CONSTITUTION OF PACIFIC BIBLE COLLEGE PREAMBLE Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructed His disciples to "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mat. 22:37-39. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you... Matthew 28:18-20. Following the Lord s instructions, it is the desire of the Board of Trustees of Pacific Bible College to operate in perpetuity a Christian Bible college located in Southwestern Oregon whose central purpose shall be to offer programs and courses of instruction to accomplish our missional purposes in and through our students. The Board of Trustees purposes to sustain a college of higher learning instruction for the equipping of our students with all truth found in the source of truth, God, to lead kingdom centric lives effecting transformation in themselves and all they influence through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his inaugurated kingdom. ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this organization is Pacific Bible College, hereafter sometimes called PBC, PBC is a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under, and by virtue of the laws of the State of Oregon. ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION Pacific Bible College being duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Oregon, has by its Articles of Incorporation first filed December 10, 1991 and then Restated and filed February 28, 2011, constituted an executive Board of Trustees (hereafter the Board ) and to the said Board is committed the responsibility of general oversight and the establishment of policies with relation to the promotion, administration, and maintenance of PBC. These responsibilities shall be carried out within the guidelines set forth in this Constitution and the Bylaws of PBC. The Board shall commit the execution of its responsibilities as to administration, maintenance, control, and promotion of the faculty and the educational and spiritual interest of the college into the hands of administrators selected by the Board as provided in the Bylaws. These administrators shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of PBC within the framework of this Constitution and the Bylaws and the policies established by the Board. These administrators are responsible to and subject to the Board in all matters, said Board having the right at any time to suspend their duties in office at its own discretion. Only the President shall be an ex officio member of the Board as provided by the Bylaws. No other administrator shall be a member of the Board other than the President. ARTICLE III. MISSION STATEMENT Mission Statement: Pacific Bible College is a Christ-centered learning community committed to equipping students to become biblically competent, academically proficient, spiritually cultivated, and culturally engaged servant leaders. Motto: Training students to Kingdom Think. Vision: PBC is a biblical community established to academically instruct disciples of Jesus Christ to become Kingdom thinkers and doers in every area of their lives Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 1 of 7 Status: Approved
Community Values The community of PBC strives to exercise the following core values at every level/opportunity: submissive attitude toward Biblical authority pursuit of excellence in all endeavors Godly integrity in all decisions community orientation in all relationships passion for Christ s kingdom work authentically exercising His love Educational Values 1. Biblically Competent a. Able to articulate the biblical gospel and interpret the Bible in light of it. b. Able to articulate the nature of Scripture i. Primacy of biblical authority in matters of faith and practice ii. Canonicity, history, development iii. Verbal plenary inspiration c. Conversant with the biblical theology of redemption i. Creation, Fall, Redemption, Renovation d. Conversant with the systematic theological formulations i. Theology courses in place ii. Creedal formulations as per Nicaea and Chalcedon. 2. Academically Proficient a. Able to read scholarly material with comprehension b. Able to think logically and critically with integration. ( Kingdom Think ) c. Able to communicate (writing, speaking) coherently and effectively d. Able to do scholarly research appropriate to undergraduate level. 3. Spiritually Cultivated a. Able to articulate the nature of mature Christian character b. Able to articulate a personal experience of the gospel c. Able to articulate how Christian truth applies to problem solving d. Able to articulate the importance of Christian community in Spiritual growth e. Conversant with spiritual disciplines f. Conversant with various Christian traditions of worship and spirituality. 4. Culturally Engaged Servant Leaders a. Able to articulate the Christian worldview to non-christians b. Conversant with major religions and prevailing cultural perspectives c. Able to articulate the importance of mission both at home and abroad d. Able to articulate how Christian faith impacts vocation, family, community e. Equipped to engage in church and community service. ARTICLE IV. DOCTRINAL STATEMENT Article 1. Scripture We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of Scripture. By this we mean that the Holy Spirit inspired the thoughts and wording of the text while using the vocabulary and syntax available to the human author. The result is authoritative as to instruction, infallible as to truth, and inerrant as to facts Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 2 of 7 Status: Approved
which it teaches (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Article 2. Godhead We believe in one triune God, three in Person and one in essence - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All members of the Godhead are equal in power, glory, attributes and perfections (Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; Colossians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Article 3. Person and Work of Jesus Christ We believe that the second Person of the Godhead took on human flesh permanently without in any way ceasing to be the eternal God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and grew in normal human life, experiencing human death on the Cross. He arose bodily on the third day and was seen by hundreds of people over the following forty days, after which He ascended bodily into heaven where He is exalted at the right hand of the Father and where He exercises the ministry of High Priest, Intercessor, and Advocate (John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:24, 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2). We believe that Jesus Christ s death on the Cross was a substitutionary atonement for our sins and that His resurrection from the dead assures His people of eternal life, resurrection of life (Luke 1:35; Romans 3:24-25, 8:34; 1 Peter 1:3-5). We believe that Jesus Christ will return physically to the earth at the close of this age to judge the earth and establish His kingdom (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Article 4. Mankind We believe that humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam s sin became alienated from God. This alienation involved a change in man s nature and destiny, producing both physical and spiritual death as a consequence of God s judgment. Man is desperately in need of rescue from this condition of alienation and judgment (Genesis 1:25-27; Romans 3:22-23, 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3). Article 5. Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead. In the present age He indwells and anoints Christian believers, baptizing them into the Body of Christ and sealing them for the day of redemption. Every believer in Christ is commanded to be filled with the Spirit and to walk in the Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18-20). Article 6. Salvation We believe that eternal salvation is a free gift bestowed by God in grace and received by man through vibrant faith in Christ Jesus. This true faith issues in works congruent with eternal life and the character of God (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14). Article 7. The Church We believe that the Church is a spiritual organism composed of all born-again believers in Jesus Christ irrespective of their social, denominational or cultural affiliations (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). Article 8. The Eternal State We believe in an eternal and irrevocable judgement of the lost and blessedness of the saved. These states are both conscious and everlasting (Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:15, 22:3-5,11). Conclusions We believe that as Christians it is our duty to think, speak and live in such a way as to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (John 13:34-35). We realize that on some points of doctrine not listed herein, there exists intramural debate among genuine Christians. We further realize that we serve a diverse body of believers with varying emphases and styles. Our desire is to promote Christian learning and ministry in an atmosphere of unity, mutual love, and loyalty to Christ. We seek to be gracious and tolerant where there is disagreement between theological perspectives. Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 3 of 7 Status: Approved
ARTICLE V. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL VALUES As a private religious and educational institution, PBC from its beginning, has provided a learning environment in harmony with Biblical truths and historic evangelical Christian values. In subscribing to its corporation mission of training the people of God in the Word of God to touch the world for God, PBC s Board also considers it necessary for the accomplishment of the institution s Mission and Vision that its faculty, staff and volunteers fully understand and embrace the following value statements: 1. As Christians, we regard the Bible as God s eternal and authoritative Word, sufficient and authoritative in matters relating to values, attitudes, and behaviors in all relationships. Therefore, we seek to foster the development of spiritual maturity by maintaining personal spiritual disciplines and by regularly participating in worship in a local Christian church that stresses Biblical authority and personal conversion. Furthermore, as faculty, staff and trustees, we also understand and accept our responsibility to demonstrate by precept and example the highest of Christian virtues and personal behavior, serving as Christian role models both at and away from PBC s campus (1 Timothy 4:12; Luke 6:40). 2. As Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we believe the Bible dictates our standards for moral purity. Accordingly, we affirm that such immoral behaviors as falsehood, drunkenness, stealing, and sexual immorality (including premarital intercourse, adultery and homosexual behavior) will not be tolerated among PBC s faculty, staff, and trustees. Furthermore, it is essential to the perpetuation of PBC s founding purpose and Mission that the administration and Board recruit individuals for faculty, staff, and trusteeship whose personal and public lives are above reproach (Romans 1:24-32, 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2:15-17; 1 John 3:1-3). 3. All persons are entitled to respect of their individual rights, including freedom from sexual or racial harassment. We accept our responsibility as faculty, staff and trustees to recognize, to refrain from, and to remedy any acts of unlawful discrimination and sexual or racial harassment as stipulated by law. Accordingly, as administration and Board, we value our leadership role in providing a safe and supportive environment where all persons are respected as image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-30; James 3:9-10; Galatians 3:29). 4. We believe that the Bible commands us to make every effort to live at peace with one another and where conflicts or sin occurs in the PBC community, a Biblical process such as stated in Matthew 18:15-20, should be followed to seek correction, forgiveness, restitution, and reconciliation. We further agree that any claim or dispute arising out of our service as faculty, staff, or trustees, including statutory claims, shall be settled by Biblically-based mediation (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:1-11; 1 Timothy 5:19-21; Titus 3:10-11). 5. We affirm God s divine standard and intent for marriage as expressed in Genesis 2 as between one man and one woman. Within the context of this definition of marriage, sexual intimacy is in line with God s design, precepts and holiness. Hence, any marital/contractual unions or sexual activities outside of this framework are inconsistent with God s design and we hold all students, faculty, staff, trustees, and volunteers of Pacific Bible College to abstain from them. I hereby have read and accept the Statement of Ethical Values of Pacific Bible College. ARTICLE VI. PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION We believe that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom and Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 4 of 7 Status: Approved
understanding (Proverbs 1:7, 2:5 and 9:10); therefore, our Christian faith is inseparable from teaching and learning. We affirm that higher education begins with a faith in and reverence for Jesus Christ, acknowledging that He is the ultimate revelation of God s purpose for mankind (Colossians 1:17). We will ground every academic process of the college on the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ and our faculty will integrate Biblical truth into every subject being taught. Where the secular and biblical view are opposed, the biblical view will always prevail. The educational goal of PBC is to ground students in the truth of God s Word and to teach the importance of integrating that truth into every aspect of their lives. We affirm the role of the Holy Spirit in the learning process and believe that a Christian education will manifest itself by greater spiritual growth, holiness and a deeper walk with and submission to the Lord. PBC is committed to the premise that the best answer to the needs of civilization is the knowledge and application of Biblical truth, so we will prepare students for the Lord s service in whatever endeavors the Lord determines for their lives. It is our prayer that PBC will maintain this Bible-based philosophy in its educational endeavors so long as the Lord permits and that it not become a secular institution of higher learning. ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Eligibility to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of PBC shall be limited to those who exemplify the principles set forth in the Statement of Faith, Doctrinal Statement and Statement of Ethical Values herein above (collectively the Value Statements ). Each Board member shall be in full, intelligent agreement with and shall annually express his or her loyalty to the Mission, Value Statements, purpose, educational philosophy, standard of conduct and the general procedures of operation as they are set forth in this Constitution and the Bylaws of PBC. Board members shall faithfully give themselves to prayer and to the thorough discharge of their responsibilities that are committed to their trust. ARTICLE VIII. FACULTY AND STAFF All who serve on the faculty and staff of PBC shall be men and women who meet Biblical standards as prescribed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. They shall concur totally with the Mission, purpose, educational philosophy, the Value Statements, and the standard of conduct as set forth in this Constitution and Bylaws. ARTICLE IX. STUDENTS It is the desire of PBC to make facilities and privileges of this college available to every eligible Christian who desires Biblical Training. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the administration. ARTICLE X. FINANCES We look to God to maintain the ministry of PBC, which He has called into being. Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). It shall be the policy of PBC to trust our God through faith and prayer to provide the necessary funds for the continuation of this ministry. Funds for the operation of PBC may be realized from student fees, voluntary gifts from donors, and from income from legacies, bequests and investments. All income, unless specifically earmarked by the donor, shall be available for use by PBC in any area of operation as determined by the Board. ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION Supplementing Article VIII of the Second Restated Articles of Incorporation - Nonprofit of PBC, which provides for the payment of all liabilities and distribution of PBC s assets upon dissolution, it is the desire of the Board that upon dissolution all remaining assets after payment of all obligations of PBC Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 5 of 7 Status: Approved
shall be transferred to such other nonprofit organization(s) as the Board determines to have purposes and activities most nearly consonant with those of PBC. ARTICLE XII. THE CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND POLICY OF PBC The Constitution, Articles of Incorporation, and the Bylaws of PBC (collectively the Enabling Documents ) are intended to be separate and distinct instruments for the governance of PBC. They serve related but different purposes. Taken together, they describe the Mission, Value Statements, philosophy, purpose, authority and direction that the institution plans to follow. The Board shall examine the Enabling Documents regularly, considering any necessary revisions at least every five years. The 5 Year Strategic Plan serves as the backbone of institutional development. In coordination with the enabling documents, it allows leadership to make decisions towards continually improving the institution and increasingly accomplishing its mission. The plan directs the institution forward in a comprehensive manner to affect all areas. A. The Constitution. The Constitution shall be the foundational Enabling Document for PBC. As such it describes and governs the institution s theological basis. Its articles are more general than those found in the Bylaws. Therefore, they are intended to remain stable with little modification over time. Whenever modification of the Constitution is deemed advisable, it shall not be subject to amendment or revision except as provided herein below in Article XIII, it being the intent of the Board that the Values and Doctrinal Statements set forth herein shall endure and shall not be easily changed. B. The Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation are a separate document containing articles required by the statutes of Oregon and applicable Federal income tax laws. It is a document designed specifically to comply with said laws. It may be amended from time to time as the Board deems appropriate in accordance with the Bylaws or applicable Oregon or Federal laws. C. The Bylaws. The Bylaws are a separate document containing more specific articles. These specifics are more prone to amendment as the Board refines the focus and practice of PBC in ways that better fulfill its constitutional mandates. The Bylaws are amendable by the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in said Bylaws and may be amended from time to time as the exigencies of PBC require. D. Policy. Policy defines procedures and daily administration of the institution. Developing this is an ongoing process as the Board responds to the needs of the college s administration for policy to form their procedural guidelines. Policy shall be determined at the institution as follows: 1. The Board defines policy - enacting or rescinding an official policy requires action of the Board. 2. Policy can be proposed by either the Board or the administration. 3. Procedural guidelines of PBC with respect to policies established by the Board shall be developed by the administration for Board approval. All general policies of PBC shall be maintained under revision control, secured, and made readily accessible to users. E. Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is the primary managing document insuring PBC s missional progress and success. The plan is dynamic and formatively directs day to day decision making of all the trustees, administration, and institutional operations. ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENT This Constitution may be amended at any duly called and convened meeting of the Board upon sixty (60) days prior written notice, said notice to contain the amendment proposed to be made by the Board. The Constitution may only be amended by an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the members of the Board present at the duly called and constituted meeting. Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 6 of 7 Status: Approved
ARTICLE XIII. GENDER/SEXUALITY/SEX POLICY Pacific Bible College is a Christ-centered community that is missionally driven to honor the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ. These include exercising love to all, understanding all humans carry the image of God, and a biblical worldview identifying an innate morality that governs creation derived from its Creator. This policy applies our aforementioned identity to address the issues of sex, sexuality, and gender identity. We will make institutional decisions in light of this policy regarding student admission and retention, employment hiring and retention, and other matters. We believe God created humans in His image, male and female, He created them, and that the designed relationship for sex is between a consenting husband (male) and wife (female). This physical union between male and female in the marital covenant brings glory to Jesus Christ and expresses love and obedience to Him. Lifelong monogamous relationships united in covenantal marriage form the building block and foundation of our society and culture by God s design; sexual activity outside this context disobeys and dishonors God and produces destructive forces in our society and culture. Hence, any sexual activity outside this framework is inconsistent with God s design and we hold all students, faculty, staff, trustees, and volunteers of Pacific Bible College to abstain from them. All who pursue an abiding relationship with Christ will conform to this by living a chaste life in an unmarried state, in obedience to Jesus teachings. This crosses all sexual orientation boundaries, same sex relationships, and gender identity issues. In terms of gender identity, we do not affirm the resolution of tension between one's biological sex and one's experience of gender by the adoption of a psychological identity discordant with one's birth sex. Similarly, we do not affirm attempts to change one's given biological birth sex via medical intervention in favor of the identity of the opposite sex or of an indeterminate identity. For those in our community that struggle in these areas, we respond in a manner consistent with how Jesus has responded to our sinful lives: with unconditional love and grace sourced in repentance and forgiveness. Responses contrary to this, especially those destructive and bigoted, will not be tolerated. Rather our prayer is a communal response of love, trust, openness, blamelessness and a striving for unity among the community of the College. CERTIFICATION OF SECRETARY The undersigned, Secretary of Pacific Bible College, an Oregon nonprofit corporation, does hereby certify that the foregoing Constitution was duly adopted as the Constitution of Pacific Bible College by its Board of Trustees at a meeting duly called and convened and held on the 8 th day of November, 2016, and that this Constitution is in full force and legal effect as of said date. Secretary Date Approved: 02-07-17 Page 7 of 7 Status: Approved