We're not a sanctuary for saints.
We'd rather you thought of us as a hospital for sinners.
What Do We Believe?

Convictions (Concise Statement)

1. WE BELIEVE that the Holy Bible, as originally written, was Divinely inspired. II Tim. 3:16,17; Il Pet. 1:19-21

2. WE BELIEVE in one God, eternally existing in three (3) Persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the three (3), one (1) in essence and attributes, yet distinct in office and activity. Ex.20:2,3; I Cor.8:6

3. WE BELIEVE in the personality of Satan, the unholy god of this age. Matt.4:1-3; Rev. 20:10; II Cor. 4:4; Eph.6:11,12

4. WE BELIEVE that the material universe, including man, came into being by direct creation at the Word of God, and not by evolution. Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16,17; John 1:3

5. WE BELIEVE that man was created in innocence, but fell by voluntary transgression; that because of this fall all men are now sinners by birth and must be born from above to be fit to fellowship with God. Gen. 3; Rom. 5:10-19

6. WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true Man. John 1:1,2; I John 5:20; Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:26-28

7. WE BELIEVE that the salvation of the sinner is wholly of grace and made possible alone through the vicarious death of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary; that there is salvation in none other, and that all that is necessary for salvation is an acceptance by faith of His finished work. Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5-7; Rom. 10:9-13

8. WE BELIEVE that justification includes pardon for sin, the gift of eternal life, and a perfect standing before God. Ex. 23:7; Acts 13:38,39; II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:1

9. WE BELIEVE that the local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship in the Gospel; that the local church has the absolute right of self-government and is answerable only to the Holy Spirit, her Administrator, and the Lord Jesus Christ, her Head; that in all matters of membership, policy, discipline and benevolence the will of the local church is sovereign. Matt. 18:15-17; I Cor. 1:2; I Cor. 6:4,5; I Cor. 7:17; I Tim. 3:1-15

10. WE BELIEVE that there are two (2) Church Ordinances - Baptism and Communion; baptism is the immersion of the believer in water. Acts 2:41-47; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:35; I Cor. 11:23-32

11. WE BELIEVE in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost; and that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again by the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God. John 5:21-30; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 7:9-17; Rev.20:11-15

12. WE BELIEVE in the personal, visible, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation return of our Lord for His Church and in His post-tribulation return in glory to judge the living nations. Rev. 19:11-21; Matt. 25:13-18; I Thess. 4: 13-18; I Cor. 15:42-58

13. WE BELIEVE in the thousand-year (1,000) reign of our Lord upon the earth, ending in apostasy, and the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked. Rev.20:1-7; Rev. 20: 10-15

Covenant

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the public confession of our faith, having been immersed 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, solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We propose, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to attend its services regularly; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin; to give faithfully of time and talent in its activities; to contribute cheerfully and regularly as God has prospered us, to the support of the ministry, and the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.
 
We also propose to maintain family and private devotions; to train our children according to the Word of God; 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 conduct; to avoid all gossip, backbiting and unrighteous anger; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer or hinder the winning of a soul to Christ; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of Christ our savior; and to give Him pre-eminence in all things.
 
We further propose to encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord’s return; to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to seek it without delay.
 
We moreover propose that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church of like faith and order where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. In the event there is no such church, we shall seek, with the Lord’s help, to establish one.
Constitution (Under Construction)

| I. Name | II. Association|III. Government|IV. Purpose | V. Membership | VI. Meetings | VII. Finances |
VIII. Delegates | IX. Committees | X. Auxiliary Organizations |XI. Arbitration | XII. Amendments |


ARTICLE I. Name

The name of this church shall be Grace Baptist Church of Geneva, New York.


ARTICLE II. Association

Being organized on historic Baptist beliefs (as opposed to identification as a denomination) this church shall always be in conformity with the  revealed Word of God as generally accepted by regular Baptist churches, and as expressed in its Confession of Faith.  It shall be indigenous, independent, and autonomous. By that we mean that it shall be self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting - it shall never be accountable to any other ecclesiastical body apart from itself.  This church cannot be a member of anything outside of itself, but it can declare itself to be in fellowship with any body of Baptists on earth.   This church presently declares itself to be in fellowship with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, and the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches.  This declaration of fellowship may be revoked at any time, based upon this church's commitment to holiness (the desire to remain separate from apostacy).  Current forms of apostacy include, but are not limited to,  liberalism, modernism, secular humanism, ecumenicalism, Pentacostalism, denominationalism, non-denominationalism, inter-denominationalism, neo-orthodoxy, neo-evangelicalism (currently and confusingly called just evangelicalism), and new image fundamentalism.  [II Cor.6:11; II Cor. 7:1  - more references needed ]


ARTICLE III. Government

This church is never to be understood as an institution, nor an organization, but  an organism.  As such, however, it is bound to function with unity, harmony, decency, orderliness, and, above all else, love.  As it is the desire of this organism (the church militant) to be a visible and physical manifestation of Christ's body (the church triumphant), while understanding that a true church is defined by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and that all the members of this church are blessed in equal portion with this Person (but with different gifts), this church shall forever practice congregational government, as opposed to any other type.  Elder rule will never be tolerated, nor will any individual member be regarded as being more or less valuable than any other member.  This organism's only officer is Jesus Christ, and all members are hereby esteemed servants.


ARTICLE IV. Purpose

The purpose of this church is to glorify God by perpetuating Christ's love in Biblical context within a growing community.  To this end this church shall be devoted to worshipping God, and making faithful disciples for Him, by communicating and practicing the example, teaching, and service of the Lord Jesus Christ among all people.  [Matthew 28: 19,20; John 13:35; Acts 1:8]


ARTICLE V. Membership

Section 1. The membership of Grace Baptist Church will not be determined by, nor discriminate against, any individual's ethnic, racial, or national origin.

Section 2. The membership shall consist of those who have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal saviour, given evidence of a new life in Him, have been scripturally baptized, and declared themselves to be in accord with the principles, practices and doctrines of this church.  Only those who are members of this church and have reached their sixteenth (16th) birthday, have the right of franchise.    

Section 3.New members may come into the church by confession of faith and baptism, by renewal of their covenant with the Lord (restoration), or by letter from another church of like faith and order. All candidates must first be examined by the deacons as to their experience and doctrine; upon favorable examination their names shall subsequently be presented to the church for corporate action.

Section 4. The matters of discipline shall be in the hands of the deacons and pastor, only that no one shall be excluded from the membership except by vote of the church at a regularly called business meeting. All discipline shall be for the purpose of reclaiming the individual; expulsion coming only after all other measures have failed.


ARTICLE VI. Meetings

Section 1. Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition) shall govern all meetings of Grace Baptist Church in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these by-laws and any special rules of order this church may adopt.

Section 2. Twenty percent (20%) of the adult resident members, sixteen (16) years of age or older, present in a regularly called business meeting shall constitute a quorum.  Business transacted by them shall be legal and binding upon the church.

Section 3. The annual business meeting of the church for the hearing of reports and transacting of business will be held on the Wednesday after the third Sunday in April. Quarterly business meetings of the church will be held on the Wednesday following the third Sunday of July, October, and January, respectively.  In the event a conflict exists with these dates, the pastor or the board of deacons may move these meetings to the Thursday of that same week, or the Wednesday or Thursday of  the following or previous week, as deemed necessary.  Notice of the annual business meeting shall be given publicly for two (2) successive Sundays preceding the date of the meeting.

Section 4.  An ‘agenda’ of new business for all annual and quarterly business meetings shall be completed and publicly posted two (2) weeks prior to the meeting, and shall be read aloud from the pulpit the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.  Items not on the ‘agenda’ may be brought up for consideration only with the concurrence of the pastor or any three deacons prior  to the convening of the meeting.

Section 5.  The annual church elections meeting shall be held on the third (3rd) Wednesday of March.  A list of needed delegates for the forthcoming year, together with terms of service, shall be prepared for distribution to each eligible voting member six (6) weeks prior to the annual elections.  Also listed will be the names of the members of the nominating committee.  Church members may submit names for consideration to the pastor or any nominating committee member up to three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.  Notice of the annual church elections meeting shall be given publicly for two (2) successive Sundays preceding the date of the meeting.

Section 6. Routine business other than corporate business may be transacted at any regular meeting of the church, or at a special business meeting called by the pastor, deacons, trustees, or any group of members of voting age representing five (5) different families, providing such meeting, and the purpose thereof, is announced publicly during two preceding Sunday morning worship services.


ARTICLE VII. Finances

The acquisition or disposition of any properties necessary to implement the purpose of this church as stated in Article IV. Purpose shall be authorized by the membership of the church by corporate act at a regularly called business meeting.  All funds shall be raised by freewill giving.  No sales, no solicitation of the unsaved, etc., for the purpose of financing the church, or any of its works, or any of its auxiliary organizations, shall be permitted.  The fiscal year of this church shall begin April 1 and end March 31.

INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSE
The corporation shall indemnify any and all persons who may serve or who have served at any time as duly elected delegates or pastor, against any and all expenses, including amounts paid upon judgments, counsel fees, and amounts paid in settlement (before or after suit is commenced) actually and necessarily incured by such persons in connection with the defense or settlement of any claim, action, suit, or proceeding in which they, or any of them, are made parties, or a party, or which may be asserted against any of them by reason of being or having been a delegate or pastor of the corporation, except in relation to matters as to which any such delegate, pastor, or former delegate or pastor shall be adjudged in any action, suit, or proceeding to be liable for his own negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any law, bylaw, agreement, or otherwise.


ARTICLE VIII. Delegates

Section 1. Generally

The delegates of the church shall consist of pastor, deacons, trustees, clerk, treasurer, financial secretary, Sunday school superintendent, children’s church director, AWANA commander, AWANA director, music director, song leader, ordinance assistant, organist, pianist, sunshine and bereavement chairman,   auditors, head usher, church hostess, librarian, and nursery coordinator.  Other delegates may be added as needed for proper execution of the work.  

No divorced person may serve as pastor, deacon, or trustee. Divorced members may serve elsewhere, upon approval by the board of deacons.  A new member of the church should be in fellowship with the church for one (1) year prior to being elected as a delegate or serving in a teaching position, unless approved to do so earlier by the pastor and deacons.  With the exception of the pastor, all delegates of the church shall be elected from nominees presented by the nominations committee at the annual church election of delegates meeting in March of each year.  Terms of service begin the first day of April following the elections.  Should a delegate be unable or unwilling to serve a full term, he/she may submit a written resignation to the pastor and/or board of deacons.

Appointees to fill unexpired portions of terms of service, resulting from the death or resignation of an incumbent delegate, will be selected by the pastor and deacons and presented to the church for approval/disapproval action at the next regular or special business meeting.  Names of incumbent delegates, date of election, term of service and job description shall be posted in the church foyer.

Section 2. Pastor

The pastor shall be a man chosen for an indeterminate term by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting, at any business meeting, notice of which shall have been given publicly for two (2) successive Sundays preceding. The pastor’s tenure of service may be terminated by either the pastor or the church, providing a written notice is given to the other party at least thirty (30) days preceding such termination.  The pastor shall be the moderator of the church and a member ex-officio of the board of deacons and all other church organizations and committees.  The pastor shall neither officiate at the marriage of any divorced person, or any person whose prior marriage has been annulled, nor shall he allow such ceremony to be performed using the church facilities.

Section 3. Deacon

Deacons shall be men who meet the scriptural standards of I Timothy 3:7-13.  The church shall elect from its membership five (5) men to serve as deacons.  At the option of the church membership, additional deacons may be added at the rate of one (1) deacon per thirty (30) members over the first two hundred (200).  The deacons’ term of service shall not exceed three (3) years and be so arranged as to end alternately.  Deacons shall assist the pastor in administering the ordinance of the Lord’s supper.  Deacons shall assist the pastor in administering the ordinance of baptism.  Deacons, along with the pastor, have the oversight of the spiritual life of the church including necessary discipline.  During a vacancy of the office of the pastor, the deacons shall serve as the church pulpit committee.  The deacons have authority to spend up to $500.00 in any calendar month without the consent of the church.

Section 4. Trustee

The spiritual qualifications of trustees shall be the same as for deacons.  The church shall elect from its membership three (3) men to serve as trustees.  At the option of the church membership, additional trustees may be added at the rate of three (3) trustees (according to New York State law, the total number of trustees must be divisible by three (3)) per one hundred (100) members over the first two hundred (200).  The trustees’ term of service shall not exceed three (3) years and be so arranged as to end alternately.  Trustees shall care for the property of the church – they have authority to hold, repair, invest, and preserve the same.  Trustees shall superintend any improvements to the property not delegated to a special committee by the church.  Trustees shall transact any other business of the church that may come within their jurisdiction or be ordered by the church.  They shall serve on the church finance committee.  Trustees shall have no authority to sell, lease, give away or dispose of, in any manner, church property or funds exceeding the value of seven hundred ($700.00) dollars within any single calendar month, without the express will of the church given by a majority vote at a regularly called business meeting.  Nor shall they mortgage or encumber the same in debt to exceed the same amount without corporate action by the church.

Section 5. Clerk

The clerk shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The clerk shall keep a complete record of the business meetings of the church and report them quarterly.  The clerk shall keep a current register of all members.  The clerk shall give notice of church business meetings.  The clerk shall perform such other particular duties as may be ordered by the church.

Section 6. Treasurer

The treasurer shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The treasurer shall receive and have custody of all moneys of the church applying such as directed by the church.  The treasurer shall serve on the church finance committee.  The treasurer shall make a full report of the finances, receipts and disbursements of the church on a quarterly, annual, and/or as needed basis to the church.

Section 7. Financial Secretary

The financial secretary shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The financial secretary shall assist the treasurer in the counting and depositing of all moneys received and report the same quarterly, annually, and/or as needed to the church.  The financial secretary shall serve on the church finance committee.  The financial secretary shall keep a confidential record of personal giving and provide each contributor with a yearly statement of giving.

Section 8. Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday school superintendent shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The Sunday school superintendent shall oversee the running of the Sunday school.  The Sunday school superintendent shall serve as chairman for all Sunday school cabinet meetings.

Section 9. Childrens' Church Director

The children’s church director shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The children’s church director shall oversee the running of the Children’s Church program and shall, with the help of the pastor and approval of the board of deacons, appoint assistants as needed.   The children’s church director shall coordinate the selection of instrumental accompanists for children’s church with the church music director.  The children’s church director shall prepare reports for quarterly and annual business meetings.

Section 10. AWANA Commander

The AWANA commander shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The AWANA commander shall oversee the running of the AWANA program and shall, with the help of the pastor and approval of the board of deacons, appoint assistants as needed.  The AWANA commander shall prepare reports for quarterly and annual business meetings.  The AWANA commander must have successfully completed the AWANA basic training requirements before assuming this leadership position.

Section 11. AWANA Director(s)

The AWANA director(s) shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The AWANA director(s) shall oversee the running of his(their) respective program and shall be accountable to the AWANA commander, and with the help of the pastor and approval of the board of deacons, appoint assistants as needed.  The AWANA director(s) must have successfully completed the AWANA basic training requirements before assuming this leadership position.  

Section 12. Music Director

The Music director shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The music director shall, in coordination with the pastor, choose choir music to be performed, organize, rehearse with, and direct the choir, and approve and assign special music, and will act as chairman of any ad hoc music committee.  The music director shall coordinate with the children’s church director in assuring the availability of instrumental accompanists for children’s church.  The music director shall prepare reports for quarterly and annual business meetings.

Section 13. Song Leader

The song leader shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The song leader shall lead congregational singing during the Sunday morning worship service and both choose the songs and lead congregational singing during Sunday evening worship  services.

Section 14. Ordinance Assistant

The ordinance assistant shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The ordinance assistant shall procure and prepare the elements for the ordinance of the Lord's supper (unleavened bread and grape juice purchased from church funds) to be served the first (1st) Sunday of each month and at other times as may be designated, and, shall clean the serving utensils after use.  The ordinance assistant shall assist the pastor with the ordinance of baptism and clean the baptismal robes after use.

Section 15. Organist

The church organist shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year and his/her duties include playing the organ, or making provision for the playing of the organ, at all regular meetings during which same is used.

Section 16. Pianist

The church pianist shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year and his/her duties include playing the piano, or making provision for the playing of the piano, at all regular meetings during which same is used.

Section 17. Sunshine and Bereavement Chairman

The sunshine and bereavement chairman shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The duties of the sunshine and bereavement chairman shall include sending appropriate greeting cards (cards and postage to be paid for from church funds) to church family members in the event of a birth, prolonged illness or death; coordinating with the ladies in relief efforts when tragedies strike members of the church family; and ordering funeral service flowers (to be purchased from church funds) for former Grace Baptist Church members, or of member’s spouse, children or parents, when appropriate. Additional categories may be approved on an individual basis by the board of deacons.  The sunshine and bereavement chairman shall prepare reports of activities for quarterly and annual business meetings.

Section 18. Auditors

The auditors (two (2) or three (3) at the option of the church) shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year and their duties shall be to audit the church and auxiliary organization ledgers before each quarterly and annual business meeting and to report their findings during those meetings. (7/20/72)

Section 19. Head Usher

The head usher shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The duties of the head usher include choosing ushers to assist in passing out church bulletins, seating members of the congregation on arrival and in taking the Sunday morning offering; taking attendance (head count) in the Sunday morning worship service to include those in the auditorium, the nursery and in children’s church; passing out registration cards to first-time visitors.

Section 20. Church Hostess

The church hostess shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year and her duties shall be to insure visiting pastors, speakers and/or musical groups have a place for meals and lodging when needed.

Section 21. Librarian

The church librarian shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The duties of the church librarian include keeping the library neat and in good order; choosing helpers from the membership of the church and instructing them in library procedures; assisting church families in checking books out or in; coordinating selection of new books with the pastor and order those approved (within the limits of church-approved funding); maintaining the accessions record book and the card catalog; and processing all new books.  The church librarian shall prepare a report of activities for quarterly and annual business meetings.

Section 22. Nursery Coodinator

The nursery coordinator shall be elected from the membership of the church for a term of one (1) year.  The duties of the nursery coordinator include maintaining of a ‘cradle-roll reflecting attendance and to registering new babies; assuring all necessary items are on hand (disposable diapers, tissues, clean sheets, etc. to be purchased from church funds); being alert to improving nursery facilities; scheduling willing men, women and teens to supervise the nursery for all three Sunday services and arranging for coverage during special services; making an effort to greet all parents of children in the nursery.


ARTICLE IX. Committees

Section 1. Advisory Committee

The advisory committee shall be comprised of all elected delegates of the church, presidents of auxiliary organizations, and the chairman of each committee. It shall meet at the call of the pastor during the quarter preceding the annual business meeting, to act as a clearing house of  suggestions for improvement from various groups represented, and exploring the general course of projected activities for the coming year.

Section 2. Finance Committee

The church finance committee shall consist of the church treasurer, financial secretary, board of trustees, and two (2) deacons appointed from the board of deacons.  It shall meet once a year during the quarter preceding the annual business meeting to draft a budget for the coming fiscal year, and, thereafter, at the call of its chairman to deal with financial emergencies.

Section 3. Pulpit Committee

The pulpit committee shall be comprised of the board of deacons.

Section 4. Missionary Committee

The missionary committee shall be comprised of the deacons and the ladies missionary president coordinating the missionary ministry of the church, keeping the church informed of missionary income, commitments, and needs.

Section 5. Educational Committee

The educational committee shall be comprised of the Sunday school superintendent, AWANA commander, AWANA director(s), children’s church director, and directors of auxiliary educational or youth ministries, and a designated deacon.  It shall meet soon after the annual election to organize to coordinate personnel and curriculum in the various ministries, minimize duplications, and provide for a common pool of equipment and materials.  

Section 6. Music and Worship Committee

The music and worship committee shall be comprised of the music delegates and a deacon delegated by that board.  It shall meet soon after the annual election to organize for planning and coordinating the music ministry of the church. Its purpose shall be the edification of believers and presenting the gospel to the unsaved through music which is honoring to our Lord. Its duty is to coordinate the church choir, special music, accompanists for children’s church and other ministries, and special music programs planned with the pastor. Guest musicians from outside the church membership must be approved by the deacons.

Section 7. Church Fellowship Committee

A church fellowship committee comprised of three members of the church shall be presented by the nominating committee and chosen at the annual election of delegates. They shall meet with the pastor to plan family and adult fellowship activities for the congregation. It is their responsibility to oversee the use and supply of the church kitchen. They may ask for assistance and delegate responsibility to other willing members of the church as they see fit with the approval of the pastor.

Section 8. Nominating Committee

The pastor, two (2) deacons, and two (2) ‘at large’ members of the congregation elected by the church at the last quarterly business meeting preceding the annual church elections shall comprise the nominating committee. The nominating committee shall prayerfully consider names of church members eligible for election at the forthcoming annual church election of delegates meeting. Each individual selected shall be personally contacted by a member of the committee and asked to prayerfully decide his/her willingness to accept nomination to the office for which being considered. Following final consideration by the committee, recommendations for election will be publicly posted two (2) weeks in advance of voting and then presented at the annual election of delegates meeting for voting by the church. In the case of the pulpit being vacant, a duly appointed deacon shall act in the place of the pastor.


ARTICLE X. Auxiliary Organizations

Section 1. Sunday School

The Sunday school shall be considered as the church studying the Bible. Its superintendent shall be elected by the church at its annual church election of delegates meeting and shall be under the supervision and control of the church.

Section 2.  Other Organizations

Other organizations may be set up from time to time as the best interests of the work requires. These shall always be amenable to the church.

Section 3. Delegates

All delegates of auxiliary organizations shall be members in good standing of the church.


ARTICLE XI. Arbitration

Inasmuch as the scriptures require Christians to take their disputes to the saints and not to the civil courts (I Corinthians 6:1-8), all disputes which may arise (1) between any member of this church and the church itself, or (2) between any member of this church and any pastor, officer, director employee, volunteer, or other member of this church, shall be resolved by binding arbitration if efforts to mediate or conciliate the dispute have failed. Either party to the dispute may initiate the arbitration process by filing with the other party a written request for arbitration within a reasonable time after the dispute has arisen and efforts to mediate or conciliate have failed. In such a case, the member and the church shall each name an arbitrator, and the two so selected shall name a third. All arbitrators must be a baptized member of a Baptist church of like faith and practice, recognized as being in fellowship with our own local church.  Such arbitrators must meet the qualifications of a deacon as delineated in I Tim. 3:8-13.  The third arbitrator chosen by the other two shall disclose, before accepting the appointment, any financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, and any existing or past financial, professional, family, or social relationships which are likely to affect impartiality or which might reasonably create an appearance of impartiality or bias. Either of the parties to the arbitration, on the basis of such disclosures, may disqualify such a candidate from serving as the third arbitrator. A third arbitrator who serves without objection from either party has a continuing duty to disclose relationships or interests which may impair his impartiality. Either party, regardless of the stage of the arbitration process, may on the basis of such disclosures disqualify such a person from further participation. The arbitration process shall not proceed until the third arbitrator is selected.

The arbitrators shall appoint the time and place for the hearing and cause notification to the parties to be served personally or by registered mail not less than thirty days beibre the hearing. Appearance at the hearing waives such notice. The arbitrators may adjoin the hearing from time to time as necessary and, on request of a party and for the good cause, or upon their own motion, may postpone the hearing to a later date. The arbitrators may hear and determine the controversy upon the evidence produced notwithstanding the failure of a party duly notified to appear. The parties are entitled to be heard, to present evidence material to the controversy, and to cross-examine witnesses appearing at the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by all the arbitrators, but a majority of them may determine any question and render a final award. If during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator for any reason ceases to act, he shall be replaced in the same manner in which he was originally selected. The arbitrators may in their absolute discretion admit as evidence any affidavit or declaration concerning the matters in dispute, a copy thereof having been given at least five days previously to the party against whom the same is offered, but the person whose evidence is so taken shall be subject to cross-examination by such party. The arbitrators shall have the power to order and direct what they shall deem necessary to be done by either of the parties relating to the matters in dispute. Cost of the arbitration shall be assessed in the discretion of the arbitrators, who may award by and whom they shall be paid. Any submission of a dispute to arbitration shall not be revoked by the death of any party to the dispute, and any award will be binding upon such person’s heirs and successors.The decision of the arbitrators shall be binding on both parties, and both parties submit themselves to the personal jurisdictionof the courts of (state) both state and federal, for the entry of a judgment confirming the arbitrators' award.

The arbitration process is not a substitute for any disciplinary process set forth in the constitution or bylaws of the church, and shall in no way affect the authority of the church to investigate reports of misconduct, conduct hearings, or administer discipline.

Any matter not provided for herein shall be governed by the provisions of the Uniform Arbitration Act.

If a dispute may result in an award of monetary damages, then use of this arbitration procedure is conditioned on acceptance of the procedure by the liability insurer of the church, and the insurer's agreement to honor any arbitration award up to any applicable policy limits.


ARTICLE XII. Amendments

Proposals for amendments to this constitution shall be submitted to the deacons for review and recommendation for action.  Upon their approval, amendments will be presented at any regularly scheduled business meeting, and subsequently tabled for church action for at least one quarter.  At the time of the second meeting this constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the church members present and voting, provided public notice of the proposed change has been made in church on the two (2) Sundays preceding each meeting.


Convictions (Expanded Statement)

| I. Scriptures | II. God | III. Jesus Christ | IV. Holy Spirit | V. Man | VI. Sin | VII. Salvation | VIII. Church | IX. Angels | X. Last Things
Creation & Evolution | Separation & Associations | Israel & the Church | Baptist Heritage & Ordinances | Marriage, Divorce, & Alternative Lifestyles | Sanctity of Human Life: Abortion, Euthanasia, and Science | Race | Civil Government|The Devil, or Satan || The Fall of Man | Salvation | The Virgin Birth | Resurrection and Priesthood of Christ |
| Grace and the New Birth | Justification | Sanctification | The Security of the Saints |
| Baptism and the Lord's Supper | Separation | Israel |
| Rapture and Subsequent Events | The Righteous and the Wicked |


I. Scriptures

Section 1. Their Substance

We believe that the Holy Bible is that collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation; inspired of God as originally given; the very Word of God; the sufficient, infallible, and inerrant authority in all matters to which it speaks; the true center of Christian unity; the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried; and is a finished and enduring work. [add references here]

Section 2. Their Interpretation

We believe that the scriptures cannot be understood apart from the revelation that the Holy Spirit alone can give.  This understanding is always literal, saving in those places where the scriptures themselves allow for an exception (parables, metaphors, and poetry are some examples).  We believe the scriptures have one, and only one, interpretation, but may have many applications.  We believe that scripture interprets scripture, thus no scripture should ever be understood apart from its larger Biblical context.  We believe that no scripture is of any private interpretation, but must be understood in the light of sound and proven historical-grammatical  rules (hermeneutics) appropriate to the context in which it is found.  Traditional perspectives owned and communicated by Jesus Christ, His apostles, and trustworthy historical church figures are to be weighed heavily in the application and teaching of the Word of God.    [Mark 12:24; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 3:14-16; Revelation 22: 18, 19; Psalm 119:105, 130, 160; Luke 24:25-27, 44, 45; John 17:17; Eph. 2]

Section 3. Their Usage

We believe that distinctions exist within God's present and historical operations and that such distinctions are clearly understood and visible, at the very least, between the Old and New Testaments.  Combined with our beliefs stated under Section 2. above, we do not believe that Israel equals the church, there being many differences between them, not the least of which pertains to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.  [“rightly dividing the word of truth”I Tim. 3:16,17/etc. - add references here]


II. God

We believe there is only one living and true God, eternally existing in three (3) persons - Father, Son  and Holy Spirit- united and equal in essence, attributes, and purpose, yet distinct and harmonious in their office and activity.  God is spiritual in His being; infinite, immense, and glorious in His presence, person,  and form; holy in His uniqueness; sovereign over His creation; righteous in all His dealings; omniscient in His wisdom; omnipotent in His force; merciful and  just; immutable; the very perfection of love and truth.  To love Him, worship Him, fear Him, please Him, honor Him, obey Him, serve Him, and enjoy Him is the duty of all His creation. [Ex.20:2,3; I Cor.8:6 – add references here]


III. Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ, being fully God, yet the only begotten Son of God,  is given by God the Father to be a mediator between God and man.  We believe that Jesus Christ has given Himself freely to fulfill the will of God the Father, without exception, and particularly, to the work of the salvation of some men, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world.  To this end it was deemed necessary by God the Father to send His Son to be born of a woman by means of the miraculous conception wrought through the person of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus Christ might be singularly qualified to offer Himself as the supreme sacrifice for sin, becoming forever human in his nature, while retaining his divinity, yet without sin, confusion, or any admixture of error.  In His life he honors the divine law by his personal and perfect obedience, and in his death he has fully satisfied the demands of that law, as well as the justice of God, establishing his bride as the object of the new birth, and securing for them life eternal.  His current home is at the right hand of God the Father, His current work is intercession for the saints, and His current form is a ressurected, glorified, and appropriately identifiable human body.  [add references here]

 
IV. Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit, being fully God, was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; the He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses to, sanctifies, and helps the believer. We believe that the sign/revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit have fulfilled their purpose and are not applicable to the work of the Holy Spirit today.  [John 14:16,17; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Genesis 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5,6; Ephesians 1:13,14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Romans 8:14,16,26,27; I Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:2-4]

V. Man

WE BELIEVE that man was created in innocence, but fell by voluntary transgression; that because of this fall all men are now sinners by birth and must be born from above to be fit to fellowship with God. Gen. 3; Rom. 5:10-19

WE BELIEVE that the material universe, including man, came into being by direct creation at the Word of God, and not by evolution.

WE BELIEVE that man in his relationship with God must move from truth to experience and not from experience to truth. Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16,17; John 1:3
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Matthew 7:21-23; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Romans 3:4; 1 Peter 1:23; Revelation 22:19; John 12:48; Isaiah 8:7-11; John 1:45-47; John 5:39)

VI. Sin

VII. Salvation

WE BELIEVE that the salvation of the sinner is wholly of grace and made possible alone through the vicarious death of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary; that there is salvation in none other, and that all that is necessary for salvation is an acceptance by faith of His finished work. Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5-7; Rom. 10:9-13

WE BELIEVE that justification includes pardon for sin, the gift of eternal life, and a perfect standing before God. Ex. 23:7; Acts 13:38,39; II Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:1

VIII. Church

WE BELIEVE that the local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship in the Gospel; that the local church has the absolute right of self-government and is answerable only to the Holy Spirit, her Administrator, and the Lord Jesus Christ, her Head; that in all matters of membership, policy, discipline and benevolence the will of the local church is sovereign. Matt. 18:15-17; I Cor. 1:2; I Cor. 6:4,5; I Cor. 7:17; I Tim. 3:1-15

WE BELIEVE that there are two (2) Church Ordinances - Baptism and Communion; baptism is the immersion of the believer in water. Acts 2:41-47; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:35; I Cor. 11:23-32

VI. ORDINANCES

The Ordinances of the church shall be two (2):

1. BAPTISM - Baptism shall be the dipping in and under of the body of the believer in water, commonly called "immersion". It shall be administered by the Pastor, or some person authorized by the church, to those who have professed a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour.

2.    THE LORD’S SUPPER(Communion) - The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, shall be served to the assembled church by the Pastor, or some person authorized by the church, on the first (1st) Sunday of the month, or at other designated times. The Deacons shall assist in serving the Supper.

IX. Angels

WE BELIEVE in the personality of Satan, the unholy god of this age. Matt.4:1-3; Rev. 20:10; II Cor. 4:4; Eph.6:11,12

X. Last Things

WE BELIEVE in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost; and that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again by the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God. John 5:21-30; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 7:9-17; Rev.20:11-15

WE BELIEVE in the personal, visible, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation return of our Lord for His Church and in His post-tribulation return in glory to judge the living nations. Rev. 19:11-21; Matt. 25:13-18; I Thess. 4: 13-18; I Cor. 15:42-58

WE BELIEVE in the thousand-year (1,000) reign of our Lord upon the earth, ending in apostasy, and the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked. Rev.20:1-7; Rev. 20: 10-15


Cremation?
Define Marriage
Homosexuality
Abortion/Euthanasia/Sanctity of Human Life
Transformation vs. Assimilation
Pneumatology vs. Methodology
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