Constitution & By-Laws - New Hope Baptist Church

THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

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CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We declare and establish this constitution for the preservation and security of the principles of our faith, and so that this body may be governed in an orderly manner. This constitution will preserve the liberties of each individual member of this church and the freedom of action of this body in its relation to other churches of the same faith. We agree with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and its Cooperative Program.

ARTICLE I NAME

The name of this organization shall be NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, 3731 LYNWOOD DRIVE, of LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA, of the MORIAH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE II PURPOSE

THE NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH is organized for the purpose of advancing and promoting the worship of God through the reading and study of the Holy Bible as the revealed word of God, the teaching and preaching of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, conduction of regular services of worship for the spiritual training, development and benefit of each member and for the winning of souls to Jesus Christ. This church shall be missionary in spirit, extending the Gospel through our organized religious channels to the entire world. It shall promote and maintain the teachings and doctrines of that Christian denomination universally known and designated as the Missionary Baptist Denomination. It shall exist to provide regular opportunities for public worship, to sustain the ordinances, doctrines and ethics set forth in the New Testament for the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to channel its offerings to the support of the objects of the Kingdom of God. In order to effectively carry forward the objects and purposes set forth above, the Church will have full power and authority to purchase, lease and acquire by gift, devise or bequest and to hold, mortgage, convey and dispose of all kinds of property, both real and personal, provided that the title of all property shall be vested in the church trustees as here-in-after set forth.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. The membership of this church shall be composed of persons who have given evidence of regeneration by the spirit of God, who have been baptized by immersion, and who have subscribed to the church covenant, articles of faith, and constitution of this church, and who have been received into membership by vote of the church.

SECTION 2. A member of another cooperating Baptist church may be received by a vote of the church upon promise of letter of transfer from the church of the same faith and order where membership resides. The applying member will be in a watch-care relationship until letter of transfer is received from the other church of the same faith and order.

SECTION 3. Any one who has once been a member of a cooperating Baptist Church and inconsequence of peculiar circumstances has lost relationship or is not able otherwise to promise a letter of transfer may be received into the fellowship of this church upon statement to the membership and by a vote of the Church.

SECTION 4. Applications for membership under circumstances other than these described in Sections 1, 2, and 3 above will be considered by the church in conference and the decision of the church will be final in each case.

SECTION 5. A letter of transfer to unite with another cooperative Baptist Church may be issued upon request to the church which the member is planning to join providing such member is in good standing. All such applications must be passed upon by the church in conference.

ARTICLE IV MEETINGS

SECTION 1. This Church shall hold regular meetings for worship, teaching, training and fellowship.

SECTION 2. This Church shall hold regular business meetings once a month and it shall be on the second Sunday, for the disposition of all business matters otherwise provided for, and to consider other matters essential to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the congregation, granting of letters, minutes of the preceding meeting.

SECTION 3. Other meetings of the church as a whole or of authorized groups within the church may be set according to the needs of the congregation.

ARTICLE V OFFICERS

The officers of this church shall be a pastor, and other vocational leadership as needed, deacons, trustees, clerk, treasurer, and such other officers as shall be required to do the work of the church in any of its departments or organizations. All of these shall be elected by the church and shall be members in good standing at the time of election except that a pastor may not be a member until after his call.

ARTICLE VI ELECTION AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

A. PASTOR

SECTION 1. Call, whenever a vacancy occurs. A pastor shall be called by the church to serve until the relationship is dissolved at the request of either the pastor or the church. In either case, at least thirty days notice shall be given of termination of the relationship, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, with both pastor and church seeking to follow the will of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

The call of the pastor shall take place at the meeting especially set for that purpose, of which at least one week’s notice has been mailed to every resident family member in the membership. The election shall be upon the recommendation of a special committee recommended by the deacons and approved by the church to seek out and nominate as pastor of the gospel one whose Christian character and qualifications fit him for the office.

The committee shall bring only one name at a time for consideration of the church and no nominations shall be made except by the committee. Election shall be by ballot at the discretion of the congregation with an affirmative vote of 75% of those present and voting necessary for an extension of a call. Should the minister recommended by the committee fail to receive a 75% vote, the committee will be instructed to seek out another minister and the meeting, at which the vote was taken, shall be adjourned without debate.

SECTION 2. DUTIES

The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church; he shall be ex-officio member of all organizations, departments and committees. He may call a special meeting of the deacons or of any committee according to procedure which are set forth in the by-laws; he shall conduct religious services on stated and on special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to the spiritual needs of the members of the church and community. He shall perform other duties that usually pertain to that office; he shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry of the church and shall, in cooperation with deacons, provide the pulpit supply when he is absent. He shall arrange, with the deacons, for a minister to assist in revival meetings and workers to assist in other special services required by the church. It shall be his special responsibility to win the lost to Christ, to minister to the spiritual needs of the members of the congregation, and through prayer and study, render effective preaching and pastoral ministries.

SECTION 3.

The pastor shall not participate in more than two revivals with not more than two Sundays. He shall have two weeks vacation with not more than two Sundays.

SECTION 4.

The Church shall offer the pastor a two (2) month sabbatical for the purpose of rest and renewal after he has served for six (6) full years. He must agree to not accept any other compensable employment during this sabbatical, and agree to remain as pastor one (1) full year following the sabbatical. The pastor shall sign a form confirming these conditions. The church shall be responsible for filling the position during his absence.

B. DEACONS

This church shall have a maximum of nine (9) Deacons, who shall be elected at the regular business meeting on the second Sunday in August of any given year. The Deacon Body and the Pastor shall recommend as many as six names to be voted on by secret ballot by the church body. The three with the highest number of votes will begin their term of office on September 1^st when the new church year begins.

The Deacons shall serve on a rotation basis. Each year the term of office of one-third of the number of deacons shall expire and election shall be held to fill the vacancies. In case of death or removal or incapacity to serve, the church may elect to fill the unexpired term. Deacons who serve a full term of three years or who serve more than eighteen (18) months of an unexpired term shall not be eligible for re-election until the lapse of at least one year.

SECTION 1. There is no obligation to constitute as an active deacon a person who comes to the church from another church where he has served as deacon.

SECTION 2. In accordance with the meaning of the work and the practice of the New Testament, deacons are to be servants of the church. The task of deacon is to assist the pastor in performing pastoral responsibilities.

SECTION 3. The deacons shall elect their officers and shall organize themselves so as to assist the pastor and to handle matters related to their work.

C. TRUSTEES

The Deacon Body in current office and the Pastor shall nominate two (2) men for election as trustees. The election shall take place at the regular business meeting on the second Sunday in August by secret ballot by the church. The one with the highest number of votes shall be elected trustee.

Three trustees, one-third of whom shall be elected annually to serve for three years, will hold in trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to affix their signatures to legal documents where the signatures of trustees are required. Trustees shall be eligible for re-election upon expiration of their term after one year.

D. CLERK

The Church elected Clerk of the church shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. He or she is responsible for keeping a register of the names of members, with date of admission, dismission, or death, together with record of baptisms. He or she shall issue letters of dismissal voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated by these laws. The Church shall delegate some of the clerical responsibilities to a Church secretary.

E. TREASURER

The Church shall elect a Treasurer annually. One who has served previously in the position will be eligible for re-election. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, keep in a bank, and disburse by check upon proper authority, all money or things of value that are given to the church in accordance with instructions from the Church. He shall keep at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements, rendering an account regularly to the church to be preserved by the Church Clerk. The Treasurer’s books shall be audited at least once a year as arranged by the church, and all books, records and accounting kept by him shall be the property of the church. The Treasurer shall, upon invitation, meet with the Deacons, and shall be an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee and of the Budget Committee.

ARTICLE VII CHURCH GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1. The government of this Church shall be congregational in nature and shall be vested in membership.

SECTION 2. QUORUM

The quorum shall consist of not less than twenty five (25) percent of the members of the Church.

SECTION 3. MINUTES

The Clerk shall keep minutes of each business meeting and shall record the approximate number present, whether a quorum was present, and what actions were taken by the church.

ARTICLE VIII AFFILIATION

SECTION 1. The Church is a free, autonomous, independent body, congregational in nature with authority to determine for itself in the manner set forth in this constitution, free of any outside control, authority or power, whether governmental or otherwise, the use of its property and all church policies.

SECTION 2. ASSOCIATION

The Church recognizes the value and mutual helpfulness in the voluntary association of churches which are in such agreement in faith and practice as to make possible a spirit of fellowship and good will. It is recognized that associational and cooperation between such churches will influence the missionary, educational and benevolent interest of each other. The Church does, therefore, declare its intention, as far as conscience will allow, to work in mutual cooperation with other Baptist groups.

SECTION 3. AFFILIATION

Upon the adoption of this constitution this Church shall be deemed to have affiliation with the Moriah Baptist Association.

SECTION 4. COOPERATION

Upon the adoption of this constitution, this Church shall be deemed to be in friendly cooperation with the aims and purposes of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and of the Southern Baptist Convention as set forth in the Constitutions of these autonomous bodies, and shall, as we are able, support the missionary, benevolent and educational programs of each.

SECTION 5. DISCONTINUANCE OF AFFILIATION AND COOPERATION

The call of a church conference for the purpose of voting on withdrawal from affiliation from the Moriah Baptist Association or discontinuance of cooperation with the South Carolina Convention or the Southern Baptist Convention will require that written notice be sent to each resident family member of the church, stating the purpose and time of said conference.

Action to withdraw to be valid must be carried by vote of 85% of the members present and voting; in which case transferal of property shall be affected in accordance with the will of the 85% majority. In the event of serious rupture in the fellowship at this point and the necessity of such action as above set forth, it is expected that the various factions of the church will sit down in Christian love and in the spirit of prayer and seek to effectuate reconciliation on an agreeable basis of Division, each being mindful of the Beatitude which says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”

ARTICLE IX ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. This constitution shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two thirds of the members present at the business meeting at which vote is taken shall vote in favor of same. This vote shall be taken not less than thirty days after formal presentation of the constitution to the church, and notice of such meeting in which the vote is to be taken shall be given at least on week in advance.

SECTION 2. This constitution may be amended, altered or repealed by two thirds vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the Church; provided, however, that such amendment, alteration or repeal shall have been given to the Clerk in writing; and the proposed change shall have been presented to the Church at least thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I MEETINGS

The Church shall hold regular services of worship on Sunday and Wednesday unless otherwise agreed upon by the Church. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least once a quarter at a time approved by the church.

ARTICLE II OTHER CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. All church officers subject to annual election shall be elected during a regular scheduled Church conference.

SECTION 2. In addition to those named in the body of the constitution, other officers of the church shall be a Financial Secretary, Director of Sunday School, Director of Discipleship Training, Director of Baptist Men, Director of Baptist Women, Director of Music, Pianist – Organist, and such other officers as may be necessary and desirable. All officers of the church and its organizations unless otherwise specified, shall be elected for a term of one year, and, upon recommendation of the Nominating Committee, it being understood, of course, that members of the church may offer substitute nominations for any position for which the Nominating Committee makes nominations.

ARTICLE III DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS

SECTION 1. Financial Secretary: (In cases when duties of the Church Secretary does not include Financial Secretary work). The Financial Secretary shall receive the empty offering envelopes after the money has been removed and counted by the proper person(s); and from these he shall give each contributor individual credit as provided in the record system approved by the church. He shall keep the envelopes for references as the church directs. He shall keep a record of the receipts from envelopes, plate or loose, and miscellaneous or special offerings. The Financial Secretary shall also be responsible for preparing and mailing regular statements to all contributing members as the church directs.

SECTION 2. Director of Sunday School: The Director of the Sunday School shall have general oversight of the entire school, and shall administer its affairs in cooperation with, and according to, the plans and methods of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, subject to the approval of the local church. He shall acquaint himself with the best methods of religious education and endeavor to adopt them in this school. It shall be his duty to counsel weekly or monthly with his teachers and officers through officers’ and teachers’ meetings, giving advice and receiving suggestions from his co-workers. He shall see that a full and accurate report is made of the work of the Sunday School, in the regular business meetings of the church.

SECTION 3. Director of Discipleship Training: The Director of Discipleship Training shall have charge of the Training period. He shall acquaint himself with the program and methods outlined by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for this organization and shall endeavor to adopt such programs in this church, subject to the approval of the church. He shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church.

SECTION 4. Director of Brotherhood: The Director of Brotherhood shall promote the work of the Brotherhood as outlined by the Brotherhood Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, seeking to enlist the men, young men and boys of the church in an active program for Christ. He shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church.

SECTION 5. Director of Women’s Missionary Union: The Director of Women’s Missionary Union shall seek to enlist all the girls, young women and adult women of the church in a program of missionary training, giving, and activity according to the plans promoted by the Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. She shall see that a full and accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of the church.

SECTION 6. Music Director: The Music Director shall be responsible for providing worshipful music at all services. He or she is to train and direct the choir, or choirs, and is to cooperate with the Pastor and other church leaders in the selection of suitable music, and the devising of appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such services are needed.

SECTION 7. Pianist – Organist: The Pianist – Organist shall play for all public services and shall assist the Music Director in a suitable program of music for the church.

ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. Standing Committees: The church shall elect such standing committees as may be deemed necessary to carry out the various phases of the program of the church efficiently and effectively. In any event, the church shall have at all times the following standing committees: Nominating, Budgeting, Auditing, Baptism, Lord’s Supper, Music, Library, Benevolence, Ushers, Flowers and any additional committees deemed necessary for the proper function of the church.

SECTION 2. In the beginning the Deacons shall recommend nine members for a Nominating Committee, of which the church shall elect six to serve. The two receiving the highest number of votes will serve three years, the next two highest will serve for two years and the next two will serve for one year.

SECTION 3. Temporary Committees: The church upon recommendation by the Deacons may elect at any time committees to perform temporary functions.

ARTICLE V ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. These By-Laws shall be considered adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of the members present at the business meeting at which vote is taken shall veto in favor of same. This veto shall be taken not less than thirty days after formal presentation of the By-Laws of the church.

SECTION 2. These By-Laws may be amended, altered or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular business meeting of the church, provided, however, that notice and proposal of such amendment, alteration or repeal must be given in writing at the preceding regular business meeting of the church.

ARTICLE VI RULES OF ORDER

The church shall adopt ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER in the conduct of its parliamentary procedures.

ARTICLE VII VALIDATE

SECTION 1. The adoption by the church of this Constitution and By-Laws shall repeal all previously adopted rules in conflict herewith, provided, however, that no actions taken by the church prior to this date shall be invalidated by the adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws.

SECTION 2. A copy of this Constitution and By-Laws shall be kept by the Clerk at all times among his records and another copy shall be kept in the church office and all amendments to or revisions thereof shall be prepared by the Clerk and attached to copies of the Constitution and By-Laws and made available to the church family generally upon request.

ADDENDUM NUMBER ONE

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

ARTICLES OF FAITH

THE SCRIPTURES

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the work, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.

Ex. 24:4; Deut. 4:1-2; 17:19; Josh. 8:34; Psalm 19:7-10; 119:11,89; 105:140; Isa. 34:16; 40:8; Jer. 15:16, 36; Matt. 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16; 17:11; Rom. 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

GOD

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

GOD THE FATHER

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures and the flow

of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

Gen. 1:1; 2:7; Ex. 3:14; 6:20; 15:11ff; 20:1ff; Lev. 22:2; Deut. 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chron. 29:10; Psa. 19:1-3; Isa. 43:3, 15; 64:8; Jer. 10:10; 17:13; Matt. 6:9ff; 7:11; 23:9; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Rom. 8:14-15; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 4:6; Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:6; 12:9; 1 Pet. 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

GOD THE SON

Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of

the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the one Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.

Gen. 18:1ff; Psa. 2:7ff; 110:1ff; Isa. 7:14, 53; Matt. 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5, 27; 28:1-6, 19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18, 29; 10:30, 38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16, 28; 17:5, 21-22; 20:1-20, 28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5, 20; Rom. 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3, 34; 10:4; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8, 24-28; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thes. 4:14-18; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Heb. 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15, 24-28; 12:2; 13:3; 1 Pet. 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Rev. 1:13, 16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures.

Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

Gen. 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psa. 51;11; 139:7ff; Isa. 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matt. 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10, 12; Luke 1:35; 4:1, 18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17, 39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Rom. 8:9-11, 14-16, 26-27; 1 Cor. 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thes. 5:19; 1 Tim. 3:16; 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:14; 3:16; Heb. 9:8, 14; 2 Pet. 1-21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Rev. 1:10; 22:17.

MAN

Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowing work of

of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by His Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan, his posterity inherits a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His Holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Gen. 1:26-30; 2:5-7; 18-22; 3; 9:6; Psa. 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isa. 6:5; Jer. 17:5; Matt. 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6 & 12; 19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18, 29; 1 Cor. 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Eph. 2:1-22; Col. 1:21-22; 3:9-11.

SALVATION

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who

accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense, salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.

Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace where believers became new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to him as Lord and Savior. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.

Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerated person’s life.

Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Gen. 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matt. 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22 to 28:6;

Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14, 29; 3:3-21, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Rom. 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18, 29-39; 10:8-10, 13; 13:11-14; 1 Cor. 1:18, 30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; Gal. 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16: Phil. 2:12-13; Col. 1:9-22; 3:1ff; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Tim. 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1 to 12:8, 14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6 to 2:11; Rev. 3:20; 21:1 to 22:5.

GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies,

and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.

All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-8; 1 Sam. 8:4-7, 19-22: Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 31:33ff; Matt. 16:18 to 19:21, 28-45; 24:22, 31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45, 65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6, 12, 17-18; Acts 20;32; Rom. 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7, 26-36; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Eph. 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Col. 1:12-14; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:10, 19; Heb. 11:39 to 12:2; 1 Pet. 1:2-5, 13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.

THE CHURCH

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers

who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed 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.

This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the

Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation, members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.

Matt. 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; Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11, 21; 5:22-32; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:1-15; 4:14; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Rev. 2:3; 21:20.

BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the

Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony of his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.

The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

Matt. 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Acts 20:7; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 10:16, 21; 11:23-29; Col. 2:12.

THE LORD’S DAY

The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular

observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.

Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12:1-12; 28:1ff; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3, 33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; 3:16; Rev. 1:10.

THE KINGDOM

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His

particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Gen. 1:1; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 3:2; 4:8-10, 23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; Col. 1:13; Heb. 11:1-16; 12:28; 1 Pet. 2:4-10; 4:13; Rev. 1:6, 9; 5:10; 11:15.

LAST THINGS

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end.

According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visible in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Isa. 2:4; 11:9; Matt. 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27, 30, 36, 44; 25:3-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40, 48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 4:5; 15:24-28, 35-38; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:14-18; 5:1ff; 2 Thess. 1:7ff; 2; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:7ff; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Rev. 1:18; 3:11; 20:1 to 22:13.

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord

Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 19:5-6; Isa. 6:1-8; Matt. 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8, 16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 3:1-11; 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Tim. 4:5; Heb. 2:1-3; 11:39 to 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:4-10; Rev. 22:17.

EDUCATION

The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of

missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

Deut. 4:1, 5, 9, 14; 6:1-10; 3:12-13; Neh. 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psa. 19:7ff; 119:11; Prov. 3:13ff; 4:1-10; 8:1-11; 15:14; Eccl. 7:19; Matt. 5:2; 7:24ff; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Eph. 4:11-16; Phil 4:8; Col. 2:3, 8-9; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-17; Heb. 5:12 to 6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.

STEWARDSHIP

God is the source of all blessing, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe

to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtor ship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

Gen. 14:20; Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 8:18; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 6:1-4, 19-21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21, 42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Rom. 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:9; 12:15; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Pet. 1:18-19.

COOPERATION

Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and convention

as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ’s people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when cooperation involves no violation of conscience of compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.

Ex. 17:12; 18:17ff; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Neh. 4; 8:1-5; Matt. 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Cor. 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 1:6-10; 4:1-16; Phil. 1:15-18.

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SOCIAL ORDER

Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own

life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should seek to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

Ex. 20:3-17; Lev. 6:2-5; Deut. 10:12; 27:17; Psa. 101:5; Mic. 6:8; Zech. 8:16; Matt. 5:13-16, 43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23 thru 11:1; Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.

PEACE AND WAR

It is the duty of the Christian to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In

accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ, they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.

Isa. 2:4; Matt. 5:9, 38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36, 38; Rom. 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Heb. 12:14; James 4:1-2.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and

commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. 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. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Matt. 6:6-7, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Rom. 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Gal. 5:1, 13; Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.