Constitution

Preamble

Having been as we believe be led by God the Holy Spirit to establish this church. We under the guidance of His Spirit, do recognize the need to constitute ourselves in such a fashion as to conform to Christ’s will for the Church in this age and prepare ourselves for greater efforts in His name. Therefore, we, the members of Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly, do hereby organize ourselves and adopt this Constitution as our articles of governance, to be interpreted at all times to reflect the character of and bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Bible, and articulated in the standards set forth in the Confession of Faith and the Covenant of this church.

Article I. Name

This congregation shall be known as Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly.

Article II. Objectives

This church exists by the grace of God and for the glory of God, which shall be the ultimate purpose in all its activities. This church glorifies God by loving Him (Matthew 22:37Matthew 22:37
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37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  

WP-Bible plugin) and obeying His commands through: Worshiping Him (Luke 4:8Luke 4:8
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8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  

WP-Bible plugin; Revelation 22:9Revelation 22:9
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9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.  

WP-Bible plugin); Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and study (2 Timothy 3:16-172 Timothy 3:16-17
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16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. throughly...: or, perfected  

WP-Bible plugin; Romans 8:29Romans 8:29
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29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  

WP-Bible plugin); Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of Holy Scripture (Romans 1:16-17Romans 1:16-17
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16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  

WP-Bible plugin; Mark 16:15Mark 16:15
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15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  

WP-Bible plugin); Encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and international (Matthew 28:19-20Matthew 28:19-20
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19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  

WP-Bible plugin); Administering the ordinances of baptism and communion

Article III. Statement of Faith

Section 1 – We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired, infallible Word of God and as the basis for our beliefs. We are banded together as baptized disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ and are mutually surrendered to being obedient to His commands. The ordinances of His church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Section 2 - Articles of Faith – Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) summarized in the 1858 Abstract of Principles.

ARTICLE IV: Covenant & Covenant Responsibilities

Section 1. – Introductory Statement – God has graciously entered into a covenant relationship with His believing people (Jer. 31:31-34Jer. 31:31-34
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31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: ³² Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: although...: or, should I have continued an husband unto them? ³³ But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. ³⁴ And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.  

WP-Bible plugin; 32:40; Heb. 8:7-13Heb. 8:7-13
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7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. ⁸ For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: ⁹ Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. ¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: put: Gr. give in: or, upon ¹¹ And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. ¹³ In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.  

WP-Bible plugin; 10:16,17; 13:20,21). Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 8:6Heb. 8:6
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6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. covenant: or, testament  

WP-Bible plugin). His blood is the blood of the New Covenant, which infallibly secures all the benefits of the covenant for all God’s people (Matt. 26:26-28Matt. 26:26-28
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26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. blessed it: many Greek copies have gave thanks ²⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; ²⁸ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  

WP-Bible plugin; Heb. 13:20Heb. 13:20
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20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, covenant: or, testament  

WP-Bible plugin,21). God has in this New Covenant made us members one of another (Rom. 12:4Rom. 12:4
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4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  

WP-Bible plugin,5; 1 Cor. 12:12-271 Cor. 12:12-27
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12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Gentiles: Gr. Greeks ¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? ¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body? ²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body. ²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. ²² Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. bestow: or, put on ²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: ²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. schism: or, division ²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  

WP-Bible plugin; Eph. 4:25Eph. 4:25
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25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  

WP-Bible plugin). 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 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. It is by the enablement of the Holy Spirit that we obey, in loving gratitude for Christ’s righteousness which has been imputed to us, and not to establish our own righteousness before God. We obey with the confidence that the end of Christ’s death will be realized in us (that is, “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,” Rom.8:1-4, and that we should be a people “zealous of good works,” Titus 2:14Titus 2:14
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14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  

WP-Bible plugin). The following paragraphs are a summary of what we believe are our covenant responsibilities toward God and toward one another.

Section 2 – Summary of Our Covenant Responsibilities (God’s Law Written in Our Hearts):

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 have no other gods before Him.

2. We agree to worship God in His appointed way and to exclude from our worship anything that He has not appointed.

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. We agree to be diligent in our vocations throughout the week that we may provide for our own households but we agree to set aside the Lord’s Day for special exercises of public worship, unless providentially hindered.

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.

6. We agree to avoid whatever tends to destroy us or our neighbor and to engage vigorously in all lawful endeavors to preserve our own lives and the lives of others. This includes mortifying any bitterness or anger toward others and being kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another.

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.

8. We agree to avoid theft of time, money, or goods, but rather to freely and liberally give of ourselves in ministry to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.

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.

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.

Section 3 – The Church Covenant

As believers in Jesus Christ, we band ourselves together by solemn covenant to be loving and obedient citizens in the Kingdom of God. Our only rule for living shall be found in the Holy Scriptures (see “Wilderness Road Baptist Assembly Church Covenant).

Article V. Polity and Relationships

Section 1 - The government of this Church is vested in those prescribed by Biblical authority to positions of spiritual leadership.

Section 2 - This Church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body. Insofar as it is practical and obedient to the Scriptures, this Church will cooperate with and support other churches and ministries of like faith and order.

Article VI – Membership

Section 1 Qualifications of Membership

To qualify for membership in this church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized, in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible. Each member must agree to submit to the teaching of scripture as expressed in the Statement of Faith and must promise by God’s grace to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant. The elders shall be responsible for determining each persons qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a persons profession of faith, or such other evidence, as the elders deem appropriate.

Section 1a – Associate Membership (amendment added 2/01/09)

Students and others temporarily residing in the New River Valley area who are members of an evangelical church may apply for associate membership. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out in the constitution, except that home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation may be sought from the applicant’s home church if deemed necessary.

Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for other members except that:

(a) When absent from the area for extended periods of time they are released from the responsibility to attend our church services;

(b) While they will be encouraged to participate in members’ meetings they will not be eligible to stand for any office or to vote.

Termination of associate membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination. Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the ending of the period of temporary residence in the area.

Section 2 – Admission of Members

To be admitted into church membership, applicants shall be recommended by the elders for admission and accepted by vote of the members at any regular or special meeting of the members, and shall at that point relinquish their membership in other churches.

Section 3 – Duties and Privileges of Membership

In accord with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only those shall be entitled to serve in the ministries of the church who are members of this congregation. Under Christ this congregation is governed by its members. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be submitted to a vote.

Section 3a – Habitual Absenteeism. (amendment added 11/07/07)

It is the responsibility of each member to be faithful in attendance and participation in the meetings and ministries of this congregation. Upon joining each member read and signed our Church Covenant, Constitution and Statement of Faith. Therefore, a member who demonstrates habitual absenteeism without showing adequate reason is guilty of breach of covenant and is subject to the discipline of the church (Article IV Section 4). If a member is absent from services for four consecutive Sundays, their name shall automatically be dropped from membership at which time they are denied the rights and privileges of membership. Notice will be given to the individual and to the church of such action. If there is renewed commitment to faithful church attendance then, they may be restored to fellowship by a majority vote of the church and shall be restored to membership.

Section 4 – Church Discipline of Members

Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17Matthew 18:15-17
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15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  

WP-Bible plugin and the example of scripture. Church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated only after individual private admonition has failed. Church discipline can include verbal or written admonition by the elders or congregation, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office, and excommunication (see Matthew 18: 15-17Matthew 18: 15-17
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15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  

WP-Bible plugin; 2 Thessalonians 3: 142 Thessalonians 3: 14
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14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. by...: or, signify that man by an epistle  

WP-Bible plugin,15; 1 Timothy 5: 191 Timothy 5: 19
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19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. before: or, under  

WP-Bible plugin, 20; 1 Corinthians 5: 4-51 Corinthians 5: 4-5
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4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵ To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.  

WP-Bible plugin).

The purpose of such discipline should be for:

a) Repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined

(see Proverbs 15: 5Proverbs 15: 5
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5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.  

WP-Bible plugin; 29: 15; I Corinthians 4: 14; Ephesians 6: 4Ephesians 6: 4
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4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Timothy 3: 4-5; Hebrews 12: 1-11Hebrews 12: 1-11
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12 ¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. author: or, beginner ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ⁴ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ⁵ And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: ⁶ For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸ But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. after...: or, as seemed good, or, meet to them ¹¹ Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  

WP-Bible plugin; Psalm 119: 115Psalm 119: 115
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115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.  

WP-Bible plugin; 141: 5; Proverbs 17: 10Proverbs 17: 10
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10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. entereth...: or, aweth more a wise man, than to strike a fool an hundred times  

WP-Bible plugin; 25: 12; 27: 5; Ecclesiastes 7: 5Ecclesiastes 7: 5
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5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.  

WP-Bible plugin; Matthew 7: 26-27Matthew 7: 26-27
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26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: ²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.  

WP-Bible plugin; 18: 15-7; Luke 17: 3Luke 17: 3
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3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  

WP-Bible plugin; Acts 2: 40Acts 2: 40
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40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Corinthians 5: 5; Galatians 6: 1Galatians 6: 1
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6 ¹ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. If: or, although  

WP-Bible plugin,5; II Thessalonians 3: 6, 14,15; I Timothy 1: 20; Titus 1: 13Titus 1: 13
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13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;  

WP-Bible plugin,14; James 1: 22James 1: 22
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22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  

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b) Instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them

(see Proverbs 13: 20Proverbs 13: 20
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20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken  

WP-Bible plugin; Romans 15: 14Romans 15: 14
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14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Corinthians 5: 11; 15: 33; Colossians 3: 16Colossians 3: 16
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16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Thessalonians 5: 14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; I Timothy 5: 20; Titus 1: 11Titus 1: 11
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11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.  

WP-Bible plugin; Hebrews 10: 24-25Hebrews 10: 24-25
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24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  

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c) The purity of the church as a whole

(see I Corinthians 5: 6-7; II Corinthians 13: 10; Ephesians 5: 27Ephesians 5: 27
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27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  

WP-Bible plugin; II John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21: 2Revelation 21: 2
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2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  

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d) The good of our corporate witness to non-Christians

(see Proverbs 28: 7Proverbs 28: 7
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7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. is a companion...: or, feedeth gluttons  

WP-Bible plugin; Matthew 5: 13Matthew 5: 13
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13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  

WP-Bible pluginï-16; John 13: 35John 13: 35
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35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  

WP-Bible plugin; Acts 5: 1-14Acts 5: 1-14
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5 ¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, ² And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. ³ But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? to lie to: or, to deceive ⁴ Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. ⁵ And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. ⁷ And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. ⁸ And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. ⁹ Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. ¹⁰ Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. ¹² And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. ¹³ And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. ¹⁴ And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  

WP-Bible plugin; Ephesians 5: 11Ephesians 5: 11
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11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Timothy 3: 7; II Peter 2: 2r 2: 2
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2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.  

WP-Bible plugin; I John 3: 10John 3: 10
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10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  

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e) Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character

(see Deuteronomy 5: 11Deuteronomy 5: 11
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11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.  

WP-Bible plugin; I Kings 11: 2; II Chronicles 19: 2es 19: 2
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2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. set: Heb. mingle  

WP-Bible plugin; Ezra 6: 21Ezra 6: 21
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21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,  

WP-Bible plugin; Nehemiah 9: 2Nehemiah 9: 2
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. strangers: Heb. strange children  

WP-Bible plugin; Isaiah 52: 11Isaiah 52: 11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.  

WP-Bible plugin; Ezekiel 36: 20Ezekiel 36: 20
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.  

WP-Bible plugin; Matthew 5: 16Matthew 5: 16
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  

WP-Bible plugin; John 15: 8John 15: 8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.  

WP-Bible plugin; 18: 17, 25; Romans 2: 24Romans 2: 24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.  

WP-Bible plugin; 15: 5-6; II Corinthians 6: 14:7: 1; Ephesians 1: 4Ephesians 1: 4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:  

WP-Bible plugin; 5: 27; I Peter 2: 12r 2: 12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;  

WP-Bible plugin).

Section 5 – Termination of Membership

Termination of membership shall be recognized by the church following the death or voluntary resignation of any church member. Membership may be terminated as an act of church discipline at the recommendation of the elders and with the vote of two thirds of the members at any regular or special meeting of the members.

Article VII – Meetings

Section 1 – Regular Meetings for Worship, Study & Prayer

Worship services shall be held each Lord’s Day, and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.

Section 2 – Members Meetings

In any and all meetings, members shall act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration which is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Member meetings may be called by the pastor or elders as church business necessitates. A meeting regarding the business of the church can be conducted provided that there exists a quorum of two-thirds of the membership present and provided any and all constitutional provisions for notification have been met. The date, time, and purpose of any meeting where officers may be elected and positions are to be filled shall be announced at all public services of the church within two weeks preceding the meeting. The pastor or an elder designated by the elders shall preside as moderator at all members meetings of the church. The elders shall see that any required reports are submitted to the church by those members whose responsibility it is to do so. All votes shall be tallied based on the number of votes cast by members present.

Article VIII Officers

Section 1 – Summary

The Biblical offices in the church are pastor, elders and deacons. In addition, our church recognizes the administrative positions under this constitution of clerk and treasurer. All officers must be members of this church prior to assuming their responsibilities.

Section 2 – Elders

1) The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in I Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 6-9Titus 1: 6-9
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; ⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; men: or, things ⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. as...: or, in teaching  

WP-Bible plugin. The number of which shall be decided upon by the senior pastor and other elders and submitted to the church for approval. Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6: 1-6Acts 6: 1-6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 ¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: ⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.  

WP-Bible plugin and I Peter 5: 1-4r 5: 1-4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 ¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  

WP-Bible plugin, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock under the direction of the senior pastor.

2) The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially. After an elder, other than the senior pastor, has served two consecutive three-year terms, he may only be elected to the office of elder after at least one year.

3) An elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern to the elders and, if need be, to the congregation. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18: 15-17Matthew 18: 15-17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.  

WP-Bible plugin and I Timothy 5: 17-21. Any of the elders may be dismissed by a two-thirds vote of the members at any members meeting of the church.

4) The elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the deacons, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental convictions. The membership shall approve all candidates to fill the position of senior pastor.

Section 3 – The Senior Pastor

The senior pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in the section above, and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching. His call shall not be subject to the triennial reaffirmation or to the term limitation for elders. He shall preach & teach on the Lord’s Day as well as other regularly scheduled services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office, or as set forth in the constitution. In the absence or incapacity of the senior pastor the elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.

Section 4 – Deacons

The office of deacon is described in I Timothy 3: 8-13 and Acts 6: 1-7Acts 6: 1-7
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 ¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: ⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. ⁷ And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.  

WP-Bible plugin. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons. They shall be elected to one term lasting for a maximum of three years and may only be elected to another term after one year.

Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration. The deacons shall receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, reporting on its use to the elders at their request, and reporting to the church its total receipts and total disbursements only. No money shall be solicited by or on behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders and deacons.

Section 5 – Clerk

It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special members meetings of the church, to preserve an accurate roll of the membership, and to render reports as requested by the pastor, the elders, the deacons, or the church. The clerk shall be nominated by the elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of one year. In the absence or incapacity of the clerk the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the church clerk. The church clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this constitution shall be available for all church members.

Section 6 Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary, shall not be an active elder or deacon, shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as appropriate. They shall also be responsible for posting or presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues and expenses of the church. The responsibility may be delegated with the approval of the elders. The Financial Secretary shall also ensure that full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent of the church. The Financial Secretary shall render to the elders annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions and of the financial condition of the church. The Financial Secretary shall be nominated by the elders and elected by the congregation to serve a term of one year.

Article IX – Elections

Section 1 – Principles

The process for church elections shall be interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles: Substantial prayer, both individually and corporately, should be an integral part of the election process; Nominations should proceed with the support of the elders; All candidates for church office should be treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow members; The election process shall express that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration that is appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Section 2 – Selection of Officers

The election of officers shall be held at a members meeting of the church. Names of nominees to serve as elders, deacons, clerk, or treasurer shall be presented by the elders at the previous members meeting, and the election shall proceed as directed by the moderator. The elders should seek recommendations and involvement from the general membership in the nomination process. Any member with reason to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to a candidate should express their objection to the elders as far in advance as possible before the relevant church members meeting. The moderator shall declare elected all men receiving a 75% majority of all votes cast for the office of elder. For all other offices, the moderator shall declare elected all persons receiving a simple majority of all votes cast; abstention from voting will not be considered as votes cast. The persons elected shall assume their respective offices upon election, unless another date has been specifically designated.

Section 3 Calling of the Senior Pastor

In the calling of any man to this position, the same basic process of calling an elder must be followed. In addition, however, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching gifts of any potential senior pastor and, before being asked to express its judgment, must receive assurance from the elders that, having interviewed the man concerned, they are in no doubt as to his wholehearted assent to the Statement of Faith and Church Covenant. Notice of the nomination of a man to be elected to membership and called as senior pastor (which shall include, if necessary, election to membership of his wife if he is married) must be given at two Sunday morning services following the nomination, prior to the vote at a members meeting.

Article X – Dispute Resolution

Believing that the Bible commands Christians to make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in private or within the Christian Church (see, e.g., Matthew 18: 15-20Matthew 18: 15-20
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. ¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  

WP-Bible plugin, I Corinthians 6: 1-8), the church shall require its members to resolve conflict among themselves according to biblically based principles, without reliance on the secular courts. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the use of biblically based principles and the avoidance of suits of law or equity to resolve disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders shall adopt policies and procedures to effect these requirements and aspirations.

Article XII. Amendments

Changes in the Constitution may be made at any business meeting of the Elders provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing previous to the meeting and copies of the proposed amendment shall have been furnished to each member present at the earlier meeting or upon request. Amendments to the Constitution shall be adopted by unanimous vote of the elders.