The Constitution and Policies Handbook of Sunset Bible Church of University Place

Transcription

1 The Constitution and Policies Handbook of Sunset Bible Church of University Place Office: th Street West Mailing Address: P.O. Box University Place, WA Office Phone: A church family dedicated to the biblical ministries of: Passionate worship Biblical instruction Genuine fellowship Intentional evangelism Joyful service Affiliated with I.F.C.A. International

2 PRAISE HIM! Whereas, God in His wisdom and direction allowed the Lake City Community Church to give birth to this Congregation in 1971; and Whereas, the Sunset Community Church has been prospered by God in growth, in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Word, resulting in spiritual and numerical increase; and Whereas, the believers of Sunset Community Church have demonstrated their faith and commitment by sacrificial giving of themselves and their means, resulting in the satisfaction of all financial indebtedness in 1984; and Whereas, these evidences of maturity of the Church have made possible approval from Lake City Community Church to grant complete autonomy to Sunset; and Whereas, the members of Sunset Community Church have committed themselves to prayer and Spiritdirected ministry, which has produced growth; and Whereas, the members of Sunset Community Church have unanimously determined to change the church name to that which will most accurately declare its position and ministry; Be it therefore resolved, that on this day, December 22, 1985, this body of believers shall henceforth be known as SUNSET BIBLE CHURCH of University Place, located in Tacoma, Washington; and Be it further resolved, that we, the members and friends of Sunset Bible Church shall endeavor to magnify Jesus Christ and His Word through our life and witness, and shall seek to be in obedience to the Holy Spirit in all our ministry. To the glory of God. Amen!

3 CONSTITUTION OF SUNSET BIBLE CHURCH OF UNIVERSITY PLACE PREAMBLE In response to the principles of Holy Scripture and to the authority of Jesus Christ the Son of God who is Head of the Church, the following Articles of Constitution are established to govern the orderly functioning of this local congregation called Sunset Bible Church of University Place (formerly known as Sunset Community Church). ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this local assembly, a church incorporated as a non-profit corporation, under the laws of the state of Washington, shall be Sunset Bible Church of University Place. ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND FUNCTION Having been united by faith to Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and confessing Him as Lord and Savior, we purpose to glorify God through Jesus Christ by: A. Growing in our commitment to God by our worship. B. Growing in our commitment to one another by using our spiritual gifts to build up one another toward Christ-like maturity. C. Growing in our commitment to the mission of the church which is to make disciples around the world. D. Growing in our commitment to wise stewardship of financial resources and property for the advancement of the mission of this local church. ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FAITH (DOCTRINE) This church holds to the following doctrinal summary: Section 1. The Holy Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12-13). Section 2. The Godhead We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Section 3. The Person and Work of Christ A. 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

4 reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). B. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). C. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2). Section 4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit A. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 1:13-14). B. We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth; and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; I John 2:20,27; Ephesians 5:18). Section 5. The Total Depravity of Man We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and that man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3,12). Section 6. Salvation We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19). Section 7. The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers A. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1,38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5). B. We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God s Word; which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15). Section 8. The Two Natures of the Believer We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; and that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Romans 6:13; 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; I Peter 1:14-16; I John 3:5-9).

5 Section 9. Separation We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 12:1-2;14:13; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). Section 10. Missions We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20). Section 11. The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts A. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts; and that the gifts of evangelism, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; and that speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (I Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-12). B. We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accord with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; I John 5:14-15). C. We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift and grace of God that is given to him (Romans 12:1-8; I Corinthians 13; I Peter 4:10-11). Section 12. The Church A. We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27; I Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2). B. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17,23-32; I Peter 5:1-4). C. We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Romans 16:1,4; I Corinthians 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4). D. We recognize the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord s Supper as a scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:8; I Corinthians 11:23-26). Section 13. Dispensationalism We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these - the age of law, the age of the Church, and the age of the millennial kingdom - are the subjects of detailed revelations in Scripture (John 1:17; I Corinthians 9:17; 2 Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24-25; Hebrews 7:19; Revelation 20:2-6).

6 Section 14. The Personality of Satan We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the Fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and men; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11; 25:41; Revelation 20:10). Section 15. The Second Advent of Christ We believe in that Blessed Hope, the personal, imminent, pretribulational and premillennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth, with his saints, to establish His Millennial Kingdom (I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6). Section 16. The Eternal State A. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13). B. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Revelation 20:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17). C. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-26; Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:11-15). ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Becoming a Member Membership shall be open to those persons who: A. Profess faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and give evidence of the new birth and commitment to Jesus Christ and His People. B. Have attended church services regularly for at least three months. C. Adhere to the Statement of Doctrine (Article III). Section 2. Responsibilities of Members Each member is responsible to exercise his/her spiritual gifts to the other members of the assembly in regular participation in the life and services of the church, and in voluntary financial support of the church as the Lord prospers. Each member shall walk uprightly in the world so that by life and by witness others will be attracted to the Savior.

7 Section 3. Discipline of Members A member shall be subject to discipline by the church through its Elders when this person no longer adheres to the church s Statement of Doctrine (Article III) or his/her conduct is a reproach to the Lord Jesus Christ according to the principles found in the Word of God (Ephesians 5:11). Any discipline shall have as its goal restoration rather than punishment, and shall be carried out in keeping with instruction found in the Word of God (e.g., Matthew 18:15-17). Section 4. Termination of Membership Members may be removed from active membership status by: A. The request of the member. B. Consensus of the Elders if the member is absent without cause beyond three months. C. Unanimous decision of the Elders and majority vote of the membership as the final step of church discipline. ARTICLE V LEADERSHIP & OFFICERS Section 1. The Elders Leadership, oversight and pastoral care of the congregation shall be committed to men who satisfy the qualifications for such leadership as described in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These are: A. Elders who shall be men elected by an 80% majority vote of those members present at a dulycalled meeting. A quorum of 40% of the active membership must be present. These Elders shall serve a term of four years. They must take one year off before being elected again as Elder. Termination of the office of Elder shall be by completing an elected term, by resignation, by termination of membership, or by disciplinary decision by the other Elders. B. A Pastor who shall be the chief spiritual leader. He shall be responsible to the Elders and shall be called by the Elders with an 80% majority vote by the membership. A quorum of 40% of the active members must be present. Upon accepting the call as Pastor, he automatically becomes a member of the church. Section 2. The Deacons and Deaconesses These are members who assist the Elders in specific ministries of the church. They provide leadership under the direction of the Elders. These deacons and deaconesses shall be appointed by the Elders and affirmed by a majority vote of the membership. They shall serve for one year. There shall be no limit to consecutive terms. The qualifications for these ministers are set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13. Section 3. The Officers of the Corporation A. The officers of the corporation shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers shall fulfill the requirement of the Articles of Incorporation. B. These officers shall be elected at the annual meeting to serve one year terms.

8 C. The duties of the officers: a. The Chairman shall be an Elder. He shall preside over the meetings of the Elders and the membership. b. The Vice-Chairman shall be an Elder. He shall preside in the absence of the Chairman. c. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the Elders and the membership where church business is conducted. d. The Treasurer shall supervise the collection of all offerings and funds designated for the work of the church. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of transactions and issue a financial report monthly and annually. These financial records shall be audited annually by a qualified person or persons selected by the officers. D. Vacancies of the offices whether caused by resignation, death or otherwise, may be filled by a majority vote of the Elders attending any meeting of the Elders. Notice must have been given to all the Elders that such a vacancy would be filled at the meeting. The officer appointed to fill any vacancy shall hold office until the next annual meeting. Section 4. Church Staff Staff positions receiving financial remuneration (e.g. Pastor, Associate Pastor, Secretary, etc.) shall be under the direction of the Elders, or appropriate deacon(s) assigned by the Elders. The Elders shall be responsible for hiring, firing and determining job descriptions. Any staff position must have the approval of the membership. Section 5. Termination of Pastor A. BY RESIGNATION: The Pastor may resign his Pastorate by giving the Elders at least one month s advance notice of his intent. B. BY DISMISSSAL: The Pastor may be dismissed by the membership upon 60 days written notice (in the case of gross moral or ethical misconduct, dismissal may be immediate). Determination to dismiss the Pastor shall be made only at a duly called meeting of the membership at which time a quorum shall consist of at least 40% of the members eligible to vote. The motion shall be to retain the Pastor and at least 80% of those present and voting must favor his retention, or a dismissal notice shall be instituted. Any deviation of the Pastor s personal beliefs, preaching or teaching from a position in full accord with the church s statement of doctrine shall be sufficient cause for dismissal. ARTICLE VI - ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION As circumstances and needs require, the Elders may establish committees to fulfill specific needs of the church ministry. All such committees shall be responsible to the Elders. ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS Section 1. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Congregation shall be held prior to the start of the church fiscal year. The fiscal year is June 1 to May 31. The date will be set by the Officers of the Corporation. It shall be announced during regular Sunday services at least 30 days in advance. This meeting shall be for the purpose of

9 elections, the adoption of the budget, and other such business appropriate to come before the membership. Section 2. Special Meetings Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, the Elders, or upon written petition of at least 15 members. Such meetings must be announced at the regular services on two consecutive Sundays before the meeting. The purpose of the meeting must be announced. Section 3. Voting All members who are at least (18) years of age shall be eligible to vote in the meetings of the church. Unless otherwise stated in the Constitution, a simple majority vote of those present and voting must be obtained for a motion to pass. Section 4. Quorum Except as otherwise stated in this Constitution, a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the membership shall not be less than 20% of the active members who are eligible to vote. Section 5. Parliamentary Procedure The conduct of the business of the church shall be in conformity to Robert s Rules of Order (revised). ARTICLE VIII ORDINATION A man be ordained to the Gospel Ministry by the church after having received a favorable recommendation by the Elders and an Ordination Council made up of Pastors and Christian Leaders. ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATION In the event of the dissolution of this corporation, the corporation s property shall not be conveyed to any organization created or operated for profit or to any individual. But all assets remaining after payment of the corporation s debts shall be conveyed or distributed only to an organization or organizations created and operated for non-profit purposes similar to those of this corporation and qualifying under applicable provisions of Internal Revenue Law and Regulations as a non-profit corporation. ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS This Constitution may be revised by an 80% majority vote of the members present at a meeting called for this purpose. Proposed amendments shall be posted in writing at least two weeks before the meeting. Adopted 1986 Amended May 23, 1990 Amended May 23, 1999 Amended January 9, 2011

10 FINANCIAL POLICY FINANCIAL OFFICERS A. The Treasurer a. The Treasurer is the primary financial officer of the church. b. The Treasurer shall be elected and serve as defined in the church constitution: Article V, Section 3, Paragraphs A, B, C (4), and D. c. The Treasurer shall be accountable to the Elders in accord with Article VI of the church constitution. d. The Treasurer may, with the approval of the Elders, delegate financial responsibilities to other church members. He shall, however, retain primary responsibility and accountability for handling of all finances. e. The Treasurer shall develop and administer financial procedures to carry out the directions of the Elders. f. The Treasurer shall alert the Elders to any cash flow problems and present monthly comparisons of expenditures with the budget adopted at the annual meeting. g. The Treasurer shall serve as a member of the budget committee. h. The Treasurer shall keep a complete set of books and records for all church financial matters. B. The Financial Secretary a. The Financial Secretary shall be appointed by the Elders. b. The term of service of the Financial Secretary shall be one year, but unlimited consecutive terms may be served. c. The Financial Secretary shall have responsibility for counting and depositing all offerings. d. The Financial Secretary shall be a member of the budget committee. Adopted January 9, 1990 Revised July 11, 1993