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High Pointe Baptist Church
ARTICLES OF FAITH
4:1,2; 17:19; Psalm 19:7-11; 119; Isaiah 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 5:17, 18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25, 26; II Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 1:1, 2; 4:12; I Peter 1:25; II Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:18, 19.

1; 2; 6:18; 7:23; 8:15-17; 17:1; Exodus 3:14; 34:6, 7; Deuteronomy 4:35; I Kings 8:27; Nehemiah 9:32, 33; Psalm 5:5-8; 90:2; 115:3; 139:7-12; 147:5; Proverbs 16:4; Isaiah 6:3; 40:12-31; 46:10; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Daniel 2:20; Nahum 1; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 28:18-20; John 1:14, 18; 3:16; 15:26; 17:3; Romans 8:28; 11:36; I Corinthians 8:4-6; II Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; I Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:17; I John 3:20; 5:7. 2:17; Exodus 4:22; Psalm 110:3; Isaiah 46:10; 64:8; Ezekiel 36:26, 27; Malachi 2:10; John 6:44, 45; Acts 17:29; Romans 9:15, 18; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; James 1:13; I John 1:5. 10/22/05 S:\Articles of Faith_Fellowship\Articles of Faith.doc High Pointe Baptist Church 2:6; 110; Isaiah 42:1; 53; Matthew 2:6; 12:40; 27:46; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:31, 35; 2:7; John 1:14, 18; 20:31; Acts 3:22; 17:31; I Corinthians 15:4, 25; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14, 17; 5:6; 7:25, 26; 9:28; I Peter 1:19, 20.

The Holy Spirit applies to unbelievers the redemption purchased by Christ. The Holy Spirit convicts them of sin, of what is right, and of God’s judgment. He enlightens their minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renews their wills. He persuades and enables them to believe in Christ as freely offered in the gospel.

The Holy Spirit has also been sent to those who are redeemed. We are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit at the point of regeneration when the Holy Spirit takes up residence within the believer. He convicts believers of sin and calls them to repentance. He intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will. He bestows spiritual gift(s) by which we may serve God. He has sealed us unto the last day.

We are instructed not to quench or grieve the Holy Spirit by our disobedience. Instead, we are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidencing the fruit of the Spirit in our daily conduct.

Ezekiel

 

ARTICLE III

36:26; Joel 2:28-32; John 14:16, 17, 26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:37, 38; 26:18; Romans 6:3; 8:14, 16, 26; 12:1-8; I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:18; 3:17; 4:11-13, 30; 5:18; 6:18; I Thessalonians 5:19; Titus 3:5, 6.

MAN

After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female, with a spirit and reasonable and immortal souls, made in the image of God in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. God’s promise of life was upon condition of obedience, yet under a possibility of

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transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will. Man fell from the state of creation by sinning against God, or non-conformity to or transgression of the law of God. Although God’s promise of life was made to Adam, it also included all his descendants, who sinned in him and fell with him in his first transgression. The sinfulness of mankind’s state consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the lack of righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, known as original sin. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion and fellowship with God, are under His wrath and curse, and so are liable to all the miseries in this life, to death, and to the pains of hell forever.

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Genesis

 

ARTICLE IV

1:26, 27; 2:7; 3:6-8, 24; Psalm 51:5, 6; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Matthew 25:41; Romans 1:18-32; 2:13-15; 3:10; 5:12, 18, 19; 6:23; Galatians 3:10; I John 3:4.

SALVATION

God is long-suffering toward us, not desiring to see any perish, but that all would repent. God, out of His good pleasure, from all eternity, appointed some to eternal life. He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver them out of the state of sin and misery, and to bring them to salvation by a Redeemer. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ. (See Article II). The Holy Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, fully and adequately complying with the will of God as expressed in His Covenant of Grace (See Article II).

Those who are called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the benefits, which flow from them. Justification is an act of God’s free grace wherein He pardons all of our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight, only because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and received by faith alone. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace whereby we are received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God. Sanctification is the work of God’s Spirit whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto self and live unto righteousness. The benefits which accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification are assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, increase of grace, and perseverance to the last day.

Ezekiel

 

ARTICLE V

36:26; John 1:12; 6:44, 45; Acts 2:37, 38; 13:48; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 3:16, 23, 24; 5:1-5, 19-21; 6:10, 11, 23; 8:17, 30; 14:17; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 1:4-12; 2:1-9; 4:24; Philippians 3:9; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Timothy 2:5; II Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5, 6; I Peter 1:5; II Peter 3:9; I John 3:1; 5:13.

GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life and the life to come. To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, we must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting alone to His blood and righteousness. This faith is attended by repentance for sin and leads to holiness in the future. Faith in Jesus Christ is a work by God in us whereby we receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation, as set forth in the gospel. Repentance unto life is a work by God in us whereby we as sinners, out of a true sense of our sin and a desire for the mercy of God in Christ, with grief and hatred of our sin, turn from it unto God with full purpose to strive after obedience.

Those whom God has called and sanctified by His Spirit can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end and be eternally saved. This perseverance of the

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saints depends upon the immutability of God’s decree of election, flowing from the love of God the Father, on the sufficiency of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and our union with Him, God’s Covenant of Grace, and the abiding of His Spirit. The elect, although subject on this earth to sin and to the merciful chastening of God, are kept by the power of God unto salvation, held by His hands. Their names have been written in the book of life for all eternity. Though the saints may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall in sin and for a time continue therein, their hearts being hardened and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others and bring judgments on themselves, yet they will be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the last day.

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II Samuel

 

ARTICLE VI

12:13, 14; Psalm 11:6; 32:1-5; 89:31, 32; 119:59; Isaiah 33:22; Jeremiah 31:18, 19; 32:40; Joel 2:13; Matthew 26:70-74; Luke 22:61, 62; John 1:12; 3:16; 10:28, 29; 14:19; Acts 2:37, 38; 11:18; 20:21; Romans 5:9, 10; 8:30; 9:11, 16; I Corinthians 11:32; Ephesians 5:6; Philippians 1:6; 3:9; II Timothy 1:9; 2:19; Hebrews 6:17, 18; 10:31.

THE CHURCH

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a body of baptized believers who evidence their obedience to the call of Christ by willingly consenting to walk together in subjection to the commands of Scripture. This is manifested by observing Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, demonstrating commitment to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.

A local church is the tangible manifestation of the universal church, the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the church, having loved the church and given Himself for it to present to Himself a holy and blameless bride.

Matthew

 

ARTICLE VII

16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41, 42, 47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23, 27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4, 5; 7:17; 9:13, 14; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 3:1-15; 4:14; I Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2, 3.

BAPTISM

Baptism is an ordinance of the church. It is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a symbolic act of obedience and testimony of the believer’s fellowship with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and of his giving himself to God through Christ to walk in newness of life. Baptism is administered by immersion in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew

 

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ARTICLE VIII

3:13-17; 28:18-20; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21, 22; John 3:23; Acts 2:41, 42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12. 10/22/05 S:\Articles of Faith_Fellowship\Articles of Faith.doc High Pointe Baptist Church

THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the church. It is a symbolic act of obedience whereby believers, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His Second Coming. It is the responsibility of each person participating in the Lord’s Supper to examine himself, as to his relationship with God, so as not to "eat or drink judgment on himself". It is the responsibility of the one administering the elements to inform the congregation of the qualification (faith in Christ) and responsibility (self-examination) attendant to partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew

 

ARTICLE IX

26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19, 20; I Corinthians 10:14-17, 21; 11:17-34

HOME AND FAMILY

The Church expects its members to follow the Scriptures in home government. God requires that godliness in the home have a high priority in every life. Scripturally, the home should be a picture of the relationship of Christ and the Church.

Husbands are expected to honor their wives and love them as Christ loved the Church, and rule their homes with gentleness and firmness. Wives must submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord. Regarding marriage, God’s intent is to join a man and a woman permanently in a heterosexual, monogamous relationship. Prospective marriage partners are scripturally admonished to avoid being unequally yoked. Believers should not initiate divorce except for unfaithfulness.

Children are a gift from God and at conception become human personalities and at that time become the responsibility of the parents to cherish and protect. Parents should train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord by holy example, biblical instruction, consistent education, and firm discipline. Children are to reverently obey their parents in the Lord. Parents are to be honored all the days of their lives.

These primary responsibilities prayerfully executed, will honor the name of Christ in the community and strengthen the cause of the family in generations to come.

Genesis

 

ARTICLE X

2:18, 22-24; Exodus 20:12, 13; Leviticus 18:6-18, 20; Deuteronomy 23:17, 18; Psalm 127:3-5; 139:13-16; Proverbs 13:24; 22:6, 15; 23:13, 14; Jeremiah 1:5; Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:5, 6; Mark 6:18; 10:2-12; Romans 1:26, 27; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 7; Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33; 6:1-4; Hebrews 13:4; I Peter 3:7.

THE LORD’S DAY

Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Lord’s Day. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead. The example set for us by Christians in the New Testament calls us to observe the Lord’s Day in public and private worship to God and to Him alone. A day of rest as established by God Himself has special meaning for the Christian.

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Genesis

 

ARTICLE XI

10/22/05 S:\Articles of Faith_Fellowship\Articles of Faith.doc High Pointe Baptist Church 2:2, 3; Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1-10; Mark 2:27, 28; 16:1-7; Luke 1:41-44; 24:1-6, 33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-8; I Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17; Hebrews 10:25; Revelation 1:10.

LAST THINGS

According to His promise Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The day of His return is unknown to all, except God the Father, so we should be ever watchful.

God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father. The redeemed of Christ in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their rewards and will dwell in heaven with their Savior forever. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment and unspeakable torments, with Satan and his angels forever.

Isaiah

 

ARTICLE XII

2:4; 11:9; Daniel 12:2-13; Matthew 16:27; 18:8, 9; 19:28-30; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; 13:32-37; Luke 12:35-40; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27, 28; John 5:22, 27-29; 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; I Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28, 35-58; II Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20, 21; Colossians 3:4; I Thessalonians 4:14-18; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; I Timothy 6:14; II Timothy 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27, 28; James 5:8; I John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

STEWARDSHIP

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. According to the Scriptures we are to serve Him with our life, time, abilities, and material possessions recognizing that these are entrusted to us to use for the glory of God and for helping to meet the needs of others. We are also to contribute of our finances cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally, for the advancement of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christian financial stewardship is comprised of, and the work of the Lord is sustained by, the tithes and offerings of God’s people.

Genesis

 

ARTICLE XIII

14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Psalm 24:1, 2; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Mark 12:42-44; Luke 6:38; 12:16-21, 42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24, 25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1, 2; I Corinthians 4:1, 2; 6:19, 20; 12; 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8-9; Philippians 4:10-19; I Timothy 6:3-10, 17-19; I Peter 1:18, 19.

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

 

We believe it is the duty and privilege of every believer, under the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, to share the gospel (that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures) with the lost by

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demonstrating our love for one another as commanded by Christ, personal witnessing and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ with the intent of leading them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We also believe that we are mandated by Jesus Christ to take the gospel to the ends of the earth and make disciples of all nations.

S:\Articles of Faith_Fellowship\Articles of Faith.doc High Pointe Baptist Church

Genesis

 

ARTICLE XIV

12:1-3; Exodus 19:5, 6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37, 38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9, 10, 36-40; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 13:35; 14:11, 12; 15:7, 8, 16; 17:18; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2, 3; Romans 10:13-15; I Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 3:1-11; I Thessalonians 1:8; II Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; I Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

We believe that God alone is Lord of the conscience, and that He has left it free from those doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or are not contained in it. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind and the state should not impose taxes for the support or prohibition of any form of religion. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God.

Genesis

 

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All that follows is subject to the ultimate constitution for every New Testament church, the Bible. Led by faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for the glorification of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare, establish, and voluntarily submit to these Articles of Fellowship to govern this body in an orderly manner in keeping with those principles and commands of Scripture regarding the conduct of a local New Testament Church. The Articles will preserve the liberties of each individual church member and the autonomy of this body in relation to any other association. We also declare that the Articles of Faith, which accompany these Articles of Fellowship, are incorporated herein by reference. These Articles shall become effective as of the date of adoption by this church, and shall supersede all other rules, regulations, and procedures heretofore in existence.

1:27; 2:7; Daniel 1; 3; 6; Matthew 6:6, 7, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19, 20; Romans 6:1, 2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1, 13; Philippians 3:20; I Timothy 2:1, 2; James 4:12; I Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19. 10/22/05 S:\Articles of Faith_Fellowship\Articles of Faith.doc



High Pointe Baptist Church
ARTICLES OF FELLOWSHIP

ARTICLE I: NAME

This body shall be known as the High Pointe Baptist Church, hereinafter called "the Church", located at 101 High Pointe Lane, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.

ARTICLE II: MISSION STATEMENT

To glorify God, to exalt Christ, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to win the lost, to edify the saints, to minister to needs within the Church and community, and to extend the Kingdom of Christ to the ends of the earth.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: General

The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government of the life of the Church. The membership reserves the exclusive right to determine who may be members of the Church and the conditions of such membership. Each member of the Church (except those members who are under Watchcare as provided below) is entitled to vote in all elections and on all questions submitted to the Church, provided the member is present at the time of said voting. Each member is eligible for any elective office in the Church, subject to any and all scriptural requirements that may exist for such office.

The purpose for which the Church is formed is the worship of Almighty God according to the faith, doctrine, discipline, and usages of the Church, through which all questions of faith, doctrine, and discipline shall be decided. Membership in the Church shall be entirely subject to rules, regulations, usages, canons, discipline, and requirements of the Church, and a member expelled therefrom shall immediately cease to be a member of the Church until fully restored to membership in good standing.

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Section 2: Initial Membership

The initial membership of the Church shall consist of all members at incorporation.

Section 3: Candidacy for Membership

Any person may present himself as a candidate for membership in the Church at any regular worship service in any of the following ways:

    1. Upon public confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, followed by scriptural baptism.
    2. Upon receipt of a letter of recommendation from a church of like faith and order, and having been scripturally baptized.
    3. Upon statement of acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, being scripturally baptized and upon recommendation of the Pastor and/or his designee after counseling.
    4. Upon Watchcare. Any person who, for some valid reason, is prohibited from joining the Church may come under the Watchcare of the Church. They may share in all appropriate rights, responsibilities and privileges, save that of voting (most commonly Watchcare serves to help full-time students and/or missionaries who need to retain their membership at their home or sponsoring church). A person will be presented for Watchcare upon recommendation of the Pastor and/or his designee after counseling.
    5. Upon other conditions as the Church may deem proper in cases involving special considerations and circumstances.

Section 4: Requirements for Membership

Because the Pastor shall give an account of the members (Hebrews 13:17), each candidate for membership in the Church shall be referred to the Pastor and/or his designee. The Pastor and/or his designee shall be responsible to promptly fix a time and place for meeting with the candidate. The purpose of the meeting shall be to discern the candidate’s basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs and, reasons to believe God is adding him or her to this body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:7, 18), seriousness of intention to support the total ministry of the Church (I Corinthians 10:24, Ephesians 4:29). The Pastor and/or his designee shall make their recommendation concerning candidates for membership in the Church at any of the regular monthly business meetings of the Church (Acts 9:27). Approval of those recommended for membership shall be by unanimous vote of the Church members present and voting at the business meeting in which the names of the candidates are presented. In the event of any dissenting vote, the Pastor and/or his designee shall investigate the validity of the objections and make a further recommendation to the Church. Approval or disapproval of the reconsidered recommendation shall be by a two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote.

Section 5: Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated in any of the following ways:

    1. Upon death;
    2. Upon request for a letter of recommendation to another church of like faith and order, provided the member is in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of the request. Letters of recommendation shall be given only to other churches of like faith and order;
    3. Upon expulsion by action of the Church (See Article X, Section 3); or
    4. Upon written request of a member. Although discouraged, any member who desires to terminate his or her membership in the Church shall make a request in writing which shall then be voted on by the membership.

       

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ARTICLE IV: POLITY/RELATIONSHIPS

The government of the Church shall be congregational. The Church is an autonomous body operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The government of the Church is vested in its membership and following the leadership of the Holy Spirit will strive to move by consensus, in a spirit of love, and in the unity of the faith. The membership is composed of persons who have been presented and duly elected to membership.

The Church is not subject to control by any other ecclesiastical body within or beyond its membership.

As much as is practical, and to better carry out its purpose, the Church will affiliate and cooperate with the Dallas Baptist Association, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

The Church will also endeavor to cooperate with other Christians and Christian organizations to better achieve its purpose.

ARTICLE V: CONDUCT

Each person who has been redeemed by Christ should live for Him and His church and not for himself or herself. Regular attendance at the services of the Church, daily systematic Bible reading, and private and family prayers and devotions shall be urged upon all members.

The conduct of each member should be fully in keeping with both the letter and spirit of the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40), and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The qualities described as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) should be evident in the lives of all members and each should be above reproach both within the Church and without.

ARTICLE VI: MINISTRY

All Christian ministry is a result of meaningful relationships. It presumes a vital, saving, obedient relationship with Jesus Christ as head of the Church and requires caring relationships for all those to whom the Church is ministering.

Section 1: Philosophy of Ministry

  • Christ is the head of the Church. He initiates and gives direction for all ministries.
  • Every member of the Church is part of the Body of Christ. All members have been empowered by the Holy Sprit to evangelize the lost and use their spiritual gift(s) to build up the body.
  • It is the function of the leadership of the Church to equip the members for works of service.
  • All ministry of the Church shall be guided by the principles found in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40).
  • Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Pastoral Tenure:

    • Section 2: Practice of Ministry

    As expressed in Ephesians 4:11-16, the TEAM approach is the Biblical approach to ministry. The Church will take the TEAM approach to ministry:

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    T

    E

    A

    M

    ARTICLE VII: CHURCH OFFICERS

    ogether we can do more than we can separately. vangelism and discipleship are at the heart of all we do. ll members are ministers. inistry is best done through meaningful relationships.

    Jesus Christ alone is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Christ superintends and cares for His church through His delegated representatives who fulfill the following two offices designated to accomplish the work of leading and caring for the Church (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1):

      1. Pastors and
      2. Deacon’s

    Section 1: Pastor

    The Pastor shall shepherd the flock, direct the public services of worship, and supervise the general development of the Church ministry. He shall:

    1. Proclaim the gospel, which includes filling the pulpit at stated worship services (or his designee);
    2. Lead the Church, under the direction of the Holy Spirit to accomplish its mission;
    3. Lead in the equipping of the members to do the work of the ministry;
    4. Lead in the equipping of the members to be able to explain their faith and the reason they believe;
    5. Supervise the work of all staff members including hiring and termination with the approval of the appropriate committee(s) and the Church membership;
    6. Moderate the Church business meetings or assign a designee.

    The office of the Pastor shall be considered vacant upon his voluntary resignation or upon his being disfellowshipped as per Articles of Fellowship, Article X.

    Section 2: Call of a Pastor

    A pastor shall be chosen and called by the Church whenever vacancy occurs. The election of the Pastor shall take place at a special business meeting of the Church called for that purpose.

    Section 3: Pastor Search Committee

    When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Pastor Search Committee shall be formed at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting for which at least a one-week notice has been given. By secret paper ballot each member present and voting shall submit the names of five (5) members of the Church to serve on the Pastor Search Committee. When the votes are tallied the five members receiving the highest numbers of votes shall serve as the Committee with the two members receiving the next highest numbers of votes serving as alternates to the Committee. Prospective Pastor Search Committee members must indicate a willingness to serve. The committee will elect its one chairman.

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    The first item of business of the Pastor Search Committee is to recommend a candidate who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, as Interim Pastor. The election of the Interim Pastor shall be by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority of the church members present and voting at any regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. The Interim Pastor shall serve at the pleasure of the Church or until a Pastor is called. Until an Interim Pastor is chosen, the Pastor Search Committee will be responsible for pulpit supply and recommendation of an interim moderator.

    The Pastor Search Committee shall recommend to the congregation one man meeting the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, whom they have agreed upon unanimously, led of the Lord, to have the Church consider as Pastor. If he is not elected by the Church, they shall recommend another.

    The election and call of the Pastor shall be by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Church members present and voting. The Pastor, thus elected, shall serve until this relationship is terminated.

    Section 4: Church Staff

    Ministerial Staff:

    The Church shall call or employ such ministerial staff members as the Church shall need or the Pastor deems necessary. A job description shall be written and approved by the Church when the need for a staff member is determined. Approval will be needed from the appropriate committee(s) and by two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Church members present and voting at a regular or specially called business meeting before a ministerial staff member will be hired.

    Support Staff:

    The Church shall employ such support staff members as the Church shall need or as the Pastor shall deem necessary. The hiring of a support staff member will require the approvals of the appropriate Church committee(s). Unless a job description for the support staff position has already been approved, then the job description for the support staff position to be filled must be approved by the appropriate committee(s) and (2/3) two-thirds of the Church members present and voting at a regular or specially called business meeting.

    Section 5: Pastor’s Fellowship

    The Pastor’s Fellowship shall consist of the Pastor and no more than seven men, all of whom display Christian maturity, a call to and gifts in ministry, meet the qualifications of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, are ordained ministers, and are voting members of the Church.

    The men comprising the Pastor’s Fellowship shall be recommended by the Pastor and selected by the Church by three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the Church members present and voting in a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. They shall serve the Church, and assist the Pastor in matters of spiritual oversight and ministry leadership as more specifically defined in the Church Handbook of Policies and Guidelines.

    Terms of service shall be as stated in the Church Handbook of Policies and Guidelines.

    Section 6: Deacon’s Fellowship

    The Deacons’ Fellowship shall consist of no more than seven men all of whom display Christian maturity, ongoing service within the Church, meet the qualifications of Acts 6:3-5 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13, have been ordained to the office of deacon, and are voting members of the Church. The men comprising the Deacons’ Fellowship shall be recommended by the Pastor and selected by the Church by three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the Church members present and voting in a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. They shall serve the Church and assist

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    the Pastor by providing service oversight and ministry leadership as more specifically defined in the Church Handbook of Policies and Guidelines.

    Terms of service shall be as stated in the Church Handbook of Policies and Guidelines.

    Section 7: Other Church Officers

    The Church may elect in addition to scriptural officers any other Church officers which might be required or helpful in fulfilling the mission of the Church. The Church officers may include, but are not limited to: clerk, moderator, treasurer and trustees. The Church shall have three (3) trustees who are duly authorized to conduct the legal affairs of the Church, in keeping with the wishes of the Church, as only expressed by majority vote of the Church members present and voting in a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting.

    Section 8: Support of the Church Leaders

    It is the duty of every Church member to respect the God-appointed and Church elected leadership. Each member is to:

         

      1. Pray for them (I Timothy 2:1; II Thessalonians 3:1, 2; Hebrews 13:18);
      2. Obey them in the Lord (Hebrews 13:17);
      3. Follow their lead in the Lord (Hebrews 13:7, 17);
      4. Follow their example in the Lord (I Corinthians 11:1);
      5. Support them (Hebrews 13:7); and
      6. Encourage them (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24).

         

    ARTICLE VIII: LICENSING AND ORDAINING

    Section 1: Licensing to Ministry

    Any person who gives evidence of God’s call to the work of the ministry and who meets scriptural qualifications may, by approval of a majority of the members present and voting at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting, be licensed by the Church to the ministry.

    Section 2: Ordaining to Ministry or Service

    When the Church or a church of like faith and order requests the Church to ordain a person for a pastoral role or to ordain a person to ministry or service who meets the qualifications of I Timothy 3:13, Titus 1:6-9 and Acts 2:3-5, the Pastor shall convene an ordaining council to examine the candidate’s life, doctrine, and call according to the Articles of Faith adopted by this Church. Upon recommendation of the Ordaining Council the ordination will be scheduled.

    At a specially called business meeting, the Ordaining Council shall recommend ordination to the Church. The Church may authorize the ordination by approval of a majority of the Church members present and voting. All members of the Ordaining Council and the Pastor shall sign the ordination certificate. The ordination of the Church is valid for the lifetime of the minister or deacon, but the Church reserves the right to withdraw the ordination should the life or doctrine of the minister or deacon cease to bear those qualities required of such ordination.

    ARTICLE IX: ORDINANCES

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    Section 1: Baptism

    The Church shall receive for baptism any person who has believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord. Scriptural Baptism shall be by total immersion in water (See Articles of Faith, Article VII) and shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the Church. The Pastor, or whoever the Church shall authorize, shall administer baptism. The Ordinance Committee shall assist in the preparation and observance of baptism.

    Section 2: The Lord’s Supper

    The Lord’s Supper shall be administered at least once a quarter as scheduled by the Pastor in either the morning or evening worship services and shall be observed as an act of worship and commitment (See Articles of Faith, Article VIII). The Pastor and Pastor’s Fellowship or Deacons’ Fellowship shall be responsible for the administration of the Lord’s Supper. The Ordinance Committee shall be responsible for the physical preparations.

    ARTICLE X: CHURCH DISPUTES AND DISCIPLINE

    Discipline is necessary because of conduct or doctrine contrary to Biblical standards. Immediate steps must be taken to secure forgiveness and reconciliation. These steps are to be initiated by the offended or offending parties. No offenses shall be brought before the Church until the instructions of Scripture have been followed (

    Matthew 5:23, 24; 18:15-22; I Corinthians 5, 6; II Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1, 2; Ephesians 4:1-16; II Thessalonians 3:11-15; Titus 3:10). Church discipline always aims for the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the local church, and the restoration and spiritual growth of the parties involved.

    Section 1: Reconciliation and Forgiveness

    Initially, the reported offending party must be confronted with the offense in question. Reconciliation and forgiveness is the full intent and goal of the initial meeting. If reconciliation and forgiveness is achieved, all will rejoice. In the event that reconciliation and forgiveness are not realized, the following steps are to be taken.

    Section 2: Admonition and Warning

    The Pastor’s Fellowship is to be informed. The Pastor and/or his designees shall comprise a group of two or three witnesses who shall confront the offending party regarding his/her reported unrepentance. If reconciliation is achieved, all will rejoice. If the party in question continues the unrepentant attitude, this group shall issue admonition and warning of steps to be taken if repentance is not realized.

    Section 3: Church Action

    If the offending party remains unrepentant the matter is to be presented to the Church for action at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. A prepared statement will be read regarding the matter and any desiring to speak, including the offending party, may do so. After hearing all pertinent facts and discussion, the congregation has the right and responsibility to vote on the revoking of the membership of the party(ies) in question. This action requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Church members present and voting.

    If the offending party appears at this meeting to be repentant of reported misconduct or false belief, the Church has the full right and responsibility to affirm that person prior to the revoking of the membership.

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    Section 4: Restoration

    The Church must restore to fellowship in full forgiveness those persons who show satisfactory evidence of repentance (II Corinthians 2:6-8). The object of the discipline being accomplished, repentant persons shall be restored to full membership at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting upon recommendation of the Pastor and two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Church members present and voting.

    ARTICLE XI: CHRUCH PROGRAM ORGANIZATIONS

    The Church shall endeavor to maintain programs of Bible teaching; church member training; church leader training; new member orientation; mission education, action, and support; pastoral care; under-shepherding; evangelism; discipleship; and music education, training and performance.

    Other organizations and ministries may be added to the Church program as needed. The Church reserves the right, for example, at any point in the future, to operate and maintain a Christian elementary and/or secondary school and day-care program.

    All organizations related to the Church programs shall be under the Church staff supervision, with all officers being selected by the Church staff and approved by the Church by majority vote of the Church members present and voting in a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting, and reports given as often as needed.

    ARTICLE XII: CHURCH COMMITTEES

    Many of the operations and ministries of the Church shall be administered by standing and, if needed, special committees. Church members can request a nomination to a specific committee, which is subject to the approval of the Committee on Committees. Church members will not be nominated to a committee without their prior consent. All recommendations for committee appointments shall be confirmed or rejected by a majority vote of the Church members present and voting at a Church business meeting.

    A majority vote of members serving on any committee shall be necessary for a recommendation to be brought from that committee. The responsibilities and authority of any Church committee shall not be abridged except by majority vote of Church members present and voting at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting.

    The Pastor and/or his designee will be ex-officio on any and all appropriate committees.

    Terms of service of all members of church committees shall be as stated in the Church Handbook of Policies and Guidelines.

    ARTICLE XIII: CHURCH FINANCES

    Section 1: Budget

    The Church shall operate its financial matters in accordance with a budget to be adopted annually. All expending of the Church monies, except designated gifts, shall be made in accordance with allowances set forth in such budget. Designated gifts shall be used only for the purpose stated by the giver.

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    In preparing a budget for the upcoming year, the Stewardship/Finance Committee may obtain from all committees, groups, organizations, and the Church staff projected and prioritized expenses for the upcoming church year.

    The Stewardship/Finance Committee shall present the proposed budget to the Church for consideration at least one week prior to the meeting in which the budget is to be approved. The budget must be approved or amended by a majority of the Church members present and voting.

    Section 2: Accounting

    The Stewardship/Finance Committee shall provide for a system of accounting that will adequately account for all funds. The Stewardship/Finance Committee shall render to the Church on at least a quarterly basis an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements. At the end of the Church fiscal year, the Stewardship/Finance Committee shall prepare an annual report of the financial condition of the Church including any and all indebtedness. Audits are not a requirement, but the Church may request by a majority vote of the Church members present and voting in a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting that the financial records be audited.

    The Church fiscal year shall run from January 1 through December 31 of each year.

    ARTICLE XIV: CHURCH MEETINGS

    Section 1: Worship Services

    The Church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening for the worship of Almighty God. These services will be open for the entire membership of the Church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the Pastor, Church staff, or their designee.

    Section 2: Revival Services

    Revival services and any other Church meeting essential to the fulfilling of the Mission Statement shall be held as needed and as determined by the Pastor and Church staff in cooperation with the appropriate committee.

    Section 3: Regular Business Meeting

    The Church shall hold business meetings monthly for the purpose of conducting any and all Church business including Pastor’s and Deacons’ Fellowship reports, committee reports, and all other business essential to good congregational communication. The moderator shall be the Pastor or his appointed designee. One-week notice must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. Announcement and listing of the business meeting in the Sunday worship bulletin shall fulfill the criteria of notifying resident members.

    Section 4: Special Business Meetings

    Notice of all specially called business meetings of the Church shall be given by announcement at least one week prior to the meeting unless circumstances render such notice impractical. The notice shall include the subject, the date, the time, and the place of such meeting. Notice must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. Announcement and listing of the business meeting in the Sunday worship bulletin shall fulfill the criteria of notifying resident members.

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    Section 5: Quorum

    The Quorum consists of those members who attend the business meeting, provided it is a regularly scheduled meeting or one that has been properly called.

    Section 6: Parliamentary Procedure

    Robert’s Rules of Order shall be followed by the Moderator for procedure in all business meetings, committee meetings, and organization meetings of the Church. At the Moderator’s discretion, a Parliamentarian may be appointed by the moderator to assist and advise the moderator in any business meeting.

    Section 7: Minutes

    Minutes of all regularly scheduled and specially called business meetings shall be taken by a person designated by the Moderator of any such meeting. Prior to any regularly scheduled business meeting, the minutes of the preceding regularly scheduled business meeting shall be made available for review by any voting member.

    ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENTS/INTERPRETATION

    Section 1: Amendments

    Amendments to the Articles of Faith and/or Fellowship may be adopted by at least a three-fourths (3/4) majority of the Church members present and voting at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. Before an amendment can be considered for a vote, it must be distributed to all Church members at least two weeks prior to the business meeting in which the vote will be taken. The time and date of the vote must accompany the distribution of the proposed amendment.

    Section 2: Interpretation

    The Pastor’s Fellowship, including the Pastor, shall be responsible for interpreting the meaning of the Articles of Faith and/or Fellowship. If any member is dissatisfied with the interpretation of the Pastor’s Fellowship, that member may appeal to the Church membership at a regularly scheduled or specially called business meeting. Any interpretation decision reached by a majority of the Church members present and voting at such business meeting shall be binding.

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    Amendments to Articles of Fellowship

    ARTICLE VII: CHURCH OFFICERS

    Previous to October 22, 2000

    Section 4: Church Staff

    The Church shall call or employ such staff members as the Church shall need or the Pastor deems necessary. A job description shall be written and approved by the Church when the need for a staff member is determined. Approval will be needed from the appropriate committee(s) and by two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Church members present and voting at a regular or specially called business meeting before a staff member will be hired.

    When the need arises, the Church may employ various support staff personnel to help meet the daily and ongoing needs of the work of the Church. These employee(s) shall be supervised by the Pastor and/or his designee.

    New Reading from October 22, 2000 forward

    Section 4: Church Staff

    Ministerial Staff:

    The Church shall call or employ such ministerial staff members as the Church shall need or the Pastor deems necessary. A job description shall be written and approved by the Church when the need for a staff member is determined. Approval will be needed from the appropriate committee(s) and by two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Church members present and voting at a regular or specially called business meeting before a ministerial staff member will be hired.

    Support Staff:

    The Church shall employ such support staff members as the Church shall need or as the Pastor shall deem necessary. The hiring of a support staff member will require the approvals of the appropriate Church committee(s). Unless a job description for the support staff position has already been approved, then the job description for the support staff position to be filooled must be approved by the appropriate committee(s) and two-thirds of the Church members present and voting at a regular or specially called business meeting.

    ARTICLE XIV: CHURCH MEETINGS

    Previous to October 22, 2000

    Section 3: Regular Business Meeting

    The Church shall hold business meetings monthly for the purpose of conducting any and all Church business including Pastor’s and Deacons’ Fellowship reports, committee reports, and all other business essential to good congregational communication. The moderator shall be the Pastor, or in his absence, his appointed designee. One-week notice must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. Announcement and listing of the business meeting in the Sunday worship bulletin shall fulfill the criteria of notifying resident members.

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    New reading from October 22, 2000

    Section 3: Regular Business Meeting

    The Church shall hold business meetings monthly for the purpose of conducting any and all Church business including Pastor’s and Deacons’ Fellowship reports, committee reports, and all other business essential to good congregational communication. The moderator shall be the Pastor or his appointed designee. One-week notice must be given in such a manner that all resident members have opportunity to know of the meeting. Announcement and listing of the business meeting in the Sunday worship bulletin shall fulfill the criteria of notifying resident members.

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    PREAMBLE

     ARTICLE I

    THE SCRIPTURES

    We believe in the verbal, plenary (i.e., in its entirety) inspiration of both the Old and New Testaments, that the very words of the original Scriptures are infallible and inerrant. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man. The Scriptures are our final and absolute authority in every area of life and knowledge, and they are the supreme standard by which all creeds, confessions of faith and religious opinions should be tried.

     

    Deuteronomy

    ARTICLE II  

    GOD

     

    There is only one God, the Sovereign, living and true God revealed in the Scriptures. He is a personal God and can be known. God subsists in and of Himself, He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, infinite, eternal, immutable, incomprehensible, almighty, most holy, most wise; yet, He is infinitely greater than the sum of His attributes. God works all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will for His own glory. He is loving, gracious, merciful, long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving sin. God rewards them who diligently seek Him, but is most just and dreadful in His judgments, hating all sin.

    There are three persons in the Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father is of none; God the Son eternally begotten of the Father; and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. All three are infinite, but one God, one essence, one being, equal in power and glory.

     

    Genesis

     

    GOD THE FATHER

     

    God the Father has decreed, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, all things that come to pass, yet is not the author of sin. He has begotten God the Son as His only Son. He has established the covenant of grace.

     

    Genesis

     

    Page 1 of 7  

    GOD THE SON

     

    The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. Jesus Christ became man and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person forever. Jesus Christ became man by taking to Himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.

    Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in His state of humiliation and in His state of exaltation. Christ executes the office of a prophet in revealing to us, by His Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. Christ executes the office of a priest in His once offering up Himself a substitutionary sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and to reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies. Christ’s humiliation consisted in His being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Christ’s exaltation consists in His rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

    Psalm

     

    GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT