ARTICLE I: NAME ARTICLE II: OBJECT ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF FAITH ARTICLE IV: ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1: CHARTER MEMBERSHIP SECTION 2: ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SECTION 3: RECEPTION OF MEMBERS SECTION 4: DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS SECTION 5: CONFLICT PREVENTION PLAN: HANDLING CONFLICT ARTICLE VI: ORDINANCES SECTION 1: BAPTISM SECTION 2: LORD'S SUPPER
ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS AND BOARDS
SECTION 1: PASTOR SECTION 2: DEACONS SECTION 3: TRUSTEES SECTION 4: TREASURER SECTION 5: FINANCIAL SECRETARY SECTION 6: CLERK SECTION 7: ELECTION PROCEDURES SECTION 8: STAFF POSITIONS ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES SECTION 1: AUDITING COMMITTEE ARTICLE IX: MISSIONS ARTICLE X: FINANCES
SECTION 1: FISCAL YEAR SECTION 2: MONEY RAISING SECTION 3: FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
ARTICLE XI: BUSINESS MEETINGS
SECTION 1: ANNUAL MEETINGS SECTION 2: SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS SECTION 3: QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING SECTION 4: ORDER OF MEETINGS SECTION 5: QUORUM ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XIII: USE IF THE CHURCH ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION ARTICLE XV: LICENSING AND ORDINATIONS ARTICLE XVII: CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be Grace Baptist Church of the Abingtons, Inc.
ARTICLE II: OBJECT
This Church shall be devoted to the Great Commission and the building up of believers through the preaching of the whole Word of God. It shall be a Church home for true believers and their families where they may be fed on the Word, developed spiritually, and trained for usefulness in service. The constant aim shall be to carry the gospel to the lost everywhere, both at home and abroad. Its object is further expressed in our Church Covenant. This Covenant shall be read frequently.
ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF FAITH
(Click here to view the Statement of Faith.)
ARTICLE IV: ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION
With respect to separation from apostasy, Grace Baptist Church agrees with the position of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Most emphatically we disavow the position of and will not be a part of the National Council of Churches in America or the World Council of Churches. One of the greatest dangers to the effectiveness of the biblical doctrine of separation lies in the direction of "being tolerant of those who are tolerant of unbelief." Grace Baptist Church declares that is in sympathy with, and will have fellowship with, only those Christian movements, organizations, and churches whose leaders and sponsors are not connected to organizations that permit the presence of apostasy. This church does not believe that the modern charismatic movement is biblical. Any person connected with the church found claiming to exercise the gift of tongues, encouraging others to seek it, or promoting its practice will be in violation of our Articles of Faith.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: CHARTER MEMBERSHIP
Paragraph A: Local churches are autonomous congregations instituted by the authority of the New Testament alone. Grace Baptist Church of the Abingtons will seek an identity with the State of Pennsylvania as a tax-exempt organization for the purposes of carrying on financial affairs with business organizations and the possibility of become property owners in the State of Pennsylvania. Such incorporation in no wise constitutes any recognition or affirmation of the right of state, federal, or local governments to govern or interfere in the ministry or organization of our church, to make any decisions in regard to our beliefs or practices, to hinder in any wayour proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or, for that matter, the right of any governmentto interfere or become involved with any religious entity, according to the biblical position of the Separation of Church and State. Paragraph B: The charter membership (founding members) of this church congregation will be those baptized believers who sign affirmation to the Constitution and Articles of Faith during the period of three months from the date of the of the reception of the articles of incorporation (based upon said documents) from the State of Pennsylvania.
SECTION 2: ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Paragraph A: All whose names appear upon the rolls of this church are its members, but only those upon the "active" list shall have the right of franchise. The names of members who move from our area shall be placed on the “inactive” roll by the deacons until they return to the area. Members under discipline shall have their names placed on the “disiplinary” roll, having no right of franchise, and may not be granted a letter of “good and regular standing”. Active members who have not reached their eighteenth birthday shall not have right of franchise. In matters of civil jurisdiction of the tax-exempt corporation, this last qualification shall be according to the legal voting age of the State of Pennsylvania.
Paragraph B: Watch-Care Status Watch-care membership shall apply to those individuals who are of temporary residence; i.e., such as students, servicemen, or those having a temporary job obligation, who desire a Church home in which to minister and be accountable while temporarily away from their home Church. They are received into this Church according to the prescribed admission procedure, except that no Church letter will be sent to their home Church, as they retain full membership in their home Church. They may be dealt with under our discipline section if a problem should arise. They shall be without voice, voting privileges, and the right to hold an elected office. They can hold positions of leadership in relation to ministry positions that are not elected. They shall not be counted in the quorum nor counted in the active membership statistics. When these Individuals leave our Church their names shall automatically be dropped from the watch-care Church roll by the Church clerk in consultation with the pastor or deacons.
SECTION 3: RECEPTION OF MEMBERS
Paragraph A: Anyone professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, giving evidence of change of heart, and declaring himself or herself in accord with the principles, practices and documents of this church may become a candidate for church membership. Such candidate shall make written application for membership.
Paragraph B: Candidates for Church membership shall appear personally before the Pastor and Deacons who shall pass upon their qualifications. Having been recommended by the Deacons, the name shall then be submitted to the Church for acceptance or rejection and each candidate shall give his or her personal testimony before the Church. Persons shall be admitted to membership by majority vote of the congregation.
Paragraph C: It will be expected of members that they shall respect the Pastor and officers of the Church andco-operate with them to the best of their ability in every project for the advancement of the work. Members will be expected to abide by the Constitution, By Laws and Church Covenant and to agree without mental reservation with its Statement of Faith as presented and defined in the constitution. They will, likewise, be expected to live exemplary Christian lives; to abstain from all appearance of evil in speech and conduct; to live a life separate from the worldly practices, and to faithfully attend the services of the Church.
Paragraph D: Based upon the teachings of God’s unchangeable Word, we will not recognize any marriage or union between people of the same gender. Neither will this church, nor any of its pastors or members, solemnize such marriages or unions or permit the facilities or grounds of the church to be used to perform the same. Neither will a person united to another person of the same gender by any civil or religious ceremony be considered for membership in this church.
SECTION 4: DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS
Paragraph A: Church Letters Whenever a member joins another church, their names shall be removed from our church membership by a majority vote of the congregation. Upon request, a letter will be sent by the church clerk indicating those individuals who are members in good standing, i.e. not on the disciplinary roll of the church.
Paragraph B: Discipline of Members 1. The matter of discipline of the members shall be initiated by the Deacons assisted by the Pastor, but in cases of expulsion from membership final action must be taken by the congregation. Matters of discipline may also be initiated upon written request of any ten (10) eligible voting members No member shall be expelled until every effort has been made, including, if physically possible, personal visits to reclaim him or her for Christ and the Church. Members who violate SECTION 3. Paragraph C of the Constitution may be placed on the “disciplinary” roll by the Deacons and Pastor. The names of all persons placed on the “disciplinary” roll shall be announced and take effect at the next regularly scheduled business meeting of the Church, and such action shall be subject to the will of the Congregation.
2. Members failing to support the Church by their attendance within a period of one year, without legitimate excuse (such "support" and "excuse" to be defined by the Deacons and Pastor) may be placed, by the Deacons and Pastor, on the “disciplinary” roll and those on the “disciplinary” roll for more than one year may be removed from the Church membership subject to (1) of this Paragraph.
Paragraph C: Homegoing of Members The names of deceased members shall automatically be dropped from the membership following the announcement of their homegoing by the Pastor.
SECTION 5: CONFLICT PREVENTION PLAN: HANDLING CONFLICT
This church is committed to resolving all disputes that may arise within our body in a Biblical manner. This commitment is based on Gods command that Christians should strive earnestly to live at peace with one another (Matthew 5:9; John 17:20-23; Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:1- 3) and that when disputes arise, we should resolve them according to the principles set forth in Holy Scripture (Proverbs 19:11; Matthew 5:23-25; 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Galatians 6:1). We believe that these commands and principles are obligatory on all Christians and absolutely essential for the well-being and work of the church; therefore, any and all disputes in this church shall be resolved according to Biblical principles as provided in this constitution.
Paragraph A: Alternative Dispute Resolutions The use of arbitration to resolve conflict is preferred above going to court. However, before the church agrees to enter arbitration to resolve the conflict, the following rules below should be agreed to by both parties. The church by accepting these provisions demonstrates her willingness to enter into arbitration should the need arise. The potential aggrieved party shall demonstrate his willingness to enter into arbitration, again should the need arise, by signing the necessary “Activity Release Forms” prior to each and every church sanctioned activity.
1. The arbitration will be binding on both parties 2. The church's attorney can be involved in the process, with the absolute freedom to ask questions. 3. The issues to be determined in arbitration must be agreed to. 4. Formal ruses of discovery must be waived and the discovery process agreed to. 5. The arbitration should be handled by three Christian arbitrators, none of who are close friends with either party or have knowledge of the facts leading to the dispute. a. Each party should select one Christian arbitrator who is not an attorney, with the other party having absolute veto power over the selection on up to three occasions. b.The two arbitrators selected by the parties select a third arbitrator who has a good reputation 6. An arbitration agreement shall not be signed until the arbitrators are agreed upon. 7. Arbitration must be held at a neutral site. 8. Arbitration must be completed within a reasonable time, the deadline for which should be stated clearly in the agreement. 9. The arbitration agreement should clearly state who will pay which expenses, including the prevailing party's legal expenses. 10. The arbitration agreement should state that both parties waive any right to litigate matters once the arbitration agreement is entered into.
Guiding Scripture regarding outcome of resolutions to conflict is found in 1 Corinthians 6:7, “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?”
Paragraph B Necessity of Maintaining a Journal or Diary In every conflict principle church parties must keep a journal or diary. Dates will be essential in the event the matter goes to arbitration or court. An accurate account of when meetings were held, who was present, what was said, and so on. If others within the church are involved in the conflict, they shall write down everything they recall about the events or circumstances in question, and shall be fully discoverable by the opposing party or parties. Consequently, what is written shall be accurate and concise in what is written, avoiding inflammatory or defamatory remarks.
ARTICLE VI: ORDINANCES
SECTION 1: BAPTISM
Those professing saving faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior may, by the Pastor or some person authorized by the Church, be immersed in water in accordance with the Scriptural teaching. Baptism by single immersion shall be prerequisite to church membership.
SECTION 2: LORD'S SUPPER
The Lord's Supper (Communion) shall be served to the assembled church by the Pastor, or some person designated by the church. Since it is the Lord's Table, none who are His shall be barred, but the Pastor shall frequently state the Scriptural order, which places baptism by immersion as a prerequisite to Communion, and shall explain the meaning of the ordinances.
The officers of the Church shall consist of Pastor, Deacons Trustees, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Clerk, all of whom, except the Pastor, shall have been a member of this Church for a period of at least one year before being placed in nomination. For the first two (2) years of the Church’s existence from Incorporation, this first requirement of membership of one (1) year is waived. Their term of office shall begin immediately upon election at the Annual Meeting, coincident with the ending of the term of retiring officers. Other minor positions of service may be created from time to time as may be deemed necessary. It is recommended that no person shall hold more than two major offices at one time.*
SECTION 1: PASTORS
Paragraph A: The Pastor of this Church shall be an ordained minister who is in full agreement with the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant, including the position of the Church on complete ecclesiastical separation from apostasy and modernism. He shall be one who meets the requirements of I Timothy 3:2 7; II Timothy 4:1,2; and Titus 1:6 9. Paragraph B: The Pastor shall be elected for an indeterminate term. Notice of the proposed choice of Pastor shall be given from the pulpit for two successive Sundays preceding the election, voting shall be by ballot, and 75% of the votes cast be required for election. The Church shall consider only one candidate for the Pastorate at one time, passing upon his acceptability or lack of acceptability, before considering another. Paragraph C: The Pastor shall give the Church a notice in writing not to exceed sixty (60) days and not less than thirty (30) days of his intention to discontinue as Pastor. The Church may, by a 75% vote at a regularly called meeting (see Article XI, Section 2 or 3.), declare the pulpit vacant, providing a severance remuneration of not less than sixty (60) days from the time this action is taken. If the pulpit is declared vacant, notice shall be given the Pastor occupying the pulpit of the appropriate time to vacate the office.
Paragraph D: The Pastor shall be the Moderator of the Church and a member ex officio of all boards and committees, with power to vote in case of tie. No meeting of these boards or committees shall be legal unless the Pastor has first been notified of such meeting. Paragraph E: The Pastor shall be the undershepherd of the flock, preaching and teaching the Word of God without fear or compromise, the bishop, having oversight of the Church, its ordinances, programs, and workers, and the elder, taking heed to himself and to the flock, not greedily as for personal gain, but eager to serve, not by constraint, but willingly, not Iording it over those entrusted to him, but as an example to the flock. He shall fill the office with all fidelity, conductthe services, administer the ordinances, and visit and counsel the members of the church.
SECTION 2: DEACONS
Paragraph A: The Church shall elect from its membership at its annual business meeting Scripturally qualified men (males) to serve as Deacons. Their terms shall be for three (3) years. The number of Deacons, always being odd, shall be changed at the discretion of the Church congregation. Terms of deacons shall be staggered so that no more than one-half of the deacons are elected at any one time.*
Paragraph B: The qualifications for Deacon shall be such as are prescribed and set forth in the New Testament (Acts 6:3; I Timothy 3:8 13). The Deacons shall be men who are in full agreement with the Statement of Faith and the Church Covenant. In addition, they shall be men who have proven themselves faithful to the church in such matters as the regular attendance of the Sunday and mid week services and the financial support of the Church. They shall be men of spiritual discernment, possess a working knowledge of the Word, and be able to serve as personal workers in the inquiry room. Paragraph C: The Deacons shall be the servants of the church, assisting the Pastor in his oversight: providing him with wise counsel, support, and encouragement; being actively engaged in the visitation program; helping to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord's Table and to conduct the baptismal services; serving in positions annually assigned by the Pastor to aid in the administration of the church programs. The Deacons shall be the legal Trustees of the corporation with duties as described in Article VII, Section 3 and shall administrate the finances in accord with the established procedures of the congregation. The Deacons shall make recommendation to the congregation concerning the salary of the Pastor and staff. The Deacons shall, together with the Pastor, act as a screening committee for the congregation: approving all nominations on the nominations ballot for the election of all church officers; serving as the discipline committee; interviewing all candidates for membership and making recommendation prior to the vote of the congregation. Meetings shall be held at the request of the Pastor, or the Chairman, or any two of the Deacons. A majority of the full number shall constitute a quorum. The Deacons shall make full report of their activities to the church at each annual meeting, quarterly meeting, or as requested by the church. The Chairman of the Deacons will be responsible for conducting the services in the absence of the Pastor, and the Deacons shall constitute the Candidate and Pulpit Committees of the Church.
SECTION 3: TRUSTEES
SECTION 4: TREASURER
At each annual meeting the Church shall elect from its membership a Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the church and apply the same as directed by the Church; keep a true and fair record of accounts and make a full report to the Church at each annual meeting and when otherwise directed by the Church. The Treasurer’s books shall be audited annually by persons appointed for that purpose by the Church.*
SECTION 5: FINANCIAL SECRETARY
A Financial Secretary shall be elected for a term of one year. The Financial Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all money received through the envelope system. The records of all individual gifts shall be guarded as a sacred trust. The Financial Secretary shall with at least one appointed member by the Deacons of the Church count all monies received.*
SECTION 6: CLERK
The Church shall elect from its membership at each annual meeting a Clerk for the ensuing year. The Clerk shall have charge of the official correspondence, and shall keep a record of receptions and terminations of members, marriages, and baptisms. The Clerk shall perform such other duties as properly belong to the office and make full report to the Church at each annual meeting and when otherwise directed by the Church.
SECTION 7: ELECTION PROCEDURES
Paragraph A: Nomination Ballot. The nomination ballot shall be prepared by our Pastor and the Board of Deacons. This ballot shall be given or mailed to all eligible voters in good standing at least six (6) weeks prior to our Annual Meeting. Blank spaces are to be provided for suggested nominees for each office that needs to be filled. The names of nominees are to be inserted by each active, voting member and the ballot mailed or given to the Chairman of our Board of Deacons, or deposited in a ballot box conveniently located in our Church prior to the second Wednesday in December. Nomination ballots received after this date shall be considered null and void.
Paragraph B: Clearing Committee. The Clearing Committee shall consist of the Board of Deacons and the Pastor. Names from the Nominating Ballot which receive the highest number of nominations shall be considered candidates for the office designated unless the individual(s) are not considered to be qualified by our Clearing Committee. Individuals nominated and considered to be eligible will be contacted for their consent before their names are placed on the Voting Ballot. Only the names of those nominees officially certified shall be made public.
Paragraph C: Election at Annual Meeting. All members in good standing and above the age of 18 years of age shall have the right to vote for Church candidates except as indicated in Article V, Section 1. Names appearing on the ballot will be the only names considered; there will be no further nominations from the floor at the annual meeting. The Voting Ballot will provide at least two names for each office if atall possible. All church officers except the Pastor as noted in Article VII, Section 1, Paragraph B, shall be elected by secret ballot on a majority vote of members present. The voting ballots will be counted by an appointed committee, and names of newly elected officers shall be announced and posted. The newly elected officers will take office immediately upon election. Paragraph D: Vacancies. Vacancies that occur during the year shall be filled by appointment by the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. The term of appointments to fill vacancies shall end at the next annual meeting when the vacancy will be filled by election.
SECTION 8: STAFF POSITIONS
Paragraph A: Staff Positions Staff positions shall be created and/or dissolved, as the need may arise, by a majority vote of the congregation. Persons to fill these positions will be employed and have their employment terminated by decision of the Pastor, who shall oversee their work and be responsible to report annually to the congregation on each position, or the position can be declared vacant by majority vote of the congregation. Paragraph B: At such times as the church shall be without a Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons will oversee the work of the staff, and persons will be employed and/or terminated by majority vote of the Deacons. If an Interim Pastor is called by the church, he will assume the duties of the pastor and oversee the work of the staff. Staff resignations are not compulsory upon the resignation of the Pastor, but the incoming Pastor will have the discretion of the continued employment and/or termination of staff as delineated in Paragraph A of this section.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
SECTION 1: AUDITING COMMITTEE
The congregation shall annually (at the third quarterly meeting) elect two (2) Auditors from the membership of the Church to Audit the financial records of the Church and make a report at the next annual business meeting.
ARTICLE IX: MISSIONS
It shall be the policy of this Church to support primarily missions engaged in evangelization, church planting, and ancillary support services for missions. They shall be known to be in hearty agreement with our Statement of Faith, both in doctrine and practice, and be Baptist in name as well as polity. A written Missions Policy, in strict agreement with our Statement of Faith and Constitution, shall provide the guidelines by which the missions of this Church are implemented.
ARTICLE X: FINANCES
SECTION 1: FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal Year shall begin on January 1 and end on the following December 31.
SECTION 2: MONEY RAISING
No monies shall be raised by the Church or any auxiliary organization except by free will giving.
SECTION 3: FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
No financial obligation shall be placed upon the Church either as a mortgage, note, or outstanding bill, or in any other form unless money is in hand to meet the same, except as stated in Article VII, Section 3, Paragraph B, or by Corporate Act of the Church.
SECTION 1: ANNUAL MEETING
There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Church on the third week of January to elect officers and transact any other business. In case of any omission in holding the election as above, the meeting shall be called and held upon the earliest available date thereafter.*
SECTION 2: SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Special business meetings may be called by the Pastor, Deacons, or upon written request of any ten (10) eligible voting members, provided public notice is given of the same on the Lord's Day preceding, except that those for calling or dismissing a Pastor shall be given public notice for two (2) preceding Sundays. At such a meeting, forty (40) percent of the active members shall constitute a quorum. However, routine business may be done, when necessary, at any stated meeting of the Church without regard to the above requirements. The Pastor and Board of Deacons shall have authority to call an emergency meeting in event of any matter needing immediate attention.
SECTION 3: QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETINGS
Quarterly business meetings of the Church are to be conducted in the months of April, July, and October, preferably on the second week of the month. The exact date of the meetings will be set by the Board of Deacons and an announcement of these meetings shall be made on the Lord's Day preceding such meetings.
SECTION 4: ORDER OF MEETINGS
All business meetings of the church shall be conducted decently and in order with a view towards the unity and harmony of the body. Business meetings will always be conducted with prayer. If questions of procedure are raised, the rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all cases to which they apply. In exceptions, a majority vote shall establish the rule.
SECTION 5: QUORUM
Forty (40) percent of the active membership shall constitute a quorum at all regularly scheduled business meetings of the church.
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended by a two thirds vote of the members present and voting at any Annual Meeting, or at a called business meeting providing that notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given from the pulpit for two Sundays prior to the meeting at which action is desired.
ARTICLE XIII: USE OF THE CHURCH
Use of the church building other than for church sponsored activities shall be by consent of the Pastor and Board of Deacons.
ARTICLE XIV: DISSOLUTION
This church shall have the right to own, buy or sell tangible properties, both real and personal, in its own name through properly elected and authorized officers. In event of the dissolution of this corporation, all its debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among its members, but shall be irrevocably dedicated by the Deacons, to such other non profit religious corporations as are in agreement with the letter and spirit of this Constitution, Statement of Faith, and in conformity with the requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Code of 1954 L (Section 501 6 3) or any subsequent amendments thereto.
ARTICLE XV: LICENSING AND ORDINATIONS
Any member who, in the judgment of the congregation, gives evidence by his living and aptness to teach, that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, shall be eligible for a license to preach. He shall have preached in the hearing of the Church, and having been examined by the Deacons may upon their recommendation be licensed to preach the Gospel by the Church, provided two thirds (2/3) of the members present at any business meeting shall agree thereto.
If the Church decides by the two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any regular called business meeting, that one of its men possesses the Scriptural qualifications for full ordination, the church shall call a council of messengers from Baptist churches of like faith and practice to examine the qualifications of the candidate and make recommendation to the church. Taking into account the recommendation of the ordination council, the church shall and proceed according to custom by majority vote of the congregation.
ARTICLE XVII: CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION
When questions arise with regard to the interpretation of this Constitution, the majority decision of the Deacons shall be considered as the final authority.