CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
Constitution
Preamble
WHEREAS, it is the express purpose of God our Heavenly Father to call out of the world a saved people who shall contribute to the Body of Christ, built and established on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone.
WHEREAS, the members of the Body of Christ are enjoined to assemble themselves together for worship, fellowship, counsel, and instruction in the Word of God and the work of the ministry and for the exercise of those spiritual gifts and offices provided for in the New Testament, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we recognize ourselves as a body of Christian believers working together for the common purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that under the laws of the State of Virginia we may exercise all the rights and privileges granted to religious bodies.
Language
The masculine gender stated within this document shall refer to both men and women.
Article I Name
The name of this corporation shall be Journey Church Central Virginia.
Article II Purpose
The purpose of this corporation shall be:
To establish and oversee places of worship under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Titus 1:5; Ps. 107:3; Acts 2:42, 46, 47; Heb. 10:25).
To create departments as may be necessary in order to establish places of worship, to spread the Gospel by all necessary means, and to support other religious activity as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors to further our exempt purposes (Matt 28: 19, 20).
To have the right to own, hold in trust, use, possess, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or dispose of such property, real or chattel, as may be needed for the prosecution of its work.
To license and ordain ministers of the Gospel and be their covering (1 Thess. 5:12; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:4; Heb. 13:17).
Article III Tenets Of Faith
The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1Peter 1:17; 1John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirt
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1Thessalonians 5:19; 1Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherited a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior.
B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2
Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1Peter 1:2-23; 1John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end.
Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39-12:2; James 1:12; 1Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and elders. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor and elders is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians
1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby believers in Christ, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming. Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge.
Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11;
17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1Peter 1:18-19.
Cooperation
Christ's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise ofloyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
The Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12-14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
The Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ.
She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1Peter 3:1-7.
Article IV Ordinances
Water Baptism
The ordinance of water baptism (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered by all established places of worship to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls (Ro. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12).
The Lord's Supper
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly by all established places of worship, as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19, 20; 1Cor. 11:23-26).
Article V Membership
Section 1 Membership
This organization shall have a non-voting membership. The Board of Directors may create a membership program that details the requirements of membership and procedures for dismissal.
Section 2 Discipline/Restoration of a Member
A. There shall be a discipline/restoration team consisting of the members of the Council of Elders. These men shall have the sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith, sinful misconduct and violations of the Church Covenant. If the Senior Pastor/President or an Elder is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline team. The Senior Pastor/President and Elders 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 the spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
C. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, with an approved leadership representative, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. The 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 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 Council of Elders present at a meeting call for the purpose of considering disciplinary action. The person to whom the discipline applies shall be given at least five (5) business days written notice of the meeting so that he/she may consider their misconduct and sinful actions with hopes of repentance and restoration.
E. No matter may be heard by the discipline team or the church unless the steps outlined in subsection B and C have been taken, except in the case of a criminal offense and conviction.
F. If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward (except by family members) should be for the sake of restoration.
G. The disciplinary/restoration procedures provided in this section are based on Matt 18:15-20; Rom. 16: 17-18; 1Cor. 5: 1-13; 2 Cor. 2: 1-11; Gal. 6: 1; 1Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1Tim. 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11.
Article VI Government
Section 1 Board of Directors
1. There shall be a Senior Pastor/President.
2. There may be an Vice-President.
3. There shall be a Secretary.
4. There shall be a Treasurer.
5. Other officers shall be added as needed.
Section 2 Board of Directors and Voting Power
The Board of Directors is that group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of the corporation.
The Board of Directors shall consist of individuals listed above and those added by official action of the Board of Directors.
The majority of the Board of Directors at all times shall consist of Elders.
The majority shall serve without remuneration and not be related by blood or marriage.
The Senior Pastor/President shall be chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive of the corporation.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall have equal voting power among all of the other members.
A decision of the Board of Directors is considered valid with a simple majority vote and the approval of the Senior Pastor/President, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution and Bylaws.
The Senior Pastor/President shall be an ex officio member of every committee and can at his discretion be the chair of such committee at the time of its creation.
The Board of Directors members are numbered in position as shown in Section 1 of this Article. The numbering shall serve as the order in which the Senior Pastor/President shall be replaced if any of the following events take place:
A. The Senior Pastor/President passes away unexpectedly, or
B. The Senior Pastor/President is legally removed, or
C. The Senior Pastor/President resigns and refuses to appoint a new Senior Pastor/ President.
Section 3 Removal From the Board of Directors
Any Board of Directors member may be removed from office with or without cause by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors including the Senior Pastor/President's approval. The recommendation for removal of any Board of Director member must come from the Elders. The Senior Pastor/President may be removed by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors with Elder recommendation in accordance with Article IV Section 1 of the Bylaws.
The following reasons are considered just cause for Board of Directors member removal:
1. In absentia at three consecutive Board of Directors meetings;
2. Violation of the Mutual Interest clause of Article X;
3. Not acting in the best interests of the organization;
4. Willful nondisclosure of a conflict of interest as interpreted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 Process for removal from the Board of Directors
A Board of Directors member may be removed from the Board of Directors in the following manner:
1. By letter of resignation submitted to the Senior Pastor/President;
2. By action of the Board of Directors in which a simple majority of the Board of Directors, including the Senior Pastor/President's vote in favor for removal.
Article VII Meetings
Section 1 Church Services
In any established place of worship the appointed Pastor will be responsible for regular church services.
Section 2 Corporation Meetings
The corporation year shall coincide with the calendar year beginning on January 1st, and running through December 31st.
Proper notice of ten days shall be given to all Directors prior to any Corporation Meeting.
The Senior Pastor/President will call the Board of Directors meeting to discuss the direction of the corporation. The Senior Pastor/President shall set dates and times for Board of Directors meetings. The Board of Directors may have invited guests present at any meeting so long as the Senior Pastor/President has approved it.
The Secretary shall keep an accurate account of the minutes that were discussed at any Board of Directors meeting. He then has to submit them at the next Board of Directors meeting for discussion by the Board of Directors and approval by the Senior Pastor/ President. Upon approval by the majority of the Board of Directors, the minutes shall be adopted, and all policy and procedure in them will continue to be enforced.
Section 3 Waiver of Notice
Attendance of a Director at any meeting of the Board of Directors will constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where such Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 4 Meetings by Remote Communications Technology
Subject to the notice set forth in Section 2 of this Article, the Directors may also hold meetings by means of a remote electronic communications system, including video or telephone conferencing technology or the Internet, or any combination, only if each person entitled to participate in the meeting consents to the meeting being held by means of that system, and the system provides access to the meeting in a manner or using a method by which each person participating in the meeting can communicate concurrently with each other participant. Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at such meeting, except participation for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
Section 5 Action by Unanimous Written Consent Without Meeting
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under any provision of law may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous vote of the Directors. Any certificate or other document filed under any provision of law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that the Bylaws of this corporation authorize the Directors to so act and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.
Article VIII Quorum
Two-thirds of the Board of Directors members (including the Senior Pastor/President) at a Board of Directors meeting constitutes a quorum.
Article IX Ecclesiastical Authority
This organization is theocratic in government. In any growing congregation, there will be people at all stages of spiritual growth and maturity. For that reason, it is not proper to submit the affairs of the church to a democratic vote as the same is not God's way, for the purpose of the church is not to do the will of the majority, but the will of God.
Any disputes that arise over the interpretation of these bylaws shall be deferred to the highest authority of this church. In this case it would be the Senior Pastor/President, with the advice of the Board of Directors. The Senior Pastor/President shall be responsible for the day-to-day decisions and shall run the affairs of the church. In Watson v. Jones, the court ruled that
"Whenever the questions of discipline, or of faith, of ecclesiastical rule, custom, or law have been decided by the highest church judicatory to which the matter has been carried, the legal tribunals must accept such decisions as final, and as binding on them . . ."
Article X Mutual Interest
The behavior of anyone in fellowship with this church is of common interest to the Board of Directors and membership. (Gal. 6:1) This church requires every Board of Directors member and Congregational member to adhere to a lifestyle that is consistent with the doctrines of this church as taught in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this church reserves the right to refuse service to any individual, whether member or not, that is not submitting their lifestyle to this Scriptural mode of conduct. This refusal would include services, benefits and any use of church assets.
Article XI Prohibited Activities
This church is prohibited from engaging in activities which violate its Tenets of Faith. This church is also prohibited from condoning, promoting or allowing any of its assets to be used for activities that violate its Tenets of Faith.
Article XII Founder's Vision
To establish an efficient leadership infrastructure, the Senior Pastor/President shall be responsible to clearly articulate in clear, concise and simple language, a policy and procedures document. The purpose of this document is to create a consistent and logical framework which empowers staff and volunteers to participate in the decision-making processes that reflect the Senior Pastor/President's heart and vision for the church.
Article XIII Ministry of Helps
This recognizes the ministry of helps during worship services and shall train and equip ushers to assist the Senior Pastor/President in maintaining order and decency. To that regard, ushers shall:
1. be trained in the policies and procedures of the altar ministry,
2. maintain a worshipful atmosphere in the church,
3. attend to any disruption or emergency situation during worship services.
The department head in charge of the usher's ministry shall:
1. make every effort to train the ushers to be prepared for emergency situations,
2. designate at least one usher to keep a cell phone available to call for help in case of an emergency,
3. train all ushers on the church's altar ministry policy and procedures.
Article XIV Membership Review of Church Records
Section 1 Requests Made by Members
To ensure the trust of the membership and to also ensure that a public interest is being served, all church records, financial information and all kinds of financial transactions must always be available for membership inspection and review. At no time may information be supplied that would violate Section 4 of this Article or Article VII of the Bylaws. Any questions by any members shall be addressed to the treasurer either in writing or by scheduled appointment.
Section 2 Required Provisions of the Request
The request must state the name of the member, the reason for the request and that the information shall in no way be made public or shared with any other member in a way that will jeopardize the church.
Section 3 Required Fee
This corporation may require a reasonable per page fee for any copies that are required in order to accommodate approved records requests.
Section 4 Confidentiality
In order to keep the records of the church confidential, records shall not be released to any outside agency, person or entity unless due process has been served and a certified subpoena has been personally delivered. This includes the IRS, except under the provisions of section 7611 which shall be limited only to information deemed to be relevant to the inquiry being made. At all times the IRS will be expected to comply with all of the provisions of section 7611.
Section 5 Denying a Request
The Board of Directors reserves the right to deny such a request for any of the following reasons:
1. The request is considered by the Board of Directors and deemed to be frivolous.
2. The member making the request has a history of being divisive.
3. The member does not adequately provide the required information on the request as stated in this article.
4. The person making a request is a non-member or a person whose membership was terminated.
Article XV Amendments
Amendments to this constitution may be made by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, including the Senior Pastor/President.
Bylaws
Article I Order
For the purpose of conducting business, the Senior Pastor/President shall, in an orderly manner, preside over all of the affairs of the corporation.
Article II Finances
Section 1 Checks and Withdrawals
1. Any check or withdrawal at or more than $1,000.00 shall require the signatures of two officers who are also authorized signees on the bank account.
2. The signature of the Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) must be on any check or withdrawal at or more than $1,000.00.
Section 2 Funds
1. Specified funds given may be allocated to the General Fund at the discretion of Journey Church.
Section 3 Salaries
All salaries shall be determined in the following manner:
1. A compensation committee shall be formed which will consider each candidate and create a compensation package that shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval. The compensation committee may be made up of any individual or group of individuals who are approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors themselves may serve as the compensation committee if they see fit.
2. The Board of Directors shall appoint members of the committee.
3. The Board of Directors shall consider the recommendation of the compensation committee and shall vote on the package.
Only uncompensated individuals of the Board of Directors shall vote on any recommended compensation package.
All salaries shall be reviewed each year during the last meeting of the calendar year.
Article III Property Rights
All property, real or chattel, shall be taken, held, sold, transferred or conveyed in the corporation's name.
No real or chattel property of the corporation shall be sold, leased, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated without authorization of the Senior Pastor/President.
The Senior Pastor/President of the corporation shall certify in such conveyances, leases, or mortgages.
In the event that the corporation ceases to exist, all assets of THIS CHURCH shall at the discretion of the Board of Directors be given to organizations that are exempt as described in section 501(c)(3) and/or 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The receiving organization must be of similar purpose.
Article IV Government And Official Functions
The officers listed below are ultimately responsible to oversee that all listed duties are properly executed. The actual carrying out of necessary actions may be accomplished by any individual whom the Board of Directors sees fit.
Section 1 Senior Pastor/President
Qualifications
The Senior Pastor/President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation's affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment.
Duties
The Senior Pastor/President shall be the leader of the church as provided by the Holy Scriptures.
The Senior Pastor/President shall be chairman of the Board of Directors and preside over all corporation meetings.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Senior Pastor/President shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited.
Removal
The Elders are responsible for providing spiritual covering by prayerfully giving necessary aid, instruction, guidance, protection and correction as well as counsel, wisdom and fellowship to the Senior Pastor/President (Galatians 6:1).
The Elders may call a meeting into session without the presence of the Senior Pastor/ President to conduct an investigation of accusations against him and make a determination as to whether the Senior Pastor/President has committed any of the following accusations which are grounds for dismissal:
A. Adultery
B. Embezzlement
C. Compulsive Lying
D. Sexual Impurity
E. Conviction of a felony that is a violation of Scripture.
F. The Senior Pastor/President not acting in the best interest of the church.
The Elders will determine if the Senior Pastor/President is guilty or innocent and whether to discipline or dismiss him from office. The Elders will make their recommendations to the Board of Directors for discipline or dismissal from office.
Any action taken by the Board of Directors is valid by a two-thirds majority vote.
Section 2 Vice-President
Qualifications
The Vice-President shall have wisdom in handling the corporation's affairs. He shall be of sound doctrine and good judgment. The Vice-President shall be an Ordained Elder of Journey Church Central Virginia.
Duties
He will serve as chief advisor to the Senior Pastor/President.
He shall carry out the responsibilities that the Senior Pastor/President delegates to him.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate and the Board of Directors shall confirm the Vice-President to office by majority vote.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Vice-President shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution.
Section 3 Secretary
Qualifications
The Secretary shall be a spiritually minded person and of sound judgment. He must be administratively minded with the ability to multi-task. The Secretary shall be an Ordained Elder of Journey Church Central Virginia.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all meetings, including business meetings of the corporation . He shall perform clerical duties and shall be the custodian of all legal documents.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate, and the Board of Directors shall confirm the Secretary to office by majority vote.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Secretary shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution.
Section 4 Treasurer
Qualifications
The Treasurer shall be a spiritually minded person, and of sound business judgment. He shall be capable of doing the accounting required to maintain the corporation books.
Duties
By virtue of his office, the Treasurer shall keep, in a business-like manner, an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements of moneys committed to his trust and shall make reports to be presented during the Board of Directors meetings. He shall deposit and make withdrawals in a manner prescribed in Article II of the bylaws.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate, and the Board of Directors shall confirm the Treasurer to office.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Treasurer shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. He is subject to removal in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution.
Section 5 Directors Qualifications
Directors shall be spiritually minded persons, and of sound business judgment.
Duties
By virtue of their office, Directors shall carry out the responsibilities that the Senior Pastor/ President or Board of Directors delegate to them.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate, and the Board of Directors shall confirm Directors to office.
Term of Office
The term of office of the Directors shall be reviewed every two years. The number of consecutive terms that he may serve is unlimited. They are subject to removal in accordance with Article VI of the Constitution.
Article V Other Considerations
Anything that has not been discussed in this constitution and bylaws shall be discussed and decided upon at a Board of Directors meeting.
Article VI Ministers of the Gospel
The Senior Pastor/President of this ministry shall by virtue of his office automatically be recognized as an ordained minister.
Section 1 Classes of Ministers
This ministry shall have a set number of classes of ministers, as set forth below. Each class of minister will have distinct rights and privileges; they are listed below:
Commissioned Minister: This recognition is automatically given to all believers in fellowship with this ministry. They are not authorized to perform any sacerdotal services, but primarily assist others in the Body of Christ. Individuals in this category may include, but are not limited to: teachers, worship leaders, instructors, hospital and jail visitation, ministerial assistance, and lay persons.
Chaplain: This recognition is for ministers of the gospel that are called by God and recognized by the Senior Pastor/President to minister primarily in prisons, hospitals and government agencies.
Licensed Minister: This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President of this ministry. This recognition is for those who are somewhat seasoned in the ministry, but need further experience. Many of these are individuals that have been working in their chosen vocation, but for some reason or another have never entered full-time ministry, or have
only been in full-time ministry for less than three (3) years. Such persons are authorized to perform the following religious functions:
1. Conduct religious worship
2. Religious instruction
3. Administer communion
4. Provide spiritual counseling
5. Serve on the Board of Directors of a church
6. And other sacerdotal functions including:
A. Conduct baby dedications ceremonies
B. Perform baptisms
C. Perform weddings
D. Conduct funerals
E. Visit the sick and shut-ins
F. Minister in prisons
However, this person is not in charge of a congregation. Limited authority is granted to run the affairs of the ministry.
Ordained Minister: This recognition is given by the Senior Pastor/President to those persons who have an "established" or "proven" ministry. Ordained ministers are authorized to perform all functions of the Christian ministry and religious functions, and must be capable of doing so. Ordained ministers are authorized to perform all religious functions:
1. Conduct religious worship
2. Religious instruction
3. Administer Communion
4. Provide spiritual counseling
5. Serve on the Board of Directors of a church
6. Ministry administration
7. And other sacerdotal functions including:
A. Conduct baby dedication ceremonies
B. Perform baptisms
C. Perform weddings
D. Conduct funerals
E. Visit the sick and shut-ins
F. Minister in prisons
He must be capable, as determined by the Senior Pastor/President, to take charge of a congregation.
Elders
The Elders are appointed by the Senior Pastor/President and are given charge to the spiritual care of the congregation. The authority of the Elders is granted by the Senior Pastor/President. All Elders are licensed and Ordained Ministers of the gospel.
Qualifications All Elders must qualify by exemplifying the following in their lives. Elders must be:
1. Above reproach (1Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
2. The husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
3. Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Tim. 3:2)
4. Sober-minded, prudent (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8)
5. Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Tim. 3:2)
6. Hospitable (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8)
7. Able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9)
8. Not a drunkard (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7)
9. Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
10. Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
11. Not a brawler; not contentious, not quick tempered (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
12. Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy for money (1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7)
13. Rules his own house well; his children are faithful (1Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6)
14. Not a convert (1 Tim. 3:6)
15. Well thought of, has a good reputation with outsiders (1 Tim. 3:7)
16. Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
17. A lover of good (Titus 1:8)
18. Just, upright (Titus 1:8)
19. Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
20. Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Duties
The Elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God's flock. The Elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective Members, equip the Membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, address and church discipline and restoration of any member, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, mobilize the church for world missions and any other functions as seen appropriate by the Senior Pastor/President. They shall work closely with the Senior Pastor/President to ensure a healthy spiritual atmosphere within the fellowship.
Some Elders will be selected to serve on the Board of Directors, as two-thirds of the Board of Directors at any time will consist of Elders. Not all Elders will serve as Board of Director members.
Manner of Appointment
The Senior Pastor/President shall nominate and confirm Elders to office.
Removal of Elders
Should an Elder be found in violation of the Bylaws, the Eldership may remove the Elder by a two-thirds majority vote.
Section 2 Senior Pastor/President's Authority
The Senior Pastor/President of this ministry shall have ecclesiastical authority to decide who, how or if a person will be licensed by this ministry to hold any of the classes mentioned above (Matt. 16:13-19).
Article VII Privacy
This church shall diligently watch to keep private all records concerning polity, doctrine, counseling and information on individuals in fellowship with this church. This church must not disclose any records that may compromise information about a member's attendance, membership status, giving and counseling records.
Article VIII Amendments
Amendments to the bylaws may be made by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, including the Senior Pastor/President.
These bylaws adopted on this day make null and void all prior addendums and these bylaws supersede and replace all previous bylaws voted on prior to this day.