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 22:37) and obeying His commands through: Worshiping Him (Luke 4:8; Revelation 22:9); Equipping the saints through Bible instruction and study (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 8:29); Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and personal evangelism, and any other means consistent with the teachings of Holy Scripture (Romans 1:16-17; Mark 16:15); Encouraging, supporting, and participating in missions work, local, domestic, and international (Matthew 28:19-20); 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. 31:31-34; 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 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 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 2:14). 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 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 18:15-17 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: 15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3: 14,15; 1 Timothy 5: 19, 20; 1 Corinthians 5: 4-5).

The purpose of such discipline should be for:

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

(see Proverbs 15: 5; 29: 15; I Corinthians 4: 14; Ephesians 6: 4; I Timothy 3: 4-5; Hebrews 12: 1-11; Psalm 119: 115; 141: 5; Proverbs 17: 10; 25: 12; 27: 5; Ecclesiastes 7: 5; Matthew 7: 26-27; 18: 15-7; Luke 17: 3; Acts 2: 40; I Corinthians 5: 5; Galatians 6: 1,5; II Thessalonians 3: 6, 14,15; I Timothy 1: 20; Titus 1: 13,14; James 1: 22);

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

(see Proverbs 13: 20; Romans 15: 14; I Corinthians 5: 11; 15: 33; Colossians 3: 16; I Thessalonians 5: 14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; I Timothy 5: 20; Titus 1: 11; Hebrews 10: 24-25);

c) The purity of the church as a whole

(see I Corinthians 5: 6-7; II Corinthians 13: 10; Ephesians 5: 27; II John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21: 2);

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

(see Proverbs 28: 7; Matthew 5: 13ï-16; John 13: 35; Acts 5: 1-14; Ephesians 5: 11; I Timothy 3: 7; II Peter 2: 2; I John 3: 10);

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

(see Deuteronomy 5: 11; I Kings 11: 2; II Chronicles 19: 2; Ezra 6: 21; Nehemiah 9: 2; Isaiah 52: 11; Ezekiel 36: 20; Matthew 5: 16; John 15: 8; 18: 17, 25; Romans 2: 24; 15: 5-6; II Corinthians 6: 14:7: 1; Ephesians 1: 4; 5: 27; I Peter 2: 12).

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: 6-9. 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: 1-6 and I Peter 5: 1-4, 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: 15-17 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: 1-7. 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: 15-20, 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.