Article I: Name
The name of this corporation shall be "Morris County Calvary Bible
Chapel, Inc."
Article II -- Corporate Purposes
The purpose of this corporation is religious. This includes owning
and operating a Christian church whose object shall be to
maintain worship, preach and teach Christian doctrine and
ethics, spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, advance the cause of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in accordance with the Holy
Scriptures. This corporation shall not be operated for a
profit and shall have all of the powers and authorities conferred
upon eleemosynary corporations conferred by the State of New
Jersey.
Article III -- Church Covenant
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been baptized by
immersion in water, we do solemnly covenant together in the
presence of God to do the following by the grace of God
and to the best of our ability:
A. To maintain the church's purposes as stated in the articles of
incorporation, which are to evangelize the lost through local,
regional, national, and worldwide missions and to edify believers
through a strong Bible preaching and teaching ministry and to
keep these purposes in a healthy balance: Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8;
and Acts 20:27-32.
goal is to bring glory to God (1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31;
Ephesians 3:21), whose chief attention is given to Jesus Christ
(Colossians 1:18), and whose doctrine and practice are
Bible-based (2 Timothy 1:13).
C. To maintain the church's doctrinal soundness and purity as well as
its pure fundamentalism by affirming and giving special attention to the
fundamentals of the historic Christian faith as given in the statement of
faith, particularly the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Bible,
God's Word (2 Timothy 3:13-4:4), and by separating religious
association from all church and religious organizations, movements,
and meetings which deny, distort, or compromise the fundamentals
including Roman Catholics, Protestant liberals, the Neo-orthodox, New
Evangelicals, Pseudo-fundamentalists, charismatics, cultists, and all
other unbiblical groups which may arise (1 Timothy 6:3 and 2 John
10,11).
D. To maintain the church's priority for a strong Bible preaching
and teaching ministry by recognizing the first and highest priority of the
pastoral ministry to be the preparation for messages and
preaching of God's Word, with the pastor also giving his other
pastoral duties (visiting, administration, etc.) their proper place
(Acts 6:4; Ephesian 4:11,12: 2 Timothy 4:2).
E. To maintain the church's spiritual power and fervency through
personally and corporately believing in God to work through us (2
Corinthians 3:5), studying and obeying God's Word (2 Timothy
2:15), praying (Ephesians 6:18), worshipping (Revelation 22:9),
loving the Lord (Mark 12:30), fearing the Lord (Acts 5:11), and living a
holy life, which includes both separation from the world's sinful activities
and separation unto God for service (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2).
F. To maintain the church's biblical leadership structure by
submitting to the leadership of the pastor, who is the
undershepherd of the flock, and by having deacons who work in
cooperation with the pastor (1 Peter 5:2-5; Hebrews 13:17; Acts
6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).
G. To maintain the church's effective functioning by stressing the
need for members to carry out their relational responsibilities (See "one
another" passages in the New Testament.) and the importance of
properly exercising their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians
12; Romans 12:3-8).
H. To maintain the church's love for people by constantly developing
and contributing to an atmosphere of fellowship, encouragement, care,
and friendliness (Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 12:25).
I. To maintain the church's unity by being courteous in speech,
being slow to take offense, refraining from unconstructive criticism,
taking constructive criticism only to the proper person (in most cases
the pastor or the deacons), being always ready for reconciliation
(Ephesians 4:30-5:2; Colossians 4:6; Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 5:23-
24).
J. To maintain the church's financial freedom by contributing to its
ministry in accordance with God's Word and as personally led by the
Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9) and by following
sensible guidelines in the church's financial matters (building
programs, etc.; Luke 14:28).
K. To maintain the church's alertness to and outspoken confrontation of
spiritual, moral, social, and family issues with clear, biblical answers in
order to protect believers (Acts 20:27-32) and to act as a preserving
force (Matthew 5:13) and an exposing force (Ephesians 5:11).
L. To maintain the church's purity by exercising the principles of
church discipline against persistently sinning members as set
forth in the New Testament (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2
Thessalonians 3:6-15).
M. To maintain the church's future by calling pastors and staff
members, electing deacons, and choosing church leaders who
joyfully and wholeheartedly embrace and follow the tenets of this
church covenant (Romans 16:17), as well as voting in as new
members only those who agree with the church's purposes,
covenant, and statement of faith.
Article IV -- Statement of Faith
The Word of God
The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:20,21; John 10:36). Inspiration refers to the process
whereby God breathed out the words of Holy Scripture by moving
holy men of God to speak and/or record His words accurately with
the final product being an inerrant Bible in the original manuscripts.
The Bible is true not only as it speaks of salvation, but also as it
speaks of history, science, and philosophy. It is truth without any
mixture of error. It is the sole basis of authority for the believer in
faith and practice.
God
God is three Persons, all equal One to the Others, and existing in
One Being (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4).
The three Persons of the Godhead are the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. God is the Creator of the universe and its inhabitants
(Genesis 1:1-2:5). He created the universe and its inhabitants by
direct action, the word of His mouth, not by the means espoused
by the theories of theistic evolution or evolution. He is eternal,
sovereign, holy, just, immutable, omniscient, omnipotent,
omnipresent, true, merciful, and loving.
God the Father
He is the Father over all creation (Acts 17:29), of the nation of Israel
(Exodus 4:22), of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17), and of
believers in Christ (Galatians 3:26).
God the Son
The Son of God is the Word (Logos) which was made flesh (John
1:1-14), born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew
1:16-25). He is both all God and all man (God-- John 1:1, Romans
9:5; Man-- Romans 1:3,4; both God and man--John 1:1-14,
Romans 9:5). He is the Saviour of all those who place their trust in
Him to forgive their sins (John 3:16). He is the Head of the Church,
which is His body (Ephesians 4:12; 5:23,30).
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Person of the Trinity Who reveals to men their
need of Christ as well as reveals Christ Himself to Men (John
16:7-15). He is the One Who moved holy men of old to speak the
Word of God (II Peter 1:20,21). He baptizes believers into the body
of Christ (I Corinthians 12:11). He fills (Ephesians 5:18), indwells (I
Corinthians 6:19), leads (Romans 8:14), assures (Romans 8:16),
and prays for believers (Romans 8:26).
Man
In his original state in the Garden of Eden, man was sinless
(Romans 5:12). Through the sin of Adam, man fell from that
original state, thus becoming sinful by nature and choice. Man
continues today as totally depraved, without any inherent
righteousness or the ability to produce such righteousness of
himself which could merit God's favor. Man became subject to the
curse of sin and its consequences which include spiritual
death immediately (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1), suffering
(Romans 8:22,23) physical death (Hebrews 9:27), and eventually
the second death (Revelation 20:11-15). By faith in Christ alone,
man is able to be restored to the original creation of man in part
now (II Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10), and eventually in the
whole at the resurrection (Romans 8:19-23; I Corinthians
15:51-54; Philippians 3:21).
Salvation
Salvation is granted to people by God apart from works and upon
the basis of faith alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). Biblical faith involves
repentance, having a change of mind toward sin (particularly the
sin of rejecting Christ) and the Saviour (Luke 24:47; 13:3; Acts
26:20). The natural response of the person who has been truly
saved is public confession of Christ (John 4:29; cf. Matthew
10:32,33). Christ is recognized as Lord at the point of salvation
(Romans 10:9), but with the allowance of gradual growth in Christ
(not to the extreme of "Lordship salvation"). Salvation is by faith
alone. Salvation results in a life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; I
John 3:24). God gives assurance of salvation to the believer (John
10:28,29; II Timothy 2:13; I John 5:12,13). There is no reason for the
believing person to fear the loss of his salvation, for he is secure in
Christ. To reject Christ's salvation is to, upon physical death,
embrace a literal hell and eventually the lake of fire (Luke 16:19-31;
Revelation 20:11-15). Salvation is both initiated by God's calling
and received by man's choice.
The Church
The Bible speaks of both the universal (Ephesians 3:19-22;
4:12,15,16; Colossians 1:18) and local church (I Corinthians 1:3
and others). The universal church is the body of believers saved
during New Testament times and is distinct from the nation of
Israel. The local church is a group of believers organized for the
purposes of edification through preaching, teaching, and
fellowship (Ephesians 4:11-13) and evangelism (II Corinthians
5:18-21). The primary leader of the local church is the pastor
whose duties are to feed the "sheep of his flock" (I Peter 5:2), be an
example to the "flock" (I Peter 5:3), and protect his "flock" (people)
from false teachers and sinning brethren (Acts 20:28-32: I Timothy
4:16). The deacons are to serve with the pastor in leading the
church. The ordinances of the church are baptism {performed by
the pastor with the new believer by immersion in water for the
purpose of obeying the Lord's commandment (Matthew 28:19) and
identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-5)} and the Lord's Supper (in
which the bread and cup are distributed and consumed by
obedient believers for the purpose of symbolically commemorating
the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross and
looking forward to the Lord's return-- I Corinthians 11:17-34).
Neither of the ordinances is a means of saving grace.
The church faces the particular problems of the growing apostasy
and compromise due to the toleration of and cooperation with false
teachers by some true Christians. Liberal and Neo-Orthodox
leaders are false teachers and are to be withdrawn from by
believers (I Timothy 6:3-5; II John 9-10). The New Evangelicals
disobey the clear teaching of the Bible to break with false teachers
and instead cooperate with them. Therefore, New Evangelicals are
persistently sinning brethren. Since persistently sinning brethren
are to be separated from for the purposes of restoring the sinning
brethren and preserving the church, Fundamentalists must
separate from New Evangelicals (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians
5:1-13; II Thessalonians 3:6-15).
Last Things
Not all issues concerning the doctrine of future happenings are
crystal clear. What we do know beyond question is that both dead
and living believers will be changed into glorified bodies to live in a
state of eternal bliss in the presence of the Lord (I Corinthians
15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18), and that after the world has
been thoroughly scourged by a just God (Revelation 4-19), the
unbelievers and Satan will be cast into a place called the "lake of
fire" to remain eternally (Revelation 20:11-15). The order of events
is most likely as follows:
Article V -- Membership
Section 1: Joining
The membership of Calvary Bible Chapel shall be composed of
only those who have been baptized by immersion in water. Any
individual desiring to join should:
Section 2: Attendance
Members are expected to attend faithfully the regular services of
the Calvary Bible Chapel unless providentially hindered (Hebrews
10:25). Dismissal from church membership due to persistent lack
of attendance will be handled according to Article VIII.
Article VI -- Pastor, Officers, and Teachers
Section 1: Pastor, officer, and teacher standards
Every officer and teacher must have a testimony that is beyond
question. No unfavorable reflection must be brought upon the Lord
or the ministry of the Word by an officer or teacher's worldliness.
Therefore, every officer and teacher must pledge to abstain from
worldliness in action and attitude, including refraining from drinking
alcoholic beverages, using tobacco in any form, taking illegal
drugs, listening to rock music, going to the movie theater,
gambling, dancing, dressing immodestly, and wearing long hair
(men). All officers and teachers are expected to be spiritually
minded believers who are faithful in attendance at church
meetings unless providentially hindered. If at any time the pastor
and deacons determine that an officer or teacher is unfaithful to his
responsibilities or is not living up to these standards, they may
approach the person about the need to change his behavior. If after
a reasonable amount of time for change, the person's actions are
still not satisfactory, the person may be removed from office. Of
course, any officer or teacher may remove himself from office at
any time by serving notice to the deacon board and would be
expected to do so if that one could no longer perform his duties or
live up to the required standards. However, under normal
circumstances an officer or teacher is expected to serve his
elected term.
Section 2: Pastor
The pastor shall be the chief spiritual leader and administrative
officer of the church. He shall hold office at the pleasure of the
congregation. He shall oversee all church functions, shall be an ex
officio member of every church committee and organization, and
shall carry out the purposes and covenant of the church.
The church shall call a pastor in the following manner. The
deacons shall select a pulpit committee composed of two men
from the deacons, two from the trustees, and two individuals from
the congregation. This pulpit committee must be approved by a
majority vote of the church present at a regular or special called
business meeting. The pulpit committee shall seek the Lord's will
by much prayer. The candidate shall give sound evidence of being
a God-called man of God who has clear scriptural qualifications.
After hearing him preach and interviewing him publicly, the church
shall vote on his taking the pastorate. He shall be elected by 75
percent of the congregation present to vote, a quorum, of course,
being necessary before voting. The pulpit committee will inform the
candidate of the vote, indicating the exact percentage in favor of
him if the vote should pass. Before accepting the call, the
candidate must also sense the Lord's leading in the matter. Only
one man may be considered at a time. Only when the need occurs
and the membership approves the deacon's selection of a pulpit
committee shall a pulpit committee act. The pastor may be
removed from office by recommendation of a majority of the
deacon board and by vote of a majority of the congregation who are
present to vote. Two week's notice of a meeting to remove the
pastor must be given.
Section 3: Deacons
Deacons must be men who meet the scriptural qualifications for
the office as set forth by example in Acts 6:1-7 and by command in I
Timothy 3:8-13 and shall have been active members for at least six
months. Deacons must be "blameless" and the "husband of one
wife" and, therefore, not divorced. Deacons must have positive
Christian testimonies in all personal and public matters. Deacons
shall be elected at the annual business meeting to serve a
one-year term. Nominations for deacons shall be made by the
pastor and active deacons to the church congregation at least one
week in advance of the annual business meeting.
The Board of Deacons shall carry out such administrative
business and spiritual responsibilities as shall from time to time
be delegated to the Board of Deacons by the congregation. The
general purpose of the deacons is to, as much as possible and
practical, relieve the pastor from responsibilities which distract him
from giving himself "continually to prayer, and the ministry of the
Word" (Acts 6:4). The pastor is to oversee the work of the deacons
and shall be the moderator of their meetings.
Deacons' meetings shall be held monthly (unless there is no
business) or whenever there is a need.
Section 4: Trustees
Trustees shall serve as a clearinghouse for all items of business,
which are to come before the congregation for final decision and
shall carry out such responsibility as shall from time to time be
delegated by the congregation. These men are the officers of the
church in legal matters, and they act only by direction of the
congregation.
Trustees shall be elected at the annual business meeting to serve
a one-year term.
Section 5: Clerk
The clerk (man or woman) shall be elected at the annual business
meeting for a one-year term. The clerk shall take minutes and
preserve records of the business proceeding of the church. The
clerk maintains the record of the church's membership. All names
of members are added to or deleted from the church roll at the
direction of the church. He shall keep a register of the names of
members with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together
with baptisms.
Section 6: Treasurer
The treasurer (man or woman) shall be elected for a one-year term
at the annual business meeting. He is responsible to keep an
accurate account of all monetary receipts and disbursements. He
is to present financial statements at the regular and annual
business meetings and at the special called meetings when the
reports are needed. Financial records are to be available to the
pastor and deacons upon request or by others designated to
examine them. The treasurer shall be bonded. The treasurer shall
count the offering with the financial secretary.
Section 7: Financial Secretary
The financial secretary (man or woman) shall be elected for a
one-year term at the annual business meeting. He is responsible
for keeping records of all monetary gifts of members and others
that contribute. He shall send to each donor annually, or upon
request of the donor, a copy of the record of the person's
contributions. Giving records are to be kept strictly confidential by
the secretary.
Section 8: Sunday School Superintendent
The Sunday school superintendent (man only) shall be elected at
the annual business meeting to serve a term of one year. He shall
oversee the Sunday school program by ordering materials,
keeping attendance records, checking to see that teachers are on
time, directing people to classes, and performing other needed
duties. All the duties of the superintendent are to be carried out
with the cooperation and approval of the pastor.
Article VII -- Business Meetings
Section 1: General procedure
The business of Calvary Bible Chapel shall be carried out
according to the following procedure. Major suggestions or
proposals concerning church business must be made first to the
board of trustees in person or in writing by a church member.
Matters of church business shall be by majority vote of the
congregation except where otherwise stated. Areas needing a
majority vote include voting in members; acquiring buildings,
property, and equipment; electing church officers, approving a
budget; supporting a missionary.
Section 2: Regular business meetings
Regular business meetings of the church shall be held in January,
April, July, and October unless otherwise voted by the church.
These business meetings shall be announced from the pulpit two
Sundays prior to the meetings.
Section 3: Special meetings
Special meetings shall be called for by the pastor or a majority of
the deacons. Special meetings may be called at any time provided
notice is given two weeks before the special meeting. A two week
notice must be given before voting on a pastor's calling or
dismissal.
Section 4: Annual Business meeting
The annual business meeting for adopting the proposed budget
shall be held during the quarterly meeting in January. The church
fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and conclude on December 31.
Section 5: Moderator
The pastor shall moderate all business meetings. In his absence
a moderator pro tem may be appointed by the pastor.
Section 6: Quorum
In all business meetings not less than a majority (over 50 percent)
of the members shall be considered a quorum.
Section 7: Rescheduling
Meetings may be rescheduled by the pastor or by a majority vote of
the congregation.
Section 8: Voting
Only those members 16 years of age or older may vote.
Section 9: Parliamentary procedure
Church business meetings will follow Robert's Rules of Order.
Article VIII -- Church Discipline
Section 1: General
The church must properly, lovingly, but firmly exercise church
discipline against those members who in the judgment of the
pastor and deacons have persisted in sinful behavior. The
procedure shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17, allowing
reasonable time for repentance after every effort has been made to
bring the person to correct the sinful behavior.
Section 2: Pastor
No accusation shall be received against a pastor except by the
written testimony of not less than two witnesses submitted to the
Board of Deacons. Should the accusations be true, the pastor
shall be admonished in love by the Board of Deacons. If he does
not take heed or if the misconduct is considered worthy of
dismissal, the Board of Deacons shall refer the matter to the
church with their recommendation and the congregation may vote
his discharge with some financial consideration (I Timothy
5:19; Colossians 4:17).
Section 3: Brethren
If a member feels he has been wronged by another member, he
should attempt personal correction (Matthew 18:15). If this fails, he
should take others with him as witnesses (Matthew 18:16). If this
fails, he should bring the matter to the Board of Deacons who shall
investigate, and if found warranted , take disciplinary action
(Matthew 18:17). If the charges are found unwarranted, the accuser
shall be admonished by the Board of Deacons according to
Scripture. If an accusation worthy of discipline is brought to the
pastor and deacons against a member, the deacons shall
investigate and pray for this member, and in love admonish him
with the facts. If this trespass is repeated without repentance, he
should be brought before the Board of Deacons for further
disciplinary action. If he repents, he may be put on probation, but if
that be violated he should be dismissed by the Board of Deacons.
Section 4: Dismissal
The following cases are grounds for dismissal: fornication,
covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, extortion (I
Corinthians 5:11), adultery (Romans 13:9), disorderliness (II
Thessalonians 3:6,14), unscriptural teaching (I Timothy 6:3-5),
heresy (Titus 3:10-11), serious violation of the Church Covenant,
and such when there is no repentance.
Section 5: Attitude
All disciplinary actions shall be accomplished by the Board of
Deacons after prayer in the spirit of meekness, and with the honest
hope of gaining the brother (Galatians 6:1). Yet sin or false
teaching must not and will not be tolerated.
Article IX -- Affiliation
This church is organized as an independent, fundamental Baptist
church. It shall remain independent and shall never be organically
joined to any ecclesiastical organization or in any way identified or
part of a denomination or association of churches. This paragraph
may not be altered or amended in any way.
Article X -- Amendments
Amendments to this constitution shall be made upon
recommendation of the deacons and by approval of 75 percent of
those church members who are present to vote. Proposed
changes must be submitted to church members in writing two
weeks prior to the vote.
Article XI -- Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Morris County Calvary Bible
Chapel as a non-profit corporation, first, all of its debts shall be
fully satisfied. Then the assets of this church shall be given to one
or more non-profit organizations of like faith and practice, which are
in agreement with its beliefs and principles, and which would
qualify under the provision and regulations of Section 501 c 3 of the
1954 Internal Revenue Code.
The name of this corporation shall be "Morris County Calvary Bible
Chapel, Inc."
Article II -- Corporate Purposes
The purpose of this corporation is religious. This includes owning
and operating a Christian church whose object shall be to
maintain worship, preach and teach Christian doctrine and
ethics, spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, advance the cause of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in accordance with the Holy
Scriptures. This corporation shall not be operated for a
profit and shall have all of the powers and authorities conferred
upon eleemosynary corporations conferred by the State of New
Jersey.
Article III -- Church Covenant
As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been baptized by
immersion in water, we do solemnly covenant together in the
presence of God to do the following by the grace of God
and to the best of our ability:
A. To maintain the church's purposes as stated in the articles of
incorporation, which are to evangelize the lost through local,
regional, national, and worldwide missions and to edify believers
through a strong Bible preaching and teaching ministry and to
keep these purposes in a healthy balance: Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8;
and Acts 20:27-32.
goal is to bring glory to God (1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31;
Ephesians 3:21), whose chief attention is given to Jesus Christ
(Colossians 1:18), and whose doctrine and practice are
Bible-based (2 Timothy 1:13).
C. To maintain the church's doctrinal soundness and purity as well as
its pure fundamentalism by affirming and giving special attention to the
fundamentals of the historic Christian faith as given in the statement of
faith, particularly the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the Bible,
God's Word (2 Timothy 3:13-4:4), and by separating religious
association from all church and religious organizations, movements,
and meetings which deny, distort, or compromise the fundamentals
including Roman Catholics, Protestant liberals, the Neo-orthodox, New
Evangelicals, Pseudo-fundamentalists, charismatics, cultists, and all
other unbiblical groups which may arise (1 Timothy 6:3 and 2 John
10,11).
D. To maintain the church's priority for a strong Bible preaching
and teaching ministry by recognizing the first and highest priority of the
pastoral ministry to be the preparation for messages and
preaching of God's Word, with the pastor also giving his other
pastoral duties (visiting, administration, etc.) their proper place
(Acts 6:4; Ephesian 4:11,12: 2 Timothy 4:2).
E. To maintain the church's spiritual power and fervency through
personally and corporately believing in God to work through us (2
Corinthians 3:5), studying and obeying God's Word (2 Timothy
2:15), praying (Ephesians 6:18), worshipping (Revelation 22:9),
loving the Lord (Mark 12:30), fearing the Lord (Acts 5:11), and living a
holy life, which includes both separation from the world's sinful activities
and separation unto God for service (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:1-2).
F. To maintain the church's biblical leadership structure by
submitting to the leadership of the pastor, who is the
undershepherd of the flock, and by having deacons who work in
cooperation with the pastor (1 Peter 5:2-5; Hebrews 13:17; Acts
6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).
G. To maintain the church's effective functioning by stressing the
need for members to carry out their relational responsibilities (See "one
another" passages in the New Testament.) and the importance of
properly exercising their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Corinthians
12; Romans 12:3-8).
H. To maintain the church's love for people by constantly developing
and contributing to an atmosphere of fellowship, encouragement, care,
and friendliness (Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 12:25).
I. To maintain the church's unity by being courteous in speech,
being slow to take offense, refraining from unconstructive criticism,
taking constructive criticism only to the proper person (in most cases
the pastor or the deacons), being always ready for reconciliation
(Ephesians 4:30-5:2; Colossians 4:6; Matthew 18:15-17; Matthew 5:23-
24).
J. To maintain the church's financial freedom by contributing to its
ministry in accordance with God's Word and as personally led by the
Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9) and by following
sensible guidelines in the church's financial matters (building
programs, etc.; Luke 14:28).
K. To maintain the church's alertness to and outspoken confrontation of
spiritual, moral, social, and family issues with clear, biblical answers in
order to protect believers (Acts 20:27-32) and to act as a preserving
force (Matthew 5:13) and an exposing force (Ephesians 5:11).
L. To maintain the church's purity by exercising the principles of
church discipline against persistently sinning members as set
forth in the New Testament (Matthew 18:15-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2
Thessalonians 3:6-15).
M. To maintain the church's future by calling pastors and staff
members, electing deacons, and choosing church leaders who
joyfully and wholeheartedly embrace and follow the tenets of this
church covenant (Romans 16:17), as well as voting in as new
members only those who agree with the church's purposes,
covenant, and statement of faith.
Article IV -- Statement of Faith
The Word of God
The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:20,21; John 10:36). Inspiration refers to the process
whereby God breathed out the words of Holy Scripture by moving
holy men of God to speak and/or record His words accurately with
the final product being an inerrant Bible in the original manuscripts.
The Bible is true not only as it speaks of salvation, but also as it
speaks of history, science, and philosophy. It is truth without any
mixture of error. It is the sole basis of authority for the believer in
faith and practice.
God
God is three Persons, all equal One to the Others, and existing in
One Being (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4).
The three Persons of the Godhead are the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit. God is the Creator of the universe and its inhabitants
(Genesis 1:1-2:5). He created the universe and its inhabitants by
direct action, the word of His mouth, not by the means espoused
by the theories of theistic evolution or evolution. He is eternal,
sovereign, holy, just, immutable, omniscient, omnipotent,
omnipresent, true, merciful, and loving.
God the Father
He is the Father over all creation (Acts 17:29), of the nation of Israel
(Exodus 4:22), of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17), and of
believers in Christ (Galatians 3:26).
God the Son
The Son of God is the Word (Logos) which was made flesh (John
1:1-14), born of a virgin and conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew
1:16-25). He is both all God and all man (God-- John 1:1, Romans
9:5; Man-- Romans 1:3,4; both God and man--John 1:1-14,
Romans 9:5). He is the Saviour of all those who place their trust in
Him to forgive their sins (John 3:16). He is the Head of the Church,
which is His body (Ephesians 4:12; 5:23,30).
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Person of the Trinity Who reveals to men their
need of Christ as well as reveals Christ Himself to Men (John
16:7-15). He is the One Who moved holy men of old to speak the
Word of God (II Peter 1:20,21). He baptizes believers into the body
of Christ (I Corinthians 12:11). He fills (Ephesians 5:18), indwells (I
Corinthians 6:19), leads (Romans 8:14), assures (Romans 8:16),
and prays for believers (Romans 8:26).
Man
In his original state in the Garden of Eden, man was sinless
(Romans 5:12). Through the sin of Adam, man fell from that
original state, thus becoming sinful by nature and choice. Man
continues today as totally depraved, without any inherent
righteousness or the ability to produce such righteousness of
himself which could merit God's favor. Man became subject to the
curse of sin and its consequences which include spiritual
death immediately (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1), suffering
(Romans 8:22,23) physical death (Hebrews 9:27), and eventually
the second death (Revelation 20:11-15). By faith in Christ alone,
man is able to be restored to the original creation of man in part
now (II Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10), and eventually in the
whole at the resurrection (Romans 8:19-23; I Corinthians
15:51-54; Philippians 3:21).
Salvation
Salvation is granted to people by God apart from works and upon
the basis of faith alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). Biblical faith involves
repentance, having a change of mind toward sin (particularly the
sin of rejecting Christ) and the Saviour (Luke 24:47; 13:3; Acts
26:20). The natural response of the person who has been truly
saved is public confession of Christ (John 4:29; cf. Matthew
10:32,33). Christ is recognized as Lord at the point of salvation
(Romans 10:9), but with the allowance of gradual growth in Christ
(not to the extreme of "Lordship salvation"). Salvation is by faith
alone. Salvation results in a life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; I
John 3:24). God gives assurance of salvation to the believer (John
10:28,29; II Timothy 2:13; I John 5:12,13). There is no reason for the
believing person to fear the loss of his salvation, for he is secure in
Christ. To reject Christ's salvation is to, upon physical death,
embrace a literal hell and eventually the lake of fire (Luke 16:19-31;
Revelation 20:11-15). Salvation is both initiated by God's calling
and received by man's choice.
The Church
The Bible speaks of both the universal (Ephesians 3:19-22;
4:12,15,16; Colossians 1:18) and local church (I Corinthians 1:3
and others). The universal church is the body of believers saved
during New Testament times and is distinct from the nation of
Israel. The local church is a group of believers organized for the
purposes of edification through preaching, teaching, and
fellowship (Ephesians 4:11-13) and evangelism (II Corinthians
5:18-21). The primary leader of the local church is the pastor
whose duties are to feed the "sheep of his flock" (I Peter 5:2), be an
example to the "flock" (I Peter 5:3), and protect his "flock" (people)
from false teachers and sinning brethren (Acts 20:28-32: I Timothy
4:16). The deacons are to serve with the pastor in leading the
church. The ordinances of the church are baptism {performed by
the pastor with the new believer by immersion in water for the
purpose of obeying the Lord's commandment (Matthew 28:19) and
identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-5)} and the Lord's Supper (in
which the bread and cup are distributed and consumed by
obedient believers for the purpose of symbolically commemorating
the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross and
looking forward to the Lord's return-- I Corinthians 11:17-34).
Neither of the ordinances is a means of saving grace.
The church faces the particular problems of the growing apostasy
and compromise due to the toleration of and cooperation with false
teachers by some true Christians. Liberal and Neo-Orthodox
leaders are false teachers and are to be withdrawn from by
believers (I Timothy 6:3-5; II John 9-10). The New Evangelicals
disobey the clear teaching of the Bible to break with false teachers
and instead cooperate with them. Therefore, New Evangelicals are
persistently sinning brethren. Since persistently sinning brethren
are to be separated from for the purposes of restoring the sinning
brethren and preserving the church, Fundamentalists must
separate from New Evangelicals (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians
5:1-13; II Thessalonians 3:6-15).
Last Things
Not all issues concerning the doctrine of future happenings are
crystal clear. What we do know beyond question is that both dead
and living believers will be changed into glorified bodies to live in a
state of eternal bliss in the presence of the Lord (I Corinthians
15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18), and that after the world has
been thoroughly scourged by a just God (Revelation 4-19), the
unbelievers and Satan will be cast into a place called the "lake of
fire" to remain eternally (Revelation 20:11-15). The order of events
is most likely as follows:
- 1. The rapture of the church up to heaven to the judgment seat of
Christ for the judging of lives for rewards, not retribution, and the
subsequent "marriage of the Lamb" (I Corinthians 3:13-15; I
Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:1-10)
2. The seven year tribulation period upon the earth in which the
Jews through suffering are prepared for the second advent of
their Messiah, Jesus Christ (Revelation 4-19)
3. The ending of this seven year period in the Battle of
Armageddon, in which God conquers the nations of the earth and
forces of darkness (Revelation 19)
4. The 1,000 year literal reign of Jesus Christ upon the earth
(Revelation 20:1-6)
5. A final rebellion of Satan and men against God which is put
down and ends in Satan being cast into the lake of fire
(Revelation 20:7-10)
6. The Great White Throne Judgment in which God judges
sinners and turns them into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15)
7. The appearance of a new heaven and new earth and the
heavenly city of Jerusalem for the abode of the saved (Revelation
21:1-22:5).
Article V -- Membership
Section 1: Joining
The membership of Calvary Bible Chapel shall be composed of
only those who have been baptized by immersion in water. Any
individual desiring to join should:
- 1. Publicly state desire to join by coming forward at the invitation
of any service and asking to apply for membership by:
- a. profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Saviour,
having already been baptized by immersion.
- b. profession of faith as a candidate for baptism.
- 2. Read the constitution. Anyone wishing to join the church must
agree with the church's purposes, covenant, statement of faith,
and constitution and bylaws.
- 3. Meet with the pastor and deacons to give evidence of meeting
qualifications of membership. The pastor and deacons will
recommend for membership to the church those who fulfill the
requirements, and the church will then vote.
Section 2: Attendance
Members are expected to attend faithfully the regular services of
the Calvary Bible Chapel unless providentially hindered (Hebrews
10:25). Dismissal from church membership due to persistent lack
of attendance will be handled according to Article VIII.
Article VI -- Pastor, Officers, and Teachers
Section 1: Pastor, officer, and teacher standards
Every officer and teacher must have a testimony that is beyond
question. No unfavorable reflection must be brought upon the Lord
or the ministry of the Word by an officer or teacher's worldliness.
Therefore, every officer and teacher must pledge to abstain from
worldliness in action and attitude, including refraining from drinking
alcoholic beverages, using tobacco in any form, taking illegal
drugs, listening to rock music, going to the movie theater,
gambling, dancing, dressing immodestly, and wearing long hair
(men). All officers and teachers are expected to be spiritually
minded believers who are faithful in attendance at church
meetings unless providentially hindered. If at any time the pastor
and deacons determine that an officer or teacher is unfaithful to his
responsibilities or is not living up to these standards, they may
approach the person about the need to change his behavior. If after
a reasonable amount of time for change, the person's actions are
still not satisfactory, the person may be removed from office. Of
course, any officer or teacher may remove himself from office at
any time by serving notice to the deacon board and would be
expected to do so if that one could no longer perform his duties or
live up to the required standards. However, under normal
circumstances an officer or teacher is expected to serve his
elected term.
Section 2: Pastor
The pastor shall be the chief spiritual leader and administrative
officer of the church. He shall hold office at the pleasure of the
congregation. He shall oversee all church functions, shall be an ex
officio member of every church committee and organization, and
shall carry out the purposes and covenant of the church.
The church shall call a pastor in the following manner. The
deacons shall select a pulpit committee composed of two men
from the deacons, two from the trustees, and two individuals from
the congregation. This pulpit committee must be approved by a
majority vote of the church present at a regular or special called
business meeting. The pulpit committee shall seek the Lord's will
by much prayer. The candidate shall give sound evidence of being
a God-called man of God who has clear scriptural qualifications.
After hearing him preach and interviewing him publicly, the church
shall vote on his taking the pastorate. He shall be elected by 75
percent of the congregation present to vote, a quorum, of course,
being necessary before voting. The pulpit committee will inform the
candidate of the vote, indicating the exact percentage in favor of
him if the vote should pass. Before accepting the call, the
candidate must also sense the Lord's leading in the matter. Only
one man may be considered at a time. Only when the need occurs
and the membership approves the deacon's selection of a pulpit
committee shall a pulpit committee act. The pastor may be
removed from office by recommendation of a majority of the
deacon board and by vote of a majority of the congregation who are
present to vote. Two week's notice of a meeting to remove the
pastor must be given.
Section 3: Deacons
Deacons must be men who meet the scriptural qualifications for
the office as set forth by example in Acts 6:1-7 and by command in I
Timothy 3:8-13 and shall have been active members for at least six
months. Deacons must be "blameless" and the "husband of one
wife" and, therefore, not divorced. Deacons must have positive
Christian testimonies in all personal and public matters. Deacons
shall be elected at the annual business meeting to serve a
one-year term. Nominations for deacons shall be made by the
pastor and active deacons to the church congregation at least one
week in advance of the annual business meeting.
The Board of Deacons shall carry out such administrative
business and spiritual responsibilities as shall from time to time
be delegated to the Board of Deacons by the congregation. The
general purpose of the deacons is to, as much as possible and
practical, relieve the pastor from responsibilities which distract him
from giving himself "continually to prayer, and the ministry of the
Word" (Acts 6:4). The pastor is to oversee the work of the deacons
and shall be the moderator of their meetings.
Deacons' meetings shall be held monthly (unless there is no
business) or whenever there is a need.
Section 4: Trustees
Trustees shall serve as a clearinghouse for all items of business,
which are to come before the congregation for final decision and
shall carry out such responsibility as shall from time to time be
delegated by the congregation. These men are the officers of the
church in legal matters, and they act only by direction of the
congregation.
Trustees shall be elected at the annual business meeting to serve
a one-year term.
Section 5: Clerk
The clerk (man or woman) shall be elected at the annual business
meeting for a one-year term. The clerk shall take minutes and
preserve records of the business proceeding of the church. The
clerk maintains the record of the church's membership. All names
of members are added to or deleted from the church roll at the
direction of the church. He shall keep a register of the names of
members with dates of admission, dismissal, or death, together
with baptisms.
Section 6: Treasurer
The treasurer (man or woman) shall be elected for a one-year term
at the annual business meeting. He is responsible to keep an
accurate account of all monetary receipts and disbursements. He
is to present financial statements at the regular and annual
business meetings and at the special called meetings when the
reports are needed. Financial records are to be available to the
pastor and deacons upon request or by others designated to
examine them. The treasurer shall be bonded. The treasurer shall
count the offering with the financial secretary.
Section 7: Financial Secretary
The financial secretary (man or woman) shall be elected for a
one-year term at the annual business meeting. He is responsible
for keeping records of all monetary gifts of members and others
that contribute. He shall send to each donor annually, or upon
request of the donor, a copy of the record of the person's
contributions. Giving records are to be kept strictly confidential by
the secretary.
Section 8: Sunday School Superintendent
The Sunday school superintendent (man only) shall be elected at
the annual business meeting to serve a term of one year. He shall
oversee the Sunday school program by ordering materials,
keeping attendance records, checking to see that teachers are on
time, directing people to classes, and performing other needed
duties. All the duties of the superintendent are to be carried out
with the cooperation and approval of the pastor.
Article VII -- Business Meetings
Section 1: General procedure
The business of Calvary Bible Chapel shall be carried out
according to the following procedure. Major suggestions or
proposals concerning church business must be made first to the
board of trustees in person or in writing by a church member.
Matters of church business shall be by majority vote of the
congregation except where otherwise stated. Areas needing a
majority vote include voting in members; acquiring buildings,
property, and equipment; electing church officers, approving a
budget; supporting a missionary.
Section 2: Regular business meetings
Regular business meetings of the church shall be held in January,
April, July, and October unless otherwise voted by the church.
These business meetings shall be announced from the pulpit two
Sundays prior to the meetings.
Section 3: Special meetings
Special meetings shall be called for by the pastor or a majority of
the deacons. Special meetings may be called at any time provided
notice is given two weeks before the special meeting. A two week
notice must be given before voting on a pastor's calling or
dismissal.
Section 4: Annual Business meeting
The annual business meeting for adopting the proposed budget
shall be held during the quarterly meeting in January. The church
fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and conclude on December 31.
Section 5: Moderator
The pastor shall moderate all business meetings. In his absence
a moderator pro tem may be appointed by the pastor.
Section 6: Quorum
In all business meetings not less than a majority (over 50 percent)
of the members shall be considered a quorum.
Section 7: Rescheduling
Meetings may be rescheduled by the pastor or by a majority vote of
the congregation.
Section 8: Voting
Only those members 16 years of age or older may vote.
Section 9: Parliamentary procedure
Church business meetings will follow Robert's Rules of Order.
Article VIII -- Church Discipline
Section 1: General
The church must properly, lovingly, but firmly exercise church
discipline against those members who in the judgment of the
pastor and deacons have persisted in sinful behavior. The
procedure shall be according to Matthew 18:15-17, allowing
reasonable time for repentance after every effort has been made to
bring the person to correct the sinful behavior.
Section 2: Pastor
No accusation shall be received against a pastor except by the
written testimony of not less than two witnesses submitted to the
Board of Deacons. Should the accusations be true, the pastor
shall be admonished in love by the Board of Deacons. If he does
not take heed or if the misconduct is considered worthy of
dismissal, the Board of Deacons shall refer the matter to the
church with their recommendation and the congregation may vote
his discharge with some financial consideration (I Timothy
5:19; Colossians 4:17).
Section 3: Brethren
If a member feels he has been wronged by another member, he
should attempt personal correction (Matthew 18:15). If this fails, he
should take others with him as witnesses (Matthew 18:16). If this
fails, he should bring the matter to the Board of Deacons who shall
investigate, and if found warranted , take disciplinary action
(Matthew 18:17). If the charges are found unwarranted, the accuser
shall be admonished by the Board of Deacons according to
Scripture. If an accusation worthy of discipline is brought to the
pastor and deacons against a member, the deacons shall
investigate and pray for this member, and in love admonish him
with the facts. If this trespass is repeated without repentance, he
should be brought before the Board of Deacons for further
disciplinary action. If he repents, he may be put on probation, but if
that be violated he should be dismissed by the Board of Deacons.
Section 4: Dismissal
The following cases are grounds for dismissal: fornication,
covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, extortion (I
Corinthians 5:11), adultery (Romans 13:9), disorderliness (II
Thessalonians 3:6,14), unscriptural teaching (I Timothy 6:3-5),
heresy (Titus 3:10-11), serious violation of the Church Covenant,
and such when there is no repentance.
Section 5: Attitude
All disciplinary actions shall be accomplished by the Board of
Deacons after prayer in the spirit of meekness, and with the honest
hope of gaining the brother (Galatians 6:1). Yet sin or false
teaching must not and will not be tolerated.
Article IX -- Affiliation
This church is organized as an independent, fundamental Baptist
church. It shall remain independent and shall never be organically
joined to any ecclesiastical organization or in any way identified or
part of a denomination or association of churches. This paragraph
may not be altered or amended in any way.
Article X -- Amendments
Amendments to this constitution shall be made upon
recommendation of the deacons and by approval of 75 percent of
those church members who are present to vote. Proposed
changes must be submitted to church members in writing two
weeks prior to the vote.
Article XI -- Dissolution
In the event of the dissolution of the Morris County Calvary Bible
Chapel as a non-profit corporation, first, all of its debts shall be
fully satisfied. Then the assets of this church shall be given to one
or more non-profit organizations of like faith and practice, which are
in agreement with its beliefs and principles, and which would
qualify under the provision and regulations of Section 501 c 3 of the
1954 Internal Revenue Code.