1. **Definitions:** Provides specific definitions for terms used within the constitution, including “Church,” “Church Executive,” “Deacon,” “Elder,” “Pastor,” and the “1988 Constitution.”
2. **Name, Legal Status, and Objectives:** Establishes the name of the church, its legal status as an autonomous voluntary association, and outlines its objectives, including worship, teaching the Gospel, supporting communal worship and fellowship, and providing services to members and the local community.
3. **Church Affiliation:** Allows for affiliation with organizations sharing common principles of faith without compromising the church’s independence and identity.
4. **Principles of Faith:** Details the church’s beliefs concerning the Scriptures, God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Man, Salvation, the Church, Ordinances, the Lord’s Day, the Kingdom of God, Last Things, Evangelism, Missions, Education, Christian Stewardship, and Christian Cooperation.
5. **Ordinances:** Describes the two ordinances of Christian baptism and the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing their symbolic significance and their importance in the life of the church.
6. **The Lord’s Day – Sunday Worship:** Specifies the importance of corporate worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) and encourages activities consistent with Christian principles.
7. **Last Things:** Discusses beliefs regarding the end times, including the return of Jesus Christ, judgment, and eternal destinies.
8. **Evangelism and Missions:** Highlights the duty of believers and churches to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.
9. **Education:** Advocates for Christian education and the importance of balancing academic freedom with responsibility in educational institutions.
10. **Christian Stewardship:** Emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to use their time, talents, and material possessions for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
11. **Christian Co-operation:** Encourages cooperation among believers and churches for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, without infringing upon the autonomy of individual churches.
### Membership of the Church
– Qualifications for membership include professing faith in Jesus Christ, being baptized by immersion, promising obedience to Christ, accepting the Principles of Faith, and signing a Membership Covenant.
– Membership applications are reviewed by the Pastor and Elders, and applicants must meet certain criteria.
– Members have privileges and duties, including financial support of the ministry and submission to church leadership.
### Discipline of Members
– Members are expected to meet certain standards, and steps for addressing misconduct include private discussions, involvement of witnesses, and intervention by church leadership.
– If necessary, members may be removed from membership.
### Termination and Restoration of Membership
– Membership may be terminated due to death, exclusion, transfer, or prolonged absence.
– Restoration to membership may be approved by the Pastor and Elders.
### Meetings of Members
– Meetings are held to keep members informed and encourage communication with church leadership.
– Members have voting privileges on certain matters submitted by the Executive.
### Church Leadership: Elders, Deacons, and Pastor
– Elders must meet specific qualifications and are responsible for spiritual oversight and decision-making.
– The number of Elders should ensure a plurality, and they serve indefinite terms.
– Deacons assist in ministry and service, and their number is determined by need.
– The Pastor must meet qualifications, and their appointment involves a selection committee and approval by the church membership.
### Church Administration
– The Church Executive consists of the Pastor and Elders, who oversee church affairs and appoint officers.
– Meetings of the Executive are held regularly and may include members except for confidential matters.
– Decisions are made prayerfully and require a unanimous vote of present Elders.
### Church Ministries
– The Executive determines various ministries of the church, each falling under its oversight.
– Ministry leaders and committee members must be church members in good standing.