CHARLESTON BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
Constitution / Bylaws
ARTICLE I – Name & Organization
The name of this church is Charleston Bible Fellowship. It was organized on September 17, 1905. It was incorporated in the state of Washington on April 7, 1914.
ARTICLE II – Purpose
The purpose of this local expression of Christ's body, the Church, is to bring glory to God as we worship Him, teaching and training people in the truth of God's Word, building one another up into Christ-likeness through mutual ministry of the members, and revealing Christ to a lost world through our unity, through our lives, and through proclaiming the gospel.
ARTICLE III – Statement of Faith
THE WORD OF GOD – We believe that the Bible, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts. written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
(Psalm 19:7-11; II Timothy 3:14-17; II Peter 1:16-21)
THE TRINITY – We believe that there is one living and true God eternally existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that these are equal in every divine perfection, that they execute the distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 12:29-30; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:1-4; II Corinthians 13:14)
GOD THE FATHER – We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 34:15-18; Isaiah 6:1-5; John 4:24, 6:43-51; Romans 11:33-36)
JESUS CHRIST – We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that he might reveal God and redeem sinful men. He lived a sinless and miraculous life, died on the cross for all mankind as a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for sins, bodily rose from the dead, ascended to heaven where He intercedes for His people, and will visibly return to earth.
(Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:14-18; Acts 1:6-11; I Corinthians 15:1-11; Hebrews 1:1-4, 4:14-16)
THE HOLY SPIRIT – We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. He indwells every believer in Christ, and is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
(John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-11; Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 2:6-16; Galatians 5:16-25)
MAN – We believe man was created in the image and likeness of God. God created them male and female, and established marriage to be a lifelong covenant relationship between one man and one woman. Though originally free from sin, through Adam's sin mankind became alienated from God, acquired a sin nature, and came under the judicial sentence of death.
(Genesis 1:26-31, 2:18-25, 3:1-7; Matthew 19:1-9; Romans 5:12-21)
SALVATION – We believe salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received through personal faith in Jesus Christ, and that this faith is manifested in good works through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Those who are truly redeemed are kept by God's power and secure in Christ forever.
(John 10:27-30; Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:8-10)
THE CHURCH – We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members; and in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. Members of the church are commissioned to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. The Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism (by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 3:12-17)
LAST THINGS – We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom; and in the bodily resurrection of all people, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to conscious and everlasting punishment.
(Matthew 13:47-50; I Corinthians 15:12-58; Revelation 20:1-22:5)
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY – We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority. The Church and State are separate institutions and are not to dictate the affairs of the other. Christians are to submit to the governing authorities, except when it conflicts with the Word of God. Christians may influence the State through uncompromising political involvement.
(Acts 4:13-22; Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-5)
ARTICLE IV - Church Government / Officers
Christ is the head of the church. He is the ultimate authority and the source of the church's growth. All members are connected to Christ as their head for their spiritual growth and are to submit to Him. (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; 5:22-33; Col. 1:15-19; 2:19)
Christ exercises His authority in the church through leaders whose relationship with Christ is demonstrated by their maturity. The leaders are to manage the church and shepherd the flock, and the members are to submit to their leaders. (1 Tim. 3:4-5; 1 Pet. 5:1-3; Heb. 13:7, 17)
All members are to do the ministry of the church. The whole body affirms the church leaders and exercises church discipline. (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:12-16; Acts 6:3; Mt. 18:15-17)
Section 1. Elders
1. Qualifications of Elders
Each of the Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. They also must be in agreement with the church statement of faith.
2. Number of Elders
There is to be a plurality of Elders. The number will depend on how many are qualified and the size of the congregation. The number of elders shall include any pastors that are called/installed, since “Pastor” is not a separate office, but a function of the elders. [see below]
While two elders meets the biblical teaching of a plurality of elders, for practical reasons there shall be at least three elders. If the number drops to two, they can still carry out all their elder responsibilities while seeking also to add another qualified person.
3. Responsibilities of Elders
a. Shepherd the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28)
b. Be an example to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3)
c. Teach and exhort the church (1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:9; Acts 6:2-4)
d. Guard the church against false teachers (Acts 20:29-32; Tit. 1:9)
e. Manage the church of God (1 Tim. 3:5; 5:17)
f. Equip the saints to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12)
g. Pray for the church, including the sick (Acts 6:4; Jam. 5:14-15)
h. Managing the church includes overseeing things such as the finances of the church and the work of any ministry teams appointed. The annual budget shall be affirmed by the membership.
4. Nomination, Selection, Tenure, Removal
a. Nomination / Selection:
There are three routes to becoming an elder: (1) If anyone desires to be an elder (1 Tim. 3:1), he is to communicate that to the Elders. (2) Anyone in the congregation can recommend someone to the elders that they believe is qualified. In both cases the elders will determine if he meets the qualifications, and if so, submit his name to congregation for affirmation. (3) The elders approach anyone they believe is qualified and ask him to prayerfully consider becoming an elder. If he agrees, his name will be submitted to the congregation for affirmation. In all cases, the name(s) are to be submitted to the congregation at least 2 weeks in advance. Their qualification is to be affirmed by at least 80% of the congregation. This can be done at any congregational meeting.
b. Tenure:
Elders will serve as long as they remain active members of the church in good standing. There may come times when an elder, because of life circumstances, cannot participate in elders' meetings, but he still remains an elder.
c. Removal:
If an elder disqualifies himself because of sin and is unrepentant, he shall be removed in a manner consistent with church discipline procedures (Mt. 18). If an accusation is brought against an elder, it is to be received on the basis of two or three witnesses, and if it is determined he is in sin, he is to be publicly rebuked. (1 Tim. 5:19-20)
5. Meetings
The elders will meet regularly to pray and to manage the church.
Section 2. Pastor(s)
Pastor is not a separate office. All elders are pastors/shepherds. The title is typically given in our culture to an elder or elders who rule well and work hard in preaching and teaching, and are given financial remuneration (1 Tim. 5:17-18). But all elders are pastors, and can be called pastors.
Because of the importance of accurately preaching and teaching the Word of God, it is very helpful to have one or more men who are paid to be able to devote more time to study and teaching the Bible. An existing elder may demonstrate the skills and hard work to be worthy of the position. But often it will be necessary to bring someone in who has the skills and training to fill that need.
1. Selection
The elders, as the spiritual leaders of the congregation, are responsible for finding a godly man or godly men to feed the flock through laboring at preaching and teaching. They shall form a team with several members from the congregation to assist in the search process. The process needs to include not only an interview(s) with the candidate, but interviews with references to determine that he meets the qualifications.
2. Call
a. The candidating process: When the elders decide on a candidate to present to the congregation, arrangements are to be made for the church to become acquainted with him, his character, his ministry and his preaching.
b. The call / vote process: The vote of the elders needs to be unanimous, and the vote of the congregation needs to be at least 80%.
3. Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include the responsibilities of an Elder listed above. The major responsibility shall be the study and preaching and teaching of the Word of God, both publicly and privately (discipleship, counseling, etc.).
4. Tenure and Removal
a. Tenure
Pastors, as elders who are laboring at preaching and teaching, may continue in that capacity as long as they are ruling well in those labors. There may come a time when a pastor, because of life circumstances, may choose to resign.
b. Removal
As an elder, a pastor may be removed because of sin. As a pastor laboring at preaching and teaching, he may be removed if he is no longer ruling well in those labors. An accusation in this regard is to be received on the basis of two or three witnesses. The elders will determine if the accusation is valid and warrants removal, and if so, will be affirmed by a vote of the members of the congregation of at least 80% of those present.
Section 3. Deacons
Deacons are appointed to serve in capacities that free the elders to concentrate on their responsibilities. They may be men and women (1 Tim. 3:8-13).
1. Qualifications of Deacons
Each Deacon and Deaconess must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They also must be in agreement with the church statement of faith.
2. Number of Deacons
There is to be a plurality of Deacons. The number will depend on how many are qualified and the size and needs of the congregation. For practical reasons, there shall be at least three deacons.
3. Responsibilities of Deacons
Deacons and Deaconesses shall be responsible for serving to meet the physical needs of the church / congregation. This will include administrating the Benevolence Fund. They may also be assigned by the elders to be in charge of specific ministries and functions of the church. Deacons shall be accountable to the elders for the discharge of their responsibilities.
4. Nomination, Selection, Tenure, Removal
a. Nomination / Selection:
Men and women can be nominated to be a deacon by the elders, anyone in the congregation, or by themselves. The elders will determine if the person meets the qualifications, and if so, submit their name to congregation for affirmation. The name(s) are to be submitted to the congregation at least 2 weeks in advance. Their qualification is to be affirmed by at least 80% of the congregation. This can be done at any congregational meeting.
b. Tenure:
Deacons will serve as long as they remain active members of the church in good standing. There may come times when a deacon, because of life circumstances, may choose to resign.
c. Removal:
If a deacon becomes disqualified because of sin and is unrepentant, he or she shall be removed in a manner consistent with church discipline procedures (Mt. 18).
Section 4. Ministry Teams / Leaders
The Elders may appoint ministry teams and/or ministry leaders to lead or carry out specific ministries, such as Men's or Women's Ministry, and Children's Ministry. They will serve under the authority of the elders.
One specific ministry team that is needed because of owning property is a Building Ministry (sometimes called Trustees).
1. Responsibilities of the Building Ministry team
Purchase, care, maintain, and alter church property as requested by the church, the Elders, or initiated by the Building Ministry team, subject to the condition that all property transactions subject to the laws of the State of Washington and non-budget expenditures of over $2,500 shall be presented to the Elders for approval. Any major additions to be property, or sale of the property, shall be approved by the congregation.
ARTICLE V – Membership
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
Membership in Charleston Bible Fellowship shall be open to all persons who:
a. give a clear profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior
b. have obeyed the Lord in believer’s baptism or be willing to be baptized
c. provide a letter of commendation from a previous church [if applicable].
Section 2. Applications for Membership
Anyone wishing to join this local church body shall make request for membership to a Pastor or an Elder. The individual shall be given a membership application, a copy of the Statement of Faith, and a copy of the Constitution/By-Laws. Each applicant shall sign a written declaration of agreement with the Statement of Faith and a willingness to abide by the Constitution/By-Laws of this local church body. The Elders shall meet with the applicant following completion of the application, for the purpose of approving their membership.
Section 3. Receiving of New Members
Applicants admitted to membership by the Elders shall affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members by the elders at a Sunday Morning worship service.
Section 4. Responsibilities of Members
Each member shall pursue the unity of the faith in cooperation with the other members of this church, and shall purpose to serve in consideration of the other members. Each member who is at least eighteen years old, and not under any disciplinary action, is entitled to vote at meetings of the church membership.
Section 5. Removal from Membership
Removal of members from this church shall be at the discretion of the Elders. The following are reasons for removal from membership:
a. members who are absent from the church for one year, unless they are physically not able to attend, and of whom no satisfactory information can be gained;
b. request to transfer membership to another church or to terminate membership. These requests shall be made in writing to the Elders;
c. exercise of the fourth step of church discipline (see below) with no demonstration of repentance. A member cannot voluntarily withdraw or resign membership once the discipline process has begun.
Section 6. Discipline of Members
(a) The church must properly and lovingly exercise discipline upon those members who, in the judgment of the Elders, have persisted in sinful behavior without demonstration of godly repentance [II Corinthians 7:9-10].
The purposes of church discipline are:
1) To seek the spiritual well-being of the sinning believers by calling them to Biblical conduct in their way of living (Galatians 6:1).
2) To maintain purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6),
3) To deter sin in other members (1 Timothy 5:20).
ARTICLE VI – Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The church shall meet every Sunday, and at other times, for worship, teaching, fellowship, observing the Lord's Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
Section 2. Annual Membership Meeting
The annual meeting of the church members shall be held in January of each year. This meeting will include reports of the affairs of the church, and transact such other business as the Elders determine to be brought before the members, including but not limited to affirmation of the appointments made by the Elders of those who shall serve as Elders and Deacons for the ensuing year.
Section 3. Special Membership Meetings
Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by the Pastor, the Chairman of the Elders, or by a majority of the members of the Elders.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings
Notice of all regular or special meetings shall be published in the regular church bulletin and announced from the pulpit for two successive Sundays prior to the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum
A quorum at any meeting where business is to be transacted shall consist of over fifty percent of the local voting members in good standing.
Section 6. Voting
Any member present at a business meeting who is in good standing and is eighteen years of age or over may vote on matters brought before the members. Because the church is one body in Christ, unanimity of heart and mind shall at all times be sought (John 17:20-21; Acts 6:5; Phil. 1:27; 2:2), but when unanimity is not realized, at least a two- thirds majority of members present and voting shall be required. In other matters wherein the Bylaws requires a different proportion of the vote, this two-thirds figure will be overridden by the express statements of the Bylaws regarding those matters.
Section 7. Order
Roberts Rules of Order, or similar rules, shall be the authorized procedure for all church Congregational Meetings in matters not covered by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VII - Marriage and Sexuality
Because we believe marriage is a lifelong covenant relationship between one man and one woman, we will only recognize marriages between a man and a woman. Pastors of the church will perform no same gender weddings or any other anti-biblical weddings or ceremonies at the church facilities or at any other location. No member or non-member parties will be allowed to use any facilities of the church for same gender or sexually immoral weddings, wedding receptions, or other functions.
Because we believe God created us male and female, bathroom use will be strictly according to biological gender at birth.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of those qualified present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting, and that notice of such amendments shall have been given on two successive Sundays in advance, and a copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall have been posted in a conspicuous place.
ARTICLE IX – Dissolution
In the event of a voluntary dissolution of the church, all the assets, after all liabilities are paid, shall go to a like-minded church or Christian organization as decided by the elders at the time.
Constitution / Bylaws
ARTICLE I – Name & Organization
The name of this church is Charleston Bible Fellowship. It was organized on September 17, 1905. It was incorporated in the state of Washington on April 7, 1914.
ARTICLE II – Purpose
The purpose of this local expression of Christ's body, the Church, is to bring glory to God as we worship Him, teaching and training people in the truth of God's Word, building one another up into Christ-likeness through mutual ministry of the members, and revealing Christ to a lost world through our unity, through our lives, and through proclaiming the gospel.
ARTICLE III – Statement of Faith
THE WORD OF GOD – We believe that the Bible, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts. written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
(Psalm 19:7-11; II Timothy 3:14-17; II Peter 1:16-21)
THE TRINITY – We believe that there is one living and true God eternally existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that these are equal in every divine perfection, that they execute the distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 12:29-30; John 1:1-3; Acts 5:1-4; II Corinthians 13:14)
GOD THE FATHER – We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 34:15-18; Isaiah 6:1-5; John 4:24, 6:43-51; Romans 11:33-36)
JESUS CHRIST – We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that he might reveal God and redeem sinful men. He lived a sinless and miraculous life, died on the cross for all mankind as a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for sins, bodily rose from the dead, ascended to heaven where He intercedes for His people, and will visibly return to earth.
(Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:14-18; Acts 1:6-11; I Corinthians 15:1-11; Hebrews 1:1-4, 4:14-16)
THE HOLY SPIRIT – We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. He indwells every believer in Christ, and is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
(John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7-11; Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 2:6-16; Galatians 5:16-25)
MAN – We believe man was created in the image and likeness of God. God created them male and female, and established marriage to be a lifelong covenant relationship between one man and one woman. Though originally free from sin, through Adam's sin mankind became alienated from God, acquired a sin nature, and came under the judicial sentence of death.
(Genesis 1:26-31, 2:18-25, 3:1-7; Matthew 19:1-9; Romans 5:12-21)
SALVATION – We believe salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received through personal faith in Jesus Christ, and that this faith is manifested in good works through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Those who are truly redeemed are kept by God's power and secure in Christ forever.
(John 10:27-30; Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:8-10)
THE CHURCH – We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members; and in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. Members of the church are commissioned to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. The Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism (by immersion) and the Lord’s Supper.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; I Corinthians 11:17-34; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 3:12-17)
LAST THINGS – We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom; and in the bodily resurrection of all people, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to conscious and everlasting punishment.
(Matthew 13:47-50; I Corinthians 15:12-58; Revelation 20:1-22:5)
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY – We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority. The Church and State are separate institutions and are not to dictate the affairs of the other. Christians are to submit to the governing authorities, except when it conflicts with the Word of God. Christians may influence the State through uncompromising political involvement.
(Acts 4:13-22; Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:1-5)
ARTICLE IV - Church Government / Officers
Christ is the head of the church. He is the ultimate authority and the source of the church's growth. All members are connected to Christ as their head for their spiritual growth and are to submit to Him. (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; 5:22-33; Col. 1:15-19; 2:19)
Christ exercises His authority in the church through leaders whose relationship with Christ is demonstrated by their maturity. The leaders are to manage the church and shepherd the flock, and the members are to submit to their leaders. (1 Tim. 3:4-5; 1 Pet. 5:1-3; Heb. 13:7, 17)
All members are to do the ministry of the church. The whole body affirms the church leaders and exercises church discipline. (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:12-16; Acts 6:3; Mt. 18:15-17)
Section 1. Elders
1. Qualifications of Elders
Each of the Elders must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. They also must be in agreement with the church statement of faith.
2. Number of Elders
There is to be a plurality of Elders. The number will depend on how many are qualified and the size of the congregation. The number of elders shall include any pastors that are called/installed, since “Pastor” is not a separate office, but a function of the elders. [see below]
While two elders meets the biblical teaching of a plurality of elders, for practical reasons there shall be at least three elders. If the number drops to two, they can still carry out all their elder responsibilities while seeking also to add another qualified person.
3. Responsibilities of Elders
a. Shepherd the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28)
b. Be an example to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3)
c. Teach and exhort the church (1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:9; Acts 6:2-4)
d. Guard the church against false teachers (Acts 20:29-32; Tit. 1:9)
e. Manage the church of God (1 Tim. 3:5; 5:17)
f. Equip the saints to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12)
g. Pray for the church, including the sick (Acts 6:4; Jam. 5:14-15)
h. Managing the church includes overseeing things such as the finances of the church and the work of any ministry teams appointed. The annual budget shall be affirmed by the membership.
4. Nomination, Selection, Tenure, Removal
a. Nomination / Selection:
There are three routes to becoming an elder: (1) If anyone desires to be an elder (1 Tim. 3:1), he is to communicate that to the Elders. (2) Anyone in the congregation can recommend someone to the elders that they believe is qualified. In both cases the elders will determine if he meets the qualifications, and if so, submit his name to congregation for affirmation. (3) The elders approach anyone they believe is qualified and ask him to prayerfully consider becoming an elder. If he agrees, his name will be submitted to the congregation for affirmation. In all cases, the name(s) are to be submitted to the congregation at least 2 weeks in advance. Their qualification is to be affirmed by at least 80% of the congregation. This can be done at any congregational meeting.
b. Tenure:
Elders will serve as long as they remain active members of the church in good standing. There may come times when an elder, because of life circumstances, cannot participate in elders' meetings, but he still remains an elder.
c. Removal:
If an elder disqualifies himself because of sin and is unrepentant, he shall be removed in a manner consistent with church discipline procedures (Mt. 18). If an accusation is brought against an elder, it is to be received on the basis of two or three witnesses, and if it is determined he is in sin, he is to be publicly rebuked. (1 Tim. 5:19-20)
5. Meetings
The elders will meet regularly to pray and to manage the church.
Section 2. Pastor(s)
Pastor is not a separate office. All elders are pastors/shepherds. The title is typically given in our culture to an elder or elders who rule well and work hard in preaching and teaching, and are given financial remuneration (1 Tim. 5:17-18). But all elders are pastors, and can be called pastors.
Because of the importance of accurately preaching and teaching the Word of God, it is very helpful to have one or more men who are paid to be able to devote more time to study and teaching the Bible. An existing elder may demonstrate the skills and hard work to be worthy of the position. But often it will be necessary to bring someone in who has the skills and training to fill that need.
1. Selection
The elders, as the spiritual leaders of the congregation, are responsible for finding a godly man or godly men to feed the flock through laboring at preaching and teaching. They shall form a team with several members from the congregation to assist in the search process. The process needs to include not only an interview(s) with the candidate, but interviews with references to determine that he meets the qualifications.
2. Call
a. The candidating process: When the elders decide on a candidate to present to the congregation, arrangements are to be made for the church to become acquainted with him, his character, his ministry and his preaching.
b. The call / vote process: The vote of the elders needs to be unanimous, and the vote of the congregation needs to be at least 80%.
3. Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include the responsibilities of an Elder listed above. The major responsibility shall be the study and preaching and teaching of the Word of God, both publicly and privately (discipleship, counseling, etc.).
4. Tenure and Removal
a. Tenure
Pastors, as elders who are laboring at preaching and teaching, may continue in that capacity as long as they are ruling well in those labors. There may come a time when a pastor, because of life circumstances, may choose to resign.
b. Removal
As an elder, a pastor may be removed because of sin. As a pastor laboring at preaching and teaching, he may be removed if he is no longer ruling well in those labors. An accusation in this regard is to be received on the basis of two or three witnesses. The elders will determine if the accusation is valid and warrants removal, and if so, will be affirmed by a vote of the members of the congregation of at least 80% of those present.
Section 3. Deacons
Deacons are appointed to serve in capacities that free the elders to concentrate on their responsibilities. They may be men and women (1 Tim. 3:8-13).
1. Qualifications of Deacons
Each Deacon and Deaconess must be an active member of this church and possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They also must be in agreement with the church statement of faith.
2. Number of Deacons
There is to be a plurality of Deacons. The number will depend on how many are qualified and the size and needs of the congregation. For practical reasons, there shall be at least three deacons.
3. Responsibilities of Deacons
Deacons and Deaconesses shall be responsible for serving to meet the physical needs of the church / congregation. This will include administrating the Benevolence Fund. They may also be assigned by the elders to be in charge of specific ministries and functions of the church. Deacons shall be accountable to the elders for the discharge of their responsibilities.
4. Nomination, Selection, Tenure, Removal
a. Nomination / Selection:
Men and women can be nominated to be a deacon by the elders, anyone in the congregation, or by themselves. The elders will determine if the person meets the qualifications, and if so, submit their name to congregation for affirmation. The name(s) are to be submitted to the congregation at least 2 weeks in advance. Their qualification is to be affirmed by at least 80% of the congregation. This can be done at any congregational meeting.
b. Tenure:
Deacons will serve as long as they remain active members of the church in good standing. There may come times when a deacon, because of life circumstances, may choose to resign.
c. Removal:
If a deacon becomes disqualified because of sin and is unrepentant, he or she shall be removed in a manner consistent with church discipline procedures (Mt. 18).
Section 4. Ministry Teams / Leaders
The Elders may appoint ministry teams and/or ministry leaders to lead or carry out specific ministries, such as Men's or Women's Ministry, and Children's Ministry. They will serve under the authority of the elders.
One specific ministry team that is needed because of owning property is a Building Ministry (sometimes called Trustees).
1. Responsibilities of the Building Ministry team
Purchase, care, maintain, and alter church property as requested by the church, the Elders, or initiated by the Building Ministry team, subject to the condition that all property transactions subject to the laws of the State of Washington and non-budget expenditures of over $2,500 shall be presented to the Elders for approval. Any major additions to be property, or sale of the property, shall be approved by the congregation.
ARTICLE V – Membership
Section 1. Qualifications for Membership
Membership in Charleston Bible Fellowship shall be open to all persons who:
a. give a clear profession of faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior
b. have obeyed the Lord in believer’s baptism or be willing to be baptized
c. provide a letter of commendation from a previous church [if applicable].
Section 2. Applications for Membership
Anyone wishing to join this local church body shall make request for membership to a Pastor or an Elder. The individual shall be given a membership application, a copy of the Statement of Faith, and a copy of the Constitution/By-Laws. Each applicant shall sign a written declaration of agreement with the Statement of Faith and a willingness to abide by the Constitution/By-Laws of this local church body. The Elders shall meet with the applicant following completion of the application, for the purpose of approving their membership.
Section 3. Receiving of New Members
Applicants admitted to membership by the Elders shall affirm their membership commitment and be publicly acknowledged as members by the elders at a Sunday Morning worship service.
Section 4. Responsibilities of Members
Each member shall pursue the unity of the faith in cooperation with the other members of this church, and shall purpose to serve in consideration of the other members. Each member who is at least eighteen years old, and not under any disciplinary action, is entitled to vote at meetings of the church membership.
Section 5. Removal from Membership
Removal of members from this church shall be at the discretion of the Elders. The following are reasons for removal from membership:
a. members who are absent from the church for one year, unless they are physically not able to attend, and of whom no satisfactory information can be gained;
b. request to transfer membership to another church or to terminate membership. These requests shall be made in writing to the Elders;
c. exercise of the fourth step of church discipline (see below) with no demonstration of repentance. A member cannot voluntarily withdraw or resign membership once the discipline process has begun.
Section 6. Discipline of Members
(a) The church must properly and lovingly exercise discipline upon those members who, in the judgment of the Elders, have persisted in sinful behavior without demonstration of godly repentance [II Corinthians 7:9-10].
The purposes of church discipline are:
1) To seek the spiritual well-being of the sinning believers by calling them to Biblical conduct in their way of living (Galatians 6:1).
2) To maintain purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6),
3) To deter sin in other members (1 Timothy 5:20).
ARTICLE VI – Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
The church shall meet every Sunday, and at other times, for worship, teaching, fellowship, observing the Lord's Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
Section 2. Annual Membership Meeting
The annual meeting of the church members shall be held in January of each year. This meeting will include reports of the affairs of the church, and transact such other business as the Elders determine to be brought before the members, including but not limited to affirmation of the appointments made by the Elders of those who shall serve as Elders and Deacons for the ensuing year.
Section 3. Special Membership Meetings
Special meetings of the members may be called at any time by the Pastor, the Chairman of the Elders, or by a majority of the members of the Elders.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings
Notice of all regular or special meetings shall be published in the regular church bulletin and announced from the pulpit for two successive Sundays prior to the meeting.
Section 5. Quorum
A quorum at any meeting where business is to be transacted shall consist of over fifty percent of the local voting members in good standing.
Section 6. Voting
Any member present at a business meeting who is in good standing and is eighteen years of age or over may vote on matters brought before the members. Because the church is one body in Christ, unanimity of heart and mind shall at all times be sought (John 17:20-21; Acts 6:5; Phil. 1:27; 2:2), but when unanimity is not realized, at least a two- thirds majority of members present and voting shall be required. In other matters wherein the Bylaws requires a different proportion of the vote, this two-thirds figure will be overridden by the express statements of the Bylaws regarding those matters.
Section 7. Order
Roberts Rules of Order, or similar rules, shall be the authorized procedure for all church Congregational Meetings in matters not covered by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE VII - Marriage and Sexuality
Because we believe marriage is a lifelong covenant relationship between one man and one woman, we will only recognize marriages between a man and a woman. Pastors of the church will perform no same gender weddings or any other anti-biblical weddings or ceremonies at the church facilities or at any other location. No member or non-member parties will be allowed to use any facilities of the church for same gender or sexually immoral weddings, wedding receptions, or other functions.
Because we believe God created us male and female, bathroom use will be strictly according to biological gender at birth.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special business meeting of the church by a two-thirds vote of those qualified present and voting, provided a quorum is present and voting, and that notice of such amendments shall have been given on two successive Sundays in advance, and a copy of the proposed amendment(s) shall have been posted in a conspicuous place.
ARTICLE IX – Dissolution
In the event of a voluntary dissolution of the church, all the assets, after all liabilities are paid, shall go to a like-minded church or Christian organization as decided by the elders at the time.