Grace Bible Church Gillette, Wyoming

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 asGrace 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

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