OUR STORY, STAFF, AND BELIEFS
About Us
Pastor Henry Funkhouser, Jr.
Born May 1, 1982 in Woodstock, VA
He was given a moral upbringing in a broken home environment. He would go on to join the VA Army National Guard in June of 2000 and serve in an infantry unit in his hometown.
Several events happened that were instrumental in turning to Christ.
While away at basic training in Ft. Benning, GA 9/11happened. A year later, after returning home, he faced a legal battle that kept him from being deployed. A few years after that, his older sister, Sherry passed away in a car accident.
Finally, he was sentenced to spend some time behind bars, and he picked up a Bible and began to read it. God was working on him. At a Wednesday night Bible study, reading through a book called "Be Mature" by Warren Wiersbe, the pastor’s wife asked him, “Henry, do you know for sure that you are on your way to Heaven? If you were to stand before God, why should HE let you into His beautiful Heaven?” He didn’t know how to answer the question. That night, August 8, 2007, a man by the name of Terry Bosworth took a Bible and showed him how to know God and have a home in Heaven. He saw that he was a sinner in need of a Savior. He saw that the wages of sin is death. He recognized that the person and work of Jesus Christ was the only way to be saved because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Confessing that he was a sinner, he called upon Jesus Christ to be his personal Savior.
His life was never the same. A couple of years later, he would feel God’s calling into the ministry as he read through the Bible and attended church services.
“Woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!”
(1 Corinthians 9:16).
Several years later, he would attend Ambassador Baptist College where he met his wife. He received a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies in May 2017. He has pastored now for six years. He has four handsome boys and a beautiful wife, Sarah. They came to First Baptist Church of Easton the first week of June 2023, following the direction of God.
Our Beliefs
Statement of Faith
STATEMENT OF FAITH DOWNLOAD
(A) The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenarily
inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore
are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are
the complete and divine revelation of God to man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted
according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the
Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the Church (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter
1:20-21; Psalm 12:6,7; Prov. 30:5,6).
(B) 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 are divinely ordered stewardships by
which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations--the age of law,
the age of the Church, and the age of the kingdom--are the subjects of detailed revelation in
Scripture (Gen. 1:28; I Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-
25,27; Rev. 20:2-6).
(C) The Godhead
We believe there is one and only living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and Supreme
Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence, and love.
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the
same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10,26; Exodus
20:2,3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; I John 5:7).
(D) The Person and Work of Christ
(1) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-
2,14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8).
(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, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36;
Rom. 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5).
(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, I John 2:1-2).
(E) 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 of judgment, and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration,
Page 1
baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of
redemption (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14).
(2) We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand
and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all saved to be filled with
the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; I John 2:20,27).
(3) We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every
believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly
in order that they can do the work of the ministry (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:4-11,28; Eph. 4:7-
12).
(4) We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and
the gift of healing, were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the
common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate
deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the
resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical
healing (I Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22).
(F) 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; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19).
(G) 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 (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-19).
Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is
justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life, on
principles of righteousness (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His
righteousness is imputed to us (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; 5:8; 5:1).
(H) The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
(1) 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; Rom. 8:1, 38-39; I Cor. 1:4-8; I Peter
1:4-5).
(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
Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
(I) The Church
(1) We believe that the invisible church, which is the "body of Christ" and the
espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons (I Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor.
11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27).
(2) We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers;
associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of
Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by
His Word; that its officers are pastors and deacons with qualifications, whose claims and duties
are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is the faithful
witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the
absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or
organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that is
scriptural for true churches to cooperate for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local
church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of
membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church
is final. (Acts 2:41,42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22,23; Eph. 4:11; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:17; Col.
1:18; Eph. 5:23,24; Acts 15:13-18).
(3) 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, 28-32; I Tim. 3:1-13;
Titus 1:5-11).
(4) 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 Cor. 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4).
(5) We recognize water baptism and the Lord's Supper as the Scriptural ordinances
of obedience for the Church in this age (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; I Cor. 11:23-
26).
(J) 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 (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-
7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
(K) The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in that "blessed hope", the personal, imminent return of Christ Who will rapture His
Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation Christ will
personally and visibly return, with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which
was promised to the Nation of Israel (Psalm 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess.
1:10; 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6).
(L) 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, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8;
Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6).
(3) We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death in conscious
punishment and torment 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 and torment (Matt. 25:41-46;
Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15).
(M) The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and that he is the open and declared enemy
of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah
14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
(N) Creation and Fall of Man
(1) We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24 hour periods. We
reject evolution, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin
(Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11; Col. 1:16,17; John 1:1-3).
(2) We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, by
voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice, and, therefore, under just
condemnation without defense or excuse (Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom. 5:10-19; Rom. 1:18,32).
(O) 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,
but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word.
God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those
responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the
other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective
Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb.
13:17; I Peter 2:13-14; Acts 5:29).
(P) Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in
outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of
homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful
perversions of God's gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor.
5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
(Q) Divorce and Remarriage
We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.
Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery. Although divorced and remarried persons or
divorced persons may hold positions of service (to be defined by the Pastor and Deacons) in the
Church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the
offices of pastor or deacon (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2,12; Titus 1:6).
(R) 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
defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother is
acceptable (Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke
1:44).
(S) Missions
We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all
nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and
language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all
available means to go to the lost at home and abroad and not wait for them to come to us (Matt.
28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20).
(T) 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. We do believe, however, that a
Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as
long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32).
(U) Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is
obligated to support his local church financially. 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 the tithe or offering once
they have been made love gifts, however, may be designated ( Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts
4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17).
AUTHORITY OF 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.
Church Constitution
PREAMBLE
So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of
other churches of like precious faith, and that we may more readily help each other in our
Christian service, we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit
ourselves.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE
SECTION 1 - NAME:
This congregation of believers shall be known as the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF EASTON PA
SECTION 2 - PURPOSE:
(A) 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), including, but
not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the
building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations,
television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, and
cemeteries, and any other ministries that the Church may be led of God to establish.
(B) The Church shall also ordain and license men of 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 requirements of Holy Scriptures, both in Sunday and weekday
schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any
foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide, from time to
time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.
ARTICLE II
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT
SECTION 1 - STATEMENT OF FAITH:
(A) The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenarily
inspired Word of God. The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore
are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are
Page 1
the complete and divine revelation of God to man. The Scriptures shall be interpreted
according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. The King James Version of the
Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the Church (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter
1:20-21; Psalm 12:6,7; Prov. 30:5,6).
(B) 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 are divinely ordered stewardships by
which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations--the age of law,
the age of the Church, and the age of the kingdom--are the subjects of detailed revelation in
Scripture (Gen. 1:28; I Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-
25,27; Rev. 20:2-6).
(C) The Godhead
We believe there is one and only living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and Supreme
Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence, and love.
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the
same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10,26; Exodus
20:2,3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; I John 5:7).
(D) The Person and Work of Christ
(1) We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, 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 reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-
2,14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8).
(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, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36;
Rom. 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5).
(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, I John 2:1-2).
(E) 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 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; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14).
(2) We believe that He is the Divine Teacher who assists believers to understand
and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all saved to be filled with
the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; I John 2:20,27).
(3) We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every
believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry (Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor. 12:4-11,28; Eph. 4:7-12).
(4) We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and
the gift of healing, were temporary. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the
common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate
deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the
resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical
healing (I Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22).
(F) 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; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19).
(G) 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 (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; I Peter 1:18-19).
Justification
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is
justification; (a) that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life, on
principles of righteousness (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done; but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His
righteousness is imputed to us (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Zech. 13:1; Rom. 8:1; 5:8; 5:1).
(H) The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
(1) 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; Rom. 8:1, 38-39; I Cor. 1:4-8; I Peter
1:4-5).
(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
Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
(I) The Church
(1) We believe that the invisible church, which is the "body of Christ" and the
espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons (I Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor.
11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27).
(2) We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers;
associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of
Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by
His Word; that its officers are pastors and deacons with qualifications, whose claims and duties
are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe the true mission of the church is the faithful
witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the
absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or
organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that is
scriptural for true churches to cooperate for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local
church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of
membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church
is final. (Acts 2:41,42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22,23; Eph. 4:11; Acts 20:17-28; I Tim. 3:17; Col.
1:18; Eph. 5:23,24; Acts 15:13-18).
(3) 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, 28-32; I Tim. 3:1-13;
Titus 1:5-11).
(4) 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 Cor. 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4).
(5) We recognize water baptism and the Lord's Supper as the Scriptural ordinances
of obedience for the Church in this age (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; I Cor. 11:23-
26).
(J) 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 (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-
7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
(K) The Second Advent of Christ
We believe in that "blessed hope", the personal, imminent return of Christ Who will rapture His
Church prior to the seven-year tribulation period. At the end of the Tribulation Christ will
personally and visibly return, with His saints, to establish His earthly Messianic Kingdom which
was promised to the Nation of Israel (Psalm 89:3-4; Dan. 2:31-45; Zech. 14:4-11; I Thess.
1:10; 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev. 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6).
(L) 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, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8;
Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6).
(3) We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death in conscious
punishment and torment 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 and torment (Matt. 25:41-46;
Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15).
(M) The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and that he is the open and declared enemy
of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Isaiah
14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
(N) Creation and Fall of Man
(1) We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24 hour periods. We
reject evolution, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin
(Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11; Col. 1:16,17; John 1:1-3).
(2) We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, by
voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all
mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but by choice, and, therefore, under just
condemnation without defense or excuse (Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom. 5:10-19; Rom. 1:18,32).
(O) 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,
but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word.
God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those
responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the
other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective
Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb.
13:17; I Peter 2:13-14; Acts 5:29).
(P) Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in
outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of
homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful
perversions of God's gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; 19:5,13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor.
5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
(Q) Divorce and Remarriage
We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.
Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery. Although divorced and remarried persons or
divorced persons may hold positions of service (to be defined by the Pastor and Deacons) in the
Church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the
offices of pastor or deacon (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Tim. 3:2,12; Titus 1:6).
(R) 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
defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother is
acceptable (Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1,5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke
1:44).
(S) Missions
We believe that God has given the Church a Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all
nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and
language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all
available means to go to the lost at home and abroad and not wait for them to come to us (Matt.
28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20).
(T) 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. We do believe, however, that a
Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as
long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32).
(U) Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is
obligated to support his local church financially. 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 the tithe or offering once
they have been made love gifts, however, may be designated ( Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts
4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17).
SECTION 2 - AUTHORITY OF 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.
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 our 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 engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive
for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its
prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it
a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute 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 private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to
seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the
world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our
deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly
amusements such as movie attendance, gambling, rock music, and dancing; to be free from all
oath bound secret societies and partnerships with believers or unbelievers; to abstain from the
sale or use of tobacco in any form, non-prescribed drugs, or intoxicating drink as a beverage;
and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in
prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and
courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful
of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation without delay.
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 the principles
of God's Word.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:
Upon a majority vote of the members present at any Church service or 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 who enter into the Church covenant contained
herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
(A) By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;
(B) By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice, or
other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been
baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith;
(C) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or
(D) By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the
congregation after confession is made publicly before the Church membership of the sin or sins
involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the Pastor (or the Deacons if the office of
Pastor is vacant).
SECTION 2 - DUTIES OF A MEMBER:
On becoming a member of this Church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article II,
Section 3, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the Pastor; to pray for him;
and 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 and with other
financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands to support
through a lifestyle, walk and affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the Church.
SECTION 3 - PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP:
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 the undershepherd with the counsel of the
Deacons. Membership in this Church does not afford those individuals with any property,
contract, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Determination of the
internal affairs of this Church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by
the Church's own rules and procedures. The Pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of
this Church. The Deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the Pastor as requested by him.
The membership of the Church has certain limited areas of exercising a vote. Members may
not vote to initiate any Church action, but rather the vote of a member is to confirm and ratify
the direction of the Church as determined by the Pastor.
BUSINESS (ELIGIBLE VOTERS): Only members in good standing, eighteen (18) and
above years of age, shall be entitled to the right to speak or vote at any of the church's business
meetings.
SECTION 4 - DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER:
(A) There shall be a Discipline Committee consisting of the Pastor and the Deacons. These
men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith
and violations of the Church Covenant. If the Pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary
matter, he shall not sit as a member of the Discipline Committee. He shall be entitled to the
same steps as other Church members and be subject to the same discipline.
(B) Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another.
When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual
growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother.
Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of
humility and have the goal of restoration (Matt. 18:16-18; Gal. 6:1-4).
(C) If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the Pastor is to
accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by
self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
(D) If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have
been taken, the Discipline Committee, as the Church representatives biblically responsible for
putting down murmuring, may hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the
hearing or if no hearing has taken place, the Committee shall recommend to the members of
the Church that they, after self-examination, vote the offending member out of the
membership.
(E) No matter may be heard by the Discipline Committee or the Church unless the steps
outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.
(F) If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the Church membership, all contact
with him from that point forward must be for the sake of restoration (except family members).
(Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:14,15; I Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:6-11)
SECTION 5 - MEMBERSHIP DISPUTES:
In accord with the principles of I Cor. 6 disputes between brethren which directly pertain to
local church matters shall be mediated within the church, by the Pastor and Deacons. The
parties involved shall submit to their decision.
SECTION 6 - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP:
Members, not under the disciplining process of Section 4, may request that letters of transfer be
sent to another church of like faith and practice.
SECTION 7 - TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP:
(A) The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated without
notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the Church in
the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the Pastor, this provision for
termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the Pastor.
(B) No member of this Church may hold membership in another church. If any member
unites in membership with another church, that person is automatically terminated without
notice from membership in this Church.
(C) A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good
standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the Pastor.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
SECTION 1 - CHURCH OFFICERS:
The spiritual offices are Pastor and Deacons. (Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:1-13)
Other positions, such as church clerk, treasurer, ushers, etc. are for the order of good business
and shall be filled as needed.
SECTION 2 - ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUANCE IN OFFICE:
(A) No person shall be elected to any office whatsoever, who is unwilling to subscribe
wholeheartedly to the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant. If any officer should, during
his term of office refuse to do so, his tenure of office shall immediately and automatically cease,
at the recommendation of the Deacons. No one shall serve as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday
School Class Officer, or as an officer of any unit of this church, who is not a member in good
and regular standing.
(B) Only Church members are eligible for election or appointment to any Church office or
position.
(C) No officer of the church, Sunday School, Young People's or any subsidiary organization,
Sunday School Teacher, song leader, pianist or organist, choir member, etc. shall be elected or
employed who cannot sincerely testify to and unreservedly subscribe to the following:
(1) Born again and faithfully witnessing to the lost.
(2) Faithful to services and activities of the church.
(3) Separation from the world, such as membership in secret and oath binding
organizations and affiliation with modernistic activities (i.e. Mason’s, K.K.K., etc.).
(4) Abstinence from worldly indulgences, such as liquor, tobacco, narcotics, etc.
(5) No participation in worldly amusements, such as movie theaters, pornography,
gambling, dancing, public mixed swimming.
(6) Modestly attired at all times. (i.e. Women no mini skirts, see through or low cut
dresses or blouses, etc. I Tim. 2: 9 –10). Women to dress in feminine attire. Men in masculine
attire. (Dt. 22:5)
SECTION 3 - TERMS OF OFFICE:
The length of terms of office shall be as follows:
(A) The relationship between the Pastor and the Church shall be permanent unless
dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of 90 days notice (Church to Pastor or
Pastor to Church), or less by mutual consent. The severance of the relationship between the
Pastor and the Church may be considered at any regular Church Business Meeting, provided
notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the Church one Sunday prior to
said regular Church Business Meeting. A three-fourths majority of the members present and
voting shall be required to decide the matter. Disciplinary removal of the Pastor from office
automatically terminates his membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary
removal will be subject to the requirements of Article II, Section 1 (D).
(B) The term of service for deacons will be 3 years. Other positions' term of service shall be
determined by the Pastor and Deacons.
(C) A vacancy occurring in any office, except in the case of the Pastor, may be filled at any
regular Church Business Meeting.
(D) All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their
successors are duly elected or appointed.
SECTION 4 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
(A) The annual election of officers by the Church membership shall occur during the
month of December.
(B) The Nominating Committee (consisting of Pastor and Deacons) shall present a list of
nominees submitted by the congregation, after having been reviewed by the Nominating
Committee, for election. Additional nominations will not be considered.
SECTION 5 - PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF:
(A) Subject to approval of the Church membership and on the condition that they shall
become a member of the Church upon assuming their duties, the Pastor may hire associates and
assistants, to assist the Pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities.
(B) All Church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the Pastor
who has the authority to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1 - THE PASTOR:
(A) The Pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole
counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the ordinances of the
Church, act as moderator at all Church meetings for the transaction of the Church matters,
supervise the teaching ministries of the Church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual interests
of the membership.
(B) The Pastor shall serve as the president of the corporation. He shall publicly inform all
newly-elected officers of the particular function and the responsibilities of their respective
offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the
Church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The Pastor
shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has
given him.
SECTION 2 - THE DEACONS:
(A) The deacons shall assist the Pastor, in such manner as he shall request, in promoting the
spiritual welfare of the Church, in conducting the religious services, and in performing all
other work of the Church. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of
the Church. They shall, if requested by the Pastor, consider applications for Church
membership. They shall, in cooperation with the Pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They
shall assist the Pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the Church. They shall
provide the pulpit supply and act as a Pulpit Committee and act as leaders for Church meetings
if the office of Pastor is vacant. The deacons shall assist the Pastor in caring for the
administrative needs of the Church's various ministries as requested by the Pastor.
(B) Immediately following the annual Church Business Meeting, the deacons shall assemble
and elect, from their own number, a chairman.
(C) The deacons shall constitute the trustees of the Church. The trustees shall exercise the
following specific powers:
(1) to 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) to 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, debentures, or
other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages,
or pledges with the approval of the church.
(3) to exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the Church, if such
action is mandated by a vote of the Church membership.
SECTION 3 - CHURCH CLERK:
The church clerk shall keep a record of Church proceedings, of the membership roll, of all
baptisms, of certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions as directed by the Church, and
preserve all documents, papers, and letters coming into his hands during his term of office. All
records are to be kept secure, and delivered to any successor upon leaving office. He shall keep
an account of any special events in the life of the Church which are of historical interest and
shall give a report at the annual Church business meeting of the status of the Church
membership roll in the past year.
SECTION 4 - TREASURER:
The treasurer shall account for all funds contributed to the Church and shall disburse the same
as ordered by the Church. He shall present a written report of itemized disbursements each
month and make a general report for the year at the annual Church business meeting. All
expenditures of the Church except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements shall be paid by
check. He shall work with the Pastor in preparing an annual budget for the Church.
SECTION 5 - HEAD USHER:
The head usher, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall appoint a sufficient number of assistants
to care for the work of ushering and extending the official hospitality of the Church to its
members and visitors.
SECTION 6 - ASSISTANT PASTORS:
Under the direction and guidance of the Pastor, the assistant pastors of the Church shall assist
the Pastor in carrying out the ministries of the Church.
SECTION 7 - DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS:
(A) All officers shall prepare a written report of their work for the annual Church business
meeting and shall surrender any records in their possession to the chairman of deacons at the
close of their term of office to be filed as a permanent record of the work of the Church. All
records are the property of the Church and must be kept in the Church office.
(B) Any officer, other than deacon, who neglects his duties as outlined in the constitution
for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the Pastor and
another may be appointed by the Pastor to serve the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
SECTION 1 - MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP:
Unless otherwise determined by the Pastor, the Church shall meet each Sunday for public
worship both morning and evening and at least once during the week for Bible study and
prayer.
SECTION 2 - MEETINGS FOR CHURCH BUSINESS:
(A) The Pastor may call a business meeting anytime he deems it necessary and prudent for
the effective and smooth operation of the Church.
(B) The annual budget shall be presented to the Church by the deacons and the Pastor, who
should comprise the Budget Committee, for ratification. Changes in the proposed budget may
be suggested by the congregation. However, certain areas, such as salaries and benefits of
church employees, are not subject to change from the floor of the meeting without first being
referred back to the Budget Committee who will consider any proposed changes and return
with a possible amendment.
SECTION 3 - SPECIAL MEETINGS:
(A) The Pastor (or deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant or the Pastor is the subject of
possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting and
the purpose for which it is called to the Church from the pulpit at least one Sunday and not less
than one week prior to said meeting. A meeting for the call of a Pastor may be called by the
Pulpit Committee at any regular Church meeting of the Church at least one week in advance.
The Pulpit Committee shall be the deacons.
(B) Bible conferences, missionary conferences, revivals, etc. may be held as the Pastor
deems beneficial.
SECTION 4 - FISCAL YEAR:
The fiscal year of the Church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.
ARTICLE VII
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE:
The Church believes that it is to provide the members' children with an education which is
based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The Church believes that the home and
Church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the
Church shall engage in ministries of education in keeping with the following dictates:
SECTION 2 - CHURCH PARTICIPATION:
All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the Church shall
be primarily for the benefit of the members of the Church; however, the Pastor may permit
non-Church members to participate in Church educational programs or courses of instruction
if he deems it in the best interest of the Church.
SECTION 3 - STAFF MEMBERSHIP:
All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this Church. This provision
shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers, engaged for the purpose of
delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis.
SECTION 4 - STATEMENT OF FAITH ACCORD:
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord
with the Statement of Faith of the Church.
SECTION 5 - UNITY:
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and
inseparable ministry of the Church.
SECTION 6 - TEACHING:
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the
teaching of the inerrant Word of God. ANY assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions
a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false.
It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the
sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.
SECTION 7 - CHRISTIAN WALK:
All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with
the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.
ARTICLE VIII
UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES
Any expenditure in excess of $200 and not authorized in the regular annual budget must be
authorized by the Pastor (or the Deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant [in cooperation with
the Treasurer]).
ARTICLE IX
ORDINATION
SECTION 1 - ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS:
Any male member of this Church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call
of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in I Timothy 3:1-7
and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel.
SECTION 2 - ORDINATION PROCEDURE:
(A) Upon a conference with the Pastor and after the Pastor has approved the candidate for
ordination, the Pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the
candidate. The ordination council shall consist of ordained ministers of like faith invited to
participate in the examination of the candidate.
(B) If the candidate is found worthy of the ordination by the council, the Church may
proceed with the ordination of the candidate.
(C) The Pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.
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 Article 1, Section 2
hereof.
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 (Political Separation).
SECTION 3 - DISSOLUTION:
Upon the dissolution of the Church, the Trustees shall, after paying or making provision for
payment of all the liabilities of the Church, dispose of all of the assets of the Church to such
organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as
shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United
States Internal Revenue Law), as the Trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to
organizations which agree with the Church's Statement of Faith.
SECTION 4 - RACIAL NONDISCRIMINATION:
The Church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate
against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or
ethnic origin.
ARTICLE XI
DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 1:
From time to time the Church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable
purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest
uses for their contributions but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory
in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject
to the exclusive control and discretion of the Pastor and the Deacons. No fiduciary obligation
shall be created by any designated contribution made to the Church other than to use the
contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article 1, Section 2.
(Biblically the tithe should not be designated.)
SECTION 2:
It is understood that all gifts and donations become the permanent property of First Baptist
Church of Easton.
ARTICLE XII
CALLING OF A PASTOR
SECTION 1 - PULPIT COMMITTEE:
(1) The deacons holding office at the time of the previous Pastor's departure shall constitute
the pulpit committee. Note: No new deacons shall be elected while the Pastor's position is
empty.
(2) The pulpit committee shall interview all possible candidates for the office of Pastor and
shall recommend acceptable candidates to the church.
(3) All candidates must have a unanimous recommendation of the pulpit committee.
SECTION 2 - CANDIDATES:
(1) Each candidate shall preach a minimum of two Sundays, both morning and evening
services.
(2) Each candidate must be voted upon before another candidate may be considered.
(3) In the event a candidate is voted on and fails to receive a sufficient majority of votes, he
may not be considered or voted on again for a minimum of ninety days.
(4) No candidate, having been turned down twice by the vote of the church shall be
considered again for a minimum of one year.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and
voting, at any regular Church business meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has
been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is
taken and is in harmony with Biblical principles and the letter and spirit of this Constitution.
ADOPTION
This Constitution was adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting
at a duly-called meeting of the Church in which a quorum of no less than 20 was present.
This Constitution and By-Laws supersedes any other constitution and/or by-laws of the First
Baptist Church of Easton.
____________________ ____________________________________
Date Church Clerk
CHURCH BY-LAWS
NUMBER 1:
All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof including
time and place and the use of the property belonging to the Church for purposes other than the
stated appointments shall be under the control of the Pastor.
NUMBER 2:
All literature used in the Church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.
The Authorized Version - King James Bible shall be the only Bible used in any and all ministries
of First Baptist Church of Easton.