CONSTITUTION OF FAITH BIBLE CHURCH

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF FAITH BIBLE CHURCH January East Chestnut Avenue Vineland, New Jersey

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Preamble 2 ARTICLE I The Name 2 ARTICLE II The Object 2 ARTICLE III Doctrinal Basis of the Church 3 ARTICLE IV Membership 5 Sec. A Membership Qualifications 5 Sec. B Membership Reception 5 Sec. C Membership Responsibilities 7 Sec. D Membership Rights 7 Sec. E Membership Termination 7 ARTICLE V Church Government (Officers) 8 Sec. A Qualifications 8 Sec. B Officers 8 Sec. C Selection 8 Sec. D Removal from Office 8 Sec. E Administrative Officers 9 Sec. F Functional Officers 13 ARTICLE VI Standards for Church Officers 13 ARTICLE VII Moderator and Vice-Moderator 14 Sec. A Duties of the Moderator 14 Sec. B Duties of the Vice-Moderator 14 ARTICLE VIII Church Meetings 14 ARTICLE IX Ordination 15 ARTICLE X Amendments 15 ARTICLE XI Miscellaneous 16 2

3 CONSTITUTION OF FAITH BIBLE CHURCH OF VINELAND, NEW JERSEY Preamble By the Grace of God, our Savior, and our faith in Him, we the members of Faith Bible Church of Vineland, New Jersey do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. We do so recognizing that in the case of a local New Testament Church a constitution is simply a tool to be used to aid said church in the implementation of its goals, not an end in itself. While we will not tolerate any adjustments in the Biblical and doctrinal portions of this document, minor adjustments in the mechanical portions can be made from time to time, with board approval, without disturbing its integrity. In essence, the Bible is the final authority in all faith and practice. The Name ARTICLE I This organization shall be known as the Faith Bible Church of Vineland, New Jersey. The Object ARTICLE II This church, believing in the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and acknowledging its adherence to all the teachings contained herein, and desiring to glorify its God and Savior, declares its purpose: Section A. To maintain regular services for both instruction and public worship. Section B. To proclaim earnestly the Gospel message of salvation through personal faith in Christ's finished work and to urge personal acceptance of Christ as Savior. Section C. To co-operate heartily through prayer, gifts, and service, in the effort to preach the Gospel as witness to all the world. Section D. To promote systematic Bible study and training for Christian service, and to encourage in every possible way, life enlistment in some form of definite Christian service. Section E. To practice true religion and Christian philanthropy (James 1:27) as revealed and taught in the sacred Scriptures. 3

4 Doctrinal Basis of the Church ARTICLE III Section A. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the three, one in essence and attributes, yet distinct in office and activity. Biblical support for the above: Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 5:3-4; II Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6. Section B. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired of God, inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. Biblical support for the above: Psalm 19:7-11; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1: 16-21; I Cor. 2:13; Mark 12:26; 13:11; Acts 1:16, 24. Section C. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man. Biblical support for the above: John 1:1-2; Phil. 2:6; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Matt 2:11; Heb. 10:5; Matt. 16:16-17; Acts 3:14; I Cor. 2:8; John 13:13; John 1:3; John 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Titus 2:13-3:4. Section D. We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God; that all humans are born with a sinful nature, are guilty and deserving of the wrath of God, and thereby are in need of salvation. Biblical support for the above: Gen. 1 & 2; Col. 1:16-17; John 1:3; Gen. 3:16; Rom.5:19; 3:10-19; Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 1:20; Gal.3:22; John 3:3, 5, 7; Rom. 6:23; Eph.4: Section E. We believe that God instituted marriage for the mutual fulfillment and companionship of man and wife as heirs of the gracious gift of life, their partnership in life and service and their fruitfulness in bearing children and raising them in the fear of the Lord. Human sexuality is a gift from God and is intended by Him to be enjoyed only within the confines of a monogamous, heterosexual, marriage relationship. Homosexual behavior and any concept of marriage other than marriage between one man and one woman violate the design and purpose of God in His creation. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:23-24; Psalm 127:3; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:7 4

5 Section F. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died according to the Scriptures as the representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him and receive Him as personal Savior are justified on the ground of His shed blood and finished work on the cross. Biblical support for the above: I Cor. 15:1, 3-4; I Pet. 3:18; Rom. 4:25; I Cor. 5:7; Gal. 3:13; I John 4:10; I Pet. 2:24-25; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7. Section G. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord; His ascension into heaven, and His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate. Biblical support for the above: II Tim. 2:8; Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; I Cor. 15:4-8; Rom. 1:4; Acts 1:9-11; Luke 24:51; I John 2:1; Heb. 5:1-2; 8:1-3; Heb. 9:14; 7:25. Section H. We believe in the eternal security of the saved through the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross: the bodily resurrection of the just to an everlasting life of blessedness; and the bodily resurrection of the lost to an everlasting conscious suffering. Biblical support for the above: Eph. 4:30; John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; I Cor. 1:4-8; I Pet. 1:5; Phil. 1:6; Rom. 8:35-39; I Thes. 4:13-18; John 5: Section I. We believe that Christ instituted the ordinances of believers' baptism, (which we believe is by immersion), and the Lord's Supper, both to be observed until He comes. Biblical support for the above: John 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; I Cor. 1:23-32; Luke 22:19; Matt. 26:27. Section J. We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is composed solely of those who have been redeemed and washed in His blood, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and that they are saved to serve; that it is the responsibility and privilege of all who are saved to seek and win others to Christ, "to the uttermost part of the earth": that they must seek to live a holy life, and to separate themselves from and forsake all that might dishonor God, cast discredit on His cause, or weaken their testimony. Biblical support for the above: Acts 2:41-42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:11; Acts 10:17-18; Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:22-23; Acts 15: 13-18; Eph. 4:12; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 6:14-17; II Tim. 2:20-21; II John 9-11; John 17:15; Gal. 6:1. Section K. We believe in the administration of spiritual gifts through the operation of the Holy Spirit; the gifts of the evangelists, pastors, and teachers, (Eph. 4:7-12) are sufficient for the perfecting of the Church today. Sign gifts, including tongues, gradually 5

6 disappeared as the Canon of Scriptures was completed and the authority of the Bible generally recognized. But God, being sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts, does hear and answer prayer of faith according to His own will for the sick and the afflicted. Biblical support for the above: Eph. 4:7-12; Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:4-11; James 5:13-16; I John 5: Section L. We believe that the next prophesied event to be fulfilled will be the rapture of the Church, at which time all true believers, living and dead, will be caught up bodily to meet Jesus in the air. Following this event, God s wrath will be poured out on unbelievers during a seven-year period of tribulation, which will culminate in the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth in power and glory, His victory over nations of the earth, His restoration of a believing remnant of Israel, and the establishment of His 1,000 year kingdom of justice and righteousness on the earth. Biblical support for the above: 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-55; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13; 1 Thes. 5:4-10; Rev. 3:10; 20:1-6, 11-15; Matt. 24:21, 29, 30; 25:46; John 14:1-3; Daniel 9:24-27 ARTICLE IV Membership Section A. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his or her own personal Savior, giving evidence of regeneration, and assenting to the Declaration of Faith, practice, and stated purpose of this church, and having been baptized by immersion, may be received into membership, conditional upon an examination satisfactory to the leadership of the church (i.e., Pastors and Deacons). Applicants for membership shall be received by a majority vote of the members present at any public service or meeting of the church upon recommendation of the Board of Deacons. Section B. MEMBERSHIP RECEPTION Membership in the official fellowship of Faith Bible Church shall be provided for believers who are in compliance with Section A of this article, and who have completed, to the satisfaction of church leadership, a study course conducted by the pastor or an approved teacher, covering the purpose, doctrine, government, and ministry of the church. New members shall be publicly received and welcomed into the fellowship, at which time the Covenant of Fellowship, (which follows) shall be read: Having been led by God the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal 6

7 Savior and Lord, and Desiring to unite in the worship, the fellowship and testimony of that portion of Christ's spiritual body known as Faith Bible Church, and Having read the Declaration of Faith of the church, and understanding it to be the basis of its belief and teachings, I do hereby express my desire to enter into the following covenant with others of the church. By the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we covenant:...to walk together in Christian love,...to exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another,...to pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows and joys,...to be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense and to be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness,...to guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace and prosperity of the church, and its growth in Scriptural knowledge and godliness,...to assist, as the Lord enables, in the work of the church and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus,...to contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the church, the relief of the needy, and the evangelization of all peoples,...to love and to pray for all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ,...to engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, to establish family devotions where possible,...to bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,...to walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts....to endeavor by example, by word and by prayer to win others to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 7

8 ...finally, should the Lord ever lead us from this place, we commit ourselves to unite, as soon as possible, with some other church of like precious faith, a church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. Section C. MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Members shall strive to keep their covenant obligations, and to assist fellow members in keeping their covenant obligations. 2. They should honor and esteem their Pastor (s), pray for him daily, and submit to him in the Scriptural exercise of his official authority, manifesting always a proper consideration for his reputation. 3. They will endeavor to preserve the unity of the church, and if at any time they find themselves opposed to the fundamental doctrines of this church (as described in the Declaration of Faith), they will not seek to disrupt its fellowship, but will quietly withdraw from its membership. 4. Every member of the church is expected to attend the services and meetings of the church regularly, to work for its up building, and to guard its good name in the community. 5. Every member is expected to contribute to the financial program of this church, as the Lord prospers. It is our conviction that proportionate giving is a distinct and positive command in the Scripture (Mal. 3:8-11), and each member should be prepared to return to the Lord, through the local church, the portion of their income the Lord requires according to the principles laid down in I Cor. 16:2. The use of offering envelopes by members is encouraged to promote regularity in giving, and to aid the financial secretary in the carrying out of his responsibilities. Section D. MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS Any member of the church in good and regular standing, and of eighteen (18) years of age or older, shall have the right to vote on any questions properly brought before any congregational meeting. Members of this church have no property rights and upon termination of membership, they shall be entitled to no personal interest in the assets. Section E. MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION 1. By Dismission - Letters of dismissal shall be granted to members who apply for them, provided they are in good standing and not subject to, or under discipline, at the time of application. When such letters have been granted, their relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Any members who shall unite with any other church without such a letter shall have his name dropped from the church role. 8

9 2. By Excommunication - It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures to exclude from this fellowship any persons who hold doctrine inconsistent with our Declaration of Faith, or who live inconsistently with a Christian profession; or in violation of the law of public morals or who walks disorderly; or any person who disturbs the unity and peace of the church. Galatians 1:8-9; II Thes. 3:6, 11; I Cor. 5: In any case where excommunication or church discipline is exercised, the Pastor(s) and Deacons shall attempt to deal with the member according to II Tim. 4:2 to restore a repentant member to full membership when satisfactory evidence of being penitent is given (II Cor. 2:6-8) Church Government (Officers) ARTICLE V Preface: This church acknowledges only the Lord Jesus Christ as its head; the Holy Scriptures as the only infallible guide in matters of faith, discipline and order; the Holy Spirit as its teacher; and is not and never shall be amenable to or under the jurisdiction or supervision of any other ecclesiastical body of any kind or nature whatsoever. Section A. QUALIFICATIONS All officers of this church shall be members in good and regular standing. (Additional qualifications noted under Section E - Administrative Officers). Section B. OFFICERS The business of the church shall be led and carried out by two categories of officers: administrative officers, and functional officers. The administrative officers of the church are those required by the Scriptures, i.e., Pastor(s) and Deacons. Functional officers are those appointed to such positions deemed necessary to insure the smooth operation of the church. Section C. SELECTION The Pastor(s) shall be called for an indefinite term of office; Deacons shall be elected triannually; functional officers shall be appointed annually (by the Board of Deacons). Section D. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE Any officer who fails to conduct himself properly as pertaining to the duties that are expected from one holding such office, or who blatantly disregards the rules of this constitution, or who is dishonest while in office, may be removed from office by action of the Board of Deacons. In the case of a Deacon whose conduct is such that it might bring reproach upon the church or who fails to administer his office in a responsible manner (I Tim. 3:1-13 and Titus 1:7-9) shall be removed from office by the recommendation of the remaining Deacons and a majority vote 9

10 at a congregational meeting. Section E. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS 1. Pastor(s) - The pastoral office shall be filled only by one who lives a godly and consistent Christian life. He is called to minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation and shall be thoroughly qualified for the office. Biblical qualifications are clearly delineated in I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. a. Call: (1) He shall be chosen by the congregation by ballot upon recommendation of the Board of Deacons after prayerful investigation and consideration. He must be in agreement with the Doctrinal Statement of the church, as well as any other established standards (see Article VI). His selection shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose. A majority of at least two-thirds of the voters present is necessary before a call can be issued. (2) No minister shall be invited to be Pastor of this church unless he can gladly and without mental reservation, sign the Doctrinal Statement of this church. Formal request to sign this Doctrinal Statement shall be made and statement affixed before a candidate shall be considered to have accepted said invitation of the church to become Pastor. (3) The Pastor and the Deacons shall consider and decide upon all pulpit supplies and special pulpit features. b. Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this office are Biblically delineated by the terms pastor (Poimenos), teacher (didoskolos), elder (presbuteros), and bishop (episkopos). He shall be the moderator of the Church and Board of Deacons and chairman ex-officio of all other church organizations. c. Termination: If at any time the Pastor shall make application to be released from the pastorate, or if the relations between the pastor and congregation have become such as to be detrimental to the welfare of this Church, his services as pastor shall be terminated by the congregation. A simple majority (51%) of the voters present is necessary before the pastoral call can be terminated. Immediate termination will result should his personal beliefs, preaching, or teaching deviate from the doctrinal standards of this Church. d. Plurality of Pastors: When the size or ministry of the church requires more than one pastor, the pastor referred to above shall be designated Senior Pastor. He shall then 10

11 select, following consultation with the Board of Deacons, those who will assist him in his ministry, and present them, first to the deacons, and then to the congregation, for approval. An Associate Pastor (or Assistant Pastor, Assistant to the Pastor, etc., -- the designation may vary) shall be called for an indefinite term of office, and is directly responsible to the pastor. He shall meet those Biblical qualifications that apply to him. The method of termination shall be the same as for the Pastor (See Article V, Sec. E, Par. 1c.) 2. Deacons This office shall be filled by male members of the congregation who meet the Biblical qualifications of the office (I Tim. 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-6). a. Election / Term of Office: Deacons shall be chosen by the congregation to serve three-year terms, with one -third (approximate) of the board retiring each year. It is necessary for a deacon to have been a member of Faith Bible Church for a minimum of one year prior to being installed in office. b. Election / Nomination Procedure: (1) The pastor(s) of the church shall identify and train faithful men of the church membership to fill the office of deacon (2 Timothy 2:2). Regular, ongoing discipleship of men who have proven to be trustworthy and are growing in their spiritual disciplines shall be a priority for the pastor(s). The pastor(s) shall present to the Board of Deacons those men who meet the biblical standards of 1 Timothy 3:18-13 and Acts 6:1-6. (2) After consultation with the pastor(s), the deacons will prepare a ballot of approved nominees for presentation to the congregation. The list of nominees shall be presented to the congregation at least 2 weeks prior to the annual business meeting. (3) The congregation will vote on each nominee individually. A majority of at least two-thirds of the voters present is necessary for a nominee to be approved as a deacon. c. Installation: The installation of the newly elected deacons shall take place on the first Sunday following the Annual Meeting, at which time they will publicly affirm their allegiance to the Word of God, to Faith Bible Church, and to the duties of the office and ministry of deacon. 11

12 d. Board Officers: The Pastor serves as the Moderator of the Board of Deacons, with the Board electing two from among their number to serve, under his direction, as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The election of these officers shall take place at the first regular board meeting following the Annual Meeting. In the absence of the Senior Pastor, or when the Senior Pastor cannot fulfill the requirements of the moderator, the Board of Deacons shall appoint a Vice Moderator from among the existing pastors or deacons. e. Vacancies: Vacancies in this office will be filled in the same manner as given in Section E, 2, b above. The term for the nominee will expire in accordance with the vacancy he is selected to replace. f. Duties and Responsibilities: One elected (or appointed) to this office is expected to fully perform the duties of Deacons as set forth in the Scriptures, cooperating with the Pastor in the spiritual oversight of the church. Included in the responsibilities of a deacon are the following assignments: (1) The spiritual advancement and welfare of the church, and especially the watch care of the members (2) The preparation and serving of communion at the communion services (3) Assisting at all baptismal services (4) Examination and recommendation of candidates for baptism and church membership (5) To act upon dismissal of inactive members. (6) To administer church discipline (7) To exercise discipline over all church organizations (8) The preparation of a church budget to be presented to the congregation for adoption at the Annual Business Meeting (9) The preparation of a missionary budget (part of point 8 above) including support funds and special funds for presentation to the congregation for approval. Any missionaries or mission organizations that 12

13 receive support must be approved by those who serve as deacons. (10) The deacons shall receive, hold in trust, and manage for the use of the church and corporation, all real estate, bonds, mortgages, investments, and other property which it has, and also any legacies and/or gifts which may at any time become the property of the church. (11) The Deacons have the power to call into existence any committees that they deem necessary. (12) The Deacons will appoint, on an annual basis, those functional officers they deem necessary. See Section F. of this article. (13) In the case of a vacancy in the pastorate, the Deacons shall constitute the Pulpit (or Search) Committee. The duties of this committee are fully contained in that period during which the church is without a pastor. g. Restrictions: The deacons shall first have the approval of the church before: (1) Borrowing money, or placing a debt upon the church; (2) Selling any real estate that it has, or that at any time might become the property of the church by gift or otherwise. (3) Engaging in any special financial matter pertaining to the church or any department thereof; (4) Adding any new building or buildings or additions (new) to present property. (5) Making any non-budgeted expenditure exceeding $2, h. Legal Power: Any note, bond, stock certificate, mortgage, deed, lease agreement, evidence of indebtedness, contract or other instrument of writing, or any assignment or endorsement thereof, executed or entered into between this church and corporation, and any other person, co-partnership, association, or corporation, when signed by three members of the Board of Deacons together, with the Corporate Seal of this church impressed thereon, shall be held to have been properly executed for all purpose, for and in behalf of this church and corporation. i. Report to Congregation: The deacons shall report to the church at the Annual Meeting, or more often if required, a full and accurate account of all 13

14 proceedings. Section F. FUNCTIONAL OFFICERS In order to insure the smooth operation of the church, the Board of Deacons will appoint, on an annual basis, a number of church members to various official and functional positions. These positions may vary from year to year, depending upon the existing needs of the church, and may include, but are not limited to such offices as Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Clerk, Sunday School Superintendent, etc. a. Term of Office: The normal term of office for a functional officer is one year. However, at the discretion of the deacons, a functional officer may be reappointed each following year. b. Those Who Serve: If there is a need for a functional officer, the functional officer will be chosen from the active membership. c. Responsibility / Accountability: The responsibilities of those serving in a functional office shall in some way be clearly communicated to them by the Board of Deacons, who will then oversee their work on behalf of the congregation. Standards for Church Officers ARTICLE VI In view of the tremendous responsibility incumbent upon the officers of this assembly as spiritual "pace setters," they shall conform to the following New Testament prerequisites: I Tim. 3:2-7; Titus 1:7-9; I Cor. 6: All candidates placed in nomination must be in agreement with the Doctrinal Basis of the church (Article III), and any other established standards. Anyone who cannot answer in the affirmative the following questions is ineligible to serve in an elective office: 1. Are you in hearty agreement with the Doctrinal Statement of this church and its Constitution? 2. Are you striving to live a yielded, prayerful, Christian life, especially as regards loyal obedience to moral precepts of the Bible, including: a. Biblical separation from the world and worldly amusements. Consequently, with due respect for individuals conscience and personal scruples, those who accept the above mentioned responsibility shall carefully guard themselves not 14

15 only from what they feel is worldly, but they shall ardently withdraw themselves from what might cause others to stumble. b. Freedom from membership in oath-bound, religious or social secret organizations, or other entangling alliances with unbelievers. 3. Will you strive to be faithful and consistent in your attendance to all services of the church, in support of the pastor and the work and ministry of the church (spiritual, moral, financial)? Moderator and Vice-Moderator ARTICLE VII Section A. DUTIES OF THE MODERATOR - The moderator shall be the pastor of the church. He shall preside at all business meetings of the church, whether such meetings are held during the week or the Lord's Day. He shall preserve order, enforce a due observance of the various rules of this Constitution, and regulate debate in accordance with usual parliamentary rules. He shall present the names of all persons to the church for action or admission, dismissal, or removal from office. He shall have power to call special meetings of the church; and upon authority from the church at any Business Meeting, he shall appoint committees for a special work or investigation, and shall be a member of same ex-officio. Section B. DUTIES OF THE VICE-MODERATOR - The Vice-Moderator shall preside at all business meetings during the absence of the Moderator, and have the same authority and power. The term of office shall be one year. Church Meetings ARTICLE VIII Section A. The regular public worship is to be observed every Lord s Day. Section B. At least one night each week the members shall meet for prayer, praise, testimony and Bible study. Other meetings may be called by the pastor at any time, as the interests of the Lord s work may demand. Section C. The Lord s Supper shall be observed on the first Lord s Day of each month, or may be changed at the discretion of the moderator. Section D. The Annual Meeting for business and election of officers shall be held on the first (1 st ) full week of January. In the event the meeting is postponed or there is no meeting at that 15

16 time, the officers last elected shall continue in office until successors are chosen or the church otherwise directs. Section E. The monthly business meeting of the Church shall be held on the Wednesday following the monthly meeting of the Board of Deacons, or may be changed at the discretion of the Moderator. Section F. Notice must be given on two successive Sundays prior to any special church business meeting. Section G. The voting members present at any congregational meeting called in accordance with the requirements of this Constitution, shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business. Section H. Only members shall attend the business meeting of the Church unless otherwise invited by congregational consent. Ordination ARTICLE IX Section A. Since it is our hope that Spirit-filled men will be called out from among us by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God, such men may be given a commission to preach and administer the ordinances, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation, provided that the Board of Deacons are unanimous in their conviction that the candidate has the spiritual qualification, suitable gifts, necessary training and has had the blessing of God upon his public ministry. Section B. When the Church approves one of its candidates as possessing the scriptural qualifications for ordination, as provided for in Section A, the Board of Deacons shall call a council of ministers and brethren to examine the qualifications of the candidate, to which council the propriety of, and arrangements for ordination shall be referred. Amendments ARTICLE X Section A. Amendment to this Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any regular Congregational Meeting or special meeting called for this purpose, provided that in either case, such amendment shall be distributed in written form to the membership at least two weeks prior to such congregational meeting. 16

17 Miscellaneous ARTICLE XI Section A. All sections and articles of any previous Constitution, all previous by-laws, rules, resolutions, or regulation, or any record of change or amendment to any of the above mentioned, as recorded in the Church Clerk s records, minute books, or in any previous manual, are hereby repealed. This Constitution shall take effect and be enforced on and after January 6, Upon the event of the dissolution of this corporation, any remaining asset shall be transferred and distributed to a similar organization(s) who adhere to the purpose, covenant, and doctrinal statement of this Church, and who have established an exempt status in accordance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A Constitutional change to Article V, Section E, 2. Deacons became effective January 5, 2005 after approval by congregation. A Constitutional change to Article III (Currently no statement on marriage), Section E to be added after current section D. Effective January 6, 2010 after approval by congregation. A Constitutional change to Article III, Section K (Becomes Section L due to insertion of the above article addition on marriage. Effective January 6, 2010 after approval by congregation A Constitutional change to Article X, in the removal of Section A which stated no part of Article III shall ever be amended or changed in any respect approved by congregation on January 6, 2010 to include marriage statement. 17

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