Church Constitution
ARTICLE I – NAME, LOCATION, AFFILIATION
The name of this church is First Baptist Church of Holly Pond and will be identified as “FBCHP” or “The church” throughout the remainder of this document.
The church’s current gathering place is at 10751 US-278 East, Holly Pond, AL 35083.
FBCHP is an autonomous church who may voluntarily cooperate with any like-minded entity in an effort to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.
ARTICLE II – FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS
(These statements are a succinct summary of what we believe and reveal the Scriptural convictions upon which the BF&M is founded. They allow us to briefly share our beliefs, whereas the Baptist Faith & Message is a very thorough, time consuming, detailed explanation of what we believe.)
The Bible is the final authority at FBCHP. The Bible contains the truths on which our constitution and covenant are based and serves as the source for the purpose, structure, function, and foundational statements of FBCHP.
Foundational Statement 1 – We believe in a high view of scripture.
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God. It is fully sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness and is the absolute and final authority on all matters.
2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; 2 Pet. 1:3; Psalm 19:7-11; Isa. 40:8
Foundational Statement 2 – We believe in a high view of God.
God is absolutely sovereign in all things. The church is established and exists for His glory alone. God is directing and working all things after the counsel of His own will.
Ps. 22:28; Ps. 33:6-9; Ps. 115:3; Dan. 4:34-35; Isa. 40:17-18; Rom. 9:13-29; Eph. 3:21; Rev. 4:11
Foundational Statement 3 – We believe in the preaching of sound doctrine.
A high view of God and a high view of scripture is achieved and maintained through the preaching, teaching, and applying of sound doctrine. Sound doctrine always precedes duty.
2 Tim. 4:1-5; Titus 2:1
Foundational Statement 4 – We believe in personal holiness.
Though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are accountable to God and to each other for what we do and how we live. We have been bought by Jesus Christ and are not our own. We belong to Jesus; therefore, we strive for holiness in every aspect of our lives.
Phil. 2:14-15; Matt. 18:15-17; Matt. 5:48; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; 2 Cor. 7:1; Hebrew 9:27; 1 Pet. 1:16-19; Eph. 5:3-12
Foundational Statement 5 – We believe in spiritual authority.
God himself has established order in every area of our lives, and the church is no exception. The Bible reveals God’s structure for authority in the church.
Jesus is the head authority of the church.
Col. 1:18; Eph. 5.23; Matt. 16:18
Jesus mediates His rule through godly pastors. These pastors, having a high view of scripture, are devoted to the preaching, teaching and practicing of sound doctrine all while being examples of personal holiness to the church.
Titus 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4
Pastors are the leaders of the church but are accountable to God, subject to the will of the church and are not beyond the disciplinary authority of the congregation.
1 Tim. 5:19; Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 4:4
Each individual of the congregation is accountable to Christ’s authority, which is mediated through the pastors and other members of the church.
1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7, 17; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:21; Gal. 6:1
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to display the glory of God by living in obedience to the gracious commands of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ as we strive to make disciples who will make disciples in our homes, community, and nations.
1 Cor. 10:31; Mt. 28:19-20; Eph. 3:21; Titus 2:13
ARTICLE IV – DOCTRINAL STATEMENTS
FBCHP holds to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message as is listed below:
I. 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; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
II. 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; 1 Chronicles 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; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 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; Isaiah 53:1-12; 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; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 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; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 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 Spirit
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; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17
III. 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 inherit 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; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11
IV. 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
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 Saviour.
B. Justification
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
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
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; 1 Corinthians 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.; 1 Thessalonians 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; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5
V. 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; 1 Samuel 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; 1 Corinthians 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; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2
VI. 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 deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor 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; 1 Corinthians 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; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3
VII. 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 Saviour, 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. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, 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; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12
VIII. 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
IX. 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; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. 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; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. 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; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. 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; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. 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; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. 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 of loyalty 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; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. 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.
XVI. 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.
XVII. 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; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. 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; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership Defined
Members of FBCHP shall be those who have repented of sin and believed in Jesus Christ. In addition, they shall be those who have completed the following steps (order may vary according to situation):
Mark 1:14-15; Acts 2:41, 2:47; Rom. 10:9; 1 Jn. 4:15; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38, 41, 8:12, 19:5; Acts 15:22, 20:28-30; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:17-19
Section 2: Procedure for Church Membership
A. Application for Membership
Any person may request membership with FBCHP to any pastor at any time.
B. Process for Consideration of Membership
Upon a person’s request for membership, the following procedures will take place:
Section 3: Membership Discipline
A: Purpose of Discipline
The purpose of church discipline is to display the glory of God and promote the joy of believers in God’s perfect standard of holy conduct and doctrine in the church body. The goal is repentance and reconciliation of the individual for their joy, the health of the church, and the good of the church’s witness to the community.
1 Pet. 1:14-16
Members of this church who hold to heresy or consistently engage in unrepentant sin will be subject to discipline according to the following instructions from God’s word:
Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 1:18-20, 5:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; James 5:19-20
B: Process of Discipline
Section 4: Removal from Membership
Members may be removed from church membership for any of the following reasons:
Section 5: Restoration of Membership
If a member, after dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement, he or she shall be publicly restored to membership after completing the membership process. Any such request shall be made to the pastoral staff.
Gal. 6:1
Section 6: Membership Meetings
A. Purpose of Meetings
The purpose of membership meetings is to address issues of membership, finances, and any other pertinent issues concerning the church.
B. Types of Meetings
C. Notice of Meetings
Any special meeting shall be publicly announced and in printed form at least two weeks prior to the meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.
D. Voting at Meetings
All church members are allowed to vote at membership meetings except those who are under the process of formal disciplinary action by the church.
ARTICLE VI – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Section 1: Purpose of Church Government
Church government is an extremely practical and theologically significant issue. Biblical structure and function cultivate the peaceful and orderly working out of the ministry of the church. The Church is the family of God, and its head is Jesus Christ. Just as God has given us the structure and the function of each person in a family, so He has also done in regards to His church. God’s Word reveals the proper structure of the church and the function of each of its parts.
Eph. 5:23
God’s structure and instruction for the church is meant to ensure the spiritual maturity of the individual member which leads to overall church health.
Eph. 4:11-13
Section 2: Structure of Church Government
A. Jesus Christ is the Head
Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ has revealed His will for us, as the Church, through His Word, the Bible.
Eph. 5:23
B. Pastoral Body
Jesus Christ, as the Head of the Church, mediates His rule over the Church by calling and appointing a plurality of pastors (which the Bible uses interchangeably with the title elder and overseer) to shepherd, oversee, and lead the church. FBC Holly Pond refers to the pastors as the Pastoral Body. This body is made up of Staff Pastors and Lay Pastors. These men have no authority outside of God’s Word, and are directly responsible to Jesus Christ for the governing of the church according to His Word.
Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28-30; 1 Thess. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 5:1-2
shepherd the church and bear the heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties. These
pastors receive compensation from the church in order that they may
devote adequate time to prepare for preaching, teaching, and other ministry duties that require
a flexible schedule.
1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:1-14
Pastors, and although they are able to teach God’s Word, they are not expected to bear the
heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties. These pastors are employed in avenues
outside of the church and are therefore not compensated for their pastoral duties.
Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5
C. Deacons
Deacons are men approved by the pastoral body and church body to assist the pastors in the practical ministry of service to the church.
Acts 6:1-6
D. Church Body
The church body has the final authority under God’s Word in matters of doctrine, membership, and discipline.
Mt. 16:19; Mt. 18:15-19; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 5:1-5, 12-13
ARTICLE VII – THE LEAD PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor is the teaching pastor of the church. He is responsible for the spiritual equipping and oversight of the entire congregation and is the first among equals in the Pastoral Body. He is the spokesman for the Pastoral Body to the congregation and is directly responsible to the Pastoral Body and the Church Body for the carrying out of his duties in the church.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor is responsible for the following duties:
Section 3: The Selection of the Lead Pastor
The pastors of the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation. Therefore, the responsibility to lead the search for and evaluation of a Lead Pastor shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The search shall be conducted as follows:
Section 4: Vacancy of the Lead Pastor Position
In the event that the church is without a Lead Pastor, the Pastoral Body will:
ARTICLE IIX – ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Associate Pastor
Depending upon the size of the congregation, the church may need multiple Associate Pastors. Each Associate Pastor will aid the Lead Pastor to spiritually equip and provide oversight for the entire congregation but will devote special effort to a designated portion of the congregation. Associate Pastors serve in conjunction with and share equal authority with all other pastors.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Associate Pastor
All Associate Pastors are responsible for the following duties:
Section 3: The Selection of an Associate Pastor
The Pastoral Body is called by God, and has been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation; therefore, the responsibility to search for and recommend any Associate Pastor to the congregation shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The search shall be in accordance with Article VII, Section 3 of this document with the exception being that the search is for an Associate Pastor and not a Lead Pastor.
Section 4: Vacancy of the Associate Pastor Position
In the event that an Associate Pastor leaves his position, the Pastoral Body will take the following steps:
ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1: Finance Committee
The pastors of the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation. Therefore, the responsibility to lead in stewarding the financial gifts of the church shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The Finance Committee shall be made up of the Pastoral Body and, in an effort to find wisdom in the multitude of counsel, at least three church-approved, godly members of the congregation. The church members who serve on the committee will serve staggered three year terms.
The church members who serve on the Finance committee will be prayerfully and privately nominated during a members’ meeting. The Pastoral Body will then contact the most often nominated members until three agree to serve. The three who agree to serve will then be presented to the congregation for approval at a members’ meeting.
Section 2: The Pastoral Care Committee
Just as pastors have been given the responsibility to care for the church body, the church body has been given the responsibility for the care and honor of those who minister to the church. It is for this reason that the Pastoral Body shall lead the congregation to appoint a group of members to be known as the Pastoral Care Committee.
Rom. 10:14-15; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Thess. 5.12-13
This committee shall, on behalf of the church, be vigilant in the care and honor of our staff pastors. They shall be responsible for initially establishing and annually reviewing salary and benefits. They are also to be diligent in seeking to meet any special need that should arise regarding our staff pastors. This committee will begin their service when the simple majority vote of the congregation gives their approval at a members’ meeting.
3 John 5-8
The following steps are the responsibility of the Pastoral Care Committee:
Section 3: Miscellaneous Committees
Committees may be formed to aid in the carrying out of certain ministries that require an extra measure of attention and the spiritual giftedness of those in the congregation. These committees will consist of at least one member of the Pastoral Body, as well as church approved, godly members of the congregation.
The number of individuals on such a committee, as well as the duration and purpose of the committee, shall be recommended to the congregation by the Pastoral Body and approved by a simple majority vote of the congregation at a members’ meeting.
ARTICLE X – LAY PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Lay Pastor
Depending upon the number of qualified men, the church may have multiple Lay Pastors. Although the Lay Pastor is gifted to teach God’s Word, he is not expected to bear the heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties in the church. Each Lay Pastor shares equal authority with all other pastors, and will work alongside all other pastors to spiritually equip and provide oversight for the entire congregation.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Lay Pastor
All Lay Pastors are responsible for the following duties:
Section 3: The Selection of a Lay Pastor
The men on the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation; therefore, the responsibility to search for and recommend any Lay Pastor to the congregation shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
Lay Pastors will be nominated and appointed by the following process:
ARTICLE XI - DEACON
Section 1: The Position of Deacon
Depending on the number of qualified men, the church may have multiple deacons. Deacons are men approved by the pastoral body and church body to assist the pastors in the practical ministry of service to the church.
Acts 6:1-6
Section 2: The Duties of a Deacon
All deacons are responsible for the following duties:
Section 3: The Selection of a Deacon
Deacons will be nominated and appointed by the following process:
This constitution, which was adopted by the church in a members’ meeting held on May 15th, 2022 shall supersede all prior resolutions, precedents, and actions of the church not in harmony with the provisions of this constitution.
Recommendation for changes or amendments to the constitution must come from the Pastoral Body and be approved by at least 75% of the members present at any members’ meeting. Changes or amendments can only take place by the following process:
The name of this church is First Baptist Church of Holly Pond and will be identified as “FBCHP” or “The church” throughout the remainder of this document.
The church’s current gathering place is at 10751 US-278 East, Holly Pond, AL 35083.
FBCHP is an autonomous church who may voluntarily cooperate with any like-minded entity in an effort to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.
ARTICLE II – FOUNDATIONAL STATEMENTS
(These statements are a succinct summary of what we believe and reveal the Scriptural convictions upon which the BF&M is founded. They allow us to briefly share our beliefs, whereas the Baptist Faith & Message is a very thorough, time consuming, detailed explanation of what we believe.)
The Bible is the final authority at FBCHP. The Bible contains the truths on which our constitution and covenant are based and serves as the source for the purpose, structure, function, and foundational statements of FBCHP.
Foundational Statement 1 – We believe in a high view of scripture.
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God. It is fully sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness and is the absolute and final authority on all matters.
2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; 2 Pet. 1:3; Psalm 19:7-11; Isa. 40:8
Foundational Statement 2 – We believe in a high view of God.
God is absolutely sovereign in all things. The church is established and exists for His glory alone. God is directing and working all things after the counsel of His own will.
Ps. 22:28; Ps. 33:6-9; Ps. 115:3; Dan. 4:34-35; Isa. 40:17-18; Rom. 9:13-29; Eph. 3:21; Rev. 4:11
Foundational Statement 3 – We believe in the preaching of sound doctrine.
A high view of God and a high view of scripture is achieved and maintained through the preaching, teaching, and applying of sound doctrine. Sound doctrine always precedes duty.
2 Tim. 4:1-5; Titus 2:1
Foundational Statement 4 – We believe in personal holiness.
Though we are in the world, we are not of the world. We are accountable to God and to each other for what we do and how we live. We have been bought by Jesus Christ and are not our own. We belong to Jesus; therefore, we strive for holiness in every aspect of our lives.
Phil. 2:14-15; Matt. 18:15-17; Matt. 5:48; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; 2 Cor. 7:1; Hebrew 9:27; 1 Pet. 1:16-19; Eph. 5:3-12
Foundational Statement 5 – We believe in spiritual authority.
God himself has established order in every area of our lives, and the church is no exception. The Bible reveals God’s structure for authority in the church.
Jesus is the head authority of the church.
Col. 1:18; Eph. 5.23; Matt. 16:18
Jesus mediates His rule through godly pastors. These pastors, having a high view of scripture, are devoted to the preaching, teaching and practicing of sound doctrine all while being examples of personal holiness to the church.
Titus 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4
Pastors are the leaders of the church but are accountable to God, subject to the will of the church and are not beyond the disciplinary authority of the congregation.
1 Tim. 5:19; Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 4:4
Each individual of the congregation is accountable to Christ’s authority, which is mediated through the pastors and other members of the church.
1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7, 17; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:21; Gal. 6:1
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to display the glory of God by living in obedience to the gracious commands of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ as we strive to make disciples who will make disciples in our homes, community, and nations.
1 Cor. 10:31; Mt. 28:19-20; Eph. 3:21; Titus 2:13
ARTICLE IV – DOCTRINAL STATEMENTS
FBCHP holds to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message as is listed below:
I. 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; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
II. 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; 1 Chronicles 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; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 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; Isaiah 53:1-12; 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; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 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; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 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 Spirit
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; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17
III. 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 inherit 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; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11
IV. 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
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 Saviour.
B. Justification
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
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
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; 1 Corinthians 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.; 1 Thessalonians 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; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5
V. 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; 1 Samuel 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; 1 Corinthians 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; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2
VI. 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 deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor 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; 1 Corinthians 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; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3
VII. 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 Saviour, 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. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, 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; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12
VIII. 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
IX. 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; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. 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; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. 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; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. 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; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. 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; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. 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 of loyalty 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; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. 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.
XVI. 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.
XVII. 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; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. 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; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership Defined
Members of FBCHP shall be those who have repented of sin and believed in Jesus Christ. In addition, they shall be those who have completed the following steps (order may vary according to situation):
- Have made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through the ordinance of Baptism by immersion.
- Have requested membership.
- Have completed the Doctrines of Church Membership course.
- Have agreed to the Church Covenant and The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
- Have been recommended to the congregation by the pastoral staff at any members meeting.
- Have been accepted by majority vote of the members present at any members meeting.
Mark 1:14-15; Acts 2:41, 2:47; Rom. 10:9; 1 Jn. 4:15; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38, 41, 8:12, 19:5; Acts 15:22, 20:28-30; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:17-19
Section 2: Procedure for Church Membership
A. Application for Membership
Any person may request membership with FBCHP to any pastor at any time.
B. Process for Consideration of Membership
Upon a person’s request for membership, the following procedures will take place:
- The candidate will be enrolled in the Doctrines of Church Membership course where he or she will:
- Hear a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Give their understanding of the gospel and a testimony of their conversion to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
- Agree with the Church Covenant and The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
- Receive instruction in regards to the mission and ministry methods of FBCHP.
- After completing all aspects of the Doctrines of Church Membership course, a member of the pastoral staff will perform the following (if applicable):
- Verify the candidate is in good standing with his or her previous church.
- Verify the candidate has been scripturally baptized.
- Recommend the candidate to the church for a vote on membership at any members’ meeting.
- Once recommended to the church for a vote, the candidate must receive a majority of votes from the members present at the members’ meeting.
- After acceptance by the congregation, the candidate will be received into membership upon receipt of a letter from their previous like-minded church, statement of faith (if letter not available), or baptism.
Section 3: Membership Discipline
A: Purpose of Discipline
The purpose of church discipline is to display the glory of God and promote the joy of believers in God’s perfect standard of holy conduct and doctrine in the church body. The goal is repentance and reconciliation of the individual for their joy, the health of the church, and the good of the church’s witness to the community.
1 Pet. 1:14-16
Members of this church who hold to heresy or consistently engage in unrepentant sin will be subject to discipline according to the following instructions from God’s word:
Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 1:18-20, 5:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; James 5:19-20
B: Process of Discipline
- It shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring member’s heresy or misconduct to lovingly warn and gently correct such erring member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
- If said erring member does not heed the loving warning, then the warning member shall again go to the erring member accompanied by one or two witnesses to warn and correct such erring member, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
- If said erring member still refuses to heed this additional warning, then it shall be brought to the attention of the Pastoral Body.
- The Pastoral Body, upon careful and prayerful investigation, shall tell it to the church during a Members’ Meeting.
- If said erring member refuses to heed the warning of the pastors and the church, he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the church.
- There shall be no appeal to any court from that decision.
- It is understood that this process will continue to conclusion even if the erring member leaves the church or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership to avoid the discipline process.
- If said member, after dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests restoration of membership, he or she shall be publicly restored to membership after completing the membership process.
Section 4: Removal from Membership
Members may be removed from church membership for any of the following reasons:
- Death.
- Transfer of membership, providing that disciplinary action is not in process.
- Disciplinary action.
- Member request, providing that disciplinary action is not in process.
Section 5: Restoration of Membership
If a member, after dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement, he or she shall be publicly restored to membership after completing the membership process. Any such request shall be made to the pastoral staff.
Gal. 6:1
Section 6: Membership Meetings
A. Purpose of Meetings
The purpose of membership meetings is to address issues of membership, finances, and any other pertinent issues concerning the church.
B. Types of Meetings
- Regular meetings will be called by the pastors in accordance with one of the following schedules: monthly, every other month, quarterly, or bi-annually.
- Special meetings may be called by the pastoral staff to deal with unexpected issues.
C. Notice of Meetings
Any special meeting shall be publicly announced and in printed form at least two weeks prior to the meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.
D. Voting at Meetings
All church members are allowed to vote at membership meetings except those who are under the process of formal disciplinary action by the church.
ARTICLE VI – CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Section 1: Purpose of Church Government
Church government is an extremely practical and theologically significant issue. Biblical structure and function cultivate the peaceful and orderly working out of the ministry of the church. The Church is the family of God, and its head is Jesus Christ. Just as God has given us the structure and the function of each person in a family, so He has also done in regards to His church. God’s Word reveals the proper structure of the church and the function of each of its parts.
Eph. 5:23
God’s structure and instruction for the church is meant to ensure the spiritual maturity of the individual member which leads to overall church health.
Eph. 4:11-13
Section 2: Structure of Church Government
A. Jesus Christ is the Head
Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ has revealed His will for us, as the Church, through His Word, the Bible.
Eph. 5:23
B. Pastoral Body
Jesus Christ, as the Head of the Church, mediates His rule over the Church by calling and appointing a plurality of pastors (which the Bible uses interchangeably with the title elder and overseer) to shepherd, oversee, and lead the church. FBC Holly Pond refers to the pastors as the Pastoral Body. This body is made up of Staff Pastors and Lay Pastors. These men have no authority outside of God’s Word, and are directly responsible to Jesus Christ for the governing of the church according to His Word.
Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17, 28-30; 1 Thess. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 5:1-2
- Staff Pastors
shepherd the church and bear the heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties. These
pastors receive compensation from the church in order that they may
devote adequate time to prepare for preaching, teaching, and other ministry duties that require
a flexible schedule.
1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:1-14
- Lay Pastors
Pastors, and although they are able to teach God’s Word, they are not expected to bear the
heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties. These pastors are employed in avenues
outside of the church and are therefore not compensated for their pastoral duties.
Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5
C. Deacons
Deacons are men approved by the pastoral body and church body to assist the pastors in the practical ministry of service to the church.
Acts 6:1-6
D. Church Body
The church body has the final authority under God’s Word in matters of doctrine, membership, and discipline.
Mt. 16:19; Mt. 18:15-19; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Cor. 5:1-5, 12-13
ARTICLE VII – THE LEAD PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor is the teaching pastor of the church. He is responsible for the spiritual equipping and oversight of the entire congregation and is the first among equals in the Pastoral Body. He is the spokesman for the Pastoral Body to the congregation and is directly responsible to the Pastoral Body and the Church Body for the carrying out of his duties in the church.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor is responsible for the following duties:
- To pray.
- To prepare and to preach the Word.
- To protect the church from false doctrine.
- To ensure pastoral care for the church body.
- To lead the pastoral body in the administration, care of, and selection of all church staff.
Section 3: The Selection of the Lead Pastor
The pastors of the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation. Therefore, the responsibility to lead the search for and evaluation of a Lead Pastor shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The search shall be conducted as follows:
- The Pastor Search Committee shall be made up of a combination of the Pastoral Body and, in an effort to find wisdom in the multitude of counsel, at least three church-approved, godly members of the congregation. The church members who serve on the committee will be prayerfully and privately nominated during a members’ meeting. The Pastoral Body will then contact the most often nominated members until three agree to serve. The three who agree to serve will then be presented to the congregation for approval at a members’ meeting.
- The Pastoral Body shall set guidelines and procedures for the committee to follow throughout the pastor search process.
- Upon the committee’s desire to recommend a Lead Pastor candidate, the Pastoral Body shall call a special members’ meeting and take the following steps:
- Make known to the congregation all pertinent information about the Lead Pastor candidate.
- Set a date for the Lead Pastor candidate to preach in view of a call.
- Publicly announce two weeks in advance the date for when the Lead Pastor candidate will preach in view of a call.
- After the Lead Pastor candidate preaches in view of a call, the Pastoral Body may call a special members’ meeting where the pastor search committee will recommend the Lead Pastor candidate fill the position of Lead Pastor, and the members shall vote. The results of this vote will be announced to the congregation.
- If the Lead Pastor candidate receives 75% of the vote, the pastor search committee will extend an invitation to the candidate to fill the position of Lead Pastor.
- If the Lead Pastor candidate accepts, the Pastoral Body will announce to the church when the new Lead Pastor’s tenure will begin.
- If the candidate does not accept the position, the Pastoral Body shall prayerfully resume the process for selecting a Lead Pastor.
Section 4: Vacancy of the Lead Pastor Position
In the event that the church is without a Lead Pastor, the Pastoral Body will:
- Choose from among themselves an interim first among equals as chairman, moderator, and spokesman for the Pastoral Body to the church. This interim first among equals will also be head over all church staff.
- The Pastoral Body shall be responsible for finding an interim preacher or various pulpit supply to fill the pulpit in the absence of a Lead Pastor.
- The Pastoral Body shall start the Lead Pastor search process as stated in Article VII; Section 3.
ARTICLE IIX – ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Associate Pastor
Depending upon the size of the congregation, the church may need multiple Associate Pastors. Each Associate Pastor will aid the Lead Pastor to spiritually equip and provide oversight for the entire congregation but will devote special effort to a designated portion of the congregation. Associate Pastors serve in conjunction with and share equal authority with all other pastors.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Associate Pastor
All Associate Pastors are responsible for the following duties:
- To pray.
- To prepare and to preach the Word as appointed by the Lead Pastor.
- To partner with the other pastors in order to protect the church from false doctrine.
- To partner with the other pastors to ensure pastoral care for the church body.
- To partner with the other pastors in overseeing the administration, care of, and selection of all church staff.
Section 3: The Selection of an Associate Pastor
The Pastoral Body is called by God, and has been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation; therefore, the responsibility to search for and recommend any Associate Pastor to the congregation shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The search shall be in accordance with Article VII, Section 3 of this document with the exception being that the search is for an Associate Pastor and not a Lead Pastor.
Section 4: Vacancy of the Associate Pastor Position
In the event that an Associate Pastor leaves his position, the Pastoral Body will take the following steps:
- Choose the Lead Pastor as chairman, moderator, and spokesman for the pastors to the church in regards to the vacant Associate Pastor position.
- If necessary, the Pastoral Body will appoint a fellow pastor to fill the vacant Associate Pastor position on an interim basis.
- If necessary, the Pastoral Body will start a search for a new Associate Pastor in accordance with Article VII, Section 3 of this document with the exception being that the search is for an Associate Pastor and not a Lead Pastor.
ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES
Section 1: Finance Committee
The pastors of the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation. Therefore, the responsibility to lead in stewarding the financial gifts of the church shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
The Finance Committee shall be made up of the Pastoral Body and, in an effort to find wisdom in the multitude of counsel, at least three church-approved, godly members of the congregation. The church members who serve on the committee will serve staggered three year terms.
The church members who serve on the Finance committee will be prayerfully and privately nominated during a members’ meeting. The Pastoral Body will then contact the most often nominated members until three agree to serve. The three who agree to serve will then be presented to the congregation for approval at a members’ meeting.
Section 2: The Pastoral Care Committee
Just as pastors have been given the responsibility to care for the church body, the church body has been given the responsibility for the care and honor of those who minister to the church. It is for this reason that the Pastoral Body shall lead the congregation to appoint a group of members to be known as the Pastoral Care Committee.
Rom. 10:14-15; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Thess. 5.12-13
This committee shall, on behalf of the church, be vigilant in the care and honor of our staff pastors. They shall be responsible for initially establishing and annually reviewing salary and benefits. They are also to be diligent in seeking to meet any special need that should arise regarding our staff pastors. This committee will begin their service when the simple majority vote of the congregation gives their approval at a members’ meeting.
- The Duty of the Pastoral Care Committee
3 John 5-8
The following steps are the responsibility of the Pastoral Care Committee:
- Any new Staff Pastor shall receive his salary and benefit information in writing before he comes to the church in view of a call.
- The Pastoral Care Committee shall initially establish the Staff Pastors’ salary and benefits and submit its proposal to the finance committee.
- The Pastoral Care Committee shall also review all Staff Pastors’ salaries and benefits at least annually and submit any changes as a proposal to the Finance Committee.
- Any change in a Staff Pastor’s salary and benefits shall be given to the Staff Pastor in writing.
- The Formation and Maintenance of the Pastoral Care Committee
- During a members meeting, the Pastoral Body shall inform the congregation that their counsel is needed in the formation of the Pastoral Care Committee.
- The Pastoral Body will ask for the church body to take time before the next members meeting to prayerfully examine passages such as Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 in an effort to identify members who demonstrate the type of spiritual gifts necessary to serve on the Pastoral Care Committee. These gifts include but are not limited to service, contribution, mercy, faith, and discernment (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).
- After prayerfully examining the Scriptures, the church body shall then privately make their nominations known to the Pastoral Body in writing.
- The Pastoral Body will then contact the most often nominated members until five agree to serve.
- The qualified nominees who are willing to serve will be presented at the following members meeting for congregational approval.
- Once nominees receive a simple majority vote to serve on the Pastoral Care Committee, they will be added to the committee.
Section 3: Miscellaneous Committees
Committees may be formed to aid in the carrying out of certain ministries that require an extra measure of attention and the spiritual giftedness of those in the congregation. These committees will consist of at least one member of the Pastoral Body, as well as church approved, godly members of the congregation.
The number of individuals on such a committee, as well as the duration and purpose of the committee, shall be recommended to the congregation by the Pastoral Body and approved by a simple majority vote of the congregation at a members’ meeting.
ARTICLE X – LAY PASTOR
Section 1: The Position of Lay Pastor
Depending upon the number of qualified men, the church may have multiple Lay Pastors. Although the Lay Pastor is gifted to teach God’s Word, he is not expected to bear the heaviest portion of the preaching and teaching duties in the church. Each Lay Pastor shares equal authority with all other pastors, and will work alongside all other pastors to spiritually equip and provide oversight for the entire congregation.
Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:2-4
Section 2: Duties of the Lay Pastor
All Lay Pastors are responsible for the following duties:
- To pray.
- To prepare and to preach the Word as appointed by the Lead Pastor.
- To partner with the other pastors in order to protect the church from false doctrine.
- To partner with the other pastors to ensure pastoral care for the church body.
- To partner with the other pastors in overseeing the administration, care of, and selection of all church staff.
Section 3: The Selection of a Lay Pastor
The men on the Pastoral Body are called by God and have been affirmed by the church to lead, shepherd, and exercise oversight for the congregation; therefore, the responsibility to search for and recommend any Lay Pastor to the congregation shall fall to the Pastoral Body.
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5
Lay Pastors will be nominated and appointed by the following process:
- The Pastoral Body shall identify men that they determine have met the biblical qualifications of the office of Lay Pastor.
- The Pastoral Body shall inquire whether or not the biblically qualified man has a desire to serve in the office of Lay Pastor.
- Qualified men who desire to serve their church as a Lay Pastor will be presented to the church as a candidate for the office of Lay Pastor.
- For a period of time, not less than thirty days, the congregation will have the opportunity to prayerfully consider the individual’s qualifications for the office of Lay Pastor. If a member, for any reason, feels that the person may be unqualified, the member should go to him in love, with discretion, and privately discuss his or her concerns (Matthew 18:15-18; Titus 1:7). If after a discussion with the candidate, the member feels that the concern is unresolved, then he or she should approach the Pastoral Body with their concern. During the time that a man is under consideration, there are several process options.
- Option 1: The man under consideration can withdraw himself from consideration and the process will cease.
- Option 2: The Pastoral Body may deem the man unqualified for whatever reason and the process will cease.
- Option 3: The man and the Pastoral Body agree that the process should continue.
- After the time of consideration, the Pastoral Body may call a special members’ meeting, or wait for a regularly scheduled members’ meeting for the purpose of presenting the candidate to the congregation for a vote.
- Upon congregational approval, the man will immediately assume his position of Lay Pastor.
ARTICLE XI - DEACON
Section 1: The Position of Deacon
Depending on the number of qualified men, the church may have multiple deacons. Deacons are men approved by the pastoral body and church body to assist the pastors in the practical ministry of service to the church.
Acts 6:1-6
Section 2: The Duties of a Deacon
All deacons are responsible for the following duties:
- To be men of prayer, good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, as well as students of God’s Word. Acts 6:3; 1 Tim. 2:8; 2 Tim. 2:14-15
- To work and serve alongside the Pastoral Body to support, encourage, promote and uphold their ministry. Acts 6:1-7
- To exemplify spiritual leadership in the fellowship of the church and in their family, personal, and business relationships. Acts 6:3
- To seek to lead the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:19-20
Section 3: The Selection of a Deacon
Deacons will be nominated and appointed by the following process:
- The Lead Pastor will call upon the church to be in prayer for the deacon selection process.
- The church will be exhorted to examine the scriptural qualifications for deacons that are given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, and prayerfully nominate men who they see as scripturally qualified to participate in the selection process.
- The Pastoral Body will examine all nominations and seek whether or not those who meet scriptural qualifications desire to serve as a deacon.
- Those men who desire to serve will be interviewed by the Pastoral Body so as to ensure the nominee meets the Scriptural standards for serving as a deacon.
- Once it has been affirmed that the nominee does indeed meet the Scriptural qualifications of a deacon, the Pastoral Body will proceed with the following steps:
- Introduce the qualified nominee to the church at least two weeks prior to a Members’ Meeting.
- Present the nominee to the church body for approval at a Members’ Meeting.
- If the deacon nominee is approved by the majority vote of members present, he will officially begin his service as a deacon.
This constitution, which was adopted by the church in a members’ meeting held on May 15th, 2022 shall supersede all prior resolutions, precedents, and actions of the church not in harmony with the provisions of this constitution.
Recommendation for changes or amendments to the constitution must come from the Pastoral Body and be approved by at least 75% of the members present at any members’ meeting. Changes or amendments can only take place by the following process:
- The Pastoral Body will examine proposed changes or amendments in light of God’s Word. 100% of the Pastoral Body must be in agreement that the proposed changes or amendments are consistent with Biblical principles before presenting changes or amendments to the congregation.
- Once 100% of the Pastoral Body has agreed to the changes or amendments, they will be presented to the church in a members’ meeting.
- The congregation will have at least one month to view the changes or amendments in order that they may ask the Pastoral Body questions and have ample time to investigate the Biblical nature of the changes or amendments.
- After the congregation has had at least one month to prayerfully view the changes or amendments, the Pastoral Body will make a motion at a members’ meeting that the congregation adopt the changes or amendments. If the motion carries with a 75% affirmative vote, the changes or amendments will go into effect immediately.