ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1.01—NAME

This congregation of believers shall be known as the Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, NC.

SECTION 1.02—PURPOSE

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, literature publication ministries, daycare centers, and camps; the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; the licensure and ordination of men to the gospel ministry; and any other ministries that the church body may be led of God to establish.

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT

SECTION 2.01—STATEMENT OF FAITH

The following comprise the Scriptural beliefs of this church and its members.

(A) The Holy Scriptures. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old (Masoretic Text of the Hebrew) and New Testament (Textus Receptus of the Greek) to be the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed and, therefore, are the only authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical, historical, dispensational meaning, and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the pastor. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the church. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)

(B) Dispensationalism. We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense 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 are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations—the law, the church, and the kingdom—are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. Another predominant mark of dispensational theology is that it makes a clear distinction between national Israel and the institution of the church, and rejects what is commonly called Covenant and Reformed Theology.

(Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev. 20:2-6)

(C) The Godhead. We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons —Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; John 14:10, 26; 2 Cor. 13:14)

(D) 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. (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8)
2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:24; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
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. (Acts 1:9-10; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2)

(E) The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the person Who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment and that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, indwelling and sealing all believers unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14)
2. We believe that He is the divine Teacher Who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27)
3. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists and pastor-teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry. (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12)
4. We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit were temporary. Speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate deliverance of the physical body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing. (1 Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22)

(F) The Sin Nature of Man. We believe that man was created sinless and innocent in the image and likeness of God but that in Adam’s willful sin the human race fell and inherited a sinful nature which manifests itself in sinful choices. By nature and choice man also has incurred both spiritual and physical death, and become alienated from God. This alienation will culminate in eternal second death, apart from salvation. Man is without good and utterly unable to remedy his lost condition before God by any meritorious works. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19)

(G) Salvation. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to every man by grace and received by personal, volitional faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from works, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable. We reject the man-made systems of Calvinism and Arminianism as expressions of our beliefs concerning the nature of man and the means of his salvation. (Matt. 12:31-32; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:9)

1. Regeneration – We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and newness of life. (John 3:8, 33; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13; II Pet. 1:4)
2. Justification – We believe that justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares us to be righteous by faith in Christ Jesus, that justification includes the pardon of sin and the imputation of God’s righteousness, and that it is bestowed solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood sacrifice, not by any work which we have done. (Acts 13:3, 9; Rom. 6:23; II Cor. 5:18-25; Eph. 1:7)
3. Sanctification – We believe that sanctification is an act and a process whereby God sets apart believers unto holiness. He then conforms them to the image of Christ and completes the process of sanctification at the return of Christ for His saints. (Rom 8:29; II Cor. 3:18; Eph. 1:3-4; 4:11-13; Philippians 1:6; I John 3:2)
4. Glorification – We believe that all believers will be changed in the twinkling of an eye and will become like Christ at His appearing, that their mortal bodies will become immortal, and that their corruptible bodies will become incorruptible. (I Cor. 15:51-54; I John 3:2)

(H) 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 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1; 38-39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Pet. 1:4-5)
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. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15)

(I) The Church

1. We believe that the local church, which is the body and part of the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons scripturally baptized by immersion. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27; Revelation 21)
2. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
3. We believe in the autonomy (i.e., its ability and mandate for self-government) of the local church, free of any external authority or control. As such, Grace Baptist Church is the sole judge of the measure and methods of its cooperation with other Scriptural, NT churches. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

4. We believe there are only two Scriptural ordinances for the NT local church: Water Immersion and the Lord’s Table. They are purely symbolical, not sacramental.
5. We believe that Biblical Baptism is the single immersion of the believer in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; that it pictorially sets forth the essential facts of redemption: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that it gives testimony to the change that has occurred in the believer’s life: death to sin and resurrection to walk in the newness of life. Baptism, which follows salvation, is an act of obedience and is prerequisite for church membership. There is no saving power in baptism. (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:4-6)
6. We believe that the Lord’s Table is a memorial which shows His death until He comes again, that the bread and the cup are only symbols of His broken body and shed blood, and that our observance of it is pictorial of the believer’s fellowship with Christ and His body, the local church, after a time of searching and self-judgment. (Matt 26:26-30; I Cor. 10:16-21; 11:17-34)
7. We believe unapologetically that Grace Baptist Church shall ever be a Baptist church in name. We reject the trend that bows to cultural and social pressure and removes the name Baptist from church documents, literature, publications, and signs.

(J) Separation. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances, piercings, and bodily markings. (Lev. 19:28; Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11)

(K) The Rapture and Second Advent of Christ. We believe in that blessed hope, the personal, imminent return of Christ, Who will rapture believers prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel. (Ps. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; 1 Thess. 1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6)

(L) 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; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6)
3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment in hell 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 and torment. (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)

(M) The Personality of Satan. We believe that Satan is a person and the agent of deception which entices mankind to choose to sin, that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man, and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. He is assisted in his rebellious efforts by fallen angels, also recognized as demons. Although a lost man can be demonically possessed, we reject any teaching which purports that any part of a born-again individual can be indwelt by a demonic being, that is demonization of the believer. (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

(N) Creation. We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)

(O) Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the local church, and 3) civil government. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical principles to obey. When obeyed, each institution’s responsibility will be fulfilled without contradiction or infringement on the others. Therefore the unity of obedience to God’s institutions of authority results in all men being able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Every Christian should be an active, conscientious, and obedient citizen. All officials of civil government should be prayed for, honored, and obeyed. However, should civil government ever require compliance of Christian citizens in areas which are directly opposed to the revealed will of God in the Bible, the Christian ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts4:19-20; 5:27-29; Rom. 13: 1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

(P) Human Sexuality.

1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)

(Q) Family Relationships

1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the local church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)

(R) Divorce and Remarriage. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Fornication, as noted in Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:9, is a reference back to the forbidden relationships of Leviticus 18:6-30 (i.e., relationships which God never sanctioned as marriage in the first place). When divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons realize the adultery of their situation and repent of it, they are forgiven by God. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6)

(S) Abortion. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

(T) Euthanasia. We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment. (Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)

(U) Love. We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)

(V) Lawsuits Between Believers. We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the local church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)

(W) Missions. We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all legitimately available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)

(X) Giving. We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe (10% of gross income) as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offering once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17) Furthermore, we believe the financial needs of this church shall be met by the voluntary tithes, offerings, and contributions of its members and friends. No entertainment, suppers, bazaars, rummage sales, etc., shall be given by the church or its auxiliary organizations for fund raising purposes. With the approval of the pastor and deacons, special offerings may be taken apart from those received in regular services.

SECTION 2.02—AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 2.03—COVENANT

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit by immersion in water, we do now, most solemnly and joyfully covenant together with one another as one body, in the presence of God, the holy angels, and this assembly, to do the following by the grace of God and to the best of our ability: We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of Grace Baptist Church in knowledge, holiness and comfort through the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from such worldly amusements as watching ungodly movies, ungodly music, ungodly dancing, and gambling; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to abstain from the sale or use of tobacco in any form, narcotic drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage; to maintain a clear line of separation from all religious apostasy; and to be zealous by our example and efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, and to secure reconciliation without delay. We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 3.01—QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

After an initial consultation with the pastor, the reading of the governing documents of Grace Baptist Church, the giving of a formal testimony of salvation before the deacons, and upon a majority vote of the members present at any church service or meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the governing documents of Grace Baptist Church; who enter into the church covenant contained herein; who agree to submit to the authority of the church and its leaders as set forth herein; and upon request for membership and compliance with any one of the following conditions:

(A) By baptism (immersion) after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior;

(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice, or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith; (C) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion into the membership of another local church of like faith and practice; or

(D) By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the pastor and deacons (or the deacons if the office of pastor is vacant).

SECTION 3.02—DUTIES OF A MEMBER

On becoming a member of Grace Baptist Church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article 2, Section 2.03, each member further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor; to pray for him; to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the church.

SECTION 3.03—PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP

(A) Eligible voting members are those who are a least eighteen years of age; have been faithful (2 regular services per week) in church attendance for the preceding three months; are not the subject of any church disciplinary action; and are physically present at a duly called administration meetings. There shall be no proxy or absentee voting. Members may not vote to initiate any church action during a business meeting.

(B) Business meetings may be called by the pastor, deacons, or by written request to the church clerk, by the lesser of 25% of the church membership or seven active (same as “eligible” in (A) above) adult members unrelated by marriage or blood. Notice of the meeting shall be posted or announced to the church during normal services at least one week prior to the meeting. Each item of business to be acted upon shall be announced from the pulpit whenever possible.

(C) This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the under-shepherd with the counsel of the deacons. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures under the oversight of the pastor. The deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor as requested by him.

(D) Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church property remains private property. The church has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property. If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of the church be treated as a trespasser.

(E) A member may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church and the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings, provided he shall have made a written request upon the church and the church has received the written request at least five business days before the requested inspection date.

1. A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to the church, the list of names and addresses of the church members, or the accounting books and financial records of the church.
2. The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any documents provided to the member before releasing the copies to the member.

SECTION 3.04—DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER

(A) The pastor and deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.

(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.

(C) If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, preferably either a deacon or the pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.

(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) the members of the church, after self-examination, shall make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member’s restoration.

(E) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and (D) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action.

(F) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) must be for the sake of restoration.

(G) The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1 Tim. 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11.

SECTION 3.05—TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP

Members in good standing, not being under the disciplinary process of Section 3.04, and desiring to unite with another Independent Baptist church of like faith and practice may have a letter of recommendation and dismissal sent directly to that church, as requested by that church. This is called a transfer of membership. A member leaving to join any other church will only be granted a letter of dismissal.

SECTION 3.06—TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

(A) The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the pastor or deacons, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the pastor and notice given to the church.

(B) No member of this church may hold membership in another church. If any member unites in membership with another church, that person is automatically terminated without notice from membership in this church.

(C) The membership of any individual member shall automatically terminate without notice if the member states to two or more witnesses that he or she is actively involved in any perverted conduct described in Section 2.01(P) or files a lawsuit in violation of Section 2.01(V).

(D) No provision contained in this section shall be subject to or governed by the procedures regarding discipline of members set forth in Section 3.04.

(E) A member may resign at any time without joining another church of like faith and practice, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the pastor.

SECTION 3.07 – AFFIRMATION OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

After proper review and any needful explanation of the governing documents of Grace Baptist Church all teenaged members, under the watch care of their parents, must affirm to the pastor and deacons their adherence to those documents. This affirmation of church membership will take place in the year of their eighteenth birthday, at which time they will become members in full-standing, having full voting privileges in matters of church business. Should they refuse adherence to the church’s governing documents, they will completely forfeit their church membership. They are welcome to continue attending Grace Baptist Church, but are no longer members.

ARTICLE 4 – OFFICERS

SECTION 4.01—CHURCH OFFICERS

The elected church officers are pastor (see Section 5.01) and deacon (see Section 5.02). The appointed church officers are associate pastors (see Section 5.05), church clerk (see Section 5.03), and church treasurer (see Section 5.04). One person may hold two or more offices, except that of pastor. The pastor, at his discretion, may appoint other church staff and ministers (i.e., Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teachers, Ushers, and any Christian School Personnel) with a simple majority approval of the deacons. However, any financial salaries or remunerations for said staff or ministry personnel are subject to congregational approval.

SECTION 4.02—DESIGNATION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS

As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the pastor shall serve as president of the corporation; the church clerk shall serve as secretary of the corporation; the church treasurer shall serve as treasurer of the corporation; and the chairman of the deacons shall serve as vice president of the corporation.

SECTION 4.03—ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

(A) The church shall not install or retain an officer who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith. All church officers, upon request of the pastor, shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in Article 2). The pastor and deacons shall meet and continually maintain the qualifications outlined for them in Scripture. (I Tim. 3:1-13, Tit. 1:7-9)

(B) All church officers must be approved initially and thereafter annually by the pastor in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.

(C) Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position, except for the office of pastor or such staff members as he shall hire, whose election or confirmation shall be contingent upon the condition that they shall join the church upon the assumption of their duties. A man must have been a member of the church for at least one year before he is eligible to serve as a deacon.

(D) The pastor of this church shall be an Independent Baptist not bound to any denominational organization or association.

(E) The pastor and deacons of this church shall not be members of any organization that is secret in nature or requires an oath of allegiance to the organization or membership, including, but not limited to, organizations such as the Masonic Lodge.

SECTION 4.04—TERMS OF OFFICE

(A) The relationship between the pastor and the church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month’s notice, or else by mutual consent. The calling of a pastor or severance of the relationship between the pastor and the church shall be considered at a duly called church administration meeting. Notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the church two Sundays prior to the said church administration meeting. A three-fourths majority of a special quorum (50% of the eligible members present and voting) shall be required to call a pastor or to sever the relationship between the pastor and the church. This vote shall be by secret ballot and tallied by the deacons. Disciplinary removal of the pastor from office automatically terminates his membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be subject to the requirements of Section 3.01(D).

(B) The term of service for all offices and positions in the church, except the pastor and assistant pastors, shall be one year, at the expiration of which the officers may be reelected or re-appointed. The office of deacon is also an exception. Deacons will be elected to serve a three year term after which they must rotate out of this office for a minimum of one year before becoming eligible for another term of service as a deacon. This rotation can be altered at such time as is necessary by a simple majority vote of the church at a duly called business meeting. The number of deacons will be as many as is deemed necessary by the pastor, but will not exceed the number of qualified men. (Acts 6:3; I Tim. 3:8-13)

(C) A vacancy occurring in any office or position, except in the case of the pastor, may be filled at any regular church administration meeting. The election process for the office of deacon shall be as follows: The pastor, at his discretion may ask the congregation for recommendations of qualified men to be submitted in writing during a designated period of time. The pastor and existing deacons will evaluate the men who have been nominated by the congregation. Based on Scriptural qualifications, willingness to serve, the number of times a man’s name was submitted by the congregation, and the final number of deacons needed, the names of select men will be resubmitted to the congregation for ratification at the annual business meeting. The deacon’s term of office begins on the first Sunday of the month following the annual business meeting, unless he was chosen by special election.

(D) All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed.

(E) A deacon may be removed from office for disqualifying conduct (4.03.A), as determined by the pastor and other deacons. The church body will be notified of this action.

SECTION 4.05—ELECTION OF OFFICERS Any election or reappointment of officers shall typically occur during the month of December at the annual church administration meeting, unless otherwise needed.

SECTION 4.06—PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF

(A) On the condition that they shall become a member of the church upon assuming their duties, the pastor may hire associates and assistants to assist him in carrying out his God-given responsibilities. Should he so desire, the pastor may call for a vote of confidence regarding a potential staff member. However, the prospective salary package of that staff member is subject to a vote of the congregation.

(B) All church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the pastor who has the sole authority to dismiss the same. No employee or volunteer shall be hired, appointed, or retained who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS

SECTION 5.01—THE PASTOR

(A) The pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the ordinances of the church, act as moderator at all church meetings for the transaction of church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual interests of the membership.

(B) The pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees and be ex-officio member of all committees. He shall serve as the president of the corporation. The pastor may authorize non-budgetary expenditures of $200 monthly. Together with the deacons, he may authorize non-budgetary expenditures of $500 monthly. He shall publicly inform all newly appointed workers of the particular function of their respective responsibilities. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The pastor shall be free to choose the Scriptural means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.

(C) All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof, including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the church for purposes other than the stated appointments, shall be overseen by the pastor.

SECTION 5.02—THE DEACONS

(A) The deacons shall assist the pastor, in such manner as he shall request, in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, in conducting the religious services, and in performing all other work of the church. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of the church. They shall consider applications for church membership. They shall, in cooperation with the pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They shall assist the pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the church. The deacons shall assist the pastor in caring for the administrative needs of the church’s various ministries as requested by the pastor. They shall provide the pulpit supply and choose a moderator for church meetings if the pastor is unavailable or the office of pastor is vacant. Upon the death, resignation, or dismissal of the pastor, the deacons shall constitute the pulpit committee. Subject to majority approval by the deacons those men who have formerly served as deacons and remain qualified may be invited to be a part of the pulpit committee as well.

(B) Following the election of new deacons, the deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman who shall be vice president of the corporation, a vice chairman, and a secretary.

(C) The deacons shall constitute the legal trustees of the corporation. They, as the trustees of the corporation, shall exercise only the following specific powers, upon authorization by a majority vote of the members present at a duly called church administration meeting:

1. To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the church, and to receive real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the church.
2. To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the name of the church, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges.
3. To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the church corporation. (See Article 13)

SECTION 5.03—THE CHURCH CLERK

The church clerk shall

(A) Certify and keep at the office of the church, the original bylaws or a copy, including all amendments or alterations to the bylaws.

(B) Keep, at the place where the bylaws or a copy are kept, a record of the proceedings of all regular and special meetings.

(C) Sign, certify, or attest documents as may be required by law.

(D) See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. (In case of the absence or disability of the clerk, or his or her refusal or neglect to act, notice may be given and served by the pastor or by the chairman of the deacons.).

(E) Be custodian of the records of the church, including the membership roll, baptisms, and certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions.

(F) See that the reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed.

(G) Exhibit, at all reasonable times to proper persons on terms provided by law, the bylaws and minutes of proceedings of the church’s regular and special administrative meetings.

(H) Keep an account of any special events in the life of the church which are of historical interest and be ready upon request to give a report at the annual church administration meeting of the status of the church membership roll in the past year.

(I) Keep all records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office.

(J) Serve as the secretary of the corporation.

(K) Issue letters of recommendation or dismissal for members moving to another church.

(L) Assist the pastor with official church correspondence.

SECTION 5.04—THE CHURCH TREASURER

The church treasurer shall

(A) Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds of the corporation, and deposit all funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the pastor or the deacons.

(B) Receive and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church;

(C) Disburse or cause to be disbursed the funds of the church as may be directed by the pastor, the deacons, or the budget adopted by the members of the church at the annual church administration meeting, taking proper vouchers for the disbursements;

(D) Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the church’s properties and business transactions including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and capital;

(E) Make all expenditures of the church except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements by check or electronic bank transfer.

(F) When and as requested render to the pastor and the deacons accounts of all his transactions as church treasurer and of the financial condition of the church;

(G) Present a written report of itemized disbursements to the church on a quarterly basis and make a general report for the year at the annual church administration meeting;

(H) Keep all church financial records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office.

(I) Serve as treasurer of the corporation.

SECTION 5.05—ASSISTANTS TO THE PASTOR

Under the direction and guidance of the pastor, any assistants to the pastor of the church shall assist the pastor in carrying out the ministries of the church and within duly authorized jurisdiction bear delegated authority from the pastor. All assistants are directly answerable to the pastor and shall meet the qualifications for pastor and deacons outlined in Section 4.03.

Section 5.06—PROVISIONAL TRUSTEES

The Provisional Trustees shall

(A)At least three (3) trustees shall be elected by the church to hold trust the property of the church until the needed number of deacons are elected to fulfill the role of the trustee. Refer to Section 5.02(C).

(B)They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing each action.

(C)It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any, and all legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or lease of church property or any other legal documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and in behalf of the church.

SECTION 5.07—DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS

(A) Upon request by the pastor all officers shall prepare a written report of their work for the annual church administration meeting and shall surrender all records in their possession to the church clerk at the close of their term of office to be filed as a permanent record of the work of the church. All records are the property of the church and must be kept in the church office.

(B) Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the bylaws for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the pastor, and another may be appointed by the pastor to serve the un-expired term. The church must be notified when an officer has been removed or replaced.

ARTICLE 6 – MEETINGS

SECTION 6.01—MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP

The church shall meet each Sunday for public worship both morning and evening and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer. Special exceptions may be made by the pastor when it is necessary (i.e. holidays). The ordinance of the Lord’s Table shall be observed in accordance with Scripture upon the fifth Sunday evening of such months, or as the pastor deems it fitting.

SECTION 6.02—MEETINGS FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

(A) The annual church administration meeting shall be held during the month of December, at which time the regular church administration shall be considered. A special quorum, which shall consist of fifty percent of eligible, voting members, shall be required.

(B) All regular church administration meetings shall be conducted if a quorum (twenty-five percent of eligible, voting members) is present. The meeting shall be opened and closed with prayer for Divine guidance and blessing. For the definition of eligible, voting member see Section 3.03(A)

(C) The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to the Bible, these church documents, and his sense of fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a matter. The pastor shall act as the moderator in all church administration meetings, unless he is unable to do so.

(D) For any meeting under this article, the moderator, in his discretion, shall have the authority to require non-members to leave the meeting room and to require the immediate removal of any member or other person present who is deemed by the moderator to be disruptive to the proceedings by act or presence. The moderator shall have the authority to require the removal of all children (ages to be determined by the moderator) if the moderator determines, in his discretion, that circumstances so warrant. If the moderator determines that compliance with his request is unsatisfactory, the moderator, in his discretion, may revoke the disruptive person’s right to remain on the premises in accordance with Section 3.03(C) and treat the person as a trespasser.

SECTION 6.03—SPECIAL MEETINGS

(A) The pastor (or deacons if the office of pastor is vacant or the pastor is the subject of possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting and the purpose for which it is called to the church from the pulpit at least one Sunday and not less than one week prior to said meeting. A meeting for the calling of a pastor or the severance of the relationship between the church and pastor shall be called in accordance with the provision of Section 4.04(A).

(B) Bible conferences, missionary conferences, and revivals may be held as the pastor deems beneficial.

SECTION 6.04—FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.

ARTICLE 7 – MISSIONARY SUPPORT

All missionaries and institutions supported by the financial contributions of Grace Baptist Church shall be in agreement with our statement of faith. Those missionary men, whether as pastor, evangelist, or church planter, holding a regular local church pulpit ministry, both here on deputation or furlough and abroad, shall meet the requirements of I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Should any missionary or institution be found to be in disagreement with these documents, Grace Baptist Church shall discontinue financial support according to the following steps:

1. The case shall be evaluated by the pastor and deacons.
2. They shall present a recommendation for severance to the church body to be voted upon at a duly called church administration meeting (6.02). A majority vote of present, eligible members will be necessary to discontinue support of a missionary or institution.
3. A three month notice of severance shall be given to the missionary or institution in question.
4. A missionary found to be involved in immoral activity shall immediately have his support suspended. The church may offer, at its discretion, financial assistance in bringing the family home from the field of service.

ARTICLE 8 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECTION 8.01—PURPOSE

The church believes that it is to provide the members’ children with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The church believes that the home and church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates.

SECTION 8.02—CHURCH PARTICIPATION

All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the church; however, the pastor may permit non-church members to participate in church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the church.

SECTION 8.03—STAFF MEMBERSHIP

All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this church. This provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis.

SECTION 8.04—STATEMENT OF FAITH ACCORD

All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the church. The church shall not hire, appoint, or retain any employee or volunteer for its educational programs who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

SECTION 8.05—UNITY All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the church.

SECTION 8.06—TEACHING

All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.

SECTION 8.07—CHRISTIAN WALK

All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.

ARTICLE 9 – ORDINATION

SECTION 9.01—ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS

Any male member of this church who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel.

SECTION 9.02—ORDINATION PROCEDURE

(A) Upon a conference with the pastor and after the pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the candidate. The ordination council shall consist of ordained ministers of like faith and deacons of this church who have been invited to participate in the examination of the candidate.

(B) If the candidate is found worthy of ordination by the council, the ordination council will give its recommendation to the church body that it ordain the candidate.

(C) The pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.

SECTION 9.03—ORDINATION REVOCATION

Should it ever happen that a man ordained by this church has disqualified himself from the gospel ministry according to I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9 or has departed from the faith once delivered to the saints, Grace Baptist Church shall consider itself obligated, after conclusive investigation of the man, to revoke his ordination to the ministry.

ARTICLE 10 – INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 10.01—ACTIONS SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION*

The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or in the right of the church) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding; and if that person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

SECTION 10.02—EXPENSES SUBJECT TO INDEMNIFICATION

To the extent that a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter in that action, suit, or proceeding, he or she may be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding.

SECTION 10.03—LIMITATIONS OF INDEMNIFICATION

Any indemnification made under this Article, may be made by the church only as authorized in the specific case on a determination that indemnification of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 10.01. The determination shall be made (a) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of the pastor and deacons who were not and are not parties to or threatened with the action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if the described quorum is not obtainable or if a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested deacons so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by a majority vote of the members of the church.

SECTION 10.04—TIMING OF INDEMNIFICATION

Expenses of each person seeking indemnification under this Article, may be paid by the church as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the deacons in the specific case, on receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not qualified to be indemnified by the church.

SECTION 10.05—EXTENT OF INDEMNIFICATION

The indemnification provided by this Article shall be deemed to be discretionary unless otherwise required as a matter of law or under any agreement or provided by insurance purchased by the church, both as to action of each person seeking indemnification under this Article in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding that office, and may continue as to a person who has ceased to be a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent and may insure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of that person.

SECTION 10.06—INSURANCE

The church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a pastor, deacon, officer, employee, or agent of the church against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in that capacity or arising out of his status in that capacity whether or not the church would have the power to indemnify him against liability under the provisions of this Article.

* Definitions of indemnification and indemnify from Webster’s Unabridged 1828

Dictionary of English Words.

1. The act of indemnifying, saving harmless, or securing against loss, damage or penalty.
2. Security against loss.
3. Reimbursement of loss, damage or penalty.
4. To save harmless; to secure against loss, damage or penalty.
5. To make good; to reimburse to one what he has lost. We indemnify a man, by giving sufficient security to make good a future loss, or by actual reimbursement of loss, after it has occurred.

ARTICLE 11 – COMMITTEES

SECTION 11.01—STANDING COMMITTEES

The pastor (or the deacons if the office of pastor is vacant) shall appoint standing committees and designate a chairperson for each standing committee and, except when otherwise specifically provided in these bylaws, shall determine the membership of each standing committee. In addition to the finance committee, the pastor may appoint other standing committees as he deems appropriate.

The Finance Committee: The pastor and deacons shall constitute the Finance Committee, which shall be responsible for the formulation of each year’s recommended operating budget. The recommended budget is subject to congregational ratification.

SECTION 11.02—SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The pastor and deacons, at their discretion, may create special committees to provide them with advice and information regarding matters submitted to the committee by the pastor and deacons for consideration. The committee shall have no authority to act on behalf of the corporation. The special committee shall be subject to the control and direction of the pastor and deacons at all times.

(A) The Pulpit Committee: Upon the death, resignation, or dismissal of the pastor, the deacons shall constitute a Pulpit Committee. Subject to majority approval by the deacons, men who have formerly served as deacons and remain qualified may be invited to be a part of the Pulpit Committee, as well. The Pulpit Committee shall operate according to the guidelines outlined in Article 4, Section 4.04.

(B) The Building Committee: When it becomes necessary in the course of the church’s life to improve its present facilities or build new facilities, the pastor and deacons shall constitute the Building Committee, which shall be responsible for all phases of any improvement or construction projects. At its discretion, the committee may recruit and utilize members of the congregation for assistance and counsel.

ARTICLE 12 – DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS

From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the church. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution made to the church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Section 1.02.

ARTICLE 13 – BINDING ARBITRATION

SECTION 13.01—SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION

Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration on any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

SECTION 13.02—NOTICE OF ARBITRATION

In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to these bylaws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreements as befit Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as described in Section 13.01, above, and such Procedures for Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 13.04, below.

SECTION 13.03—LIMITATIONS ON ARBITRATION DECISIONS

(A) Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined under Section 3.04, were followed.

(B) Should any dispute involve the removal from office of the pastor or any church officer, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures set forth in Sections 4.04 or 5.06 were followed.

SECTION 13.04—ARBITRATION PROCEDURES

The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by the pastor and the deacons; however, the judgment of arbitration shall be determined by a majority vote of the present, eligible church members at a duly called church administration meeting (I Cor. 6:1-8).

ARTICLE 14 – DISSOLUTIONMENT

In the event of the dissolution of this church as a non-profit corporation, the assets of the corporation shall be given and paid over to another non-profit corporation of like faith and order which would satisfy the remaining membership and qualify under the provisions of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations. No individual members shall profit financially or materially through the dissolution of this local church and the liquidation of its assets.

ARTICLE 15 – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be revised or amended by a seventy-five percent majority vote of eligible members present and voting at any church administration meeting in which a special quorum of eligible and voting members is present, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing to the church and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.

ADOPTION

This Constitution, Statement of Faith, and By-laws substantially represent the governing documents of the Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, NC, these are the founding documents on which the Grace Baptist Church of Henrietta, NC, is founded and incorporated.