|
The name of this church shall be the Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside.
The purpose of this church is to glorify the God of the Scriptures by
maintaining and promoting His worship both individually and corporately, by
evangelizing sinners, and by edifying His saints. Therefore, we are committed
to the proclamation of God’s perfect Law and of the glorious Gospel of His
grace through all the world, to the defense of that “faith which was once
delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), and to the pure and faithful celebration
of the ordinances of the New Covenant
3.1 AUTHORITY. We acknowledge no ecclesiastical authority other than our
Lord Jesus Christ, who is Head of the Church (Eph. 5:23) and who directs the
affairs of the church through Elders chosen and ordained according to the
precepts of Holy Scripture (Acts 14:21-23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The
Elders themselves at all times and in all their activities stand under the
authority of Holy Scripture.
3.2 COOPERATION. The church may and does cooperate with other like-minded
churches in matters of mutual interest and concern (2 Cor.1:11; 8:18-24;
Phil.4:15-19). We may seek the assistance and counsel (Prov. 11:14; 18:1) of
other churches in matters of special concern to us, but the decision of no
other church or group of churches shall at any time be acknowledged as binding
on this church (Acts 14: 21-23).
3.3 ASSOCIATIONS. One special kind of fellowship and cooperation with
other churches is formal membership in an association of churches. Upon
recommendation of the Elders, such affiliations may be entered with the
expressed consent and approval of the congregation (Acts 15:22, 2 Cor. 8:19).
Withdrawal from such associations may be effected by the same.
4.1 INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. God has graciously entered into a covenant
relationship with His believing people (Jer 31:31-34; 32:40; Heb. 8:7-13;
10:16, 17; 13:20,21). Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb.
8:6). His blood is the blood of the New Covenant, which infallibly secures all
the benefits of the covenant for all of God’s people (Matt. 26:26-28; Heb.
13:20-21). God has in this New Covenant made us members one of another (Rom.
12:4; 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph.4:25). Therefore, we have covenant
responsibilities to each other, as well as to God. God has promised in this
covenant to write His laws in our hearts and to cause us to walk in His ways
(that is, to enable us to keep our covenant responsibilities). The motivation
and ability to obey God’s laws spring from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, who, by His death, satisfied the holy wrath of God that was against us
due to our sins, and by His resurrection has begotten us again to a living hope
(1 Pet.1:3). It is by the enablement of the Holy Spirit that we obey, in loving
gratitude for Christ’s righteousness before God. We obey with the confidence
that the end of Christ’s death will be realized in us (that is, “that the
righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” [Rom. 8:4a], and
that we should be a people “zealous for good works” [Titus 2:14]). The
following paragraphs are a summary of what we believe to be our covenant
responsibilities toward God and toward one another. This summary forms the
basis for our giving and receiving instruction for ourselves and for our
families.
4.2 SUMMARY OF OUR COVENANT RESPONSIBILITIES (THE LAWS WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS)
4.2.1 We agree to worship only the one true and living God, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, who has revealed Himself to us in the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments. We will declare His glory to the nations. We will have no
other gods before Him.
4.2.2 We agree to worship God in His appointed way and to exclude from
our worship anything that He has not appointed.
4.2.3 We agree not to use the name of our God emptily or to take it upon
ourselves carelessly, but to walk in the paths of righteousness for His name’s
sake.
4.2.4 We agree to cease from our own works on the Lord’s Day, if they are
not works of piety, or necessity, and to positively sanctify the day by special
exercises of public and private worship.
4.2.5 We agree to honor and obey, within the bounds of Scripture, all our
superiors, whether in family, church, state, or business; and, if we be
superiors, to deal reasonably and lovingly with our subordinates and thus to
teach them by word and example to fear God and keep His commandments.
4.2.6 We agree to avoid whatever tends to destroy us or our neighbors and
to engage vigorously in all lawful endeavors to preserve our own lives and the
lives of others, especially by ready reconciliation and faithful exhortation in
the church.
4.2.7 We agree to possess our bodies in holiness as vessels joined to
Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit and to avoid all uncleanness of thought,
speech, or action.
4.2.8 We agree to be diligent in our vocations, that we may provide for
our own households, avoid theft of time, money, or goods, and that we may have
to give to him who has need.
4.2.9 We agree to earnestly promote truth among men and to avoid anything
that would prejudice the truth or injure our neighbor’s good name.
4.2.10 We agree to be fully content with our own condition in life, to
rejoice in the advancement of our neighbor, and to avoid envying him or
coveting anything that is his.
We adopt as the fullest expression of our faith the London Baptist Confession
of Faith of 1689 (excepting the assertions regarding the salvation of the
mentally incompetent [10:3] and the identity of the antichrist [26:4]). The
ultimate authority in all matters of faith, order, and morals is and must be
the Bible alone, which truth is clearly set forth in the opening article of the
Confession itself. This historic document is, however, an excellent summary of
“the things most surely believed among us,” and we find it to be an assistance
in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in
righteousness. Here the members of our church will have a body of Divinity in
small compass and by means of Scriptural proofs will be ready to give a reason
for the hope that is in them (1 Pet. 3:15).
6.1 WARRANT FOR MEMBERSHIP. The New Testament demands of all Christians,
formal, open, solemn, voluntary and enduring commitment to Jesus Christ, to His
truth and to His people. A true Christian’s commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ
must include, and is inseparable from his commitment to Christ’s truth and to
Christ’s people. Such a commitment to Christ, His truth and His people
ordinarily requires a formal, open, solemn, voluntary and enduring commitment
of church membership in a local church for the following biblical reasons:
6.1.1 The Great Commission. Fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission
requires church membership. According to the Great Commission of Christ (Matt.
28:18-20) there is an inseparable connection between making disciples,
baptizing them and teaching them. The Apostles implemented this commission by
gathering baptized disciples into local churches. It was therefore in local
churches that baptized disciples were taught all that Christ commanded (Acts
2:38-47, 1 Cor.4:17). With the uncertain exception of the Ethiopian eunuch, the
New Testament knows nothing of believing men and women who are not members of
local churches.
6.1.2 The Biblical Pattern. The New Testament presents the local church
as a distinct group of individuals which could be counted (Acts 2:41-42; 4:4);
be added to or excluded from (Acts 2:47; 5:14; 9:26); be called upon to select
leaders and representatives from among itself (Acts 6:1-6; 2 Cor. 8:19, 23;
Acts 15:22); be officially gathered together (Acts 14:27; 15:22); carry out
church discipline by common consent (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor.5:4, 13; 2 Cor. 2:6);
and observe the Lord’s Table as wholly present corporate assembly (1 Cor.
11:17-20, 33-34). There is therefore clear biblical warrant for the existence
and careful maintenance of local church membership involving formal, open,
solemn, voluntary and enduring commitment. This biblical warrant compels us to
use great care in maintaining a biblically-ordered church membership.
6.1.3 Pastoral Oversight. It is only in the context of the local church
with identifiable members and overseers that the Biblical injunctions regarding
the relationship of pastors and people can be fulfilled (1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb.
13:17).
6.2 REQUISITES FOR MEMBERSHIP
6.2.1 General Requirements. To be eligible for membership, a man or woman
(Acts 5:14; 8:3, 12) must demonstrate repentance toward God and the fruits
thereof (Acts 26:20), as well as that faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts
20:21) which produces godly works (Eph.2:8-10; James 2:18, 22). He must be
baptized as a believer; and to the satisfaction of the Elders express
substantial agreement with the purpose (as stated in Article 2), Covenant (as
stated in Article 4), Confession (as stated in Article 5), and government of
this church (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-8). Furthermore, he must not be under
the biblically warranted (Matt. 18:17, 18; 1 Cor.5:11-13; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14, 15;
3 John 9, 10; 2 Cor. 2:6-8) corrective discipline of a genuine church.
6.2.2 Conformity of Doctrine and Polity. Mastery of church confessions is
not required of any disciple before he is admitted to church membership. Such a
requirement would violate the order of Matt. 28:19,20, which instructs us to
disciple, to baptize, and then to teach the baptized disciple to observe all
things whatsoever Christ has commanded. It is necessary, however, that any
disciple applying for membership manifest a willingness to be taught and
substantial agreement with what he already knows concerning the church’s
doctrine and government. Church members must be in submission to the ordained
rule of the church to which they belong (Heb. 13:17). He who cannot
intelligently and freely submit to a church’s government should not belong to
that church. Anyone who is in substantial disagreement with the constitution or
confessions of the church could not be consistently submissive to the church’s
teaching ministry. Therefore, to admit such a person to membership in this
church would be unwise and unscriptural (Eph. 4:3). If one who is already a
member of the church at any time concludes that he no longer satisfies the
requirements for membership, he is under obligation to inform the Elders of
that fact.
6.3 TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
6.3.1 Regular Members. All who are received into the membership of the
church according to the procedures set forth in Section 6.4, who continue in
regular attendance at the stated meetings of the church, and who do not come
under the corrective discipline of the church as set forth in Article 7, shall
be considered regular members in good standing and entitled to all the rights
and privileges of membership in the church (Acts 2:37-47).
6.3.2 Temporary Members. Persons who come to live in our area for a
limited period of time (e.g., students, military personnel, persons on special
work assignments) may be received into or removed from the membership of the
church on the same basis and in the same manner as persons who have permanent
residence in our area. If such a person is already a member of a church in his
place of permanent residence, he need not be released from the membership of
his home church, but will be regarded as a temporary member while in our midst,
enjoying all the rights and privileges and subject to all the responsibilities,
liabilities, and disciplines of regular membership. When such a person
terminates his period of temporary residence in good standing he will be
released to the fellowship of his home church and no longer be regarded as a
member of this church (compare: Acts 18:27; Rom. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 3:1f; Col,
4:10; 3 John 5-10).
6.3.3 Associate Members. Regular members who move away from our area and
who cannot find another local church with which they can conscientiously unite
will, at their request, be retained as associate members of this church. Such
persons must retain regular communication with the church in order to maintain
their associate membership. Nevertheless, they are urged to seek diligently a
church with which they can unite elsewhere. An associate member shall not be
allowed to vote in any business meeting of the church. At the discretion of the
Elders, associate membership may be granted to invalids, Christian workers, and
others whose relation to the church involves unusual circumstances.
6.4 RECEPTION INTO MEMBERSHIP
6.4.1 Application. A person who desires to become a member of the church
shall apply to the Elders and request to be interviewed by them. During the
interview the Elders will seek to determine whether that person has a credible
profession of faith in Christ, has been Scripturally baptized, is in
substantial agreement with the confession and constitution of the church, is
capable of assuming the responsibilities and liabilities of church membership,
intends to give wholehearted support of its ministry, and is willing to submit
to its government and discipline. Membership may be denied to those persons
who, at the Elder’s discretion, are unqualified in any of these areas (Acts
9:26-27; 10:47 with 11:2-18; 11:23).
6.4.2 Prior Memberships. If the applicant is or has been a member of
another church, special effort will be made to determine the person’s standing
in that church and his reasons for leaving (Acts 15: 1-2 with 24-25). If said
church raises an objection which the Elders consider valid, the applicant may
be denied membership at the discretion of the Elders.
6.4.3 Procedure. If the Elders are satisfied that the applicant meets the
requirements for membership, they shall announce the name to the congregation
for at least four consecutive Lord’s Days at stated meetings of the church.
This time period is for the purpose of enabling the members to raise any
questions or objections concerning the applicant’s qualifications (Acts
9:26-29). Members are expected to consider this a personal duty of the most
serious character. They are expected to voice privately to the Elders all
questions or objections that have not yet been resolved, after personal contact
has been made with the applicant (Matt, 18:15ff; Lev. 19:16-17). If no
objection which the Elders consider to be valid is raised, the person will be
received into the membership by decision of the Elders. Their reception will be
publicly announced at the next stated meeting of the church. (Matt. 3:6-12; 1
John 4:1; Rev. 2:2). The Elders may postpone the reception of the person into
membership until proper investigation can be made concerning objections which
in their judgment are sufficiently serious.
6.5 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
6.5.1 Types of Termination.
6.5.1.1 By Physical Death. When a member of the church is removed from
our midst by death, his name shall be transferred to the file of former
members.
6.5.1.2 By Transfer
6.5.1.2.1 Basis and Procedure for. Because the New Testament norm for
Christians is that they be members of true local churches of Christ, and
because the spiritual health of believers is endangered when they are not thus
committed to a church, any Christian who leaves the membership of this church
should seek to do so by means of transfer to another true church of Christ.
Therefore, if a church member in good standing whose conduct does not warrant
corrective discipline desires to leave the membership of this church, he is
strongly urged to leave in an orderly way by privately indicating that desire
to the Elders along with his reasons for leaving, and by submitting a request
to the Elders for a transfer of membership to another true church of Christ
(Acts 18:27).
6.5.1.2.2 Prolongation of. When such a departing member has not yet
chosen a suitable church to which he may transfer, the Elders may provide, if
he wishes, for a transitional period which will allow the departing member to
decide where he wishes to be transferred. Such a transitional status will be
allowed to continue as long as the departing member maintains regular contact
with the Elders, does not unnecessarily prolong the transitional process, and
does not engage in conduct requiring the exercise of church discipline.
6.5.1.2.3 Letter of. When it is so requested, the elders may transfer a
departing member of good standing to the fellowship of another church. A letter
of transfer will be sent to the appropriate officer(s) of the church to which
the member wishes to transfer. No such letter may be given to a member who is
at the time under the corrective discipline of this church. The elders may
refuse to grant a letter of transfer to any church which is in their judgment
disloyal to “the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude
3) or which does not exercise godly care over its members.
6.5.1.3 By Resignation. Membership in this church is entered into and
initiated jointly, by voluntary commitment from the individual applicant and
acceptance by the church (as described in Section 6.4). Accordingly, members
cannot terminate their membership unilaterally under all circumstances. As a
general rule, a member may voluntarily resign from membership in this church. A
resignation offered to frustrate or thwart the procedures of corrective
discipline is not valid, and the church may proceed with public censure,
imposition of strictures, or excommunication in accordance with the procedures
outlined in Article 7 (Acts 15:24; 1 John 2:18-19 with 2 John 7-11).
6.5.1.4 By Exclusion. If a member ceases to faithfully attend the stated
meetings of the church (Section 6.7.1) without showing just cause, or if upon
relocation ceases to maintain a vital contact with the church, he may be
excluded from the membership at the discretion of the Elders. In such cases,
the Elders shall try to contact the person to rectify and resolve the situation
(Heb 13:17). If these efforts are ineffective, the Elders shall inform that
person (when possible) and the congregation that he is no longer a member. If a
person not guilty of heresy, scandalous immorality, or divisiveness, either
renounces his commitment to keep any of the requirements of membership listed
in Section 6.7, or ceases, without just cause, to practice any of them as a
pattern of life, and yet wishes to remain in membership, refusing to resign
voluntarily, he may be excluded, but only after repeated admonition from the
Elders (2 Tim. 2:24-26). In such cases the Elders shall announce to the
congregation at a stated meeting their intention to exclude the person. Time
will be allowed for objections or questions to be raised privately with the
Elders by any member. If no objection is raised which the Elders consider
valid, the person will be excluded by action of the Elders. The congregation
and the person shall be informed of this action.
6.5.1.5 By Excommunication. According to the teaching of Holy Scripture,
a church must cut off from its fellowship and visible membership any person who
teaches or insists on holding to false heretical doctrine, who blatantly or
persistently conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with his Christian
profession, or who persists in disturbing the unity, peace or purity of the
church (Matt. 18:15ff; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5;1ff; Titus 3:10-11). The procedure
to be followed in such excommunication is set forth in Section 7.2.4 of this
Constitution.
6.5.2 Implications of Termination.
6.5.2.1 Disclosure to Saints. The Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside
does not exist in isolation from, but is part of the universal church of
Christ, composed of all true churches. Accordingly, open and forthright
communication among the churches is vital for the purity, peace, edification
and unity of the church universal. Therefore, the Elders may, at their
discretion, disclose to the members of this church and to other churches the
circumstances under which a person’s membership was terminated (Acts 15:24; 1
Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim, 2:17; 4:10; 1 John 2:18, 19).
6.5.2.2 Disclosure to Society. In addition, the Reformed Baptist Church
of Riverside does not exist in isolation from society at large. Accordingly,
this church has a moral obligation to society both to act with integrity and to
maintain its testimony (2 Cor. 8:20-21). Therefore, the elders may, at their
discretion, disclose to other persons outside the ecclesiastical circles
mentioned above the circumstances under which a person’s membership was
terminated (Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24; 1 Pet. 4:15).
6.5.2.3 Divisiveness in. Termination of membership does not give license
to former members to sow discord, spread false teachings or reports, or engage
in any other behavior which threatens the peace and unity of this church or the
church universal. Accordingly, when it is established that a former member is
behaving divisively, the Elders may issue whatever warnings they deem
appropriate to maintain and preserve the peace and harmony of this church and
the church universal (Acts 15:24-31; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tim.
2:16-18; 4:10; 1 John 2:18-19).
6.6 PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP. In God’s order, commitment normally
constitutes the pathway to the possession of privileges. Therefore, membership
in this church includes the following privileges:
6.6.1 Participation in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41-42; 1 Cor.
11:23-26);
6.6.2 Attendance at, appropriate participation in, and voting during
church business meetings(Acts 6:11-6 [cf. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:13-14]; 1 Cor.5:4-7
[cf. 1 Cor. 1:2]);
6.6.3 Laboring to extend God’s Kingdom in ministries of the church (as
one’s gifts, graces and calling make appropriate) (Rom. 12:3-21; Eph. 4:7;
11-12; 16; 1 Pet. 4:10-11);
6.6.4 Reception of the committed oversight and care of the Elders of the
church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-3);
6.6.5 Reception of the committed care and discipline (as needed) of the
membership of the church (Acts 6:1-2 [cf Acts 2:41; 5:13-14; 9:26]; 1 Cor. 5:
4-5 [cf. 1 Cor. 1:2]; Gal. 6:10).
6.7 Members’ Commitment to the Body
6.7.1 Attendance at Church Meetings. Since all regular and temporary
members believe in the sanctity of the Lord’s Day and the special duty and
privilege of corporate worship, and since the church is a body which of
necessity must have its members present in order to function; the members of
this church shall seek to come together on the Lord’s Day at the times
appointed for worship, prayer, teaching and preaching from the Scriptures, and
the observance of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Table. Providence
may occasionally hinder some from participation; however, generally this would
be the exception and not the rule. (Acts 2:42, Acts 12:5, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1
Cor.11:18, 20, 1 Cor.12:12-27).
The Elders may call special meetings on occasion when they believe necessity
requires it. Members should seek to participate in the life of the body by
being present at these meetings. (Matthew 18:17, Acts 14:27)
6.7.2 Financial Support. Because it is clearly taught in the Scriptures
that Christians should financially support the work of the Lord by systematic
and proportionate giving through the local church (Gen 14:19-20 with Heb. 7:4;
Mal. 3:8-10; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8,9), all the members of this church are
expected to conform to this rule of Scripture. The tithe (ten percent of one’s
gross personal income) is strongly urged upon each member as an expression of
worship and the biblical norm for basic giving, to which should be added gifts
and offerings according to one’s ability and the willingness of one’s heart
(Gen. 14:19-20 with Heb. 7:4; Exod. 36:2-7; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).
6.7.3 Promotion of Edification and Peace. Inasmuch as the church is
represented in Scripture as a body having many members, each of the members
having its own particular function and yet having a concern for the health and
protection of the whole (1 Cor.12:12-27; Eph. 4:4, 11-16), this church expects
that each of its members will strive for the good of the entire body. As
members of this church we must actively seek to cultivate acquaintance with one
another and maintain mutual transparency and honesty so that we may be better
able to pray for one another; love, comfort and encourage one another; and help
one another materially as necessity may require (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 4:25; 1 John
3:16-18). In addition, we must discreetly confess our faults one to another
(James 5:16), faithfully admonish and encourage one another (1 Thess.5:14; Heb.
3:12-13; 10:24-25), and refrain from all backbiting and gossip (Prov. 10:31-32;
26:20-22). The Elders may determine that some matters of congregational
business are so sensitive that the members may be expected to keep such matters
confidential (Prov. 11:13).
6.7.4 Support of and Submission to the Leadership. All who come into the
membership of this church are expected to recognize and to submit to the
overseers, or Elders, of the church. Supporting God’s servants necessitates
praying for them and their labors (Eph. 6:18-19); cultivating personal
acquaintances with them, loving and esteeming them highly for their work’s sake
(1 Thess. 5:12-13); standing by them and not forsaking them in their
afflictions and in all good causes (2 Tim. 1:15-18); and defending rather than
prejudicing or damaging their good name (Acts 23:5; 1 Tim. 5:19). Submitting to
God’s servants necessitates imitating their Christian graces, faith and godly
principles as they also imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3);
receiving their teaching with all readiness of mind and teachableness of
spirit, yet with ultimate allegiance to the Word of God (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess.
2:13); humbly heeding their Scriptural rebukes and warnings as from those
appointed to watch for the souls entrusted to them and committed to labor to
present them complete and mature in Christ (Col. 1:28); seeking and carefully
considering their counsel as being from those counted faithful by the Lord (1
Cor. 7:10, 25); and lovingly embracing and abiding by their decisions regarding
corporate policy in God’s house, which is His church (1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim.
3:5, Heb. 13:17) without creating division even when personally differing from
their judgment. This submission will include willingly scheduling an oversight
meeting with an Elder(s) when requested.
6.7.5 A Godly Christian Life. All who come into the membership of this
church are expected to walk worthily of the Lord (Eph.4:1ff). Therefore, every
member is expected to practice and cultivate godliness in the following areas:
6.7.5.1 Personal Devotion. Each member is expected to make use of the
various private means of grace such as daily private prayer (Ps. 55:17; Dan.
6:10; Mt. 6-6-13); daily and habitual reading and meditating on God’s Word (Ps
1:2; 119:11, 97); and careful and spiritual observance of the Lord’s Day
(Gen.2:1-3; Ex.20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14; Lk. 2:27; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev.
1:10).
6.7.5.2 Family Life. The church expects its members to obey the teachings
of Scripture in respect to the life and government of the home. As the
God-appointed head of the family, the husband must rule over his household with
gentleness and love, but also with wisdom and firmness (Eph. 5:25ff; 1 Tim.
3:4-5; 1 Pet. 3:7). The wife must be in subjection to her husband in all things
according to the rule of Scripture (Eph. 5:22-24; 1 Pet. 3:1-6). The Bible
clearly teaches that man and woman are equal in created dignity, native
depravity and redemptive privileges. The functional subordination of the
Christian wife does not imply inferiority. The leadership of the husband in the
home should be such that it allows for the full development of the wife’s gifts
and graces (Prov. 31:10-31). The husband and wife must bring up their children
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). This includes setting a
godly example before them, consistently instructing them from the Scriptures
(Deut. 6:4-9), and by wise, firm and loving discipline, including corporal
punishment and verbal reproof when necessary (Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 29:15; Heb.
12:7-8).
6.7.5.3 Personal Evangelism. It is the duty of every Christian, as an
individual and as a member of a local church, to labor by prayer, word, and
deed for the extension of the kingdom of God in ever widening circles,
beginning at home and stretching forth to the ends of the earth (Isa. 54:1-3;
Acts 1:8). Therefore, every member of this church is expected prayerfully to
recognize and seize every opportunity to bear witness to his faith in Christ,
both by consistent Christian conduct and by the testimony of his lips (Col.
4:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:14-15).
6.7.5.4 Christian Liberty. Each member of the church is required to
render in his daily life loyal obedience to all the moral precepts established
by the Word of God (Rom. 8:3,4). If God has not condemned or forbidden a
practice in His Word, a Christian is at liberty to participate in it. The
exercise of Christian liberty, however, must at all times be governed by an
earnest desire to walk in the fear of God and to glorify Him in all things (1
Cor. 10:31; 1 Pet. 1:15-19), a loving regard for the consciences of weaker
brethren (Rom. 15:1-31; 1 Cor. 8:7-12), a compassion for the lost (1 Cor.
9:19-22), and a zealous regard for the health of one’s own soul (Rom. 13:14; 1
Cor. 6:12; 9:24-27; Gal. 5:22-24; 1 Pet. 2:16).
6.7.5.5 Separation from the World. God never intended the glorious
blessing of Christian liberty which we enjoy to become an excuse and covering
for worldliness (Gal 5:13; 1 Pet. 2:16). To the contrary, we have been
liberated from bondage to our former sins in order that we might be a people
distinct from this present evil age (Gal. 1:4) and set apart unto God (Lev.
18:1-30; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:14-16). Accordingly, we are called upon to
identify and abhor the attitudes and practices of this age that are contrary to
the will of God (Rom. 12:9; Eph. 4:17-22; 5:7-12; 1 Thess. 5:21-22; Titus 2:12;
3:3; 1 Pet. 4:3-4). We are also called upon personally to resist the molding
influence of a godless society (Prov. 1:10-19; Rom. 12:1-2; James 1:27).
Therefore, all the members of this church are expected to separate from the
wicked practices and attitudes of such society while still living in and
ministering to it (1 Cor. 5:9-11).
6.7.5.5.1 The Things of this Life. We are expected to resist the worldly
attitude that deems the things of this life to be of primary importance (1 John
2:15-17). This means that we are not to become so absorbed with work, material
possessions, politics, recreations, or any other person or thing, that it
rivals our primary attachment to Christ (Matt. 6:24).
6.7.5.5.2 Values and Relativism. We are not to adopt the distorted values
of this world, such as: considering self-worth to be rooted in attainments,
social standing, heritage, or usefulness to society. It means, too, that we are
not to adopt the moral relativism of the world, especially respecting the
sanctity of life and truth.
6.7.5.5.3 Gender Roles. We are expected to resist a worldly attitude
about masculinity and femininity. This means that we must reject the carnal
notions that male and female roles are arbitrary and reversible; that sexual
orientation is a matter of preference rather than morality; and that marriage
is oppressive unless it is egalitarian. This also means that we must regard a
wife’s primary role to be that of a helper to her husband (Gen. 2:18), her
basic (but not necessarily exclusive) sphere of labor to be domestic (Prov.
31:10-31; 1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:4-5), and her estate as wife and mother to be
noble and honorable, rather than degrading and unfulfilling. It means too that
we must regard a husband’s role not only to be that of provider and protector
(Eph. 5:23, 28; 1 Tim. 5:8), but also to be that of giving personal nurture to
his children (Eph. 6:4; 1 Thess.2:11; Heb. 12:9) and considerate nurture to his
wife (1 Peter 3:7; Gen. 18:6-8).
6.7.5.5.4 Vices. We are expected not to indulge in any of those vices
which surround us: drunkenness, drug abuse, gluttony, viewing pornographic
materials, fornication, homosexuality and other such sins.
6.7.5.5.5 Relationships. Respecting the world’s influence, we are
expected to refrain from all entangling relationships with the ungodly, such as
intimate, frequent companionship with them (Prov. 12:26; James 4:4), pursuing
romantic interest in them (Judges 16:4-5; 1 Kings 11:1-4, 9; Prov. 2:16-17;
6:23-25), and contracting marriages with them (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 7:39).
Similarly, we are expected carefully to seek to discern and resist any wicked
influence of this godless society upon our souls and our families, whether it
is exerted by means of television, video tapes, movies, music, literature,
schools, or any other means (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:11-12).
6.8 RECORDS OF MEMBERSHIP. The Elders shall keep a file of all past and
present members. This file shall have three divisions: regular members,
associate members, and former members. The file of former members shall include
a date and reason church membership was terminated, as well as any other
necessary information (see Section 6.5).
7.1 FORMATIVE DISCIPLINE. Every disciple of Christ is disciplined by Him
personally and without intervening mediators (Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor. 11:29-32; 1
Thess. 4:6; Heb. 12:5-11; Rev. 2:22-23); and mediately, through the church
(Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Thess. 5:12-15; Heb. 3:12-13; 10:24-25). Mutual submission
to one another and to the overseers whom the Lord has set over His church (1
Pet. 5:5) will result in the sanctification of each member individually and of
the whole body of the church collectively. There are occasions, however, when
informal discipline alone is insufficient and formal corrective discipline
becomes necessary.
7.2 CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE
7.2.1 General Statement. Corrective discipline becomes necessary when
heretical doctrine or disorderly, immoral, or scandalous conduct appears among
the members of the church. As a general rule and whenever feasible, an effort
must be made to resolve difficulty, correct error, and remove offense through
counsel and admonition before more serious steps are taken (Gal. 6:1; James
5:19-20). The principles given in Matt. 18:15-20, Rom. 16:17-20, 1 Cor. 5:1-13,
2 Thess. 3:6-15, 1 Tim. 5:19-22, 6:3-5, and Titus 3:10 must be carefully
followed and applied to each case of corrective discipline as appropriate. In
some cases, public admonition and/or public repentance may be warranted (Matt.
18:17; 1 Tim. 5:20). In other cases, some of the privileges of membership may
need to be suspended and appropriate stricture imposed (Rom. 16:17-20; 2 Thess.
3:14-15). In the most extreme cases excommunication from the membership of the
church may be necessary (Matt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 1 Tim. 1:20;
Titus 3:10). All the members of the church are obliged to submit to and enforce
as appropriate the decision of the church in acts of corrective discipline.
Since the church is a spiritual and religious institution, the punishments (2
Cor. 2:6) implemented by the church in corrective discipline are also
spiritual. They include public verbal reproof (Matt. 18:17; 1 Tim. 5:20),
social avoidance and withdrawal of distinctively Christian fellowship (Rom.
16:17; 1 Cor. 5:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14) and removal from the membership of the
church (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:13). They are intended to effect repentance
through a sense of sorrow and shame (2 Cor. 2:7; 2 Thess. 3:14). The church has
no right, however, to confiscate goods, revoke conjugal rights, or inflict
corporal punishment of any kind. Nevertheless, a member guilty of criminal
actions may be delivered to the civil authorities according to the rule of
Scripture (Rom. 12:17b; 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 4:15).
The goals of corrective discipline are always the glory of God, the welfare and
purity of the church (1 Cor. 5:6; 1 Tim. 5:20) and the restoration and
spiritual growth of the offender (1 Cor. 5:5, 2 Cor. 2:5-8; 1 Tim. 1:20).
7.2.2 Public Reproof or Censure. Public reproof consists of a pastoral
effort, before the gathered church, to call an impenitent church member to
repentance for sin too serious to be covered with a blanket of love; or to deal
with serious sin even where there may have been repentance. The Elders may
administer public censure whenever, in their judgment, either public misconduct
(Gal. 2:11-14; 1 Tim. 5:20), patterns of sin (Titus 1:12-13), or serious
doctrinal error (Titus 1:10-13) pose a significant threat to the godliness,
unity or testimony of the congregation. Those who humbly receive the word of
public reproof, own and confess their sin, and manifest a transformed life
(Prov. 28:13) shall afterward be publicly commended for their godly repentance
(2 Cor. 7:7-11). If the reproof is not heeded, further discipline may be
imposed.
7.2.3 Suspension of Privileges. Some misconduct on the part of a member
is so detrimental to the unity, holiness and testimony of the church that the
Lord required public reproof to be accompanied with the suspension of some of
the privileges of membership according to the nature and gravity of the offense
(Rom. 16:17-20; 2 Thess. 3:6-15). In all cases of suspension the offending
person is still regarded as a brother in Christ and as a member of the church.
Severe reproof is to be expressed (Matt. 18:17) and the suspension is to be
enforced (Rom. 16:17-20; 2 Thess. 3:6-15) by the entire church, and not merely
by the Elders representing the church. Therefore, when appropriate, the Elders
shall, at a duly convened business meeting of the church, recommend that the
offending member be suspended. The Elders shall specify the grounds of the
discipline, the privileges to be revoked, and the stricture to be imposed. To
be valid, an act of suspension must have the approval of at least two-thirds of
the members present and voting. In the interest of maintaining a climate of
holiness and peace, the Elders shall have the right, at their sole discretion,
to impose a temporary suspension upon a member during the brief interval
between their determination to recommend suspension and the congregational
vote. A member under suspension shall be treated by the congregation according
to the specific applications of the general principle of social avoidance (Rom.
16:17-20; 2 Thess. 3:14-15) determined by the Elders. Those who humbly submit
to the imposed discipline shall afterwards be forgiven, have their privileges
restored, and be publicly received back into the full fellowship of the church
(Matt. 18:15; 2 Cor. 2:5-11).
The general categories of sin which require suspension are as follows:
7.2.3.1 A Stubborn Private Offender (Matt. 18:15-17). When a private
offense remains unresolved even after the method prescribed by our Lord in
Matt. 18:15-16 has been graciously and prayerfully followed, it is considered
an aggravated offense. The brethren involved shall bring the matter to the
Elders who, if they judge the matter to be serious and cannot persuade the
brother to repent, shall report the situation to the church, and recommend that
the stubborn brother be suspended (Matt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17). If, even after a
period of suspension, the person remains adamant in his sin, excommunication
may be enacted according to the procedure outlined in Section 7.2.4. (Matt.
18:17b).
7.2.3.2 Divisive Teachings or Behavior (Rom. 16:17-20; Titus 3:10). When
a member deliberately persists in the propagation of serious doctrinal error
contrary to the Scripture or our Confession, or attempts to sow discord among
the membership contrary to the Scripture or this Constitution, he may be
suspended as a factious man. Since every member is responsible to help preserve
the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:1ff), no one is to conceal such divisive
behavior, but rather to reprove it, and disclose it to the Elders (Deut. 13:6f;
1 Cor. 1:10,11). Whenever the Elders become aware of such divisive behavior,
they are to confront it meekly and patiently according to the Word of God (1
Cor. 1:10ff; Titus 3:10). If, even after receiving repeated admonition from the
Elders, a member persists in such behavior, the Elders shall report the
situation to the church and recommend that the divisive brother be suspended.
If, even after a period of suspension, the person remains impenitent,
excommunication may be enacted according to the procedure outlined in Section
7.2.4.
7.2.3.3 Disorderly Behavior (2 Thess. 3:6-16; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 5:14).
Some kinds of conduct and doctrine are categorized as disorderly. If a member
deliberately persists in conduct which displays a flagrant or public disregard
for the order appointed by God for all mankind in the creation ordinances,
namely: work, Sabbath and marriage (Gen. 2:1-3, 15, 18-24; Exod. 20:8-11; Matt.
19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:1-17, 39; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:8; Titus 2:5), he may be
suspended as a disorderly man (2 Thess. 3:6). Similarly, a member may be
suspended as a disorderly man if he deliberately persists in conduct contrary
to the order established by Christ for His church in Scripture (1 Cor.
11:17-34; 14:37-40; 1 Tim. 3:14, 15) as recognized by our church in this
Constitution. Whenever the Elders become aware that, in spite of the
admonitions of formative discipline (1 Thess. 5:14), a member is behaving
disorderly, they are to confront him meekly and patiently according to the Word
of God (2 Thess. 3:14-15). Disorderly conduct is to be distinguished from
traitorous conduct. A disorderly member is not immediately to be
excommunicated. Rather he is to be suspended in accordance with the directions
of 2 Thess. 3:6-15 and not regarded as an enemy but admonished as a brother.
However, if even after receiving such admonition from the Elders, a member
persists in this behavior, the Elders shall report the situation to the church
and recommend that the disorderly brother be suspended (2 Thess. 3:14-15). If,
even after the period of suspension, the person remains impenitent,
excommunication may be enacted according to the procedure outlined in Section
7.2.4.
7.2.3.4 A Scandalous Sin. If a member has sinned scandalously but shows
hopeful signs of repentance, including submission to the Elders,
excommunication would be unwarranted. However, it may still be prudent to
suspend him for a time so that he may realize the gravity of the offense and
clearly manifest repentance (Matt. 3:8), so that reproach not be brought upon
the Name of Christ and the church (Isa. 52:5; Ezk. 36:20-21; Rom. 2:24), and so
that others may not be emboldened to sin (1 Tim. 5:20). If fruits worthy of
repentance are not forthcoming, the Elders may recommend to the church at a
later date that this person be excommunicated according to the procedure
outlined in Section 7.2.4.
7.2.3.5 Contempt of Church Discipline. If a person is accused or
suspected of an offense requiring corrective discipline, yet absents himself
from the meetings of the church, or refuses to meet with the Elders so that the
matter may be investigated, such a person may be suspended (Matt. 18:17; Num.
16:1-12, 23-27). The Elders may recommend to the church at a later date that
this person be excommunicated according to the procedure outlined in Section
7.2.4.
7.2.4. Excommunication
7.2.4.1 Occasions Requiring. In addition to the excommunication of those
who have been previously suspended, some expressions of sin (ethical or
doctrinal) are so gross and heinous in nature that preliminary actions like
public reproof and suspension are inappropriate. In such cases, the guilty
member may be immediately excommunicated by the church (1 Cor. 5:1-5). This
severe measure is to be employed when both aggravated lawlessness is
discovered, and there are no hopeful signs of repentance. This severe measure
is designed to purge the lawbreaker of his lethal attachment to his sin, unto a
sincere and enduring repentance (1 Cor. 5:5). The Elders, therefore, having
made earnest but unsuccessful efforts to bring the offender to true repentance
and reformation, shall report the same to the church and recommend that the
offender be excommunicated.
7.2.4.2 Church Consent in. All acts of excommunication must be executed
by the gathered (Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:4). To be valid, an act of
excommunication must have the approval of at least two thirds of the members
present and voting at a duly convened business meeting of the church.
7.2.4.3 Following Suspension. Members who have been suspended may be
excommunicated if they continue to be impenitent.
7.2.5 Restoration. The purposes of church discipline are to restore a
fallen brother or sister and to keep the church pure. Therefore, it is the duty
of the church to forgive and to restore to full membership a suspended or
excommunicated member who gives satisfactory evidence of his repentance (2 Cor.
2:6-8; Matt. 18:18-20). This shall be done in a duly convened business meeting
of the church by a two thirds majority of the members present and voting.
8.1 GENERAL STATEMENT.There are two ordinances of special significance
that our Lord has commanded us to observe, namely, baptism and the Lord’s
Supper. Neither of them has saving merit, nor is any grace imparted to the
recipient through the water of baptism or through the bread and the cup of the
supper. These ordinances are not means of “special grace, “ but they are
special “means of grace” and powerful aids to the faith of the believers who
participate in them.
8.2 BAPTISM
8.2.1 Its Candidates. Only confessed disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ
are proper candidates for baptism, and all such persons should be baptized and
joined to the church (Matt. 28:19-21; Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 5:13, 14).
8.2.2 Its Necessity for Membership. Believing that baptism in water is
the God-ordained sign of one’s personal union with Christ in His death, burial,
and resurrection, and the door of entrance into the visible community of the
people of God, normally we shall receive into the membership of the church only
those who have been baptized as believers “in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).
8.2.3 Its Mode. Immersion in water is the biblical mode of baptism, is
necessary for its due administration, and is the only mode to be administered
by this church.
8.3 THE LORD’S SUPPER
Whereas baptism is the initiatory ordinance by which one enters the visible
church, and should be observed only once by each believer, the Lord’s Supper
should be celebrated frequently by the assembled church (1 Cor. 11:26). While
this is a most holy ordinance and should be observed with solemnity and
dignity, the bread and the cup of the supper are and remain only symbols of the
broken body and the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. In order to maintain
the purity of this ordinance, the Elders will faithfully seek to insure that
only true believers are admitted to the table.
9.1 GENERAL STATEMENT
Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His Church (Col. 1:18). He has ordained that
individual churches should be governed by Himself through officers whom He
appoints, who are endowed by His Spirit with the gifts and graces needed to
accomplish their work. Christ has ordained that local churches are to be
administered by Elders and Deacons. Beside these two offices the Scriptures
acknowledge no office which continues in the church today (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim.
3:1-13).
9.2 PREREQUISITES
9.2.1 Conformity. Any individual set apart to one of these offices must
conscientiously be able to affirm his agreement with the Church’s Confession of
Faith and Constitution. If he should at any time move from this position, he
would be under spiritual and moral obligation to immediately make that fact
known to the Elders in an orderly manner.
9.2.2 Gender. While we acknowledge the valuable gifts which God has given
women and the valuable assistance they may render to the officers of the church
(Rom. 16:1-16; Phil. 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:11), the Bible prohibits women from holding
either the office of Deacon or Elder in the church (1 Cor. 14:33b-35; 1 Tim.
2:8-15; 3:1-7). Women, therefore, shall not be nominated, elected, or ordained
to either of these offices in the church. It is also contrary to Scripture for
any woman to exercise headship of leadership in a formal meeting of the church
where adult men are present, either by leading in prayer, conducting the
worship, reading the Scripture, leading the singing, administering the
sacraments, or ministering the Word of God (1 Cor. 14:33b-35; 1 Tim. 2:8-15).
Since it is also a violation of the Scriptures for a woman to exercise
authority over a man in spiritual things outside a meeting of the church, no
woman shall be appointed to a teaching or authoritative function in a ministry
of the church where adult men would be regularly under her ministry.
Nevertheless, we acknowledge and encourage the valuable gifts and assistance of
women in the formal instruction of children and other women (Titus 2:3-5), in
the informal instruction even of men (1 Cor. 11:5; Acts 18:26), and in the
diaconal and especially the benevolent ministries of the church (1 Tim.
5:9-10).
9.3 ELDERS
9.3.1 Terminology. Those who have been called of God to rule and teach in
the church are called Elders, Pastors, or Overseers (sometimes translated
“bishops”). These three titles are interchangeable and designate one and the
same office in a New Testament church (Acts 20:17, 28: Eph. 4:11,12; Titus 1:5,
7).
9.3.2 Qualifications. Anyone desiring the office of an Elder must
evidence to God’s people the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications
that are set forth in the Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
9.3.3 Authority. Because the authority of the Elders of the church is
human authority exercised in the house of God, it has both high prerogatives
and important limitations:
9.3.3.1 It is Limited Authority. The authority of the Elders does not
include the right to make certain decisions unilaterally. In major decisions of
church life (such as those having to do with the admission of new members,
corrective discipline, recognition of officers, and the sale or purchase of a
church building or real estate), the local church as a whole has a voice (Acts
6:2-6; 9:26; 1 Cor. 5:4-5; 13; 2 Cor. 2:6). Yet the Elders must provide
definitive leadership to the church in the making of such decisions.
9.3.3.2 It is Local Authority. The authority of the Elders is limited to
the sphere of the local church. Thus, they will not require punishments for sin
beyond those of biblical church discipline, will not invade the
biblically-defined spheres of other divinely-ordained human authorities
(husbands, fathers, civil rulers, and employers), and will not command God’s
people regarding matters not specified in Scripture except to order the house
of God by the application of His Word (Matt. 22:21; Luke 12:13-14; Acts 20:28;
Rom. 13: 1-7; 1 Cor. 7:25-28, 35-40; Eph. 5:22-6:9; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).
9.3.3.3 It is Accountable Authority. The authority of Elders is
conditioned by the fact that they are themselves members of the local church.
While Elders are shepherds over the flock, they are also members of the flock.
Therefore, each individual Elder is entitled to the same privileges, is
obligated by the same responsibilities, and is subject to the same discipline
as are all the other members of the church. Thus, each individual Elder is both
under the oversight of his fellow Elders and accountable to the church as a
whole (Matt. 18:15-17; 23:8-9; Gal. 2:11; 3 John 1, 9-10).
9.3.3.4 It is Shared Authority. The authority of every Elder is the same.
Thus, every Elder has equal rule in the church. Though gifts possessed and
functions performed will vary from Elder to Elder, this diversity must not
undermine real parity among the Elders (Acts 20:17, 28; Gal. 2:11; 1 Pet.
5:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:17).
9.3.3.5 It is Real Authority. The Scriptures designate the Elders as
those who “rule” in the church (1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17; note also the
scriptural titles and functions of the office). God’s people are, therefore,
required to submit when such authority is biblically exercised.
9.3.4 Pastoral Visits. One crucial aspect of the Elders’ duties is
personally overseeing the flock of God. Fulfillment of this duty shall include
regularly and systematically meeting with each member of the church on at least
an annual basis, except when physically impossible due to distance.
9.3.5 Remuneration. Elders will be maintained in material necessities and
disentangled from the cares of another vocation according to their gifts, the
needs and capability of the church, and the direction of Christ her Head (1
Cor. 9:4-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18).
9.3.6 Plurality. Though a plurality of Elders is a New Testament norm for
every church, the New Testament does not specify the number of Elders each
church should have, nor does it dictate the length of an Elder’s term of
office. One truly called to this office is usually called to it for life. He is
a gift of Christ to the church, and the gifts of God are without repentance.
Only when an Elder fails to meet the necessary scriptural qualifications for
his office does he disqualify himself from being an Elder. An Elder may
honorably resign from his office for a time if he is providentially hindered
from properly discharging his pastoral duties. He may, at the discretion of the
Elders, without re-examination by the congregation, re-assume office when those
hindrances have been removed.
9.3.7 Absence of. Should the office of Elder be vacant, the Deacons shall
call a church meeting over which one of their members shall preside. At this
meeting the church, by vote, shall place herself under the temporary guidance
of the Elders of a like-minded Reformed Baptist church. This guidance shall
remain in effect until removed by congregational vote.
9.4 DEACONS
9.4.1 Purpose. The office of Deacon was ordained by the Apostles to
enable the ministers of the Word to concentrate on the specific functions of
their office, namely preaching, teaching, counseling and prayer (Acts 6:1-6;
20:20, 31; Eph. 4:11-13). Deacons are primarily responsible to administer the
benevolent and business affairs of the church.
9.4.2 Qualifications. The qualifications for the office of Deacon are
almost identical with those for the office of Elder (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5).
The only contrast between the qualifying standards for both offices is that the
Elders must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2).
9.4.3 Relationship to the Elders. Scripture indicates that Elders have
authority over diaconal concerns (Acts 6:2-4; 11:30). The Deacons, therefore,
must fulfill the duties of their office in cooperation with, and in subjection
to, the Elders.
9.4.4 Number. The number of Deacons shall not be fixed. The church shall
choose as many as are needed from among the men who evidence the scriptural
qualifications for the office (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13).
9.5 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
9.5.1 General Statement. The appointment of Elders and Deacons is the
prerogative of the Lord Jesus Christ alone. He has ordained, however, that each
local church exercise the responsibility of recognizing those whom He is
appointing to be Elders and Deacons in that particular church. Elders and
Deacons are ordained, or appointed, to office by the laying on of hands by the
Eldership (Acts 6:6; 1 Tim. 4:14). This is an expression of approval for which
the Elders are responsible (1 Tim. 5:22). Therefore, each officer must have the
approval, not only of the church as a whole, but of the Eldership in
particular. The Lord’s appointment of an individual to either of these offices
is recognized by means of that individual’s possession of those graces and
gifts required by Scripture for the particular office and his own conviction
that the Lord is calling him to minister in that office (1 Tim. 3:1-7). The
recognition of officers is a matter of such importance that it should never be
pursued without much prayerful waiting upon God, an honest perusal of the
relevant passages of Scripture, and a frank evaluation of those who are being
considered. Each member of the church has a spiritual responsibility to be
intelligently informed regarding these matters.
9.5.2 Procedure of Appointment. The recognition of those whom the Lord
has appointed to bear office in this church is executed in three steps:
nomination, election and, ordination.
9.5.2.1 Nomination. Nominations to either office are made by the
Eldership. At least once every year at the annual business meeting an advisory
ballot shall be taken. On this ballot every voting member may write the name of
any male member(s) and the office for which he believes that member to be
qualified. Those men named by twenty-five percent or more of the members will
then be considered by the Elders. If the Elders agree that the nominees are
suitable, they will be notified and asked whether they will accept the
nomination.
9.5.2.2 Election. Any church meeting for the election of officers shall
be announced on four consecutive Lord’s Days previous to its being held. The
nominees shall be separately discussed and voted upon. During the discussion
the nominee under consideration and members of his immediate family shall leave
the presence of the assembly. The scriptural qualifications shall be read and
expounded, and the nominee’s qualifications openly discussed in the fear of God
and with due respect for the reputation of the nominee. Concerning the vote,
the church should seek unity of mind, but should such unity not be fully
realized, no fewer than three-fourths of those ballots cast shall be required
for election. This vote shall take place by written ballot subsequent to a full
and free discussion oriented to the relevant scriptural passages.
9.5.2.3 Ordination. Following the election of an officer there shall be a
portion of a regular worship service set aside at which time the officer shall
be ordained by the laying on of the hands of the Eldership. This solemn act
should always be accompanied by the special prayers of the whole church (Acts
13:1-3). The laying on of the Elders’ hands shall signify their approval of an
officer-elect.
9.5.2.4 Chairmanship. The Elders shall choose one from their number to
serve as chairman of their meetings. The Deacons shall do the same.
9.6 REVIEW OF OFFICERS
9.6.1 Regular Review. There shall be a review of each officer’s
qualifications for office four years after his ordination into the church and
every fourth year thereafter for as long as he occupies the office in this
church. The procedure for review is outlined in Section 9.6.3.
9.6.2 Untimely Review. There may arise reasons that would require an
officer to be reviewed before the regularly scheduled time. Such a review
meeting may be called by a majority of the Elders (or a majority of the other
Elders in the case of an Elder). The members may also request such a meeting.
This request can only be made after two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19) have
met with the officer in an attempt to resolve the issues of concern. The
request must be set forth in writing with the signatures of one-third of the
voting members in good standing. It must be presented to the Elders, who shall,
in turn, make the proper announcement of the meeting. Such a review meeting
would also follow the procedure of Section 9.6.3.
9.6.3 Procedure for Review. Any meeting for the review of an officer
shall be announced on four consecutive Lord’s Days prior to its being held.
There shall be discussion and a vote by written ballot regarding the office
under review. During the discussion the officer under consideration and members
of his immediate family shall leave the presence of the assembly. The
scriptural qualifications shall be read and expounded, and the officer’s
qualifications openly discussed in the fear of God and with due respect for the
reputation of the officer. Any member who publicly suggests in such a meeting
that the officer being reviewed is unqualified for his office must have
previously spoken with the officer himself and informed the Elders of the
church of his concerns (1 Tim. 5:19). He must also present biblical and factual
warrant for his concerns at the review meeting. Just as it is wrong for a
church to retain an officer who is not biblically qualified, so also it is
rebellion against the Head of the church to reject an officer for any but
biblical grounds. Additionally, any officer about whom such concerns are raised
must be permitted, if he wishes, to return to the meeting and defend himself.
Concerning the vote, the church should seek unity of mind, but should such
unity not be fully realized, no fewer than three-fourths of those ballots cast
shall be required for the confirmation of an officer in his office. Any officer
failing of confirmation no longer holds office in the church.
9.6.4 Resignation. An officer may resign his office without prejudice if
he does so in an orderly fashion and for good and valid reasons. This
resignation together with its reasons and the date upon which he wishes his
resignation to be effective shall be submitted in writing to the Elders of the
church.
9.7 FULL SUPPORT OF ELDERS
9.7.1 General Considerations. Though all Elders are equal as to the
authority of their office, not all Elders possess qualifications warranting
full financial support in the office. The Bible teaches that special ability in
ruling the church and, more especially, in public teaching and preaching are
gifts worthy of full support (1 Cor. 9:1-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17). Thus,
before it undertakes his full support, the church must recognize that an Elder
or nominee to the Eldership possesses special ministerial gifts and that he is
excelling in the employment of those gifts for the benefit of the church, in
ways appropriate to his opportunities. Special caution should be exercised in
giving full support to an Elder for the following reasons: (1) full support
necessitates his removal from a secular vocation, which, in the interests of
Christ’s Kingdom and of his family, might be a more advantageous position for
him to occupy; (2) a major portion of the church’s financial stewardship is
involved, for which its Head will hold it accountable; and (3) a fully
supported Elder has a greater influence upon the church, for good or ill. The
provisions of this section apply to any proportion of financial support
required by an increase of ministry that would hinder an Elder’s full-time
employment in a secular vocation.
9.7.2 Procedures. The Elders may recommend to the church that an existing
Elder or a nominee to the Eldership be fully supported.
9.7.2.1 For a Nominee. In the case of a nominee, full support may be
considered in conjunction with the consideration of his qualifications for the
Eldership. In such a case, the Elders will inform the church of their
recommendation when the business meeting for this purpose is announced. A
distinct discussion and vote for both election to the office and full support
in the office is not necessary.
9.7.2.2 For an Existing Elder. In the case of an existing Elder who is
being recommended for full support, a church meeting to consider this
recommendation shall be announced on four consecutive Lord’s Days prior to its
being held. Such a recommendation may be considered in conjunction with the
review of the Elder involved. A distinct discussion and vote for both
confirmation in the office and full support in the office is not necessary.
9.7.2.3 Conduct of the Meeting. During any meeting where full support is
being considered, special attention shall be given to the relevant teaching of
Scripture (1 Cor. 9:1-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17). During the discussion the man
under consideration and members of his immediate family shall leave the
presence of the assembly. Such discussion must at all times reflect the fear of
God, the claims of truth, and the gravity of the matter. Any vote upon full
support requires no fewer than three-fourths of those ballots cast for
approval.
9.7.2.4 Review of. The full support of Elders as well as their
continuation in office will be subject to review (see Section 9.6). Normally, a
review of full support will take place in conjunction with the review of an
Elder’s qualification for office, whether at regular intervals or at special
review meetings. However, circumstances may arise in which an Elder’s full
support may need to be reviewed as an issue separate from his continuation in
office. In such cases, a review shall follow the applicable procedures outlined
above. Continuance of full support shall require no fewer than three-fourths of
the ballots cast.
10.1 PURPOSE. In order to comply with California State law governing
non-profit organizations, this church shall have such officers as the law
requires to represent the church before the state.
10.2 QUALIFICATIONS. Legal officers shall be regular members in good
standing (Section 6.3.1).
10.3 AUTHORITY. Legal officers operate under the authority of the Elders
(or their designates). Since their office is not Biblically mandated, they have
no role in governing the affairs of this church.
10.4 APPOINTMENT. Appointment of legal officers shall be the
responsibility of the Elders. The duration of their term of office shall be for
one year, but may be renewed indefinitely.
11.1 GENERAL STATEMENT. All congregational meetings shall be called by
the Elders. There shall be an annual business meeting of the church held near
the end of January for the hearing of reports, the taking of the advisory
ballot (Section 9.5.2.1), and the transaction of other business which the
Elders bring before the church. Special business meetings may be called at
other times at the discretion of the Elders.
11.2 NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Notice of all congregational meetings in which
business is to be transacted shall be announced at regular services for at
least two (2) successive Sundays. Other business meetings at which there is no
business transacted by vote may be called at the discretion of the Elders
without such notice.
11.3 QUORUM. Fifty percent of the voting membership shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business.
11.4 CHAIRMANSHIP. The Elders shall appoint one from their number to
preside at all business meetings.
11.5 VOTING. All regular and temporary members who have reached the age
of eighteen years except those suspended by the church shall constitute the
voting membership of the church. All voting members should regard their
presence at a duly called church meeting with the same seriousness with which
they would regard their attendance at a stated service of worship. The Elders
shall determine whether absentee votes will be permitted on a case-by-case
basis as members make known their reason for absence. Unanimity of heart and
mind shall at all times be sought and prayed for (Acts 6:5), but when such
unanimity is not realized, no less than a two-thirds majority of those voting
will make a resolution valid. In other matters wherein the Constitution
requires a different proportionate vote, this two-thirds figure will be
overridden by the express statements of the Constitution regarding those
categories of business.
12.1 EXTENT. The Constitution, as with any other non-inspired document,
is not infallible. It does, however, reflect an earnest and sincere attempt to
apply the Scriptures in ordering the life of this local church. Furthermore, we
as members of this church, including the Elders, have solemnly committed
ourselves to follow this Constitution in ordering the life of this church (see
the Preamble). Therefore, the demands of the ninth commandment, and the
sanctity of truth in general, require that the Elders and all other members of
this church abide by our mutual commitment.
12.2 LIMITATIONS. Only when we must obey God rather than the provisions
of this Constitution may its requirements be disregarded (Acts 5:29). If at any
time a member of this church becomes aware that adherence to this Constitution
would violate biblical principle he should make it known to the Elders. If the
Elders conclude that biblical principle requires disregarding a provision of
this Constitution, they are obligated to communicate this together with the
reason(s) for their conclusion to the church within one month at a duly called
meeting of the church. Furthermore, relevant amendments to this Constitution
must be submitted to the church and acted upon in accordance with the
provisions of Section 12.3 within one year following this informational
meeting.
12.3 AMENDMENTS. Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by a
three-fourths majority of members present and voting at a duly convened church
meeting. Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the congregation in
written form at least two weeks prior to such a meeting.
|
