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Battle Creek Bible Church Constitution
We are an affiliate of Harvest Bible Chapel - for more details about our affiliation click here.
ARTICLE I
Name and Purpose
The name of this organization shall be: Battle Creek Bible Church (formerly known as the Gospel Center). We are committed to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) in the spirit of the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). The commission is fulfilled as disciples of Jesus Christ are made. God is glorified as we manifest His presence in doing so (II Timothy 2:2; I Corinthians 10:31).
ARTICLE II
FOUR PILLARS
Battle Creek Bible Church recognizes four pillars as the Biblical priorities
for this ministry.
1. Believing in the power of prayer. (Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 6:18; James
5:16)
2. Proclaiming the authority of God’s Word without apology. (II
Timothy 4:1-5; Hebrews 4:12)
3. Boldly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 9:36-38; Romans
1:16; Ephesians 6:19-20)
4. Lifting high the name of Jesus Christ in worship. (Mark 12:30; John
4:23-24; John 12:32)
ARTICLE III
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
SECTION A. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe in the Scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament as
verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writing. We believe
the 66 books of the Old Testament and the New Testament are God’s
complete and sufficient revelation and therefore carry God’s authority
for the total well-being of mankind (Psalm 119:97-104; Psalm 119:160;
Matthew 5:18 John 5:46-47; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-16).
SECTION B. GOD
We believe in the only true God (John 17:3), the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). He created all things (Revelation
4:11) and upholds all things by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). In
Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). He is the God of
truth and without iniquity, just and right is He (Deuteronomy 32:4) and
He shall judge the world (Psalm 9:8).
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfection’s, and worthy of precisely the same homage, confidence, and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Matthew 29:19-20; Acts 4:3-4).
SECTION C. JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the total deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe He
is the manifestation of God in the flesh. We believe He was conceived
by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. We believe Him to be true
God and true man (John 1:1, 14, 18; John 14:8, 9; I Timothy 3:16).
SECTION D. HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord
Jesus Christ during this age. He convicts us of sin and regenerates the
sinner upon believing on Christ, baptizing the believer into one body
of which Christ is the head. He indwells, guides, instructs, fills, comforts,
and empowers the believer for godly living and service through individually
bestowed spiritual gifts. While the Scriptures do not teach that certain
gifts have ceased, it does seem to indicate that their usage would vary
according to the need that each gift is designed to meet. Battle Creek
Bible Church does not encourage the use of the ‘sign gifts’.
Instead we choose to emphasize the more excellent way of love and zeal
for the more edifying gifts (John 16:8; 13:15; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:22;
4:11-12; Romans 8:9-17; 12:4-8; I Corinthians 3:16; 12:4-5, 11-13, 19;
Galatians 5:25; Hebrews 4:1-4; II Corinthians 12:12).
SECTION E. MAN
We believe that man, originally created in the image and after the likeness
of God, fell from his sinless and happy state when he ate the forbidden
fruit. As a result of his disobedience, all are born into this world as
sinners, totally depraved and in need of a Savior. (Genesis 3:1-6; Romans
3:10-19; Romans 1:18, 32).
SECTION F. SALVATION
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice. We believe
that all who by faith receive Him as their personal Savior are justified
on the basis of His blood shed on Calvary. They are born again of the
Holy Spirit and thereby become eternally secure as children of God. We
believe the Holy Spirit baptizes a person who believes into the body of
Christ at the moment of salvation (Romans 8:37-39; II Corinthians 5:21;
I Corinthians 12:13).
SECTION G. RESURRECTION
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord Jesus
Christ, His ascension into heaven, and His present life for us as High
Priest and Advocate (Acts 1:3, 9; Hebrews 7:25, 26).
SECTION H. HEAVEN, HELL AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We believe in the “blessed hope”: the personal, imminent and
premillenial return of the Lord Jesus Christ, to earth, to establish His
Kingdom reign of peace and righteousness. His return has a vital bearing
on the personal life and service of the believer (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost.
The saved are raised to eternal, conscious bliss in heaven (Matthew 25:34;
John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 2:7) the lost are raised to eternal
torment in hell in conscious separation from God. (Matthew 8:11; Matthew
10:28; Matthew 13:49-50; Mark 9:47-48; Luke 12:5; Revelation 21:8).
SECTION I. BAPTISM AND COMMUNION
We believe that Christian baptism is a public declaration of and identification
with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection signified by immersion
in water. The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration by believers of
Christ’s death until He comes and should be preceded by a careful
self-examination (Acts 4:13; Romans 6:3-6; I Corinthians 11:20-29).
SECTION J. THE CHURCH
Upon accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, all believers have therefore
become part of His body, the church. There is one church universal, composed
of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The Scriptures
command believers to gather together to devote themselves to worship,
prayer, teaching of the Word, observance of the ordinances (baptism and
communion), fellowship, service to the body through the development and
use of talents and gifts, and outreach to the world in fulfillment of
the command of Christ to make disciples of all believers (Ephesians 5:23;
Romans 12:1; Acts 2:42-46; I Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:18-20). Wherever
God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command there is
the local expression of the church – under the watch-care of Elders
and other supportive leadership. Its members are to work together in love
and unity, intent on the one ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Ephesians
4:16).
SECTION K. MISSIONS STATEMENT
Realizing that the cause of Christ extends beyond any one local fellowship,
we commit ourselves to an ongoing ministry of extending the call of Christ
to make disciples around the world (Matthew 28:19-20). To this end a Missions
Leadership Team will meet regularly under the direction of a member of
the Elders. The purpose of the Missions Leadership Team will be to administer
and develop the missions ministry of Battle Creek Bible Church in agreement
with the missions policy statement which is available upon request.
SECTION L. CHRISTIAN LIVING (CONCERNING CONDUCT)
The Bible teaches that all believers are saints, set apart unto God and
are thus responsible to live in such a manner as not to bring reproach
upon their Savior and Lord (Romans 21:1-2; I Peter 1:14-19; II Timothy
2:19; Titus 2) lest the Word of God be blasphemed (I Timothy 6:1; Titus
2:5). As Christians we should obey the Word of our Lord, seek the things
which are above, walk as He walked, and accept as our responsibility the
duty and privilege of bearing the Gospel to a lost world (I John 2:3;
Colossians 3:1; Ephesians 5:23; Matthew 29:19-20). A victorious and fruitful
Christian life is possible only for those who have presented themselves
wholly to Christ and walk by the power of the Holy Spirit, which all believers
are called to do (Romans 12:1,2; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; Romans
6, 7).
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which
is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
“Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16
“Be not drunk with wine...but be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A. NATURE OF MEMBERSHIP
The New Testament clearly indicates that groups of people who were followers
of the Lord Jesus Christ identified themselves with and committed themselves
to a particular local body. In order to implement the principles of accountability
and commitment to the local body of Christ, as defined in the New Testament
and practiced in the early churches, Battle Creek Bible Church recognizes
the need for formal membership. Membership at Battle Creek Bible Church
is for all who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and have visibly
demonstrated that commitment through believer’s baptism by immersion.
SECTION B. MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
The effectiveness of joining together will be determined by the level
of the commitment we make. In a society where so few make commitments
and fewer still keep them, Battle Creek Bible Church is seeking a group
of people who are determined to know the joy Christ intended for His body,
the church. To this end members of Battle Creek Bible Church must be willing
to live in submission to the doctrinal statement. Further, they must be
willing to abide by the entire membership commitment.
1. I have, by faith, become a follower of Jesus Christ and I have been
baptized as a visible way of demonstrating that commitment.
2. I will, with God’s help, seek to maintain my consistent disciplines
of prayer, Bible study, and evangelism.
3. I will neither criticize nor listen to criticism concerning any member(s)
of this body and will, when personally offended, speak directly and lovingly
with those involved.
4. I will financially support the ministries of Battle Creek Bible Church
by faithfully giving back to the Lord a Biblical portion of my increase.
SECTION C. QUALIFICATIONS, ADMISSION AND REMOVAL
The Elders will establish the qualifications and administer the procedure
for admission of members to the Church. The Elders may suspend, or remove,
any member for cause after conducting an appropriate hearing on the matter.
The procedure is as follows.
1. Persons who have accepted Christ as their Savior, have been baptized
by water immersion, desire to live a consistent Christian life based upon
Biblical standards, and who abide by the Constitution and agree fully
with the doctrinal standards of this church shall be eligible for membership.
2. All applicants for membership shall attend a New Members Class, complete
an application form, and meet with 2 or more Elders who will hear their
testimony. Recommendations for membership are to be made by the Elders
at regular meetings.
3. The prospective members name will then be placed in the bulletin for
a period of two weeks. During this period members will be encouraged to
clear up any relational or other difficulties which could hinder ministry
among us. This is done in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17 so that both
the candidate and the Battle Creek Bible Church family will benefit.
4. At the end of the two week period those who remain as candidates will
be welcomed into membership on the next Sunday set aside for that purpose.
SECTION D. CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Battle Creek Bible Church is a body of Christian believers who hold certain
beliefs and standards in common. On occasion, members of the Church may
conduct themselves in a manner contrary to the Statement of Faith and
unworthy of membership at the Church. It will be a high priority for the
Church to restore such persons into conformity with the fellowship as
outlined in Matthew 18:15-17. However, because of God’s holy nature
and the believers’ high calling, Scripture teaches and commands
personal and ecclesiastical separation from religious apostasy (II John
7-11; Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10), from all worldly and sinful pleasures,
practices, and associations (I John 2:15-17; James 4:4; II Timothy 3:1-5),
and from professing believers living in willful disobedience to the Word
of God (II Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6, 14, 15; I Corinthians 5). This does
not include separation from unbelievers who need the Word of God to penetrate
their world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“...note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the
doctrine which you learned and avoid them.” Romans 16:17
“… that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly
and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” II
Thessalonians 3:6
“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that
person and do not keep company with him that he may be ashamed.”
II Thessalonians 3:14
Should the need for Biblical discipline arise, any such authority will
be entrusted to the Elders; they will have the authority to place individual(s)
under church discipline (including suspension of membership if necessary).
Any member who is absent for all services of the Church without giving
a satisfactory reason for a period of one year may be removed from the
roll of membership by the Elders.
SECTION E. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Elders.
ARTICLE V
CHURCH GOVERNMENT
SECTION A. TWO CHURCH OFFICES
The Biblical teaching on the subject of two church offices, Elders and
Deacons, is found in I Timothy 3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9. Though there are
three terms used for the offices of the church, i.e. bishop, Elder, and
Deacon, a careful analysis of these terms indicates that bishop and Elder
are used interchangeably, with the bishop simply being the ‘ruling’
or leading Elder. The pastors of the church have the spiritual authority
of the Elders. However, with the exception of the Senior Pastor, they
will serve as Elders only as needed and at the request of the Elders.
SECTION B. WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Battle Creek Bible Church affirms the God-ordained and significant role
that women should play in establishing and leading the local church. Every
leadership opportunity is open to women except those that are excluded
by Scripture. The Scriptures clearly state that men are to serve in the
office of Elder and that women are not to serve in church positions in
which they exercise authority over men or in which they teach doctrine
to men (I Timothy 2:12; I Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6-9). We do not see this
as an issue of equality, for men and women are equal under God. The Bible
is clear that men and women do not have the same roles. Qualified women
should serve in any leadership position that is not forbidden in the Scriptures.
ARTICLE VI
ELDERS
SECTION A. GENERAL POWERS
The business, legal, and spiritual matters of the Church will be managed
by its Elders. All decisions affecting the overall doctrine, direction,
and discipline of the church will be the responsibility of the Elders.
The Scriptures are clear that the Elder’s responsibility is the
spiritual oversight of the congregation. The Elder’s responsibility
can be broken down into three main areas:
1. Ensuring that the doctrine of the church remains purely Biblical;
all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Elders.
2. Ensuring that the direction of the church remains consistent with the
statement of purpose and the four pillars statement as outlined in the
Constitution.
3. Administering in love and humility the Biblical process of church discipline
as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-4.
SECTION B. STRUCTURE
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of Elders governed individual New
Testament churches (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1).
The Scripture does not mention any congregations featuring a stand-alone
pastor and leader. A plurality of godly Elders, exercising their individual
giftedness, squares with the Scripture's teaching that wisdom is found
in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs
15:22; Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 24:6.). This truth does not eliminate
the possibility and likelihood that one or more Elders will stand out
from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential
in their workings as Elders. All Elders will have equal authority, but
not necessarily equal influence.
The Senior Pastor will work in cooperation with the Chairman of the Elders to ensure healthy ministry development and strong accountability. Agenda items for the Elder meetings must be submitted to the Chairman of the Elders prior to the Elders’ meeting. An Elders’ meeting may not be held without a majority of the Elders present and the entirety of the Elders informed. The Chairman of the Elders will be selected by consensus decision of the Elders with no fixed term and may not be one of the pastors. The Elders will consist of the Chairman, the Senior Pastor, the Chairman of the Deacons and additional Elders, who will assume responsibility as agreeable and necessary.
SECTION C. NUMBER AND TENURE
The number of Elders serving is to be a minimum of three (3) and may vary
from time to time up to fifteen (15) by resolution of the Elders without
amendment of these bylaws. In no case will the number of Elders serving
be less than three if at all possible. The term of office for Elders is
to be consistent with the fiscal year of the Church.
When the need arises for additional Elders, a nominee will be recommended by the existing Elders. In keeping with the clear Biblical injunctions regarding authority structures within the church, only men will be considered for the office of Elder. An in-depth interview will ensue to determine if the nominee is Biblically qualified. The congregation will then be reminded of the Biblical requirement for Elders and given 30 days to speak personally with the nominee if they are aware of any disqualifying characteristics. If the matter remains unresolved, the nominee or church member should approach the Elders and request that their name be withdrawn from consideration.
The Elders is to be composed of the following appointed persons:
1. The Battle Creek Bible Church Senior Pastor automatically serves as
an Elder for as long as he remains employed by the Church and, because
of his public presence and responsibility before the congregation, may
be considered "first among equals" as a member of the Elders.
2. Although Scripture indicates no fixed terms for Elders, we ask Elders
to serve for a two-year commitment. At the end of two years the commitment
will be reviewed, along with a possible recommitment and reaffirmation
by fellow Elders. During the review, both the individual and the other
Elders will evaluate his continued service, again considering the Biblical
qualifications, as well as any personal factors that might affect his
service.
SECTION D. QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications for the office of an Elder include that each person must
be (Titus 1:6-9):
1. Above reproach
2. Able to teach
3. Husband to one wife
4. Not addicted to wine
5. Temperate
6. Not antagonistic
7. Prudent
8. Uncontentious
9. Respectable
10. Free from the love of money
11. Hospitable
12. Manages own household well
13. Not a new convert
SECTION E. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL
An individual’s service as an Elder may be discontinued by his own
decision or by a consensus decision of the other Elders. A person leaving
the Elders would not preclude his service as a future Elder, subject to
the regular selection process.
SECTION F. VACANCIES
Any vacancy occurring in the Elders to be filled by reason of any increase
in the number of Elders, members, or resignation or termination of a Elders
member, is to be filled by the Elders as soon as practical.
SECTION G. COMPENSATION
Elders will not receive any stated salaries for their services as Elders.
Nothing herein contained will be construed to preclude any Elder serving
the Church in any other capacity and receiving reasonable compensation
for that service. This Section will not preclude the Pastors receiving
compensation as pastors, which will be determined by the remaining Elders.
ARTICLE VII
PASTORS
SECTION A. SELECTION
The Elders shall supervise the candidate selection process and recommend
a candidate to the congregation. The Senior Pastor and any members of
the pastoral staff may be called, upon a favorable vote of three-fourths
of the voting members present at any regular or special business meeting,
after published announcements for two Sundays preceding the meeting. Upon
acceptance of the call, the Senior Pastor and/or Pastoral staff and their
wives shall become members of this church.
SECTION B. TERM
All pastoral staff members will serve at will for an indefinite period
of time. The Senior Pastor is responsible and accountable in the performance
of his duties to the Elders. All other staff members are responsible to
the Elders through the Senior Pastor. A staff member may only be dismissed
by a consensus decision of the Elders.
SECTION C. DUTIES
The responsibility of the Senior Pastor will be to faithfully preach God’s
Word and model the priority of discipleship within the church. He will
give oversight and direction to all ministry staff and work with the Elders
in carrying out the overall vision of Battle Creek Bible Church.
SECTION D. QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications are equivalent to the Biblical qualifications of an
Elder.
SECTION E. ADDITIONAL PASTORAL STAFF
Ministry descriptions for the remaining pastoral staff will be established
by the Elders in keeping with the giftedness of the individual and agreed
upon at the time of hiring.
ARTICLE VIII
MINISTRY TEAMS
SECTION A. SPECIAL MINISTRY TEAMS
The Elders will have power to appoint ministry teams for the purpose of
conducting certain aspects of church business or ministry not otherwise
delegated.
ARTICLE IX
DEACONS
SECTION A. DEACONS
The Bible teaches that Deacons "lead by serving" (Acts 6). The
Deacons serve under the authority of the Elders in various capacities
within the church.
SECTION B. SELECTION
When the need arises for Deacons, the Elders will recommend a nominee.
Following an independent interview to determine if the nominee is Biblically
qualified, the congregation will be reminded of the Biblical requirements
for Deacons and given 30 days to speak personally with the nominee if
they are aware of any disqualifying characteristics. If the matter remains
unresolved, the nominee or church member should approach the Elders and
request that their name be withdrawn from consideration.
During the review, both the individual and the other Deacons will evaluate his continued service as a Deacon, again considering the Biblical qualifications as well as any personal factors that might affect his service. An individual’s service as a Deacon may be discontinued by his own decision or by the consensus decision of the Elders. Upon their request, the Elders will have the opportunity to participate in the review process. A person leaving the office of Deacon would not preclude his service as a future Deacon, subject to the regular selection process.
SECTION C. TERM
Since Scripture indicates no fixed term for Deacons, no specific term
of office is recommended. Instead, each Deacon, upon appointment, will
be asked for a two-year commitment of active service. At the end of two
years the commitment will be reviewed, along with a possible recommitment
and reaffirmation by fellow Deacons.
SECTION D. DUTIES
The Deacons, working under the authority of the Elders, will be responsible
for the oversight of all financial, benevolent, ordinance, and facility
operations of the church.
SECTION E. STRUCTURE
The Deacons will consist of a chairman, who will be a member of the Elders.
The remainder of the Deacons will assume responsibilities as agreeable
and as needed.
SECTION F. MEETINGS OF DEACONS
All meetings of the Deacons will be convened by their designated Chairman.
Minutes of each meeting will be maintained by a Recorder who is to be
appointed by the Chairman. Meetings will be conducted under the same rules
of notice, quorum and action as prescribed for by the Elders.
SECTION G. QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEACONS
The Deacons are to be “able and proved as servants” and should
demonstrate the following qualifications (I Timothy 3:8-12):
1. Individual of dignity
2. Above reproach
3. Not double tongued
4. First tested as servants
5. Not addicted to wine
6. Spouses must be faithful
7. Dignified
8. Temperate
9. Not fond of sordid gain
10. Holding to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience
11. Husband of one wife
12. Manages household well
SECTION H. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL
An individual’s service as a Deacon may be discontinued by his own
decision or by the consensus decision of the Deacons. Upon their request
the Elders will have the opportunity to participate in the review process.
A person leaving the office of Deacon would not preclude his service as
a future Deacon, subject to the regular selection process.
ARTICLE X
FINANCIAL POLICIES
SECTION A. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Church is to begin on the first day of January
each year.
SECTION B PROPERTY
The church may receive, accept, buy, own and operate such buildings, real
and personal property and equipment as are required or deemed necessary
or advantageous in carrying out its purposes as stated in Article I.
The Elders shall have management and control of all property belonging to the church but shall not encumber with loan, transfer, sell or purchase any real estate for the church except by express authorization conveyed through a majority vote of the voting membership present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting.
SECTION C DIVISION
In the event the church should divide, from which may the Lord spare us,
the property and all funds shall remain with those abiding by this constitution
and doctrinal statement who are willing to continue the work for which
this church was originally formed.
SECTION D DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the corporation, the Elders shall, after paying or
making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Corporation,
distribute all assets, both real and personal, to an organization or organizations
organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at
the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section
501(c)(3) of the Code, and shall use said assets exclusively for the purposes
of the corporation in such manner, or as the Board of Directors shall
determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by
the appropriate court of law located in the county in which the principal
office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes
or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine,
which are organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
SECTION A
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting members
present and voting at a duly called congregational business meeting.
SECTION B
Proposed amendments must be distributed to the membership and posted conspicuously
in the church for four Sundays prior to the congregational business meeting
at which they are to be voted upon.
ARTICLE XII
BY-LAWS
SECTION A
The secondary rules by which the principles and requirements of this constitution
are carried out are known as the by-laws.
SECTION B
These by-laws may be amended at any regular Elder meeting provided written
notice is provided to the congregation two weeks prior to the meeting
at which the change will be acted upon. A two-thirds affirmative vote
of the Elders is required to adopt by-law changes.