ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this church shall be Faith Bible Church of Stark County.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this church is and shall be to glorify God by providing a balanced ministry of:

1) Worship of God

2) Observing the Lord's Supper (Communion) and prayer. Acts 2:42.

3) The teaching and preaching of the Word of God to the mutual edification, instruction and correction of its members and other believers. 2 Tim. 3:16,17.

4) The winning of the unsaved to Christ.

5) Helping Christians develop their spiritual lives and gifts.

6) Mutual edification and accountability.

7) Furthering the cause of Christ on the mission fields at home and abroad by making disciples of all nations. Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 3:21; I Cor. 10:31.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. ADMISSION

            Membership in Faith Bible Church shall be open to all persons who:

a.      Have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

b.      Are manifesting a true Christian life.

c.      Have affirmed the Statement of Faith and Constitution of Faith Bible Church.

d.      Have been baptized by immersion after salvation.

Section 2. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

a.      All requests for membership shall be made to an Elder (Pastor).  Upon making such request, the person shall be given an application for  membership, along with a copy of the Statement of Faith and Constitution.  An Elder (Pastor) then shall meet with the applicant following receipt of the application to talk with them about their conversion, Christian life, and responsibilities of membership.

b.      Prospective members names shall be posted publicly for the congregation's review one week prior to authorization of membership.  The applicant shall be accepted as a member upon the recommendation of the interviewing  Elder (Pastor) and unanimous approval of the Elder (Pastor)  Board.

Section 3. MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Members are exhorted to:

a.      Faithfully support the services and ministries of Faith Bible Church because of love for Christ with the objective to edify the entire body (Heb. 10:24-25). Any member not regularly attending can, at the discretion of the Elder (Pastor) Board, be removed from the membership roll.

b.      Give faithfully and systematically to its support and cause.

c.      Use their spiritual gifts and talents in the ministries of the church.

d.      When solicited by the Board of Elders (Pastors), members only may grant affirmation regarding Elders (Pastors), Deacons, Staff Personnel, major  financial expenditures and other items determined by Elders (Pastors).

e.      Members are welcome to address the Elders (Pastors) at a regular meeting upon the approval of the Elder (Pastor) Board Chairman.

Section 4. CHURCH DISCIPLINE

The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (I Cor. 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (I Timothy 5:20), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct.  (Galatians 6:1)  Members of this church and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who err in doctrine, or who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Board of Elders (Pastors), shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18.  Before such dismissal, however…

1.                            it shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.  If the erring individual does not heed this warning, then…

2.                            the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then…

3.                            it shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Elders (Pastors).  If the Board of Elders (Pastors) determines – after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18, I Timothy 5:19 and Titus 3:10 - that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders (Pastors) shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance.  If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly-scheduled worship service.  If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then…

4.                            he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service.  If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Board of Elders (Pastors), then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership.

The members of this Church, and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church, agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline.  Members who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraph, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church.  Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.

ARTICLE IV – ORDINANCES

            The Lord Jesus gave the church two ordinances to be observed: Baptism and Communion.  These two ordinances shall be conducted at the discretion of the Elders (Pastors). The Bible mode of baptism is immersion after salvation and shall be performed by an Elder (Pastor) or person authorized by the Elder (Pastor) Board.

ARTICLE V – OFFICES

The offices of the church shall consist of:

                  1) Elders (Pastors/Overseers)

                  2) Deacons

Section 1. ELDERS (Pastors)

            The Elders shall be the governing board and corporate officers of the church.  The number of Elders shall be determined from the membership of any who desire the office and meet the biblical qualifications of  I Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

a.      Qualifications:

1) Blameless (above reproach) as a steward of God;  I Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6,7

2) Husband of one wife (a one-woman man); I Tim. 3:2,  Titus 1:6.

3) Temperate (sober, vigilant); I Tim. 3:2.

4) Sober-minded (Prudent) I Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:8.

5) Of good behavior (orderly, respectable); I Tim. 3:2

6) Given to hospitality; I Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:8

7) Apt to teach (able to teach); I Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:9  (he can exhort believers and refute false teaching)

8) Not given to much wine; I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7.

9) Not violent (pugnacious); I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7

10) Patient (moderate, forbearing, gentle);  I Tim. 3:3.

11) Not a brawler (uncontentious); I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7.

12) Not covetous (not a lover of money); I Tim. 3:3, Titus 1:7 (not greedy of base gain).

13) Rules well his own house; I Tim. 3:4, Titus 1:6 (his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God).

14) Not a novice (not a new convert); I Tim. 3:6.

15) Has a good report or reputation with outsiders;  I Tim. 3:7.

16) Not self-willed; Titus 1:7.

17) A lover of good (men and things); Titus 1:8

18) Just (fair); Titus 1:8

19) Holy (devout); Titus 1:8

20) Self-controlled; Titus 1:8

b.      Responsibilities

1) Lead (feed, protect, warn).

2) Shepherd (I Peter 5:2,3)

3) Oversee

4) Teach

5) Rule (the Elder (Pastor) Board is final authority in all spiritual and temporal matters). I Tim. 17;   Heb. 13:7,17.

6) Equip the saints.

7) Be an example to the flock.

8) Devoted to prayer and ministry of the word; Acts 6:4.

9) Be a corporate officer under state law.

10) Responsible for oversight of church discipline and restoration.

11) The Elder (Pastor) Board shall be the final committee for screening the proposed Elders (Pastors) and Deacons. (Recommendations shall be submitted by the congregation for the Elder (Pastor) Board's careful consideration at least once a year).

12) Appoint persons and /or councils to assist Elders (Pastors).

13) Make available monthly financial statements to the congregation and answer questions regarding fiscal proceedings. 

c.      Term of Office

Term of office of an Elder (Pastor) shall be for life except in case of:

1) Resignation

2) Dismissal by remainder of Elder (Pastor) Board

3) Biblical disqualification   (i.e. doctrinal error, or not meeting qualifications listed.  (I Tim. 5:19-21; I Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-8).

4) Sabbatical. An Elder (Pastor) may desire to take a leave of absence temporarily from the Elder (Pastor) Board for personal matters with consent of the Elders (Pastors).

d.      Recognition

1) At least annually, the body shall be asked to list and submit names of men they view as qualified and already serving.                           

2) The results of this polling shall be known only by  the Elder (Pastor) Board.

3) These men shall be thoroughly examined, evaluated and reviewed by the Board of Elders (Pastors).

4) After unanimous agreement by the Board of Elders (Pastors): The prospective men's names shall be posted, along with existing Elders (Pastors), in a public place, so that the body may verify, and be satisfied with the prospective men. This period shall be for a minimum of two (2)weeks to allow the body to present biblical reason(s) for their disqualification.

5) The prospective men shall then be publicly ordained as Elders (Pastors).

e.      Meetings

1) A regular meeting of the Board of Elders (Pastors) shall be held at least once a month. Minutes of the meetings will be posted.  Special meetings may be called at the request of the Chairman of the Board of Elders (Pastors).

2) Elders (Pastors) shall give an account of their designated  responsibilities at each regular meeting.

3) A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board of Elders (Pastors) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Board meeting.  The act of this two-thirds (2/3) of the Elders (Pastors) shall be the act of the Board of Elders (Pastors).  All decisions by the Board of Elders (Pastors) shall be unanimous.

f.        Officers (must be non-vocational Elders (Pastors))

1) Chairman: calls and presides over all Board meetings and congregational meetings.                               

2) Vice Chairman: back-up to chairman in absence thereof.

3) Secretary: shall keep the minutes of all meetings called by the Board of Elders (Pastors).

Section 2. DEACONS

            The Deacons shall be the temporal servants of the church assisting the Elders (Pastors).  The number of Deacons shall be determined from the membership of any who desire the office and meet the biblical qualifications of I Tim. 3:8-13.

a. Qualifications:

1) Deacon shall be a man of dignity

2) Not double-tongued

3) Not addicted to much wine

4) Not found of sordid (dishonest) gain

5) Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

6) First tested and found beyond reproach.

b. Responsibilities

1) Assist the Elders (Pastors) in shepherding of the saints.

2) Assist the Elders (Pastors) at the communion and baptismal services.

3) Aid in the general spiritual and physical care of the church.

4) Responsible for ushering at all church  services.

5) Responsible for oversight of the general maintenance of all church property.

c. Term of Office

Term of office of a Deacon shall be for life except in case of:

1) Resignation

2) Dismissal by unanimous decision by Elder (Pastor) Board.

3) Biblical disqualification

4) Sabbatical. A Deacon may desire to take a leave of absence temporarily from the Deacon Board for personal matters with consent of the Elders (Pastors).

d. Recognition

1) At least annually, the body shall be asked to list and submit names of men they view as qualified and already serving.

2) The results of this polling shall be known only by the Elder (Pastor) Board.

3) These men shall be thoroughly examined, evaluated and reviewed by the Board of Elders (Pastors).

4) After unanimous agreement by the Board of Elders (Pastors), the prospective men's names shall be posted, along with existing Deacons, in a public place so that the body may verify and be satisfied with the prospective men. This period shall be a minimum of two (2) weeks to allow the body to present    biblical reason(s) for their disqualification.

5) The prospective men shall then be publicly ordained as Deacons.

e. Meetings

A regular meeting of the Deacon Board shall be held at least once a month. Special meetings may be called at the request of  the Chairman of the Deacon Board.

f. Officers

1) Chairman: Calls and presides over all Deacon meetings.

2) Vice-Chairman: back-up to chairman in absence thereof.

3) Secretary: shall keep the minutes of all meetings called by  the Deacons.

ARTICLE VI – VOCATIONAL ELDERS (Pastors)

Section 1. PASTOR-TEACHER

            Pastor-Teacher is a gifted man for the purpose of perfecting the saints; for the work of the ministry, and edifying the Body of Christ. Eph. 4:11-12.

a.      Calling

Following the selection of the Pastor-Teacher by the Elders (Pastors), counsel shall be obtained from the congregation. A confirmation shall follow, based upon the unanimous consent of the Board of Elders (Pastors).

b.   Responsibilities

1) Systematically teaching and preaching the Word of  God. I Tim. 4:13

2) Laboring in the Word and doctrine. I Tim. 5:17

Section 2. STAFF ELDERS (Pastors)

            Existing Elders (Pastors) may be added to the staff as deemed necessary by the Elder (Pastor) Board, after seeking counsel of the congregation.

Section 3. TENURE

            Vocational Elders (Pastors) shall remain for an indefinite period of time subject to the following reservations: The Elders (Pastors) reserve the right to dismiss a Vocational Elder (Pastor) when deemed necessary. The Board of Elders (Pastors) must give him two (2) months written notice of its intention to dismiss. The Vocational Elder (Pastors) must give two (2) months written notice if he intends to resign.  The Board of Elders (Pastors) may determine a lesser time concerning resignation or dismissal of the Vocational Elder (Pastor) if deemed necessary. From the time of written notice, up to sixty (60) days pay must be provided.

ARTICLE VII – SUPPORT STAFF

            Other personnel may be added to the staff as deemed necessary by the Elder (Pastor) Board. The Elder (Pastor) Board shall seek counsel from the congregation if necessary.

ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS

Section 1. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

             The annual business meeting of the church shall be held the third Sunday in the month of January of each year. Notice of the meeting shall be given from the pulpit for two successive Sunday mornings prior to the meeting. In addition thereto, notice shall be published in the regular church bulletin for two successive Sundays prior to each meeting.

Section 2. CONGREGATIONAL INFORMATION MEETINGS

            These meetings shall be held as deemed necessary by the Elders  (Pastors) for the purpose of discussing financial matters, visionary goals, and general communication from congregation.

Section 3. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
 

a.  A special business meeting may be called by a quorum of the Board of Elders (Pastors).

b.  Notice of such meetings shall be given from the pulpit at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting and shall also be published in the regular church bulletin on the Sunday immediately preceding the meeting.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

            Amendments to the constitution may be made as deemed necessary by the Board of Elders (Pastors) after discussing the matter with the congregation.