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CONSTITUTION OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH DECLARATION We, the members of Grace Bible Church of
Gillette, Wyoming, here-in-after referred to in this constitution and the
by-laws as Grace Bible Church, do ordain and establish the
following articles to which we voluntarily submit ourselves. NAME The name of this church organization
shall be the “Grace Bible Church.” PURPOSE The purpose of this church organization
shall be as follows: 1. A
GENERAL STATEMENT: "To
see each individual believer spiritually healthy and mature, with a
commitment and concern for Christ, one another, and the world." 2. A
DETAILED STATEMENT: a. To
proclaim the good news of salvation to the unsaved people of our community
and area, seeking to reach them for the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Rom. 1:l6,17) b. To
teach and preach the Word of God in such a manner as to build up and
establish the children of God in the faith. (Eph. 4:11-16.) c. To
maintain a missionary program in an effort to reach souls for Christ outside
our own community and area, even unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
(Matt. 28:18-20) d. To
provide a place and means of fellowship whereby God’s people might be a
blessing and encouragement to each other. (Heb. 10:24,25). e. To
earnestly contend for the faith by proclaiming and defending the great
historic truths of God’s Word and exposing and opposing all that fits into
the category error and false teaching when necessary. (Jude 3) f. To
provide for the Christian education of the members through Sunday School
classes, church services, and any other classes deemed necessary to enhance
the knowledge of the church family. (I Peter 3:15). STATEMENT
OF FAITH (DOCTRINE) Section
1. ARTICLES OF BIBLICAL FAITH (Part 1) In order to become or remain a member of
the Grace Bible Church, each and every person shall be
required to subscribe to the following articles of faith: A. The
Holy Scriptures We
believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally
inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the
original writings, infallible and God-breathed. (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter
1:20,21). B. The
Godhead We believe in
one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit--identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same
attributes and perfections. (Matt. 17:5; 28:19-20; John 1:1-4; II Cor. 13:14;
I John 5:6,7). C. The
Person and Work of Christ 1. We
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man
without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born
of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.
(Luke 1:35; John 1:1,2,14; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-18). 2. We
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His
death on the cross as a representative, substitutionary sacrifice; and that
our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the
dead. (Rom. 3:24,25; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5; 2:24). 3. We
believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at
the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of
Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. (Rom. 8:34; I Tim.
2:4-6; I John 2:1-2). D. The
Person and Work of the Holy Spirit 1. We
believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of
righteousness, and of judgment; that He is the supernatural Agent in
regeneration, baptizing all believers one time into the body of Christ, eternally
dwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption at the point of
acknowledging Christ as Lord and Savior. (John 16:7-11; Rom. 8:9; I Cor.
12:13; Eph. 1:13,14). 2. We
believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth; that
it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit.
(John 14:17; 16:13; Eph 5:18; I John 2:27). E. The
Total Depravity of Man We believe
that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin
the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and
that man is totally depraved, and of himself utterly unable to remedy his
lost condition. (Rom. 3:22,23; Rom.
5:12; I
Cor. 15:21,22). F. Salvation We believe
that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by
personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on
Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. (John 3:16-18; Rom. 10:9,10; Eph
2:8-10). G. The
Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers 1. We
believe that all the redeemed, once saved are kept by God's power and are thus
secure in Christ forever. (John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:38,39; I Cor. 1:4-8; I Peter
1:5). 2. We
believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of
their salvation through the testimony of God's Word; which, however, clearly
forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh. (Rom.
6:1,2; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11,12). H. The
Two Natures of the Believer We
believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made
for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the
indwelling Holy Spirit; and, that all claims to the eradication of the old
nature in this life are unscriptural. (Rom. 7:18-23; Gal. 5:16-25). I. Separation We believe that
all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon
their Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all
worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God.
(II Cor. 6:14; II Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:14-17; II John 9-11). J. Missions We believe
that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the
truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind.
(Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). K. The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts 1. We
believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts; and that
the gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the
perfecting of the saints today; and that speaking in tongues and the working
of sign miracles gradually ceased. As the New Testament Scriptures were
completed and their authority became established, these signs ended. (Rom.
15:18-19; I Cor. 12:4-11; 13:8-10; 14:33; II Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7-12; Heb.
2:1-4). 2. We
believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His
own will, for the sick and afflicted. (Matt. 7:7-11; John 15:7; James
5:14-16; I John 3:22; 5:14). L. The Church 1. We
believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ
is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present
age. (I Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 5:25-27). 2. We
believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly
taught by example and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27;
20:17, 28-32; I Tim. 3:1-15). 3. We
believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority
or control. (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-4). 4. We
recognize the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord's Supper as scriptural
means of testimony for the church of this age. (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42;
18:8; I Cor. 11:23-26). M The
Personality of Satan We believe
that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he
is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be
eternally punished in the Lake of
Fire. (Job 1:6,7; Isa.
14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; I Peter 5:8; I John 3:8; Rev. 20:10) N. The
Eternal State 1 We
believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life and
the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matt.
25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:5,6,12,13). 2. We
believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body
and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first
resurrection, when spirit, soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever
with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; II Cor. 5:8; I Thess. 4:16,17; Rev.
20:4-6). 3. We
believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in a conscious
misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they
shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the
Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious
punishment. (Mt. 25:41-46; Mk 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Th. 1:7-9; Rev.
20:11-15). Section 2. ARTICLES OF
BIBLICAL FAITH (Part 2) We at Grace Bible
Church recognize that in matters of eschatology (doctrine pertaining to the
last days), many Bible scholars who undoubtedly are sincere believers in the
Lord Jesus Christ have honest disagreements. It is the position of Grace
Bible Church that the following articles of faith will be taught at Grace
Bible Church. An applicant for membership into the fellowship of Grace Bible
Church may write upon his/her application form itemized explanations in
regard to those articles of faith with which he/she may have honest
disagreement. Disagreement with these articles will not automatically
preclude an individual from becoming a member of Grace Bible Church, but
rather upon interviewing with the pastor and/or the Board of Elders on an
individual basis, recommendation may still be made to the congregation for a
favorable acceptance of the applicant into membership. A. Dispensationalism We believe that
the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal senses reveal divinely
determined dispensations or rules of life which define man's responsibilities
in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather
divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His
purpose. Three of these--the Age of Law, the Age of Grace, also known as the
Church Age and the Age of the Millennial Kingdom-- are the subjects of
detailed revelation in Scripture. (John 1:17; II Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25;
Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24,25; Heb. 7:19; Rev.
20:2-6). B. The
Second Advent of Christ We believe in
that "Blessed Hope", the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and
premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in
His subsequent return to Earth, with His saints, to establish His Millennial
Kingdom. (Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Rev. 3:10; Rev.
19:11-16; 20:1-6). Section 3. MOVEMENTS CONTRARY TO THE FAITH A. Ecumenism : Ecumenism is that
movement which seeks the organizational unity of all Christianity, and
ultimately of all religions. Its principal advocates are the World Council of
Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United Stated
of America. B. Ecumenical Evangelism
: Ecumenical evangelism is that effort to promote the Gospel by
bringing fundamentalists into an unequal yoke with theological liberals
and/or Roman Catholics and other divergent groups. C. Neo-Orthodoxy : Neo-orthodoxy
is that theological movement which affirms: the transcendence of God, the
finiteness and sinfulness of man, and the necessity of supernatural divine
revelation of truth; but, while using evangelical terminology, seriously
departs from criticism, in denying the inerrancy of the Bible as historic
revelation, in accepting religious experience as the criterion for truth, and
in abandoning important fundamentals of the Christian faith. D. New Evangelicalism (Neo-Evangelicalism,
New Conservatism) : These terms refer to that movement within evangelicalism
characterized by a toleration of and a dialogue with theological liberalism.
Its essence is seen in an emphasis upon the social application of the Gospel
and weak or unclear doctrines of: the inspiration of Scripture, Biblical
creationism, eschatology, dispensationalism, and separation. It is further
characterized by an attempt to accommodate Biblical Christianity and make it
acceptable to the modern mind. E. Charismatic Movement : Due to
problems and confusion which have existed in churches where tongues and signs
such as healings have become an issue, we request that all members refrain
from the use of these "gifts" within the church. We will not
tolerate the use of these "gifts" among our members outside the
church. Section 4. COVENANTS CHURCH
MEMBER'S COVENANT: I have
trusted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and desire to enter into the fellowship
of the Grace Bible Church, and to engage with its members in efforts to
achieve the purposes set forth in its Statements of Faith. I have read and
studied prayerfully the doctrinal statements, and believe them to be
doctrines set forth in the Word of God. I have thoughtfully and prayerfully
read the constitution of the church, and am willing to abide by all of its
provisions. If at any time I find that I am out of sympathy with the
doctrinal positions of the church, I shall quietly withdraw from the
fellowship without attempting to cause trouble in any way, and hereby
authorize the Board of Elders, in such event, to erase my name from its
membership records. ELDER BOARD
COVENANT: I covenant
myself to defend the Word of God, and our constitution, and willingly submit
to the Scriptural standard for a church officer as is given in I Tim. 3:1-7;
Titus 1:5-9; knowing that I will be looked up to by the young and old alike
as a spiritual leader. If at any time I find I am out of harmony with the declarations
of this constitution I will quietly resign, seeking to cause no harm to the
testimony of this church in the community. DEACON BOARD
COVENANT: I covenant myself
to defend the Word of God, and our constitution, and willingly submit to the
Scriptural standard for a church officer as is given in I Tim. 3:8-13 knowing
that I will be looked up to by the young and old alike as a spiritual leader.
If at any time I find I am out of harmony with the declarations of this
constitution I will quietly resign, seeking to cause no harm to the testimony
of this church in the community. TEACHER'S
COVENANT: I am
conscious of the great responsibility laid upon me as a teacher. I will
refrain from teaching anything which might be contrary to the doctrines of
this church, contained in Section 1 of the Articles of Biblical Faith. In the
event that I may have opportunity to express my personal understanding of the
Scriptures in regard to eschatological doctrines, as contained in section 2
of the Articles of Biblical Faith, I will do so with a spirit of humble
graciousness and will in no manner disrespectfully belittle or demean the
official stance which Grace Bible Church holds in regard to these doctrines .
If at any time I find that my views are in conflict with the doctrines
contained in Section 1 of the Articles of Biblical Faith and/or the policies
of the church, I will quietly give up my teaching position without attempting
to cause trouble in any way. I will be faithful in my support of the church
in regard to each part of its ministry so that I might set an example before
those whom I teach. In my teaching I shall earnestly seek to exalt the Person
of Jesus Christ and do my part to help accomplish the purpose set forth in
this constitution. PASTOR'S
COVENANT: As pastor of
the Grace Bible Church, I shall strive to exercise the duties of my office in
such a way as to have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. God
helping me, I shall strive to see that the flock of God will enjoy a balanced
ministry in shepherding, teaching and evangelizing. Furthermore, I shall seek
above all things to promote unity of the Spirit, being ready always for
suggestions when given for the glory of God, and the furtherance of His work. If at any
time I am out of harmony with the constitution, I will appreciate the Board
of Elders calling it to my attention. I shall seek to be sensitive to God's
leading to know when my services are done, and upon sixty (60) per cent
majority vote of the church members, and at the recommendation of the Board
of Elders, I shall quietly leave the position, causing no trouble which would
hurt the church. CHURCH
COVENANT: Having been led,
as we believe, by the Spirit of God, we, the members of this church, do most
solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in
Christ. God helping us, we covenant together that as we have
opportunity we will do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith, (Gal. 6:10); that as strangers and pilgrims we will
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Peter 2:11). As
long as we continue in the membership of this church we will gladly co-operate,
making its testimony far reaching in effect. By co-operating we specifically
mean to pray for one another, and to assist those who have rule over us, who
preach the Word of God (Heb. 13:7); refusing to gossip or listen to gossip in
any form against them or any fellow members, (James 3:5-18). Furthermore, in
co-operating we shall give as God prospers, not grudgingly or of necessity,
to the work of our church (II Cor. 9:7); realizing its needs first and the
needs of other Christian works subsequently; that this fellowship, into which
we have been led of God, will not be hindered because of any shortcomings on
our part. RESTATEMENT
OF THE CONSTITUTION OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH Amended,
Retyped, Reformatted by GBC/CAS, February 1999 BY-LAWS OF
GRACE BIBLE CHURCH ARTICLE
I: MEMBERSHIP A. Admission
into membership: The
membership of this church shall consist only of those who give clear evidence
of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and who sincerely desire to live a Godly
Christian life for the glory of God. Any person
desiring to unite with this church shall be examined by the Pastor and/or
Elders to determine that individual's qualifications for the church
membership. Each prospective member shall be acquainted with the Constitution
and doctrines of the church. It shall be the responsibility of the Pastor
and/or Elders to adequately instruct prospective members in regard to the
constitution and doctrines of the church. After having examined a prospective
member, and upon the approval of the Board of Elders, the prospective member
shall be received into the membership of the church. On the following Sunday,
the new member shall be presented to the rest of the membership at the close
of the morning service to be publicly welcomed into the church membership. Believer's
baptism by immersion is required for church membership. A believer's baptism
from another church is acceptable. B. Voting
Membership: An individual
who is 18 years of age, or over, and who is received into membership of this
church shall automatically be entitled to vote at any congregational meeting
providing he is an active member. C. Duties of Members: It shall be the
duty of each member of this church: 1. To
recognize the Holy Scriptures as authoritative in every aspect of daily life
and to read, study, and apply those Scriptures in an effort to know and to do
the will of God. 2. To
love and respect the spiritual leadership of the Pastor, Board of Elders, and
church family. 3. To
sincerely endeavor to maintain a Christian testimony in the home, community,
and church which is consistent with the doctrine set forth in this
constitution. 4. To
cheerfully support the church in a financial and a sacrificial way as God
enables. 5. To
actively support the services, programs, and spiritual ministry of the church
in an effort to accomplish the purposes set forth in this constitution. D. Active
and Inactive Members: An
active member is one who regularly attends at least a portion of the various
services of the church. An active member is one who contributes in a
consistent way to the financial needs of the church. An inactive
member is one who for some legitimate reason is unable to attend the services
of the church regularly or one who makes no attempt to attend or support the
ministry of the church in a consistent way. The Board of Elders
shall have the authority to determine when a member should be placed on the
inactive roll of the church. If a member does not attend or support the
ministry of the church over one year period, he/she will be automatically
placed on the inactive roll, before the annual business meeting. E. Termination
of Membership: Any member
desiring to sever relations with the church may be granted a letter of termination
and standing. Upon uniting with another church, any member shall be
automatically dropped from the membership of the church. Any member who is
inactive for two years will receive a letter from the Board of Elders
requesting whether he desires his membership to be continued. If the member
fails to respond, termination of membership will follow. ARTICLE II: BOARD OF ELDERS A. The
Board of Elders shall fulfill all the duties and have all the power of the
Official Church Board specified in the Certificate of Incorporation. The
Board of Elders shall be composed of spiritually qualified men who meet the
qualifications expressed in I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In keeping
with the clear teaching in God's Word concerning women being in a position of
leadership or authority over men (I Tim. 2:12), no woman may serve in the
capacity of a pastor or be a member of the Board of Elders. B. The
Board of Elders shall be composed of from two (2) to twelve (12) members. The
number constituting this Board shall be determined each year by the Board of
Elders. C. All
Board members shall be elected by the membership at the annual meeting for a
three year term of office. Each Board member may succeed himself
for an additional three year term, but then will be required as a general
rule to be off the Board of Elders for at least one year before serving
additional terms. However, should the Board of Elders be in unanimous
agreement that an elder who has completed two terms of office could
best serve the church by remaining on the Board of Elders, this requirement
to retire for one year can be waived by a two-thirds majority vote of the
congregation upon such recommendation to the annual meeting of the
congregation by the Board of Elders. Such a re-elective procedure would occur
on a yearly basis for an indeterminate number of years. There are two
ways to remove a person from the Board of Elders of Grace Bible Church. They
are: 1. Resignation
from the Board 2. Two-thirds
vote by the Board of Elders In the event
an elected board member or other elected position in the church resigns from
the position before completing his full term, the Board of Elders shall appoint
someone to complete that term. Nominations
for elected positions will be presented to the board from a committee
consisting of the pastor, one board member, and one member from the church
membership at large. D. The
Board of Elders shall have the legal right to hold in the corporate name of
the church, the deeds, titles, etc., of any and all property and funds used
to carry on the ministry of this church. The Board of Elders, in the
corporate name of the Church, may purchase, lease, own, use, manage, control,
maintain, improve, encumber, sell, exchange any real or personal property
necessary for the best interest, welfare, and development of the church and
its membership. The Board of Elders may spend, without consulting the church
body up to $10,000.00; subject to funds being available from non-borrowed
sources. The Board of Elders may also spend designated donations of any given
amount, if the desired project is approved by the Board of Elders. Any
purchase involving land or long-term obligation, of any type, must be
approved by a majority vote of the church membership. It shall be
the duty of the Board of Elders to choose from its number, a Chairman, Vice-Chairman,
Secretary, Church Treasurer, and Mission Chairman. The Board shall determine
and specify the duties of each of these officers. However, other officers and
special committees may be appointed when necessary. It shall be
the responsibility of the Board of Elders to oversee all of the executive
matters of the church and to see to it that the church is provided with
spiritual leadership at all times. The Board of
Elders shall meet at regular intervals as determined by the members of the
Board. All business of the Board shall be decided by a majority vote, except
as otherwise stated herein. Matters of church business may be presented by
any member of the church at any of the regular meetings of the Board. All members
of the Board of Elders must be active members of the church and must be in
full agreement with the doctrines of the church as specified in Section 1 of
the Statement of Biblical Faith, and respectful of the position taken by the
church in regard to doctrines specified in Section 2 of the Statement of
Biblical Faith. Each Board member shall be elected by at least a majority
vote of the church membership present at an official business meeting of the
church. All officers,
organizations, boards, and departments within the church shall be subject to
the authority of the Board of Elders. E. OFFICES 1. Chairman: a. He
shall preside at all meetings of the congregational business assembly and the
Board of Elders. b. He
shall represent the congregation in conducting all business affairs of the
corporation, as directed by the voting members. He may delegate at his
discretion, his duties in conducting the business affairs of the corporation
to other duly constituted officers, who shall conduct such delegated duties under
his supervision, and subject to the approval of the voting membership of the
church. c. The chairman shall, on behalf of the
corporation, sign all deeds, bills of sale, mortgages, notes, and other,
contracts and legal documents, upon the approval of the voting membership,
EXCEPT his signature shall not be necessary for the validity of any checks or
drafts issued by the corporation. 2. Vice-Chairman: The
vice-chairman shall assume all the duties of the Chairman in his absence. 3. Secretary: a. The
secretary shall be responsible for the safe keeping of all permanent minutes,
past and present, of the congregation. b. He
shall faithfully record in permanent records all minutes of the
congregational business meetings and the Elder Board meetings. c. He
shall conduct official correspondence of the church membership or the Board
of Elders. d. He
shall provide a copy of the constitution and by-laws to all new members. e. He
shall maintain an accurate list of all voting members of the corporation. f. He
shall be responsible for notifying members of the voting membership of the
date, time, and place of special meetings. g. He
shall submit a list of amendments to the constitution and by-laws passed
during the past year in the annual congregational meeting. h. He
shall affix the corporate seal to all legal documents signed by the Chairman
as authorized by the voting membership, and shall attest to the signature of
the chairman thereon. i. He
may appoint a member to serve as church clerk, to assist in proper
maintenance of the official records. 4. Church
Treasurer: a. He
shall approve any bills to be paid by the Financial Secretary. b. He
shall request a church financial statement from the Financial Secretary for
any official meeting, such as annual, special, or board. c. He
may appoint a financial secretary to assist in the financial transactions of
the church. 1. The
Financial Secretary shall keep accurate and up-to-date records of all
financial transactions of the church. 2. The
Financial Secretary shall have the authority to write and sign checks and to
pay all bills of the church out of the church bank account, subject to
approval by the Church Treasurer. 3. The
Financial Secretary shall submit a financial report to the Board of Elders by
way of the church treasurer, at the regular Board meetings, special business
meetings, and shall report the financial condition of the church at the
annual congregational meeting. 5. Missions
Chairman: a. An
Elder appointed annually by the Board of Elders will function as chairman of
the missions committee. b. It
will be the responsibility of the Missions Chairman and Missions committee to
actively promote missionaries and missionary organizations that are dedicated
to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ in accordance with the
doctrinal statement and missions policy of Grace Bible Church. F. PASTOR: 1. It
shall be the responsibility of the Board of Elders to extend calls to
prospective Pastors and to see that the church is provided with supply
Pastors when without a regular Pastor. 2. Calling
a Pastor: A
pulpit committee chosen by the Board of Elders shall be responsible for
making contact with prospective Pastors. After examining the qualifications
of the prospective pastors, the pulpit committee shall send the prospective
Pastor a copy of the constitution for his prayerful consideration. If he is
in accord with the declarations of the Constitution and By-laws he may be
invited to the church to preach in the Sunday services before the
congregation. The prospective Pastor shall then meet with the Board of Elders
for examination. If the Board of Elders approves him unanimously, then they
shall call a special business meeting of the church membership for the
purpose of voting on the prospective Pastor. If a seventy five (75) per cent
favorable vote of members present is cast, the prospective Pastor shall be
called to the pastorate of the church. If the vote is unfavorable, the
candidate shall be notified and a new candidate shall be called. The
Pastor shall serve so long as it is mutually agreeable to him and the church.
When either the Pastor or the church wishes to terminate the pastorate, the
party desiring such a change shall give the other party sufficient notice.
Insofar as possible, two months’ notice of such action shall be given. 3. Duties
of the Pastor: It
shall be the duty of the Pastor to preach regularly at the church, to
administer the ordinances of the gospel, and to perform the various duties
incumbent on his office. He is to serve as a voting member of the Board of
Elders. He may not be called upon to serve as Chairman of the Board of
Elders. He
shall assume, with the Board of Elders, the spiritual leadership of the
church, working closely and directly with various officers of the church and
supervising, with the Board of Elders, the spiritual program of the entire
ministry of the church. The
pastor is in charge of and responsible for the pulpit and shall see that the
preaching ministry is provided for in his own absence, subject to approval by
the Board of Elders. ARTICLE III: BOARD OF DEACONS A. The
membership of the Board of Deacons shall be subject to similar qualifications
regulating the Board of Elders. B. The
Board of Deacons shall be composed of up to six (6) members. They shall be
elected for a two year term of office. C. It
shall be the responsibility of the Board of Deacons to meet monthly and care
for the physical needs of the church property and such other physical duties
that the Board of Elders brings to their attention. They shall report the
activities of the Board of Deacons to the Board of Elders along with
appraisals of upcoming needs and activities as far as possible. D. They
shall be allowed to purchase necessary materials or services not to exceed
one hundred dollars ($100) if available for the maintenance and repair of the
church property. E. They
shall advertise, organize, and supervise all approved repair, maintenance,
construction, alteration, or work day activities of church property. F. The
Board of Deacons shall organize themselves and elect a Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. G. The
secretary shall keep minutes of each meeting and shall provide one copy of
the minutes of each meeting to the Chairman of the Board of Elders. H. If
a Deacon resigns from his position before completing his full term, the Board
of Elders shall appoint someone to complete that term. (See Article II, B.) ARTICLE IV: CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION BOARD A. Each
member of the Christian Education Board shall be active members of Grace
Bible Church. B. Each
member of the Christian Education Board shall be elected for two year term
with the exception of the Pastor who is always a member of this board. C. It
shall be the responsibility of the Christian Education Board to coordinate
the entire teaching ministry of the church. The Christian Education Board
shall function within the guidelines of the accepted Christian Education
Board policy. D. The
Christian Education Board shall be comprised of five persons with the
following titles: Pastor, Chairman of Events, Chairman of Youth, Chairman of
Committees, and Sunday School Superintendent. E. The
Christian Education Board shall organize themselves with the stipulation that
the Chairman be a male. The Chairman will appoint a Secretary. F. The
Secretary shall keep minutes of each meeting and provide one copy of the
minutes of each meeting to the Chairman of the Board of Elders. 1. Sunday
School Superintendent: The
Sunday School Superintendent must be a male and an active member of the
church and in full agreement with the doctrines of the church. It
shall be the responsibility of the Sunday School Superintendent to appoint as
appropriate, a Sunday School Secretary, a Sunday School Treasurer, a Sunday
School Pianist, and teachers for each class. Each of these appointments shall
be approved by the Christian Education Board. The Sunday School
Superintendent shall see to it that each part of the Sunday School Ministry
is cared for in a proper manner. He shall work closely with the Pastor to
develop and maintain a Bible-teaching ministry in the Sunday School that will
be effective in producing spiritual results in the lives of individuals. a. Sunday
School Secretary: The
Sunday School Secretary may be appointed by the Superintendent on an annual
basis. The Secretary must be an active member of the church and must be
approved by the Christian Education Board. It
shall be the responsibility of the Secretary to keep a proper record of the
entire ministry of the Sunday School, including a record of enrollment and
attendance. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of Sunday
School materials and supplies as needed. The Secretary shall work closely
with the Superintendent and the Pastor in regard to materials and supplies
ordered for the Sunday School. b. Sunday
School Treasurer: The
Sunday School Treasurer may be appointed by the Superintendent on a yearly
basis. The treasurer must be an active member of the church in full agreement
with the doctrines of the church. The treasurer's appointment must be
approved by the Christian Education Board. The treasurer shall keep an
accurate record of all money received into the Sunday School. He must keep an
accurate and up-to-date record of all financial transactions of the Sunday
School. He
shall be responsible for the deposit of all Sunday School funds and bills
into the hands of the Financial Secretary. c. Teachers: (1).
Appointment of Teachers: All Sunday
School teachers shall be appointed by the Sunday School
Superintendent. Each appointment shall be approved by the
Christian Education Board and shall be for a period of one year. (2).
Duties of Teachers: All
Sunday School teachers, youth leaders or other persons responsible in a
teaching ministry in any department of the church shall be a member of the
church in full agreement with the doctrines and constitution. 2. Youth
Chairman: The
Youth Chairman will be a male, elected by the congregation and will be an
active member in full agreement with the doctrines of Grace Bible Church. 3.
Chairman of Events: The
Chairman of Events shall be elected by the congregation and will be an active
member in full agreement with the doctrines of Grace Bible Church. 4. Chairman
of Committees: The
Chairman of Committees shall be elected by the congregation and will be an
active member in full agreement with the doctrines of Grace Bible Church. ARTICLE V: MEETINGS A. Annual
Meeting: The
regular annual meeting shall be held during the month of January each year,
as determined by the Board of Elders. The regular annual meeting shall be
held for the purpose of electing members of the Board of Elders, Board of
Deacons, Board of Christian Education, standing committees and all other
elected positions; and for submitting reports from each department of the
church. B. Special
Business Meetings: Special business
meetings may be called at any time by the Pastor or the Board of Elders. The
same rules and regulations shall apply to the special business meetings as
are applied to the annual business meetings, with the exception of a special
meeting called for the purpose of calling a Pastor. In the case of a business
meeting called for the purpose of calling a Pastor, there need be no
announcement made of the meeting two Sundays prior to the date thereof.
However, a written notice of the meeting must be sent to each member as soon
as possible, announcing the meeting, its purpose, and the date. C. Notice
of Annual Meeting: Notice
of the annual business meeting shall be announced in the church, during both
Sunday School and Church services, on the last two Sundays prior to the date
thereof. D. Business: All
business shall be conducted with a quorum of at least one fourth of the
active membership of the church. E. Amendment
of the Constitution: For
amending the constitution, notice of such meeting and the amendments to be
voted upon must be submitted to the church member in writing at least two
Sundays in advance of the meeting. Amendments can only be adopted by
two-thirds majority vote of the membership present. ARTICLE VI: ORDER OF
BUSINESS A. The
rules contained in the "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern the
basic meeting procedures at all regular meetings of the voting membership,
except where these may be inconsistent with the by-laws of the corporation. B. The
following shall be the order of business for regular business meetings of the
voting membership: 1. Devotion 6. Pastor's
Report 2. Roll
Call 7. Unfinished
Business 3. Reading
of
minutes 8. New
Business 4. Recognition
of New
Members 9. Adjournment 5. Reports
of Officers and
Boards 10.
Closing Prayer ARTICLE VII: FINANCIAL
POLICY A. The
financial needs of this church shall be raised by free-will offerings. No
canvass of members or of persons outside the church shall be made for
financial support. Neither shall pressure of any kind be brought to bear upon
members of this church for financial support. However, each member of the
church shall be expected to bear his share of the financial needs of the
church with a willing heart. An
annual audit shall be made of the financial records of the church by a
committee appointed by the Board of Elders. B. The
Board of Elders shall determine to whom authority shall be given for the
purpose of purchasing materials and supplies. Only those persons who have
been granted authority by the Elder Board shall purchase items for the church. ARTICLE VIII: MISSIONS This
church shall be a missionary church with a missionary fund being established
and maintained especially for the purpose of supporting missionaries and
missionary organizations that are dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel
of Jesus Christ in a Scriptural way. The Board of Elders shall have authority
to administer and care for the missionary ministry of the church. ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION All
funds and properties of disbanded or dissolved organizations or classes of
this church and Sunday School shall automatically become the property of the
church to be dispersed by recommendation of the Board of Elders and members
of the church. In the event that this church organization should cease to
exist and function as a church, all properties and funds would be disposed of
and distributed to some other organization of a similar nature as designated
by the United States Department of Internal Revenue. Dissolution
of the corporation shall require the following: A. An
affirmation vote of 75% of the membership at a regular or special meeting and
following such affirmative vote the matter shall be referred to the Board of
Elders. B. Should
75% of the Board of Elders vote for dissolution, the Board shall have the
authority to proceed to dissolve the corporation in accordance with these
by-laws. In the event of
dissolution other than incident to merger or consolidation, the assets of the
corporation shall be transferred to an organization of similar purpose so
long as that organization is exempt under the provisions of Title 26, United
States Code; Section 501 (C), (3), and contributions to which are deductible
under Title 26, United States Code; Section 170 (C), (2). AMENDMENT To the By-Laws of Grace Bible Church AWANA
STAFF Levels
of leadership were ordained by God, and there are many illustrations of such
leadership organization in the scriptures. An effective AWANA leader will be: 1. A
saved person with a consistent Christian testimony and Godly walk who will be
able to graciously handle, guide, and work with boys and girls, other
leaders, and the administration of the local church. 2. A
person with a burden and a vision that many boys and girls will trust Christ
as Savior and become established in the Christian faith. 3. A
person with a youthful attitude (not necessarily a youth). 4. A
person who is patient and gentle, yet firm in his convictions (II Tim.
2:24-25). 5. A
person who is interested in others. (Phil. 2:4). 6. A
humble person who is willing to do anything for the Lord (Acts 20:19). 7. A
person who loves God's word and lives it (II Cor. 6:1-10). A. AWANA
Commander - a member appointed annually by the Board of Elders. The Commander
is responsible for the oversight of the AWANA Clubs and reports to the
Pastor. The AWANA Commander must be a male, an active member of Grace Bible
Church, and in full agreement with the doctrines of the church. B. AWANA
Director - a member appointed annually by the Pastor and Commander. A
Director oversees the activities of his/her club, must be an active member,
and in full agreement with the doctrines of the church. C. AWANA
Secretary - a volunteer position which assists the club director with record
keeping, ordering of supplies, and other organizational duties. This position
may be filled by a club leader or director, but it is preferable for another
person to be given this responsibility. Secretaries must pass the basic
training test and be in agreement with the AWANA doctrinal statement. D. AWANA
Leader - a volunteer position which is under the guidance of the club
director, and works directly with the clubbers. (While every position is one
of leadership, the term leader is used in the AWANA structure to designate
those specifically working in this particular position.) Leaders must pass
the basic training test and be in agreement with the AWANA doctrinal
statement. RESTATEMENT
OF THE BY-LAWS OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH Amended,
Retyped, and Reformatted, GBC/CAS February 1999 Click here to print GBC Constitution Click here for Membership Application |
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Grace Bible Church · 4000 E. Collins Rd · PO Box #3762 · Gillette, WY · (307) 686-1516 |
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