 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Church Constitution Your First Visit Our Staff History Missions Church Constitution |
|
Our Mission Statement
Wholehearted love for God, Christ-like love for people Our Commitment Hamilton Hills Baptist Church is committed to glorifying God as a local body of believers through the exaltation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, proclaiming His eternal plan of salvation as revealed in the Scriptures for the edification of believers and evangelism of the lost. Our Objectives • To promote the Scriptural and Spirit-led worship of God the Father and Jesus the Son. John 4:23-24, 16:12-15 • To equip and involve Christians in ministry. Ephesians 4:11-16 • To fulfill the Great Commission with an emphasis on evangelism. Matthew 28:18-20 • To stimulate Christ-like love through fellowship, accountability and care for others. John 13:12, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Peter 4:7-11 • To provide biblical training and nurturing on life issues. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 4:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3-4 • To stimulate daily dependence on God for life and ministry through prayer and the Scriptures. Mark 9:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:7 • To be a good citizen of our community with an emphasis on meeting spiritual needs. Romans 13:1-14 • To maintain a sound financial condition in obedience to God’s Word. Luke 16:8-13, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 The Scriptures We believe the Bible is God’s written revelation to man. “All Scripture is God-breathed,” being infallible and inerrant in its original manuscripts. The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments comprise the Scriptures, which are complete. Since the Bible is God’s Word, God said what He meant and meant what He said. The Bible is to be interpreted literally, which means normally, grammatically, historically and contextually. We believe the Bible to be the center of true Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all other philosophies and activities must be measured. Therefore, we commit ourselves to the regular reading and studying of God’s Word, with conformity to godliness being the goal, that we may be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17 Hebrews 4:12 2 Peter 1:20-21 The Godhead We believe the Almighty God to be the Creator and Sustainer of everything that exists. He is worthy of man’s highest adoration, worship and respect. Complete obedience should only be normal. God’s ultimate purpose in the creation of mankind is to bring glory to Himself. God, in His unity, may be seen in three Persons; executing three distinct offices. God the Father is the Executive Head, residing at the throne of heaven. God is spirit and possesses the following attributes among others: Holiness Justice Omniscience Omnipresence Omnipotence Immutability Self-Existence Eternality We believe God the Son, Jesus Christ, left heaven to come to earth in the form of a physical body. Conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, He lived an absolutely perfect life, setting the example for all mankind. In a bloodshed death upon the cross, Christ paid for the sins of the world. Following His burial, He bodily rose from the grave and is presently in heaven interceding for those who are committed to Himself. We believe the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the God-head, though omnipresent and actively involved in ministry with Old Testament saints, took His abode in the world in a special sense from the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of sin, righteousness and judgment, with the goal of leading people to the Savior. Indwelling every believer at the point of faith in Christ, He baptizes them permanently into the body of Christ. Temporary gifts for the sake of revelation are complete. Therefore, we humbly submit to our God, giving all the glory of life to Him. Matthew 3:16-17 1 Corinthians 10:31 Revelation 4:11 Angels We believe God created innumerable sinless, spiritual beings known as angels. They serve as God’s ministering messengers, advancing the cause of the Kingdom of God. Lucifer, a high-ranking angel, sinned through pride and rebellion. Becoming Satan, he led a great number of the angelic host to oppose God and be expelled from heaven. These fallen angels, now known as demons and evil spirits, join with Satan to thwart the program of God. Therefore, recognizing that the conflict of the ages is primarily spiritual, we focus our efforts on the victory found in God’s Kingdom. Ephesians 6:10-18 Hebrews 1:14 The Creation and Fall of Man We believe man was created with the mental and moral likeness of God. As the crowning work of creation, God is involved with the development of each person prior to birth. Man’s chief goal is to glorify God, his Maker. While God deals with man as a whole being, he has three dimensions: body, soul and spirit. Through the sin of Adam, mankind now carries a bent to trespass against God. Losing the spiritual life, man is totally depraved and without remedy apart from the work of Christ. Therefore, we view life as a sacred gift from God. Commitment of our total beings to Him is only reasonable. Psalm 139 Romans 3:23, 6:23 Salvation We believe that no one can enter the Kingdom of God apart from being born again. The new birth of the believer comes only through faith in the Person and work of Christ, and repentance is a vital part of regeneration. No amount of resolution, effort or submission to regulation can help the sinner take even one step toward heaven, “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Upon acceptance of Christ into one’s life, the believer immediately passes from spiritual death to spiritual life, possessing every spiritual blessing in Christ. We believe this good news should be spread to all peoples of the world, both close and afar. John 3:16 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Ephesians 2:8-9 The Christian Life We believe those who personally receive Christ are called with a holy calling to walk not after the sinful nature, but after the righteousness of the Spirit of God within them. While believers are positionally sanctified before God at the point of faith, it should be the Christian’s desire to advance progressively in personal growth as well. Growth can be enhanced as born-again followers of Christ practice the following: - Daily study of God’s Word - Regular prayer - Immediate confession of sin - Faithfulness and involvement in the Church - Avoidance of divisive or destructive speech, but rather, conversation which edifies - Proper respect for other Christians, striving for unity of the Spirit - Separation from sin and its lure - Refraining from all substance abuse, which would serve to harm the body, the dwelling place of the Spirit of God - A responsible family life, including abstention from fornication, adultery and homosexuality - Submission to human government, except where government is contrary to biblical principle - The work of evangelism - The exercise of spiritual gifts Therefore, we live as a people committed to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-16 1Peter 1:13-16 2 Peter 3:18 The Church We believe those who are united in faith to the Savior Jesus Christ are members of the universal church which is the body and bride of Christ. Believers from Pentecost to the rapture in every part of the world are a part of the universal church. We believe the local church is ordained of God to carry out His mission for His glory in this age. In a given geographic location, the local church is a company of born-again persons, baptized on profession of faith in Christ and united for exaltation of God, edification of believers and the evangelism of the world. The local church has two offices, that of pastor (bishop, elder, shepherd) and deacon (servant, minister). The Church has two ordinances, that of baptism and the Lord’s table. We believe the local Church is autonomous, taking God’s Word as the only sufficient rule for spiritual life and behavior. The Scriptures teach that the Christian should be wary of those who do not teach the Gospel. Thus, Bible-believing Churches today should have no part in fellowship or separation with apostate churches. Purity of Christ’s Gospel must be held foremost. In light of God’s revelation, we believe the Church is an essential part of the Christian’s life. Ephesians 2:19-22 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Future Events We believe God has a plan and a program for future events to the ultimate culmination of His divine purposes. Included for believers are the following: - Rapture to heaven - Bema seat judgment - Marriage supper and union with Christ - Return to earth with the Lord - The Millennial Kingdom - A new heaven and a new earth The future for those who reject Christ includes: - Death and torment in hell - A seven-year world-wide tribulation - Final rebellion and crushing of Satan - The Great White Throne Judgment - The Lake of Fire With the view of God’s future for mankind, it then becomes the Christian’s responsibility to prepare himself with purity and to seek the conversion of the world from the powers of darkness to the Kingdom of God’s light. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Hebrews 10:25 Revelation 22:12-13 Statement of Operation Membership Admission Upon completion of the following, a majority vote of the present membership in a business session place candidates into the membership of the Hamilton Hills Baptist Church: 1. Personal relationship with Christ in faith 2. Believer’s baptism by immersion 3. Public profession of faith and relationship with the Lord 4. Desire to actively affiliate, believing membership is God’s direction 5. Not standing in opposition to the Constitution of the Church 6. Completion of the orientation classes of the Church Suspension Watchcare for believers in Jesus Christ is the responsibility of every member. Pastors and deacons have an increased responsibility for oversight of the congregation because of their spiritual and leadership relationships. In the event that a member is inactive for three consecutive months, and upon recommendation of the officers of the Church, the person’s name shall be dropped from the membership. Discipline Members who so conduct themselves as to bring discredit on the cause of Christ and the Church shall be implored by the leadership to change their course. If there is no repentance and restitution, a recommendation shall be made to the congregation to drop their name from the membership of the Church. Pastors and deacons may proceed promptly with the intent of safeguarding the purity, philosophy and spirit of the Church. Dismissal/Drop Members desiring to have the membership removed may do so in writing to the Church. Action shall take place at the next appropriate meeting. Responsibilities It is the responsibility of every member to: - Regularly attend the services of the Church - Respect the officers and ministry leaders - Prayerfully attend the business sessions of the church - Financially support the operation of the Church - Serve in the work of the ministry - Seek to win others to the Savior and disciple them Meetings Regular Sunday services shall be the central focus of meeting. Schedules will be determined by the leadership. Business meetings shall be conducted with two weeks’ notice during the months of January, April, July and October. The January meeting shall include a review of the progress of the previous year and the establishment of the New Year’s goals. The fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31. The three remaining meetings quarterly meetings shall include updates and current business items. Beginning October 1, 1998, the fiscal year shall be October 1 to September 30. (Amendment of February 1998) Special business meetings may be called at any regular public service of the Church at the call of the pastor. Special business meetings may also be called by a signed statement of purpose of 10% of the adult membership with two weeks’ notice. Thirty-five percent of the adult membership (members 18 years of age and older) must be present to constitute a quorum. A quorum may also be defined as the number of voting members present if the business under consideration has been publicly announced in two worship services at least seven days beforehand or publicly announced in one worship service and by mail at least seven days beforehand. (Amendment of October 17, 1999) The Officers Biblical offices of the Church are pastors and deacons. Pastors The officers of the Church serve as the pastoral search committee. Upon satisfactory study, the officers shall present a man to the congregation. Voting is determined by the individual’s biblical and personal qualifications, as well as his gifts and abilities to fulfill the job description. A 75% or greater vote of approval shall constitute a call. The term of office is indeterminate, upon written resignation of the pastor or a 75 % vote of the congregation. Thirty days shall be the standard time for notification. The pastor’s job description is to be the shepherd of the local Church. Taking heed to the Biblical qualifications and the need for personal spiritual development, he leads the Church in worship of God, building of believers and reaching the world with the message of Christ. The pastor shall serve as moderator of business and officers’ meetings. As the need arises for additional pastors, the Senior Pastor shall seek, along with the deacons, a suitable man for the position needed. The candidate shall be presented to the Church body after approval of the Senior Pastor. A 75% vote of approval from the congregation shall be necessary to issue a call. He shall report directly to the Senior Pastor and may be dismissed by the Senior Pastor, a 75% vote of the deacons or a 75% vote of the congregation. Administratively, pastors may concentrate on various aspects of ministry. The salary package shall be reviewed annually and set by the deacons. This shall be part of the annual budget. Two weeks’ paid vacation shall be the annual standard after the first year of ministry. Further education conferences and speaking engagements are in addition to these weeks, realizing that the more the congregation invests in their pastor(s), the better the spiritual advancement of the Church. Deacons All adult members of the Church shall have private opportunity to nominate men of the congregation to the office of deacon. The officers shall review the records of the nominees according to the following qualifications: - Salvation - Baptism - A member in good standing - Regular attendance - Compatibility with the job description Upon satisfactory study, the officers shall present a man to the congregation. Voting is determined by the individual’s biblical and personal qualifications, as well as his gifts and abilities to fulfill the job description. Deacon elections shall take place during the October business meeting, with deacons assuming responsibilities January 1. A 75% or greater vote of approval shall constitute a call. The term of office is two years, or upon written resignation of the deacon or a 75% vote of the congregation. Beginning October 1, 1998, Deacon elections and terms shall coincide with the fiscal year. (Amendment of February 1998) The deacon is a servant/minister of the Church. He is an assistant to the pastor in the work of the ministry. Taking heed to the biblical qualifications and need for spiritual development, he leads in areas of care for the membership and operation of the Church. Serving as the legal representatives of the Church, the deacons are the trustees of the Corporation. The deacons may appoint legal representatives from their number. Ministry Leaders The officers may appoint individuals/committees to serve as leaders of the various ministries in the Church. Appointments are made on an annual basis, with a job description and periodic meeting for accountability. The pastor is a member of all committees. The officers of the Church may appoint paid staff positions as the need arises (secretaries, janitorial, services, etc.). Appointments are made on an annual basis with a job description and means for accountability. Salary packages are at the discretion of the officers, in keeping with the proposed budget. Paid staff shall be accountable to the officers of the Church; positions may open or close at the discretion of the officers. Ministry leaders, at every point of the Church, need to be individuals who: possess personal faith in Jesus Christ; have followed the Lord’s command in baptism; are members in good standing in the Church; regularly attend the services of the Church; consistently tithe and who strive to live holy lives pleasing to God. Structure and Action Hamilton Hills Baptist Church is an independent, autonomous Church, with the intent of associating with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and Indiana Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches. It may associate with other organizations, but it shall not place itself under an outside authority. Realizing the Church of God is expanded on the thrust of evangelism, this Church operates on the basis of designation of at least 10% of its general fund to baptistic world missions. As the Lord blesses this ministry, it is our desire to raise the percentage. The Word of God is the supreme authority for decisions. The will of the membership shall be considered final and binding in operational procedures where the Bible allows for freedom. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the standard for conducting business. Because litigation against another Christian is unbiblical, all members must agree not to bring legal action against Hamilton Hills Baptist Church or its officers. In the event of dissolution of the Church, the trustees shall satisfy all debts and distribute the remaining assets to another non-profit organization of like faith. Amendments This Constitution may be amended at any quarterly business meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the adult members present, provided that a public notice is made in two weeks prior to the meeting at which the action is desired. |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
