church at any given time.  Once a candidate is rejected he shall not be reconsidered.  A Pastor accepting a call shall by affirming both the church Doctrinal Statement and Covenant, be received as a member of the Church, and this be made public at the first A.M. service he and his family are in residence.

 

l.          The Pastor is entitled to a vacation of at least two (2) weeks each year, with an additional week at the discretion of the Deacons, such as to conventions, a series of meetings in another church, or in other Christian service.

 

Section 3 - THE ASSISTANT TO THE PASTOR

 

a.         His general qualification shall be those associated with that of the office of pastor and is outlined in I Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 3:8,9.  His duties shall be those generally specified with the church action at his call to the position.  He shall be directly responsible to the Pastor.

 

b.         The Assistant to the Pastor shall serve for an unlimited term of service, unless other arrangements are made at the time of the call.  The relationship may be dissolved at the option of either by the giving of a two (2) month notice, or otherwise by mutual consent.

 

c.         The question of terminating the Assistant to the Pastor relationship may be brought before the Church by a majority vote of the Deacons.  A two (2) week notice shall then be given for a called church business meeting.  At this meeting a majority (affirmatively) of the voting members present shall be necessary for terminating the Assistant to the Pastor.  Voting shall be by ballot.  If Assistant to the Pastor is terminated he shall receive one (1) month salary and one (1) month housing.  If an Assistant to the Pastor is found guilty of heresy or immorality, he shall be dismissed immediately with two (2) weeks salary and the use of housing for thirty (30) days.

 

d.         Whenever the Assistant to the Pastor office becomes vacant, the Pastor and the Deacons shall act as a Pulpit Committee.  The Pulpit Committee shall seek by careful investigation to locate someone whom they feel shall adequately fill the particular needs of the church and who is in full agreement and sympathy with the Church’s present affiliation and Doctrinal stand.  When they have agreed upon a candidate, they shall invite him to fill the area and/or areas to which he is being considered for service.  After the candidate has come, the church will vote on him at least one (1) week after his being here.  A meeting called for the purpose of voting on this candidate must be at least one (1) week in advance.  Voting shall be by ballot, and a majority of the voting members present shall be necessary for an affirmative decision.  It is to be understood definitely that the so-called “line-up” method of candidating for this position in the church is NOT to be used.  No more than one (1) candidate shall be under voting consideration by the church at any given time.  Once a candidate is rejected he shall not be reconsidered.  As Assistant to the Pastor accepting the call shall, by affirming both the Church Doctrinal Statement and the Church Covenant, be received as a member of the church.

 

e.         The Assistant to the Pastor is entitled to a vacation of two (2) weeks each year.  Other absences shall be with the consent of the Pastor and Deacons such as conventions, a series of meetings in another church or in other Christian service.

 

Section 5 - DEACONS

 

a.         The term “Deacon” means “Servant” - to the church, for the LORD.  The term also means “Helper” - helper to the Pastor in the church in doing the work of the LORD.  Therefore, the Deacons shall serve the Church by helping the Pastor in the general work of the Church.  This is the only other Scriptural office of the church beside that of Pastor; therefore, it carries great responsibility.

 

b.         The New Testament knows nothing of a “Board of Deacons”.  The Deacons are “Helpers” to the Pastor.  Consequently, it is the Pastor’s place of duty as an “overseer” to chair their deliverative sessions and to supervise them in carrying out their functions as provided in this constitution.

 

c.         Method of Electing Deacons.

 

1.         The term of the office of Deacon shall be for three (3) years.  So that the office will not be vacated the same year, the first slate of Deacons shall be four (4) as follows: two elected for a three-year term, one for a two-year term, and one for a one-year term.  Additional Deacons will be elected when necessary.

 

2.         A Deacon may serve as many subsequent terms as the church elects him.  A person must be at least 24 years of age to hold this office.  In the case of a vacancy, a Deacon will be elected to finish the vacated office of the unexpired term.  In compliance to the regular procedure of this constitution.

 

d.         Those holding the office of  Deacon shall be exemplary in their Christian Life and fulfill the qualifications for the office of Deacon as found in I Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-3.  It shall be understood that this shall exclude any divorced person or one married to a divorced person; one who uses tobacco, intoxicating drink, profane language, plays “court” cards, attends dances or movie theaters.  He must also be one who is “temperate in all things”, exercises self-control, and as such being a consistent testimony both to the world and to fellow church members.

 

e.         Should occasion arise that the Nominating Committee does NOT feel that there are qualified persons available to fill the allowable number of Deacons, they may so indicate to the Church, submitting only such nominations as they feel are qualified.  It shall then be necessary for a majority vote of the members present and voting to over-ride the Nominating Committee in this matter.

 

f.          The Duties of the Deacons shall be generally as follows:

 

1.         They shall with the Pastor examine all candidates for church membership and shall recommend to the Church only those receiving their unanimous vote.  They shall each year review the membership and place any names necessary on the “Inactive List” according to the provision of Article V, Section 4, of this Constitution.

 

2.         Whenever the Pastorate becomes vacant, the Deacons shall have charge of all services of the Church and they shall arrange for the pulpit supply and they shall act as a Pulpit Committee as set forth in Article VI - Section 22 - Paragraph h, of this Constitution.

 

3.         They shall serve the Lord’s Supper as the Pastor directs.

 

4.         They shall assist in the Baptismal Service of the Church.

 

5.         They shall recommend the licensing and the ordination of ministers of and by the church.

 

6.         They shall cooperate with the calling ministry in the homes.

 

7.         They shall minister to the poor and needy members of the church.

 

8.         They shall minister to those who are seeking CHRIST as SAVIOUR.

 

9.         They shall encourage a program of stewardship in giving, stressing tithing, as the Scriptural and Spiritual responsibility of every member.

 

10.       They shall serve as the Missionary Committee of the Church.

 

11.       They shall have charge of all matters of discipline of members in accordance with Article V, Section 5, of this Constitution.

 

g.         The Deacons shall meet upon call of the Pastor and may, at their discretion,  set regular meetings.  In the first meeting after the annual election, they shall elect one of  their number to serve as Senior Deacon.  He shall assist the Pastor in the following ways: Convening the Deacons; instruction of the Communion Service procedure; special plans during an illness of the Pastor or other emergencies. When the Pastorate is vacant he shall act as chairman of the Deacons and moderator of the Church until the new Pastor takes up his work.

 

h.         The Pastor and the Deacons shall appoint the Board of Directors to sign the Corporate Papers, this shall consist of one Deacon and one Trustee.

 

Section 6 - TRUSTEES

 

a.         The term of office for the Trustees shall be: one elected for a three-year term, one for a two-year term and one for a one-year term.  At least three (3) Trustees shall be voted in.

 

b.         The Trustees shall hold in trust all property of the church, and shall be responsible for the repair, upkeep and maintenance and management of the same.  They shall not sell or encumber the real estate or other property of the church unless authorized to do so by a majority vote of the voting members present at a church business meeting of which two (2) weeks notice shall be given.  They shall be completely subject to the will of the church in any decision concerning church property.  In case any Trustees are not available for the signing of legal papers, a Deacon may be substituted

 

c.         The Trustees shall have power, in cases of emergency, to make all necessary repairs and purchases necessary articles not provided for in the church budget up to an amount of $250.00 without official action of the church.

 

d.         The Trustees shall employ and supervise the work of the church custodian, if and when needed.  As well as see to the cleaning and upkeep of the church property.

 

e.         Those holding the office of Trustee shall be exemplary in their Christian Life.  It shall be understood that this office shall exclude anyone who uses tobacco, intoxicating drink, profane language, plays “court” cards, attends dances or movie theaters.  He must also be one who is “temperate in all things”, exercises self-control, and as such being a consistent testimony both to the world and to fellow church members.

 

Section 7 - CHURCH CLERK

 

The Church Clerk shall keep a correct and permanent record of all of the business meetings of the church, sign all letters of dismissal, take charge of all church records, and maintain a register of members, in which shall be noted such changes as may occur.  The clerk shall enter upon the records of the church current events in the life of the church that are likely to be of historical value, thus making the church records  a continuous story of the history of the church.  The Clerk shall be elected annually.

 

Section 8 - CHURCH TREASURER

 

a.         The Church Treasurer shall receive, safeguard, disburse, and be responsible for the funds of the church, and shall keep an accurate record of the same.  He shall be the custodian for all of the funds of the church and shall keep a detailed record of the individual contributions through church envelopes or otherwise identified.  The term of office for the Treasurer shall be one (1) year.  He may serve as many subsequent terms as the church elects him.  In the case of his absence the Assistant Treasurer shall be instructed by him as to the fulfillment of the necessary duties during that time.

 

b.         The Treasurer shall render a written report each month and at each quarterly business meeting, and a summary report at the Annual Business Meeting of the church.  He shall also furnish annual statements to those who contribute through the envelope system or similar channels, and also at any other time give an individual contributor a statement of his account either in summary or a particular detail according to the request.

 

Section 9 - SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

 

a.         The Sunday School Superintendent shall be elected, and shall have general control and supervision of the Sunday School in conjunction with and under the advice of the Pastor.  He shall give a report at the Annual Business Meeting of the church, including attendance figures.

 

b.         The Sunday School Superintendent shall be one who is exemplary in his Christian Life and shall fulfill the spiritual qualifications as listed for the Deacons in this same Article, Section 5, paragraph d.  The term of office shall be for one (1) year.

 

Section 10 - ASSISTANT SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

 

The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent shall at the request of the Superintendent assist in the performance of the duties of the Superintendent.  He shall be elected for one (1) year and have the spiritual qualifications identical with the office of Superintendent.

 

Section 11 - USHERS

 

a.         There shall be four (4) regular ushers, and more if necessary, they shall be elected.  One shall be designated as Head Usher.  He shall have supervision of both the regular and substitute ushers and shall see that there are always individuals performing those duties at the Sunday services and at any special evening services of the church.  He shall work closely with the Pastor in order that the details of the service might run as smoothly as possible.

 

b.         It shall be the duty of the ushers to have charge of the seating of the congregation at the Sunday services and any special evening services of the church.  They shall be responsible to see that there is no disorder during the services and that the sanctuary is comfortable.  An important duty of the Ushers shall be the welcoming and registering of strangers and visitors, and helping them to feel at home in our midst by striving to make them acquainted with members of the congregation.

 

c.         Youth may be used in evening services, as approved by the Pastor and the Deacons.

 

Section 12 - ASSISTANT TREASURER

 

The church shall elect an Assistant Treasurer who shall assist the Treasurer in the counting of the church offering moneys.  In case of the absence of both the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer, the Treasurer may select another member of the church to assist him.

 

Section 13 - SONG LEADER

 

The song leader shall be appointed by the Pastor, after counseling with the Deacons.  He shall lead the congregational singing and strive to promote the spiritual fervor of the church.  In case of the absence he shall notify the Pastor.  He is responsible to the Pastor and will be chairman of the Music Committee.  The song leader will appoint the Music Committee.

 

Section 14 - PIANIST AND ORGANIST

 

The pianist and organist shall be appointed by the Pastor, after counseling with the Deacons, and shall strive to be present at all services, and cooperate in every way possible with song leader and Pastor.  In cases of absence they shall contact the Pastor.

 

                                                   ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES

 

Section 1 - NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

a.         The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the Pastor and the Deacons.  Because of the importance of this committee, very prayerful and careful concern shall be exercised in its selection.  They should be members of some length of time and thoroughly conversant with the constituency of the church membership and be Christians of evident consecration of life and spiritual discernment.

 

B.         It shall be the duty of the Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of officers which shall include one name for each elective office of the church.  This shall be submitted to the membership at least one (1) week before the Annual Business Meeting and be presented at the Annual Meeting in ballot form.  There shall be space on the ballot for any additional nominations that are made from the floor during the election.  In case of any vacancies occurring during the year, the committee shall make nominations for said vacancies to be acted upon at the next quarterly business session of the church or earlier if the Committee deems necessary.

 

c.         The Nominating Committee shall investigate the character and qualifications of each nominee and present only names of those members who are active members in good standing and who are regular attendants at the services, and whose daily “walk and profession” give evidence of a life in harmony with the doctrines and covenant of this church.  Nominations shall be made only with the consent of the nominees.

 

Section 2 - FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

a.         The Finance Committee shall consist of the Pastor and the Deacons, Trustees, and Church Treasurer, and shall be chaired by the Pastor.

 

b.         The duties of the Finance Committee shall be to devise means to raise necessary funds to carry on the work of the church, and to prepare a budget for current expenses for the ensuing year to be presented at the Annual Business Meeting of the church for the consideration and approval of the church.  Should expenses during the financial year for any item exceed in an unusual amount budgetary estimates, the committee shall first seek authorization for the additional amount at a church business session.

 

c.         The Finance Committee shall designate two (2) to audit the books of the church Treasurer preceding the Annual Business Meeting of the church and the audit shall date from the last previous audit.  The transfer of accounts and funds when a new Treasurer assumes office shall be attended by an audit.

 

d.         Faith Promise can be used as a means of raising the Missionary Budget and should be solely for Missionary endeavors.  The Missionary Committee shall try to promote and engage in a Missionary Conference once a year.

 

Section 3 - MISSIONARY COMMITTEE

 

a.         This committee shall consist of the Pastor and Deacons of the church.

 

b.         The committee shall make recommendations to the church for the support of missionaries and other gospel work.  They shall have authority, when funds warrant, to disburse moneys to deputating missionaries not to exceed $50.00 on one occasion, and for emergency missionary appeals not to exceed $100.00 on any one occasion, nor more in a year than the total undesignated amount in the missionary budget for the year.  They shall make recommendations to the church of the disbursement of surplus missionary funds over budgetary requirements.

 

C.        The Missionary Committee shall interview our missionaries each furlough time with a view to ascertaining their eligibility for the renewal of support since our commitment is for one (1) term only.  This interview and interrogation, as well as, the annual investigation of the missionary is to be in regards to his/her agreement with the Church’s Doctrinal Statement; his/her separation from all forms of religious co-operation with Modernists, Neo-Orthodox, or New Evangelicals; his/her performance on the field for our Wonderful LORD. Failure to comply in these areas, at any time, will bring automatic suspension by the Missionary Committee, of our support.

 

d.         The missionary who wishes to share his/her newsletters to the membership, will do so through the church.  All soliciting of funds is to be done through the Missionary Committee and then recommended to the church.

 

Section 4 - PULPIT COMMITTEE

 

This committee shall consist of the Deacons of the church and shall function as set forth in Article VI, Section 5, paragraph f2, of this Constitution.

 

Section 5 - CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

a.         This Committee shall be composed of the Pastor, Deacons, and the Sunday School Superintendent and the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent.  The Pastor shall chair the Committee.

 

b.         All appointments of Sunday School teachers and officers shall be made by this Committee.  All appointments for leadership positions in the Sunday and weekday youth groups shall be made by them.  These appointments shall be made yearly.

 

c.         This Committee may at their discretion call all of the leaders of Sunday School Departments, Sunday and weekday youth groups into conference when deemed advisable for problems regarding correlation of all youth activities.

 

D.        This Committee shall be responsible for the recommendation to the church concerning standards and covenants of any of the above mentioned organizations.

 

Section 6 - DEACONESSES

 

There shall be six (6) Deaconesses nominated and elected.  The term of office shall be for three (3) years.  Two to be elected for three-year term, two for a two-year term, and two for a one-year term.  The duties of the Deaconesses shall be as follows; to help with the Baptisms; prepare Communion; to help in the homes with the death of loved ones; to send flowers to those who are sick, in the case of death, in the case of birth; in charge of the kitchen supplies; to work any special events of the church.

 

 

                                                      ARTICLE VIII - FINANCES

 

Section 1 - FISCAL YEAR

 

The fiscal year shall begin on May 1 and end on the following April 30.

 

Section 2 - FINANCIAL POLICY

 

a.         The church accepts the Bible method of finance as final authority in all matters of faith and practice.  In matters of church finances, therefore, the rule is: “Upon the first day of the week” ((regularly and systematically), “as GOD” has prospered him” (proportionately), “tithes and offerings” (proportion is a tithe and offering), “prove me now herewith” (administrator is GOD), and “as he purposeth in his heart, “so let him give” (each member deciding in the light of the Word of GOD and the leadership of the Spirit of GOD, his responsibility).  See Malachi 3:8-10; I Corinthians 16:2 and II Corinthians 9:6-15.

 

b.         The financial needs of the church and its auxiliary organizations shall be met by voluntary contributions of members and friends.  Any possible exception to this rule shall only be with the permission of the Pastor and Deacons.  At the discretion of the Pastor or Deacons freewill offerings in church services may be taken when it is deemed advisable.

 

Section 3 - SOLICITATION

 

No individuals can solicit funds within the church premises for any outside organizations, without express permission of the Pastor and this consideration is to be given only under very exceptional circumstances.

 

                                     ARTICLE IX - AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS

 

Section 1 - SUNDAY SCHOOL

 

a.         This organization shall be considered as the church studying the Bible.  It shall be under the general supervision and control of the church.

 

b.         All Sunday School teachers and officers shall be those who have subscribed to the covenant and standards for the Sunday School as authorized by the church.

 

c.         The Vacation Bible School shall be sponsored by the Sunday School under the direction of the Pastor or person or persons whom he delegates authority.  All Vacation Bible School teachers shall be church members.

 

Section 2 - OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

 

There shall be such other organizations as the most efficient operation of our church shall indicate, but none shall be started without the consent of the Pastor and Deacons.  These organizations shall be self-governing but finally subject to the control of the church through its Constitution and voted church policy, and must conform to the spirit, policy and teaching of the church.  The church regards as integral parts of itself all organizations formed within it.  All such organizations are subject to the supervision of the Pastor and Deacons.

 

Section 3 - PERSONNEL

 

All officers of the auxiliary organizations and all regular teachers in the Sunday School must be members of the church and in good and regular standing.

 

                                             ARTICLE X - BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

Section 1 - ANNUAL MEETING

 

There shall be an Annual Business Meeting of the church during the month of April, preferably on the third.Sunday.  At this meeting reports shall be received from all auxiliary organizations of the church, the annual report of the Church Treasurer, and any other special reports available and of concern to the whole church.  These reports shall be presented in written form to the Church Clerk to file.  The Finance Committee shall present annually a budget for current expenses and building obligations, for consideration and approval, at this meeting.  The Missionary Committee shall present a similar budget for missionary endeavor.  The Nominating Committee shall submit a slate of officers for the ensuing year and an election held.

 

Section 2 - QUARTERLY MEETINGS

 

There shall be quarterly business meetings held during the second week of each month of July, October and January.  In case of extenuating circumstances, the church may modify these dates.  There shall be a quarterly report by the Church Treasurer and the consideration of any type of church business.

 

Section 3 - SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

a.         Special Business Meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor and Deacons, providing public notice be given of the same on the LORD’S DAY preceding, except that those for calling or dismissing a Pastor shall be given public announcements for two preceding Sundays.  However, routine business may be done, when necessary, at any slated meeting of the church without regard to the above requirements.  In this case any matter where a sum of more than $100.00 is involved is not to be considered routine.  In case the Pastoral office is vacant, business meetings will be at the call of the Deacons, with the Senior Deacon acting as moderator in accordance with ARTICLE VI, Section 5, paragraph g, in this Constitution.

 

b.         The church may be called to business session on any Wednesday night or Sunday meeting to hear report of Deacons of those desiring membership in the church and to take action regarding this.

 

Section 4 - ORDER OF MEETINGS

 

a.         In the conduct of business, rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all cases to which they apply.  In exceptions a majority vote shall establish the rule.

 

b.         No business shall be transacted at any meeting when there is not a quorum present.  A quorum shall be 25 voting members present or more.

 

Section 5 - VOTING QUALIFICATIONS

 

All persons voting in any business session must be in the “active” category of church membership--if anyone has not attended or supported the church in the last 2 months prior to a vote they can not vote.  A member must be 18 years of age or older to vote.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1

 

This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the adult voting members present at any regularly called business meeting, provided that notice has been given in writing of the intended change two (2) Sundays in advance and the proposed change posted in the church or circulated to the membership.

 

Section 2

 

Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed to the Church in the following manner:

 

a.         By recommendation of the Deacons having a majority affirmative vote from them.

 

b.         Any “active” member may submit in writing to the Deacons a proposed constitutional amendment.  The Deacons shall in turn decide whether or not to submit the proposed amendment to the church for its consideration and, if submitted, whether or not to recommend its adoption.

 

c.         The Church Clerk shall record all amendments in a section of the church record book.

 

 

                                                 ARTICLE XII - CANCELLATION

 

Section 1

 

This constitution as adopted on this 26th day of June 1985 supersedes and cancels all other constitutions and amendments thereto, and shall be effective upon adoption.

 

 

                           ARTICLE XIII - INTERNAL REVENUE REQUIREMENTS

 

Section 1 - DISSOLUTION - (This shall be handled by the Deacon Board)

 

No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any donor, director, or officer, or any private individual be entitled to share in the distribution of corporate assets.  Upon dissolution, any assets of the corporation must be distributed to one or more organizations of like faith and practice as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as one organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.

 

 

Section 2 - POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

 

No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise (attempting to influence legislation), and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

 

Section 3 - NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

 

The First Baptist Church of Creve Coeur does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin.  Born again, baptized believers of any race, color, national or ethnic origin will receive all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally afforded or made available to any of its members.

 

                                                   ARTICLE XIV - ORDINATION

 

When, in the judgment of the official Board of Deacons and the Pastor, a man in this membership, past or present, is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within the jurisdiction of the Pastor to call and conduct a council for ordination, provided such authority is granted by the church.  The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine the applicants for ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service.

 

The following shall not be ordained to the ministry:

 

a.         One who has not served six (6) months as a pastor, assistant pastor or in definite Christian work in such a manner as to convey reasonable evidence of GOD’S call to the ministry.

 

b.         One who cannot fulfill the requirements as stated in I Timothy 3:1-7.

 

c.         One who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or tobacco in any form, or who belongs to a secret society, or one who brings disrepute upon his ministry through worldly practices and associations.  Romans 12:1-2, II Corinthians 6:14-18, James 4:4, I John 2:15.

 

It shall be within the province of the official Board of Deacons and the Pastor to disciple, even to revoking the ordination credentials of any minister ordained under this Constitution, if the said minister is found guilty of the above practices, after an impartial trial conducted in the ministry of I Corinthians 13.

 

 

 

                                                  STATEMENT OF SEPARATION

 

As a fundamental agency, First Baptist Church of Creve Coeur, Creve Coeur, Illinois takes a separatist stand regarding current trends of theology that leads to discrediting the Bible and undermining the fundamentals of the faith.

 

The theological persuasion of New-Orthodoxy is the result of a futile attempt to reconcile “Higher Biblical Criticism” with true Biblical interpretation.  Such an approach to Biblical revelation is based upon half-truths and is false and deceptive.  We reject this method and position.

 

The movement, which calls itself New-Evangelical, though claiming to be fundamental in theology, has actually compromised the underlying principles of the Christian faith.  It questions inspiration, rejects literal interpretation, accepts liberal positions, takes a new attitude toward the ecumenical movement, promotes ecumenical evangelism, denies both ethical and ecclesiastical separation, restructures eschatology, and over stresses the social aspects of the Gospel.  We hold these to be unscriptural.

 

The attempt to unite the different faiths (Ecumenical Movement) today on the basis of the least common denominator of doctrine is a betrayal of the true unity of believers based upon the sound doctrine of the historic Christian faith.  Its concepts of an ecclesiastical kingdom are not supported by Scripture.

 

Recent years have seen an upsurge in interest in the sign of gifts prevalent during the apostolic age.  This has resulted in the growth of the charismatic movement which has infiltrated nearly every major denomination and has served as a cause of division in some fundamental churches.  The movement has also became a catalyst for ecumenism and, as such, is a contradiction of all that is true and spiritual.  First Baptist Church rejects this movement as having no Biblical basis for existence.  This church will not aid or abet the charismatic movement on any of its fields.

 

We are not being judgmental of individuals.  There is evidence that these trends have damaged many sound ministries.  The command we are given concerning these is: “From such turn away.”  (II Timothy 3:5)

 

                                                  STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES

 

OUR BASIC STRATEGY

 

Strategy enables us to set our sights on specific goals and will measure our progress as we strive to accomplish them.  Every organization should know where it is going, why it is going there and how it intends to achieve its desired results.

 

The basic strategy of a local church is to give all glory to GOD in everything that we do and say (I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17).  This can be accomplished only through committing ourselves to do the best we can in everything to influence all persons we come in contact for the cause of CHRIST.

 

Good strategy, to be a witness for JESUS CHRIST, must come from a life that is giving all glory to GOD.  If, we as leaders and members of this local church, desire to build a larger congregation and better facilities, to edify self, then our strategy will reflect those selfish desires and will not glorify GOD.

 

OUR OBJECTIVES - the basis purpose of this church

 

1.         Evangelism - Is telling the Gospel to nonbelievers.  The result is their accepting JESUS CHRIST as their own personal SAVIOUR, then by following the Lord as a witness to others by baptism in water; by immersion and becoming a member of this local church (Matthew 28:19, 20)

 

a.         It is our desire to train Christians of all ages to properly and biblically present the Gospel to others they come in contact with.  (Acts 1:18; II Timothy 2:2)

b.         We shall also determine in every way to help Christians develop and grow in their life in CHRIST.  (II Peter 3:18)

c.         It is scriptural that all who receive CHRIST as SAVIOUR know that their position in CHRIST is secure for eternity.  (Philippians 1:6)

 

2.         Edification - Teaching the Word of GOD to the saved so as to develop personal spiritual maturity.  We will do all we can to train believers to be disciples by:

 

a.         Learning how to study the Bible (John 5:39; Acts 17:11)

b.         Learning how to handle personal problems according to GOD’S Word.

c.         Using Christian fellowship to build up one another in the Body of CHRIST (Romans 12:4, 5, 10)

d.         Learning how to share CHRIST and encourage others (II Corinthians 1:4)

e.         Each believer exercising their spiritual gifts: “each member adding to the body  to its called purpose” (Ephesians 4:16)

 

3.         Goals and Priorities - “Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD” (Matthew 6:33) These can only be reached as we purposefully keep JESUS CHRIST first place in our lives.  Christ is the Head of the Church - we the believers make up the Church.  (Colossians 1:15-19)

 

4.         Planning and Guidelines - These are the procedures we use to achieve the goals and our guidelines will be controlled within the statutes of GOD’S Word.  GOD’S Word must be done in GOD’S Way by GOD’s People.