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Heritage Community Church Constitution |
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Heritage Community Church Constitution |
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Heritage Community Church Constitution
ARTICLE I Purpose This fellowship is organized for exclusively religious purposes (including charitable purposes common to a pastoral church ministry as defined by Scripture). Our commission is summarized as follows: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20; cf. Eph 4:11-13; Ps. 78).
ARTICLE II Statement of Faith 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
ARTICLE III Church Membership Section 1. Purpose of the Fellowship
The congregation of Christian believers who have applied for membership and have been duly accepted shall constitute a spiritual body, united for the spiritual purposes set forth in Article I of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Active Membership
Active membership in the Heritage Community Church of Gastonia, N. C. shall be open to all persons who confess Christ as their Lord and Savior and who have been baptized.
Section 3. Voting Privileges
Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights in the fellowship, but shall only entitle the member to vote at a meeting of the members on those matters that the Board of Elders chooses to submit to the church membership for affirmation. In such cases, voting privileges are restricted to members who are in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary action, and who have passed their eighteenth (18) birthday. Membership shall not be assignable inter vivos by any member nor shall membership vest to any personal representative, heir, or devisee.
Section 4. Applications for Membership
All requests for membership shall be made to an Elder, or Deacon. Upon making such a request, the person shall be given a copy of the Statement of Faith and a copy of the Bylaws. An Elder or Deacon shall meet with the applicant following receipt of the application. Each applicant shall assent to the Statement of Faith, subscribe to the Bylaws, and shall testify publicly at a regularly held meeting for prospective members.
Section 5. Denial of Membership
If, upon review of an application for membership or after meeting with a prospective member, the Board of Elders determines that the applicant does not confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or that there is a lack of evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any court from that decision.
Section 6. Admission of Applicants
Applicants admitted to membership shall, if possible, present themselves at a worship service designated by the Pastor-Teacher and Board of Elders, at which service such applicants shall publicly affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members.
Section 7. Responsibilities of Members
Members shall seek to exercise their spiritual gifts for the mutual benefit of all the church body and shall submit to the loving rule of the Elders.
Section 8. Church Discipline
(a) The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
(b) Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before such dismissal, however, (1) it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration. If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then (2) the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then (3) it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders. If the Board of Elders determines--after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19--that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly-scheduled worship service. If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then (4) he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service. If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders, then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the elders in the exercise of their discretion may proceed directly to the third stage of church discipline, (i.e. the informing of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance) or to the fourth stage of church discipline, (i.e. the dismissal from the fellowship and/or membership of the church) when one or more of the following have occurred;
(i) Where the transgression and the refusal to repent have been public, i.e. openly and to the offense of the whole Church (1 Cor. 5:1-5)1;
(ii) Where the disciplined party has taught or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the elders, then chosen to disregard the direction and reproof of the elders (Romans 16:17); or
(iii) Where the disciplined party has been warned twice to cease from factious and divisive conduct and has chosen to disregard that warning (Titus 3:10-11).
(d) The members of this church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline. Members who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church. Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.
(e) Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders, a member, non-member regular attender, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
(f) Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders, the names of any members who have not attended a worship service, catechism class session or Fellowship Group meeting at Heritage Community Church for a period of six months or longer may be removed from the membership rolls.
Section 9. Voting Rights
Those admitted to church membership do not constitute a legislative body, nor do they constitute members of the fellowship, and they cannot vote, pass resolutions binding upon the fellowship, nor shall they have any equity in the real property of the fellowship, or rights to vote on its disposal. Said property of the fellowship is dedicated to religious and charitable purposes as outlined in the Church By Laws.
ARTICLE IV Elders Section 1. Powers
(a) To select and remove all the pastors, elders, and deacons of the fellowship; prescribe such duties for them consistent with the Scriptures, with law, or with these Bylaws; and fix the terms of their offices and their compensation.
(b) To make such disbursements from the funds and properties of the fellowship as are required to fulfill the purposes of this fellowship as are more fully set out in the Church By Laws, thereof and generally to conduct, manage, and control the activities and affairs of the fellowship and to make such rules and regulations consistent with the Scriptures, with law, or with these Bylaws, as they may deem best.
(c ) To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with the purposes of this fellowship.
(d) To assist the Pastor-Teacher in the administration of the ordinances of baptism and Communion.
(e) To borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purposes of the fellowship and to cause to be executed and delivered, in the corporate name, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, hypothecations, or other evidences of debt and securities.
Section 2. Number of Elders
The number of Elders shall not be less than two. This number may increase as the fellowship grows. The Elders will be responsible for maintaining this number.
Section 3. Nomination, Selection, and Tenure of Office
The selection of Elders will be determined by residing Elders (Titus 1:5; cf. 1 Timothy 3:1). He shall fill his office as long as he remains in the fellowship or is qualified. See Section 6 for removal.
Section 4. Qualifications
Each member of the Board of Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:
(a) Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
(b) Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
(c) Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
(d) Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(e) Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
(f) Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
(g) Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
(h) Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(i) Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(j) Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
(k) Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
(l) Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
(m) Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)
(n) Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
(o) Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)
(p) Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
(q) A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)
(r) Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
(s) Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
(t) Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Section 5. Vacancies
Any Elder may resign effective upon giving written notice to the Elders, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of such resignation. If the resignation is to take effect at some future time, a successor may be selected before that time.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in case of the death, resignation, or removal of any Elder, or if a need exists and the specified limit is not exceeded.
No reduction of the authorized number of Elders shall have the effect of removing any Elder prior to the expiration of the Elder’s term of office.
Section 6. Removal of Elders
Any Elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Board if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), after thorough corroborating investigation by the Elders, in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.
Section 7. Rights of Inspection
Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind and to inspect the physical properties of the fellowship of which such person is an Elder, for a purpose reasonably related to such person’s interest as an Elder.
Section 8. Decisions of the Board of Elders
Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.
Section 9. Decisions of the Board of Elders
Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself.
ARTICLE V Deacons
The Deacons shall consist of members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and shall be nominated by members of the church. The Board of Elders will compile and confirm the nominations and submit the names to the members for affirmation at the annual meeting. The Deacons shall serve as long as they are physically and mentally able and are qualified by Scripture. The Deacons shall assist the Elders in the shepherding of the saints, assist the Pastor at Communion and baptismal services, aid in the general spiritual care of the church, and perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Elders.
A Deacon shall : (a) be a man (b) be reverent (c) not be double-tongued (d) not be addicted to much wine (e) not be greedy for money (f) hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (g) first be tested and found above reproach (blameless). (h) be the husband of one wife (i) be one whose wife is reverent, not a slanderer, temperate, faithful in all things. (j) rule their children and their own houses well.
Section 2. Nomination and Selection
The nomination and selection of Deacons shall be done in the same manner as for Elders, except they shall be affirmed at the annual meeting by the members of the church.
Section 3. Vacancies
In the event any of the above-mentioned offices becomes vacant during the period between annual elections, the Board of Elders may fill such vacancy for the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VI Ordination, Licensing, and Commissioning Section 1. Ordination
Ordination refers to the unanimous recognition by the Board of Elders of a man’s call to the ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualification to serve. Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Section 2. Licensing
The license is issued by the Board of Elders and is given in recognition of a man’s call to that ministry. Its aim is to allow a man to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of the church. Licenses will be evaluated and issued on a yearly basis.
Section 3. Commissioning
When local-church certification is required for ministry where ordination would be unnecessary or inappropriate, a person is commissioned by the Board of Elders to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
ARTICLE VII The Pastor-Teacher Section 1. Election
The Pastor-Teacher shall be selected by the Board and confirmed by the members of the church at its annual meeting or at a special business meeting, and such confirmation shall be a three-fourths (3/4) majority of all the votes cast. He shall remain in office an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The Elders reserve the right to dismiss the Pastor-Teacher upon giving him one month’s written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Pastor-Teacher must give one month’s notice if he intends to resign. The time limit of a Pastor-Teacher’s resignation or dismissal is subject to a lesser time if both the Pastor-Teacher and the church by mutual agreement provide otherwise.
Section 2. Duties
The Pastor-Teacher shall arrange for and conduct all public and regular services of the church and shall be responsible for general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church. In the absence of the Pastor-Teacher, the Board of Elders shall be responsible to arrange for the public and regular services of the church.
ARTICLE VIII Settlement of Disputes Section 1. General
In any dispute arising between church members, deacons, or elders to any matter of spiritual teaching or practices, church finances, or title to property purchased with church contributions, the dispute shall be resolved by the Board of Elders of the. A decision shall be reached after prayerful consideration, in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself and striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
ARTICLE IX Other Provisions Section 1. Endorsement of Documents, Contracts
The Board of Elders, except as in the Bylaws otherwise provided, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the fellowship. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Elders, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the fellowship by any contract or agreement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, any note, mortgage, evidence of indebtedness, contract, conveyance, or other instrument in writing and any assignment or endorsement thereof executed or entered into between this fellowship and any other person, when signed jointly by the Chairman of the Board of Elders or the Chairman of deacons, and the Treasurer of this fellowship shall be valid and binding on this fellowship in the absence of actual knowledge on the part of the other person that the signing officers had no authority to execute the same.
Section 2. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended and new and additional Bylaws may be made from time to time at any time by the Board of Elders in the exercise of the power granted to said Board of Elders in these Bylaws.
Section 3. Record of Amendments
Whenever an amendment or new Bylaw is adopted, it shall be copied in the book of minutes with the original Bylaws, in the appropriate place. If any Bylaw is repealed, the fact of repeal with the date of the meeting at which the repeal was enacted or written assent was filed shall be stated in said book.
ARTICLE X Receipt, Investment, and, Disbursement of Funds Section 1.
The fellowship shall receive all monies or other properties transferred to it for the purposes for which the fellowship was formed (as shown by the Articles contained in the Church By Laws). However, nothing contained herein shall require the Board of Elders to accept or receive any money or property of any kind if it shall determine in its discretion that receipt of such money or property is contrary to the expressed purposes of the fellowship as shown by said Articles.
Section 2.
The fellowship shall hold, manage, and disburse any funds or properties received by it from any source in a manner that is consistent with the expressed purposes of this fellowship.
ARTICLE XI Records and Reports Section 1. Records
The fellowship shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of business in the State of North Carolina, as fixed by the Board of Elders from time to time.
Section 2. Inspection of Books and Records
Every Elder shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the fellowship, and also of its subsidiary organizations, if any.
Section 3. Fiscal Year of the Fellowship
The fiscal year of the fellowship shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.
ARTICLE XII Dissolution Upon dissolution of this fellowship, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein to be distributed to another fellowship with purposes similar to that identified in Article II of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE XIII Miscellaneous Provisions Section 1. Instruments in Writing
All checks, drafts, demands for money and notes of the fellowship and all written contracts of the fellowship shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, as the Board of Elders may from time to time by resolution designate.
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