CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: NAME, LOCATION, REGISTERED AGENT, & OFFICE
ARTICLE II: PURPOSES
ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION
ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH
SECTION A: Scripture, Bibliology
SECTION B: Trinity
SECTION C: God, Our Father, Theology
SECTION D: Jesus, Christ, Christology
SECTION E: The Holy Spirit, Pneumatology
SECTION F: Humanity, Anthropology
SECTION G: Salvation, Soteriology
SECTION H: Becoming Like Jesus, Sanctification
SECTION I: The Church, Ecclesiology
SECTION J: Worship
SECTION K: Baptism
SECTION L: The Lord’s Supper, Communion
SECTION M: The Lord’s Return and the End of the Beginning, Eschatology
ARTICLE V: CHURCH LEADERSHIP
ARTICLE VI: ELDERS/PASTORS
SECTION A: Elders’ Qualifications
SECTION B: Elder Selection
1. Process
A. INTERNAL CANDIDATE
B. EXTERNAL CANDIDATE
2. Lead Pastor Ordination
SECTION C: Elder Service
ARTICLE VII: GOVERNANCE
SECTION A: Board of Directors Authority
SECTION B: Offices of the Board of Directors
1. President
2. Treasurer
3. Corporate Secretary
4. Directors
ARTICLE VIII: Meetings
SECTION A: Church Services
SECTION B: Corporation Meetings
SECTION C: Waiver of Notice
SECTION D: Meetings by Remote Communications Technology
SECTION E: Action by Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting
ARTICLE IX: DEACONS
SECTION A: Description
SECTION B: Term
1. Qualifications
2. Obligations
3. Deacon Selection
4. Termination
ARTICLE X: CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE XI: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A: An Inductive Argument for Membership
SECTION B: Qualifications
SECTION C: Admission into Membership
SECTION D: Admission of Children into Membership
SECTION E: Responsibilities of Membership
1. Mutual Interest:
2. Prohibited Activities:
3. Publication Notice:
4. Privacy
SECTION F: Voting Privileges
ARTICLE XII: CHURCH DISCIPLINE
SECTION A: Purposes
SECTION B: Offenses Addressed
SECTION C: The Church Discipline Process
SECTION D: Transitioning from Informal to Formal Church Discipline
SECTION E: Removal from Membership:
SECTION F: Restoration
SECTION G: Church Discipline of the Lead Pastor, Accountability Board
1. Purpose
2. Structure
3. Quorum
4. Determinations
5. Power
ARTICLE XIII: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
ARTICLE XIV: THE ANNUAL MEETING
ARTICLE XV: FISCAL REPORTING
SECTION A: Presentation of the Annual Budget
SECTION B: Budget Accountability
SECTION C: Control of Finances
ARTICLE XVI: MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1: Organizations Within the Church
SECTION 2: Fund-Raising
SECTION 3: Property
ARTICLE XVII: AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE I: NAME, LOCATION, REGISTERED AGENT, & OFFICE
The name of this Corporation is Gospel Life Church of Madison Heights, Inc. It is a Michigan nonprofit religious Corporation. Its principal office is in Madison Heights, MI which also serves as the registered office. The Registered Agent of the Corporation shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSES
SECTION A:
This Corporation is formed for Gospel purposes and to conduct and transact all lawful business activities allowed under the laws of the state of Michigan. The specific purpose for which the corporation is initially organized is to establish and oversee places of worship, conduct the work of evangelism, create departments necessary to support missionary activities and to license and ordain ministers of the gospel, and to also engage in activities which are necessary, suitable, or convenient for the accomplishment of that purpose, or which are incidental thereto or connected therewith which are consistent with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as tax-exempt organizations under that code, and to provide protection for individuals within the corporation from personal liability.
SECTION B:
Gospel Life Church exists to glorify the Father through the exaltation of His Son, Jesus through the proclamation of the Gospel, through providing authentic Gospel community, and through advancing the mission of Jesus both near and abroad.
SECTION C:
This corporation will not, as a substantial part of its activities, disseminate propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation; nor shall it participate or intervene (by publication or distribution of any statements or otherwise) in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:12–17).
ARTICLE III: AFFILIATION
This Church is an independent, self-governing body, completely free of all outside control. Recognizing, however, the value of partnerships for the sake of the Gospel, this Church voluntarily affiliates with denominations, church-planting networks and missionary organizations to accomplish the mission Jesus entrusted to the Church (Matthew 28:19–20). The Elder(s) shall possess the freedom and authority to bring to conclusion any partnership which they believe inhibits or undermines this Church’s mission.
ARTICLE IV: STATEMENT OF FAITH
Gospel Life Church embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Faith is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth only that it covers the fundamental doctrines in which we believe. We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final word on Bible truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us.”
SECTION A: Scripture, Bibliology
We believe the Bible is the written revelation of God both communicating God’s character and expressing His will. This belief is the result of the Holy Spirit persuading us through an inward work upon our consciousness. The Holy Spirit wrote the scripture through human authors, thus it is entirely without error in the original manuscripts, wholly true, and supremely authoritative. It consists of the 39 books in the Old Testament and the 27 books in the New Testament. It declares God’s true revelation of Himself through His plan to reconcile all things to Himself in His Son Jesus. It is the ultimate objective standard of truth, and everything we need to know to live for God’s glory is found within its pages.
[Exodus 31:18; 32:16; 34:1, 28; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 31:9–13; Joshua 1:8; 24:26; Psalm 1:1–2; 119:160; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; Matthew 1:22; 4:4; 19:5; Luke 24:25–27; John 6:39–40; John 17:17; Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 15:1–4; 28; Ephesians 1:10; Colossians 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:14–17; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Peter 3:15–16]
SECTION B: Trinity
We believe in one God existing eternally and necessarily in three persons, being of one essence, equal in all their attributes, yet relating differently in their relationships to each other and to creation. Each person in the Godhead functions distinctively in the work of redemption. The Father elects the redeemed, the Son accomplishes the work of redemption, while the Holy Spirit applies the cross-work of Jesus to the sinner’s heart resulting in new spiritual life. The theology of the Trinity reveals a God in relationship: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are engaged in eternal communion. And this relationship is shared with all Christians who have been baptized into the Triune name. The Trinity provides a model for belonging to a community, specifically the communities of the church as well as for society as a whole.
[Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Psalm 45:6–7 (cf. Hebrews 1:8); 110:1 (cf. Matthew 22:41–46); Isaiah 6:8; 48:16; Matthew 3:16–17; Matthew 28:18–19; John 1:1–4; 3:3–8; 8:56; 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:13–14; 17:5; 20–23; 20:28; Acts 2:32–33; 16:6–7; Romans 8:16; 27; 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 12:4–6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; Titus 3:4–7; Hebrews 7:25; James 2:19; 1 Peter 1:2]
SECTION C: God, Our Father, Theology
God’s knowledge is immediate or intuitive, not demonstrative or discursive. God does not learn. He does not gain His knowledge by any temporal process such as induction, deduction, logic, comparison, use of the senses, going from the known to the unknown, etc. God’s knowledge is simultaneous, not successive. He knows all at one glance. He knows all in one indivisible, simultaneous act of intuition and cognition. He sees all objects of knowledge at once, and in their totality and exhaustively. His knowledge is not held by any temporal process. In that sense it is also eternal; God holds His knowledge in one act of timeless, eternal intuition.
We believe that God created the universe, and everything in it, out of nothing, by the Word of His power. Having no deficiency in Himself, nor moved by any incompleteness in His joyful self-sufficiency, God was pleased in creation to display His glory for the everlasting joy of the redeemed, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
The Father has declared all that should happen, not based on His knowledge of the future or anything external to himself, but upon His good pleasure. We believe that God upholds and sovereignly governs all things—from galaxies to subatomic particles, from the forces of nature to the movements of nations, and from the public plans of politicians to the secret acts of solitary persons—all in accord with His eternal, all-wise purposes to glorify Himself, yet in such a way that He never sins, nor ever condemns a person unjustly; but that His ordaining and governing all things is compatible with the moral accountability of all persons created in His image.
[Genesis 1:1; 50:20; Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 9:7; 34:10–15; 37:6–13; Psalm 33:10–11; 90:2; 104:24; 135:6; 147:15–18; Proverbs 16:9; 33; 20:24; 21:1; Isaiah 40:26; Lamentations 3:37–38; Daniel 4:37; Lamentations 3:37–38; Amos 3:6; Matthew 10:29–30; 19:26; Mark 4:39–41; Acts 2:22–23; Romans 1:20; 2:11–12; 3:4; 19; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 4:13; 11:3; James 1:13; 1 John 1:5; Revelation 17:16–17]
SECTION D: Jesus, Christ, Christology
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son. He is the perfect representation of the Father. He is God and has always existed as God. All things were created through Him and for Him. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and by living a sinless life He perfectly fulfilled the righteous requirements of God’s law thus reflecting the express image of the Father to all men. He died on the cross as a substitute for God’s people, suffering God’s holy wrath against sin, and three days later rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven where he stands on behalf of all those who place their trust in His sacrifice for sins and His resurrection. This is the core of the Gospel, the Good News. We believe Jesus set the example we are to follow in demonstrating a humble self-sacrificing love that brings the Gospel into every level of society and culture. We further believe Jesus modeled perfectly for us how disciples are trained and sent out. One day every knee will bow before Him and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
[Psalm 110:1–7 & Daniel 7:13–14 (cf. Mark 14:61–62; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; Colossians 3:1); Mark 1:27; 4:39; Luke 1:30–35; John 3:16–18; Romans 3:25–26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:25; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–21; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 1; Hebrews 4:15; 5:5–6 (cf. Psalm 110:4); Revelation 5:9] [John 1:14 (cf. Exodus 25:8)]
SECTION E: The Holy Spirit, Pneumatology
We believe the Holy Spirit is actively working in the world manifesting the active presence of God, and especially in the church. He is the primary manifestation of the presence of Trinity among us.[1] He works to complete and sustain what God the Father has planned[2] and what God the Son has begun. He is the first fruits of the future resurrection age and the guarantee of the life to come.[3] He gives life to all of nature,[4] and new life in regeneration.[5] The Holy Spirit anointed and empowered Jesus for ministry just as He still distributes gifts to the church today for the work of the ministry.[6] He empowers our prayer and helps us to intercede.[7] He cleanses us from[8] and convicts[9] us of sin changing us more and more into the image of Jesus[10] giving us the power to put to death the deeds of our fallen natures.[11] We believe the Holy Spirit still guides and directs His people and we should be responding to His desires moment-by-moment.[12] We believe the Holy Spirit is able to impart the love of God for Himself and for our brothers and neighbors.[13] He also imparts joy,[14] peace,[15] truth,[16] wisdom,[17] comfort,[18] freedom,[19] righteousness,[20] hope,[21] illumination,[22] and an awareness of our adoption into the family of God.[23] He further places us into the unity and fellowship of the universal, invisible church[24] which necessarily results in membership within a local, visible church.[25]
[1]Acts 10:38; 2:4; 17–18; [2]Ephesians 1:1–17; [3]2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; [4]Psalm 104:30; Job 34:14–15; [5]John 3:6–7; [6]1 Corinthians 12:1–13; [7]Romans 8:26; [8]1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5; [9]John 16:8–11; [10]Romans 8:28–30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22–23; [11]Romans 8:13; Philippians 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; [12]Acts 15:28; 16:6–7; 20:22–23, 28; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16–18; [13]Romans 5:5; 14:17; 15:30; Colossians 1:8; [14]Romans 14:17; [15]1 Corinthians 14:33; [16] John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 John 5:7; [17]Deuteronomy 34:9; Isaiah 11:2; [18]Acts 9:31; [19]2 Corinthians 3:17; [20]Romans 14:17; [21]Romans 15:13; [22]Psalm 119:18; Luke 2:26; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10–14; Ephesians 1:17–19; [23]Romans 8:14–15; Galatians 4:5–6; [24]; 1 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1–2; Ephesians 2:18; 22; 4:3; [25]Acts 2:44–47; Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 John 1:7.
SECTION F: Humanity, Anthropology
We believe that the human race is the pinnacle of God’s creation. God created man, both male and female, in His image to bring glory to Himself. Man was created without sin, having the ability to do good (spiritually) or evil. When tempted by Satan, man rebelled against his Creator, resulting in spiritual death. No longer was man able to do any good (spiritually), but only evil, having been enslaved in his will and nature to sin. The effects of sin were so pervasive that all humanity is born into this state of spiritual death, separated from fellowship with their Creator. Because of God’s righteousness and the radical sinfulness of man, all people are under the wrath of a just God, desperately in need of a Savior.
[Genesis 1:27–31: Genesis 3:1–24; John 3:36; Romans 3:23, 9–12; Romans 5:12–15; Romans 8:18–19; Ephesians 2:1–3]
We believe that God created human beings, male and female, in his own image. Adam and Eve belonged to the created order that God himself declared to be very good, serving as God’s agents to care for, manage, and govern creation, living in holy and devoted fellowship with their Maker. Men and women, equally made in the image of God, enjoy equal access to God by faith in Christ Jesus and are both called to move beyond passive self-indulgence to significant private and public engagement in family, church, and civic life. Adam and Eve were made to complement each other in a one-flesh union that establishes the only normative pattern of sexual relations and marriage for a man and a woman, such that marriage ultimately serves as a type of the union between Christ and his church. In God’s wise purposes, men and women are not simply interchangeable, but rather they complement each other in mutually enriching ways. God ordains that they assume distinctive roles which reflect the loving relationship between Christ and the church, the husband exercising headship in a way that displays the caring, sacrificial love of Christ, and the wife submitting to her husband in a way that models the love of the church for her Lord. In the ministry of the church, both men and women are encouraged to serve Christ and to be developed to their full potential in the manifold ministries of the people of God. The distinctive leadership role within the church given to qualified men is grounded in creation, fall, and redemption and must not be sidelined by appeals to cultural developments.
[Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:18; Matthew 20:25–28; 23:8; John 13:13–17; 1 Corinthians 11:3–16; 14:33–36; Ephesians 5:21–33; Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Timothy 2:11–14; Titus 2:3– 5; 1 Peter 3:1–7; 5:2–3]
SECTION G: Salvation, Soteriology
We believe that salvation is God’s gift to those He has chosen by His own good pleasure, not because of any foreseen merit or anything good in them. Through the declaration of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit brings to life spiritually dead sinners resulting in their repenting (turning away from sin) and believing (confident trust) in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as a substitute for their sins as well as His lordship. The Father then credits to these sinners the righteousness of Christ––not that they in themselves are made righteous, but that Christ’s righteousness is imputed or applied to their account. Because of this they are justified before God, are adopted as His children, walk justly, and will be preserved by God until He brings them into His glorious presence. This is by grace (God’s unmerited favor) alone, through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
[John 1:12–13; Romans 1:16; Romans 2; Romans 9:10–24; Romans 10:14–17; Galatians2:16, 21; Ephesians 1:3–14; Ephesians 2:8–10; Philippians 3:8–9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13– 14; 1 Peter 1:3–5]
SECTION H: Becoming Like Jesus, Sanctification
We believe that upon faith in Christ, believers are set free from the powerful rule of sin and are no longer its slaves. The Holy Spirit gives them a new heart and works in them to change their desires and actions, to bear spiritual fruit and to make them more like Christ. Sin’s presence still dwells in the life of the believer though, causing a continual struggle between the desires of the flesh and of the Spirit. Our cooperation with the Holy Spirit’s work is accomplished through involvement in the life of the local church and the community and through spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study. Although perfect Christ–likeness or the complete absence of sin will not be seen in this life time, this process of sanctification is to be carried on throughout the life of the believer.
[Romans 6:6–11, 22; Romans 7:14–25; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:16–17, 22–25; Philippians 2:12–13; Philippians 3:12–14; Titus 2:11–14; 1 John 1:8–10]
SECTION I: The Church, Ecclesiology
We believe the church is the body and bride of Christ. It is not a religious institution or denomination, but is the spiritual body of all true believers, those called out by God, in heaven and on earth, from the beginning till the end of time.
[Matthew 15:13–19; Romans 12:4–5; Ephesians 5:22–30; Colossians 1:18, 24]
The church defined consists of three elements: The proclamation of the Gospel through word and deed, of necessity forms a Gospel community that goes on mission together. The church consists of the citizens that will people the coming Kingdom of God. Together, the citizens of the Kingdom form the body and bride of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. The church exists to accurately reflect the coming full expression of the Kingdom of God as a city set on a hill shining light into the world. The church consists of the universal and invisible facets along with the local and visible facets and these two must not be separated.
The aspects that form the local, visible expression of the church are: Fellowship, 30 one-another statements (John 13:35; Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24–25), the word, evangelism & discipleship (Matthew 28:19–20, 2 Timothy 3:16–17), the sacraments, baptism & Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26), the guidance of church government, Biblically qualified elders/pastors & church discipline.
[Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; Hebrews 13:7, 17; Matthew 18:15–18; 1 Corinthians 5; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; Titus 3:10; 2 John 1:10), and mission (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9–12]
Formal church discipline is required to maintain the purity of the church’s witness.
[1 Corinthians 11:27; Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15]
While the church is an invisible body, we believe that God has also commanded that believers devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer in a community or local assembly also called a church. These local churches are composed of men and women who have turned from their sins and placed their faith in Christ as Lord and Savior. Having trusted in Him, they have also been immersed or baptized in water as a symbol of their unity with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and their new life through Him.
[Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Hebrews 10:24–25]
Because Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, He has given special instructions for her care. Membership is reserved only for those who have shown evidence of saving grace and who have made a public profession of their faith through baptism. Members are to be discipled both formatively and correctively. This not only strengthens the body, but also protects the corporate witness of the church in the community around them. The church is to be served by leaders called pastors or elders and also by deacons. Elders lead the church by looking after the spiritual health of the body and equipping believer’s for ministry. Deacons assist the Elders in their work and look after the practical needs of the church.
[Matthew 18:15–20: 1 Corinthians 5:9–13; 2 Corinthians 2:5–8; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; Hebrews 13:17]
Elders are to be men of exemplary character, having healthy marriages if they are married, and strong families, displaying spiritual maturity, possessing an ability to teach the truths of the faith, and holding a good reputation with those outside the church.
[1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4]
Deacons are to be men or women of excellent character, also having healthy marriages if they are married and strong families. They are to be self–controlled, worthy of respect and are to be faithful in serving and meeting the practical needs of the church.
[1 Timothy 3:8–13]
Each local church is completely independent of outside rule, but makes its own decisions as directed by God’s Word.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?
The purpose of the church is to make disciples, and form a witness of the coming Kingdom to the watching world.
SECTION J: Worship
We believe that God, as the only-wise, infinite, all-powerful creator and ruler of all things, is worthy of worship and honor from all created things, seen and unseen. Worship is an inward posture or attitude that highly esteems and values God and should be expressed intentionally through every facet of life.
[Exodus 20:1–6; Matthew 22:36–38; Romans 1:21–23; Romans 11:33–36; Colossians 3:16–17; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 13:15]
Believers should worship God individually, everyday and everywhere, using the spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has provided (Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 12–14; 1 Peter 4:10–11). As a united body though, or a local church, believers are to worship corporately at regularly scheduled times and places.
[1 Chronicles 16; 25:1; Psalm 40:3; 150:1–6; John 20:1–10, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2; Hebrews 10:24—25]
SECTION K: Baptism
We believe that all those who have turned from sin to trust in Christ, according to the teachings of Christ Himself, are to be immersed in water or “baptized” in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This act of obedience does not impart grace nor “save” anyone or wash away their sins, nor is it through this act that believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Rather, it symbolizes the union of believers with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. It is an outward sign of an inward change, and is the first step of obedience for the follower of Christ. Baptism publicly places the believer in union with a local body of believers and is only to be practiced once in a believer’s life.
[Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, 35–38; Romans 6:4–5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21–22]
SECTION L: The Lord’s Supper, Communion
We believe that the Lord Jesus left, as an ongoing remembrance of His sacrifice, the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. The elements of bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ which was broken and shed for the sins of His people. At no time do the elements of the Lord’s Supper become anything more than bread and wine. Although believers are to approach the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of faith and self–examination, it is not through their participation that they are saved. It is through the once–for–all shedding of the blood of Christ that the sins of Christians are forgiven and through the resurrection of Christ that Christians are justified before God. As believers participate in the Lord’s Supper they commemorate the Lord’s death, renew their communion with Him and their fellowship with believers.
[Matthew 26:26–29; 1 Corinthians 10:15–17; 1 Corinthians 11:23–34; Hebrews 9:26–28; Hebrews 10:1–18]
SECTION M: The Lord’s Return and the End of the Beginning, Eschatology
We believe that someday, Jesus Christ will return. No one but the Father knows the appointed day, but it is fixed and approaching. Although there are several views among Christians about the return of Christ and the fulfillment of His kingdom, on several points we can all agree and be sure. The physical bodies of all the dead will be raised to life and Jesus Christ will judge all people according to their deeds. The righteous will be rewarded eternal life in the presence of their Father while the wicked will be condemned to the eternal suffering of God’s wrath in hell, along with Satan and the fallen angels.
There will be a new heaven and a new earth and the dwelling place of God will be with His people. Those who are counted righteous will not be considered righteous by comparison of their efforts to those of the wicked, but on account of the righteousness of Christ which is credited to sinners who turn from their sins and trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior.
[Matthew 24:36–44; Matthew 25:31–46; Acts 1:6–7; 1 Corinthians 15:1–58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 3:1–13; Revelation 20:11–15; Revelation 21:1–7]
ARTICLE V: CHURCH LEADERSHIP
The Biblical offices in the Church are elders and deacons. The office of elder is coterminous with that of pastor (shepherd) and ruler (bishop, or overseer) (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–2).
Membership of the Board of Directors will fall under the office of deacon/deaconess, unless the man is an elder, and meet the respective qualifications for those offices.
While we respect and allow for some level of theological diversity on various issues within the Church, we recognize the importance of maintaining the theological unity and integrity of the Church’s leadership. To that extent, all elders and deacons at the Church must demonstrate intellectual and practical agreement with the Church’s Statement of Faith, and the ministry philosophy of Gospel Life Church as articulated by the lead pastor.
[Acts 1:14; 2:46; 4:32; 15:25; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 3:14]
ARTICLE VI: ELDERS/PASTORS
SECTION A: Elders’ Qualifications
A man must be called by the Holy Spirit to be an elder (Acts 20:28) and be a man of the highest Christian character according to the qualifications of Scripture.
[1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4]
1. Relation to God
a. A man – masculine leader
b. Above reproach – without any character defect
c. Able to teach – effective Bible communicator
d. Not a new convert – mature Christian
2. Relation to Family
a. Husband of one wife – one-woman man, sexually pure
b. Pastors and shepherds his children
c. Manages family well – provides for, leads, organizes, loves
3. Relation to Self
a. Temperate – mentally and emotionally stable
b. Self-controlled – disciplined life of sound decision-making
c. Not given to drunkenness – without addictions
d. Not a lover of money – financially content and upright
4. Relation to Others
a. Respectable – worth following and imitating
b. Hospitable – welcomes strangers, especially non-Christians for evangelism
c. Not violent – even-tempered
d. Gentle – kind, gracious, loving
e. Not contentious – peaceable, not quarrelsome/divisive
f. Good reputation with outsiders – respected by non-Christians
Additionally, he must competently and consistently accomplish the biblical duties of an elder/pastor which include:
1. Prayer and Scripture study (Acts 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Ruling/leading the church (1 Timothy 5:17)
3. Managing the church (1 Timothy 3:4–5)
4. Caring for people in the church (1 Peter 5:2–5)
5. Giving account to God for the church (Hebrews 13:17)
6. Living an exemplary life (Hebrews 13:7)
7. Rightly using the authority God has given him (Acts 20:28)
8. Teaching the Bible correctly (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:2)
9. Preaching (1 Timothy 5:17)
10. Praying for the sick (James 5:13–15)
11. Teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings (Titus 1:9)
12. Working hard (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
13. Rightly using money and power (1 Peter 5:1–3)
14. Protecting the church from false teachers (Acts 20:17–31)
15. Disciplining unrepentant Christians (Matthew 18:15–17)
16. Obeying the secular laws as the legal ruling body of a corporation (Romans 13:1–7)
17. Developing other leaders and teachers (Ephesians 4:11–16; 2 Timothy 2:1–2)
SECTION B: Elder Selection
1. Process:
The process of becoming an elder/pastor involves at least the following steps:
A. INTERNAL CANDIDATE:
(i). He must be a member in good standing at Gospel Life Church who has demonstrated the calling, character, and competency of an elder. His testimony will be verified by interviewing members of Gospel Life Church.
(ii). He must make his desire to become an elder known by filling out an officer nomination form.
(iii). If the nomination is accepted by the Lead Pastor the man will then undergo a period of training and testing, to be an elder candidate. Training, prior to becoming an elder, will consist of the Ordination Process as laid out in the Gospel Life Church Ordination Policy.
(iv). Upon completing his training and testing process, the man must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote from the Board of Directors to be introduced to the church members as an official elder candidate. The purpose of this vote is to confirm the man’s testimony (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).
(v). If approved as an elder candidate, members of Gospel Life Church will be notified that he has met the criteria of an elder. Anyone in or out of the church having a concern regarding the man’s qualifications to lead as an elder will have four weeks to notify the Board of Directors, who can investigate the matter to determine if there is any reason to disqualify the man.
(vi). A congregational vote of affirmation, indicated by a two-thirds majority vote, is required prior to the installation of an elder.
(vii). The candidate will be installed by the laying on of hands, after which he shall be considered an ordained and licensed minister of the gospel.
(viii). An elder shall automatically become a member of the Board of Directors, and if the elder is called to be the lead pastor will also automatically become the President of the Board of Directors.
It will not be possible to install an internal elder candidate in the event of the Lead Pastor’s disqualification or demise until a new Lead Pastor is installed. In the event of the Lead Pastor’s disqualification or demise, if a non-lead pastor elder already exists, the Board of Directors may consider him for the role of Lead Pastor by following the process of an external candidate.
B. EXTERNAL CANDIDATE:
(i). The Board of Directors, under the oversight of the Lead Pastor, has authority to conduct an elder selection process of external candidates in any way it sees fit. If the Lead Pastor is not available due to his own disqualification or demise, the Board of Directors shall follow these guidelines, but may consult other sources as it sees fit.
(ii). It is the Board of Directors responsibility to ensure the candidate meets the qualifications for an elder as laid out in this document.
(iii). His nomination must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote from the Board of Directors. While the Board of Directors may look at several possible candidates at one time, it will only seriously consider one candidate at a time.
(iv). Having been voted to be an elder candidate, the Board of Directors will initiate a “courting period” in order for the Board of Directors to ascertain with more scrutiny the candidate’s qualifications and fit at Gospel Life Church.
(v). The Board of Directors, after a two-thirds majority vote, may present the candidate to the congregation for a vote of affirmation.
(vi). A congregational vote of affirmation, indicated by a two-thirds majority vote, is required prior to the installation of an elder.
(vii). The candidate will be installed by the laying on of hands, after which he shall be considered an ordained and licensed minister of the gospel.
(viii). An elder shall automatically become a member of the Board of Directors, and if the elder is called to be the lead pastor will also automatically become the President of the Board of Directors.
2. Lead Pastor Ordination:
The Lead Pastor of Gospel Life Church shall automatically be recognized as an ordained minister by his office.
SECTION C: Elder Service
1. If the Board of Directors determine that an elder needs an extended rest for a season because of a legitimate need (e.g., illness, tragedy), then that elder can transition to an inactive and nonvoting elder for a set period of time as determined by the Board of Directors.
2. To resign from the office of Elder, an elder must notify the Board of Directors of his decision in the form of a letter of resignation, which he will give to the Board of Directors.
3. An elder who senses God’s call to leave Gospel Life Church to help plant a Gospel Life Church-sponsored church plant, or serve in another Church, should make his desire known to the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors confirms his calling, the elder will be sent out with blessing to help lead another church.
4. Any credible charge of moral impropriety or doctrinal error against an elder, who is not the Lead Pastor, shall be investigated by a task force established by the Board of Directors. During the investigation, the elder in question shall not be allowed to vote on any church matters and shall be placed on temporary leave. If the Board of Directors finds credible evidence of wrongdoing, the elder in question shall be tried by the Board of Directors according to the criteria of Scripture (See Matthew 18:15–18; James 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:19–21). A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors is necessary in order to find an elder guilty of the charges. If such a verdict is rendered by the Board of Directors, the consequences for such a finding shall be determined by the Board of Directors, with any action (up to and including removal) requiring another two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. In such an instance, the members of Gospel Life Church shall be notified in writing of the process and results.
4. Any credible charge of moral impropriety or doctrinal error against an elder, who is not the Lead Pastor, shall be investigated by the Lead Pastor. During the investigation, the elder in question shall not be allowed to vote on any church matters and shall be placed on temporary leave. If credible evidence of wrongdoing if found, the elder in question shall be tried by the Lead Pastor according to the criteria of Scripture (See Matthew 18:15–18; James 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:19–21). If the Lead Pastor finds the elder guilty as charged, the consequences for such a finding shall be determined by the Lead Pastor, with any action (up to and including removal). In such an instance, the members of Gospel Life Church shall be notified in writing of the process and results.
5. The Board of Directors, under the leadership of the Lead Pastor/President, will consider carefully whether a restored and fully repentant elder found guilty of error or impropriety is still qualified to continue and able to be effective in his position as an elder of Gospel Life Church (1 Timothy 3:2; 7; Philippians 2:15).
ARTICLE VII: GOVERNANCE
SECTION A: Board of Directors Authority
This organization is theocratic in government. In any growing congregation, there will be people at all stages of spiritual growth and maturity. For that reason, it is not proper to submit the affairs of the church to a democratic vote as the same is not God’s way, for the purpose of the church is not to do the will of the majority, but the will of God.
To promote efficient handling of church administrative matters, especially those involving legal and business aspects, the Elder(s) shall instantiate a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of the corporation. This is in keeping with what is modeled in Exodus 18:14–26, and Acts 6:1–7. The Elder(s) shall not relinquish any God-given scriptural authority in matters involving doctrine, polity, and ecclesiastical hierarchy. The authority of the Board of Directors shall center on all legal and business aspects of the Church including, but not limited to, polices, contracts, and all financial aspects. The Lead Pastor shall not act in isolation of the Board of Directors on all such matters. The majority shall serve without remuneration and not be related by blood or marriage.
The Board of Directors may structure and organize however they deem necessary for the sake of simplicity, clarity of communication, and efficiency of organization, according to the needs of the church, and the size of the Elder Team. To promote efficient handling of church matters, the Board of Directors may appoint various committees from within its membership and from the church at large. These committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Board of Directors. The general functions of these committees is to bring considered recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning ministries providing a wider base of counsel to the Board of Directors who ultimately have the oversight of specific ministries. All committees shall exist for the accomplishing of a specific task entrusted to them by the Board of Directors and only for the duration specified by the Board of Directors.
Any disputes that arise over the interpretation of these bylaws shall be deferred to the highest authority of Gospel Life Church. In this case it would be the lead Pastor, with the advice of the Elder Team (when one exists), and the Board of Directors. The Lead Pastor shall be responsible for the day-to-day decisions and shall run the affairs of the church, delegating any affairs as he sees fit.
SECTION B: Offices of the Board of Directors
1. President:
Qualifications: The lead pastor/president shall have wisdom in handling the corporation’s affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment. He/she must meet the qualifications of either an elder or a deacon as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–13.
Duties: The lead pastor/president shall be the leader of the church as provided by the Holy Scriptures. The lead pastor/president shall be chairman of the official board and preside over all corporation meetings.
Manner of Appointment: The lead pastor/president shall be appointed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Term of Office: The term of office of the lead pastor/president shall be reviewed every two years.
2. Treasurer:
Qualifications: The treasurer shall be a spiritually-minded person, and of sound business judgment. He/she shall be capable of doing the accounting required to maintain the corporation books. He/she must meet the qualifications of either an elder or a deacon as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–13.
Duties: By virtue of his/her office, the treasurer shall keep, in a business-like manner, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements of moneys committed to his/her trust and shall make reports to be presented during the official board meetings. He/she shall deposit and make withdrawals in a manner prescribed in your church’s bylaws.
Manner of Appointment: The lead pastor/president shall nominate and the board of directors shall confirm the treasurer to office.
Term of Office: The term of office of the treasurer shall be reviewed every two years.
3. Corporate Secretary:
Qualifications: The corporate secretary shall be a spiritually-minded person and of sound judgment. He/she must be administratively minded with the ability to multi-task. He/she must meet the qualifications of either an elder or a deacon as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–13.
Duties: By virtue of his/her office, the corporate secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings, including business meetings of the corporation. He/she shall perform clerical duties, and shall be the custodian of all legal documents.
Manner of Appointment: The lead pastor/president shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall confirm the corporate secretary to office by a two-thirds majority vote.
Term of Office: The term of office of the corporate secretary shall be reviewed every two years.
4. Directors:
Qualifications: Directors shall be a spiritually-minded persons, and of sound business judgment. He/she must meet the qualifications of either an elder or a deacon as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–13.
Duties: By virtue of their office, directors shall carry out the responsibilities that the lead pastor/president or board of directors delegate to them.
Manner of Appointment: The lead pastor/president shall nominate and the board of directors shall confirm directors to office.
Term of Office: The term of office of the directors shall be reviewed every two years.
ARTICLE VIII – Meetings
SECTION A: Church Services
In any established place of worship the appointed Pastor will be responsible for regular church services.
SECTION B: Corporation Meetings
The corporation year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1st, and running through December 31st.
Proper notice of ten days shall be given to all Directors prior to any Corporation Meeting.
The Lead Pastor/President will call the official Board of Directors meeting to discuss the direction of the corporation. The Lead Pastor/President shall set dates and times for Board of Directors meetings. The Board of Directors may have invited guests present at any meeting so long as the Lead Pastor/President has approved it.
The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of the minutes that were discussed at any Board of Directors meeting. He then has to submit them at the next Board of Directors meeting for discussion by the Board of Directors and approval by the Lead Pastor/President. Upon approval by the majority of the Board of Directors, the minutes shall be adopted, and all policy and procedure in them will continue to be enforced.
SECTION C: Waiver of Notice
Attendance of a Director at any meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where such Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
SECTION D: Meetings by Remote Communications Technology
Subject to the notice provision in Section B of this Article, the Directors may also hold meetings by means of a remote electronic communications system, including video or telephone conferencing technology or the Internet, or any combination, only if each person entitled to participate in the meeting consents to the meeting being held by means of that system, and the system provides access to the meeting in a manner or using a method by which each person participating in the meeting can communicate concurrently with each other participant. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except participation for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
SECTION E: Action by Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors. Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that the Bylaws of this corporation authorize the Directors to so act and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.
ARTICLE IX – DEACONS
SECTION A: Description
The Diaconate, a group of men and women trained, elected and appointed by the Gospel Life Church elders, exists to contribute to the building of a repentant and rejoicing community through loving, truth-telling relationships where practical, visible needs are being met while hearts are being changed through encounters with Jesus and one another. We express in practical ways Christ’s command to all believers to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Diaconate is a ministry that reaches out to people in Gospel Life Church’s congregation who are in crisis or challenging circumstances and offers help in assessing their needs and working together to find solutions. Unlike elders, who are responsible for teaching the Gospel, administering healing prayer, and overseeing the church, the Diaconate (deacons and deaconesses) focus on extending mercy and compassion. Our purpose is to show God’s love by trying to help people out of difficult circumstances and to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives.
SECTION B: Term
Deacons may take sabbaticals from service as needed upon approval of the Elder(s).
1. Qualifications:
Christians are qualified for ministry by gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some gifts require formal public recognition for their proper functioning. Such gifts constitute an office in God’s calling and in the church’s recognition.
A. Calling: Calling is both inward and outward. A candidate should desire to serve and be recognized by others as possessing the gifts and graces necessary for the task.
B. Character: Though no leader can expect to be perfect, he or she must be exemplary, modeling in a consistent way the character of Christ. 1 Timothy 1–3 and Titus 1:5–9 offer a useful summary of the character qualifications.
C. Competency: God calls deacons, and deaconesses to serve in distinct and varying ways. A candidate should evidence the inclination and ability to fulfill that particular biblical role.
D. Caring: Deacon and deaconess candidates should demonstrate a practical and caring spirit. They should be willing to serve under the authority of the elders and in such a way as to free the elders to focus on their particular responsibilities. At Gospel Life Church, deacons and deaconesses pray for individuals after services on Sunday, assist elders in membership interviews, assist elders in examining deacon and deaconess candidates, and advocate and care for those in need.
E. Compatibility: Candidates need to understand and fit into the life and vision of Gospel Life Church.
F. Comprehension: Candidates need to understand and accept Gospel Life Church’s convictions concerning Biblical authority, our church polity, and our philosophy of ministry as reflected in our church covenant.
2. Obligations:
A. To develop and meet regularly with ministry groups.
B. To meet specific designated needs in the congregation and broader community.
C. To provide encouragement and help to the Elders in their ministry.
3. Deacon Selection:
The following procedure will be followed for adding members to the Deacon community.
A. The number of Deacons and their respective positions shall be determined by the Board of Directors according to the needs of the Church and by the calling and qualifications of men and women in the Church.
B. She/he must be a member in good standing at Gospel Life Church who has demonstrated the calling, character, and competency of a deacon.
C. Members of the Church may nominate themselves or other members of the congregation by filling out an officer nomination form.
D. Deacons will be appointed following a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
E. The candidate is confirmed by a congregational prayer of affirmation and the laying on of hands by the Elder(s).
4. Termination:
A. Reasons for termination of service
1. If a deacon submits a resignation by letter to the Board of Directors.
2. If a deacon is involved in continued behavior which violates the biblical qualifications for the office (requires two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors).
3. If a deacon continues in agreement with a major doctrine which violates the doctrinal position of our church (requires three-fourths vote of Board of Directors).
4. If the Board of Directors determines that the ministry that the Deacon is facilitating is no longer needed.
5. If the Board of Directors determines that the Deacon is no longer able to be effective in the ministry entrusted to their care.
B. Procedures for termination of service due to a continued violation of the Biblical qualifications for the Diaconate.
1. The Matthew 18:15–20 stages of church discipline are always the default path to follow when carrying out disciplinary procedures with the purpose of full repentance and restoration.
2. Securing repentance from the restored deacon does not necessarily guarantee that the candidate is still qualified for the office of deacon.
ARTICLE X: CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
This organization shall have a limited voting membership as outlined in ARTICLE XI, SECTION F. Each corporate member shall be entitled to at least one vote as a member of this church. Voting in this corporation is limited to those individuals that have been fully accepted into membership and whose status as a corporate member is active. The lead pastor shall create a membership program that details the requirements of membership and the procedures for dismissal, to be approved by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A: An Inductive Argument for Membership
A numerical record was kept (Acts 2:37–47). Records were kept of widows (1 Timothy 5:3–16). Elections were conducted (Acts 6:1–6). Discipline was carried out (Matthew 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1). Elders would be held accountable for members (Hebrews 13:17). There was an awareness of who was committed to the Church (Romans 16:1–16).
SECTION B: Qualifications
To qualify for membership in the Church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been water baptized by immersion in obedience to Christ following his or her regeneration or agrees to be baptized at the next baptism event, who possesses a right understanding of the Gospel, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible. The Elder(s) shall be responsible for determining each person’s eligibility for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on whatever evidence or outside testimonies they deem appropriate.
SECTION C: Admission into Membership
To be admitted into the membership of the Church, applicants must have attended the membership class, interviewed with the Elder(s), signed the Membership Covenant to be recommended by the Elder(s) for admission and accepted by vote of the members at any “family” or members meeting. At that point they will relinquish their membership in any other churches.
SECTION D: Admission of Children into Membership
1. Baptism and communion are intended for every member of Christ’s church. They are ways of experiencing and remembering God’s goodness and the gracious gifts that he has lavished on his people. None of Jesus’ gracious gifts—worship, teaching, preaching, community, pastoral care, communion, or even church discipline—should be withheld from young followers of Christ.
2. Since parents are responsible for instructing their children and overseeing their spiritual development, it is imperative that Gospel Life Church teaches, instructs, and guides parents in this task. Parents will be paired with mentors who will counsel and advise parents as they seek to lead their children in spiritual things. Children without parents who are attenders of Gospel Life Church will be paired with mentors who will be responsible for that child’s discipleship and for informing their parents of their spiritual progress.
3. Upon the mentor’s recommendation, mentors and parents will jointly present a child to the elders for church membership and participation in the ordinances at the conclusion of their discipleship meetings.
4. Upon the successful completion of the assessment process, the child shall be baptized and accepted into the fellowship and discipleship of the church. The child will be without voting responsibilities until the age of eighteen.
5. At the age of eighteen, the child will attend membership classes and interview with an elder. The voting responsibilities given to adult members will only be exercised after the completion of this interview.
SECTION E: Responsibilities of Membership
The overarching responsibilities of the members of Gospel Life Church are described in the membership covenant.
1. Mutual Interest:
The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this Church is of common interest to the Board of Directors and membership (Galatians 6:1). This Church requires every board member and congregational member to adhere to a lifestyle that is consistent with the doctrines of this Church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this Church reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, whether member or not, that is not submitting his or her lifestyle to this scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits, and any use of church assets.
2. Prohibited Activities:
Gospel Life Church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its Statement of Faith. Gospel Life Church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting, or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its written doctrines.
3. Publication Notice:
As a member of this church, information about yourself such as medical conditions or updates concerning your life are of general interest. From time to time we [the church] may publish updates about you or your well-being on official church publications. If anyone wishes not to be a part of such publications, please inform the Board of Directors.
4. Privacy:
This church shall diligently watch to keep private all records concerning polity, doctrine, counseling, and information on individuals in fellowship with this church. Gospel Life Church reserves the right to refrain from disclosing any records that may compromise information about a member’s attendance, membership status, giving, and counseling records.
SECTION F: Voting Privileges
The membership of the Church has regular voting privileges concerning the following matters:
1. Approving revisions or rewording in the Church’s Constitution and/or Bylaws (See Article XIX)
2. Adding elders (See Article VII, Section A–I)
3. Removing elders (Article VIII, Section E)
4. Adding members (Article XIII, Section A–C )
5. Removing members (Article XIV, Section A–B)
6. Vote to Disband & Dissolve.
Two-thirds of the members constitute a quorum. Members may, from time to time, vote on matters that the Board of Directors wishes to submit to the Church membership for consensus determination.
A simple majority of members present at any officially called meeting shall constitute a quorum. Members who are not able to attend a meeting for a vote may turn in an absentee vote to the Corporate Secretary before the vote is to take place. These votes shall be added to the number to determine if a quorum exists. Members may, from time to time, vote on matters that the Board of Directors wishes to submit to the Church membership for consensus determination.
ARTICLE XIII: CHURCH DISCIPLINE
SECTION A: Purposes
Church discipline is God’s means of grace in fulfilling four purposes:
1. To help conform us individually and corporately to Christ, in terms of the purity and unity of his church, for the glory of God (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:1–6; 1 Corinthians 10:31– 11:1),
2. To help bring a wandering soul back to Christ, reconciliation (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1–5),
3. To help deter others from sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and
4. To help protect the church from false teachers, wolves, and division (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:10–11),
5. To express genuine love for the person by following through with the Biblical command to conduct formal church discipline.
Members of this church and all believers who regularly attend the various church gatherings who spread false doctrine, or who engage in habitual conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Elder(s), shall be subject to appropriate church discipline which they have explicitly or implicitly consented to honor prior to engaging in the misconduct. Application of church discipline shall be consistent with the biblical approach outlined in Matthew 18:15–18, 1 Corinthians 5, and Titus 3:10. The Elder(s) oversee(s) the disciplinary process described below and members of the congregation submit to the elder(s) who make the final decision in all disciplinary matters (Hebrews 13:17).
SECTION B: Offenses Addressed
General categories of offenses in Scripture that may result in church discipline include:
- 1. Divisiveness (Titus 3:9–11, Romans 16:17–18, Hebrews 13:17)
- 2. Scandalous immorality (1 Corinthians 5:9–11, 6:9–10, Exodus 20:12–17)
- 3. Rejecting clear teachings of Scripture as expressed in the Articles of Faith (1 Timothy 1:19–20, 6:3–5, 2 John 9–11)
- 4. Living Disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6–15)
SECTION C: The Church Discipline Process
All church discipline should maximize redemptive and protective efforts for all involved in accordance with the Scriptures. For the sake of context, the passage on church discipline is embedded within other relevant passages: (Matt 18:7–11)—the seriousness of causing others to stumble; (Matt 18:12–14)—the importance of pursuing the one lost sheep; (Matt 18:21–35)— the parable of the unmerciful servant. The process for church discipline outlined in Matthew 18:15–20 involves four progressive steps:
1. Privately seek reconciliation (Matt 18:15).
2. If the person refuses to listen in the private confrontation, involve select others who can establish the validity of the accusation (Matt 18:16).
3. If the person refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church by informing the elders (Matt 18:17a).
4. If the person refuses to listen even to the church, treat the unrepentant person as an unbeliever (Matt 18:17b). The church discipline process is made up of both informal steps (steps 1–2) and formal steps (steps 3–4).
In some cases when the person’s sin is generally known and the person is known to be characteristically unrepentant the elder may determine to follow the course of action laid out in 1 Corinthians 5, which begins where Matthew 18 ends. In these special cases the person may immediately be put out of the church, but again for the purpose of restoration. The elder must ensure that great care is taken in acting out of love. Due to the sensitive nature of this process, the elder should look at each instance on a case-by-case basis. The elder is free to act in keeping with the guiding principles of protecting the testimony of Jesus and His church, and loving the person well doing all that is possible to lead the person to restoration.
SECTION D: Transitioning from Informal to Formal Church Discipline
If disciplinary steps 1 and 2 are unsuccessful, then those who sought the offender’s repentance may come to the Elder(s). The Elder(s), in turn, is to follow the general procedures below to ensure order throughout the formal stage of church discipline. The time required for each of the following stages depends upon the particular circumstances. Each stage in the process below will be documented in writing and will include all pertinent information (e.g. history, proven offenses, expectations, actions taken). The Elder(s) will not entertain anonymous accusations. The person accused of sin has the right to face and answer his or her accusers. Any charges against an Elder must be supported by two or more witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19) as well as provided in writing.
SECTION E: Removal from Membership:
If restoration efforts fail to result in repentance, removal from membership will occur. The person removed from membership is to be treated as an unbeliever and is excluded from the privileges of membership. He is thus excluded from communion. He is also excluded from social meals, gatherings, and recreational activities with other church members. The Church will be informed by the Board of Directors of the reasons for this decision (this will include the reading of the person’s name and biblical offense), and will explain the duty of all members relative to the offender. If a member withdraws from membership while the subject of a pending disciplinary action according to Matthew 18:15–17 or 1 Corinthians 5, and begins attending another church, the Board of Directors is obliged to inform the new church of the offender’s status. If a member withdraws from membership while the subject of a pending disciplinary action according to Matthew 18:15–17, such withdrawal shall not cancel the Board of Director’s authority to complete the appropriate disciplinary action.
SECTION F: Restoration
If and when the person removed from membership repents, restoration begins. Restoration is a process that restores an offender to the privileges that were withdrawn during their removal. This will only occur if the Elder(s) is satisfied that full repentance is a reality. In some cases, a set time will need to elapse in order for the person under discipline to demonstrate the sin is no longer a pattern of behavior. If restoration is appropriate, the Board of Directors will inform the Church of the reasons for this decision and will explain the duty of all members relative to the restored person (2 Corinthians 2:5–11).
SECTION G: Church Discipline of the Lead Pastor, Accountability Board
There shall be an accountability board made up of no less than three (3) persons and no more than five (5). The accountability board shall be made up of individuals nominated by the lead pastor/president of the corporation and confirmed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors after careful consideration (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 15). If the Board of Directors minus the President consists of only 2 members, then the vote must be unanimous. The Board of Directors shall consider the nominations and vote to have each nomination appointed.
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Accountability Board is to:
A. Provide a spiritual covering by prayerfully giving necessary aid, instruction, guidance, protection, and correction, as well as counsel, wisdom, and fellowship to the lead pastor/president (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Acts 15) and,
B. To hear accusations against the lead pastor/president of the corporation brought to them unanimously by the official Board of Directors, excluding any disqualified individuals serving on the Board of Directors, and to make a determination as to whether the lead pastor/president has committed any of the infractions listed below.
C. The Board of Directors may call the Accountability Board into session to conduct an investigation for the following accusations against the lead pastor/president:
- Adultery
- Embezzlement
- Compulsive lying
- Sexual impurity
- Conviction of a felony that is a violation of Scripture.
- Not acting in the best interest of the Church.
D. The Accountability Board may dismiss the lead pastor/president if they find him guilty of any of the following actions:
- Adultery
- Embezzlement
- Compulsive lying
- Sexual impurity
- Conviction of a felony that is a violation of Scripture.
- Not acting in the best interest of the Church.
The Accountability Board will determine if the lead pastor/president is guilty or innocent and whether to discipline or dismiss him from office. The Accountability Board is the only entity that has the authority to dismiss the lead pastor/president from his position if, after being called into session in accordance with the provisions of this article and after considering all accusations against him; they determine that it is the best course of action for him and the church. The decision of the Accountability Board is final.
2. Structure
Any member of the accountability board may be replaced or removed at any time deemed necessary by request of the lead pastor/president and confirmation of the Board of Directors of the corporation, provided that it not be after the Accountability Board has been called to officially meet in accordance with section 3 of this article, unless the accountability board member removes himself. If the members of the Accountability Board falls below three, the member will need to be replaced in order to continue with the process.
The representative nominated by the lead pastor/president and confirmed by the Board of Directors shall chair the Accountability Board.
Future vacancies shall be nominated by the lead pastor/president and voted on by the Board of Directors.
A record of the current and past members of the Accountability Board shall be kept in a log under the custody of the official Board of Directors. The log shall clearly list the names of each member and the current chairman.
Any successor lead pastor/president to the founding or current lead pastor/president shall keep the Accountability Board that was in existence at the time he became lead pastor/president. He may, after a six-month period, make nominations for replacements of no more than one representative per year. He must follow the procedure set forth in section 2 of this article.
3. Quorum
100% of the Accountability Board must be present to constitute a quorum. The Accountability Board may only meet if it has been called to do so unanimously by the official Board according to the provisions of this article.
4. Determinations
Any action taken by the Accountability Board is valid by a two-thirds majority.
5. Power
The Accountability Board shall have no innate power or authority as a legal organizational entity, except that which is vested in them by these bylaws. Their decisions, when called together in accordance with the “Purpose” section of this article, shall be final.
ARTICLE XIII: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The Church believes 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 Matthew 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 6:1–8). Therefore, the Church strongly encourages that any claim or dispute by or against the Elder(s), Deacons, employees, volunteers, Church members or their families, or vendors be resolved by biblically-based conciliation and, if necessary, arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation, a division of Peacemaker Ministries. The mediation, conciliation, and arbitration process is not a substitute for any disciplinary process set forth in the Polity of the Church, and shall in no way affect the authority of the Church to investigate reports of misconduct, conduct hearings, or administer discipline of members.
ARTICLE XIV: THE ANNUAL MEETING
A congregational meeting shall take place at least once per year for the purpose of affirming a new church budget, and for giving an account of the goals and vision of the church leadership.
ARTICLE XV: FISCAL REPORTING
SECTION A: Presentation of the Annual Budget
The Treasurer working under the Board of Directors will prepare a proposed annual budget to be presented to the congregation. This budget will reflect the vision for the church focusing primarily on making disciples. The proposed budget shall be presented at the Family Meeting at the end of the year (where at all possible). The congregation will be able to approach the Board of Directors with any questions, concerns, suggestions, or modifications. A written record will be kept of all inquiries made by any church member. The Board of Directors will use this opportunity to disciple those making inquiries and/or possibly refine the annual budget. The annual budget will be presented to the congregation for affirmation and corporate prayer at a subsequent Family Meeting.
The Board of Directors may modify the budget during the year in order to fulfill our mission and to accommodate situational changes.
SECTION B: Budget Accountability
After the close of the fiscal year, the Treasurer will prepare a financial statement to present to the congregation. At this meeting, the Board of Directors is responsible to give an account for its stewardship in making disciples with the resources God had provided for the previous year.
SECTION C: Control of Finances
All contributions to the church must be under the Board of Director’s control for the ministry of this church in order for the church to meet the requirements of being a tax-deductible charitable organization. Therefore, contributions (cash or property) should not be designated to any person or for any ministry except those that are included in the approved church budget (e.g., Mercy Ministries). In cases where contributions are designated to authorized church ministries, the requested preference will be honored where possible; however, the Board of Directors reserves the right to use the contributions where it believes it can best carry out its mission. Donations of property will be reported separately from cash contributions because the church is not allowed to set the financial value on donated property. The donor of the property is responsible for establishing the value of the donated item. If the value of the item exceeds $500, the donor will be required to file Form 8283. If the value exceeds $5,000 , the donor may be required to obtain a certified appraisal. Consult your tax preparer for additional details. Gifts to individuals are not tax deductible. The IRS does not permit a tax deduction for donated time or labor.
ARTICLE XVI: MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 1: Organizations Within the Church
No organization or ministry shall be formed within or considered to be a part of the activities of the Church before the sponsors have submitted their plans to the Board of Directors for their approval and sanction. The various organizations and ministries within the Church are to remain in close contact with the Board of Directors, or a chosen representative. All matters of importance which affect the Church in general shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval in advance. No organization or ministry shall be permitted to function under the name of the Church whose chairman, supervisor, or leading consultant is not an active participant of the Church.
SECTION 2: Fund-Raising
Methods of fund-raising to support the church by members of the Church, persons in regular attendance, and organizations operating as part of the Church shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors in advance.
SECTION 3: Property
In case of a division of the Church the property and all assets of this Corporation will continue to be entrusted to those who abide by its bylaws. If the opposing groups or divisions cannot bring resolution to the divisive issue(s), Peacemaker Ministries, or its successor organization, will act as arbitrator to make final determination which group retains the rights to the property and assets of this Corporation and such decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties in the dispute.
ARTICLE XVII: AMENDMENTS
Revisions in the wording of the bylaws, covenant, and the articles of faith, but not in its basic doctrinal positions, as well as any amendments to the bylaws and articles of incorporation, may be approved by a three-quarters two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a regularly scheduled Family Meeting of the Church providing the following:
(a) The Board of Directors, including the lead pastor/president, has voted by a two-thirds majority to make revisions or amendments to this constitution and/or bylaws.
(b) The revisions or amendments have been offered in writing at the previous Family Meeting of the Church,
(c) And the revisions or amendments have been distributed in writing at the corporate worship gathering of the Church two successive Sundays prior to such vote.