Church Constitution
Note: This is a reformatted Web representation of the official church
constitution, and is not the authoritative reference. For an official copy,
please consult the Elders. To view the list of Contacts,
click here.
THE 2010 REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH OF WYLIE, TX.
[Initial Draft – 8 February 1996]
[First Revision – 28 August 1996]
[Second Revision – 2 November 1996]
[Third Revision – Approved 2 November 1996]
[Fourth Revision – 21 January 2002]
[Fifth Revision – 7 March 2007]
[Sixth Revision – 10 October 2007]
[Seventh Revision – 10 October 2010]
This Church Constitution was first drafted in Wylie, Texas, in 1996. This
constitution will remain open for other amendments and/or modifications,
additions, or deletions. The text herein is not under copyright, since we are
indebted to other churches, both past and present, for many of the biblical
insights embodied in this document.
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Wylie, Texas, do
establish the following Articles, to which we voluntarily and solemnly submit
ourselves.
CONSTITUTION PREFACE
There are many good reasons why a New Testament Church should have a Church
Covenant, a Statement of Faith, and a Church Constitution. Together they can
greatly assist us in the efforts of biblically organizing and conducting the
ministries which have been entrusted to us by the Head of our church, Jesus
Christ. It must be readily acknowledged, however, that these documents, despite
their usefulness and precision, will avail nothing apart from the presence,
power, and direction of the Spirit of God in this Church. It is with this keen
awareness of our absolute dependence upon our great God, that these articles are
set forth. These articles are also a living document and may be changed and/or
amended to reflect the direction of the church when lead by God.
ARTICLE I
Incorporation and Name
In December of 1995, this church was chartered in accordance with the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a non-profit organization for religious
purposes and the name chosen and approved by vote for this church was “Heritage
Baptist Fellowship” of Wylie, TX. This Heritage Baptist Fellowship church filed
for incorporation in August of 1996. The name of the church was then changed to
Cornerstone Baptist Church by a unanimous vote of the church on the 6th day of
August, 1997.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
Under the headship of our Lord Jesus Christ, the direction of the Holy
Scriptures, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, our ultimate goal is to glorify
God. This will be accomplished by promoting His worship and service, edifying
and discipling the saints, and evangelizing sinners with the Gospel both at home
and abroad. To this end we are committed to proclaiming God's perfect Law of
Liberty (James 1:25) and His glorious Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ throughout
the world (Rom. 1:16-17, Eph. 2:8-9), and to defending the "faith once delivered
unto the saints" (Jude 1:3).
ARTICLE III
Church Covenant
The Church Covenant (see Appendix A) has been fully accepted by its present
members and shall be subscribed to and accepted voluntarily by new members as
they offer themselves for membership and are accepted into this church.
ARTICLE IV
Church Statement of Faith
The Church Statement of Faith (see Appendix B) has been fully accepted by its
present members and shall be subscribed to and accepted voluntarily by new
members as they offer themselves for membership and are accepted into this
church.
We do hereby adopt, as the fullest expression of our faith, the Abstract of
Principles of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. This document was
written by Basil Manley Jr. of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of
Louisville, Kentucky in 1858 and is a most excellent summary of things most
surely believed among our church members. We accept the same, not as an
authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby we are to be fettered, but as an
assistance to us in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of
edification in righteousness. In this Confession the members of our church will
have a body of Divinity in small compass and by means of Scriptural proofs will
be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15).
ARTICLE V
Church Government
Church Authority
Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of this church. His will as expressed in the
Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, is the sole authority in matters
of faith and practice.
Church Polity
The Government is vested in the body of members who compose the
church (Cornerstone Baptist Church) as further defined in this Constitution. The
first elected positions of this church shall be called the Body of Elder(s) and
shall consist of both the pastor(s) and elder(s). The second elected position of
this church shall be called the Body of Deacon(s) and shall consist of the
deacon(s). As both bodies submit to the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, they
shall be responsible for governing the church. The church is subject to no other
ecclesiastical body, but is associated with churches of the Southern Baptist
Convention (SBC) for purposes of fellowship, evangelism, consultation and
cooperation. This, and any other voluntary associations with other bodies, shall
not infringe on the rights of the members of this Cornerstone Baptist Church.
ARTICLE VI
Membership
Requirements for Membership
The membership of this church shall consist of only those who have given a
credible profession of faith in Christ Jesus as Lord. Any person who professes
repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who has followed
Christ in believer’s baptism by immersion, and who expresses substantial
agreement with the Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and Church Constitution,
shall be eligible for membership.
Types of Membership:
Upon Confession Of Faith
Any person who meets the above mentioned
requirements shall apply for membership to the pastor(s) or one of the other
church elder(s). A time and place shall be set for a meeting with the applicant,
who shall attend and be questioned as to his or her basic Christian experience,
doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly the
total ministry of this church. This meeting shall be attended by the pastor(s)
and at least one other church elder.
By Transfer of Letter
Any person desiring to unite with this church, upon
letter of recommendation from another evangelical church, shall present such
letter, or a promise thereof, to the pastor(s) and elder(s) of the church. A
time and place shall be set for a meeting with the applicant, who shall attend
and be questioned as to his or her basic Christian experience, doctrinal
beliefs, and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly the total
ministry of this church. This meeting shall be attended by the pastor(s) and at
least one other church elder.
Forms of Membership:
Regular
All who are received into the membership of the church on the above mentioned
conditions shall be considered members in good standing until such status is
changed by one of the conditions set forth in this Church Constitution. The
membership status of shut-ins, students, Christian workers, and others whose
relationship to the church involves special consideration and circumstances,
shall be determined on a case by case basis by the Body of Elders.
Procedure of Receiving New Members
When the church elder(s) are satisfied
that an applicant gives a credible profession of faith and meets the
requirements for membership, they may accept that person as a member into the
church after approval by a two-thirds margin (66%) or greater vote at a
regularly scheduled business meeting. The right hand of fellowship will be
extended to new members by the church at a regular worship service.
Termination of Membership:
Transfer of Letter
Letters of transfer shall be granted to members who apply for them, provided
they are in good standing with the church and not subject to or under discipline
at the time of the application. When such letters have been granted, the
relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of transfer
shall be forwarded and given only to other evangelical churches.
Excommunication
It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the
congregation, upon recommendation of the elder(s), to exclude from this
fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or
who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his profession of
faith; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks
disorderly; or who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church
(Matt. 10:15ff; 1 Cor. 5:1ff; II Thess. 3:6,11,15; Romans 16:17).
Abandonment
If an individual member of the church or a family of the church
is continually or habitually absent and has abandoned the church body, the
individual’s membership or the family’s membership may be terminated at the
discretion of the elders. This membership termination process is then subject to
the approval vote of the congregation at a regularly scheduled business meeting
and their name(s) shall then be removed from the church rolls.
Church Discipline
If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings
of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to settle differences with
others in a Scriptural manner, he may be excluded from the membership at the
discretion of the elder(s), subject to the approval vote of the congregation at
a regularly scheduled business meeting.
Discipline of Members
The purpose of church discipline is to effect a return to a biblical standard
of conduct and doctrine in a member who errs (Galatians 6:1), to maintain purity
in the local church (1 Cor. 5:6), and to deter sin (1 Tim. 5:20). Members of
this church who err in doctrine or conduct shall be subject to dismissal
according to scripture (Matthew 18:15-17). Accordingly, before such dismissal,
the following steps shall be used to provide the opportunity for repentance and
restoration:
- It shall be the duty of any member of this church body who has
knowledge of the erring member’s heresy or misconduct to warn and to correct
such erring member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
If said erring member does not heed this warning, then
- The warning member shall again go to the erring member accompanied by one
or two witnesses to warn and correct such erring member, seeking his or her
repentance and restoration. If said erring member continues refusing to heed
this warning, then
- It shall be brought to the attention of the elder(s). The elder(s), upon
careful and prayerful investigation, shall tell it to the church. If the
church congregation votes at a regularly scheduled business meeting to dismiss
the member and the said erring member refuses to heed the warning of the
elder(s) and the church body, then,
- He or she shall be publicly dismissed from the church and removed from the
church membership and covenant. It is further understood that this process
will continue until conclusion, whether the erring member leaves the church or
otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership to avoid the discipline process.
There shall be no appeal to any court from that decision. If said member,
after dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests
reinstatement, he or she shall be publicly restored to church membership and
the covenant.
ARTICLE VII
Church Officers
General Statement
Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His Church (Col. 1:18).
However, as Head, He has ordained that individual churches should be governed by
Himself through officers whom He appoints, who are endowed by His Spirit with
the gifts and graces needed to accomplish their work. Christ has ordained that
local churches are to be administered by elder(s) (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5) and
deacon(s) (Phil. 1:1, 1 Tim. 3:8, 12). The Scriptures give many other terms that
express the roles of elder(s) in church leadership including overseers (Acts
20:28), shepherds (Acts 20:28-31, 1 Pet. 5:1-4), leaders/rulers (Rom. 12:8, Heb.
13:7, 17), pastors (Eph. 4:11), and bishops (Titus 1:7). Beside these two
offices, elder(s) and deacon(s), the Scriptures acknowledge no office which
continues in the church today (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13).
General Prerequisites
All officers of this church must be members in good
standing of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, Wylie, Texas. Any individual set
apart to one of these offices must be able to conscientiously affirm his
agreement with the church's Statement of Faith, Church Covenant, and
Constitution. If he should at any time move from this position of agreement, he
would be under spiritual and moral obligation to immediately make that fact
known to the elder(s) in an orderly manner.
While we acknowledge the valuable gifts which God has given women and the
valuable assistance they may render to the officers of the church (Rom. 16:1-6;
Phil. 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:11), the Bible does not allow women to hold either the
office of deacon or elder in the church (1 Cor. 14:33b-35; 1 Tim. 2:8-15;
3:1-7). Women, therefore, shall not be nominated, elected, or ordained to either
of these offices (elder and deacon) in the church. Nevertheless, we acknowledge
and encourage the valuable gifts and assistance of women in the formal
instruction of children and other women (Titus 2:3-5), in the informal
instruction of men (1 Cor. 11:5; Acts 18:26), and especially the benevolent
ministries of the church (1 Tim. 3:11; 5:9, 10).
Election And Term Of Office
For Church Officers All recommendations for
nominations to the office of elder or deacon shall be given by any member of the
congregation to the elder(s). After prayerful consideration by the elder(s) (1
Tim 5:22-25) and consent of the recommended nominee, his name will be placed in
nomination and voted upon by the church congregation (1 Thess. 5:12-13) at a
regularly scheduled business meeting. He shall be installed to the office of
elder or deacon after his election and ordination (Acts 6:6, 13:3; 1 Tim. 5:22;
1 Tim. 4:14).
The New Testament does not specify the number of elder(s) or deacon(s) each
church should have, nor does it limit the length of an elder’s or deacon’s term
of office. One truly called to these offices is a gift of Christ to the church.
Only when an elder or deacon fails to meet the necessary Scriptural
qualifications for his office does he disqualify himself from being an elder or
deacon.
Removal of Elder(s) and Deacon(s) From Office
If at any time an elder or
deacon shall make application to be released from his office, he shall endeavor
to give the congregation as much notice as is possible. This is particularly
important for the elder(s) whose work is the public preaching and teaching of
the Word of God.
If any officer of the church does not carry out the responsibilities of the
office, violates the standards of this church, or is overcome by sin, the
corrective steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 (Church Discipline, Article VI)
shall apply. If repentance is forthcoming and the officer has not disqualified
himself from serving, he shall continue in his office.
If repentance is not forthcoming, and the elder(s) so recommend, the services
of that officer may be terminated immediately. This shall occur, following a
regular business meeting, at which his dismissal has been approved by a
two-thirds (66%) majority vote of those present and voting.
Responsibilities of the Congregation to Church Officers
The congregation
shall be responsible to be thankful for them because they are God’s gift (Eph.
4:11) to lead the church and to obey and submit to the elder(s)’ guidance,
protection and care (Heb. 13:7). They shall respect, highly regard, love and
live in peace with them (1 Thess. 5:12-13), honor all elder(s), provide a double
honor of both respect and financial support to elder(s) who excel in leadership,
especially those who labor at teaching and preaching (1 Tim. 5:17-18). Pray for
them continuously, communicate concerns, suggestions and needs to them, and do
not listen to unsubstantiated accusations about them (1 Tim. 5:19).
Elder(s)
Qualifications of Elder(s)
Anyone desiring the office of an elder(s) must
evidence the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications as set forth in
1 Tim. 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9. Elder(s) shall be men in full communion with
the church, of mature judgment, of unquestioned Christian character, loyal to
the Word of God, able to teach sound doctrine and devoted to the Lord Jesus
Christ and the spiritual welfare of the church (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1:5-9).
Authority of the Elder(s)
The authority of the elder(s) is a divinely
delegated authority. Thus, the elder(s) are answerable to God for the exercise
of this authority (Acts 20:28, Heb. 13:17). The authority of the elder(s) is
conditioned by the fact that they are themselves members of the local church.
While elder(s) are shepherds over the flock, they are also members of the flock.
Therefore, each individual elder is entitled to the same privileges, is
obligated by the same responsibilities, and is subject to the same discipline as
are all the other members of the church. Thus, each individual elder is both
under the oversight of his fellow elder(s) and accountable to the church body as
a whole (Matt. 18:17; 23:9; 26:31; 2 Cor. 11:19-20; Gal. 2:11; 3 John 1, 9, 10).
Thus, the authority of the elder(s) is very real authority. God's people are,
therefore, required to submit when this authority is biblically exercised (Heb.
13:17).
Though a plurality of elder(s) is the New Testament norm for every church,
the New Testament does not specify the number of elder(s) each church should
have, nor does it dictate the length of an elder'(s) term of office. One truly
called to this office is a gift of Christ to the church. Only when an elder(s)
fails to meet the necessary scriptural qualifications for his office does he
disqualify himself from being an elder(s).
Responsibilities of Elder(s)
The elder(s) shall consist of the pastor(s) and
all those whom the church duly elects to the office of elder(s). The authority
of the elder(s) is divinely-delegated authority. Thus, elder(s) are answerable
to God for the exercise of this authority (Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17). The elder(s)
shall exercise oversight over the church ministries and functions and have the
general oversight over all of this church's affairs. The conduct of all church
business and the work of all church organizations shall be subject to their
supervision and oversight.
The authority of the elder(s) does not include the right to make major
decisions unilaterally. In major decisions of church life, such as those dealing
with corrective discipline, recognition of officers, and major financial
decisions and commitments, the local church as a whole has a voice in approving
these issues (Acts 6:2-6, 9:26; 1 Cor. 5:4-5, 13; 2 Cor. 2:6) by vote at
regularly scheduled business meetings. Yet the elder(s) must provide leadership
to the church in making these decisions.
Organization of the Eldership
At the first regular meeting of the elder(s)
that follows the annual congregational meeting, the elder(s) shall elect one of
their members to serve as the Chairman and another to serve as the Clerk. The
Chairman and Clerk may serve for one year, or until their successors are
elected. The elder(s) of the church shall also meet together at least once a
month or whenever any elder(s) requests a meeting. Unless inappropriate, the
deacon(s) shall be invited to attend and participate in this meeting.
The elder(s) shall divide the work of the eldership among themselves
according to each member’s distinctive gifts of ministry so that all of the
responsibilities of the elder(s) can be faithfully discharged. The elder(s)
shall exercise all other powers and duties which properly belong to the sole
governing body of an independent church and congregation, but shall at all times
be subject to the majority vote of the congregation unless otherwise stated.
Preaching and Teaching Elder(s) or Pastor(s)
Among the elder(s) are those
whom we call pastor(s) (Eph. 4:11). These elder(s) are set apart specifically
for prayer and the study of the Word. These elder(s), especially those who rule
well, are worthy of a double honor to include both respect and financial support
(1 Tim. 5:17-18). They should, if necessary, be adequately maintained in
material necessities so as to be disentangled from the cares of a secular
calling.
The pastor(s) shall seek to discharge all the functions of his office as set
forth in the Scriptures and in keeping with the exercise of his own distinctive
gifts of ministry. In conjunction with the other elder(s), he shall have general
oversight of all the church and its ministry and functions.
If at any time a pastor(s) shall make application to be released from his
office and if the congregation shall choose by majority vote to release him, the
relationship between pastor(s) and church may be terminated by the congregation
in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of
time, if it is mutually agreed upon. If the relations between the pastor(s) and
congregation become detrimental to the welfare of the church, the elder(s) shall
have the authority to consider this matter and make a recommendation to the
congregation at a regularly scheduled business meeting. If a pastor’(s) life or
preaching shall violate the standards of this church, the services of this
pastor may be terminated immediately following a regularly scheduled business
meeting at which all three of the following conditions have been met:
1.) The Body of Elders so recommend that he be terminated and put it before
the church body for a vote, and
2.) If greater than 80% of the eligible voting members (18 years old and
older) are present at a regular business meeting of the church (this shall
constitute a valid quorum for this termination process only and a vote for
termination may take place), and
3.) his dismissal has been requested by a four fifths (80%) majority vote of
those present and voting.
The percentage levels for both a valid quorum and voting majority required to
dismiss a pastor from office have been raised to four fifths (80%) from the
usual quorum and voting majority of two thirds (66%) due to the severity and
importance of this termination process.
Ruling Elders
Elder(s) are responsible for the spiritual ministrations of the
church, the implementation of church discipline, and watching over the souls of
the members as those who must give account to God for this responsibility. They,
in conjunction with the pastor(s), shall exercise the oversight of the church in
all its ministries and functions.
Elder(s) must seek to discharge their duties as set forth in the Scriptures,
particularly such passages as (Acts 20:17, 28ff; I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17).
While every elder(s) bears spiritual rule, some will be more engaged in formal
and public teaching, while others will be more exclusively engaged in the
details of ruling (1 Tim. 5:17).
It shall be the duty of the elder(s) to be diligent and faithful in
attendance at the elder’(s) meetings and at the regular services of the church
and to supply the pulpit with men whose ministry shall be consistent with the
Confession of Faith of this church. They shall assist the pastor(s) at the
Lord's Table. They shall make suggestions regarding the pastor’(s) pulpit
ministry, and encourage him in the work of the Lord. Elder(s) may at their
discretion call upon one or more of the deacon(s) to assist with any of their
responsibilities when necessary.
Deacon(s)
Qualifications of Deacon(s)
The number of deacon(s) shall not be fixed. The
church shall set apart, according to its own need, men who evidence the
scriptural qualifications for that office (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13). They
shall be installed as deacon(s) after their election and ordination.
Responsibilities of Deacon(s)
Deacon(s) are responsible primarily to
administer the benevolent concerns of the church as well as its business and
secular affairs of the church so that the elder(s) may give themselves
continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:1-4). They must
fulfill the duties of their office with spiritual grace and in cooperation with,
and in subjection to, the elder(s).
The ministry of mercy in our church and community is a special responsibility
of the deacon body. They shall minister the Word of God, administer this
church's benevolence funds, and render counsel to those in need of assistance.
They shall be vigilant for opportunities to do good, especially to those who are
of the household of faith.
The deacon(s) shall have general executive powers to administer the business
and physical affairs of this church. It shall be the deacon(s)’ responsibility
to oversee the preparation of the church budget and submitting it to the elder(s)
before presenting it for adoption by the church each year by vote. When the
congregation has approved the budget, it will be the deacon(s)’ responsibility
to oversee the administration of it within the church. The duty of caring for
and maintaining the church's properties shall also belong to the deacon(s).
Organization of the Diaconate
At the first regular meeting of the deacon(s)
that follows the annual congregational meeting, the deacon(s) shall elect one of
their members to serve as Chairman and another to serve as Clerk. The Chairman
and Clerk may serve for one year, or until their successors are elected. The
deacon(s) of the church shall also meet together at least once a month or
whenever any elder(s) or deacon(s) requests a meeting. Unless inappropriate, the
elder(s) shall be invited to attend and participate in this meeting.
The deacon(s) shall divide the work of the diaconate among themselves
according to each member’s distinctive gifts of ministry so that all the
responsibilities of the deacon(s) can be faithfully discharged.
ARTICLE VIII
Constitutional Authority
Nature of this Church Constitution
This Constitution, as with any other
non-inspired document, is not infallible. It does, however, reflect an earnest
and sincere attempt to apply the Scriptures in ordering the life of this local
church. Furthermore, we as members of this church, including the elder(s) and
deacon(s), have solemnly committed ourselves to follow this Constitution in
ordering the life of this church (see the Preamble). Therefore the demands of
the ninth commandment, and the sanctity of truth in general, require that the
elder(s), the deacon(s), and all of the members of this church abide by our
mutual commitment.
Amendments to this Church Constitution
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by four-fifths (80%) majority
vote of those voting at any regular church business meeting with a quorum
present and that such proposed amendments shall be distributed in written form
to the membership of this church at least four (4) weeks prior to such a church
business meeting.
Deficiencies of this Church Constitution Only when we must obey God rather
than the provisions of this Constitution may its requirements be disregarded
(Acts 5:29). If at any time a member of this church becomes aware that adherence
to this Constitution would violate biblical principle, he should make this known
to the elder(s). If the elder(s) conclude that biblical principle requires
disregarding a provision of this Constitution, they are obligated to communicate
this together with the reason(s) for their conclusion to the church within one
month at regular business meeting of the church. Furthermore, relevant
amendments to this Constitution must be submitted to the church and acted upon
in accordance with the provisions of the Amendment Section above within three
months following this informational meeting. The failure of the elder(s) to
observe these requirements will constitute a legitimate reason for the calling
of a special meeting by the members of the church in accordance with this Church
Constitution.
ARTICLE IX
Church Meetings
The Annual Business Meeting
An annual business meeting of the church shall be
held in January of each year. At this annual meeting the advisory nominations
ballot shall be taken. A report shall be given by the elder(s) which shall
contain an account of the membership of the church and the status of those whose
membership involves unusual circumstances will be reviewed. A financial report
for the previous year and the proposed budget for the coming year shall also be
presented. These reports, including the proposed budget for the current year,
shall be approved by a vote of the church.
The Quarterly Business Meetings
Church business meetings shall be held quarterly on the second Sunday of
January, April, July and October, with an additional meeting on the second
Sunday of December, unless a two thirds (66%) majority vote of the voting
members of the church body elect to move the meeting to another agreed upon
date.
The Occasional Called Business Meetings
Church business meetings may be
called by the pastor(s) or elder(s) or when two-thirds (66%) majority of the
voting members make a written request for such a meeting. This request must
state the reason for the meeting, be signed by two thirds (66%) of the eligible
voting members in good standing, and must be presented to the pastor(s) or
elder(s), who shall in turn make the proper announcement of the meeting. Every
meeting at which business is to be transacted shall be announced at regular
services at least 7 days prior to the called business meeting. The agenda for
this business meeting shall be announced and distributed to the church members
at the regular Sunday morning worship service prior to the called business
meeting. Other business meetings at which there is no business transacted by
vote may be called at the discretion of the pastor(s) without previous notice.
Voting
All members of Cornerstone Baptist Church, having passed their 18th
birthday, except those suspended by a vote of the church, those currently under
disciplinary action, and those whose voting privileges have been suspended by
the elder(s), shall constitute the voting membership of the church body in
accordance with this Church Constitution. All voting members should regard their
presence at a duly called church meeting with the same seriousness with which
they would regard their attendance at a stated service of worship. It shall be
our goal to prayerfully discern the mind of God so that in all matters of church
business it may be said of us, as it was said of that church business meeting
recorded in Acts 6, that this thing "pleased the whole multitude." However, in
situations in which this unanimity is not realized, a majority vote of equal to
or greater than a two thirds (66%) majority of those voting will make a
resolution valid.
Quorum
If more than 60% of the eligible voting members (18 years old and
older) are present at any properly convened business meeting of the church, this
shall constitute a valid quorum for the transaction of business and a vote may
take place. The elder(s) shall cancel any previously announced business meeting
of the church if through an act of God (such as inclement weather) an unusually
large proportion of the members of the church cannot be present to validate the
quorum.
The following categories of church members shall be excluded from the total
number of members on which the quorum is based at any church meeting for the
purposes of voting:
1. Those prohibited from attending the meeting because of serious illness or
other health condition.
2. Those members of the church who are prohibited from
attending the meeting because of their ministry in behalf of the church, such as
missionaries, evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc.
3. Those who have physically
moved away from the local area but have not yet transferred their membership to
another church.
4. Those members who are students attending school away form the
locale of the church and their attendance at business meetings is therefore
untenable (unreasonable).
5. Those members who are under the disciplinary action
of the church.
6. Those members who are currently under the disciplinary action
of the elder(s) or who’s church privileges have been suspended or revoked at the
discretion of the elder(s).
7. Those members whose job requires them to miss the business meeting.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
Church Year The church year for administrative and fiscal purposes shall be
from January 1 through December 31 of each calendar year.
ARTICLE XI
Budget and Finance
Budget and Finance Committee Organization
The finance committee is to be
responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and issuing financial
reports. The finance committee relies on the talents of those who can set up
financial procedures, monitor budgets, count money and perform other financial
tasks associated with a growing organization. The finance committee will consist
of the deacon(s), an elected financial chairman, and at least (2) finance
committee members. The finance committee members shall be nominated by the
deacon(s) and approved by the deacon(s) and elder(s) and voted upon and
confirmed by the church at a Quarterly Church Conference. The committee members
shall serve on a one year or longer term. The
Church Budget and Finance Committee
The fiscal year of the church shall run from January 1st through December
31st (following the calendar year for that specific year) for each calendar
year. All budget items, donation, and spending shall follow this fiscal year
plan.
Each year, by November 1st, the deacons shall provide an estimate of the
proposed expenditures for the upcoming year based on the previous years spending
and upcoming projects.
In one or more joint meetings using the figures provided from the deacon(s),
the finance committee and deacon(s) shall draw up a proposed budget for the
following calendar year. It is desired that the finance committee and deacons
arrive at a unanimous recommendation. The finance committee and deacons must
measure all budget requests and plans against the stated mission, purposes, and
goals of the church. They shall thereby seek to ensure that programs and
activities funded by the church do not counter, and that they in fact do support
the mission, purposes and goals of the church.
The deacon(s) shall submit a recommended budget to the elders at least one
month before the December business conference. The elders shall review the
budget, and after any revisions, the deacons will present the proposed budget to
the congregation during the December business conference (note that this is an
additional regular meeting not on the quarterly schedule). During the December
meeting, a time shall be provided for questions concerning the budget from
individual church members, with the intent to answer most questions well before
the January meeting. In January, the budget will be approved by a majority vote
of the voting members present with the required quorum present.
If the members do not approve the budget, the deacon(s) and finance committee
may recommend specific changes. A representative of the deacons shall take notes
of any changes recommended for another vote on the modified proposed budget at
that time or for later review. Only in this case can a temporary budget be
approved by majority vote of the congregation when necessary if more time is
needed to finalize the overall budget. The church should not operate on a
temporary budget for any longer than is necessary, but never for more than 60
days as a maximum.
Transactions of Church Financial Business
Once the budget has been approved, it shall be considered the basis for the
current transactions and liabilities. No elder, deacon, individual, member, or
group is authorized to make changes in its provisions nor to make disbursements
not authorized within the approved budget, without the consent of the
congregation, except that under certain circumstances, the elders and/or
deacons, in unanimous agreement, may spend or incur obligation to spend an
amount of up to $250 above the annual budget without the special approving vote
of the congregation. Such expenditures shall be duly recorded and presented to
the church body at the first subsequent congregational business meeting
following the transaction(s).
The deacons are authorized and instructed to make transactions, including
withdrawals or transfers from church account(s), in the name of the church and
when such transactions are permitted by the duly approved and current church
budget. In addition, the deacons are authorized to manage the financial assets
of the church including donations to the church to meet the long term financial
goals and the mission of the church.
Checks drawn on the account(s) of the church shall be signed by two (2)
deacons or at least (1) deacon and other approved signers who are currently
members of the church in good standing.
Appropriate and accurate records shall be kept of all church finances and
accounts. The deacon(s) shall be ultimately responsible to see that such records
are kept with assistance from the finance committee chairman. Duties regarding
the keeping of financial records may be delegated to one or more deacon(s).
Monthly financial reports will be the responsibility of the financial committee
chairman with help from the deacon(s).
Deacon(s) Financial Management
The function of the deacon(s) is to manage all
church finances, receipts and disbursements. The deacon(s) shall manage the
incoming donations, the outgoing expenses, and all accounts of the budget (i.e.
special offerings, purchase orders, benevolence funds, building funds, building
improvement program, and all missions’ funds). The deposits shall be made within
10 days of the receipt of those funds and disbursements for expense shall me
made in a timely manner. Management of these designated accounts shall be
limited to the approved budget amount for spending purposes and the deacon(s)
are limited to $500 per occurrence on the benevolence fund. Any amount over $500
on the benevolence fund requires the approval of the majority of the church
officers to approve the donation and the upper limit on benevolence
contributions is $1,500. In addition, the deacon(s) shall manage all assets
currently in the church’s possession to align the assets to be better prepared
to serve the goals and direction of the church. All expenditures will be
reflected in the monthly financial report following the month that the expenses
were actually incurred.
Miscellaneous Financial Concerns
All gifts to the church made as “designated gifts,” that is a gift for an
express purpose, must be approved by the deacons. This function is to ensure
that funds spent by the church are reflective of the mission and goals of this
church and that there is no endangerment of the church’s standing relating to
IRS and other regulations pertaining to tax exempt organizations. Designated
gifts deemed not appropriate shall be returned to the contributor.
Quarterly Church Conference
The quarterly business meetings are to be
overseen, moderated, and administered by the pastor or one of the other elders.
The quarterly business financial reports are to be presented at each regularly
scheduled business meeting by either a deacon(s) or the financial committee
chairman.
Expense Reimbursement
All expenses submitted for reimbursement from the elder(s) and deacon(s) will be reimbursed for any amount up to their approved
spending limit or the amount of the approved budgeted item or limited by the
amount in the approved designated account.
All expenses submitted for reimbursement from church members must have the
approval of either the deacons and/or the finance committee and must have an
approved purchase order assigned (including both P.O. number and project
spending amount limit) prior to the purchase being made and will be reimbursed.
All expenses submitted without prior approval and P.O. assigned will not be
reimbursed under any circumstances.
ARTICLE XII
Discontinuance
Discontinuance of the Cornerstone Baptist Church
If at some point in the future of this church, it is decided by a four-fifths
(80%) majority vote of those voting at any regular church business meeting with
a quorum present, for this church to cease to exist., all assets are to be
transferred to the State of Texas, the United States or to an educational,
religious, charitable or other similar organization that is qualified for
exemption under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
Appendix A
Church Covenant
It is clear from Scripture that God intends His People to be united together
into visible church fellowships. The following two points illustrate this
concept.
1. The church is the body and Jesus Christ is the head of the body (Eph.
1:22-23). A true commitment to Christ as the Head is inseparable from a
commitment to the other members of the body as well. The relationship of the
body to the Head and to other body members is like the covenant relationship of
a man and his wife (Eph. 5:28-30).
2. The apostles implemented the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) by
gathering baptized believers into local churches. It was in these local churches
that baptized disciples were taught all that Christ commanded (Acts 2:38-42; 1
Cor. 4:17). In the New Testament, the believing men and women were members of
local churches.
Believing that we belong to one another as members of one body, as brothers
and sisters in one household, as the sheep in one flock, we desire to establish
a vital local church and do now covenant with one another to become members of
this one body. As members of this united local body, we pledge ourselves to the
following:
A. To provide the opportunity for the teaching of God’s Word, fellowship, and
communion by reverently worshipping with the body at its stated times unless
providentially hindered.
B. To pray for the body and all of its members in a manner concerning
thanksgiving, adoration, confession, and intercession and to provide a ministry
of support and encouragement to one another.
C. To be responsible for faithful support to the body of Christ by loving one
another and preferring one another over oneself, and by encouraging the growth
of each individual believer toward maturity in the faith and Christ-likeness.
D. To seek the good of the body as a whole and to ensure that all have the
opportunity to serve Christ.
E. To share the gospel both in the local community and abroad through a
concerted evangelism effort.
This covenant is only a basic framework, but is intended to formally bind
ourselves together from this time until a scheduled time when the necessity of a
covenant shall be evaluated. The scheduled time is the first Sunday in October,
1996. (The intent is that as the body grows and matures, the offices of elder(s)
and deacon(s) will be established according to the requirements of Titus and 1
Timothy, and a statement of faith adopted).
RESOLVED, our signatures below indicate that we adopt the above covenant in
its entirety and without qualification and dedicate ourselves to support this
local church body.
Name: ____________________________________________ Date:
___/___/20___
Appendix B
Church Statement of Faith
The Abstract of Principles of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689.
Basil Manly Jr. penned this brief confession of faith as the statement of
faith for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. On
April 30, 1858 the seminary wrote the Abstract into its charter, and it remains
the official doctrinal confession for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to
this day. Jesse C. Fletcher, chancellor of Hardin-Simmons University, recently
referred to "The Abstract of Principles" as "...a masterful document that
survived decades of Southern Baptist controversy." William Wright Barnes, former
church history professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, said,
"They set forth the great fundamental teachings that have been held by Southern
Baptists..." These fundamental truths transcend time and culture. If these
things were true in 1858, they are true today.
I. The Scriptures The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by
inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule
of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.
II. God There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things,
having in and of himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and
to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.
III. The Trinity God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each
with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or
being.
IV. Providence God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to
pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events;
yet so as not in any wise to the author of approver of sin nor to destroy the
free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.
V. Election Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting
life- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ- in
consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.
VI. The Fall of Man God originally created man in His own image, and free
from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of
God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his
posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are
under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become
actual transgressors.
VII. The Mediator Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely
appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature,
yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered and died upon the
cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day,
and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make
intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and
King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe.
VIII. Regeneration Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy
Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds
spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole
nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and
special grace alone.
IX. Repentance Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being, by
the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself
for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a
purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things.
X. Faith Saving faith is the belief, on God's authority, of whatsoever is
revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for
justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit,
and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness.
XI. Justification Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of
sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that
Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on
account to the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting
on Him and His righteousness by faith.
XII. Sanctification Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified, by
God's word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive
through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing
after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands.
XIII. Perseverance of the Saints Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved,
and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the
state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may
fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit,
impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal
judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XIV. The Church The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed
of all his true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its
government. According to his commandment, Christians are to associate themselves
into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches he hath
given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship
which he hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are bishops or elders,
and deacons.
XV. Baptism Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every
believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and
resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to
God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is a prerequisite to church
fellowship, and to participation in the Lord's Supper.
XVI. The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to
be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by his
churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is
designed to commemorate his death, to confirm the faith and other graces of
Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with him,
and of their church fellowship.
XVII. The Lord's Day The Lord's day is a Christian institution for regular
observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual
devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and
amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted.
XVIII. Liberty of Conscience God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath
left is free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything
contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained
of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by
us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
XIX. The Resurrection The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their
spirits return immediately to God-the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to
be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all
the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.
XX. The Judgment God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world by
Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds: the wicked
shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life.
