doctrine


	PLEASE USE THE "BACK" BUTTON TO RETURN TO THE "ABOUT US" PAGE STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE CHURCH COVENANT BY-LAWS AMAZING GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH 6902 NE Hazel Dell Ave. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 693-0344 The contents of this booklet was approved by the church at a meeting of the congregation on September 2, 1998. This booklet supersedes all like items of an earlier date. The local church is the divine institution our Lord instituted to carry out His great commission until he returns for her at the rapture. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always,{even} unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 Every local church has a body of doctrine and policy they operate by. This is necessary for maintaining the purity, unity, and progress of that church. Amazing Grace Baptist Church is a local New Testament Baptist Church committed to spreading the gospel around the world. This can only be accomplished successfully as we adhere to our doctrines, church covenant, and by-laws. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 May this booklet not become your bible, but a guideline to carry out biblical mandates that are revealed in God’s Word. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of you affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Philippians 1:27 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section I Statement of Doctrines Page – 1 A. The Holy Scriptures Page – 1 B. Dispensationalism Page – 1 C. The Godhead Page – 1 D. The Person and Work of Christ Page – 2 E. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit Page – 2 F. The Total depravity of Man Page – 3 G. Salvation Page – 3 H. The eternal Security and Assurance of Believers Page – 3 I. The Church Page – 4 J. Separation Page – 4 K. The Second Advent of Christ Page – 5 L. The Eternal State Page – 5 M. The Personality of Satan Page – 6 N. Creation Page – 6 O. Civil government Page – 6 P. Human Sexuality Page – 6 Q. Divorce and Remarriage Page – 7 R. Abortion Page – 7 S. Missions Page – 7 T. Lawsuits Between Believers Page – 8 U. Giving Page – 8 Section II Authority of Statement of Doctrines Page – 8 Section III Church Convent Page – 9 Section IV By – Laws Page – 11 SECTION I Statement of Doctrines A. The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The Sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the complete and divine revelation of God to man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the Church (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21). B. Dispensationalism We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations – the age of law, the age of the church, and the age of the Kingdom – are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture (Genesis 1:28; I Corinthians 9:17; II Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24-25,27; Revelation 20:2-6). C. The Godhead We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 14:10,26). Page 1 D. The Person and Work of Christ 1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:35;John 1:2,14; II Corinthians 5:19-21;Galatians 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-8). 2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2: 24; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). 3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 9:24; Romans 7:25; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2). E. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit 1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1: 17-18; Ephesians 5:18; I John 2:20,27). 2. We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-18; Ephesians 5:18; I John 2:20,27). Page 2 3 We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastor, and teacher to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:4-11,28; Ephesians 4:7- 12). 4. We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing , were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy spirit and that 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 (I Corinthians 1:22; I Corinthians 13:8; I Corinthians 14:212-22). F. The Total Depravity of Man We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:12;Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ephesians 4:17-19). G. Salvation We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Chris, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2: 8-10; I Peter 1:18-19). H The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers 1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30; Romans 8:1,38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:4-5). Page3 2. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian Liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 12:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15). I The Church 1. We believe that the local church , which is the body and the espoused Bride of Christ is solely made up of born-again persons (I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22- 23; Ephesians 5:25-27). 2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; Acts 20:17,28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5- 11). 3. We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; Acts 15:19-31; Acts 20:28; Romans 16:1,4: I Corinthians 3:9,16; I Corinthians 5:4- 7,13; I Peter 5:1-4). 4. We recognize water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper as the only two Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the Church in this age (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 18:18; I Corinthians 11:23-26). J. Separation We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (Romans 12:1-2;Romans 14:13; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; II Timothy 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11). Page 4 K. The Second Advent of Christ We believe in that “Blessed Hope,” The personal, imminent return of Christ, who will rapture His Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the tribulation Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which was promised to the Nation of Israel (Psalm 89:3-4;Daniel 2:31-45; Zechariah 14:4-11; I Thessalonians 1:10; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 4:10; Revelation 19: 11-16; Revelation 20:1-6). L. The Eternal State 1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; John 11:25-36- Revelation 20:5-6,12-13). 2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection; when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; Philippians 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20-4-6). 3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection when with soul and bodily reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne of Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matthew 25;41-46; mark 9:43-48;Luke 16:19-26; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelations 20:11-15). Page 5 M. The Personality of Satan We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin, and the one who incited the fall of man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man, and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12- 17; Matthew 4:2-11; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). N. Creation We believe that God created the universe in six literal 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day- Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11). O. Civil Government We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the Church; 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balance those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13: 17; I Peter 2:13-14). P Human Sexuality We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex (Genesis 2:24; Genesis 19:5,13; Genesis 26:8-9; Leviticus 10:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; I Corinthians 5:1; I Corinthians 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). Page 6 Q. Divorce and Remarriage 1. We believe that it is God’s divine will that Christian marriages last until one of the spouses dies (Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Romans 7:1-3). 2. We believe that the only clear scriptural ground for divorce is adultery (Matthew 5:31-32). 3. We believe that unscriptural divorce and remarriage even though prevalent today is still sin (Malachi 2:11- 16). 4. We believe this sin, like all sin can be confessed and forgiven by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus (I Corinthians 6:9-11; I John 1: 7,9). 5 We believe that divorce and remarriage disqualifies a person from Christian service only with regard to the office of Pastor and Deacon (I Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6). R. Abortion We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified inexcusable taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. There is no scriptural reasoning to permit such action (Job 3:16;Psalm 51:5;Psalm 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 49:1,5; Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 20:15-18; Luke 1:44). S. Missions We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group that believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46,48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:20). Page7 T. Lawsuits Between Believers We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32). U. Giving We believer that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel.(Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; I Timothy 5: 17-19; I John 3:17). SECTION II Authority of Statement of Doctrines The Statement of Doctrines does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Doctrines accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members. Page 8 SECTION III Church Covenant Purpose The purpose of the Church Covenant is to have the membership of the church make a commitment to live Godly separated lives. It is in no way meant to be a list of commandments that we must follow to obtain salvation. It is not a checklist to see if we qualify to be a member of this church. It is a list of expectations that we as a church body ask of one another so that we might maintain a good testimony as individuals and as a church (John 15:19; Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 6:14-7-1; Ephesians 2:8-9; I John 2:15-17). Covenant Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our 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 of 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 give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly activities involving alcohol, pornography, gambling, and fleshly music; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to Page 9 abstain from the sale or use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxication drink 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 of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation 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. Page 10 SECTION IV By – Laws Article I. NAME The name of this church organization shall be called AMAZING GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH, Vancouver, Washington Article II. PURPOSE The purpose and mission of this church shall be to strive by the help of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ as stated in Matthew 28:18-20, and elsewhere: A. To make individual disciples by taking the Gospel to the lost. B. To teach and lead converts to follow the Lord in obedience and association to Him by baptism (immersion) and in faithfulness to Him in all areas of life. C. To teach the whole counsel of God, all things whatsoever He has commanded us. Article III. AUTHORITY The Holy Scriptures shall be considered the full and final authority in all matters of faith, doctrine and practice. To clearly define our doctrinal position, the Statement of Doctrine shall be adopted and attached hereto. Page 11 Article IV. GOVERNMENT The church has always been and shall continue to be an independent body of baptized believers. The government of this church has always been and shall continue to be vested in its assembled membership, and it shall never be subject to the control of any other ecclesiastical body, and no denominational or ecclesiastical representatives shall ever sit in judgment over its affairs. The church may fellowship and cooperate with other sovereign, autonomous, fundamental Baptist churches for the furtherance of the Gospel when such shall be wholly in accordance with the Scriptures, but no rules, regulations or binding commitments shall be made to such bodies which call for more than voluntary action on the part of this church and any such fellowship and cooperation may be broken at any time. Article V. FINANCE Scriptural giving is an expression of love to the Lord Jesus Christ - therefore, it shall be a voluntary and free will offering uninfluenced by any consideration of material or worldly reward. Tithes and offerings brought into the general treasury of the church is the only method of finance found in the Scriptures; therefore, it shall be the duty of the members to bring their tithes and offerings into the general treasury of the church (I Corinthians 16:2). Article VI. MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. Reception of Members. Any person professing faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who can conscientiously subscribe to the Doctrinal Statement of the Amazing Grace Baptist Church may be received into its membership by vote as follows: A. By BAPTISM B. By LETTER from another orthodox Baptist church of like faith. C. By STATEMENT of faith and scriptural baptism Page 12 D. By RESTORATION. Any person whose membership has been terminated through discipline, may upon public confession of his sins or errors, and three months attendance after said confession that reveals faithfulness in attendance, Christian spirit, and liberality in stewardship, call for special meeting with the Pastor and Deacons, or Pastor and Discipline Committee wherein it shall be frankly and fully discussed as to the individual’s future intentions and relationship to the church. Should the results of said meeting be satisfactory, the Pastor many cause said party to be recommended to the church for membership. No restored member shall hold office for a period of six months following restoration. All person applying for membership in this church will be examined by the Pastor and or men designated by the Pastor. They will be received into the membership by the church only upon recommendation of the Pastor. Section 2. Dismissal of Members. Membership may be dissolved in the following ways: A. DEATH B. LETTER of Recommendation to sister Baptist churches. A member automatically forfeits membership in this church when he joins another church. C. DELINQUENCY – Any member who intentionally avoids all services for a period of six months shall be known as delinquent. After investigation and an effort made on the part of the church, if said condition is not corrected, the delinquent member shall then be dropped from the church roll. (Exception to be made on cases such as providential hindrances, vacations and governmental service). D. DISCIPLINE – Any member whose behavior is detrimental to the testimony of the Lord or the church, gross inconsistency in his Christian life, indifference toward the life and work of the church, active opposition to the policy or leadership of the church, holding or teaching doctrines contrary to the Statement Page 13 of Doctrine whether such teaching be on church property or in some Bible study or meeting held elsewhere, or flagrant sin, shall be interviewed for the purpose of remedying any weakness in his life. It shall be within the providence of the Pastor or Discipline Committee to recommend that said person be removed from the church roll. It shall be the privilege of the Pastor to select three men in the church to serve as Discipline Committee whenever the Pastor should deem such a committee necessary. Depending upon the circumstances with regards to the discipline of a member or members, this committee will bring the matter before the church only if the Pastor should deem it necessary. This Discipline Committee shall serve as such only until the specific task is completed. All procedure of church discipline will be according to the spirit and purpose of Scriptural guidelines (Matt. 18:15-17). E. PARTICIPATION IN UNAUTHORIZED MEETINGS – Any member involved in a secret business meeting with relation to the church, will automatically have his membership terminated no vote will be necessary. Unauthorized letters, petitions or similar devices circulated for the purpose of any church business will fall under this heading and shall be cause for automatic exclusion. Section 3. Responsibilities of Members Responsibilities of member are listed in the Church Covenant. (see Section III) Article VII. CHURCH OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES Section 1. PASTOR – Duties and Qualifications A. The Pastor is a shepherd or spiritual overseer (Webster). The Scripture refers to the office commonly called Pastor as Elder or Bishop. I Tim. 3:1-5, I Pet. 5:1-4, I Tim. 5:17, I Thess. 5:12-13, Acts 20:28 and Heb. 13:7,17 are examples of such and also show clearly that the Pastor is to oversee and supervise the Page 14 affairs of the church. He shall not only have the general supervision of the church but shall have unrestricted liberty in presenting any matter he deems necessary to the church for its consideration and instruction. B. It shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach regularly at the church, to administer the ordinance of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and to perform the various duties incumbent to his office. C. He shall be the moderator of the church and preside at all its business meetings as ex- officio member of all committees and organizations, which includes privilege of voting. He is to be in charge of the pulpit and responsible for supply speakers. He is permitted to hold revival meetings or attend other meetings when he feels led of the Lord to do so. The Pastor shall have authority to purchase anything, which is in his judgment essential to the proper functioning of the church along the line of materials and supplies or hardware for the church not to exceed one thousand dollars. In legal matter he shall act as president. D. I Tim. 3:1-6 and Titus 1:7-9 give the qualifications of a Pastor. The life of the Pastor and his family should be an example of godliness and spirituality. They should not indulge in worldly or sinful practices, which would tend to weaken the testimony of the church (I Thess. 5:22Z). No one who uses intoxicating liquors or drugs for personal pleasure, or tobacco in any form; or who belongs to a secret society; or who brings disrepute upon his ministry through sinful language, practice or associations shall be considered for Pastor or having fallen into such be retained as Pastor, if such a course is persisted in (Rom. 12:1-2,. II Cor. 6:11-18). E. Because of his office, he shall be counted worthy of double honor (I Tim. 5:17). No accusation shall be accepted against him without two or three witnesses (I Tim 5:19). F. No divorced person shall be Pastor of this church (Matt. 19:3-9, I Tim. 3:2). Page 15 G. No person shall be considered for the office of pastor of this church whose beliefs and teachings are not in accordance with the Statement of Doctrine or who will not declare himself to be fundamental, premillenial and independent Baptist. H. No person shall be considered for the office nor serve as pastor who maintains any connection with the Federal or National Council of Churches or any of its agencies, or conventions, or any other ecclesiastical body or bodies. I. No woman shall be considered for nor serve as Pastor of this church (Tim. 3:3). J. The term as pastor shall be for an undetermined period of time unless dismissed by the church. Action for the termination of a Pastor shall be taken only for the following reasons: 1. Unscriptural teaching – departure from doctrines set for in the Word of God or 2. Immorality or sinful conduct. Procedure is as follows: If the accusation is proven with two or three witnesses then a majority of the elected Deacons, or Trustees in case of no Deacons, shall announce a special business meeting at least two weeks in advance. The church will then vote to vacate his office and seek to replace him K. The Pastor shall have the authority to hire and dismiss all church employees. He shall keep the church officers fully informed of any actions taken. The wages and raises of church employees shall be reviewed once a year and left to the discretion of the Pastor and church officers. Section 2. PASTOR – Call of Whenever it is necessary, by the death or resignation of the Pastor, the church shall, without unnecessary delay, proceed to secure a new pastor in the following manner. Page 16 A. Five men, representative of the church, who have been members of the church for at least one year and who are not related shall be known as the Pulpit Committee. The committee shall be elected to office by a ¾ majority vote when the need arises in the event of the Pastor’s death or resignation. B. A chosen member of the Pulpit Committee shall contact and Invite some minister to fill the pulpit in the light of a call. The minister must be of good report and in full accordance with the Statement of Doctrine, Constitution and By-Laws and meet the requirements set for in the Word of God for a Pastor (Article VII, Section 1, A- K). An interview is recommended. Much prayer and a majority of the Pulpit Committee’s vote is necessary before a preacher is invited. C. It shall be announced in at least one regular public service previous to the taking of a ballot that the visiting minister is a candidate for the office of Pastor of the church, and the time of voting announced. D. A three-fourths majority of members present and voting shall be necessary for the calling of a Pastor. E. The Deacons may act as a Pulpit Committee either by appointment of Pastor or elected by the church, except in case of the Pastor’s dismissal. Page 17 Section 3. DEACONS A. The office of Deacon shall not in any way be taken to mean authority over the church or Pastor. The word ‘Deacon’ in the Bible means servant, attendant, aid, waiter, or runner of errands. The first Deacons (Acts 6:1-4) were chosen by the church to perform such tasks as would free those in charge of the services for prayer and the study of the Word of God. B. The general duties of the Deacon will therefore be to assist the Pastor in whatever way necessary to allow him to be unencumbered with physical service so he can minister in the Word and prayer. The Deacon can and should be a spiritual help to the church in whatever area the overseer appoints him to. C. Qualifications of the Deacon are found in the Word of God (I Tim. 3:8-13) and are basically the same as the Pastor’s (Article VII, Section 1, D). D. There is no minimum number of Deacons required. The church in Acts Chapter six only appointed Deacons as the need arose. The need will dictate as to the number of Deacons in office at any one time. E. Candidates for Deacon shall be examined and nominated by the pastor and church officers. Approval shall be by vote of the church. F. The term of Deacon shall be indefinite. As long as he remains a member in good standing. G. The Deacon’s wife shall serve alongside her husband and set a godly example for the ladies of the church. Page 18 Section 4. TRUSTEES A. There shall be minimum of three trustees elected. B. Each year one or more new trustees shall be elected. He will be nominated by the Pastor and church officers and shall be approved by the vote of the church. Each year the senior trustee shall step down. C. Duties shall be to sign legal papers for the church, act as an auditing committee and to aid the Pastor with care and repair of properties. D. The Trustee’s wife shall serve alongside her husband and help the church in every way possible. Section 5. TREASURE The treasurer shall receive and count all moneys and make deposits. He shall be one of the signers of checks. He shall be appointed from among the Deacons and Trustees. All moneys shall be counted in the presence of at least two members, one being a church officer. All church checks shall require two signatures and all checks shall be written prior to any signatures. The treasurer shall give a report of receipts and offerings as necessary. He shall insure that giving records are kept and a receipt given to each individual for tax purposes. Section 6. FINANCIAL SECRETARY The financial Secretary shall supervise the writing of all checks, the paying of all bills and the bookkeeping involved. This person shall work closely with the Treasurer and Pastor and shall be appointed by the Pastor and church officers. This person shall be authorized to sign checks. The financial secretary shall give a report of expenditures as necessary. Page 19 ARTICLE VIII. CHURCH BUSINESS Section 1. ANNUAL CHURCH BUSINESS MEETINGS A. The Annual Meeting for the election of officers and reading of the annual reports shall be held at a stipulated date announced at least two Sundays in advance. B. Reports given 1. Spiritual and Attendance Report – Pastor 2. Financial report of receipts – Treasurer 3. Financial report of expenditures – Financial Secretary All reports shall be examined by the Pastor and church officers at least three days prior to the meeting. C. A budget for the next year shall be prepared by the Pastor and church officers prior to this meeting and approved by vote of the church. D. The minutes of all church meetings shall be recorded by a member in good standing appointed by the Pastor and church officers. Section 2. DEACON & TRUSTEE MEETINGS A. Monthly business meetings of the officers shall be called by the Pastor for approval of reports and transaction the business of the church. In no case shall there be more than three months between meetings B. The buying and selling of real estate shall be done only by vote of the church. The mortgaging of the church property shall not be permitted except by vote of the church. C. Minutes of all these meetings shall be recorded by a person within the group of officers. Section 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS A. Special meetings for business may be called at any time by the Pastor when such meetings fall on regular times of service, provided such meetings do not include major business such as selling of church property, amending the Constitution or mortgaging of property. Page20 B. The Pastor may call special business meetings falling on a time other than the regular church services provided it be announced in at least one regular church service prior to the date of the meeting; except it be for major business. C. Major business such as selling church property or amending the Constitution and By-Laws may be called by the Pastor provided said proposition or amendment has been posted and read from the pulpit, and the time and date of the meeting announced for at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting. Such business shall require a three-fourths majority of those present and voting. Section 4. UNAUTHORIZED MEETINGS No secret or unauthorized business meetings are valid. No business beyond that of routine weekly affairs shall be carried on in the absence of the Pastor. Section 5. VOTING AGE OF MEMBERS A member must have reached his or her sixteenth birthday, be in good standing and on the active church roll in order to be considered a voting member. Section 6. MAJORITY VOTE REQUIRED A majority vote of the voting members present at any valid business meeting shall be required for approval except where otherwise stated.