CONSTITUTION
OF THE
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
OF
COLUMBIA

The name of this organization shall be: FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH OF COLUMBIA.

The purpose of this church shall be to accomplish the will of the Lord Jesus Christ through the uniting of Christians in fellowship faithful to the Word of God, through the preaching of the whole counsel of God, for spiritual edification of saints, the winning of lost sinners to Christ, the propagation of the Gospel both at home and abroad, and for the observance of the ordinances.

Section I. Concerning the Scriptures

A. We believe the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God.

1. Inspiration is the work of the Holy Spirit.

a. He breathed upon holy men of God in days of old.

b. He authorized and directed the writing of the original autographs.

2. Inspiration is both verbal and plenary in its content.

3. Inspiration is both inerrant and infallible in its accuracy.

4. Inspiration extends to all sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments.

5. Inspiration extends equally and fully to all divisions and subjects of Scripture.

a. In the Old Testament: Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy

b. In the New Testament: Gospels, History, Epistles, and Prophecy

B. We believe the Bible is the divinely preserved Word of God.

1. God’s Word is preserved pure throughout all ages by His providential care.

2. God’s Word is preserved in the Hebrew in the Masoretic Text.

3. God’s Word is preserved in the Greek in the Textus Receptus.

4. God’s Word is preserved in the English in the Authorized Text which is the KJV.

C. We believe the Bible is the divinely finished Word of God.

1. The Bible is the record of God’s revelation of Himself to mankind.

2. The Bible is finished, complete in its scope and perfect in its nature.

3. The Bible needs nothing added, subtracted, improved, or changed.

4. The Bible is to be interpreted in a plain, literal way. The normal grammatical-historical sense is to be understood, unless the context indicates otherwise.

D. We believe the Bible is the sole and final source of authority for faith and practice.

Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 5:17-18, Luke 24:25-27, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:15-21

A. We believe in the one Triune God.

1. God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet one God.

2. Each person of the God-head has the same nature, attributes and perfection.

3. Each person of the God-head is worthy of the same worship and obedience.

4. Each person of the God-head exercises distinct but harmonious offices in the work of redemption.

B. We believe that God is the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe.

1. He is the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them, animate and inanimate.

2. He is the Sustainer of all creation.

3. He is the Redeemer of mankind from the curse of sin.

4. He is the Father of all those who experience repentance and saving faith in Jesus Christ.

5. He is the Judge of all the earth.

C. We believe that God’s attributes are both non-moral and moral.

1. Non-morally, He is a Spirit, Self-existent, Immense, Eternal, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Immutable.

2. Morally, He is a God of Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, and Truth; at the same time, He is a God of Goodness, Love, Grace, and Mercy. 

Genesis 1:1,26; 18:25, Exodus 20:1-11, Deuteronomy 6:4 Psalm 139:1-12, Isaiah 6:1-6; 43:1-5; 46:9; 63:16, Jeremiah 22:23-25 Malachi 3:6, Matthew 3:16-17; 19:26, Matthew 28: 19-20, John 1:1-18, John 17,  2nd Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 1; 2:4-10, Colossians 1:15-19; 2:9 2, Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 1; 4:13, James 1:17; 5:11, 1 Peter 1:15-16, I John 4:8, 16; 5:7-8, 20 Rev. 4:8; 19:6

A. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

1. He has always been and will always be eternally co-existent with the Father.

2. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary.

3. He has the very nature of His Father, though He took upon Himself the form of man.

4. He is God who became man with all essential properties and common infirmities.

5. He lived totally apart from and without sin, though tempted in all ways like as we.

6. He is the God-man, that is, all God, and all man.

B. We believe that Jesus is the Savior of Men.

1. He satisfied the righteous demands of the Law with His perfect life.

2. He satisfied the just penalty for our sins with His atoning death.

3. He presented Himself as a voluntary, sinless, substitute for men.

4. He offered His broken body and shed blood as a propitiatory sacrifice to God.

5. He finished the work of atonement for our sins on the cross once for all.

6. He raised bodily from the dead after three days and three nights in the grave.

7. He walked on earth in the presence of witnesses for forty days and nights.

8. He ascended to heaven on a cloud in the presence of witnesses.

C. We believe that Jesus is the Sustainer of Believers.

1. He is the Mediator between God and men, the great High Priest.

2. He is the Advocate of believers, interceding for their sins and pleading for their needs.

3. He is the Head of the Church.

4. He is the Bridegroom who will return in the Father’s good time for His Bride.

D. We believe that Jesus is the Sovereign of the Millennial Kingdom.

1. He will return bodily in power and glory to judge the world.

2. He will consummate His redemptive mission and subject His kingdom to the Father. 

Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; 53; 61, Matthew 1:20-23, Luke 1:30-35, John 1:1-8; 5:18; 8:46, John 10:17-18, John 14:1-11; John 17, Acts1:9-11, 1st Corinthians 15, Galatians 4:4-7, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-19; 2:9, 1st Thess. 4:13-18, 1 Timothy 2:4, Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:23-28, Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:10-14, 1st Peter 1:18-21; 1st John 3:1-5, Revelation 1,5,19, 2:21-25; 3:18

 Section IV Concerning the Holy Spirit

A. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a member of the God-Head.

1. He possesses the same nature, attributes, and perfection as the Father and the Son.

2. He eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son.

B. We believe that the Holy Spirit operated in the Old Testament.

1. He spoke to God’s people through the prophets.

2. He inspired holy men of God to record the workings of God for posterity.

3. He preserved the seed of Abraham to bring forth the Messiah in the fullness of time.

C. We believe that the Holy Spirit ministered in the New Testament.

1. He filled John the Baptist, empowering him to make straight the way of the Lord.

2. He caused the virgin Mary to conceive with the Seed of the Most High.

3. He came upon Jesus at His baptism, empowering Him for His ministry.

4. He participated in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord.

5. He indwelled and empowered the Apostles to carry on the work Christ had begun.

6. He authenticated the work and teaching of the Apostles with signs and wonders.

7. He inspired and preserved the record the Apostles left of Christ and the early church.

D. We believe that the Holy Spirit ministers in the present Church Age.

1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

2. He regenerates those who repent of sin and believe upon the Savior.

3. He baptizes believers into the body of Christ, making them part of the Church.

4. He seals believers until the day of redemption, making them eternally secure.

5. He indwells the bodies of believers, forming in them the image of Christ.

6. He illuminates the minds of believers, teaching them the meaning of the Scriptures.

7. He fills obedient believers, energizing them to do the supernatural works of God.

8. He endows all believers with spiritual gifts, equipping them for ministry.

9. He calls and equips some to vocational ministry as evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

10. He restrains evil in this present age until our Lord returns for His Church.

11. He summarily works to bring glory to God and to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ,

Matthew 3:16-17, Luke 1:15-45, John 7:37-39;14:16-17,26; 16:8-14, Acts 1:4-8; 5:1-12;19:11, Rom. 1:4;8:1-27; Rom. 12:3-8, 1st Corinthians 12 2 Cor. 3:17-18 2nd Cor. 12:12, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:7-12, Ephesians 5:18, 2nd Thess. 2:1-12, Titus 3:4-6 2nd Peter 1:21, Revelation 2:3

A. We believe that man was created in God’s image and likeness by the direct act of God.

B. We believe that man is as responsible creature.

1. Man was created with a free will and given power to choose.

2. Though his free will was tainted by the fall, he still possesses the power of choice.

3. He is responsible to choose right and resist wrong.

4. He will be held accountable on Judgment Day for each thought, word and deed.

C. We believe that man is a depraved sinner.

1. Adam lived in a perfect, sinless environment in an innocent state before God.

2. Adam willfully sinned against God and fell from that privileged state.

3. Consequently, all men are constituted sinners and are totally depraved.

4. Fallen human nature is devoid of the ability to do right or to please God and is positively inclined to do evil.

5. Man, apart from the grace of God, is already under the condemnation of God and will be consigned forever to eternal Punishment because of his lost condition.

Genesis 1:26-27; 3, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Joshua 24:14-24, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 12:36, Luke 13:3-5, John 3:14-36, Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8:22;17:30;26:20, Romans 1-3, Romans 5:12-19; 6:23;14:2, 1st Corinthians 2:14; 4:5, 2nd Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 2:1-3; 3:17-19, 1st Peter 4:5, Revelation. 2:22; Revelation 3:3,19

A. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men.

1. The saved will be resurrected to eternal life.

2. The unsaved will be resurrected to judgment and everlasting punishment.

B. We believe that the souls of the redeemed, at the moment of death, are:

1. Absent from the body and present with the Lord.

2. In a state of conscious bliss.

3. Awaiting the First Resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.

C. We believe that the souls of the unbelievers, at the moment of death, are:

1. Doomed to hell, a place of conscious punishment and torment, which burns with literal fire.

2. Awaiting the Second Resurrection when spirit, soul, and body, shall be reunited to appear at the Great White Throne Judgment.

3. Found not to be written in the Book of Life, and, consequently, shall be cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer everlasting, conscious punishment and torment.

Luke 16:19-31, John 5:25-29, John 14:1-3, Romans 8:14-39, 1st Corinthians 15, 2nd Corinthians 5:119, 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18. Revelation 4:5; 19; 21; 22 Revelation 20:4-6; 11-15

A. We believe that man is separated from God because of his sin.

1. Man is a sinner by nature and a sinner by choice.

2. Man is spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.

3. Man abides in a state of perpetual enmity with God until his condition is remedied.

4. Man is unable in his own power to do anything to change or improve his condition.

B. We believe that God designed a plan for man’s salvation before the worlds were framed.

1. Jesus, the Son of God, would become incarnate, God in the flesh.

2. He would satisfy the righteous demands of the Law with His sinless life.

3. He would satisfy the just penalty of sin with His death, burial and resurrection.

C. We believe that salvation is primarily the work of God.

1. God convicts man of his sin and convinces him of his need of the Savior.

2. God enables man to repent of his sin and believe upon Jesus as the Savior.

3. God regenerates the repentant, believing sinner, making him a new creature.

4. God r reconciles the believer unto Himself, making him at peace with God.

5. God redeems the believer from sin unto Himself, making him God’s possession.

6. God justifies the believer, declaring him judicially righteous in the sight of God.

7. God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believer and imputes his sin to Christ.

8. God adopts the believer into His family, giving him all the rights and privileges of sonship.

9. God sanctifies the believer, progressively perfecting in him the image of Christ.

10. God secures the believer unto Himself for eternity.

D. We believe that salvation is secondarily the responsibility of man.

1. In response to divine conviction, man ust repent (change his mind) of his sin.

a. He must change his mind about the person and works of Jesus Christ.

b. He must change his mind about his own works of righteousness.

c. He must change his mind about his own works of religion.

d. He must change his mind about his own works of the flesh.

e. Genuine repentance will be demonstrated by spiritual growth into the likeness of Christ and evidenced by at least some gracious, good works.

2. In response to divine influence, man must believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior.

a. He must believe that He is the virgin born Son of God.

b. He must believe that He lived a sinless life under the stress of temptation.

c. He must believe that He shed His blood as atonement for sin.

d. He must believe that He finished the work of redemption upon the cross.

e. He must believe that He rose bodily from the dead on the third day.

3. Though man is responsible to receive salvation, he can in no way save himself.

a. He cannot impress God with works of righteousness.

b. He cannot impress God with works of religion.

c. He cannot appease God with works of penance.

E. We believe that salvation must be seen in its entirety.

1. In the past, we were saved from the penalty of sin. This is justification. Justification is an immediate act whereby the believer is judicially declared by God the Father to be righteous through the merits of Christ Jesus.

2. In the present, we are being saved from the power of sin. This is sanctification. Sanctification is a progressive process whereby the believer is practically changed into the image and likeness of Christ by the power of the Spirit.

3. In the future, we shall be saved from the presence of sin. This is glorification. Glorification is an immediate act some day in the future whereby the believer is instantaneously conformed into the image and likeness of Christ forever.

Luke 13:3-5, John 3: 10:27-30; 17, Acts 20:21, Romans 3:19-26 Romans 4,5 Romans 8, Ephesians 1,2, Philippians 1:6; 2:13; 3:7-16, Colossians 2:9-10, Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-6, Hebrews 7:25 I Peter 2:2, 2nd Peter 1:3-9, Jude 24, Revelation 1:5-6

A. We believe the New Testament Church is a distinct entity from the Nation of Israel.

B. We believe the Church was instituted during a transitional period that began with Christ’s baptism and that ended with the Day of Pentecost.

C. We believe the Church is presented in Scripture in two forms.

1. The Church is the body of Christ. It is an organism (universal and invisible).

2. The Church is the local assembly. It is an organization (local and visible).

D. We believe the Church is the Body, Building, and Bride of Christ.

1. All believers from the days of Christ until the rapture, regardless of race, religion, social status, or gender, are part of this body.

2. The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into this Body at the moment of salvation.

E. We believe the local church is ordained by God.

1. The Church consists of baptized believers who have associated themselves together by covenant of faith and in the fellowship of the Scriptures. ( See G.1 Baptism)

2. The church observes two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

3. The church governs itself by Scripture, particularly the New Testament teachings of Christ and His Apostles.

4. The church provides opportunities wherein individual members may exercise their spiritual gifts to minister to each other and to evangelize the lost.

5. The church administers the tithes and offerings of God’s people.

6. The church disciplines its members according to the Scripture and its covenant.

7. The church selects divinely called men to serve in two different offices.

a. The Pastor functions to equip the saints for the ministry.

1) He feeds the flock (teaching and preaching).

2) He oversees the work (administration and leadership).

3) He sets the example (godly life of pastor and family).

b. The Deacon functions to assist the Pastor and to serve the church.

1) He assists in business that may edify the saints.

2) He assists in business that may evangelize the the lost.

c. The qualifications for both are given in Scripture.

8. The church functions to teach doctrine, to provide fellowship, to worship the Lord, to minister to each other’s needs, and to evangelize the lost.

F. We believe the local church is governed by God.

1.The church is an autonomous body under the Headship of Christ.

2. The church determines the will of God by the prayerful agreement of

a. Pastoral leadership.

b. Deacon recommendation.

c. Congregational approval.

3. The church is free to associate with other churches of like faith if it is useful to the advancement of the cause of Christ.

4. The church is responsible to cooperate with other divinely ordained institutions.

a. The church is to promote and protect the nuclear (traditional) family.

b. The church is to support and respect civil government.

- By praying for its leaders.

- By communicating with its leaders.

- By obeying laws under God, so far as they agree with Scripture.

- By seeking the appointment of Godly leaders.

G. We believe the local church is identified by its ordinances.

1. Baptism

a. Candidates for baptism must be confessing, obedient believers capable of full understanding, having gladly received His Word by their own choice.

b. Immersion in water is the only Biblical mode.

c. Candidates must be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

d. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

e. Baptism symbolizes the crucifixion of the “old man” and the

regeneration of the “new man” in Christ.

f. Baptism imparts no saving grace of any kind.

g. Baptism is prerequisite for membership in the local church and for partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

2. Lord’s Supper

a. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial feast that commemorates His physical death (broken body) and atonement (shed blood) until He comes.

b. Elements of the Lord’s Supper are unfermented juice and unleavened bread.

c. Participation must be preceded by:

1) Salvation.

2) Baptism by immersion.

3) Membership in the local church or one of like faith.

4) Solemn self-examination concerning obedience to Christ.

d. Participation in the Lord’s Supper imparts no saving grace of any kind.

e. Participation in the Lord’s Supper symbolizes the communion that exists between Christ and an obedient believer because he has “partaken” of Christ.

Matt. 16:17-19; 18:15-20, Matt. 26:26-29; 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47;5:1-11;6:1-7, Acts 8:26-40; 13:1-5, Acts 14:21-28; 15; 20:17-38, Romans 6:1-6; 13:1-7, 1st  Corinthians 1:16, Gal. 1:8-9;3:26-28;6:1-2, Ephesians 1-6, Colossians 1:18; 3:11, 1st Timothy 1-6, Titus 1:5-9;2:1-10; 3:5, Hebrews 12:22-24; 13:7,17, James 2:1-9 3; 5:13-15, 1st Peter 5:1-4

A. We believe that as the Bride of Christ, the Church is His purchased possession.

1. It should be separated unto Him for His own eternal purpose and pleasure.

2. It should be separated from the ecumenical movement and its apostate components.

a. Ecclesiastical separation extends to doctrine, practice, and fellowship.

b. Ecclesiastical separation includes persons, organizations, and institutions.

c. Ecclesiastical separation includes apostates and disobedient brethren.

3. It should be separated from the world and its ungodly system.

B. We believe that as members of the Body of Christ, each believer is His purchased possession.

1. Believers should be separated unto Him in their worship, walk, and work.

2. Believers should be separated from the world and its ungodly system.

a. Believers should not be conformed to the world in appearance or activity.

b. Believers should be Christlike in conversation, dress, amusements, personal habits, business habits, and professional habits.

c. Believers should abstain from appearances of evil and questionable associations that:

1) Damage their testimony to others.

2) Reduce their effectiveness for Christ.

3) Confuse their doctrinal position.

Romans 12:1-2; 14:13; 16:17, 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18; 7:1 Ephesians 5:11, 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-16, 2nd Timothy 3:1-5, 1st Peter 1:13-16, 1 John 2:15-17, 1st John 9-11, Revelation 2;3

A. We believe that Satan is a literal person

1. He is a created being who fell from his privileged position through pride and ambition.

2. He is the author of sin.

3. He is the cause of the fall of man.

4. He is the declared enemy of God who through the ages has sought to usurp His throne.

5. He is the prince of the power of the air and the possessor of the power of darkness.

6. He is the accuser of the brethren; the adversary of the saints.

B. We believe that Satan will be judged and consigned to the Lake of Fire for all eternity by Jesus Christ the Lord

Job 1:6-7, Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:14-17, Matthew 4:2-11; 25:41, Revelation 20:10

A. We believe God has given the Church the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.

1. The scope of the Commission is from Our Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world.

2. The design of the Commission is to make disciples in every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who will then fulfill the Great Commission among their own people.

3. The duty of the Commission requires every believer to either give and send or go himself.

B. We believe that every believer is responsible to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

1. It is our duty to witness with a Christ like life.

2. It is our duty to witness verbally when given opportunity and enablement by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, 2nd Corinthians 5:10-21

A. We believe that every Christian is a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him.

B. We believe that every Christian is obligated to support his local church financially.

C. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving to support the local church.

D. We believe that the local church is a steward of the tithes given by its members.

1. The local church uses the tithes to support its pastor(s).

2. The local church uses the tithes to operate its own ministry and pay its own expenses.

3. The local church uses the tithes to relieve those in need.

4. The local church uses the tithes to support evangelism and missions at home and abroad.

E. We believe that love offerings should be sacrificially and cheerfully given above and beyond the tithe according to the Lord’s provision and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

F. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of tithes and offerings once the gift has been given.

Genesis 14:20, Proverbs 3:9-10, MalachI 3:7-10, Matthew 22:23, Acts 4:34-37, 1st Corinthians 16:2, 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 4:28, 1st Timothy 5:17-18, James 2:14-18, 1st John 3:17

A. We believe that men and women are of equal worth in the eyes of the Lord Jesus.

B. We believe that both men and women have unique and designated roles in the home and in the church.

1. In the home, men are to be the head even as Christ is the Head of the Church.

2. In the church, men are to the leaders as the body of Scripture indicates.

C. We believe that women may serve in a variety of ministry capacities

D. We believe that women may not serve in the offices of Pastor or Deacon.

E. We believe that women are not to teach men or to usurp authority over them.

Proverbs 31, Galatians 3:28, Romans 16:1-24, Philippians 4:1-3, 1st Timothy 2:9-15;3, 1st Corinthians 14:31-40, 1st Peter 3:1-6, Ephesians 5:21-33

A. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions.

1. The Home

2. The Church

3. The State

B. We believe that these institutions are equal and sovereign in their, respective, Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God.

1. Each institution has its unique and specific area of responsibility and jurisdiction.

2. No institution has the right to infringe upon the jurisdiction of the others.

C. We believe that every person is subject to these authorities, however,

1. Every person is ultimately answerable to God, including the authorities themselves.

2. Every person is to be governed by the universal, non-optional, unchangeable principles of God’s Word.

Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, Hebrews 13:7,17, 1st Peter 2:13-17, 1st Timothy 2:1-4

A. We believe that God *created the universe and all that is in it in six literal, twenty-four hour days.

B. We reject the Evolution Theory, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, the Theistic Evolution Theory, and any other theory that is in conflict with the Genesis account of creation.

Genesis 1:2, Exodus 20:11, Psalms 8; 19; 139, Isaiah 40; 43; 54, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:1-3 *(See Section II.B.)

A. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

B. We believe that any form of these perversions of God’s gift of sex or gender are sinful

Homosexuality	Fornication	Transvestism
Lesbianism	Adultery	Gender Alteration
Bisexuality	Pornography	Pedophilia

Bestiality	Cohabitation
Incest	Pre-marital sex

C. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman.

Genesis 2:24-25; 19:5-13, Genesis 26:6-11, Leviticus 18:1-30, Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:24-35, Proverbs 7:5-27; 9:13-18, Matthew 5:27-28, Romans 1:26-29; 7;2, 1st Cor. 5:1-5; 6:9-20; 7:10, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 5:22-23, 1st Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 13:4

A. We believe that God instituted marriage and ordained it to last until one of the spouses die.

B. We believe divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery, except on the grounds of fornication.

C. We believe that divorced or divorced and remarried persons:

May hold positions of service in the church and be used for God.

Genesis 2:24-25, Deuteronomy 22:28-29, Malachi 2:14-17, Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-2, Luke 16:18, Romans 7:1-3 1 Corinthians 7:1-40
 

Section XIX Concerning Abortion

A. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living, human being.

B. We believe that abortion is the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life; it is murder.

C. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother are acceptable.

Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25, Job 3:16, Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16, Isaiah 44:24; 49:1-5, Jeremiah 1:5; 20:15-18, Luke 1:15,44

Section XX Concerning Alcohol and Drugs

A. We believe the use of intoxicating and/or mind-altering substances is forbidden in Scripture.

B. We believe these legitimate exceptions exist.

1. Medications containing alcohol that are prescribed and dosed by a physician.

2. Medications or drugs that are prescribed and dosed by a physician.

C. We believe the use of alcohol and/or illegal non-prescription substances for social or recreation purposes are sinful and violate commands of Scripture.

Genesis 9:21, Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:1-9, Isaiah 5:11, 22,23; 28:7-8, Habakuk 2:15, 1st Corinthians 6:9-12, Ephesians 5:18, 1st Timothy 3:3,8, 5:23 

Section XXI Concerning Lawsuits

A. We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes.

B. We believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company, providing the claim is made without malice or slander.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Ephesians 4:31-32

A. We believe that church music, by deisgn, should bring glory to God.

1. It glorifies the Lord by worshipping Him for His attribututes, character, and nature.

2. It glorifies the Lord by thanking Him for His common goodness and grace.

3. It glorifies the Lord by praising Him for His revelation of Himself to mankind through His written Word and His Son, Jesus Christ, who provided salvation for all who believe.

B. We believe that church music, by design, should edify men.

1. It edifies men by lifting the heart toward the Lord.

2. It edifies men by enlightening the mind about the Lord.

3. It edifies men by convicting the soul of sin against the Lord.

4. It edifies men by motivating the will to obey and serve the Lord.

C. We believe that there is a kind of music, with or without words, that is honoring to God and that there is a kind of music that is dishonoring to God.

1. We accept sacred, traditional, hymn book, Gospel music as music that honors God.

2. We reject “Christian rap”, “Christian rock”.

1st Samuel 16:14-23, Psalms 33:3; 40:1-3; 69:12, Psalms 100; 126; 137:4, Isaiah 35:10; 42:10, Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:15-17, James 5:13 

A. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit as described in Section IV.

B. We reject the tenants of the Charismatic Movement as Aberrations of Biblical truth.

1. We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and healing, were temporary.

a. They accompanied and authenticated the ministry and message of the Apostles.

b. They ceased once God’s revelation was complete, and the Scriptures became the sole and final authority for faith and practice.

2. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit.

3. We believe that the ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing.

4. We believe that wealth and prosperity are not necessary signs of the Lord’s blessings; instead, suffering is a more frequent design upon the believer’s life and testimony.

5. We believe that “prophecies” or “teachings” that are extra-Biblical are dangerous and fallible and should be rejected in favor of the finished revelation of God’s Word.

Mark 16:17, Acts 2:1-4; 10:46; 19:6, 1st Corinthians 12; 13; 14, Romans 12:6-8

Section XXIV Concerning the Authority of the Statement

A. The following persons shall indicate full agreement with the Doctrinal Position of the church by signing the statement of faith without mental reservation:

Pastor, all elected or appointed church officers, all officers, teachers, and leaders in the Sunday School, Youth program, and all other church organizations. There shall be no unofficial church organizations, and all officers, teachers and leaders shall be members of the church.

B. Should an individual (included in A above) change his or her doctrinal position and become in disagreement with the Statement of Faith, that individual shall be obligated to resign from the place of responsibility. Should it come to the attention of the Pastor and the Deacons that such an individual has changed in doctrinal position but has not resigned, it shall be the responsibility of the Pastor and the Deacons to recommend to the congregation the immediate removal of the individual from the place of responsibility and leadership.

This church is an autonomous Baptist church under the headship of Christ and the leadership of God-given pastors. Affiliation shall be only with such organizations and associations that manifest both by statement and practice their agreement with the faith and practice set forth in this constitution. Upon an announcement made at least two (2) successive Sundays prior to the date of voting and upon a majority vote of members present and voting, the church may choose to affiliate of disaffiliate with any local, state, or national association of churches; or it may for reasons known to itself, choose to remain unaffiliated with any group of churches. In the event that it does affiliate with any association of churches, such affiliation shall be understood to affect in no way the rights, powers, and privileges of the church, either as relates to its property or the operation of its affairs. Withdrawal from any and all affiliations shall in no wise jeoparize its property.

Persons desiring membership in the church must give public testimony of their faith in Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. They must be or have been baptized by immersion following their conversion.

Application for membership may be by profession of faith in Christ, by reaffirmation of faith, or by letter from another church of like faith and practice.

Persons applying for membership shall appear before the Pastor and the Deacons to give testimony of their salvation, to indicate their willingness to abide by the Constitution and Covenant of the church, and to answer any questions concerning their experiences and faith that the deacons might desire to ask.

After candidates for membership have been approved by the Pastor and Deacons, the Pastor shall recommend them to the congregation for acceptance. All candidates for membership shall give testimony of salvation to the congregation at the time of voting and unbaptized candidates shall be baptized at the next subsequent baptismal service, at which time they shall become members of this church.

Candidates shall be received into membership by a majority voice vote at any regular church service. Any member voicing a dissenting vote shall appear immediately before the Pastor and Deacons and give a Scriptural reason supporting his dissention, upon which the Pastor and Deacons shall rule valid or invalid and so report back to the service. If the dissention is ruled valid, the application shall be held in abeyance pending further investigation and attempted correction by the Deacons.

Persons may be dismissed from the membership roll by a simple majority of eligible voting members present at any regular church service under the following circumstances:

A. At the personal request of the individual.

B. When the individual places membership in another church. If it is requested, and, if the other church is of like faith and practice, a letter of commendation shall be forwarded to the other church, provided the member is in good standing at the time of leaving.

C. When the individual is dismissed from membership as part of disciplinary action taken in accordance with the provision for the discipline of members given below.

D. When a member who has been repeatedly encouraged by the Pastor, Deacons, and other interested members to activity, refuses to become active or continues to be inactive in the church, the Pastor and the Deacons shall review his or her case and issue a letter of notification of dismissal proceedings. If inactivity continues, at the end of a year, the Deacons shall recommend to the congregation that the member be dropped from the membership roll.

A. If a member err in conduct or doctrine, all disciplinary action shall be conducted in accordance with Matt. 18:15-18; Titus 3:10 and 1 Tim. 5:19.

B. If a member errs in conduct or doctrine, the member who has knowledge, shall in brotherly love, attempt to admonish and correct him. If he does not heed this advice, the Pastor and Deacons shall be notified, who shall also admonish him. If this fails, the Pastor and Deacons shall report the case to a business meeting of the church. The accused shall be notified of the time and place of the church business meeting at which time these charges shall be preferred and shall be invited to answer these charges.

C. If the member fails to respond to the invitation to answer the charges against him or her, the church may, upon presentation of the charges, withdraw from him the hand of church fellowship.

D. The exclusion of a disciplined member must be acted upon by the church, which alone has the authority. Any erring member, when admonition and reconciliation have failed, who is recommended for dismissal by the Pastor and the Deacons, can only be dismissed by a majority vote by secret ballot of the voting members present. Such a vote shall only be taken after written notification to the charged member and at a business meeting of the church whose purpose and time have been announced at least one week prior to it.

If a member who has erred in conduct or doctrine shall voluntarily confess it to the church, and manifest repentance, no further proceedings, except in cases of public scandal, shall be entertained against him. If a person responds to the action of discipline and excommunication by demonstrating sincere repentance, he or she shall be given opportunity to confess publicly to the congregation and to request forgiveness. Upon such spiritual restoration and at a recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons, the congregation may by majority vote, restore the person to full membership. In cases involving fornication, restoration shall not include the right to hold the office of Pastor and Deacon.

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. 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 covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort;

To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines;

To 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 devotions; to religiously educate our children; 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 drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

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 of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

His qualifications shall reflect the requirements as stated in I Tim. 3:1-6 and Titus 1:5-9 (cf. I Tim. 6:10-12; II Tim. 4:1-5; I Peter 5:1-3; Acts 20:17-35).

A. The Deacons shall constitute the Pulpit committee to secure possible candidates for the pastorate when such has been vacated. They shall interview each candidate and endeavor to hear him speak before recommending him as a candidate.

B. Each candidate shall preach in one or more of the public services of the church.

C. Each candidate shall be voted upon before considering another. No vote shall be taken until at least one week has expired following the candidate’s appearance at the church.

D. The Pastor shall be called by a majority vote of the members present and voting. Notice of the meeting shall be given by the church clerk in at least two regular meetings of the church prior to the election. The vote shall be by written ballot.

E. The Deacons shall be responsible to notify the Pastor-elect, to report his acceptance to the congregation, and to make arrangements for his moving.

F. Parsonage requirements for the Pastor’s occupancy shall be the responsibility of the Trustees.

A. Upon assuming his duties as pastor, he shall become a member of this church and shall be the Moderator of this church and ex-officio member of all boards and committees.

B. The Pastor shall have spiritual oversight of all the work of the church.

C. It shall be the duty of the Pastor to devote himself and his time to the service of the church, preaching the Word of God and administering the ordinances. He shall watch over himself and his flock, visiting, as far as time permits, all the members of the church, especially the sick and shut-ins. He shall lead the church in the work of evangelism and shall make himself available for pastoral counseling when needed.

D. It shall be the privilege of the Pastor to serve other pulpits without a loss of salary for as many as two (2) weeks out of any calendar year. In his absence, he shall arrange for a pulpit supply, which is to be approved by the Deacons. 22

A. He shall serve for an indefinite period of time with the reciprocal rights to terminate his services upon thirty days notice.

B. Accusations against the Pastor shall be submitted to the Deacons, and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of three or more witnesses (I Tim. 5:19). If he errs in doctrine, the Deacons shall, in love, attempt to correct him (Gal. 6:1). If this is not effective, the matter shall be referred to the church, which alone has authority to act.

C. The Pastor may be dismissed by majority vote of the eligible members present and voting, after it has been announced at two regular meetings immediately prior to this meeting. The vote shall be by written ballot.

D. If the Pastor is dismissed, he shall vacate the pulpit immediately, but shall receive thirty days pay. He shall vacate the parsonage within thirty days of his dismissal, or at the discretion of the church.

A. Any male member, who, in the judgment of this church, has given evidence of his piety, zeal and aptness to teach, that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, after having preached in the hearing of the church, may be licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provided a majority of the members present and voting at any regular church meeting shall agree thereto.

B. The license shall be terminated by similar action of the church for conduct adjudged unbecoming a licensed preacher of the Gospel, or upon request by the individual, or upon his removal of his member- ship from the church.

A. Requirements for Ordination

This church recognizes the fact that only God can call a man to the ministry of the Gospel but believes it both Scriptural and wise to have such a man commended to the ministry of the Gospel by a local church. The following are some of the normal qualifications to be set forth by those seeking ordination by this church.

1. A personal knowledge of Christ as Savior.

2. A high moral character with an evidence of spirituality in daily life.

3. His academic preparation shall be adequate, normally consisting of three years of seminary work and of sound spiritual and mental aggressiveness. This requirement may be waived if, in the judgment of the council and church, the candidate merits exception.

4. A complete agreement with the doctrinal position of this church and with its constitution and covenant.

5. A written statement of belief and practice regarding the doctrines of the Bible to be presented to all the members of the examining council.

6. An oral examination before the examining council in which questions shall be asked relative to the candidate’s Christian experience, his call to the ministry, and his knowledge of the Bible and Christian doctrine.

B. Procedure for Ordination

1. If this church, by majority vote of its members present at any regular church service, decides that one of its members possesses the Scriptural qualifications for full ordination, the church shall proceed in routine manner to call an examining council. Ministers and messengers from surrounding churches who are in agreement with this constitution may be invited to assist in the examining council.

2. Upon the recommendation of the examining council, the church may ordain the candidate, inviting other churches to assist in the service also.

3. Such ordination may be revoked for doctrinal defection and/or immorality by majority vote of the church.

 

ARTICLE IX CHURCH OFFICERS

A. Their character shall reflect the requirements as stated in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. No officer of this church may be a member of a secret order or lodge nor may he use tobacco or alcoholic beverages in any form. Persons divorced after they were regenerated must satisfy the pastor and deacons that the procedure was conducted in accordance with Matt. 5:31-32; 19:9 or I Cor. 7:15.

B. They shall be members of this church and shall subscribe whole- heartedly to its doctrinal statement and constitution.

A. Elected officers by the church

1. Pastor

2. Assistants to the Pastor, if and when required

3. Deacons

4. Trustees

5. Treasurer

6. Financial Secretary

7. Church Clerk

8. Sunday School Superintendent

9. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent

10. Head Usher

11. Chairman of the missionary committee

12. Chairman of the social committee

13. Chairman of the publicity committee

14. Chairman of the music committee

15. Sunday School Secretary

B. Appointed by Pastor and Deacons

1. Ushers

2. Auditors (if and when needed)

3. Choir director, organist, pianist and their substitutes

4. Various committees deemed necessary shall be appointed. Such committees may be dissolved when it seems advisable.

5. All appointive offices shall expire when newly appointed officers are installed.

A. Deacons

There shall be a minimum of three (3) male members of the church serving as Deacons, if there are this many who possess the qualifications. Additional Deacons, until a minimum of five (5) have been elected, for the first one hundred (100) members, shall be added after which one Deacon for each fifty (50) members shall be added.

The church clerk shall submit to the nominating committee the names on the membership roll prior to their meeting to select candidates for the annual election.

B. Trustees

There shall be a minimum of three (3) male members of the church serving as trustees if there are this many who possess the qualifications. Additional trustees, until a maxi mum of five (5) have been elected, may be added.

There shall be four (4) standing committees: missionary, social, publicity, and music. The church shall elect the chairman of these each year at the annual meeting. Other members shall be appointed by the Pastor and Deacons each year after consulting with the respective chairmen.

A. Duties of elected officers

1. Deacons

a. The Deacons shall be ready to assist the pastor in spiritual matters.

b. The Deacons shall elect a chairman from among themselves and shall be responsible for the leadership of church services in the Pastor’s absence. They shall also elect an assistant chairman who shall also elect an assistant chairman who shall act as secretary and preside in the absence of the chairman.

c. The Pastor and Deacons shall interview and examine each applicant for church membership.

d. The Pastor, or chairman of Deacons, when the church is without a Pastor, shall call special business meetings when necessary.

e. The Deacons shall assist the Pastor in administering the ordinances, visitation, caring for the sick and needy and such other duties as the church may delegate to them. f. The Pastor and Deacons shall be in charge of all disciplinary measures and shall carry out such in accordance with provisions of this constitution.

g. Subject to the will of the church, the Deacons shall fix the hours of all public services.

h. The Deacons shall have full charge of the Deacons’ or Fellowship Fund.

2. Trustees

a. The trustees shall direct the financial needs of the church, exercise proper supervision over church property, arrange for payment of church salaries, submit an inventory of all church properties to the annual meeting of the church. The trustees shall not make disposal of or directed by the church at a business meeting. Repairs and other disbursements not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) may be made by the trustees on any one bill except as already indicated in the budget.

b. The trustees shall appoint two (2) persons to count the church offerings. All offerings shall be counted on the church premises before the money is deposited.

c. The trustees shall annually appoint a Budget Committee to review the church budget and finances and present a proposed budget for the coming year. The proposed budget shall be presented to the trustees first, who shall in turn recommend it to the church for adoption at the annual meeting.

d. The trustees shall elect a chairman from among themselves and an assistant chairman to preside in the absence of the chairman and to act as secretary.

3. Church Treasurer

a. The church treasurer shall maintain an accurate and auditable record of the finances of the church.

b. The church treasurer shall receive from the financial secretary a record of all funds of the church and make disbursements as authorized by the church or Board of Trustees.

c. The church treasurer shall make a monthly report of receipts and disbursements to the Board of Trustees.

d. The church treasurer shall present a written report of receipts and disbursements to each quarterly business meeting of the church.

e. The financial records shall be audited annually following the close of the fiscal year and an auditor’s report presented to the church at the next quarterly business meeting. The trustees shall see that the auditor’s report is presented.

4. Financial Secretary

a. The financial secretary shall receive, record, and deposit all funds contributed to the church.

b. He shall distribute envelopes among the members of the church, and shall keep a complete record of all individual contributions. He shall be prepared to make reports to the Pastor, Deacons, or trustees at any time upon request.

c. The financial secretary shall provide a written statement of gifts to each contributor quarterly and annually.

5. Church Clerk

a. The clerk shall keep full minutes of all transactions of the church at its business meetings.

b. The clerk shall keep an accurate record of the membership of the church.

c. The clerk shall keep a record of the names of all who are baptized with the date of baptism.

d. The clerk shall keep a record of the admission, dismissal and death of the members, showing the date of event and note the same briefly on the register.

e. The clerk shall present annually a terse written report of the state of the church, giving an account of the members received, dismissed, and deceased.

f. The clerk shall be responsible for writing letters of transfer or dismissal upon recommendation of the church.

g. The clerk shall conduct the correspondence of the church when so instructed.

6. Sunday School Superintendent

a. The Sunday School superintendent shall conduct the opening worship of the Sunday School, and have general supervision of the Sunday School.

b. He shall preside at the business meeting of the Sunday School.

c. He shall, with the Pastor, be responsible for selection of Sunday School materials and faculty, and for setting standards for teachers, subject to the approval of the Pastor.

7. Assistant Sunday School Superintendent

He shall be responsible for the duties of the Superintendent when he is absent.

8. Sunday School Secretary

He shall keep the Sunday School attendance and offering records and shall order all necessary Sunday school supplies.

9. Head Usher

The head usher and his assistants shall promote Order, comfort, reverence, and unity in the public services of the church. They shall constrain late comers from disturbing the services, collect the offerings, seat the worshippers, keep an accurate record of attendance at all services and maintain the dignity of the house of worship. The head usher shall appoint a substitute in his absence and designate ushers for each service.

10. Chairman of the Missionary Committee

With his committee, he shall seek to promote interest in missions throughout the church.

11. Chairman of the Social Committee

With his committee, he shall be responsible to arrange and implement the various social functions of the church.

12. Chairman of the Publicity Committee

With his committee, he shall be responsible to advertise the ministry of the church through all possible means.

13. Chairman of Music Committee

With his committee, he shall work with the Pastor in providing a spiritual music program for the services of the church, shall arrange for special music, and encourage the development and use of musical talents for the Lord’s glory.

B. Duties of Appointed Officers and Committees

All appointed officers and committees shall execute functions normally expected of them under the supervision of the pastor. The Pastor shall define for the appointed officers and committees their responsibilities.

A. All offices of elective status shall be filled at the annual meeting of the church.

B. Tenure of office shall be one year, except for deacons and trustees, who shall be elected for a period of three years and in such manner that a third of their number retire each year and an equal number elected. They shall hold office until a successor is elected and installed.

C. Deacons and trustees shall not immediately succeed themselves. All other officers shall not serve in the same office more than three consecutive years. There shall be a lapse of at least one year before they shall be eligible for re-election.

D. An individual may be elected to more than one office provided he is qualified and can fulfill all the responsibilities of each office held.

E. Assumption of office date shall be the following Sunday.

A. The Membership of the Nominating Committee

The nominating committee shall consist of the pastor (as chairman), deacons, and two adult church members. The deacons shall present a list of nominees from the church membership at large from which the church shall elect two members to serve on the nominating committee. These two committee members shall be elected at the third quarterly business meeting. The nominating committee shall elect a secretary from among their own number.

B. The Responsibility of the Nominating Committee

1. The nominating committee shall select the candidates from the church membership at large that it believes are best qualified for each elective office, one candidate for each office. These candidates shall be notified and interviewed as to their agreement and ability to accept the office should they be elected.

2. The nominating committee shall prepare an election ballot and post this in a conspicuous place in the church at least three weeks before the election. At a stated service, two weeks before the election, the church shall meet and additional nominations can be made from the floor. This will eliminate any further nominations the night of the election. The nominating committee will interview each of these further nominees and if they are agreeable to having their name thus placed, these names shall be added to the ballot.

Upon any vacancies of office, the pastor, with the deacons, shall appoint a qualified member to serve the balance of the fiscal year, at which time the church will elect a qualified member to fill the vacant office. The appointment to fill an unexpired term of less than one year shall not be counted as part of a three year term.

Candidates receiving a majority of votes cast shall be declared elected.

Elections shall be by written ballot. The chairman of the meeting shall appoint tellers who shall collect, count the ballots and report to the meeting the results of the election.

Resident members sixteen years of age and over shall have the right to vote. As required by law, no one under eighteen years shall have the right to vote for trustees.

A. The church shall meet regularly every Sunday for the public worship of the Eternal God, and the proclamation of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

B. Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting

C. Any other meetings as the church may designate

D. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at such regular intervals as the church may designate.

A. All business meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer.

B. Annual Business Meeting

The Annual Business Meeting shall be held the second Sunday of the year.

C. Quarterly Business Meetings

The Quarterly Business Meetings shall be held the second Sunday of the quarter.

D. Other Business Meetings

1. Deacons and trustees shall hold business meetings as needed to carry out their responsibilities.

2. Other meetings may be called by the pastor or chairman of the deacons as required (cf. Art. 9, Sec. 5-A, 1,d).

3. Necessary church business may be conducted at any regular church service as required.

E. Rules of order

Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance and/or Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the parliamentary procedure.

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members of the church, including two officers, shall constitute a quorum.

It is recognized that this church may have within it various subsidiary organizations such as the Sunday School, men’s and women’s fellow- ships, youth groups, choirs and other organizations.

The church buildings and facilities shall be used only for such meetings and activities as shall promote the gospel and honor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The pastor and the deacons shall exercise the authority to permit the use of the buildings and shall refuse the use of the buildings for any meeting or activity contrary to church policy and belief.

The church building may be used by members for weddings and funerals. Others desiring the use of church and buildings for weddings and funerals must have the consent of the pastor and deacons.

The building and facilities of this church shall not be used for profit making.

Persons dismissed or who have withdrawn from the membership of the church have no right to make claim upon any of the church property and any such property in their possession shall be returned immediately.

This church shall be supported by the voluntary giving of tithes and offerings by God’s people. We believe that every Christian should seek to give systematically, regularly, proportionately, sacrificially and cheerfully of his substance to the Lord’s work through the local church (I Cor. 13:1-2; II Cor. 8-9). No means such as raffles, suppers, rummage sales and other similar methods shall be used by the church to raise money for its support.

Memorials may be received by the church. The pastor and deacons shall supervise the details regarding memorials, and shall appoint a committee consisting of one deacon and one trustee together with the donor or donors and this committee shall consult together concerning details. All memorials involving real or personal property shall be acceptable to the pastor and trustees before being received.

This church shall support missionary causes and educational institutions consistent with its own belief and practices. A representative from each educational institution and all missionaries supported by this church shall indicate full agreement with the doctrinal position of this church by signing its statement of faith without mental reservations.

Designated gifts will be honored if in harmony with the doctrines and practices of this church.

In cases of difficulty, for the decision of which the church desires the wisdom of disinterested brethren, letters may be sent to neighboring Baptist churches by the church clerk at the request of the deacons, asking them to appoint messengers to meet with messengers from this church on a specified day. To this council, when organized, the case shall be referred and their advice shall be laid before the church by the deacons at the following business meeting for further action.

In the event of dissolution, the property of the church real, personal, and other assets shall be distributed to organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or missionary purposes as shall at the time qualify as exempt organizations under Section 105 ( c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954, selected by a majority

vote of the remaining members. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. This church shall be considered dissolved when its membership shall have been reduced to three (3).

Suggested amendments or additions to this constitution shall be presented to the pastor and deacons for their prayerful consideration. Upon recommendation of the pastor and deacons, any amendment may be presented to the congregation at a regular quarterly business meeting at which they are discussed. Proposed amendments or additions shall be posted in the church for thirty days prior to the meeting at which they are discussed. The proposed amendment shall be voted on at the next quarterly business meeting. Amendments and additions, except in ARTICLE III, may be adopted by a majority vote of the voting membership present. Amendments and additions to ARTICLE III may be adopted by a three-fourths (¾) majority vote of the voting membership present.