organization

"And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent."   -COLOSSIANS 1:18

constitution & by-laws

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ARTICLE I. NAME AND LOCATION


The name of this church shall be Creekside Bible Church (“CBC”). The church is located in Eagle, ID and is independent, autonomous, and non-denominational.


ARTICLE II. FOUNDATION, OBJECT, AND PRIORITIES OF CBC:


(1) The foundation of this church is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and its code of guidance in all its affairs is the Word of God. This church does here affirm its faith that the Holy Scriptures (i.e., the sixty-six books comprising the Old and New Testaments) are the Word of Almighty God (Mark 13:31).


(2) The object of this church shall be to worship God according to the teaching of His Word, to practice the precepts and examples of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in the Scriptures, to sustain its ordinances and doctrines and to preach and propagate among all peoples the gospel of salvation that is by the grace of God through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.


(3) The priorities of ministry of this church flow from the revelation of God’s glory revealed in Jesus Christ. We exist to savor this revelation in worship (John 4:23), strengthen the revelation in nurture and education (1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Peter 3:18), and spread the revelation in evangelism, missions, and loving deeds (1 Peter 2:9; 3:15; Matthew 28:18-20; 5:16). In sum, CBC exists to exalt God, edify the saints, and evangelize the lost.


ARTICLE III. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP


SECTION 1. THE CHURCH DEFINED

The word church (in NT Greek, ‘ekklesia’) means, “called out ones” and can refer to the entire spiritual body of Christ that will gather in the future glory, or a local congregation of individual believers. In the New Testament it most often refers to an established local congregation of believers.


Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit immediately places those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ into one united spiritual body of Christ. This body is also called the family of God, the Body of Christ, of which Jesus Christ is the Head, and the Bride of Christ. The Bride of Christ, which will assemble in future glory, consists of all the saints of God through the ages. God has given each local congregation all that it needs to individually and corporately mature and carry out the commands and commissions of our Lord. The local church exists for the spiritual purpose set forth in Article II of this Constitution and By-laws.


References:

(1) Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22, (2) Acts 2:47; 11:22; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 4:15


SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP DEFINED

Members of this church shall be comprised of those who have:

  1. Made a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (1). 2. Been baptized by immersion. (2).
  2. Requested to be a member of this church.
  3. Made a commitment to abide by the membership covenant of this church.
  4. Been examined and approved by the Elder Board.

References:

(1) Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9, (2) Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 19:5


SECTION 3. PURPOSE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

Church membership is important in that it facilitates:

  1. The defining of who belongs to our local congregation (1).
  2. The knowing of who should participate in the privileges and responsibilities of the church (2).
  3. The providing of adequate care, nurture, and protection for every individual that belongs to this church (3).
  4. The exercising of authority and oversight in discipline and restoration of those members not maintaining a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (4).

References:

(1) Philemon 1:1-2 (2) 1 Timothy 5:16; James 5:14, (3) Acts 6:1, (4) 1 Corinthians 5:1-13


SECTION 4. PROCEDURES FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

A. Application for Church Membership

Any person may request membership with this church by presenting himself or herself to an Elder for membership.


B. Process for Consideration of Church Membership

Upon a person’s request for membership, a CBC Elder will evaluate the qualification of the person for membership. Upon Elder Board approval, the new member shall be publicly presented to the church.


SECTION 5. MEMBERSHIP COVENANT

Having been brought by divine grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up myself to Him, and having been baptized upon my profession of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and having read and affirmed the Statement of Faith of this church, acknowledging that I am of like faith and kindred spirit, I do now, relying on His gracious aid, solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with Creekside Bible Church:


I will work and pray for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


I will walk with this body in brotherly love, as becomes the members of a Christian church, exercise an affectionate care and watchfulness over my brothers and sisters in Christ and faithfully admonish and plead with them as occasion may require.


I will not forsake the assembling of myself together with the Church, nor neglect to pray for my church family and those outside the church.


I will endeavor to bring up those who at any time may be under my care, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and by a pure and loving example to seek the salvation of my family and friends.


I will rejoice in the happiness of my church family and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear their burdens and sorrows.


I will seek, by divine aid, to live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, remembering that as I have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in the newness of life, so there is on me a special obligation now to lead a new and holy life.


I will work with this church family for the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry, as I cooperatively work to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. I will be accountable to the church in doctrine and conduct.


I will submit to the loving rule, oversight, and authority of the Elder Board and their final decisions regarding reproof, instruction, correction, and loving discipline as given in Matthew 18:15-17.


I will contribute financially both cheerfully and regularly through free-will offerings to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel to all nations.


I will, when I move from this place, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where I can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. I, as a member of Creekside Bible Church, must be in good standing in order to resign or transfer my membership and seek recommendation for membership into another church.


I, as a member of Creekside Bible Church must practice self-examination, confession, and repentance according to Scripture in order to participate in the Lord’s Supper.


I joyfully, freely, and under no undue compulsion enter into this covenant with my fellow church members of Creekside Bible Church.


Lord, I believe that You want me to be a faithful member of Creekside Bible Church. I affirm and accept my responsibilities as stated above, and by Your grace I will fulfill these responsibilities.


*Note: Professing, baptized believers under age 18 may become Preparatory Members of CBC with parent/guardian consent. For the Preparatory Member, signing a Preparatory Membership Covenant (along with parent/guardian) means that you will be striving to grow into the responsibilities listed above and, upon your 18th birthday, will be ready to assume all of the responsibilities and privileges of individual membership. Even until then, you will pursue the spiritual and moral standards of a follower of Christ as a member of CBC, as exemplified in this membership covenant. Your signature, and that of your parent/guardian, indicate that you understand your responsibility as a member of CBC in covenant with all of your fellow church members, including your submission to church discipline.


SECTION 6. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

The purpose of church discipline is to restore and bring about reconciliation, to affect a return to a Biblical standard of conduct to maintain purity in the local church, and to deter sin (1).


Members of this church who shall sin habitually and impenitently shall be subject to removal according to Matthew 18:15-18; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; James 5:19-20.


Before such dismissal, however:

  1. It shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of a member’s sinful behavior to warn and to correct such sinning member in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
  2. If said sinning member does not heed this warning, then the warning member shall again go to the sinning member accompanied by one or two witnesses to warn and correct such sinning member, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
  3. If said sinning member still refuses to heed this additional warning, then, it shall be brought to the attention of the Elder Board.
  4. The Elder Board, after prayerful investigation and consensus agreement, shall tell it to the church.
  5. If said sinning member refuses to heed the warning of the Elder Board and the church, he or she shall be removed from the midst of the congregation. There shall be no appeal to any court from that removal.
  6. This process will continue to conclusion even if the sinning member chooses not to attend congregational meetings or otherwise seeks to withdraw from membership to avoid the discipline process.
  7. If said member, after removal, demonstrates fruitful repentance, and requests restoration of membership, he or she shall be publicly and joyfully restored to membership after review and agreement by the Elder Board. Such restoration is required by Creekside Bible Church before a person can be recommended to another church.

References:

(1) Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:10-11; James 5:19-20


SECTION 7. REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP

Members may be removed from church membership for any of the following reasons:

  1. Death.
  2. Transfer of membership, providing that disciplinary action is not in process for an offense under Article III, Section 6 of the Constitution and By-Laws.
  3. Inactivity.
  4. Disciplinary action.
  5. Member request, providing that disciplinary action is not in process for an offense under Article III, Section 6 of the Constitution and By-Laws. It is expected that a member who no longer agrees with the CBC Statement of Faith will request removal from the membership roll.


SECTION 8. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

A. Types of Meetings

  1. A regular annual meeting shall be held to inform the church membership about the church’s annual budget and hear other announcements from the Elder Board.
  2. The Elder Board may call special meetings in order to announce to the church pending decisions or decisions made by the Elder Board and / or to seek input from the church body and to facilitate discussion on matters related to the church.


B. Notice of Meetings

Any special meeting shall be publicly announced at least one (1) week prior to the meeting unless extreme urgency renders such notice impractical.


C. Conduct at Meetings

Non-members are permitted to attend membership meetings, but participation shall be reserved for members of CBC.


SECTION 9. ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

Scripture teaches that there are two ordinances that the church is to observe until Jesus Christ returns again:

  1. Baptism. (See Statement of Faith Heading 15 for detailed information about Baptism)
  2. The Lord’s Supper. (Statement of Faith Heading 16 for detailed information on the Lord’s Supper)



ARTICLE IV. CHURCH GOVERNMENT


SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

Church government is an extremely practical and theologically significant issue. Biblical structure and function allow the peaceful and orderly working out of the ministry of the church. The church is the family of God and its Head is Jesus Christ. Just as God has given us the structure and the function of each person in a family, He has done so in regard to His church (1). God’s Word reveals the proper structure of the church and the function of each of its parts. The purpose of such structure and instruction is to ensure spiritual maturity both individually and corporately as a New Testament Church (2).


References:

(1) Ephesians 5:23 (2) Ephesians 4:11-16


SECTION 2. STRUCTURE OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

A. Jesus Christ is the Head

Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ has revealed His will for us, as the church, through His Word, the Bible (1).


B. Elders

Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church mediates His rule over the Church by calling and appointing Elders to shepherd, oversee, and lead the church. These Elders are directly responsible to Jesus Christ, and accountable to one another for the governing of the church according to His Word (2). (See ARTICLE V for detailed information about Elders.)


References:

(1) Ephesians 5:23 (2) Acts 20:28-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Peter 5:1-2, Hebrews 13:7, 17 (3) Acts 6:1-7 (4) 1 Peter 2:5, 9 (5) Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:1-7; 13:1-4; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 5:1-13; 16:1-4; Philippians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:19-21; Philemon 1:1-2 Hebrews 13:7, 17


SECTION 3. COUNCILS

To promote efficient handling of church matters, the Elder Board may appoint various councils. These councils shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with the powers specifically delegated by the Elder Board.


Guidelines for councils:

  1. To bring considered recommendations to the Elder Board concerning church matters. 
  2. To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elder Board regarding church matters.
  3. All Elders serve as ex-officio members of all councils and may sit as such at their discretion. 4. All councils shall exist for the period specified by the Elder Board.

References: Proverbs 11:14


SECTION 4. THE FINANCE COUNCIL

To promote the efficient and studied handling of the financial matters of the church, the Elder Board shall appoint a council for the purpose of making recommendations to them regarding the finances of the church. This group shall be known as the Finance Council. They shall aid in the compilation of the annual church budget, and any other financial matters that the Elder Board delegates to their care. The Elder Board shall determine the number and tenure of members of the Finance Council (I Peter 5:2; 2 Corinthians 8:18-20).


SECTION 5. ORDINATIONS

Ordination is the recognition and appointment of a man by the Elder Board to serve in CBC as an Elder or Deacon. Ordination of a prospective Elder requires a unanimous agreement of the Elder Board.


References:

Acts 6:6; 13:2-4; 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:22


SECTION 6. CHURCH RECORDS AND BOOKS

The church shall maintain current, adequate, and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. An accurate account of all receipts and disbursements shall be maintained by Finance Council. The fiscal year of the church shall begin on January 1st, and end on December 31st of each year.


SECTION 7. DISSOLUTION OF THE CHURCH

A. The Elder Board shall make the final decision regarding the dissolution of the church.


B. Distribution of assets

In the event that CBC ceases to function, or exist as a church, or dissolves the church, the property and title to it, in no event shall any asset or property of the Church be directly or indirectly distributed to or on behalf of any Trustee, officer, staff member, or member of the church. Upon dissolution of this church, the Board of Elders shall cause the assets herein to be distributed to other Biblically qualified ministries (i.e. churches, missionaries, etc.), with purposes similar to those identified in Article II of these By-laws.


SECTION 8. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

The Constitution and By-laws adopted by the church in a business meeting held on December 19, 2021 shall supersede all prior resolutions, precedents, and actions of the church not in harmony with its provisions. Henceforth, the Constitution and By-laws may be amended or changed by a decision of the Elder Board.



ARTICLE V. ELDERS (Paid or Voluntary)


The New Testament Scripture is clear about those who have the responsibility of rule, oversight, and care of the church. These men are called Elders, Pastors, and Bishops. All three titles are used to refer to the same spiritual office of leadership in the church and are interchangeable. Christ is the Head of the church, and He mediates His rule in the church through the shepherding of Elders/Pastors/Bishops (1). We acknowledge that in the New Testament the terms Pastor, Elder, and Bishop are synonymous. We henceforth choose to use the term Elder in this document.


References:

(1) 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Acts 20:17-18, 28-31; 1 Peter 5:1-4


SECTION 1. THE AUTHORITY OF THE ELDERS

A. Decision-Making Authority

The Elders who shepherd the church have final decision-making authority in all areas of church life. The objective of any and all decisions made by the Elders shall be to do the will of God as revealed in His Word (1).


B. Decision-Making

Decisions shall be by consensus, (except for adding Elders, for which a unanimous decision is required) reached after prayerful consideration in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding others before himself and the precepts of the word of God as the controlling factor.


C. Statement of Unity

Any decision made will be considered a unanimous decision. All Elders agree to be in unified support of the final decision, in public and in private, even though it may not agree with their personal preference (2).


SECTION 2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELDERS

A. To Spiritually Shepherd the Church

  1. To preach and/or teach God’s Word (1).
  2. To pray (2).
  3. To maintain doctrinal purity in the church (3).
  4. To reprove, rebuke, and exhort the church with great patience (4). 
  5. To be examples in the church (5).

B. To Govern and Oversee All the Affairs of the Church

  1. To establish policies and practices for the church consistent with Scripture and the purpose of the church. To direct and oversee all of the financial resources and expenditures of the church.
  2. To direct and oversee the maintaining of adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of the business of the church.
  3. To appoint officers and councils as needed to carry out the business of the church in an orderly and acceptable manner. Any officer or council appointed by the Elder Board is directly responsible to the Elder Board and shall serve as long as the Elder Board sees the need (7).
  4. To lead in the selection of a Pastor-Teacher in accordance with the selection process established in these By-laws.
  5. To lead in the selection of Elders for the church in accordance with the selection process established in these bylaws (8).
  6. To lead in the selection of Deacons for the church in accordance with the selection process established in these bylaws (9).
  7. To maintain open communication with the church body.

References:

(1) Acts 6:2, 4; 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:2, (2) Acts 6:4, (3) Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; Jude 3-4, (4) 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9-11, (5) 1 Peter 5:3, (6) 1 Timothy 3:4-5, (7) Acts 6:3, (8) Titus 1:5, (9) Acts 6:2-6


SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

A. Called by God

An Elder must be a man who has been called by God. The evidences for such a call are as follows:

  1. Confirmation of the call to the ministry by other believers (1). 
  2. Possession of the abilities necessary to serve (giftedness).
  3. A deep desire to serve (2).
  4. A lifestyle characterized by moral integrity (3).


B. Active Membership

An Elder must affirm and adhere to the membership covenant of this church (4).


C. Biblical Qualifications

An Elder must possess the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. He shall be:

  1. Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach.
  2. One-woman man.
  3. Temperate, sober, vigilant.
  4. Sober-minded, prudent.
  5. Given to hospitality.
  6. Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching.
  7. Not given to wine.
  8. Not violent; not pugnacious.
  9. Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle.
  10. Not a brawler; not contentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered.
  11. Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain.
  12. Manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.
  13. Not a novice; not a new convert.
  14. Has a good report or reputation with outsiders. 15. Not self-willed.
  15. Loves what is good.
  16. Just, fair.
  17. Holy, devout.
  18. Self-controlled.

References:

(1) 2 Timothy 2:1-2; 3 John 1:12, (2) 1 Timothy 3:1, (3) Titus 1: 6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3, (4) Hebrews 10:25


SECTION 4. SELECTION OF ELDERS

1. The Elder Board shall set aside men that they determine have met the qualifications and calling of the office of Elder. They shall be declared as being under consideration.


2. The Elder Board shall then make it known to the church that a particular individual is being considered as a candidate for the office of Elder.


3. For a period of time, not less than thirty days, the congregation will have the opportunity to prayerfully consider the individual’s qualifications for the office of Elder. If members for any reason feel that the person may be unqualified, they should go to him in love with discretion and privately discuss their concerns (1). If after a discussion with the nominee, the members feel that their concern is unresolved, then they should approach the Elder Body with their concern. During the time that a man is under consideration, there are several process options:


Option 1: The man under consideration can withdraw himself from consideration and the process will cease.

Option 2: The Elder Board may deem the man unqualified for whatever reason and the process will cease.

Option 3: The man and the Elder Board agree that the process should continue.


4. After the time of consideration within the church, the Elder Board may call a special council of Elders meeting, including Elders from other congregations for the purpose of examining the prospective Elder.


5. After prayerful consideration of the advice of the Elders, and a unanimous decision of the Creekside Bible Church Elder Board, the prospective Elder is approved.


6. Upon approval, the man shall immediately assume his position as an Elder.


References:

(1) Matthew 18:15-18; Titus 1:7


SECTION 5. LEADERSHIP AMONG THE ELDERS - FIRST AMONG EQUALS

As demonstrated in the Scriptures, even among the leadership of the church there is a leader. The Pastor-Teacher, who is a full-time staff Elder, shall act as the first among equals in the Elder Board. He shall have one voice in the Elder Board and in that way, is an equal among equals.


References: Acts 15:13-21


SECTION 6. NUMBER OF ELDERS

The number of Elders shall be as many as are qualified and needed to shepherd the church. The Elder Board shall determine that number.


SECTION 7. REMOVAL OF ELDERS

The Elder Board has the authority to dismiss an Elder if he becomes physically incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to serve is established by consensus of the other Elders. If in the consensus decision of the other Elders, the Pastor-Teacher does not meet biblically explicit qualifications, then the Elder Board shall suspend him of his duties, providing written documentation and the process of church discipline will begin (See ARTICLE VI. SECTION 6 and ARTICLE VII. SECTION 1.E.).


References:

1 Timothy 5:19-20


SECTION 8. ELDER BODY MEETINGS

Meetings of the Elder Board shall be held on a regular basis as determined by the Elders. The Pastor-Teacher/Chairman may call special meetings of the Elder Board as needed.



ARTICLE VI. THE PASTOR-TEACHER


SECTION 1. THE POSITION OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER

The Pastor-Teacher is the primary teaching pastor of the church. He is primarily responsible for the spiritual equipping and oversight of the entire congregation and is the first among equals in the Elder Board. He normally acts as the spokesman for the Elder Board to the congregation and is directly responsible to the Elder Board for the carrying out of his duties in the church.


References:

Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:2-4


SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER

The duties and responsibilities of the Pastor-Teacher in order of their priority are as follows:

  1. To pray (1).
  2. To prepare and to preach the Word (2).
  3. To protect the church from false doctrine (3).
  4. To see to the administration, oversight, and care of all church staff (4).
  5. To lead in the selection of all church staff in accordance with the selection process established in these bylaws.

References:

(1) Acts 6:4, (2) Acts 6:4; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:5, (3) 1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9, (4) Acts 20:34


SECTION 3. AUTHORITY TO DELEGATE

The Pastor-Teacher may, at his discretion, delegate any task pertaining to the administration and oversight of the church staff. Delegation may be done through individuals or councils. In the event of the delegation of a task, those individuals or councils shall be directly responsible to the Pastor-Teacher, and the Pastor-Teacher shall remain responsible for the task. This provision is added with the following tasks in mind but is not limited to this list:

  1. The selection of pastoral, non-pastoral ministry and support staff.
  2. The annual financial support review of all church staff.
  3. The compilation of an annual ministry church budget.
  4. The review of ongoing and new church program possibilities and ministries.

References:

Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 3 John 5-8


SECTION 4. THE SELECTION OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER

The Elder Body shall lead in the process of selecting the Pastor-Teacher as follows:

  1. The Elder Board shall serve as the pastor search council or select the pastor search council.
  2. The Elder Board shall set guidelines and procedures for the council to follow throughout the pastor search process.
  3. The council shall consist of at least two men and shall have a member of the Elder Board as its chairman.
  4. The council shall be directly responsible to the Elder Board and shall keep them informed on its progress.
  5. Upon the recommendation of the council and the approval of a specific Pastor-Teacher candidate, the Elder Board shall make known to the congregation all pertinent information about the prospective Pastor-Teacher.
  6. A special meeting shall be set and announced publicly at least two weeks in advance when a prospective Pastor-Teacher is coming in view of a call.
  7. Upon the recommendation of the pastor search council and the consensus decision of the Elder Board, the man shall be ordained as Pastor-Teacher. The Elder Board shall announce to the church the date that the new Pastor-Teacher’s tenure shall begin.


SECTION 5. FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER

The Finance Council shall recommend to the Elder Board and continually review the Pastor- Teacher’s financial support and benefit package (1).

  1. The Pastor-Teacher shall receive his support package information in writing before he comes to the church in view of a call.
  2. The Finance Council shall submit to the Elder Board its proposal for the Pastor-Teacher’s support and benefit package.
  3. The Finance Council shall review the Pastor-Teacher’s support and benefit package at least annually and submit its proposal to the Elder Board.
  4. Any change in his support and benefit package shall be given to the Pastor-Teacher in writing.

SECTION 6. TENURE AND DISMISSAL OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER

  1. The tenure of the Pastor-Teacher shall be determined by the Elder Board.
  2. The Elder Board has the authority to dismiss the pastor-teacher if he becomes physically incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to serve is established by consensus of the remainder of the Elder Body.
  3. Any accusation against the Pastor-Teacher must be made in accordance with Scripture (1).
  4. Dismissal may be immediate if so, decided by the Elder Board. The Pastor-Teacher must give at least one-month’s written notice if he intends to resign.
  5. The time limit of resignation is subject to a lesser time if mutually agreed upon in writing by the Pastor-Teacher and the Elder Board.
  6. Financial support shall continue to the end of the Pastor-Teacher’s tenure.
References:

(1) 1 Timothy 5:19-20


SECTION 7. VACANCY OF THE PASTOR-TEACHER POSITION

In the event that the church is without a Pastor-Teacher, the Elder Body will:

  1. Choose from among themselves an interim first among equals as chairman, moderator, and spokesman for the Elder Body to the church.
  2. They shall choose an interim administrator to be over all church staff.
  3. They shall be responsible for finding a preacher to fill the pulpit until a full-time Pastor- Teacher is found.
  4. They shall start the pastor search process as established in these by laws.


ARTICLE VII. CHURCH ELDERS AND STAFF


SECTION 1. PAID AND NON-PAID ELDERS

A. Duties

The Elder Board, in cooperation with each Elder, shall establish each Elder’s specific duties. The Elder Board may change these duties as the need arises. Any duties or changes in duties should be given to each Elder in writing.


B. Under Authority

Elders shall be directly responsible to the Elder Board as a whole for the carrying out of their duties and responsibilities.


C. Tenure and Dismissal of Paid and Non-Paid Elders

  1. The tenure of the paid Elders shall be determined by the Elder Board.
  2. The Elder Board has the authority to dismiss an Elder if he becomes physically incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to serve is established by consensus of the remainder of the Elder Board.
  3. Any accusation against an Elder must be made in accordance with Scripture (1).
  4. Dismissal may be immediate if decided by the Elder Board.
  5. An Elder must give at least one-month’s written notice if he intends to resign.
  6. The time limit of resignation is subject to a lesser time if mutually agreed upon in writing by the Pastor-Teacher and the Elder Board.
  7. Financial support shall continue to the end of the Elder’s tenure.

D. Financial Support of Paid Elders

  1. The Elder shall receive his financial support package information in writing before he comes to the church in view of a call.
  2. The Finance Council shall initially recommend the Elder’s support and benefit package and submit its proposal to the Elder Board.
  3. The Finance Council shall also review the Elder’s support and benefit package at least annually and submit its proposal to the Elder Board.
  4. Any change in his support package is subject to Elder Board approval and shall be given to each Elder in writing.

References:

(1) 1 Timothy 5:19-20


SECTION 2. SUPPORT STAFF

A. Duties and Responsibilities

The Pastor-Teacher shall establish the duties and responsibilities of all support staff in writing. He may change these duties as the need arises. Any duties or changes in duties shall be given to the staff persons in writing so that they will know their duties and responsibilities to the church and to the Pastor-Teacher.


B. Under Authority

Persons on support staff shall be directly responsible to the Pastor-Teacher or to the supervisor that the Pastor-Teacher designates for the carrying out of their duties and responsibilities.


C. Selection of Support Staff

  1. The Pastor-Teacher shall lead in the selection of all support staff.
  2. Support staff selection shall be subject to Elder Board approval.


D. Financial Support of Support Staff

The Finance Council shall initially establish and review the financial package of all support staff and forward it to the Elder Board for approval.

  1. Persons on support staff shall receive their financial package information in writing before they begin their tenure.
  2. The Finance Council shall review the support staff financial support and benefits package on an annual basis.
  3. Any change in the package is subject to Elder Board approval and shall be given to the support staff in writing.

E. TENURE AND DISMISSAL OF SUPPORT STAFF

  1. The tenure of support staff shall be determined by the Elder Body.
  2. Upon the recommendation of the Pastor-Teacher, support staff shall be dismissed if they become physically incapacitated, position is abolished, or their inability to perform their duties is established by the Pastor-Teacher and confirmed by the Elder Board.
  3. Dismissal may be immediate if so, determined by the Elder Board.
  4. Support staff must give at least two weeks’ notice if they intend to resign.
  5. The time limit of resignation is subject to a lesser time if mutually agreed upon by the staff person and the Pastor-Teacher.
  6. Financial support shall continue to the end of the staff person’s tenure.


ARTICLE VIII. DEACONS


The New Testament Scripture teaches that Deacons were appointed by the Elders as servants to minister to the needs of the Body of Christ. This ministry allowed the Elder Board to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. The Deacon is a servant to the Body of Christ. Any other concept does injustice to the New Testament record found in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3. It is not a position or office to give a man in order to honor him or give him authority outside his particular area of service. In summary, a deacon is a man gifted for service, filled with the Holy Spirit, holding the mystery of the Faith with a good conscience who performs a specific service in the body.


References:

Acts 6:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:8-13


SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF DEACONS

The purpose of Deacons in the church is as follows:

  1. To work and serve under the authority of the Elder Board and staff to support, encourage, promote, and uphold their ministry (1).
  2. To exemplify spiritual maturity and servanthood in the fellowship of the church, in their family, personal, and business relationships (2).
  3. To be men of prayer and students of the Word of God (3). 4. To seek to lead the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ (4).

References:

(1) Acts 6:3, (2) 1 Timothy 3:8-16, (3) 1 Timothy 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:14-15, (4) Matthew 28:19-20


SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

A. Active Church Membership

A man must be an active member of this church for one year prior to the time of appointment as Deacon unless the Elder Board approves a shorter time. (1).


B. Biblical Qualifications

A Deacon must possess the qualifications described in Scripture. He shall be:

  1. A man of good reputation (2).
  2. A man full of the Spirit and wisdom (3).
  3. A man of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to wine, not greedy for money (4). 4. A man who holds the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (5).
  4. A man beyond reproach (6).
  5. A one-woman man (7).
  6. A man who is a good manager of his children and his own household (8).

References:

(1) 1 Timothy 3:10, (2) Acts 6:3, (3) Acts 6:3, (4) 1 Timothy 3:8, (5) 1 Timothy 3:9, (6) 1 Timothy 3:10, (7) 1 Timothy 3:12, (8) 1 Timothy 3:12


SECTION 3. DEACON SELECTION PROCESS

The process by which Deacons are selected is as follows:

  1. The Elder Board shall determine if there is a need for additional Deacons for the church.
  2. When the Elder Board determines that there is a need for additional Deacons, it shall direct the church to nominate from among the active membership men who they believe meet the qualifications of a Deacon as stated above.
  3. Upon nomination by the church the Elder Board shall prayerfully test and consider those nominees.
  4. Those men approved by the Elder Board may then be formally appointed by the Elders.
References: 
Acts 6:1-7


SECTION 4. DEACON COOPERATION

Deacons will work together and support each other to fulfill their responsibilities under the oversight of the Elder Board.


SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE

The tenure of a Deacon shall be determined by the Elders.


ARTICLE IX. MARRIAGE AND WEDDING POLICY


We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.


Marriage is a union ordained by God. It was first instituted by God in the early chapters of Genesis and codified in the Levitical law. The old Testament prophets compared it to a relationship between God and His people. Examples of this in the historical narratives and the Wisdom literature discuss the unique unity of this relationship. Jesus explained the original intention and core elements of marriage, and several New Testament epistles give explicit instructions on this union. Marriage is a type of Christ and the Church. As such, CBC views marriage as a profound spiritual institution established by God. Given the importance of marriage in the biblical witness, CBC adopts the following policy:

  • Only CBC Pastors/Elders shall officiate at marriage ceremonies conducted on church property.
  • Pastors/Elders at CBC shall be subject to church discipline and/or dismissal for officiating at a same sex marriage ceremony.
  • Applicants wishing to have a marriage ceremony performed by a CBC Pastor/Elder, or to use the church facilities, shall affirm their agreement with the church Statement of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith.
  • Applicants shall receive a minimum of eight hours of premarital counseling by CBC Pastors/Elders or others who have appropriate training, experience, and spiritual understanding to provide such counseling, and are approved by the Elders of the church.
  • The Pastors/Elders may decline to make church facilities available or decline to officiate at a ceremony when in their judgment there are significant concerns that one or both of the applicants may not be qualified to enter into the sacred bond of marriage for theological, doctrinal, or legal reasons.