CHURCH CONSTITUTION ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

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1 CHURCH CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I - CHURCH COVENANT Being led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and upon the profession of our faith, baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do, now in the presence of angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into a covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. Therefore we engage, by the aid of the Holy Ghost, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spiritualilty; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribue cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the work of our Saviour. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense and always ready for reconciliation. We, moreover, engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the Spirit of this covenant and principles of God's Word. ARTICLE II - PURPOSE SECTION 1: This organization shall remain until the Lord's return, an Independent, Fundamental, Evangelistic, Premillennial Baptist Chruch. SECTION 2: The purpose of this church shall be fourfold (in accordance with Matthew 28:19-20): (1) to reach out with the Gospel -- both at home and abroad -- with the desire of seeing multitudes come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; (2) to observe the ordinances appointed us by the Word of God; (3) to educate young and old Page 12 12/15/05

2 alike in all ministries in the grace and knowledge of our Saviour and in all facets of learning; (4) to provide Christian fellowship for the joy and edification of the Saints. SECTION 3: This organization is organized exclusively for charitable purpose within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry out any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax as an organization described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code). a. Upon the dissolution and winding up of this organization, after the paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code and which has established its tax exempt status under this section. b. Upon the dissolution and winding up of this organization all remaining assets of the church shall be distributed to other churches or organizations who exist for the same purposes as listed in Article II, Sections 1 and 2. ARTICLE III - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1: Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving baptism, giving evidence of regeneration and accepting the Statement of Faith and the Covenant held by this church may be received as a member. a. Members from other churches of the same faith and order may become candidates for membership upon receipt of a letter of recommendation, or the promise of such, from their respective churches. b. Those who have been scripturally baptized and who accept the view of faith and practice as adopted by this church, may become a candidate for membership by virtue of their experience. SECTION 2: The candidate shall appear before the Pastor and/or Deacons for advice and instruction before his name is presented for membership. ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP RULES SECTION 1: Active Members - All those who show their interest in the welfare of the church and the Kingdom of our Lord and those who because of sickness or infirmities are unable to attend service classify as active members. Page 13 12/15/05

3 SECTION 2: Inactive Members - All members who do not attend regular services of the church for a period of two-months or more without being considered by the church as providentially hindered, shall be placed on the inactive list. Names on the inactive list shall not be counted in any statistical reports. Any members on the inactive list shall be restored to active membership upon their resumption of regular attendance, financial support and evidence of fellowship in the faith. SECTION 3: By majority vote, excluded members may be restored to membership upon confession of their error and by giving evidence of their repentence. SECTION 4: Membership in this church shall terminate as follows: a. By granting letters of dismissal to churches of like faith. b. By erasure. Members who are known to be deceased, joined some other church, requested that their names be dropped from the membership, or are unjustifiably absent from the regular services for six months, may be dropped from the roll. c. By expulsion for disorderly walk by two-thirds vote of the membership. *In accordance with: Matthew 18:15-18; Philippians 4:1-3; II Timothy 2:23-26; Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17-18; II John 9-13; Galatians 6:1-3; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:6-11. ARTICLE V - DUTIES OF MEMBERS SECTION 1: It is the responsibility of all members to know and understand the church covenant and strive to adhere to the standards outlined therein. SECTION 2: All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are of the household of Faith, and in God's sight, brothers and sisters. It is, therefore, our duty to love each other as such, to love and pray for our church as our earthly home and to strive to honor our Lord in all we do, say or act, as a good testimony to others. SECTION 3: Because our church depends on the tithes and offerings of our members, we assert our conviction of proportionate giving as a distinct scriptural teaching (Malachi 3:8-11). Therefore, we will systematically contribute a portion of our income to the support of the church as we believe God would have us give, following the principle laid down in I Corinthians 16:2. ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS OF THIS CHURCH SECTION 1: The officers of this church are as follows: Pastor, Assistants to the Pastor, Board of Deacons/Trustees and any other elected or appointed officers as Page 14 12/15/05

4 deemed necessary. All officers and appointees shall adhere to the code for officers and meet the scriptural qualifications set forth for their position. SECTION 2: Code for the officers: a. Every officer must be a born-again person. b. Every officer must be a member of the church. c. Every officer must be separated from the world (Acts 6:3; I Timothy 3:8-13) and sign the standard-of-conduct designated for their position. d. Every officer must be faithful to the church, in attendance, in the work assigned him, in the financial program of the church and the teachings of the church. SECTION 3: Every officer shall be subordinated to the Pastor. ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS SECTION 1: The Pastor shall be the overseer of all the ministries of the church. He shall be the moderator of the church. He may call the Deacons or the church together for special meetings to transact the business of the church. a. His qualifcations shall reflect the requirements as stated in I Timothy 3:1-6 and Titus 1:5-9. b. He shall serve for an indefinite period of time with the reciprocal right to terminate his services upon 30 days notice. c. Accusations against the Pastor shall be submitted to the Deacons, and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of three or more witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If he err in doctrine or conduct, the Deacons shall, in brotherly love, attempt to correct him (Galatians 6:1). If this is not effective, the matter shall be referred to the church which alone has authority to act. d. No election or dismissal of a Pastor shall take place except at a meeting for which public notice has been given by the Board of Deacons/Trustees at least two previous Sundays. A three-quarter vote by ballot of the eligible members present and voting shall be necessary to an election or dismissal of a Pastor. The vote may be brought to the floor by recommendation of the Board of Deacons/Trustees only. e. If the Pastor is dismissed, he shall vacate the pulpit immediately but shall receive thirty days pay. He shall vacate the parsonage within thirty days of his dismissal or at the discretion of the church. Page 15 12/15/05

5 SECTION 2: The Deacons/Trustees shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual and temporal work of the church. a. A Deacon's qualifications shall reflect the requirements stated in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13. b. The Board of Trustees shall be composed of three or more Deacons. If there is not a sufficient number of qualified Deacons, additional men will be elected by the church to act as Trustees. c. The Deacons shall act as an advisory board to the Pastor and shall assist him in administering the ordinances, caring for the needy and sick, and other temporal, as well as, spiritual duties as needed. *d. Deacons are ordained by the church and will remain in that position as long as they are members unless dismissed by church vote. *e. Men may be chosen to serve as Trustees for 1-3 year terms as deemed necessary by the church. SECTION 3: Assistants to the Pastor shall assist the Pastor in any areas of the ministry in which he designates. a. His qualifications are the same as the Pastor's. b. He shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by a vote of the church. SECTION 4: Other officers shall be appointed by the Pastor and approved by vote of the church. All officers shall execute the functions normally expected of them under the supervision of the Pastor. ARTICLE VIII SECTION 1: The church shall meet regularly every Sunday for the public worship of the eternal God, and the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. SECTION 2: The church shall be given proper notice at least two Sundays before action can be taken on any project which involves a major expenditure. The amount of which will be determined by the annual business meeting. SECTION 3: Quorum: In order to transact business, at any meeting, a quorum shall be formed by 25 percent of the active voting members. Page 16 12/15/05

6 SECTION 4: Only active members of the church of legal age shall be eligible to vote on any church matter. SECTION 5: church. All subsidiary church organizations shall be considered arms of the a. No group shall follow any procedure in its own constitution or by-laws. b. All such groups shall be under the supervision of the Pastor and shall be responsible to the church as a whole. c. All officers of church organizations shall meet the requirements for church officers as set forth in Article VII ARTICLE IX - MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH SECTION 1: The ministries of the church shall include all education, evangelistic, and any other ministries which are authorized by the church and shall subordinate to the Pastor. ARTICLE X - ORDER OF BUSINESS SECTION 1: The Pastor, or in his absence, the Chairman of the Board of Deacons/Trustees or whomever the Pastor shall appoint, shall act as the moderator in all meetings for the transaction of business. SECTION 2: The Moderator shall cause the meeting to be opened and closed with prayer, keep order and state and explain propositions. ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS SECTION 1: This Constitution may be amended at any regular business meeting by a two-thirds vote, provided four weeks notice has been given to the church. The Statement of Faith contained in Article I and this Article are irrevocable. Page 17 12/15/05