Constitution of Fellowship Baptist Church, Luton, Bedfordshire
PREAMBLE
As a body of baptised believers, we place our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. Having bound ourselves together in fellowship and believing it necessary to govern ourselves in an orderly and efficient manner, we do hereby adopt the provisions of this document which includes the following:
The Covenant is a statement of spiritual goals that this church seeks to live out in their individual and corporate lives.
The Constitution provides a set of written guidelines for the orderly implementation and administration of the goals of the Covenant, and for the efficient governing of the affairs of this church.
The Articles of Faith sets out what we believe the Word of God teaches us concerning faith and practise; bearing in mind that it is the Bible which is our final authority.
Baptist Distinctives are unique, doctrinal distinctives which have historically been upheld by Baptist churches and are believed to be essential elements for a church patterned after the New Testament model.
ARTICLE I — NAME
The name of this organisation shall be Fellowship Baptist Church, Luton, Bedfordshire.
ARTICLE II — PURPOSE
The purpose of this organisation shall be to bring glory to God through the advancement of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It shall seek to attain this end through worship, observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, preaching, consistent Christian living, evangelism, discipleship, Christian service.
ARTICLE III — AFFILIATION
This church is an independent, autonomous Baptist church under the headship of Christ and the leadership of God-given pastor(s). Affiliation shall be only with such organisations and associations which manifest, both by statement and practise, their agreement with the faith and practise set forth in this Constitution.
ARTICLE IV — POLITY
Church Authority
Fellowship Baptist Church acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as its only Head, and accepts the Bible as its only infallible guide in matters of faith, church order, and discipline. The government of this church, under the headship of Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is vested in the body of believers composing its membership; whose vote is final.
Church Offices
This church recognises two Scriptural offices, pastor and deacons, to direct its affairs. To facilitate this direction, other positions may be filled by election or appointment so long as they are constitutionally allowable.
ARTICLE V — MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, who have been baptised by immersion after conversion and have given assent to the Covenant, Constitution, and Articles of Faith of this church.
No person can be a member of this church who is a member of any secret society, lodge, or any other church. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Admission
Each candidate for membership will relate his/her Christian experience to the pastor and Deacons. The pastor and deacons, having satisfied themselves that the candidate is eligible for membership, shall recommend the same to the church, who shall vote upon the candidate's admission to membership following a verbal testimony at any regular service.
Notice shall be made at least one week in advance to allow for consideration.
Candidates for membership may be received by letter of transfer from churches which are in agreement with the faith and practise set forth in this Constitution. Following such action, the transferee's former church shall be notified in writing of the transfer of membership.
Dismissed members or members on the Broken Fellowship Roll may be restored to membership having demonstrated honest evidence of repentance and to make confession and/or restitution of wrong doing before the church. Any member with concerns about a new or restored member should appear immediately before the pastor and the deacons and give Scriptural reasons supporting his/her concerns.
Dismissal
The members will vote out of membership those who have joined another church; who cease attending services for 6 months (unless the absence is due to illness or temporarily being absent from the community); and those who are unresponsive to church discipline taken against them (see Appendix 1).
Those who are in good standing with the church and request a transfer of membership to a like-minded church will be granted one and also voted out of the membership. Similarly, on death, membership is ended.
Standing
A member shall be considered in good standing when he/she shall regularly attend the church services and the Lord's Supper, contributes to the church programme in proportion to his/her ability, and demonstrates in his/her daily life the Christian walk.
ARTICLE VI — THE PASTOR
Qualifications
The pastor shall give a clear testimony of his salvation and subsequent baptism by immersion.
He shall be able to meet the standards of the Word of God. 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:15-16, 22-26; Titus 1:6-9
The pastor shall have affirmed in writing and verbally in the presence of the church his acceptance of the Covenant, Constitution, Articles of Faith, and Baptist Distinctives.
Duties
The pastor shall be responsible for the spiritual life of the church. It shall be the pastor's responsibility to lead and/or supervise all spiritual matters of the church and to oversee administration of the general business of the church. The pastor shall be considered to be the chief administrator of the church and shall be responsible for the following:
Calling a Pastor
The deacons shall constitute the pulpit committee to secure candidates for the Pastorate.
Before a name is presented to the church, the deacons shall have thoroughly investigated the history of the candidate relative to his schooling, business affairs, evidence of the Lord's blessing in his previous positions. They shall examine his doctrinal orthodoxy, spiritual and emotional stability, and (as much as possible) ensure the propriety of his family life.
Before making a decision, the church should satisfy itself that it is confident about the prospective pastor. The candidate being considered will spend as much time as is practical with the church.
The candidate shall be elected at a special business meeting of the church by written ballot. This meeting shall be announced three successive Sundays in advance. During this meeting, the congregation is invited to share their views on the candidate.
The candidate must receive 80% majority votes of members present. If a member cannot be present, he/she should explain their views in writing.
Following the vote, the candidate shall be informed, in writing, of the conditions of employment.
Tenure
It shall be understood that the pastor is called for an indeterminate period of time and shall continue as long as that relationship is mutually agreeable to himself and/or the church.
Should he see fit, the pastor may terminate his services upon six weeks' notice with the exception of dismissal by the church.
Dismissing the pastor shall be handled in the following manner:
The pastor must be dismissed by 80% majority written ballot of eligible members voting at a special business meeting. Those members voting must be a minimum of 90% of the total eligible membership of the church. If a member cannot be present, he/she must share his/her views with the deacons in writing.
This meeting shall be announced at least three successive Sundays in advance.
ARTICLE VII — DEACONS
Duties
Deacons are to be considered as ministering servants of the church. Their duties are to assist the pastor in church matters with a view to freeing him to concentrates on the spiritual affairs of the church.
The deacons shall constitute the pulpit committee when the church is in need of a pastor.
The deacons shall be responsible for the administration of financial matters for the church.
Qualifications
They shall meet the standards of 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6, and shall do honour to the spiritual nature of the office, being 21 years of age or older, a Christian for a minimum of two years and a member of the church for at least one year.
Due to the teaching and leadership responsibilities of the office, no woman may hold the office of a deacon. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-12
Tenure
Deacons shall serve for a period of time as determined by the membership.
ARTICLE VIII — EXTRA OFFICIALS
The following officials shall be required as to adequately administer the business of the church. Other officers shall be elected as necessary, and along with the following officials, shall abide by the principles listed below.
All church officials and members of committees/auxiliary organisations will be members who are in good and regular standing in the church and be without reproach in the community and subscribe fully to the Articles of Faith (the pastor and deacons may request an affirmation of such at any time).
Church Treasurer
He/She shall be elected by ballot vote for a term of one year and may be re-elected for further terms.
He/She shall be not less than 21 years of age and have been a member for at least one year.
The treasurer shall be directed by the deacons/trustees or church to make all disbursements by cheque. In the event that cash must be used, a proper receipt shall be secured.
The treasurer shall be responsible for the counting of all offerings, depositing in the church's bank account(s), and shall maintain records of such deposits and offerings.
The treasurer shall make a full written report to the church at each quarterly and annual business meeting or whenever the church shall direct.
An auditing committee shall be elected prior to the annual meeting and consist of two members, one of which having a knowledge of accounting practises, and both having been members for at least one year.
The committee shall examine all the financial records and satisfy itself of their accuracy and make a report to the church at the Annual General Meeting.
Church Secretary
He/She shall be elected by ballot vote for a term of one year and be able to serve for further terms.
He/She shall be at least 21 years old and have been a member for at least one year.
The secretary shall attend all business meetings possible and keep record of the approved minutes of the church meetings. All records of such meetings are the property of the church.
The secretary shall keep a record of the membership, including the admission, dismissal, death, or transfer of members to another church. All dates and relative data shall be noted down.
The secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the church as directed.
The secretary shall make written report at all quarterly and annual meetings stating the minutes of the last meeting, any other business transpired, and letters received.
ARTICLE IX — AUXILIARY ORGANISATIONS
All committees and auxiliary organisations shall be self-governing, but ultimately be under the control of the church, the Constitution, and specifically the deacons. No committee or organisation shall hold a separate bank account. All moneys shall be turned over to the church treasurer and noted for that organisation's usage.
ARTICLE X — MEETINGS
This church shall meet regularly for the following purposes:
Worship
The church shall meet each Sunday for public worship. Apart from Sunday services, the church will find time to be together for fellowship, teaching, and witness; this may take place in organised meetings or informal groups.
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday of the month with occasional changes as the church shall designate so long as it is observed on a regular basis.
Business
Business meetings will be held quarterly in addition to an Annual General Meeting in the month of April.
Unless otherwise specified, a quorum of 50% of active, resident members aged 18 and over shall be required to conduct business.
A majority vote shall settle all matters except those occasions requiring a specific percentage.
Members must be 18 years of age or older to vote.
In incidental or special business meetings, those present shall constitute a quorum (unless otherwise specified by the Constitution).
A special business meeting may be called by the pastor and/or deacons, or by written request of any three eligible members. The purpose of such a meeting shall be announced at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.
ARTICLE XI — FINANCES
In matters relating to finance, it is assumed that at all times the church shall strive to be above reproach and shall put the Lord first in all monetary matters.
No moneys shall be raised by the church or any committee or auxiliary organisation except by free-will giving.
It shall be acceptable to operate enterprises (such as book stalls) which require the sale of goods and services, so long as the purpose is of a spiritual nature or for outreach of the Gospel and non-profit.
At no time shall an individual make financial gain from such enterprise. The treasurer shall be responsible for the management of the funds received and include such activities in his/her regular reports.
Tax rebates will be accepted for tithes and offerings given on a seven-year covenant basis via the Charities Commission.
Designated gifts will be honoured if the designated cause is in harmony with the doctrines and practises of the church.
Memorials may be received by the church. The pastor and deacons shall supervise the details and shall work together with the donor(s) regarding the implementation. At no time shall a memorial be used to promote an individual's glory, other than to benefit the church on the behalf of the deceased.
ARTICLE XII — MISSIONS
This church shall support missionary causes consistent with its own belief and practises and shall look upon such activity as a spiritual obligation of the Lord's work. All missionaries supported by this church shall indicate in writing their full agreement with the Articles of Faith. Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13-14
ARTICLE XIII — AMENDMENTS
As needs dictate, amendments to the Church's written structure may be accomplished in the following manner:
All amendments must be presented to and be authorised by the pastor and deacons before church action can be taken.
Amendments are to be considered in the following categories:
Constitution. Amendments must be given as a proposal at a quarterly meeting previous to the actual voting time. At the following quarterly meeting, or annual, a majority of 80% of all active, resident members shall be required.
Articles of Faith. Any change is to undertaken with the utmost prayer and thought as the very foundation of the church is affected. Amendments to the Articles of Faith are to be announced and proposed in the quarterly meeting previous to the next meeting whether quarterly or annual. 80% majority of all active, resident members shall be required. If a member cannot be present for the meeting, he/she should communicate a view or concerns to the pastor and deacons in writing.
ARTICLE XIV — DISSOLUTION
This church shall be considered to be dissolved when its membership is reduced to three persons who believe that God has definitely terminated its ministry. In this event, all property and assets, real and personal, of the church shall be disposed of according to majority vote. All proceeds shall be distributed to a church or religious organisation that is in agreement with the church's original Articles of Faith.
Appendix 1: Church Discipline
Any member who has violated the spirit of the Covenant and/or the Articles of Faith, or been guilty of conduct unbecoming in a follower of Christ and who refuses counsel or demonstrates an unwillingness to amend his behaviour will be considered for disciplinary measures. Such conduct would include the following examples:
The irresolution of personal difficulties with another brother, or the refusal to abide by a congregational decision concerning the matter. Matthew 18:15-18
All sexual immorality, covetousness, idolatry, insults, drunkenness, extortion. 1 Corinthians 5:11
Heresy; the acceptance and proclamation of doctrines contrary to that expressed in the Articles of Faith, and held by the church. 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18
Division; destroying the unity of the church. Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10-11
These offences are not listed to encourage a legalistic pastoral search, but rather as a recourse to the local church to reprove and/or remove from its membership any members whose lives are damaging the testimony of the church or effectively hindering the work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 5:7-8
Usually this procedure of discipline would only be carried out against elected or appointed church officers who persisted in scandalous conduct, but would equally apply to any member whose conduct brought reproach to the church in the community.
Accusations against the Pastor shall be dealt with as follows:
Accusations shall not be considered without a minimum of two or three witnesses to support them. 1 Timothy 5:19
In matters of doctrinal error, personal misconduct, or failure to carry out duties, the deacons shall attempt to correct him. Galatians 6:1
In matters deemed necessary, the deacons may be empowered to seek counsel from other pastors and/or churches of like faith and practise with whom the church may be in fellowship. It is understood that no decisions given by any outside counsel shall be binding upon the church; but simply allow for additional input to the matter. Acts 15
Failure to satisfactorily rectify the situation shall require the church to hear the matter and to make a decision which shall be binding.
If necessary, the deacons may have authority to suspend immediately, with pay, the services of the pastor until they can determine the seriousness of the matter. A special business meeting would then be called to examine such action.
Procedure for discipline:
Any discipline problem must be presented to the Discipline Committee before bringing it to the church.
The Pastor and Deacons shall constitute this Committee.
Where charges are made against a member, the accused shall be notified personally of the nature of the charges and shall be summoned to appear before the Discipline Committee to make answer to the charges.
Such notification shall take place not less than 10 days and not more than 30 days from the scheduled appearance.
If the accused person fails to appear on the date agreed on by himself and the Committee, such failure to appear will be considered as an admission of guilt and dealt with accordingly.
If the accused appears before the Committee, there shall be a full and fair hearing of the case and the Committee may be empowered to vote that the accused is innocent of the charges.
If a majority of the Committee present vote that the accused is guilty of the charge(s), it shall recommend to the church that the accused be either excluded from the membership of the church or subjected to such disciplinary measures as warranted.
The church must, as final authority, either approve the recommendation or hear the case itself.
Characteristics of Discipline:
It is assumed that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. 1 Corinthians 13:5-7
All discipline enacted by the church must conform to the standards of the Word as found in Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; and Galatians 6:1.
It is understood that this provision for discipline shall not be used as an excuse for unnecessary severity in minor matters, but that the Discipline Committee shall always use kindness, consideration, and Christian love in determining the cases for discipline and the method of procedure in such cases.