JONES RUN CHURCH ARTICLES OF FAITH AND CONSTITUTION

Established April 28, 1968

Revised July 2021

SECTION 1.01 NAME

This congregation of believers shall be known as the Jones Run Church.

SECTION 1.02 PURPOSE

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ( or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), for such purposes including, but not limited to, the establishing and maintaining of Christian worship; the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country.

SECTION 1.03 AFFILIATES

Jones Run Church will remain a nondenominational church unless a 100% vote by the Elder, Deacon, official board, and the congregation.

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JONES RUN CHURCH

ARTICLES OF FAITH

Section 1.   CREED

We believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Savior, and Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He arose on the third day from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the Communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the sanctification of believers, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life.  Amen.

Section 2.    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 Tim. 3:16,17; 2Peter 1:20,21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).

Section 3.     THE GODHEAD

We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three 

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persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirt-co-eternal in being, co-

 identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14).

Section 4.     THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST

  1. 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 Spirt and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1,2; Luke 1:35).
  2. 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 and physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:24,25; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2-5).
  3. 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; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1,2).

Section 5. THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

  1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and, that He is the supernatural Agent in the regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8,11; 2Cor. 

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3:6; 1Cor. 12:12,14; Rom 8:9; Eph. 1:13,14; Eph.4:30)

  1. We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers into all truth; and, that it is the privilege and duty of all saved to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20,27; Eph. 5:18).

Section 6.  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 human-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.  (Gen. 1:26,27; Rom. 3:22,23;5:12 Eph.2:1,3,12)

Section 7.   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 (Eph. 2:8,10; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 1Peter 1:18,19).

Section 8.  THE ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS

  1. We believe that all the redeemed are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ (John 6:37,40; 10:27,30; Rom. 8:1,38,39; 1 Cor. 1:4,8; 1 Peter 1:5).
  2. 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 Christianity as an occasion to sin (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 

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5:13; Titus 2:11,15).

Section 9.     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 of the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 611,13;8:12,13; Gal. 5:16,25; Eph. 4:22,24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14,16; 1 John 3:5,9).

Section 10.     SEPARATION

We believe that all the saved should strive to live in a Holy manner so 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 Tim. 3:1,5; Rom. 12:1,2; 14:13; 1 John 2:15,17; 2John 9,11; 2 Cor. 6:14,17).

Section 11.     MISSIONS

We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of the Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2Cor. 5:19,20; Mat 28:18-20)

Section 12.  THE MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

  1. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts; and, that the gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints

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 today; and, that speaking in tongues and the working of 

signs, miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (1 Cor. 12:4,11; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7,13).

  1. 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; 1 John 5:14,15; James 5:14,15)

Section 13.     THE CHURCH

  1. We believe the Church, which is the body and the espoused Bride of Christ, is made up of all born-again persons of the present age (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:25,27; 1 Cor. 12:12,14; 2 Cor. 11:2).
  2. We believe that the establishment of the continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 12:27; 20:17, 28,32; 1 Tim 3:10,13; Titus 1:5,11).
  3. 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; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1Pet.5:1-4

Section 14.     ORDINANCES

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has left two ordinances to be observed by the Church in commemoration of His person and work.  The one is that of baptism, and the other is the partaking of the Lords Supper. (Matt 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42;18:8; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

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Section 15.     THE PERSONALITY OF SATAN

 We believe that Satan is a person, the father of lies, a murderer, the declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1:6,7; Isa. 14:12,17; Matt. 4:2,11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10; John 8:44)

Section 16.     THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST

We believe in that blessed hope, the personal, imminent return of Christ.  Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel. (Ps. 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6)                                                                                            

Section 17.     THE ETERNAL STATE

  1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:5,6,12,13).
  2. 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, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; Rev. 20:4,6; 2
    Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23;3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16,17)
  3. 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

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 the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer 

everlasting conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-31; Matt 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6,7; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 20:11-15).

Section 18.     FELLOWSHIP COVENANT

In subscribing to these articles of faith, we, by no means set aside or undervalue, any of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, but we deem the knowledge, belief, and acceptance of the Truth as set forth in our Creed, to be essential to sound Faith and fruitful practice.  All literature, whether print or electronic, used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

Section 19.     CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state.  Every person is subject to these authorities.  The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God.  We believe that we must obey the state unless it requires us to act contrary to The Holy Scriptures at which time, we must obey God rather that the state.  (Matt. 22:15-22; Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Titus 3:1-2; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

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Section 20.      SEXUAL IMMORALITY

We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged outside of a marriage between one naturally-born man and one naturally-born woman.  We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex.  We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance.  (Gen.2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)

  1. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one naturally-born man and one naturally-born woman.  (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)

Section 21.     FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

  1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God, but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church.  The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (Pastors and                                                                               

elders) of the church.  Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church.  (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)

  1. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society.  The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church.  The wife is

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 to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her 

husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ.  Children are a heritage from the Lord.  Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle examples and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)

Section 22.     DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.  Therefore, if a man desires the office of a Pastor or Elder, he must meet the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, also taking into consideration that God’s Word does allow for divorce and remarriage in the cases of adultery and desertion as clearly seen in 1 Corinthians 7:1-40.  Thus, a man desiring the office of a pastor or elder can serve in said office so long as his divorce and remarriage were for these Biblical reasons.  It would also be noted that a man’s behavior in the area of marriage and divorce before his conversion to Christ would not keep him from serving as a pastor or elder at Jones Run Church.  (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7;1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6)

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Section 23.  ABORTION

We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.  Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life.  Abortion is murder.  We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defect, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother are acceptable.  (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke1:44)

Section 24.     EUTHANASIA

We believe that the direct taking of innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention.  Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death.  Thus, we believe that an act that causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes murder contrary to the will of God.  (Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)

  Section 25.  LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS

     We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes.  We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members.  (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32; Matt. 18:15-17)

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 Section 26.     GIVING

     We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is encouraged to financially support his local church.  We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel.  We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe once the gift has been made.  (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)

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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I NAME

     The name of this Church shall be the Jones Run Church.

ARTICLE II             MISSION

     The mission of this Church is the salvation of souls, the edification of the Christians through the teaching of God’s Word, the world-wide proclamation of God’s saving grace expressed in the shed blood and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary, the promotion of Godly worship, and cooperation with Christian activity functioning in harmony with God’s Holy word-the Bible – until He comes.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

     Section1. APPLICATION

  1.  1.  Persons may be received into membership by making their desire known to the Pastor, and by filing applications for membership, as follows:

Having been saved (born again) by faith in Christ, I desire to be one with the believers at The Jones Run Church.  I have read the Articles of Faith and By-Laws and find my heart in Complete agreement.  I am willing to bear testimony to my Christian conviction either publicly or to the Pastor or Elder Board.                       Signed____________________________________________

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                             Address___________________________________________

                              Phone____________________________________________

 I accepted Christ on or about__________

_________ I am not officially a member of any Church 

___________I now hold a letter of transfer from 

_____________________________Church or will obtain my letter of transfer.                            _____________________________________Date.

  1. The applicant shall read carefully the Articles of Faith and By-Laws and if in complete agreement, acknowledge the same before the congregation.
  1.  Members are expected to conscientiously strive to live according to light revealed to them by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word, and to wholeheartedly support the services and activities of the   Church as God may reveal His Will to them.  
  2.  Each member further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor; to pray for him; to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings, time, talents, and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical

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 commands, to support through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the church.

  1. It shall be within the province of the Official Board to order a review of the Church membership each year by the Elders.  At this time members who seem to manifest inconsistency of flagrant sin in their Christian lives, a wrong attitude toward the Church’s doctrinal standards, or show indifference toward the life and work of the Church shall be investigated for the purpose of remedying any weakness in their Christian lives.  It shall be within the province of those investigating to recommend to the Official Board that the person or persons in question be either dropped from the membership roll or placed on inactive membership roll after being notified by mail.
  2. Persons on an inactive roll may be restored to full membership by action of the Elder Board. Members not under the disciplinary process may request that letters of transfer be sent to another church.
  3. The name of any person dropped from the roll of the Church shall be reported at a regularly convened congregational meeting and to the person dropped at his/her last known address.
  4.  VOWS—To obtain admission to this Church, the candidate shall be examined by the Pastor and Elders as follows:

“Dear Friends:  We greet you as you come seeking admission into the Church which our Savior purchased   -16-

with his own blood and, rejoice with you that through the Grace of God, you have been brought to a knowledge of the truth and, have been made partakers of the great salvation.  The privileges you seek are above price and, the duties enjoined are solemn.  It is proper that you publicly confess your faith and avow your purpose by answering the following questions:

  1. Do you believe the Bible to be inspired Word of God and that therein only is contained the knowledge of the Gospel way to salvation?
  2. Are you fully determined, by the grace of God, to renounce the devil, the world, and all ungodliness, to seek redemption in Christ, to follow Him, and seek to live according to the Word of God, and to continue steadfast in holiness and devotion to God and His cause until death?
  3. Will you live according to our Church Covenant and By-Laws and will you contribute to the support of the spreading of the Gospel as God prospers you?
  4. Have you been baptized?  If not, are you willing to be baptized?  
  5. The Congregation shall show acceptance by extending the right hand of fellowship to the candidates.”  

 

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ARTICLE IV                    GOVERNMENT 

     Section 1. VESTING

The government of this Church is vested in its membership duly administered by and through the Official Board. The Official Board is made up of Elected Officers, Deacons, and Elder Board members. 

  1. All spiritual matters will be administered by & through the Elder Board.
  2. All Church Assets will be administered by the Deacons/Trustees Board.
  3. Congregational votes show of hands yes/no 

     Section 2.

The Official Board shall have certain powers, duties, and responsibilities, as follows:

  1.  The Official Board shall be vested with executive powers on behalf of the congregation, including but not limited to its dealing with the employees, affiliated organizations, branch work, and outside denominations and organizations.
  2. The Official Board shall have supervision over the business transactions and general work of the Church, its organizations, and branch work.
  3.    The Official Board shall have the authority to appoint individuals or committees for the transaction of its business.                         -18-
  4. The Official Board shall have the authority to call congregational meetings for the purpose of recommending such actions as require a vote of the congregation and for the purpose of receiving advice or input from the congregation.
  5. The Official Board shall perform such other duties as 

                                          

may be provided herein and shall at all times be subject

 to the action of a majority vote of the Congregation, in a meeting legally convened.

Section 3.

The deciding factor in any vote taken in an Official Board meeting shall be a majority vote of the members present.  There shall be no proxy or absentee voting unless approved by the Official Board.

  1. A member may not, under any circumstance, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to the church.  A monthly report will be posted in the church.                                                                               

Section 4.

 The Officers shall be selected by a nominating committee and elected by a majority vote of the members present.

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Section 5.

The fiscal year of the Church shall be from January 1 to December 31.                                                                                                                                     

Section 6.          NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

On the second Sunday of October, the method of selecting the nominating committee and its chairman shall be submitted by the Official Board to the membership for approval.  The committee shall consist of five members including its chairman, to be chosen, as follows:

1 Elder, 1 Deacon, and three from the membership.  The nominating committee shall place in nomination for three services prior to the meeting, the names of candidates to fill the elective offices of the Church and all vacancies, at a special meeting of the membership.  It shall be within the province of the congregation to accept or reject in part or whole the committee’s report by majority vote.  In the event the report is rejected in part or in whole, this committee shall continue to function, unless otherwise ordered by the congregation, until nominees are accepted by the congregation. In case of vacancies in offices on the Official Board, the unexpired term can be filled by the Official Board and approved by the congregation, at any congregational meeting.

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ARTICLE V.     OFFICERS

     Section 1.

   There shall be elected as Officers of the Church:  Elders, Church Secretary, Church Treasurer, Adult Director, Youth Director, Children’s Director, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Secretary and five Church Trustees/Deacons.  These Officers with the Pastor shall constitute the Official Board of the Church.

Section 2.

     Assistant Officers shall be elected to all offices except the office of Elders, Deacons/Trustees.  Assistants shall not have a vote on the Official Board except when they are present, filling the office to which they are the Assistant.

Section 3.

     The Pastor, Associate Pastor, or assistant Pastor may be called, by a majority vote of the Congregation after a recommendation by the Elder Board or by the Pastoral Search Committee appointed by the Elder Board and approved by the congregation.  Pastors shall serve until their Pastorate is terminated by death, resignation, or dismission by the Elder Board.   Pastors shall give a minimum of thirty days’ notice before the termination of their services.  Upon recommendation by the Elder Board and a ¾ vote (show of hands) by the congregation, the Pastor’s or any assistant or associate Pastor’s service may be summarily terminated…      -21-

  1. However, the salary involved shall continue for thirty days after the termination of services.

ARTICLE VI.     DUTIES OF PASTOR AND OFFICERS 

   Section 1. PASTOR 

The Pastor shall have general oversight, of the spiritual life, regular services, and administration of the sacraments of the Church.  He shall be an ex-officio member of all Board and committees connected with the Church or any of its organizations; he shall act as the moderator of the Official Board and Congregational business meetings of the Church unless otherwise directed by this Constitution or ordered by a vote of the Church; and he shall conscientiously perform such other duties as may be arranged between the Elder Board and himself.  If at any time his personal belief, preaching, or teaching shall not be in full accord with the doctrinal standards and Articles of Faith of this Church, his services as Pastor shall be terminated.

  1.  The pastor is the overseer of the church and as such is the spiritual leader.  Consequently, all spiritual matters, are the responsibility of the pastor, such matters include, but are not limited to, the preaching of the gospel, personal counseling, approving candidates for Sunday School teachers, alternates, or assisting Sunday School teachers, baptisms, presiding at general and special meetings, presiding at the Lord’s Supper,                

holding revivals, inviting spiritual groups to sing, and conducting marriages and funerals for the church.

  1.  The pastor assumes and is responsible to God for the position of Shepherd of the local assembly called the Jones Run Church.  While he is the shepherd of the church, he must also be an under-shepherd of Jesus

Christ, who is the Great Shepherd of the entire 

Christian body worldwide.  Because of the pastor’s position and responsibility as Shepherd, he must be an individual who leads by example.

  1. Other positions of leadership such as Music Director, Ushers, pianists, and/or Sunday School teachers may be approved by the pastor and/or the Elder Board.

     Section 2. PASTOR, ASSIST. AND/OR ASSOC. PASTOR

Any Pastor, Assistant Pastors, Associate Pastors, or any employee of this Church shall perform such duties as may be designated by the Pastor, Elder Board…

     Section 3. CHURCH SECRETARY

The Church Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all congregational business meetings and any other meetings designated by the congregation or Official Board upon request of either body.  He/she shall be responsible for keeping a record of the Church membership, admissions, dismissions, deaths, dedications, baptisms, and ordination services.  He/she shall carry on and maintain a complete record of all correspondence and such other records as may pertain to the office.  He/she shall have custody of other papers, records, or other documents as directed by the congregation or official board.  The term of office shall be one year.

The assistant Church Secretary shall aid the Secretary in the work, and in the absence of the Secretary perform all the duties.  The term of office shall be one year.

Section 4. CHURCH TREASURER

The Church Treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the Church; He/she shall be responsible for the banking of such funds to the account of the Church in a bank designated by the Official Board and shall draw checks against these funds as directed in warrants signed by authorized agents of any Church organization.  There shall be kept under the Treasurer’s direction a ledger showing the cash account of all funds and a balance taken at the close of each month.  The Treasurer shall also prepare a financial statement showing the true status of all funds at each monthly board meeting.  He/she shall have custody of all documents pertaining to the property and finances of the Church, such as deeds, abstracts, insurance policies, bonds, notes, etc., which shall be kept in a depository designated by the Official Board and access to the depository shall be made under the authority and direction of the Official Board.  The books shall be available at all times to the Official Board.   The term of office shall be one year.  Financial records shall be audited annually.       -24-

 The Assistant Treasurer shall aid the Treasurer in the work and in the absence of the treasurer perform the duties of the treasurer.   The term of office shall be one year.                                                                                     

Section 5. ADULT DIRECTOR

The Adult Director shall seek to provide a program that will meet the needs of the adult members, morally, socially, and intellectually.   He/she shall be in charge of the kitchen and meals for special activities, preparing sacraments for Communion.   The term of office shall be one year. 

The assistant Adult Director shall aid the Adult Director in all work, and in the absence of the Adult Director perform the duties.  The term of office shall be one year.                                                                                                                                                              

Section 6. YOUTH DIRECTOR AGES 13-17

The Youth Director shall seek to provide a program that will meet the needs of the Youth of the Church, spiritually, morally, socially, and intellectually.  The term of office shall be one year.

The Assistant Youth Director shall aid the Youth Director in the work, and in the absence of the Youth Director shall perform the duties.   The term shall be one year.

Section 7. CHILDREN’S DIRECTORS AGES 5-12

The Children’s Director shall seek to provide a program that will meet the needs of the children spiritually, 

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morally, socially, and intellectually.   The term of office shall be one year.

The Assistant Children’s Director shall aid the Children’s Director in all work, and in the absence of the Director shall perform all duties.  The term of office shall be one year.

Section 8. SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

The Sunday School Superintendent shall administer the affairs of the Sunday School, its programs, sessions, and interests.  His term of office shall be one year.

The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent shall aid the Sunday School Superintendent in all work, and perform all duties, in the absence of the Superintendent.   The term of office shall be one year.

Section 9. SUNDAY SCHOOL SECRETARY

 The Sunday School Secretary shall keep a record of the Sunday School.  The term shall be one year.

The Assistant Sunday School Secretary shall aid and perform all duties in the absence of the Sunday School Secretary.                                                                                                         

Section 10.     SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

  1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall nominate all 

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Sunday School Teachers to be approved by the Elder Board of the Church. 

  1. Each teacher shall have the authority to choose his/her own assistant teacher.

   Section 12.     DEACONS/TRUSTEES

  1. The Deacon/Trustee Board shall be composed of five adult members of the Church.  

The qualification for deacons, is given and set forth in the New Testament (Acts 6: 1-4; 1 Timothy 3: 8-13).

  1.  There shall be five Deacons/Trustees, and their term of office shall be for 3 years.                                                                           
  2.  Duties:     The deacons shall hold in trust title to all real property and tangible personal property belonging to the Church; they shall take all necessary measures for the protection, management, upkeep, maintenance repairs, contract agreements, purchases, etc.
  3. The Church Secretary shall cause a certified copy of the order of election of any trustee or trustees to be recorded in the office of the Clerk of County Court of Harrison County, West Virginia, as required by the laws of the State of West Virginia.
  4. The Deacons/Trustees shall have the management and control of all property, real and personal, belonging to the Church; and it shall not encumber with loan, 

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transfer, sell or purchase any real estate for the Church except by express authorization approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the official board present at a legally called business meeting.

Section 13.     ELDERS

  1. The Elders shall be diligent students of the Word of God and acquaint themselves with The Constitution of the Church.  They shall be circumspect in their demeanor and an example to all in Christian living.  The Elder Board shall include the Pastor and four Elders.
  2. Duties:  The Elders shall assist the pastor in the performance of his office:   1.  Ensuring that the elements and table for the Lord’s Supper are prepared and serving the same.   2.  Examining the candidates for Church membership and recommending to the church such as they deem eligible for membership.  3. Assisting in administering the ordinance of baptism; 4. Co-operate in the spiritual oversight of the church, and 5.  Have care with the pastor of all matters of discipline.  6. They shall, in the absence of the Pastor or at his request, take charge of the meetings or the services, and conduct them to the edification of its members. 7. They shall encourage the brethren, and foster their progress in the divine life, so that they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of God.  They shall 

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comfort, instruct, advise, admonish, and reprove as circumstances may require.

  1. The Elders shall, when a vacancy occurs in the office of the pastor, act as the pulpit committee and shall continue so to function until a new pastor has been secured.   They shall bring before the church suitable candidates for the pastorate and care of the entertainment of these candidates.  When they deem it wise, they shall present to the church at a regularly called business meeting, the name of one of these candidates, and conduct the voting upon the same.  They shall continue this procedure until a pastor is chosen.  The chairman of the Elders shall be the moderator of the church while it is without a pastor.
  2. The function and role of an elder are to lead the church, teach and preach the word, protect the church from false teachers, exhort and admonish the saints in sound doctrine, visit the sick, and pray and judge doctrinal issues.  Elders, shepherd, oversee, lead, and care for the church and work in cooperation with the Pastor.
  3. Elders/Deacons shall hear and consider suggestions, recommendations, and grievances upon the part of any member or organization affiliated with the Church.
  4. They shall visit the sick, and the needy, and give the Pastor information concerning them. They shall warn, 

with discretion and charitable consideration, those 

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who are not faithful, inform the Pastor of any who lead disorderly lives, and of such as habitually neglect their religious duties.

  1. Qualifications for Elder are found in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7.  Blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having the children in submission with all reverence; not a novice.  He must have a good testimony among those who are outside. (1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1;7; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1 Tim 3:2; 2 Tim. 4-2; Titus 1:9; Acts 20:17, 28-31; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2Tim. 3:13-17; Titus 1:9; James5:14; Acts6:4; Acts 15:6)

ARTICLE VII.     CONGREGATIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS

 The Fiscal year of the Church shall end on the thirty-first day of December each year. .  There will be monthly board meetings.  The congregation meeting will be held the following Sunday.                                                                                                   

Article VIII.          ORDINATION

When, in the judgment of the Elder Board, a man in this membership is called to the Christian ministry, it 

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shall be within the power of the Elder Board to call and conduct a council of ordination, provided such authority is granted by the vote of the congregation.

The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service.

         The following shall not be ordained to the ministry:

 First—One who has not served six months as Pastor, assistant pastor, or in definite Christian Work in such manner as to convey reasonable evidence of God’s call to the ministry.

 Second—One who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or tobacco in any form, or who brings disrepute upon the ministry through worldly practices and associations. (Rom. 12:1, 2; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15).

 It shall be within the province of the Elderly Board to discipline, even to revoke the ordination credentials of any Pastor ordained under this constitution, if the said Pastor is found guilty of any of the above practices after an impartial trial conducted in conformity with 1 Corinthians 13.  The Pastor under trial shall have the privilege of appealing his case to the congregation within sixty days after the decision of the  Elder Board.   

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Article IX.          AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present, at any regular or special meeting, provided the proposed amendment has been read to the congregation at each regular Church service for 3 Sundays preceding said meeting, and provided an exact copy of the proposed amendment has been conspicuously posted in the Church exits on the four Sundays immediately preceding said meeting.                                                                                             

Article X.     TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS

     Section 1. PRIVATE INUREMENT 

No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in section 1.02.

Section 2. POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT 

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation.  The church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

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Section 3. DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the church, after paying or making provision for payment of all the liabilities of the church, the trustees shall dispose of all of the assets of 

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