CONSTITUTION OF THE COLUMBUS BAPTIST CHURCH, COLUMBUS, NJ
ARTICLE I -- NAME
The name of this church shall be the Columbus Baptist Church of Columbus, New Jersey, being affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.
ARTICLE II -- PURPOSE
The purpose of the Columbus Baptist Church is to develop witnesses for Christ in Mansfield Township and surrounding communities by evangelizing, establishing, equipping, and exalting.
ARTICLE III -- DOCTRINE
The doctrine of this church is the Bible. However, since many people have crept into many churches and taught false doctrines, (Jude 3-4), and since we should always be ready to give an answer, (I Pet. 3:15), we state that our understanding of what the scripture teaches to be as follows. This is not a chain to bind God's people, but a roadmap to guide and a defense against the wiles of evil people who would undermine the faith of God's people.
Section 1 -- The Bible
The Bible consists of the 66 commonly accepted books of the Old and New Testament scriptures. These scriptures were given by inspiration of God, (1) that is, God breathed the very words (2) into the hearts of those who wrote them down (3), and insured that what came out was true (4). The Bible contains no errors (5) in the original manuscripts, and we possess abundant evidence that God has insured the faithful transmission and translation of those originals to us so that we can say with full assurance that we possess the true, full, sufficient written word of God. The Bible is the ultimate authority of our faith and practice (6),and is equally true where it touches on history, science, the human mind and soul (7), and the shape of human society (8).
[References: (1) II Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 1:1-2; (2) I Cor. 2:13, Matt. 5:18; (3) II Pet. 1:19-21, Jn. 14:26, 15:26, 16:12-13; (4) Jn. 17:17; (5) Matt. 5:18, Jn. 10:35; (6) I Cor. 15:1-4, Jude 3, Heb. 2:1-4; (7) Job 31:4, Ps. 44:21, 139:1; (8) Acts 17:26, Deut. 32:8]
Section 2 -- God
There is only one God (1), and He is the Creator (2), Preserver (3), and Ruler (4) of the entire universe. All His creatures owe Him their love (5), obedience (6), and reverence (7) in the highest degree.
[References: (1) I Tim. 2:5, Deut. 6:4-6; (2) Gen. 1:1, (3) Heb. 1:3, Col. 1:17; (4) Dan. 4:34-35, Ps. 115:3; (5) Mk. 12:30; (6) Acts 17:30; (7) Rev. 4:11]
Section 3 -- The Trinity
God reveals Himself to us as Father(1), Son (2), and Holy Spirit (3), a profound mystery (4). Each is separately (5) and fully (6) God, yet there is only one God, undivided in nature, essence, and being (7).
[References: (1) Matt. 6:9; (2) Matt. 16:16-17, Matt. 17:5; (3) Jn. 14:16-17, 26; (4) I Tim. 3:16; (5) Matt. 3:16-17; (6) Jn. 1:1, 10:30, Acts 5:3-4; (7) Isa. 44:6, Isa. 48:16-17, Matt. 28:19]
Section 4 -- Sovereignty
God is in full control of the universe (1). All that happens fits into His plan, and is under His government (2). Yet, He is without sin, is not the author of it, nor does He dismiss the responsibility of His creatures for the evil they do (3).
[References: (1) Ps. 135:6, Dan. 4:34-35; (2) Eph. 1:9-11, Isa. 46:9-10; (3) Rom. 9:14, I Cor. 14:33, Rom. 9:18-21]
Section 5 -- Election
Before the foundation of the world, God chose from the mass of mankind, a specific multitude no man can number, to be His children and to love, obey, and follow Him (1). This choice was not because of any good in them, nor was it because of any foreseen faith or religious action of theirs, but it was solely from His own mercy, love, and grace (2). Those so chosen are called, justified, and glorified (3).
[References: (1) Eph. 1:3-11, II Tim. 1:9, Rev. 7:9-10, Eph. 2:8-10; (2) I Cor. 1:24-29, I Jn. 4:10; (3) II Thess. 2:13-14, Rom. 8:28-30]
Section 6 -- The Fall of Man
God originally created man in His own image (1), and free from sin (2), but, through the temptation of Satan, man violated God's law, and fell from his original righteousness and holiness (3). All humans now inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God (4), and also inherit the guilt of Adam (5). As soon as people are able, they become sinners, even as babes (6).
[References: (1) Gen. 1:26-27; (2) Gen. 2:25, Eccl. 7:29; (3) Gen. 3:1-7, (4) Rom. 8:7, I Cor. 2:14, Eph. 2:1-3, Ps. 53:1-3; (5) Rom. 5:12-19; (6) Ps. 58:3]
Section 7 -- Man's Will
Man has a will that is free to do what is within his nature; therefore, it is bound by that sinful nature, and natural man has neither the desire, ability, or inclination to either seek God nor respond to His Gospel.
[References: Eph. 2:1-3, II Cor. 4:3-4, I Cor. 2:14, Jn. 5:40, Jn. 6:44, 65, Rom. 9:16, Jn. 1:13, Rom. 3:11-18]
Section 8 -- Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God (1), is the divinely appointed mediator between God and Man (2), and is the savior of all who believe in Him (3). He was born of a virgin (4), suffered the pain, degradation, and physical limitation of humanity, without losing any of the attributes of Deity (5) yet knew no sin, had no sin, and did no sin (6). He fulfilled all of God's law, both by what He avoided, and by what He did (7). He suffered and died on the cross, laying down His own life, and rose from the dead three days later (8). He ascended to His Father (9), and is there at the right hand of the Majesty on high (10), ever living to make intercession for His People, the Sheep for whom He died (11). His death was a Substitution, a Sacrifice, and a Propitiation (12).
[References: (1) Jn. 1:18, Jn. 3:16; (2) I Tim. 2:5; (3) Jn. 5:24; (4) Lk. 1:26-27, 1:34; (5) Phil. 2:5-8, Col. 1:19, Col. 2:9-10; (6) Heb. 4:15, II Cor. 5:21, Heb. 7:26; (7) Matt. 5:17, Rom. 10:4; (8) I Cor. 15:1-4, Jn. 10:18; (9) Acts 1:9; (10) Acts 7:56, Heb. 1:3; (11) Heb. 7:25, Matt. 1:21, Jn. 10:11, 14-15, Acts 20:28; (12) II Cor. 5:21, Heb. 9:26, Rom. 3:25-26]
Section 9 -- The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God (1). He is not a force or an impersonal influence, but is a real person (2). He was with the Father and Son in creation (3). He is the active agent of the Triune God in Providence. He is active in applying the preached Word to the hearts of men (4). He restrains the evil of those who are lost (5). He convicts of sin those who are being saved (6). He indwells and gives gifts to all believers in Jesus (7).
[References: (1) Acts 5:3-5; (2) Jn. 14:16-17, 26; (3) Gen. 1:2, Job 26:13, Job 33:4; (4) I Cor. 2:1-5; (5) II Thess. 2:7; (6) Jn. 16:7-13; (7) Rom 8:9, I Cor. 12:1-11]
Section 10 -- The New Birth
The New Birth is an act of the Holy Spirit (1), where the preached, spoken, or read word of God is supernaturally applied to the heart of the unsaved person (2), changing their heart (3), giving them the ability to seek God, and believe (4).
[References: (1) Jn. 3:3-8; (2) Rom. 10:17, I Cor. 2:9-10, II Cor. 4:6; (3) Acts 16:14; (4) Jn. 1:13, I Cor. 2:12, Rom. 8:14-16]
Section 11 - Repentance and Faith
These are two sides of the same coin, where the sinner, made alive by the Holy Spirit, turns from his sins, and believes in and follows Jesus Christ (1), seeing Him as the only way of salvation, and trusting in His sacrifice as full atonement and satisfaction for sin (2). This saving faith always results in a life consistent with God's revealed will in the scriptures (3).
[References: (1) Acts 2:37-39, 16:30-31, I Thess. 1:9-10, Rom. 10:9-10; (2) Acts 4:12, Jn. 14:6, Rom. 5:8-11, Heb. 9:14-15, 26-28; (3) Jn. 10:27, James 2:26]
Section 12 -- Justification
Justification is a legal transaction, whereby God puts the merit of Jesus Christ's life and sacrifice to the account of the sinner who believes in Him. [References: Rom. 3:21-4:25, Gal. 2:16, Gal. 3:7-8]
Section 13 -- Sanctification
Sanctification is the process whereby the Holy Spirit leads believers in Christ to grow in Grace, progressively changing them to be more like Christ (1) . No one is, in this life, perfectly sanctified, but all believers are thus led (2); any one who does not show evidence of this Grace has reason to question his salvation (3).
[References: (1) I Cor. 1:30-31, Jn. 17:17, Eph. 5:26, I Pet. 1:2, Phil. 3:21, II Cor. 3:18, Rom. 8:29, I Jn. 3:2; (2) I Jn. 1:8-10, Phil. 3:13-14; (3) Rom. 8:1-8, II Cor. 13:5]
Section 14 -- Perseverance of the Saints
All true believers in Christ are kept by the power of the Holy Spirit in faith, and cannot fall out of salvation (1). Though temptation or testing may cause them to stumble, and that greatly, those who are Christ's will never cease to be His, and will be restored to full joy of salvation (2).
[References: (1) I Pet. 1:2-5, Jn. 10:26-28, Rom. 8:28-39; (2) Ps. 37:23-24, Ps. 51:12, I Jn. 1:8- 10]
Section 15 -- The Church
We believe in The Church, (the invisible Body of Christ, including all believers) (1), and in the local church, (a visible congregation of believers in a particular location) (2), and recognize Jesus Christ as the head of both (3). The local church is made up of those who have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation, and have signified that faith by following Him in Baptism (4). There is no human religious authority above that of the local congregation. The regular officers of a local body are elders and deacons (5).
[References: (1) Eph. 2:19-22, Eph. 3:8-21, Eph. 5:25-26, Acts 20:28; (2) I Cor. 1:2, II Cor. 11:28; (3) Eph. 1:22, Col. 1:18; (4) Acts 2:41,47; (5) I Tim. 3:1-15, Tit. 1:5]
Section 16 -- The Ordinances of the Church
The ordinances of the church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is an act of obedience, a sign of faith, and a witness of salvation. In it, a believer in Christ follows Him by being immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as a witness of the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. There is no Saving Power in the act or the water, but it is a sign and symbol only (1).
The Lord's Supper is a memorial observation of that which the Savior did with His disciples on the night He was betrayed. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is intended to commemorate His death and confirm the bond of communion of the Holy Spirit between believers and between Christ and His Church (2).
[References: (1) Matt. 28:19, Acts 10:48, Rom. 6:3, Col. 2:12, Gal. 2:16; (2) I Cor. 11:23-29, Heb. 9:26-28, 10:12-14]
Section 17 -- The Lord's Day, Sunday
The Lord's day is a Christian day for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion in public and private.
[References: Acts 20:7, I Cor. 16:2, Heb. 10:25]
Section 18 -- Death and Resurrection
When believers in Jesus Christ die, their spirits go immediately and consciously to be with Him until the great and terrible day of His appearing (1). The spirits of the unsaved go to a place of torment to await final judgment (2). On the day of resurrection, the bodies of all will be raised from the dead, and united with their spirits (3). The righteous will reign and rule with Christ forever, and the wicked will go into eternal torment (4).
[References: (1) II Cor. 5:1-9, Acts 7:59-60; (2) Lk. 16:22-23; (3) Jn. 5:28-29, (4) Rev. 20:1-4, Rev. 22:5, Rev. 20:10-15]
Section 19 -- Christ's Return
On a future day that no human being knows (1), Jesus Christ will return in the clouds of Glory to execute judgment and to rule and reign (2). His return will be bodily and visible to all (3). {Because of needless divisions that have developed between believers over the end times, we take no definitive position on the issues of the millennium, or the timing of Christ's return with reference to the Great Tribulation.}
[References: (1) Matt. 24:36, Lk. 12:40, I Thess. 5:2; (2) Matt. 26:64, Lk. 21:27, Jude 14,15, II Tim. 4:1, (3) Matt. 24:27-31]
Section 20 – Human Sexuality
God created intimate sexual activity as a beautiful expression of love between husband and wife in marriage. The Word of God declares that sexual activity outside the heterosexual marriage covenant (between husband and wife) is sin, including acts of homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, any other unnatural use of the body and pornography.
[References: Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:14, 17; Leviticus 18:6-23; Matthew 5:27-28; Romans 1:26-32; I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4]
ARTICLE IV -- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 -- Requirements for Membership
Any person who professes repentance toward God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been baptized upon profession of his faith, and who expresses substantial agreement with the doctrines, aims, and government of this church, to the satisfaction of the elders, shall be eligible for membership.
A. Confession of Faith. Any person who meets the above-mentioned requirements shall present a written application for membership to the Pastor or one of the elders. The elders shall then fix a time and place for meeting with the applicant, who, having met with the pastor and an appointed elder, shall attend and be interviewed as to his or her basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to wholeheartedly support the total ministry of this church.
B. By Letter. Any person desiring to unite with this church upon letter of recommendation from another church shall present such letter to the eldership and shall be examined concerning his or her Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to wholeheartedly support the total ministry of this church.
Section 2 -- Forms of Members
A. Active Member. Those having met the requirements of membership, 16 years of
age or older, having been received into membership by the elders and congregation and who now have the right to vote in all church matters.
B. Inactive Members. Those who, once having been active members, have not attended congregational worship services in our church for a period of one year or more. Such members will continue to be carried on the inactive membership list and shall have lost their right to vote on church matters. Reinstatement to active member status shall be subject to the approval of the elder board.
C. Junior Members. Those having met the requirements of membership, at least 14 but less than 16 years of age, having been received into membership by the elders and congregation, but not having the right to vote. Transition to active member status will automatically occur at the attainment of age 16.
When the Pastors and elders are satisfied that an applicant has met the requirements for membership, they shall then present the applicant to the congregation at a regular Sunday service, at which time the applicant will give a confession of his or her faith in Christ. This testimony may be written out and read by the applicant or one of the elders. The pastor shall then ask the congregation to signify its agreement to welcome the candidate by raising their hand. Those opposed given the same opportunity. The pastor will then, on behalf of the congregation, give the candidate the right hand of fellowship and the candidate shall become a member at that time.
Section 3 -- Termination of Membership
A. By Dismissal. Letters of dismissal shall be granted by the eldership to members who apply for them, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of dismissal shall be forwarded and given only to other Christian churches.
B. By Suspension for Cause. It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures, upon recommendation of the eldership, to exclude from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his Christian profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or any person who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church, or is unwilling to settle differences with others in a Scriptural manner. (See Matt. 18:15ff; I Cor. 5:1ff; II Thes. 3:6, 11, 15; Rom. 16:17.)
Section 4 -- Expectations of Members
A. Regular attendance at the services and activities of this church, on-going Christian Education and daily reading of the Bible, private and family prayers, personal and public testimony, and witnessing for Christ shall be urged upon our members.
B. It is the conviction of this church that proportionate giving is a distinct and positive command in the Scriptures (Malachi 3:8-11) and all members are encouraged to systematically contribute to the support of this church of such proportion of our income as we believe God requires of us, according to the principle laid down in I Corinthians 16:2.
C. It shall be required of all members in their daily walk and lifestyle, to obey all those moral precepts laid down in the Word of God.
D. It is expected that all who come into the membership of this church will recognize the necessity of submitting themselves to those who are in places of Scriptural authority (Hebrews 13:17), in matters related to faith.
Section 5 -- Church Discipline
The discipline of the church shall be exercised according to the following principles:
A. Church Discipline. Church discipline implies disorderly conduct or heretical doctrine that is opposed to the church's life and faith. Reasonable efforts shall be made to clear up difficulties and remove offenses before any action is taken. No offense shall be brought before the church until the instructions of Christ have first been followed (Matt. 5:23,24; 18:15). Corrective discipline has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the church, and the spiritual growth of the offender.
B. Procedure For Handling Conflict Between Congregational Members:
1. If a person should feel that a brother or sister has in some way offended or has caused grievance to them, the offended party should seek out the one against whom they hold such charge, meeting with them in a one-to-one situation and seeking resolution.
(Matt. 18: 15)
2. If resolution was not found in Step 1, the offended part is to take 2 or 3 witnesses with them and meet again with the one who has caused offense and seek resolution of the matter. (Matt. 18:16)
3. If Step 2 did not result in resolution the offended party should bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Elders/Pastors, awaiting and being submissive to their response to the problem. (Tit.1:9, IPet.5:1-2)
4. Should the conflict continue after Elder/Pastor intervention and their counsel refused, the person and the nature of the conflict shall be made known to the church. (Matt. 18:17, I Tim. 5:20)
5. If true repentance from the contentious person(s) does not result, he/she/they shall be cut off from the fellowship and the saints admonished to cease contact with him/her/them. (I Cor.5: 11, II Tim.3:1-5, Tit.3:10)
C. The congregation shall cut off fellowship of a contentious person by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting.
Section 6 -- Restoration to Church Membership After Suspension For Cause
The right to exclude or suspend persons or the withdrawal of fellowship (II Thes. 3:6) is in harmony with the teaching of the New Testament (Matt. 18:16, 17). The Apostolic church also had a right to restore those persons who gave satisfactory evidence of being penitent (II Cor. 2:6-8). The object of the discipline having been accomplished, the eldership shall have the
right to restore the penitent member to full membership.
ARTICLE V -- ORDINANCES
Section 1 -- The Lord's Supper
We believe that there are two ordinances that Christians are exhorted to observe, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that Baptism has no saving merit but that after one believes and is saved, Baptism is the next step to show to the world that he is now identified with Christ, who died, was buried and rose again; that whereas Baptism is observed once and is a sign of identification and a testimony to newness of life, the Lord's Supper is commemorative and is to be observed a minimum of once a month as a memorial to the broken Body and shed Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A. Parents are encouraged to restrain their children from receiving the elements of Communion until they have: (1) been baptized into the church; or (2) reach the suggested age of 13 and, whether baptized or not, express an understanding of the words of Christ at the Last Supper, Mark 14:22-26; or (3) been counseled by the Pastor and it is his suggestion that they participate in Communion by the receiving of the elements. Parents should be urged to actively inquire as to the spiritual condition and progress of their children.
B. All those who have fulfilled the requirements of Article V Section 1.A. and who have searched their hearts and understand this teaching of Jesus (Mark 14:22-26) and the warning of Paul (I Cor. 11:27-30) and find themselves prepared to receive the elements of Communion are welcomed and encouraged to do so, regardless of church background or experience with baptism.
Section 2 -- Baptism
A. Baptism shall be by immersion excepting in those circumstances when health or well-being of a person might be seriously jeopardized. The Pastor shall have the authority to determine the exceptions to baptism by emersion.
B. The baptism of children who do not meet the terms of Article V Section 1.A. will not be endorsed or encouraged based upon the need to understand the serious nature of this ordinance. The Pastor or a parent may request that the elders consider making an exception for such a child if compelling circumstances suggest such an exception.
C. Young people ages 14 to 17 may be baptized provided they have met with the Pastor or other recognized staff member for instruction and counseling in the meaning and implications of baptism. Upon the candidate's recommendation, approval by the elders and parental consent, they may be baptized.
D. Adults age 18 and up will be baptized upon request at the earliest convenience at an agreeable location provided that he/she professes his/her faith in Christ as Lord, seeking salvation in Him and shows a general understanding of the ordinance of baptism.
Section 3 -- Administration of Ordinances
A. The ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be served by elders and deacons. The elements will be prepared by a committee selected by the eldership for that ministry.
B. Baptism shall be administered by the Pastor or the elders assisted by the deacons.
ARTICLE VI -- Leadership
Section 1 -- General Statement
Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His Church. However, as head He has ordained that
individual churches should be blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of office bearers. Therefore it is the duty of the church to seek to discover those to whom Christ the Lord has imparted the necessary gifts for office and having formally recognized such election set them apart by united prayer and to submit to their rule and ministry. Christ has ordained that the administration of local churches is to be by elders and deacons. (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5)
Section 2 -- Eldership
A. Pastors. (1) Among the Elders are those whom we call Pastors. These are set apart for prayer and the study of the Word, and should, as far as is possible, be adequately maintained in material necessities, so as to be disentangled from the cares of a secular calling. (2) A Pastor, being by Scriptural terminology, a teaching and ruling elder, must evidence the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications for this office as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9. (3) Anyone called to this office must be able to conscientiously affirm his agreement with the Doctrines and Constitution of the church. Should he at any time move from this position, he is under spiritual and moral obligation to make this known to the church. (4) The pastor shall seek to discharge all the functions of his office as set forth in the Scriptures and in keeping with the exercise of his own distinctive gifts of ministry. In conjunction with the Elder(s), he shall have general oversight of all the church and its ministry and functions. It shall be the responsibility of the elders to specify in writing the duties of the Pastor (Pastors).
B. Elders. (1) Elders are responsible for all spiritual functions of the church, the implementation of church discipline, and watching over the souls of the members as those who must give account to God for this responsibility. They, in conjunction with the Pastor, shall exercise the oversight of the church in all its ministries and functions. (2) Any man desiring the office of an Elder must evidence the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualification as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9. (3) Elders must perform their duties as set forth in the Scriptures, particularly such passages as Acts 20:17, 28ff, I Peter 5:1-4, and Hebrews 13:17. (4) While every Elder bears spiritual rule (and must be "apt to teach"), some will be more engaged in formal and public teaching, while others will be more exclusively engaged in the details of ruling. See I Timothy 5:17.
Section 3 -- Deacons
A. Deacons are responsible for the business and practical affairs of the church, which are to be administered with spiritual grace and in cooperation with and subjection to the eldership.
B. These men must evidence the qualification of the office as set forth in I Timothy 3:8-
Section 4 -- Deaconesses
A. Deaconesses are responsible for ministries which are uniquely prepared for and administered by women. These women may act in a consulting or advisory capacity at the invitation of the Official Board on matters where a feminine opinion or perspective is desired. (Acts 16:14, 17:4, Rom. 16:1-3, 12, Phil. 4:6, I Tim. 2:12)
B. Deaconesses' ministries and responsibilities shall require Official Board approval, to whom they are answerable.
C. Women elected to this Board must be women of Godly character and reputation, giving clear evidence of the faith they profess, demonstrating a demeanor comparable to those character standards for Elders and Deacons found in 1 Tim. 3:1-13.
D. The Board of Deaconesses shall consist of a minimum of five (5) women with an optimum ratio of one woman for each fifteen (15) female members.
Section 5 -- Election of Officers
A. The election of Elders (including Pastors), and Deacons and Deaconesses for office within the local church is the responsibility of the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Lord's appointment is recognized both by the inward conviction of the individual involved, and by the approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required by Scripture for the office concerned.
B. The election of office bearers is a matter of such importance that it should never be dealt with without much prayerful waiting upon God and an honest perusal of the relevant passages of Scripture and a frank evaluation of those who are being considered as potential officers. Each member of the congregation has a spiritual responsibility to be intelligently informed regarding the above-mentioned matters. It should be the desire of the congregation to come to one mind regarding those officers to whom they must submit in the Lord, but should such unanimity not be fully realized, no less than a 75 percent majority of the members present and voting shall be required for election of an officer. After the names of potential officers have been set before the congregation, a written ballot shall be given to all qualified members and collected when completed. A 75 percent (or better) approval of the proposed slate or individuals named therein, will constitute affirmation.
C. Following the election of an officer, there shall be a portion of a regular worship service set aside, at which time the office bearer(s) shall be formally commissioned for his/her responsibilities by the prayer of the whole church and the laying on of the hands of any existing eldership.
Section 6 -- Official Board
A. Function. Pastor(s), elders and deacons shall meet together for the general coordination of ministries, business and property.
B. Members. The Official Board shall be comprised of all pastors, elders and deacons. Meetings of the Official Board will be chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Elders. Secretary of Elders will be acting secretary. If the Chairman is absent from the meeting, the Sr. Pastor shall chair the meeting.
C. Quorum. The necessary quorum and manner in which the Official Board shall be convened shall be provided for in the By-Laws.
Section 7 -- Trustees
A. General Statement. In order to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's", it is necessary that this church be incorporated under the Laws of the State of New Jersey. In order to facilitate the discharge of corporate responsibilities, Trustees shall be elected by the church.
B. The Trustee Committee shall be elected by the Official Board, and consist of three members: One chairman from the deaconate and one deacon, and one deacon or member at large.
C. Function. The Trustees shall be called upon to perform whatever legal and business transactions are peculiarly designated to them by the Laws of the State. In this discharge of their duties, they shall act only at the direction of the Official Board.
ARTICLE VII -- CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
A. Calling of Special Meetings. Other than quarterly meetings, Special Congregational meetings may be called by the Pastor, the Official Board, or when ten members make a written request for such a meeting. This request must be set forth in writing with the signatures of ten members in good standing, and presented to the Official Board, which shall in turn make the proper announcement of the meeting. Every congregational meeting at which business is to be transacted shall be announced at regular services for at least two successive Sundays. Other congregational meetings in which there is not business transacted by vote may be called at the discretion of the Pastor or the Official Board without a previous notice.
B. Voting. All active members should regard their presence at a duly called congregational meeting with the same seriousness with which they would regard their attendance at a stated service of worship. However, no less than 20 percent of the full membership shall constitute a quorum. No church business meeting can be conducted unless a quorum is present. It should be our goal to prayerfully discern the mind of God so that in all matters of church business it may be said of us, as was said of that church meeting recorded in Acts 6, "that this thing pleased the whole multitude." However, in such situations where this unanimity is not realized, no less than a 75 percent majority of those voting will make a resolution valid. In other matters where the Constitution or By-Laws require a different proportionate vote, this 75 percent figure will be overridden by the express statement of the Constitution and By-laws regarding those items of business.
Note: The provisions of Quorum shall be implemented only after an official list of regular members in good standing has been drawn up.
ARTICLE VIII -- AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by a 75 percent vote of the congregation at any regular congregational meeting or special meeting called for this purpose, provided in either case that such amendment shall be made available in written form to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.
MEMBERSHIP:
In order to keep an accurate membership roll, there shall be an annual review of the membership roll by the elders one (1) month prior to the Annual Meeting. All who have been inactive members for whatever cause, will be classified as such and will be notified of this action in writing.
OFFICE BEARERS:
1. Each year, four (4) months prior to the Annual meeting, a Nomination Committee shall be constituted. The function of this committee shall be to review the Biblical requirements for elders, deacons, and deaconesses, and compare these requirements with the qualifications of persons on the list of members in good standing, to consider new names to be presented to the congregation for election as elders, deacons, and deaconesses. They shall also prepare a slate of all other elected officers. This committee shall present its report to the congregation two (2) months prior to the annual meeting. Beginning at this time, (two [2] months prior to the annual meeting) nominations may be received from the congregation for a period of one (1) month. Any member in good standing may nominate any other member in good standing for an office in the following manner:
A. Write the NOMINEE'S name and the office being nominated for on a plain sheet of paper.
B. Put the name of the person making the nomination at the bottom of the paper.
C. Present the nomination paper to a member of the OFFICIAL BOARD no later than thirty (30) days prior to the annual church business meeting.
After the time for open nominations has passed (thirty [30] days prior to the annual meeting), the nominating committee shall meet to discuss the qualifications of those nominated by the congregation in the above manner. Any persons obviously not qualified, such as non-members, members not in good standing, or women nominated for elder or deacon shall be rejected by the committee without further examination. For the remaining open nominees:
D. The committee shall compare the nominee's qualifications with those given in scripture for the office in question.
E. The committee shall contact the nominee to determine their willingness to perform this ministry if elected.
F. If the nominee is judged to meet scriptural qualifications and if they are willing to serve, then the nominee's name shall be entered as a candidate alongside the nominees of the committee.
G. If the committee judges the nominee to be unqualified, the committee shall reject the nominee, and shall prepare a report in writing to present to the nominee and the person who made the nomination, discussing the reasons for the rejection.
H. The person rejected or the person making the nomination have the right to appeal to the congregation prior to the vote being taken on the slate of nominees, if:
1) they give the official board written notice within seven (7) days prior to the annual meeting, and
2) they are prepared to openly discuss the reasons for the committee's rejection.
I. After the person(s) making the appeal and the nominating committee have presented their cases, the congregation shall vote on the question whether or not too put the disputed name on the ballot. A vote of 75 percent is required to place the name on the ballot--this vote does not constitute election to the office in question, it only places the person's name on the ballot.
As soon as the election process is complete, the nomination committee is dissolved.
2. The elders, deacons and deaconesses shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. These officers may be elected or re-elected upon proper nomination and by a 75 percent vote of the congregation.
3. Special Nominations and Elections – During the course of the year, situations may arise where Elders, Deacons, or Deaconesses may resign their positions prior to completing their term(s) significantly in advance of the annual elections. If such a situation occurs, the respective Board(s), in prayerful consultation with the Elders of the Church may determine that it is necessary and in the best interest of the congregation to fill the vacancy prior to the annual election.
The Special Nominations and Elections procedure shall be as follows:
The Board in which the vacancy(s) is (are) to be filled shall submit the name(s) of the
prospective candidate(s) directly to the Elder Board for consideration. The Elder Board shall make a timely review of the qualifications of the candidate(s) and approve or disapprove the nomination prior to the full consideration of the Church.
An announcement shall be provided at least 2 weeks prior to the next Quarterly Meeting, or for a specially called meeting notifying the congregation of the candidate(s) and the pending vote.
In conformance with the rules for conducting a Congregational Meeting, and the establishment of a quorum, a congregational vote of 75 percent is required for election of the candidate(s) to the respective Board(s).
Office-bearers elected by these provisions for Special Nominations and Elections shall serve out the remaining, unexpired term(s) of the vacant seat being filled.
These provisions for Special Nominations and Elections are to be referred to by the Boards only when deemed appropriate for the well-being of the Church through the maintenance of efficient and effective ministry in the situation mentioned above. When waiting to fill the unexpired term(s) of the vacant seat(s) at the annual election would not seriously compromise the ministry of any Board, such Boards are encouraged to do so.
OFFICIAL BOARD:
(Consisting of Elders, Pastors and Deacons)
1. The Board shall consist of not less than: one (1) Pastor, three (3) Elders, and four (4) deacons. The recommended optimum number or positions is one (1) Elder and one (1) Deacon per twenty (20) full members.
2. The Board shall meet at least once a month to discuss and act upon the general business of the church. At least three-quarters of the Board members must be present to constitute a quorum.
3. Detailed minutes shall be kept permanently filed in the records of the church.
4. The Official Board shall not encumber, transfer, sell or purchase any real estate for the church, except by the express authorization of the congregation. Any expense over 1% of the current year's budget must receive the special approval of the congregation, unless said item appears in a congregationally approved budget."
5. Should a vacancy occur in the Board of Trustees, due to illness, death, dismissal, inactivity, or any form of discipline, the Official Board shall be authorized to fill such vacancies immediately. Their appointment may then be confirmed at a congregational meeting, or another person may be elected to fill the office.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS:
1. This church shall have quarterly business meetings on dates scheduled by the Official Board of the church.
2. The quarterly agenda shall include the following reports: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Trustees, Deaconesses, Special Ministries and Committees.
ANNUAL MEETING:
The church shall hold its Annual Meeting during the month of December. At this meeting, the following reports shall be presented, along with all other pertinent reports: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Trustees, Financial-Budget, Deaconesses, Special Ministries and Committees, and Nomination Committee. An agenda for the meeting will be prepared by two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. All matters proposed for the agenda must be presented to the Official Board for consideration of inclusion in the agenda.
DISMISSAL OF A PASTOR:
A Pastor may be dismissed from his call to the Church by a vote of 75 percent of the congregation in attendance at a regularly scheduled Quarterly or Annual business meeting or at a specially called meeting called for that purpose. The vote for dismissal may, however, not be called for until all of the following conditions have been met:
1. In cases of gross immorality, dismissal may take effect immediately after the congregational vote.
2. In other cases, before the congregational vote:
A. The elders must have clearly identified the problem areas in the work of the Pastor, clearly communicated these perceived problems to him in writing, and have jointly sought to find solutions and substantial improvement in the perceived problem areas over a period of not less than three (3) months and not more than five (5) months from the date of written notice.
B. The elders must have clearly communicated to the Pastor their lack of satisfaction in finding significant improvement or solutions related to the problem areas and of their intention to bring before the congregation a call for a vote of dismissal. The Pastor must be notified in writing at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting at which the vote of dismissal is anticipated.
C. The congregation must be notified, at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the meeting at which a dismissal vote is anticipated, that such a vote shall be proposed.
D. Should a dismissal vote be carried by a 75 percent vote of approval, the church shall extend a severance pay of two (2) months support to the Pastor. The duties and responsibilities of the Pastor will end immediately upon said vote.
RESIGNATION OF THE PASTOR:
If a pastor wishes to resign for any reason, he should give the elders two (2) months written notice (unless in cases of illness or disability).
PASTORAL SEARCH:
If at any time or for any reason the pastorate becomes vacant, a committee, composed of three (3) elders, two (2) deacons, one (1) deaconess, and one (1) congregation member at large, shall be formed to institute a pastoral search. Only after a thorough examination of a candidate's life, qualifications, and doctrine shall he be recommended to the church and invited to preach. A simple majority of the pastoral search committee is required to recommend a candidate to the elders for consideration. A simple majority of the elders is required to invite him to preach. To be selected, a candidate must be approved by at least 75 percent of the elders and at least 75 percent of the deacons and approved by 75 percent of the voting membership of the church.