Tri-City Baptist Church

Millbrook, AL

 

Church Constitution

 

PREAMBLE

 

We the members of Tri-City Baptist Church, Millbrook, Alabama do hereby adopt the following constitution that is based upon Biblical Principles.  We do voluntarily submit ourselves to worship God and to be His servants.  This constitution is not a substitution or an augment to the Word of God.  It is a systematic review of the truths found in God’s word concerning the local church.  Its purpose is to ever keep before this assembly the doctrines, organizations, methods, and the procedures of fellowship as clearly taught in the Bible and to do the work of God decently and in order.

 

Article 1

Name and Purpose

 

Section 1—Name

 

The congregation of born again Believers shall be known as Tri-City Baptist Church, Millbrook, Alabama.

 

Section 2—Purpose

 

This congregation is organized as an independent, fundamental, preservationist, Christian Baptist church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law).  This includes, but is not limited to, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, schools, parsonages, nursing homes, cemeteries, and any other ministries that the church may be led of God to establish.

 

The church shall also seek to ordain, license, and/or commission men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the Bible in Sunday and weekday school of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry in our pursuit, of and in obedience to, the will of God.

 

It is our purpose and desire that the ministry of this church will lead each member into an all consuming passion to serve Jesus Christ and an all encompassing way of life centered in Christ that will bring glory to His name and souls to heaven.

 

Article II

 

Statement of Faith and Covenant

 

Section 1—Statement of Faith

 

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

 

We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.  They are the inspired Word of God and the final authority for faith, life, and church establishment.  The Word of God, as preserved in the King James Version of the Bible, shall be the official translation of this church (the only one to be used as the main text in all public services). Whereas we give special honor to the King James Version, we reject the doctrine of secondary inspiration.  (Psa 12:6-7; Psa 119:89; Isa 59:21; Mat 5:18; II Tim 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21)

 

 

GOD

 

We believe in the Trinity.  God eternally exists in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  They are co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same nature, attributes, and perfections. (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19; John 14:10&26; II Cor 13:14; I Peter 1:2-3).

 

The Person and Work of Christ

 

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal God revealed as the Son, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. (Isa 7:14 & 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2 & 14; II Cor 5:19-21; Gal 4:4-5; Phil 2:5-8)

 

We believe that the Lord Jesus accomplished our redemption through His death, by the shedding of His blood, on the cross as our sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 2:18-36; Rom 3:24-25; I Cor 15:3-8; Heb 9:22-28; I Peter 1:3-5; I Peter 2:24)

 

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of the Father, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate. (Acts 1:9-10; Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25 & 9:24; I John 2:1-2)

 

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

 

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.  He is God and convicts the world of sin.  He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ. (John 16:8-11; Rom 8:9; I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 3:6; Eph 1:13-14)

 

We believe that He is the divine teacher who guides believers into all truth and that He is the one who helps every believer interpret scripture. (I Cor 2:10-16; Eph 1:17-18; I Cor 12:4-11)

 

We believe that the sign gifts, such as speaking in tongues, are not necessary in the believer’s life today.  They are not indicative of salvation or any greater blessing in a believer’s life.  God does bestow gifts to every believer according to His sovereign will.  He has uniquely gifted evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints (those who are saved).    It is the responsibility and privilege of all believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and show forth the fruit of the Spirit. (Mark 16:17-20; Rom 12:3-8; I Cor 1:22 & 12:4-11 & 14:1-35; Eph 5:18)

 

Creation

 

We believe that God created the universe in 6 literal 24-hour days by His spoken word.  All members of the Trinity were present and active in this creation.  We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution.  We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image (perfect and holy).  (Genesis 1-2; Ex 20:11)

 

Salvation

 

We believe salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on the cross for forgiveness of sins.  We believe that men in their natural sinful condition are unable to merit righteousness before God and therefore must be “born again” by their creator Himself.  We believe that salvation as the gift of God is made available to everyone, in all ages, by the blood atonement of Christ.  We believe that salvation is received at the moment an individual calls on Jesus in repentance of his sin and believes in the substitutionary death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. (John 1:12 & 3:16; Luke 13:3 & 5; Rom 3:23 & 6:23 & 10:9-13; I Cor 15:1-4; Eph 1:7 & 2:8-10; I Tim 2:5-6; I Peter 1:18-19)

 

 

 

 

Eternal Security of Believers

 

We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever.  This privilege is not to be abused or used as an occasion to sin. (John 6:37-40 & 10:27-30; Rom 8:1 & 38-39& 13:13-14; I Cor 1:4-8; Gal 5:13; Eph 1:13-14 & 4:30; Titus 2:11-15; I Peter 1:4-5)

 

The Church

 

We believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons. (I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 11:2; Eph 1:22-23 & 5:25-27)

 

We believe that the local church is a called out assembly of biblically baptized believers in Jesus Christ who share common doctrines of the Bible as outlined in this Statement of Faith for the purpose of pleasing God, converting the lost to Jesus Christ, and discipling the saved.  (Matt 16:18; Matt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16; Acts 1:8 & 2:41-47; Rev 4:11)

 

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; I Cor3: 9-16 & 5; 4-13; I Peter 5:1-4)

 

We believe that there are two Scriptural ordinances that the Lord Jesus instituted for the church:  (a) water baptism by immersion after salvation in obedience to Christ’s command.  (b) The Lord’s supper as a symbolic remembrance of the crucified body and shed blood of Jesus with unleavened bread and non-alcoholic grape juice after a solemn time of personal introspection and possible confession to God.   We practice open communion.  (Matt 28:19-20; I Cor 15:3-4; Matt 26:26-30; Acts 2:42-46)

 

Missions and Missionaries

 

We believe that God has given the church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and teach them to observe God’s commandments.  As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to reach those of our own community and country as well as foreign nations. (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)

 

The Grace of Giving

 

We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, should support his local church financially.  We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving.  We also believe New Testament doctrines of grace call every Christian to give other offerings as God prospers in a cheerful and sacrificial manner to support the ministry the church.  (Gen 14:20; Prov 3:9-10; I Cor 16:2; II Cor 9:6-7; Gal 6:6)

 

Role of Women in the Church

 

We believe the Bible teaches that women share in the privilege and responsibility of personal evangelism, women’s discipleship, teaching children, and assisting in ministry.  The Bible does not teach the ordaining of women for the office of Pastor or Deacon.  Women are not to usurp authority over men in the church.  (Gen 3:16; I Tim 2:11-12 & 3:2 & 11:1; I Peter 3:1-5; Titus 2:3-5)

 

Law Suits 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.  We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation of injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (Matt 18:15-17; I Cor 6:1-8; Eph 4:31-32)

 

Sanctity of Life

 

Abortion—We believe that every human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a human being.  Abortion is the ending of human life and is equally as wrong as the unlawful ending of the human life of those in the medical profession who performs such procedures. (Jer 1:5& 20:15-18)

 

Euthanasia—We believe that God is the giver and sustainer of our lives.  God is sovereignly in control of all our days.  It is murder to assist in suicide.  If a person chooses living wills or DNR orders these are not euthanasia.

 

Capital Punishment and War—Are rights given by God to human government.  These things should not be entered into lightly or without due cause.  The power given here is an ultimate protector of human life rather than destruction of life. (Gen 9:5-6; Rom 13:1-6; I Peter 2:13-17)

 

Separation

 

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon the name of Jesus.  We believe that separation from all religious apostasy, all sinful, worldly pleasures, practices and association is commanded of God. (Rom 12:1-2 & 14:13; II Cor 6:14-7:1)

 

The Second Advent of Christ

 

We believe in that “blessed hope”, the personal and imminent return of Jesus Christ, who will rapture His Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period.  At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return with His saints to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom that was promised to the nation of Israel. (Psa 89:3-4; Dan 2:31-45; Zech 14:4-11; I Thess 1:10 & 4; 13-18; II Thess 2; Rev 3:10 & 19:11-16 & 20:1-6)

 

The Eternal State

 

We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life in a literal place called Heaven, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment in a literal place called Hell. (John 5:28-29 & 11:25-26 & 14:1-6; Matt 25:46; Rev 20:5-15 7 21:8)

 

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; II Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23 & 3:21; I Thess 4:16-17; Rev 20:46).

 

We believe that the souls of the unbelievers remain after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the second resurrection, when soul and body will be reunited to appear before the Great White Throne Judgement, and shall be cast into the lake of Fire for all eternity. (Job 1:6-7Matt 4:2-11 & 25:41; Rev 20:10)

 

Civil Government

 

We believe all authority comes from God and is subject to God.  The believer in Christ submits himself to all just authority unless it requires him to sin against God.  (Rom 13:1-7; Eph 5:22-24; Heb 13:17; Acts 5:26-29; I Peter 2:13-14)

 

Public Services

 

Our services will be conducted in a traditional and conservative manner.  While we are always open to the Spirit’s leading, we will not go against God’s Word and allow worldly or confusing practices in our services.  In keeping with these principles, practices such as the charismatic ecstatic utterances, contemporary music styles, and worldly practices of marketing or financing will not be permitted. (See verses on Separation I Cor 14:32-33)

 

Section 2—Authority of the Statement of Faith

 

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith.  The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe.  We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members.  All literature used in this church shall be in agreement with the statement of faith.

 

 

 

Section 3—Covenant

 

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

 

We will assemble regularly for worship, instruction, observance of ordinances, and business, as God leads the church.  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 the principles of God’s Word.

 

We will tithe through our church in order to: glorify and obey God (Mal 3:8-11); maintain our local church (I Tim 5:17-18); fulfill our commission by support, prayers, and gifts to individuals in need, churches in need, and organizations of like faith and practice in need all over the world (Mark 16:15); and to provide for destitute saints (I Cor 16:1-2)

 

We will seek individually and corporately to please the Lord and be worthy of Him by seeking steady increase, with the aid and power of the Holy Spirit, in the following: the fruitfulness of well doing; the knowledge of God; the ability to be steadfast; the resistance to seek revenge; in striving to be holy as God is Holy; and in thankfulness to the Father (Col 1:9-12)

 

We will seek individually and corporately to diligently keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace by: using and respecting the different gifts of our members; being humble and meek according to the pattern set by the Son of Man; forbearing one another with long-suffering; and refusing to be a participant in gossip or sowing discord among the brethren.

 

We will manifest unity by: individually and corporately being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving; exhibiting love as our lifestyle; restoring the repentant; bearing one another’s burdens; praying for one another; aiding each other; and cultivating Christian sympathy and courtesy of speech; being slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; submitting ourselves to church discipline.

 

We will attend and practice the following ordinances of the church, which picture the person and work of Jesus Christ: baptism by immersion, as representing the likeness of His death burial, and resurrection; communion, remembering Jesus crucified body and shed blood.

 

We will respect marriage between a man and a woman as an institution of God, recognizing the family (Father, Mother, and Children) as the basic unit of society, with rights and responsibilities of its own under God.  We will train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 

We will uphold civil government inasmuch as it operates under the authority of God, to praise those who do good and to punish those who do evil.

 

We will work at putting off the old flesh in order that we may put on the new man to the glory of God and to the edifying of one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tri-City Baptist Church

Millbrook, Alabama

Church Bylaws

 

Article III

 

Membership

Section 1--Qualifications for Membership

 

1. Upon a majority vote of the members present at any church service or special church meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had, and whose lives evidence, a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior;  who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord;  who fully subscribe to the statement of faith contained herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:

 

1. By baptism (immersion) following acceptance of Christ Jesus as personal Savior.
2. By letter of transfer or other written statement of good standing from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice.
3. By statement of personal salvation and baptism by immersion.
4. By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the congregation after confession has been made publicly to the congregation and repentance is evidenced.  When a sinning brother repents and is being received by restoration, he is to be joyously received at once back into fellowship.
5. Voting membership age is 18.

 

Section 2--Duties of a Member

 

It is the duty of all members to endeavor, by divine help, to keep their covenant vows.

 

Section 3--Privileges of a Member

 

This congregation functions, not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as aided by the deacons.  Membership in this church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract, or civil rights based upon principles of democratic government.  Determination of internal affairs of this church and ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church's own rules, procedures, and leadership.  Voting privileges are extended to a member who is at least 18 years old.

 

Section 4--Restoration of a Member

 

1. The purpose of church discipline is to restore fallen Christians back to fellowship with Christ or the church or to protect the name of Christianity from hypocrisy and is redemptive as well as corrective.  Habitual sinful conduct and departure from sound doctrine are the major reasons for disciplinary actions.
2. A member who is placed under church discipline forfeits any rights, privileges, or positions afforded to a member.  In addition, the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper is withheld from him.  A member who has been placed under church discipline will be dealt with according to the principles and procedures of Matt 18:15-20 and Gal 6:1-4.  The pastor, aided by the deacons, is the official representative of the church for all matters called for in the disciplinary process.

 

Section 5--Transfer of Membership

 

A member who is not under discipline may request that letters of transfer be sent to another church of like faith and practice.

 

Section 6--Termination of Membership

 

1. Any member, by written request, may have his name removed immediately upon receipt.
2. A member who has not been active in the preceding six months, without showing just cause to the pastor, will be terminated without notice.
3. Membership is terminated immediately and without notice when a member joins another church or oath-bound secret society or lodge.

 

Article IV

Officers and Other Church Leaders

 

Section 1--Church Officers

 

The Bible designates only two offices within the Church, Pastor (sometimes referred to as Bishop or Elder) and Deacon.  The church has added other positions for practical needs: 1) minister of trust, 2) minister of finance, 3) minister of Sunday School, 4) Church Clerk, and others as deemed necessary.

 

As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the pastor shall serve as president, the ministers of trust as trustees, the minister of finance as treasurer, and the clerk as secretary.

 

Section 2--Eligibility for Continuance as an Officer or Other Church Leader

 

1. All church officers and other leaders shall affirm their agreement with the statement of faith.
2. All church officers must be approved initially and thereafter by the pastor for service.
3. Only faithful members, in compliance with scripture, are eligible to hold church offices.

 

Section 3—Selecting and Terms of Service for Officers and Church Leaders

 

1. In the selection of the Pastor, the pulpit committee shall consist of the deacons numbering no less than three (this may call for immediate selection of deacons).  The pulpit committee shall secure names and qualifications of potential candidates.  If the candidate’s position is in agreement with that of this church he may be asked to interview with the pulpit committee.  Upon approval of the pulpit committee the candidate will preach for the congregation.  After hearing the candidate preach the pulpit committee will lovingly question the candidate and his family (may be done at separate times).  If the pulpit committee is unanimous in recommending the candidate, the pulpit committee will call a special church meeting for the purpose of voting on the candidate.  The call shall be extended only upon a minimum of ¾ vote of qualified members present.
2. The relationship between the pastor and the church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month’s notice, or less by mutual consent.  The severance of the relationship between the pastor and the church may be initiated before the congregation only by the pastor or a majority of the deacons.  A simple majority of the members present shall be required for the church to sever this relationship.  The meeting to vote to dismiss must be announced for three weeks prior to the vote at a Sunday meeting.
3. The procedure for selecting a deacon—The pastor shall determine the number of deacons to serve.  To fill the office of deacon the pastor and any current deacons shall select candidates who are scripturally qualified.  The pastor will interview candidates prior to their presentation to the church.  The candidate’s names will be known publicly for one month prior to their election by a yes or no vote, 2/3 majority required.  A deacon’s term of service is for three years.

 

Section 4—Pastoral oversight of Officers, Staff and Employees

 

All church staff and employees, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the pastor who has the sole authority to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same.

 

Article V

 

Duties of Officers and other Church Leaders

 

Section 1—The Pastor

 

The Pastor (qualifications found in scripture) shall preach the Gospel regularly and be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of God, as led by the spirit.  He is the administrator over all the ministries of the church.  He is the moderator at all church meetings.  The pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees.  He is to perform all such duties that are expected of him.  The pastor shall be free to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in the Church's ministry.  The pastor is an ex-officio member of all groups with the same powers extended to all officers.  He also has the authority to approve expenditures up to $200.00 per item in the best interest of the church and its ministries.  This position is limited to men.

 

Section 2--The Deacons

 

The Deacons (qualifications found in scripture) shall assist the pastor(s) as servants of God to meet the needs of the church's people.  They are responsible for the temporal needs of the church so that the pastoral staff can concentrate on prayer and Bible study and attend to the spiritual leadership of the church.  This position is limited to men.

 

Section 3--The Minister(s) of Trust

 

A minister of trust is a man in the church elected to the position who is spiritual, faithful, and who is a good steward before the Lord.  The ministers of trust shall exercise only the following duties by specific instruction of the church:

 

1. Purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the church and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the church.
2. Sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange or otherwise dispose of, and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the name of the church, promissory notes, bonds, debenture, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages or pledges.
3. Exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the church, if such action is mandated by a simple majority vote of the church membership.
4. Research and recommend to the pastor and deacons any projects or purchases involving the church buildings, grounds, equipment, and vehicles and to be responsible for securing any bids or purchases when bids are needed.

 

Section 4—The Minister of Finance

 

The minister of finance shall account for all funds contributed to the church and shall be authorized to disburse the same.  He may have assistants and/or bookkeepers to assist him.  He shall report to the church body as appropriate.

 

Section 5—The Minister of Sunday School

 

The minister of Sunday school is to be appointed by the pastor.  He shall supervise the Sunday School activities.  In conjunction with the Pastor he shall appoint the teachers. 

 

Section 6—The Church Clerk

 

The Church Clerk shall keep a record of church proceedings, membership rolls, baptisms, ordinations, funerals, marriages, licenses, and commissions as done by the church.  These records will be transferred promptly upon change of officers.

 

Section 7—Associate and Assistant Pastors

 

The Associate or Assistant Pastors shall both be under the direction of the pastor and shall assist the pastor in carrying out all the ministries of the church.

 

 

Article VI

 

Tax Exempt Provisions

 

Section 1—Private Inurement

 

No part of the net income of the church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributed to its members, officers, church leaders, or private persons.  The church shall have the power to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered.

 

Section 2—Political Involvement

 

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be for the purpose of influencing legislation unless it is a violation of biblical convictions, or in political campaigns for an individual candidate.

 

Section 3—Dissolution

 

Upon dissolution of this, church the minister of trust shall disburse any remaining funds to only those organizations who are in agreement with our statement of faith. 

 

Article VII

 

Amendments

 

This constitution may be revised or amended by a ¾ majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting of the church called for such a purpose.  The amendment must be submitted to the pastor prior to a public announcement of the amendment.  The vote will not be prior to 14 days after the public announcement is made.

 

 

Adoption—

This constitution is adopted and validated by all that join in membership with this assembly.