The Constitution

Preamble

WE, the members of the North Annville Bible Church, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves:

 

Article I

The Name

The name of the organization shall be North Annville Bible Church, of Annville, Pennsylvania.

 

Article II

Purpose of the Church

The object of this assembly is to glorify God in the salvation of souls, the edification of Christians, through the teaching of God's Word, the worldwide proclamation of God's saving grace expressed in the shed blood and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary, the promotion of Godly worship, the defense of "The Faith Once Delivered", and cooperation with Christian activity functioning in harmony with God's Holy Word, The Bible, until He comes.  Col. 1:18

 

Article III

Doctrinal Statement

Section 1.   Articles of Faith.  Each and every person, in order to become or remain a member of this church, shall subscribe to the following Articles of Faith:

A.        We believe in one God, Creator of heaven and earth; Spirit, Light, Love, and Truth; eternal, almighty, infallible, and unchangeable, infinitely wise, just, and holy and that God exists and eternally manifests Himself to us in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  (I John 5:7; Matt.  3:16; 28:19; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 12:3; II Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4‑5)

B.        We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the eternal Word manifested in the flesh.  We believe that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary and that He is the true God and the true man.  (John 1:1,14; Luke 1:26‑35; Col. 1:15‑17)

C.        We believe in his vicarious, substitutionary, and redeeming death, Christ receiving in himself the penalty of man's sin.  (I John 2:1,2; Rom. 3:24,25)

D.        We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:3‑4) in His ascension and in His personal, imminent, and premillenial return for His redeemed (I Thes. 4:13‑18; John 14:3), followed by His coming in glory to judge the rebellious and to establish His millennial reign.  (Rev. 19:11‑21; 20:1‑6).

E.         We believe in the Holy Spirit, in His personality, that He is God; and we believe that his work is to convict men of sin; to regenerate, indwell and to set the believer apart to a holy life; to keep and empower the believer day by day.  We believe that he is the teacher of God's Word and the guide for the daily life.  (John 16:7‑15; John 3:5‑7; I Peter 1:23; Eph. 4:30; and John 14:16,17,26)

F.         We believe that the whole Bible, consisting of sixty‑six books of the Old and New Testaments, is verbally inspired of God and inerrant in the original writings and is the supreme and final authority in faith and life.  (II Tim. 3:16,17; II Peter 1:20,21; Matt. 5:17,18; John 10:35)

G.        We believe that man, having been created pure and in the image of God, is by his own sin fallen from grace, and we believe that in consequence, all have sinned, are guilty and lost, and absolutely incapable of saving themselves by their own works, being dead in their trespasses and sins.  (Rom. 3:21,23; Rom 5:12; Gen. 1:26,27)

H.        We believe that we are saved solely by grace, through faith in the blood sacrifice, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  (Eph. 2:8‑9)

I.          We believe in preservation of the saints and everlasting blessedness of the saved and the eternal judgement and punishment of all who reject our Lord Jesus Christ.  (I Peter 1:4,5; Phil. 1:6; Eph. 1:13,14; Rev. 20:14,15)

J.          We believe that Satan is a literal created being, the author of the fall, and that he shall be eternally punished.  (Isa. 14:12‑15; Eze. 28:12‑19; II Cor. 4:3,4; I Peter 5:8)

K.        We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the lost to judgement and everlasting punishment.  (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:11‑15; II Thes. 1:9; Ps. 9:17)

L.         We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper to commemorate His death till He comes.  (I Cor. 11:23‑33).  We believe that Water Baptism is a symbol of the believer's union with Christ in His death and in His resurrection. (Matt. 28:19,20; Rom. 6:1‑4)

M.        We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is composed solely of those who have been redeemed and washed in His Blood, and regenerated and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and that it is the responsibility and privilege of all who are saved to seek to win others to Christ, to the "uttermost part of the earth"; that they must seek to live a holy life, to separate themselves from and forsake all that might dishonor God or cast discredit on His cause, or weaken their testimony. (Col. 3:1‑4; II Cor 6:14‑17; I John 2:15‑17; I Peter 1:14‑16; Titus 2:14)

 

Section 2.  In subscribing to this Doctrinal Statement, we by no means set aside, or undervalue, any of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, all of which we believe to be God's own written Word, given to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but the knowledge and belief of the truth as stated in our Doctrinal Statement we deem necessary to sound doctrine, and therefore essential for Christian fellowship.

 

Section 3.  The provisions of this entire Doctrinal Statement are to be considered as fundamental, the basis upon which this Church is founded.

 

Article IV

Membership

Section 1.  Any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and who gives assurance of his/her desire to live a consistent Christian life, and who willingly agrees to abide by the constitution and avows his/her belief in the doctrinal basis and is free from membership in oath‑bound religious or social secret organizations, or other entangling alliances with unbelievers, shall be eligible for membership.

 

Section 2.  Any person desiring to unite with this church shall make written application for such purpose on an application form which shall be supplied by the church.  The by‑laws shall provide for the form and wording of such application, which must contain an agreement by the applicant's personal acceptance, in writing, of the Doctrinal Statement as set forth in Article III.

A.        By Profession or Reaffirmation.  Any person desiring to unite with the church upon profession of faith or by reaffirmation shall present a written application for membership to the elders together as provided for in Section 2 hereof.  The elders shall then fix a time and place for a meeting with said applicant, who shall attend and be examined by the elders as to his or her Christian experience, assurance of salvation, and doctrinal belief.

B.        By Letter.  Any person desiring to unite with the church upon letters of recommendation from other churches of Christ, shall present such letter in person to the elders together with a signed application for membership as provided for by Section 2 hereof, and shall be examined concerning his of her Christian experience, assurance of salvation, and doctrinal belief.

C.        Invalids.  It is proper that invalids who are unable to attend the public services should be granted membership in this church.  Such applicants for membership shall be interviewed by two or more of the elders.  Such persons shall sign the application form provided for in Section 2 hereof, and when received by the elders, their names shall be included with the other applicants for membership who are being received publicly into the church. The right hand of fellowship shall be extended to these by the elders or the pastor.

 

Section 3.   Procedure in accepting new members.

A.        When the elders are satisfied that the applicant is a true Christian and has met the requirements for membership as provided for in Article IV, Sections 1 and 2 of this constitution, the elders may then recommend such persons for membership in this church; provided that such action by the elders shall be by unanimous vote of those present at the particular meeting.

B.        The new members shall be publicly welcomed at a regular Lord's day service by members of the church, and given the right hand of fellowship by the members of the official board, after a public vote by the membership.  This vote must be a favorable three‑fourths (3/4) majority vote of members present for reception into the fellowship of this church.

C.        Members are expected to conscientiously study the Word of God (II Tim. 2:15), pray (I Thes. 5:17), strive to live according to the light revealed to them by the Holy Spirit through God's Word and to wholeheartedly support the services and activities of the church as God may reveal His will to them.

 

Section 4.  Charter members.  All persons who unite with this church on or before December 11, 1977 shall be considered charter members of this church.

 

Section 5.  Any person who desires membership of this body shall be baptized by immersion after salvation.  Any believer of Godly walk and conduct desiring to be baptized shall make personal application to the pastor.  (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:1‑4).

 

Section 6.  Termination of Membership.  Membership in this church may terminate:

A.        By Dismission.  Letters of dismission shall be granted by the official board to those who apply for them, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of application.  When such letters have been granted, their relationship to this church shall be considered terminated.  Letters of dismission shall be granted only to evangelical Bible believing churches.

B.        By Exclusion.  If a member is absent from Communion and other gatherings for worship and fails to communicate with the church for a period of one year and fails to reply to communications, he/she will be suspended and may be dropped from the membership roll by a majority vote of the official board.

C.        Excommunication.  (See Article VI ‑ Section 3 of this constitution.)  It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures to exclude from this fellowship any person who holds false and heretical doctrine or who lives inconsistently with a Christian profession (Gal. 1:8,9); or in violation of the law or public morals or walks disorderly (II Thess. 3:6‑11; I Cor. 5:11‑13); or any person who disturbs the unity and peace of the church.  Excommunication shall be by majority vote of the official board.

 

Article V

Conduct

Section 1.  All public and private means of grace, such as regular attendance in the services of God's house (including the ordinance of the Lord's Supper), the daily, systematic reading of the Bible, private and family prayer, personal and public testimony, and the winning of others to Christ, shall be urged upon our members.  It shall be the duty of members to attend regularly the stated and business meetings of the church, to love one another as Christ gave command, to be concerned for each other's welfare and the good name of the church.

 

Section 2.  All Church activities are to be conducted in the spirit of Christian love and cooperation with the primary intent to give honor and glory to God the Father and to lift up the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.  We believe that the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, healing, tongues and interpretation of tongues, concluded their purpose after the establishment of the early church and are no longer necessary in the body of Christ.  We also believe that the seeking of these gifts runs contrary to Biblical principles and therefore the practice of sign gifts will not be condoned as a part of Church teaching or function. Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:1-7,11-16;
1 Corinthians 12:4-11,27-31; 13:8-12; 14:1-5.

 

Section 3.  We also assert our conviction that proportionate giving is a distinct and positive command in the Scriptures (II Cor. 9:6,7); and pledge ourselves to a systematic contribution for the support of the church of such portion of our income as we believe God requires of us, according to the principle laid down in I Cor. 16:2.

 

Section 4.  This organization shall be financed according to the scriptural method, the gifts and offerings of those interested in the furtherance of the Gospel ministry, not through church suppers, rummage sales, raffles, or through the solicitation of money from unsaved individuals.

 

Section 5.  We shall require of ourselves and each other in our daily walk and conversation, loyal obedience to all those moral precepts laid down in the Word of God.

 

Warning Against Worldliness

We believe it is our privilege to accept those who profess to believe in Jesus Christ into our fellowship and promise them all possible loving nurture.  In these days of worldliness among professing Christians, it is necessary that we call the attention of believers to the plain teaching of God's word concerning worldly amusements and entangling alliances with unbelievers.

 

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

 

"And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?"

 

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

 

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

 

"And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

 

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (II Cor. 6:14‑7:1).

 

We believe the above "written word of God" clearly instructs the Christian to walk in a path of separation from carnal worldly pleasures and questionable practices which are harmful in their influence and a stumbling block to others. We believe further that Christians should not marry unbelievers nor enter into any compromising alliance with them.  Suggestive Scriptures to guide the believer in these matters are: Gal. 5:16‑26; Eph. 4:17, 5:4; Rom 12:1, 15:13; I Peter 2:1, I Peter 4:19.

 

We expect the candidate for membership in this church to accept the "written Word of God" as the authoritative guide in all matters of faith and practice among us and to this end acknowledge the right and responsibility of the pastor and board of elders to discipline wayward members in the light and spirit of said Scriptures.

 

We strongly urge all believers and members of the North Annville Bible Church to adhere to the Statement of Christian Conduct found in Article V.  We would also add that the members of this church should soberly accept their privilege and responsibility to apply Scriptural principles to all conduct in their own lives and reach decisions that have the approval of their Spirit‑ enlightened conscience and thus avoid becoming a stumbling block to others.  (Rom. 14:1, 15:13).  This includes the sins of the old nature such as envy, malice, jealousy, gossip, grievances against the Spirit.  (Gal. 5:19,20; Eph. 4:30,31).  We also believe that the individual must be motivated in these matters by the law of love.

 

May we always altogether seek to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.  (Eph. 4:1-6).

 

Article VI

Church Discipline

The discipline of the church shall be formative and corrective and shall be entirely entrusted to the pastor, and the official board and shall be exercised according to the following principles:

 

Section 1.  Formative Discipline.  The sanctifying influence of formative discipline as taught in I Cor. 12:12‑27 shall be well understood.  Every member will then be satisfied with his/her calling and we shall all grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph. 2:21,22; 4:12-23; II Peter 1:5‑8).  By such observance can the church build up its members and use the talents of both old and young.  All who have been redeemed should live for Him and the church, and not for themselves.

 

Section 2.  Corrective Discipline.  Corrective discipline has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of our church, and the spiritual growth of the offender.  The censure, in the judgement of the official board may be a suspension for a period from the Lord's Table, erasure from the roll or excommunication.  Every effort shall first be made to clear up difficulties and remove offenses before church action is taken.  No offense should be brought before the church until the instructions of Christ have been followed.  (Matt. 5:23,24; 18:15,16).  If the offenders will not have the case adjusted, the person or persons concerned shall be proceeded against in conformity with the condition that such person or persons signed in coming into membership, as follows:

 

"If at any time I find myself out of harmony with the Articles of Faith (Doctrinal Statement), constitution or by‑laws of this church, or if my conduct or belief is called in question, I agree to submit the differences or charges to the official board, and if it be found that I am unwilling to settle the differences on Scriptural grounds (Matt. 18:15‑17), I hereby authorize the board to drop my name from the roll of the church membership."

 

Section 3.  Excommunication.  In all cases of disorderly conduct or heretical doctrine so opposed to the church's life and faith as to destroy the possibility of fellowship, procedure shall be in the following manner; the suspected person shall first be interviewed as in Matt. 18:15‑18.  If this does not lead to restoration of fellowship, charges shall be filed with the official board and placed by them in the hands of the suspected person who shall be summoned to meet the official board at a date not sooner than one week nor later than two weeks from the time the charges are served.  The accused, on being notified, may immediately select any member of the official board (or any member of the congregation in good standing) to assist or represent said person in the examination, while the chairman shall appoint one of its members for prosecution.  After a fair and impartial hearing of all the witnesses accessible and all the facts ascertainable, if the majority of the official board believes the accused person guilty, the name of the said party shall be stricken from the roll of the church and read as excommunicated at either a mid‑week service or a Lord's Day service succeeding the trial, unless notice of appeal is given in writing to the secretary of the official board within five days.  If appealed, a special meeting of the congregation shall be convened for the purpose of electing a council of appeal, as provided for in Article VII, of this constitution, but unless a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregational meeting is secured, the decision of the official board shall stand.  If the case is reviewed by the council of appeal, its decision shall be final.

 

Section 4.  Restoration of Excluded Members.  The right to exclude persons or the withdrawal of fellowship (II Thes. 3:6) is in harmony with the teaching of the New Testament (Matt.  18:16,17).  The early Apostolic church had also the right to restore excluded members who gave satisfactory evidence of being penitent (II Cor. 2:6‑8).  The object of the exclusion or suspension having been accomplished, the official board shall have the right to restore the penitent member to full membership by a unanimous vote.

 

Section 5.  Communication.  Should a member fail to communicate with the church for a period of one year, and make no reply to church communications addressed to him/her, he/she will be suspended and may be dropped from the membership roll by a majority vote of the official board.

 

Article VII

Council of Appeal

Section 1.  Any matter may be taken to the council of appeal for decision if it involves any controversy within the church, within the official board, between the church congregation and the board, or between the church congregation or the board and the pastor; which controversy threatens to cause dissension resulting in probable injury to the welfare of the church and which has not been decided by the board in such a manner as to alleviate dissension.

 

Section 2.  The membership of this council shall consist of five elders and five laymen in good standing, and the pastor who shall act as chairman thereof.  All of the members shall be chosen by the congregation at a constitutionally called meeting.  This council shall be elected only at the request of the official board, or by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of a constitutionally‑called congregational meeting.

 

Section 3.  The quorum of the council of appeal shall be four elders, four laymen and the chairman.  If a member of the church is unable to attend a particular meeting after judicial process has begun, he may hereafter sit and hear the case but will be disqualified to vote on the final issue of the case.  In administrative cases, he may vote on the final issue of the question being considered.  A judicial case is one in which formal charges have been filed against a person.

 

Section 4.  Should it ever occur that the pastor is the defendant in a judicial case, or so involved as to make it unwise for him to preside over the council, the congregation shall choose a chairman who shall preside over the meetings of the council of appeal.  The council shall convene at the call of the chair or at the request of any five members of the council of appeal.

 

Section 5.  The decision of the case before the council of appeal must be reached by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote; and then, the final decision of the council of appeal, with the reasons thereof, is announced to the congregation.  That decision is final and the case ended.

 

Article VIII

Government

Section 1.  This church acknowledges only the Lord Jesus Christ as its Head; the Holy Scriptures as the only infallible guide in matters of faith, discipline, and order; the Holy Spirit as its Teacher; and is not and never shall be amenable to or under the jurisdiction or supervision of any other ecclesiastical body of any kind or nature whatsoever.

 

Section 2.  The government of the church, the conduct of its business, the management and control of all its property, real and personal, the supervision of its general work, its organizations, such as Sunday school, youth organizations, missionary societies, etc., and all branch works shall, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, be vested in the official board.  The pastor shall be a member of the official board and an elder.

 

Section 3.  The official board, within two weeks after the annual election, shall meet and elect a chairman, a vice‑chairman, and a secretary who shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected and qualify.  The chairman and vice‑chairman shall be elected from among the elders, the secretary shall be elected from among either the elders or the deacons.

 

Section 4.  The official board, within two weeks after the annual election, shall meet and make whatever appointments are necessary to fill all appointed offices of the church. These would include:  Financial Secretary, General Sunday School Superintendent, Departmental Sunday School Superintendents, Music Director, Head Usher, Representatives to Board of Missions & Evangelism, Board of Christian Education, any standing committees or special committees.

 

Section 5.  The necessary quorum and manner in which the official board shall be convened shall be provided for in the by‑laws, but no meeting of the official board shall ever be called during the absence of the pastor without his knowledge or written consent.  In case of emergency in the pastor's absence, the board may meet and act, but only by unanimous decision.

 

Section 6.  The official board shall have the power to delegate to either individuals or committees the right to transact any of its business or exercise any of its powers.  The transaction of such business or the exercise of such powers, however, shall be at all times subject to the supervision and control of the board.

 

Section 7.  The official board shall have the authority to spend such monies as they deem necessary for the purchase of equipment, repair of the church building and up‑keep of the grounds; this provision subject to conditions and restrictions enumerated as follows:

A.        The official board shall not encumber with loan or transfer or sell or purchase any real estate for the church except by the express authorization conveyed through a majority vote of the membership present at a constitutionally called meeting.

B.        No obligation shall be incurred to spend over $1500.00 in one item without special vote of the congregation, unless said item already appears in the adopted budget.

 

Section 8.  Without in any manner limiting the authority of the official board, but solely for the purpose of enumerating some of its powers, the official board shall have the power to:

A.        Call congregational meetings for any purpose which it seems to be necessary or proper, provided in the by‑laws.

B.        Receive, consider, and dispose of any grievances, suggestions or recommendations by any member or organization of the church.

C.        Receive persons into church membership, discipline them, and terminate their church membership in the manner herein provided for.

D.        Approve the superintendent of the Sunday school and approve all superintendents of departments of Sunday school.

E.         Exercise all other powers and duties which properly belong to the sole governing body of an independent church, congregation and corporation, but at all times be subject to the two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation present, unless otherwise specified.

 

Section 9.  The official board shall call congregational meetings whenever a demand is made upon them in accordance with any provisions of this constitution or of the by‑laws.

 

Section 10.  Should it ever occur that a serious difference of opinion arises in which the pastor is convinced that the policy of the majority of the board will jeopardize and hinder the work of the church, the pastor, despite his right to appeal to the council of appeal, may, with approval of three other members of the official board require that the matter be held in abeyance until decided by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation at a constitutionally‑called congregational meeting.

 

Section 11.  When the church is without a pastor, it shall be the duty of the elders to supply the pulpit with men whose Christian character and teaching are in accord with the Doctrinal Statement.

 

Article IX

Administration

The administration of this church shall be vested in three major boards ‑ the official board, composed of elders and deacons, the board of Christian education, and the board of missions and evangelism.

A.        The Official Board.

            1.         The official board, composed of elders and deacons, shall be men, and be the ruling body of the church and shall meet monthly on an agreed date to transact the business of the church.  A quorum shall consist of the majority of the official board plus one.  The other two boards and all other boards or committees of the church shall be responsible to the official board.  All three boards shall meet in joint session during the months of January, May, and September, or as deemed by the pastor and/or the official board.

            2.         The official board shall choose from its own membership a secretary who will also serve as clerk of the church.  He shall be elected annually but shall not serve more than three consecutive years.  It will be his duty to keep an accurate record of all the minutes of the board, regular or special, to file a copy in the church office, and to give a copy to the pastor.  The secretary shall also be the custodian of the church membership roll and the church corporation seal.

            3.         The treasurer shall be elected annually by the congregation from among the membership of the church by recommendation of nominating committee.  The treasurer shall sit on the board of deacons as a deacon.  The treasurer may succeed himself indefinitely.

            4.         It shall be the duty of the treasurer to submit to the official board an accurate monthly statement of the current funds of the church.  This report is to be submitted no later than at the time of the regular monthly meeting of the official board.  A copy of the monthly financial report shall be posted in the church by the treasurer.

            5.         An associate pastor, assistant pastor, director of Christian education and minister of music shall be considered ex‑officio members of the official board.  They shall be called in the same manner as the pastor.

            6.         Salaries of all church personnel shall be determined by the official board.  Minutes of all such meetings shall be recorded by the board secretary and properly filed in accordance with aforesaid stipulations for filing minutes.

            7.         Elders and deacons may have occasion to meet independently of one another, but in the interest of unity, only at the direction of the constitution, of the official board, or of the pastor.  All such meetings shall be informal and consultative in nature and shall have no power to transact church business whether sacred or profane (secular).

            8.         In further interest of preserving unity Ad Hoc meetings among board members, planned or unplanned shall be considered out of order and participants shall be subject to church discipline.

            9.         Elders.

                        a.         Elders shall be selected by the nominating committee, approved by the official board, and elected by the congregation.

                        b.         Elders shall be elected by the church for a period of three years; their terms of office shall be so arranged that approximately one‑third (1/3) of the elders' terms of office shall expire each year.  After completion of a full term of office, no elder shall be eligible for re‑election until a full year has elapsed.  This shall apply to a person elected to fill an unexpired term provide the unexpired term is two years or more in length.  Elders must be members of this church.

                        c.         Elders shall be men in full communion of the church, of mature judgement and unquestioned Christian character, loyal to the Word of God and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the spiritual welfare of the church.  (I Tim. 3:1‑7; Titus 1:6‑9).  These men who are elected shall receive instruction from the pastor.

                        d.         The number of elders to be elected by the church shall be determined on the following basis:

                                    There shall ideally be five (5) elders, but no fewer than four (4) elders, for the first 100 members, and there may be chosen, if desired, one (1) elder for each succeeding 50 members, i.e., when there are 300 members in the church, the membership is entitled to elect 8 elders, 10 for 400, and 12 for 500.  The maximum number of elders shall not exceed more than 12.

                        e.         Any vacancy in the office of elder shall be filled at the annual meeting, or if necessary, at a congregational meeting specially called, as provided by the by‑laws for that purpose.

                        f.          It shall be the duty of the elders to be diligent and faithful in attendance at the official board meetings and at the regular services of the church; they shall assist the pastor at the Lord's Table and in the ministry of visitation, and other duties when requested to do so by the pastor.

                        g.         The elders shall serve as pulpit committee for the church when the vacancy of the pastor occurs.

            10.       Deacons.

                        a.         Deacons shall be selected by the nominating committee, approved by the official board, and elected by the congregation.

                        b.         Deacons shall be elected by the church for a period of three years; their terms of office shall be so arranged that approximately one‑third (1/3) of the deacons' terms of office shall expire each year.  After completion of a full term of office, no deacon shall be eligible for re‑election until a full year has elapsed.  This shall apply to a person elected to fill the un‑expired term of a deacon, provided the un‑expired term is two years or more in length.  Deacons must be members of this church.

                                                c.         The treasurer of the church will sit on the board as a deacon.

                        d.         The particular responsibility of deacons shall be to look after needy members of our church, as provided for in Acts 6:1‑7 and in I Tim. 3:8‑13; and they shall hold themselves in readiness for church visitation, ushering and other duties when requested to do so by the pastor.

                        e.         The number of deacons shall be in accord with the growth of the work.  Three (3) shall be elected to begin with, and these added from time to time as the work grows until the number seven (7) is reached.  At no time shall there be more than seven (7) deacons.

                        f.          It shall be the responsibility of the deacons to have general oversight of the finances of the church and to see to the proper maintenance of the church building and grounds.

g.                  The deacons shall submit a budget for the coming church year to the official board one month before the annual congregational meeting.  The official board, after reviewing or revising it, shall submit the recommended budget to the congregation for approval.

B.        The Board of Christian Education

            1.         The board of Christian education shall consist of the director of Christian education, the superintendent and assistant superintendent of the Bible school, one elder or deacon, and two other individuals appointed by the board.  They shall serve for a period of one year.  All members of this board must be members of the church.

            2.         The board of Christian education shall oversee present Christian education ministries and suggest and develop new areas of outreach in the area of Christian education for the church.

            3.         The board of Christian education shall meet monthly.

            4.         The pastor shall be an ex‑officio member.

            5.         The director of Christian education may not serve as chairman of the board.  The board shall elect someone from its own membership to serve as chairman and someone to serve as vice‑chairman.  They shall elect a secretary who shall keep an accurate record of all meetings.  It shall be the responsibility of the secretary to place a copy of all minutes in the permanent file in the church office and to give the pastor a copy.  Each officer shall be elected annually but shall not serve more than three consecutive years.

C.        The Board of Missions and Evangelism.

            1.         The board of missions and evangelism shall consist of four members: One elder or deacon, appointed by the official board, the president of the ladies' missionary fellowship, and two members at large elected by the congregation at the annual congregational meeting.

            2.         The board of missions and evangelism shall encourage and foster missions, both home and foreign, and evangelism, both mass and personal, in the church.

            3.         The pastor shall be an ex‑officio member.

            4.         The board of missions and evangelism shall elect a chairman and vice‑chairman.  A secretary shall be elected to keep an accurate record of all meetings and shall place a copy of the minutes on file in the church office and give a copy to the pastor.  Each officer shall be elected annually but shall not serve more than three consecutive years.

5.                  Additional members may be added at the discretion of the official board.

D.                Ministry Leadership.  All ministry leadership, officers, and teachers designated within the ministries of this church shall be members.

E.                 Ministry Covenant.  Any person wanting to regularly participate in ministry that is not a member must be able to affirm the following statements below by signing his/her name. A copy of the executed Ministry Covenant shall be maintained in the church office.

1.                  I am familiar with Article III, Doctrinal Statement, Section I, Articles of Faith of this church and am able to faithfully minister under the provisions therein.  I will not intentionally promote doctrinal positions that are contrary to or in conflict with these Articles of Faith.

2.                  It is my earnest desire to pursue a surrendered, prayerful Christian life, and to maintain loyal obedience to the moral precepts laid down in the Word of God for believers.

 

Article X

Pastors

Section 1.  The pastor of the church shall be chosen by the congregation for an indefinite period, by ballot, upon the recommendation of the official board after prayerful investigation and consideration.  Only such men shall be recommended who can and will conscientiously sign, without mental reservation, the articles of faith, constitution and by‑laws of the church.  The selection of the pastor shall be voted upon at a meeting of the congregation specially called for such purpose.  Notice of such meeting shall be given at both services of the church at two consecutive Lord's Days preceding the meeting called for such election.  A majority of at least two‑thirds (2/3) of the voters present shall be necessary to elect.

 

Section 2.  The pastor shall discharge all functions of the ministry, and shall, with the prayerful support of the board, have control of all spiritual affairs of the church.

 

Section 3.  The pastor and the elders shall consider and decide upon all pulpit supplies and special pulpit features.

 

Section 4.  If an assistant pastor is needed, he shall be chosen by the pastor in consultation with the elders and subject to the approval of the official board.

 

Section 5.  All other employees of the church, including church secretaries, musicians, sextons, etc., shall be selected by the pastor, subject to the approval by the official board.

 

Section 6.  If at any time the pastor shall make application to be released from the pastorate, or if relations between pastor and congregation become such as to be detrimental to the welfare of the church, the relationship may be terminated by the congregation in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it be mutually agreed upon.  The elders shall have authority to consider this matter and make recommendations to the congregation, but it shall require two‑thirds (2/3) vote of those present at a constitutionally‑called congregational meeting to dismiss the pastor.

 

Section 7.  If at any time the pastor's personal belief, preaching, or teaching shall not be in full accord with the doctrinal standards of this church, his services as pastor shall be terminated immediately following a congregational meeting at which his dismissal has been requested by a two‑ thirds (2/3) majority vote.

 

Article XI

Ordination

Section 1.  Since it is our hope that Spirit‑filled men will be called out from among us to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God, such men may be given a commission to preach and administer the ordinances by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation, provided that the board is unanimous in its conviction that the candidate has the Scriptural qualifications, suitable gifts, necessary training and has had the blessing of God upon his public ministry.

 

Section 2.  When the church decides that one of its candidates possesses the Scriptural qualifications for ordination, as provided for in Section 1, the official board shall call a council of ministers and brethren to examine the qualifications of the candidate, as to his call to the Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated capabilities in Christian service.  At least one member of the board of elders shall serve as a member of the ordaining council.

 

Section 3.  The official board shall have power to discipline, even to the revocation of the ordination credentials of any minister, ordained under this constitution, who after a fair and impartial trial, is found guilty of heresy or sinful practices clearly forbidden by the word of God and this constitution.

 

Article XII

Budget Preparation

Section 1.  Before the annual congregational meeting, and with the initiative of the deacons, the official board shall obtain an estimate of the needs of the several divisions of our work and prepare a detailed budget of the proposed expenditures for the coming year.  When this budget is approved by a vote of the congregation, it shall be considered the basis for current liabilities.  No committee or board is authorized to make changes in its provisions, or make unauthorized disbursements without the consent of the congregation.

 

Article XIII

Amendment Policy

Section 1.  Amendments to this constitution may be made upon application to a competent court of law or by such other procedure as may be provided by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the amendment of charters.  No part of Article III shall ever be amended or changed in any respect.

 

Section 2.  Amendments to this constitution may be adopted by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregational meeting or special meeting called for this purpose, provided in either case, that such amendment shall be distributed in written form to the membership at least two weeks prior to such congregational meeting.

 

Section 3.  Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the official board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization of organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable of religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the official board shall determine.  Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

 

By-Laws of North Annville Bible Church

Article I

Meetings

Section 1.  The fiscal year of the church shall begin January 1.

 

Section 2.  The annual meeting of the congregation must be announced on two successive Sundays prior to the meeting and shall be held between March 1st and 15th in the church building, for the purpose of electing officers, for the reception of reports, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.  The pastor shall act as presiding officer at all congregational meetings.

 

Section 3.  Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the official board at any time, provided that notice of the time, place, and purpose thereof, shall be given at both services of two consecutive Lord's Days, immediately preceding such meeting.

 

Section 4.  Special meetings shall be called by the official board, or if they fail to act, then by the pastor, when such a meeting is required under the provisions of the constitution or the by‑laws, or when a written request to call such a meeting shall be signed by one‑fourth (1/4) of the members of the church in good and regular standing and be presented to the secretary of the official board.  Notice of such a special meeting shall be given as provided for in Section 3 thereof.

 

Section 5.  The official board shall arrange the details of all congregational meetings and see that all possible preparations for their successful conduct are made.

 

Section 6.  The voting members present at any congregational meeting, called in accordance with the requirements of the constitution and by-laws, shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

Section 7.  Any member of the church in good and regular standing shall have the right to vote on any questions properly brought before any congregational meeting, except however; that on questions involving the disbursement of money, or any financial transactions, only members of eighteen (18) years of age, or more, shall have the right to vote.

 

Section 8.  Any person whose name appears on the roll of the church, who is not under discipline, shall be presumed to be a member in good and regular standing, and the burden of proving the contrary shall rest upon him/her who asserts that such member is not in good and regular standing.

 

Section 9.  All congregational meetings, unless otherwise specified by our constitution and by‑laws, shall be conducted according to Robert's Revised Rules of Order.

 

Article II

Duties of Various Officers

Section 1.  The secretary shall keep a record of all business transacted at the congregational and board meetings, keep an accurate record of the membership, carry on all necessary correspondence for the official board and the congregation and he shall secure annually, the signatures of all persons required to sign any documents by the constitution or by‑laws.

 

Section 2.  The treasurer shall deposit all church funds in a bank account, or accounts, as instructed by the official board, which shall be opened and maintained in the name of the church, and shall disburse the same at the direction of the official board.  He shall make a monthly report to the official board and an annual report to the congregation.  He shall submit his books for an annual audit prior to the congregational meeting and at such time or times as may be directed by the board.  He may furnish a bond, the amount which shall be determined by the board, the cost of which shall be paid by the church.

 

Section 3.  The financial secretary shall serve as bookkeeper for the church and shall be responsible to the church treasurer.  The financial secretary shall keep records of all incoming and all outgoing money of the church and any organization designated by the official board.  The financial secretary shall assist the treasurer in compiling his monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

 

Article III

Nominations and Elections

Section 1.  A nominating committee consisting of seven persons who are members of the church in good and regular standing, shall be appointed by the pastor and two (2) elders any time prior to January 1 of each year.

 

Section 2.  The members of the nominating committee shall consist of one elder and one deacon and five other members of good and regular standing.  One of these five shall be chosen from the church membership engaged in work of Sunday School; one from the church membership engaged in working with youth organizations; and the remaining three, from the general church membership.

 

Section 3.  It shall be the duty of the nominating committee to present a list of potential nominees to the official board for approval.  If the official board believes that the nominees meet the qualifications for the offices, the nominating committee shall post or distribute a list of the nominees to the members at a regular Lord's Day service on each of at least two Sundays prior to the congregational meeting.

 

Section 4.  At the congregational meeting, the nominating committee shall place in nomination the candidates for election to fill vacancies in the elective offices of the church.  It shall be within the province of the congregation to accept or reject in part or whole the committee's report by a majority vote.  In the event that the report is rejected in part or whole this committee shall continue to function, unless otherwise ordered by the congregation until a slate submitted is fully accepted by the congregation.

 

Section 5.  All officers of the church shall be elected by ballot and a majority of the ballots cast shall be necessary to elect any person to office.  The nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to the vacant offices.  The second highest will be an assistant to that office where it applies.

 

Section 6.  Elders and deacons shall be elected for a term of three years and their term shall be arranged so that the offices of approximately one‑third (1/3) of the total number of elders and deacons shall become vacant each year.

 

Section 7.  The treasurer of the church must be elected annually, but he may succeed himself indefinitely.

 

Article IV

Amendments

These by‑laws may be amended by a two‑thirds (2/3) vote of the congregation at any regular congregational meeting or special meeting called for the purpose, provided that such amendment shall be distributed in written form to the church membership at least two weeks prior to such congregational meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised 3/7/2004