Constitution Of Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International Brockton, Massachusetts

Transcription

1 Constitution Of Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International Brockton, Massachusetts As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Psalms 18:30

2 The Spirit of God Transforming the World... One family at a time! Article 1 Name and Organization 1. The name of this Evangelical Christian Organization shall be: Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International" Brockton, Massachusetts. Article 2 Statement of Mission Our mission and ministry are to make known the Gospel of God & the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ to the peoples of all nations (Matthew 28: 18-20); and to advance Christ s kingdom in all spheres of life. We are engaged in a holistic ministry that redeems every aspect of life of the believer spiritual, physical, social, and psychological. We intend to promote a complete ministry of redemption and regeneration of the mind, body, soul, and spirit through the four fold ministry of the Church: Proclamation, Fellowship, Service, and Liturgy. Our mission encompasses the operation of Redeeming Grace Christian Fellowship, and Biblos Theological Institute for Ministerial Education (BTIME), for faithful education of laity for effective ministry in the local church. We embrace the Person, Teaching, and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ as our faithful ministerial foundation and paradigm as revealed in the Scriptures, and recorded in the Holy Bible. As a Christian organization, our goal is to extend God's blessings to all the families of the nations in our local community and of the earth for His glory in the world today (Ephesians 3: 21). Accordingly, we believe this Evangelical Christian Organization exists to serve four functions: 1. TO CELEBRATE the Person and Work of Christ (Colossians 1:17-20). Through corporate praise and worship; Through the observance of the Lord's Supper; Through baptism by immersion; Through personal obedience to His lordship. 2. TO CULTIVATE Personal Growth in Christ (Ephesians 4: 11-16). Through consistently preaching and teaching the Scriptures, God's inherent Word (The Bible); Through assisting believers to become mature and faithful followers of Jesus-Christ; Through faithful education of believers through the Theological Institute for Ministerial Education, (TIME), for intentional service engagement in the local church; Through helping believers wisely and effectively lead their families, and steward their time, talent, and treasure according to biblical standards. 3. TO CARE about One Another in Christ (Acts 2: 42-47) Through sharing one another's joys, sorrows and needs; Though intentional effective assistance to families to helps sustain family-life and relationship; Through supporting one another in prayer and in practical spiritual & social assistance; Through planning activities designed to build solid relationship among our church family. 4. TO COMMUNICATE Christ to Our Lost World (Mathew 28: 18-20) Through reaching out for Christ to the people of our surrounding communities, training our church family to share the Gospel with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors; Through supporting individuals and organizations in advancing Christ's cause in New England, America, and around the world. Article 3 Affiliations

3 At this stage Redeeming Grace Evangelistic International of Brockton Massachusetts is not yet affiliated to a general conference of churches, but remains open eventually to such an opportunity. Article 4 Statement of Faith The Word of God We believe that the Bible is God s inherent Word fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3: 16; 2 Peter 1:21). The Trinity We believe that there is one Living and True God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. God the Father We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love Creator of the heavens and of the earth. We believe that He concerns himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and damnation all repentant sinners who come to Him through Jesus-Christ. Jesus-Christ We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for his people, and personal visible return to earth for the establishment of the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit 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. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. Regeneration We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice, and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The Church We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which, Jesus Christ is the Head, and of which all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, Christian work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost World. Christian Conduct We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of humanity; that his/her conduct should be blameless in the intimate entourage of the family, the local community and place of work activity, and the church community. He/she is a model citizen of Christ-like kingdom living, and therefore, light and salt unto the world. He/she must be a faithful leader in the family, and a good steward of resources, and that he/she should seek to realize for him/herself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. He/she must strive to reflect Christ-likeness in submission to the perfect will of God, and to pursuing holy living as the new creation in Jesus Christ.

4 The Ordinances We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church Baptism and the Lord s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord s Supper was instituted by Christ for the commemoration of His death. We believe that those two ordinances should be observed and administered to all believers until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Religious Liberty We believe that every believer has direct relations with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that, therefore, church and state must be kept separate entities, as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from the dictation of patronage of the other. Church Cooperation We believe that Christian organizations and churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary, and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary, independent basis. The Last Things We believe in the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus-Christ to earth, and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal blessedness of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. Section 1: Requirements Article 5 Membership Requirements for membership shall be as follows: a. A public confession of a personal experience of salvation through Jesus Christ. b. Agreement with the Statement of Mission, and Statement of Faith of. c. Baptism by immersion following the experience of salvation. d. Active participation in the fellowship of the Lord s Supper. Section 2: Admission Membership at may be acquired upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders and the vote of the membership at any or business meeting of. Recommendation for membership by the Board of Elders will follow and interview with the Elders, at which time the individual will be asked to give evidence of this meeting with requirements for membership as stated in Article 5, Section 1. If he/she wishes to present a letter of transfer or recommendation from another church of like faith and practice, he/she may do so at this time. If the individual has not been baptized by immersion following his experience of salvation, and yet meets all other requirements, he will be recommended for membership upon his baptism by immersion. The Board of Elders reserves the right to determine those who satisfactorily meet the requirements for membership. Section 3: Restoration

5 Members of from whom fellowship has been terminated, may be restored to membership upon recommendation of the Board of Elders. Section 4: Status a. Members in Good Standing shall include all members regularly received into membership who have not been dismissed or placed on the inactive roll. b. Inactive members are those who have been absent from for a period of six months without showing any interest therein by communication to the Board of Elders. Persons on the inactive roll shall not be counted as members, and shall have no rights of membership, but may be restored to active status by action of the Board of Elders. Section 5: Discipline and Grievances a. The Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders shall be a committee on discipline. They shall seek to interview all members violating their Christian obligation or conducting themselves in such a manner as to bring reproach upon the church, and shall endeavor to restore them to the path of fellowship. Failing to receive satisfactory evidence of repentance and reformation, they shall notify of such a member, without further elaboration together with a recommendation of action to be taken. b. In all cases of grievances between members, the offenders shall be dealt with in the spirit of Mathew18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-2 by the Senior Pastor and the Board of Elders before any recommendation of action is brought to the church. Article 6 Government of The government of is vested in its elders, trustees, and the body of believers who compose its membership, and who share organizational authority in all matters. Section 1: Role and Function of Elders Article 7 Board of Elders This organization & church congregation shall delegate its administrative function and authority to the Board of Elders, who shall be trustees of and directors of this corporation. Section 2: Qualification and Election of Elders An Elder shall be a member in good standing, knowledgeable of core Christian doctrines and fully committed to Christ and his/her family, at least 25 years of age, who meets the standards set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-3 and Titus 1:5-9. Members seeking the office of Elder, or seeking to recommend another member as a potential Elder, shall do so by notifying the names of Elder candidates to the congregation at the annual meeting or at any business meeting. Election shall be by a majority vote from the board of Elders and the congregation. Section 3: Term of Elders An Elder is elected for life, and is confirmed annually by a majority vote of the congregation. His office may be terminated at any time either by resignation, a majority vote of the Board of Elders, a majority vote of the congregation at any ordinary business meeting. Section 4: Organization and Responsibilities of Elders

6 a. The Board of Elders shall organize itself within 30 days of the annual meeting as follows: 1. A chairman shall be elected who shall also serve as President of this corporation 2. A Vice-Chairman shall be elected who shall act for the Chairman when appropriate. 3. A Moderator of the Congregation shall be elected to preside over business meetings. 4. A Secretary shall be elected who shall also serve as secretary of this corporation. b. The Board of Elders shall be responsible for the total program and business of RGEM, including any auxiliary organizations. c. The Board of Elders shall appoint a Treasurer, a Clerk of the Congregation, and such other officers and committees as it deems appropriate. All appointments shall terminate at the following annual meeting unless the Elders have specified a shorter period of time. d. The Board of Elders shall propose an annual budget to the congregation, and shall keep the congregation informed of s financial status throughout the year. Section 1: Number Article 8 Pastoral Staff Redeeming Grace Evangelistic Ministries International shall have a Senior Pastor, and an elected body of deacons and deaconesses as the Senior Pastor, the Board of Elders, and congregation shall deem appropriate for the implementation and /or fulfillment of its mission and /or the work of the ministry. Associate ministers shall be appointed, as well by the Senior Pastor, to serve in various structures and teams of the congregation as necessary. Section 2: Qualifications All members of the Pastoral Staff shall meet the requirements for membership as set forth in Article 5, Section 1, and the qualification for Elders as set forth in 1 Timothy 3: 1-3 and Titus 1:5-9. The Senior Pastor shall be a formally trained and ordained minister or seeking ordination. Formally trained Associate ministers shall be strongly encouraged to pursue ordination through this congregation for local ministry. Section 3: Responsibilities a. The Senior pastor shall be the spiritual leader of, preaching and teaching God's Word regularly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, shepherding the congregation, and administering the ordinances of communion and baptism by immersion. He shall provide administrative leadership to s total ministry program, functioning as an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders, and of any other group meeting within. He shall, furthermore, serve as the staff team leader, conducting regular meetings of the staff for the purpose of directing day-to-day operations and performing long-range planning. b. Associate Ministers shall carry out specific ministry responsibilities as stated in his Ministry Position Description. Associate Ministers shall be directly responsible to the Senior pastor, and shall serve as official members of the Pastoral Staff and in official ministry leadership within their stated area of responsibility. c. It is expected that all members of the Pastoral Staff will operate within the general policies established by the Board of Elders. Section 4: Calling of Pastoral Staff Members

7 a. Senior Pastor Organization /Church Charter When the need arises, the Board of Elders shall nominate a Pastoral Search Committee, representative of the Elders and the congregation, to present to the congregation for approval at a duly called business meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the Pastoral Search Committee to secure a qualified candidate to recommend to the Board of Elders for the position of Senior Pastor. The Board of Elders shall work out the terms of a call with the candidate, and, following their unanimous endorsement of the candidate, shall present both the candidate and the terms of a call before the congregation for their approval at a business meeting called as stated in Article 9, Section 3 and 4. Only one candidate at a time shall be presented to the congregation for their consideration. b. Associate Ministers The Board of Elders shall be partners with the Senior Pastor in determining the need for a position to be filled by an Associate Minister. Upon the approval by the Elders and the congregation to create such positions, and in filling a vacant position already existing on the staff, the Senior Pastor shall be the person responsible for securing a qualified candidate to present to the Elders for their Approval. The Senior Pastor shall work out the terms of a call with the candidate as a representative of the Board of Elders, and following their endorsement of the candidate and the terms of a call, the Elders shall present both the candidate and the terms of a call before the congregation for their approval at a business meeting called as stated in Article 9, Sections 3 and 4. Only one candidate at a time will be presented to the congregation for their consideration. c. Terms of a call The terms of a call for all members of the Pastoral Staff shall include a written Ministry Position Description, and a statement of salary (whenever necessary), benefits, vacation time, and other considerations deemed appropriate by the Board of Elders. These shall be set at the time a call is extended, with later adjustments made as needed at the discretion of the Board of Elders. All members of the Pastoral Staff shall be called for an indeterminate period of time. Section 5: Dissolution of Pastoral Staff Relationships The resignation of Pastoral Staff members shall be submitted to and acted upon by the Board of Elders, with an appropriate recommendation to the congregation. There shall be at least thirty (30) days notice given, unless the Elders shall agree otherwise. The dismissal of a member of the Pastoral Staff shall be handled as described in Article 9, Section 3 and 4. The timing and terms of this dismissal, if passed, shall be at the discretion of the Board of Elders. Section 6: Support Staff Support Staff shall include business staff, secretarial staff, custodial staff, interns, temporary help and other personnel hired to assist the Pastoral Staff with the work of ministry. All support staff shall be hired by the Senior Pastor, as deemed appropriate by the Board of Elders, and shall report directly to the Senior Pastor or his designate. The establishment of a written Position Description and the determination of salary (whenever necessary), benefits, and necessary qualifications shall be at the direction of the Senior Pastor in cooperation with the Board of Elders. Resignations and terminations shall be acted upon by the Senior Pastor, with report of such action made to the Board of Elders. Section 1: Annual Business Meeting Article 9 Meetings An Annual Business Meeting shall be held in January. The fiscal year of the church shall correspond with the calendar year. Section 2: Ordinary Business Meetings

8 Ordinary Business Meetings shall be held periodically on an as-needed basis during the year. An annual ministry meeting will be held during the year. An annual organization /church Staff Retreat shall be held during the year. Section 3: Special Business Meetings Special Business Meetings may be called by the Pastor, the Board of Elders, the Chairman of the Board, or a group of ten (10) or more members eligible to vote. Notice of such meeting shall be given from the pulpit at all services, and posted under the Announcement section of the church bulletin on the Sunday preceding the meeting, or mailed to all active members at least one week prior to the meeting. This notice shall state in general terms the business to be conducted. Section 4: Quorum and Vote Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting membership of the congregation shall be required to conduct any business meeting, with voting members present constituting a quorum. A majority vote is needed to carry all items, except in the calling or dismissal of a member of the pastoral staff, or in amending this constitution, when a seventy-five percent (75%) majority shall be required. The calling or dismissal of a member of the pastoral staff, voting on legal matters, and the annual confirmation of Elders shall be by written ballot. A written ballot may be used for any other matter at the request of any member present who is qualified to vote. Article 10 Rules Of Order Robert's Rules of Order, as last revised, shall be the parliamentary manual for the church. Article 11 Disposition of Organization/Church Property Section 1: Division In the case of the organic division of the church membership, the church property shall belong to those members abiding by this constitution; and who hold fast to the authority of biblical teachings, and orthodox Christian doctrines, free from all forms of heresy. They must, in addition, be true in heart to promote the cause of Christ's kingdom and the church's mission as stipulated in the Mission Statement. Section 2: Dissolution Should conditions arise when for any reason the church cannot continue, the church property shall be used as best by good reason and judgment to benefit the universal body of Christ. Section 3: Consolidation Should conditions arise where a consolidation with another church of the same denomination or beliefs be advisable, the Board of Elders shall then be authorized by the church to negotiate the terms of such consolidation, and the disposition of church property, if any. Article 12 Amendments

9 Any article or section of this constitution may be amended upon recommendation by the board of Elders with a seventy-five (75%) majority vote of the members present as required under Article 9, Section 4. Suggested amendments to this constitution may be proposed to the Board of Elders in writing by any member eligible to vote, at any time. Written notice of an amendment to be recommended must be distributed to all members eligible to vote, at least two (2) weeks prior to the business meeting at which the amendment will be considered.