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| ARTICLE V. CHURCH GOVERNMENT |
| SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT |
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Church government is an extremely practical and theologically significant issue. Biblical structure and function allows 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 regards 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 4:11-13 |
| 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 (pastors) to shepherd, oversee, and lead the church. These elders are directly responsible to Jesus Christ for the governing of the church according to His Word *(2). (See ARTICLE VI for detailed information about elders.) |
| C. DEACONS |
| Deacons are recommended by the church and approved by the elders to assist the elders in the practical ministry of service to the church. *(3). (See ARTICLE IX for detailed information about deacons.) |
| References |
| (1) Ephesians 5:23, (2) Acts 20:28-30; 1Thess. 5:12-14; 1Peter 5:1-2, (3) Acts 6:1-6 |
| SECTION 3. COUNCILS |
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To promote efficient handling of church matters, the elder body may appoint various councils from within its members, the staff, the deacons, and from the church at large. These councils shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with the powers specifically delegated by the elder body.
The general functions of any council are:
All councils shall exist for the period specified by the elder body. |
| References |
| (1) Prov. 11:14 |
| SECTION 4. THE FINANCE COUNCIL |
| To promote the efficient and studied handling of the financial matters of the church, the elder body shall appoint a council of men for the purpose of making recommendations to the elders regarding the finances of the church. This group of men 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 elders delegate to their care. The elders shall determine the number and tenure of members of the finance council. (I Peter 5:2; 2Corinthians 8:18-20) |
| SECTION 5. THE PASTORAL CARE COUNCIL |
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Just as elders (pastors) have been given the responsibility to care for the church body, the church body has been given the responsibility for the care and honor of those who minister to the church *(1). It is for this reason that the elder body shall appoint a group of men to be known as the pastoral care council.
This council shall, on behalf of the church, be vigilant in the watch care and honor of our pastors and ministry staff. They shall be responsible for initially establishing and annually reviewing salary and benefit packages. They are to lead the church in the recognition of special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, etc. They are also to be diligent in seeking to meet any special need that should arise regarding our pastoral staff. The elders shall determine the number and tenure of members of the pastoral care council. |
| References |
| (1) Romans 10:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1Thesselonians 5:12-13 |
| SECTION 6. TRUSTEES |
| The elder body for the purpose of the signing of legal documents involving the sale, mortgage, purchase, or rental of property, or other legal document where the signatures of trustees are required shall appoint three trustees. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease, or transfer property without the specific authorization of the elder body. Trustees shall serve for a period specified by the body of elders. |
| SECTION 7. ORDINATIONS AND LICENSING |
| A. ORDINATION |
| Ordination refers to the recognition by the elders and the church of a man’s call to the ministry as a pastor or a deacon *(1). Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man manifests the qualifications of the office to which he was ordained. |
| References |
| (1) Acts 6:6; Acts 13:2-4; Acts 20:28 |
| B. LICENSING |
| A man shall be licensed by the church to the gospel ministry upon the approval of the elder body*(2). |
| SECTION 8. CHURCH RECORDS AND BOOKS |
| The church shall maintain current, adequate, and correct accounts, books, and records of its business and properties. All such books, records, and accounts shall be kept at its principal place of operation. An accurate account of all receipts and disbursements shall be maintained by financial staff under the direction of an administrator that is appointed by the pastor-teacher. The fiscal year of the church shall begin on January 1st, and end on December 31st of each year. |
| SECTION 9. DISSOLUTION OF THE CHURCH |
| The elder body shall allow the church membership to decide by ballot vote the dissolution of the church. A 75% majority vote of all eligible members present is required for the dissolution of the church. Upon the dissolution of the church, the elder body shall cause all assets of the church to be distributed to another church of like faith and kindred spirit. The elder body shall allow the church membership to approve their decision on the distribution of the assets of the church. Approval shall be by a 75% majority vote of all eligible members present at a special-called meeting for that purpose. |
| SECTION 10. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS |
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The constitution and by-laws adopted by the church in a business meeting held on April 30, 2000 shall supersede all prior resolutions, precedents, and actions of the church not in harmony with its provisions.
The constitution and by-laws may be amended or changed by the elder body. Changes to Article III, Statement of Faith and Doctrine, will require a unanimous vote of the elder body. The elder body shall seek the formal affirmation of the congregation when changes or amendments to the constitution and by-laws are required. (See ARTICLE VI, Section 2.B.1 for information about formal affirmations.) |
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| 24724 Aldine Westfield Rd Spring, TX 77373 ph:281.350.1616 |