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Constitution of Covenant Baptist Church -––––
Preamble
It has pleased Almighty God, by His Holy
Spirit, to call certain of His servants to unite together in 2002 under
the name Covenant Baptist Church of Henderson Ky. for the purpose of the
worship of God and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We, the
members of Covenant Baptist Church do hereby organize ourselves and adopt
this Constitution as our articles of governance, to be interpreted at all
times to bring glory to God and the Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in the
Holy Bible and articulated in the Statement of Faith and Covenant of this
church.
Article I - Name
The name of this church is Covenant Baptist
Church of Henderson KY.
Article 2 - Affiliations
Covenant Baptist Church is voluntarily
affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Kentucky Baptist
Convention, and the Green Valley Association.
Article 3 - Purpose
3.1 The foundation of this church is the Lord
Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20), and He guides His church in all affairs
through the Holy Scriptures (Psalm 119; 2 Tim. 3:15-17). Therefore the purpose
of this church is to glorify God through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy
Spirit (Isa. 43:7; Eph. 1:6, 12,14).
3.2 We believe the chief functions of this
church, as revealed in the scriptures to be: worship (John 4:23), discipleship
(1 Cor. 14:26; 2 Peter 3:18) and missions (Matt. 5:16; 28:18-20; 1 Pet. 2:9;
3:15).
3.3 In order to remain true to our Lord and His
Word, this church must be marked by preaching the whole counsel of God (Acts
17:27; 2 Tim. 4:1-2), administering baptism (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:1-4) and the
Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-29), and practicing formative (1 Thess.
5:14; 1 Tim. 5:1; Tit. 2:15) and corrective discipline (Matt.18:15-20; 1 Cor.
5:1-5).
Article 4 - Membership
Section 1 - Qualifications
To qualify for membership in this church, a
person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of repentance and
faith, and has been baptized in obedience to Christ. The following questions
must be answered in the affirmative in an interview with an Elder(s) and before
the congregation upon being received into fellowship with this church:
1. Do you acknowledge yourself to be
a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His wrath, and without hope apart
from His sovereign mercy?
2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ as the Son of God, and only Savior of sinners, and do you receive and
rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
3. Do you now resolve and promise, in
humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to
live as becomes the followers of Christ?
4. Do you promise to support the
church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
5. Do you submit yourselves to the
government and discipline of this church, and promise to pursue its purity and
peace as outline in this Church’s Covenant?
Section 2 - Admission of Members
To be admitted into church membership,
applicants shall be recommended by the elders for admission and accepted by vote
of at least 75% of the members present at any regular or special meeting of the
members. At that point newly elected members shall relinquish their membership
in other churches.
The normal process for
becoming a member is:
1.
attendance and completion of the
“distinctives class”
2.
informal visit with an elder to
express their desire for membership
3.
appear before the church at which
time a vote is taken on the candidate for membership.
Those applying for membership may be received as
members by baptism or letter of transfer and completion of the normal process
for membership. A statement of faith may suffice in the event that a letter of
transfer is not obtainable.
Section 3 - Duties and Privileges of Membership
4.3.1 In accord with the duties enumerated in
the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate
in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God's
leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from
God. Only those shall be entitled to lead in the ministries of the church who
are members of this congregation. Associate members (see section 4), upon
approval of the elders, may serve in some ministry positions.
4.3.2 It is the privilege and responsibility of
members to attend all members' meetings and vote on the election of officers, on
decisions regarding membership status, and on such other matters as may be
submitted to a vote.
Section 4 - Associate Membership
4.4.1. Persons who are members of an evangelical church may apply for associate
membership. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set
out above, except that home church membership will be retained.
4.4.2 Duties and privileges of associate members
are the same as for other members except that:
1. there may be a period of time when they are
released from their responsibilities to attend our church services;
2. while they will be encouraged to participate
in members' meetings, they will not be eligible to stand for any office or to
vote.
4.4.3 Termination of associate membership as a
disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members (see section 5), except
that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that
termination. Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the
change of residence from the area or upon the request of that person to an
elder(s).
Section 5 - On Church Discipline
4.5.1 Formative discipline is inherent in the
preaching, teaching, and exercise of other ministries in the church. When
formative discipline fails due to sin, corrective discipline is then necessary.
Corrective discipline is for the good of the church and the member who has
sinned. It is never to be entered into lightly or quickly. The goal of
corrective discipline is always remedial and restorative; that is, the goal is
always the salvation, holiness, and good of the one being disciplined.
4.5.2 Any member consistently neglectful of his
or her duties or guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject
to the admonition of the elders and the discipline of the church, according to
the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the example of scripture.
Church discipline, then, should only be contemplated after individual private
admonition has failed. (See Appendix A)
4.5.3 The purpose of such discipline should be:
1. For the repentance, reconciliation, and
spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Heb. 12:1-11; Matt. 18:15-17;
1 Cor. 5:5; Gal. 6:1);
2. For the instruction in righteousness and good
of other Christians, as an example to them (1 Cor. 5:11; 1 Tim. 5:20;
Heb. 10:24-25);
3. For the purity of the church as a
whole (1 Cor. 5:6-7; Eph. 5:27;Rev. 21:2);
4. For the good of our corporate
witness to non-Christians (Matt. 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14);
5. and supremely for the glory of God
by reflecting His holy character (Deut. 5:11; John15:8; Eph. 1:4;1 Pet. 2:12).
4.5.4
The process of Church Discipline (see Appendix A)
4.5.5 It is desirable in the case of public sin
that a confession be made before the church in a specially called meeting, so
that the church can freely extend forgiveness. Such public confession is
especially necessary in the case of elders and deacons (1 Tim. 5:19-20; Gal.
2:11-14).
Section 6 - Termination of Membership
Termination of membership shall be recognized by
the church following the death, transfer of membership, or voluntary resignation
of any church member. Membership may be terminated as an act of church
discipline at the recommendation of the elders and with the vote of 75% of the
members present at any regular or special meeting of the members.
Article 5 - Meetings
Section 1 - Worship Meetings
Worship services shall be held each Lord's Day,
and may be held throughout the week as the church determines.
Section 2 - Members' Meetings
5.2.1 In every meeting together, members shall
act in that spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration, which is
appropriate within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5.2.2 There shall be a regular members' meeting
at least every quarter, at some time apart from the Sunday morning service, and
at a time acceptable to the membership. The elders shall see that the stated
meetings of the church are regularly held and that the responsible members
submit required reports to the church.
5.2.3 There shall be an annual members' meeting,
at which normally officers are elected, positions filled, and a budget approved
by the membership no more than three nor less than one month prior to the start
of the fiscal year. The fiscal year will commence on January 1.
5.2.4 The chairman of the elders shall preside
as moderator at all members' meetings of the church. In the absence or
incapacity of the chairman of the elders, another elder appointed by the elders
shall perform these duties. The date, times, and purpose of any regular or
special meeting shall be announced at all public services of the church at least
two weeks preceding the meeting. Provided all constitutional provisions for
notification have been met, a quorum shall be understood to be met by those
members present.
5.2.5 Meetings shall be run according to
Robert's Rules of Order. On any matter that is brought to vote
a two thirds vote is needed for it to pass (unless this constitution
specifies otherwise). Abstentions will not be considered as votes cast.
Article 6 - Officers
Section 1 - Summary
The Biblical offices in the church are
elders/pastors and deacons. In addition
our church recognizes the administrative positions under this
constitution, of clerk and treasurer. All officers must be members of this
church prior to assuming their responsibilities.
Section 2 – Elders/Pastors
6.2.1 As loving shepherds of the congregation,
the elders shall provide broad oversight to the ministry and resources of the
church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:1-7;
5:17; Titus 1:5-9, Jas. 5:14; and 1 Pet. 5:1-4, the elders shall seek the mind
of Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as they
undertake the work of shepherding God's flock. The elders shall teach and
exhort; refute those who contradict the truth; pray for the sick; devote
themselves to prayer, to the government of the church and to ministry.
6.2.2 Optimally, the elders
shall be comprised of not less than three men who satisfy the qualifications for
the office of elder set forth in 1Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Only men may
serve as elders in accord with 1 Tim. 2:12. No elder shall hold the office of
deacon during his tenure. (Elders may assume Deacon responsibilities when there
are an insufficient number of Deacons.) All Elders must be in complete
agreement with the Statement of Faith of this church and with the Modern Edition
of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith (See appendix B) and the Church
Covenant. In the event that an Elder can no longer agree with the
aforementioned he will notify the other elders and graciously step down from his
position as Elder.
6.2.3 The church shall recognize men gifted and
willing to serve in this calling, in accordance with the constitutional
provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His
church and set apart as elders. The church shall reaffirm this recognition
triennially.
6.2.4 The elders shall take particular
responsibility to oversee worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism
and the Lord's Supper, equip the membership for the work of the ministry,
encourage and teach sound doctrine, admonish and correct error, oversee the
process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the
church, mobilize the church for world missions, examine and instruct prospective
members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and
positions, and oversee the work of the deacons and appointed church agents and
committees. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to
the congregation, including outside speakers, share our fundamental
convictions.
6.2.5 The elders may establish and oversee
ministry positions and committees to assist them in fulfilling their
responsibilities. The elders shall also have primary responsibility for the
employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. This outworking of
this responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to deacons or
another staff member.
6.2.6 In proposing paid staff positions,
the elders shall present a job description for each position to the membership
for approval. The membership may approve all candidates to fill such positions
or may delegate this responsibility, on a position-by-position basis, to the
elders, deacons, or other staff member.
6.2.8 For purposes of compliance with the
nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, the chairman of the elders
shall serve as the president of the corporation.
Section 3 – Preaching/Teaching Elder(s)
6.3.1 The preaching/teaching elder(s) shall
perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2, above. He shall be
recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the ministry of
preaching and teaching the Word of God.
6.3.2 In the absence or
incapacity of a preaching elder, the other elders shall assume responsibility
for the duties, any of, which can be delegated in accordance with 6.2.5.
Section 4 - Deacons
6.4.1. The function of the office of deacon
does not include preaching, teaching, or spiritual oversight, which are the
responsibilities of the elders. No woman may teach or exercise authority over
men (1 Tim. 2:12). Deacons exercise a ministry of service, not a ministry of
spiritual leadership. Some of the duties of deacons include the following:
1.
The ministry of mercy is a
particular responsibility of deacons. They shall see that the sick, the
sorrowing, the aged, and the infirm receive spiritual and physical comfort.
2.
Deacons shall also oversee the
benevolence ministries of the church.
3.
Deacons shall attend to the accommodations for public
worship. Deacons may assist in providing for and distributing the elements
during the Lord's Supper.
4. Deacons shall oversee the normal care and
maintenance of church properties.
5. Deacons shall oversee the welcoming and
greeting ministries of the church.
6.4.1 The office of deacon is described
in I Tim. 3:8-13 (cf. Acts 6:1-7). The church shall recognize
in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men who
are giving of themselves in service to the church, who possess gifts of
ministry, and who are called to further service. The number of deacons shall be
determined by the needs of the ministry and the call and qualifications of men
in the church. The church shall recognize the office of deacon as a gracious
gift to the church.
6.4.2 Deacons shall advise and
assist the elders in any service that shall support and promote the ministry of
the Word, new and existing ministries of the church, and the care of the members
of the congregation. The deacons may be organized in the most fitting way to
accomplish the mission of the church. This may involve several diaconal
committees. There is no requirement that the deacons meet as a committee of the
whole.
6.4.4 Each year deacons,
with the collaboration and approval of the elders, shall present to the church
an itemized budget at the regular members' meeting preceding the annual members
meeting. This budget shall be presented for discussion at that time and called
up for a vote at the annual members' meeting.
6.4.5 Deacons shall also be responsible for
presenting regular reports of the account balances, revenues, and expenses of
the church at regular members' meeting. They shall receive, hold, and disburse
a fund for benevolence, reporting on its use to the elders at their request, and
reporting to the church its total receipts and total disbursements only.
6.4.6 No money shall be solicited by or on
behalf of the church or any of its ministries without the approval of the elders
and deacons responsible for the church's finances.
Section 5 - Clerk
6.5.1 It shall be the duty of the clerk to
record the minutes of all regular and special members' meetings of the church,
to preserve an accurate roll of the Membership, and to render reports as
requested by the elders, deacons, or the church.
6.5.2 In the absence or incapacity of the clerk,
the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the church clerk.
6.5.3 For purposes of compliance with the
nonprofit corporation laws of the state of Kentucky, the clerk shall serve as
the secretary of the corporation.
6.5.4 The church clerk shall ensure that dated
copies of the most recent revision of this constitution shall be available for
all church members.
Section 6 - Treasurer
The treasurer, who shall not be an active elder
or a paid church staff member, shall ensure that all funds and securities of the
church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or
depositories as designated by the church. The treasurer shall also ensure that
full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books
belonging to the church, and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee
that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer,
employee, or agent of the church. The treasurer shall render to the elders
annually, or whenever they may require it, an account of all transactions as
treasurer and of the financial condition of the church.
Article 7 - Elections
Section 1 - Principles
The process for church elections shall be
interpreted and carried out to fulfill the following principles:
1. Substantial prayer, both individually and
corporately, should be an integral part of the election process.
2. Nominations should proceed with the support
of the elders.
3. All candidates for church office should be
treated with the grace, kindness, and honesty appropriate in evaluating fellow
members.
4. The election process shall express that
spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration, which is appropriate
within the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Section 2 - Selection of Officers
7.2.1 The election of officers shall be held at
the annual members' meeting of the church. Two months prior to the election the
elders should seek recommendations and involvement from the general membership
in the nomination process.
7.2.2 A slate of names of nominees to serve as
elders, deacons, clerk, and treasurer shall be presented by the elders and made
known to the church at least one month prior to voting. Any member with reason
to believe that a nominated candidate is unqualified for an office should
express such concern to the elders. Members intending to speak in opposition to
a candidate should express their objection to the elders at least two weeks
prior to the relevant church members' meeting.
7.2.3 The chairman of the elders shall declare
elected all persons receiving a 75% majority of all votes cast for any office.
7.2.4 The persons elected shall assume their
respective offices at the beginning of the fiscal year (unless another date has
been specifically designated). Elections to fill any need that may occur during
the course of the year may be held at any members' meeting, upon recommendation
of the elders.
Section 3 - Calling of the Preaching Elder(s)
7.3.1 In the calling of any man to this position(s), the same basic process of calling an elder must be followed, and
the elders will encourage members of the congregations to submit names. In
addition, the church must be given adequate opportunity to assess the preaching
gifts and spiritual life of any potential preaching elder. This will include
positions that may not involve preaching as their primary function, but it will
involve a special leadership position for example: Youth pastor or Missions
pastor. These men may be supported financially in some manner by the church.
While these men must meet the qualification of being an elder, they may not be
recognized as such until the church has had sufficient time to observe them in
ministry and life (1 Tim. 3:6).
7.3.2 In selecting a
preaching elder his gifts in preaching and teaching and his commitment to
minister personally to the members of this church will be prerequisites. A
committee consisting of at least two elders (if possible) plus three members of
the congregation, including at least two women should make assessment of any
candidate prior to making a recommendation to the church. In addition, the
church must receive assurance from the elders that, having interviewed the man
concerned, they are in no doubt as to his pastoral gifts, abilities and their
agreement with the Statement of Faith, Modern edition of the 1689 Baptist
Confession of Faith (appendix B) and the Church Covenant. Following the
recommendation of the committee and upon the elder’s approval only one
recommendation will be brought before the church at a time.
7.3.3 Notice of the nomination of a man to be
elected to membership and called as a preaching elder must be given at two
Sunday morning services following the nomination, prior to the vote at a
members’ meeting. The call of the preaching elder shall take place at a
business meeting set aside for that purpose. The extension of a call shall be
made upon an affirmative vote of 75% of the members present.
Article 8 - Indemnification
Section 1 - Mandatory Indemnification
If a legal claim or criminal allegation is made
against a person because he or she is or was an officer, employee, or agent of
the church, the church shall provide indemnification against liability and costs
incurred in defending against the claim if the elders determine that the person
acted (a) in good faith, (b) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a
similar position would exercise under similar circumstances, and (c) in a manner
the person reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the church, and the
person had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 2 - Permissive Indemnification
At the discretion of the elders
the church also may indemnify any person who acted in good faith and
reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the church's best interest
and not unlawful.
Section 3 - Procedure
If a quorum of the elders is not available for
an indemnification determination because of the number of elders seeking
indemnification, the requisite determination may be made by the membership or by
special legal counsel appointed by the membership.
Article 9 - Dispute Resolution
Believing that the Bible commands Christians to
make every effort to live at peace and to resolve disputes with each other in
private or within the Christian Church (see, e.g., Matt. 18:15-20,1 Cor. 6:1-8),
the church shall require its members to resolve conflict among themselves
according to biblically based principles, without reliance on the secular
courts. Consistent with its call to peacemaking, the church shall encourage the
use of biblically based principles and the avoidance of suits of law to resolve
disputes between itself and those outside the church, whether Christian or pagan
and whether individuals or corporate entities. The elders shall adopt policies
and procedures to effect these requirements and aspirations.
Article 10 - Amendments
10.1 The Statement of Faith and Church Covenant
may be amended by a three-quarters vote of the members present and voting at a
members' meeting, provided the proposed amendment shall have been offered, first
in writing to the elders and secondly to the membership at the previous members'
meeting. Any such amendment shall be made available to the members in writing
and shall be announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays
prior to such vote.
10.2 This constitution may be amended by a
two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a members' meeting,
provided the proposed amendment shall have been offered in writing first to the
elders and secondly at the previous members' meeting. Any such amendments to
this constitution shall be made available to the members in writing and shall be
announced from the pulpit at church services two successive Sundays prior to
such vote.
Article 11 – Financial Asset Disbursement
11.1 In the event the
church agrees to disband, all financial assets that remain after settling all
known debts will be divided equally between the Founder’s Ministries and The
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Appendix A – The process of Church Discipline
I. The Bible indicates that a sin
ought to be confessed as widely as the sin’s direct effects extend (cf. Matt.
18:15 ff.) After an awareness of the believer’s sin has been established,
prayer for the sinning brother and for his correction is to be offered (1 Tim. 2:1: 1 Jn. 5:16). He may not go to
others, not even office bearers in the church. There is an endeavor to contain
the problem and only after every attempt at this initial level fails is he
permitted to call in one or two others as witness, thus engaging in a plural
confrontation (Matt. 18:17). During this process, there should be a reluctance
to widen or spread the matter any further than is necessary. If the offending
brother has not repented of his offense, after a private confrontation and a
plural confrontation then there is to be a community confrontation were the
offending brother is brought before the church and rebuked (Mtt. 18:17). If
there is no repentance on the part of the offending brother following this last
step, than he is to be expelled from the church in accordance with Matt. 18:17
and 2 Thess. 3:14-15. It is important to remember that if at any time in the
church discipline process, the offending brother truly repents of his offense in
word and deed, then he is to be restored to the fellowship of God and His
people, forgiven of his sin, comforted and loved (Gal. 6:1, Lk. 17:3, 2 Cor.
2:7)
Step 1: Awareness of sin, prayer for offending
brother and for his correction.
Step 2: Private confrontation. (The offended
person)
Step 3: Plural Confrontation. (The offended
person and one or two others).
Step 4: Community confrontation. (The offender
is brought before the church and rebuked).
Step 5: Community expulsion (The offender is
expelled from the church).
II. The process for confronting an
officer in the church is the same as outlined in the above section with the
following exception. After the offending officer has been expelled form the
church there is to be a public recognition of the sin in accordance with 1 Tim.
5:20. If the offending officer repents of their sin at any stage in the process
he is to be restored to God and the fellowship of His people. However, this is
not restoration to leadership. There must be an attempt on the part of the
offending leader to restore the trust of the people and their godly reputation
in keeping with 1 Tim. 3:7. Restoration of office will be considered on a case
by case basis.
Appendix B - The Modern
Edition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
The Elders of
Covenant Baptist Church will hold to the Modern Edition of the 1689 Baptist
Confession of Faith as a full and faithful expression of the Doctrines of Grace.
This document, written by men, will serve as a resource for the Elders with the
hopes that all her members will embrace it as an acceptable expression of the
doctrines of this church and biblical truth.
The Elders will adhere to
the doctrines that are expressed in this document, especially as they relate to
the key doctrines of the Reformation. There will be gracious latitude only in
the areas that are covered in Chapter 22 and 26.
                 
©Covenant Baptist Church Henderson, Ky
2007
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