Iglesia Plantas y Pilares/Plants and Pillars Church 

CONSTITUTION 

Preface 

Preamble 

Article 1: Name 

Article 2: Purpose 

Article 3: Articles of Faith 

Article 4: Church Government 

Article 5: Membership 

Article 6: Duties and Privileges of Membership 

Article 7: Church Discipline 

Article 8: Church Officers 

Article 9: Ordinations 

Article 10: Finances 

Article 11: Amendments 

CONSTITUTION 

PREFACE 

In our desire for clarity, transparency and accountability as a New Testament Church, we have endeavored to define the distinctives of our local congregation through Articles of Faith, a Covenant, and a Constitution. Together they can greatly assist us in our efforts of biblically organizing and conducting the ministries which have been entrusted to us by our Head, Jesus Christ. It must be explicitly acknowledged, however, that these documents, despite their usefulness and precision, will produce nothing apart from the presence and the power of the Spirit of God in our church. It is with this profound awareness of our absolute dependence upon our great God, that these articles are set forth. 

PREAMBLE 

Plants and Pillars Church is comprised of followers of Jesus Christ who have united under His Lordship in covenant commitment to one another and to our God. We joyfully and wholeheartedly submit to His authority as it is revealed to us in His holy, inerrant, and infallible written Word. 

This constitution has been prepared by the founding pastor of Plants and Pillars Church on the basis of careful study of the Scriptures regarding the nature, purpose, and government of the church, and is set forth as the founding governing document of this congregation. Members unite with the church by voluntarily submitting themselves to its provisions. 

Until such time as a plurality of qualified elders is recognized and installed, as provided in Article VIII, the government of this congregation shall be exercised by the founding pastor. 

Wherever this Constitution refers to 'the elders' and no plurality has yet been recognized and installed, such reference shall mean the founding pastor, acting under the provisions of Article IV. 

ARTICLE I 

NAME 

The name of this church shall be “Iglesia Plantas y Pilares, Asociación Religiosa” 

ARTICLE II 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this church is to glorify the God of the Scriptures in promoting His worship, evangelizing sinners, and edifying saints. To this end we are committed to proclaiming God’s perfect Law and His glorious Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ throughout the world, and to defending the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). 

ARTICLE III 

ARTICLES OF FAITH 

As a broad expression of the historic Christian faith held in common among Baptists, this church adopts the New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1853) as the doctrinal standard required of all members. New members shall subscribe to the New Hampshire Confession, this Constitution, and the Church Covenant as they offer themselves for membership. 

For those who would serve as elders of this church, we further adopt the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 as the fuller and more precise expression of our doctrine, particularly regarding the doctrines of grace and the government of the church. In keeping with Article IX, subscription to the 1689 Confession is required of all men ordained to the eldership, though it is not required as a condition of membership. 

We believe this historic document to be an excellent summary of the fundamental truths of God's Word. We do not receive it as an authoritative rule or code of faith standing alongside Scripture, but as an aid in controversy, a confirmation of what we believe, and a means of growing together in grace. In it, our elders — and any member who wishes to search its pages — will find a small compass pointing to the Scriptural proofs behind our convictions, that we may be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). 

ARTICLE IV 

CHURCH GOVERNMENT 

Jesus Christ is Lord and Head of this church. His will as expressed in the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, is the sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Plants and Pillars Church is a congregational church led by elders. We recognize that the authority of Christ is vested in the whole congregation (Matthew 18:15-20) and that Christ has prescribed that local congregations be led by godly men who have been duly appointed to lead and oversee the church (Titus 1:5-11). The elders carefully give spiritual direction to the church for the joy of each member (2 Corinthians 1:24) and the members voluntarily and submissively follow the leadership of and obey the elders so that the elders may do their work with joy (Hebrews 13:17). 

Plants and Pillars Church does not at present have a plurality of recognized elders. Until such a plurality is recognized and installed, as provided in Article VIII, the government of this congregation is exercised by the founding pastor, who labors toward raising up and training men for the office of elder according to the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–11. 

Deacons serve the church in various capacities at the direction of the elders, focusing predominately on the physical needs of the church. 

The church is subject to no other ecclesiastical body, but chooses to associate with doctrinally aligned churches for purposes of fellowship, consultation and cooperation. Any voluntary associations with other bodies shall not infringe on the rights of this church. When it is thought desirable to have fellowship, consultation, and cooperation with local churches of like faith and order, this church may join itself to an association of churches. Such affiliations may be entered by a vote of the eldership. Withdrawal from associations may be affected by the same procedure. 

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1 : Requirements for Membership 

To be considered for membership in this church, a person must be a disciple of Jesus Christ and give biblical evidence of regeneration. Such a disciple must be baptized in obedience to Christ following his or her conversion, and commit wholeheartedly to follow Jesus Christ as Lord in accordance with Scripture. Each prospective member must agree to submit to the teaching of Scripture expressed in the New Hampshire Confession of 1853 and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Church Covenant. 

The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, character of life and such other evidence, as they deem appropriate. 

Section 2 : Membership Process 

Any believer seeking membership at Plants and Pillars Church should communicate their desire to the elders, receive and work through a membership packet, and submit the forms upon completion. Each candidate must also meet with one or more elders for a membership interview. A time and place shall be set for a meeting with the candidate, who shall attend and be questioned as to his or her basic Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to support wholeheartedly the total ministry of this church, and to live for Christ in accordance with our church covenant. 

The elders may recommend a candidate for membership to the congregation at any members meeting of the church. The candidate may be received into membership upon acceptance of two-thirds of the members present.

Once a candidate is received into membership, he or she relinquishes their membership in other churches. New members are formally presented before the church and publicly commit to the member covenant of the church at the designated Lord’s Day Service. They are also encouraged and given the opportunity to share their testimony with the church family during said Lord’s Day Service. 

Prospective members can be received into membership by: 

A. PROFESSION OF FAITH AND BAPTISM — A person who professes faith in Christ for the first time, or who has not previously been baptized upon a credible, personal profession of faith, shall be received into membership upon such a profession and baptism by immersion, which this church holds to be the biblical mode and subject of Christian baptism. 

This church does not recognize infant baptism as administered in traditions that do not hold to a credible, personal profession of faith as constitutive of saving faith — including the Roman Catholic Church. Candidates from such backgrounds shall be received according to the paragraph above. 

This church does, however, recognize the baptism of those baptized in infancy within Reformed or Presbyterian churches holding to the biblical gospel and a Reformed covenantal understanding of baptism, provided the candidate has since come, as a believing adult, to a credible and personal profession of faith in Christ. Such a person shall not be required to be baptized again as a condition of membership, though the elders shall instruct them in this church's own convictions regarding the mode and subjects of baptism. 

B. LETTER — A person already in good standing at another evangelical church of like faith and doctrine may apply for membership with this church by presenting a letter of recommendation from that church to our elders. Reception into membership is not automatic upon presentation of such a letter, but remains subject to the review of the elders, who shall determine whether the candidate is a proper subject for membership in this church. 

C. STATEMENT OF FAITH — A person already baptized by immersion upon profession of faith may apply for membership with this church without presenting a letter from their previous church by giving the elders a credible account of their conversion and baptism. 

Section 3 : Termination of Membership 

A member may be removed from the membership of Plants and Pillars Church by: 

A. DISMISSAL — At the recommendation of the elders and the approval of the congregation, letters of dismissal shall be granted to members who apply for them in writing, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or already under corrective discipline at the time of application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. 

B. EXCLUSION — If any member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to resolve conflicts or settle differences in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he or she may be excluded from the membership at the discretion of the elders. 

C. EXCOMMUNICATION — It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation of the elders, to remove from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11, 14-15; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-2). 

D. DEATH 

ARTICLE VI 

DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP 

Scripture instructs Christians to live together in local churches. In order to fulfill Scriptural responsibilities in following Christ according to His will, it is incumbent on every believer to unite with other believers in submission to the lordship of Christ in a local church. 

Section 1 : Means of Grace 

All public and private means of grace, such as honoring the Lord’s Day, faithful attendance at the stated meetings of the church, daily systematic reading of the Bible, and family worship shall be urged upon our members. 

Section 2 : Marriage and Family Life 

Marriage is ordained by God and is exclusively a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between one man, one woman, and Himself, Plants and Pillars Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastors and staff of Plants and Pillars Church shall only participate in weddings and solemnize (officiate) marriages between one man and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Plants and Pillars Church shall not host any weddings or marriage celebrations except those that are between one man and one woman. 

Christians who are married to unbelievers should strive to influence their homes for the glory of God by commending the gospel and demonstrating its power in their lives according to apostolic instructions found in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 and 1 Peter 3:1-7. 

Unmarried Christian adults should live faithfully to Jesus Christ in all of their relationships and use the opportunities their singleness affords them for the advancement of the gospel and the prosperity of the church according to the apostolic instructions found in 1 Corinthians 7. 

The church expects its members to follow the Scriptures in home government. God has required that godliness in the home have a high priority in every life. The home holds a central attention in God’s Law and is the object of frequent exhortation in the New Testament. Husbands are expected to rule their homes with gentleness but firmness. They are to love their wives sacrificially with a Christ-like love and are to give leadership to the spiritual vitality of the home (Ephesians 5:25). Wives must be subject to and respectful of their husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). Parents should train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) by holy example, catechizing, consistent Christian education, and firm, loving discipline (including the careful, measured, biblical use of the rod of correction — Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). Children must reverently honor and obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). These primary responsibilities, prayerfully executed, will honor the name of Christ in the community and strengthen the cause of Christ in generations to come. 

Section 3: Missions and Witnessing

It is the duty of every Christian and of every church of Christ to seek to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth and to make disciples who will, in turn, make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Evangelistic and missionary efforts are the natural consequence of regeneration (Psalm 51:10-14). “Preach the Gospel” is a frequently repeated command of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to witness by word, deed and lifestyle. Personal efforts to make disciples for Christ are expected of every member. Beyond this, we are committed to cooperative efforts for sending the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

Section 4: Principles of Giving 

It is clearly taught in Scripture that Christians are to support the work of the Lord by systematic, proportionate and sacrificial offerings made through the local church. This is set forth in both positive command and favorable example (Malachi 3:8-11; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8 and 2 Corinthians 9). Hence we expect every member to pledge ourselves to contribute regularly, faithfully and sacrificially to the support of this church in recognition that all that we have has come to us from God and He is worthy of being worshipped with gifts and offerings (Psalm 96:8). 

We give because we have been given much in Jesus Christ. “For you know the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

Section 5: Christian Liberty 

We shall require of each other in our daily responsibilities and relationships loyal obedience to all those moral precepts established in the Word of God (Hebrews 10:24, 25). However, where God has not prohibited certain practices in His Word, the Christian has liberty to participate in them with discretion and care. The following principles must always guide the Christian’s exercise of liberty: 

A. FEAR OF GOD — As the servant of Christ, all actions must be motivated by love to God, and all objects must be used for His glory. The term “liberty” is often used as a cloak of malicious self-indulgence, which is sin (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; 1 Peter 2:15,16). 

B. LOVE OF BRETHREN — Though no man may dictate to the Christian’s conscience, the welfare of fellow saints must always deeply affect his decisions. In a spirit of serving the brethren, he must do that which he judges will edify them and prevent their stumbling (Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 10:23; 1 Corinthians 8:9). 

C. COMPASSION FOR THE UNCONVERTED — Use of liberty must always be regulated by its effect upon sinners, and that behavior chosen which is likely to win some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). 

D. WATCHFULNESS OVER THE SOUL — Though free in conscience to use all of God’s creation, carefulness in practice is demanded because of remaining lusts. Where the Christian judges himself weak through lust, he must abstain in order to persevere in the faith (1 Corinthians 9:23-27). 

Section 6: Support of Church Officers 

It is the duty of every member to respect the appointed officers of the church. Church members should recognize that the elders and deacons who serve among them do so by the authority of God’s Word and for the spiritual welfare of the whole body. Therefore every member should encourage and pray for the elders and deacons in their respective ministries. 

Specifically, members should be ready to assist the deacons in protecting the unity of the church and caring for the practical needs of the membership and community at large. This includes a willingness to use personal gifts and resources in caring for others. It also includes helping the deacons be aware of needs in the church and community, and cooperating with them in practical ways to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities (Acts 6:1-7). 

It is the duty of every member to recognize that God gives to His church men to serve as spiritual leaders who give oversight to local congregations. These elders of the church are to be “esteemed very highly in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Members are to submit to and follow them because they keep watch over the souls of the congregation as those who must give an account to God for their ministry (Hebrews 13:17a). Every member is admonished by God’s Word to encourage the elders to fulfill their duties “with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17b). 

Church members are called to follow the example of the elders as far as warranted by the Word (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7), to stand by them, in all their trials and afflictions, defending them in all good causes, as far as in them lies (2 Timothy 1:15, 4:16), and to avoid exposing their weaknesses, remembering that the prosperity of the Gospel depends much on their good report. 

Furthermore, no member is to receive an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by evidence that can be validated by two or more witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19). 

Section 7: Controversy 

Any matter involving controversy within this church, or between the congregation and its leadership, which threatens to cause dissension or injury to the welfare of the church, shall be brought to the attention of the founding pastor as soon as possible by any member aware of the situation. 

Because this church does not yet have a plurality of elders, the founding pastor cannot at present be checked by the counsel of fellow elders in the way this Constitution otherwise anticipates. For this reason, in any matter of controversy the founding pastor is unable to resolve so as to allay dissension, the church shall seek the advice of pastors or churches with which it holds relationships of accountability and fellowship, in keeping with the principle of the 1689 London Baptist Confession (26.15): that churches in fellowship together, through their representatives, may meet to consider a matter in dispute and give their advice, without thereby holding any church-power or jurisdiction over this church or its officers. 

This provision shall remain in force until such time as the church has a plurality of elders and has adopted By-Laws further detailing the process for resolving controversy, at which point this section shall be revised accordingly. 

ARTICLE VII 

CHURCH DISCIPLINE 

The Christian life is a life of discipleship, which means that it is to be characterized by godly discipline. This includes self-discipline which involves training oneself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) as well as corporate discipline that comes through being united to a local church. Church discipline is both formative and corrective. 

Section 1: Formative Discipline 

Formative church discipline comes through the teaching of God’s Word, the example of Christian living, and the mutual ministry of every member of the body of Christ. It has as its goal the instruction of disciples, the transformation of their lives, and their edification in love (Ephesians 4:11-13; Romans 12:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27). Formative discipline has a sanctifying influence. Every member should be satisfied with his/her God-given ministry, and thus we shall all grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:7-12). Formative discipline utilizes the gifts and talents of each member, whether young or old, for the edification of all. 

As members of this church we recognize our obligation to honor, serve, worship, praise and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we say and do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Jesus Christ is the head of the church and, therefore, its Lord and Lawgiver (Ephesians 1:22; Isaiah 33:22). Those who truly love Him will endeavor to keep His commandments (John 14:15). In His Holy Word our Lord calls believers to perform certain duties toward one another. Some of these duties are: 

A. To love one another sincerely in deed and truth (John 13:34, 35; Romans 12:9; 13:8-10; 1 John 3:18). 

B. To labor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

C. To work for the edification and spiritual benefit of the whole body so that we all may grow to spiritual maturity as a holy temple in and for the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:12, 26; Ephesians 4:12, 29; 2:21, 22). 

D. To watch over one another for good (Philippians 2:3,4). 

E. To pray with and for one another (James 5:16). 

F. Not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together, for the celebration of divine worship, and thereby to promote one another’s spiritual benefit (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42). 

G. To contend unanimously for the faith and truth once delivered to the saints, in the purity thereof, according to the Holy Scriptures (Psalm 93:5; 1 Corinthians 14:33-40; 11:2). 

The above duties, when faithfully performed by every member, will have a positive, formative effect upon the whole assembly. With the blessing of the Holy Spirit we will all be enabled to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

The following section is provided in the event of the failure of formative discipline as set forth above. 

Section 2: Corrective Discipline 

Corrective discipline is called for when any member is guilty of disorderly or divisive conduct or holding to heretical doctrine which is contrary to the church’s standard of life and doctrine as expressed in our covenant or confession which are based on the Word of God. Reasonable efforts shall be made through personal counsel and admonition to resolve difficulties, correct errors, and remove offenses before any further action is taken. Where possible all such communication should be face to face. 

When individual and private counsel and admonition have failed, the matter must be brought to the attention of the elders, who will then shepherd the process according to the instructions of God’s Word (Matthew 5:23,24; 18:15-18). In extraordinary circumstances, at the discretion of the elders, a matter may be taken directly to the church, according to the apostolic instruction of 1 Corinthians 5 and Titus 3:10-11. 

The goal of such discipline should be: 

1. The repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Hebrews 12:1-11; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1); 

2. The instruction in righteousness and welfare of others Christians, as an example to them (1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; Hebrews 10:24-25); 

3. The purity of the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 5:6-7; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:2); 

4. The good of our corporate witness to non-Christians (Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14); 

5. And supremely the glory of God which is manifested when His holy character is reflected to the watching world (Deuteronomy 5:11; John 15:8; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:12). 

The following are elements of corrective discipline: 

A. SUSPENSION — If a member has publicly sinned, but shows hopeful signs of repentance, including submission to the admonitions of church officers, then severe discipline, such as excommunication, would be improper. Nevertheless, serious offenses may not be overlooked altogether, lest God’s enemies multiply their blasphemies, lest other saints be emboldened to sin, and lest the offender is harmed by a failure to test his own soul and appreciate the gravity of his offense. Therefore, at the discretion of the elders, less severe terms may be imposed upon a member — such as public rebuke, or suspension of membership. The latter consists of a temporary suspension of the rights to serve publicly in the church or vote in congregational meetings. Those who submit to such discipline are to be wholly forgiven and received as brethren. All such actions shall be reported to the congregation. 

B. EXCLUSION — If a member is habitually absent from the stated meetings of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to resolve conflicts or settle differences in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he or she may be excluded from the membership at the recommendation of the elders and vote of the congregation. 

C. EXCOMMUNICATION — The most serious step a church can take in corrective discipline is to remove a member because of unrepentant sin. In extraordinary situations when a member has sinned publicly, scandalously or divisively and without biblical repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-12), the elders may call upon the church to excommunicate that member immediately (1 Corinthians 5:4-5; Titus 3:10-11). In other situations that call for corrective discipline, when restoration is not secured by the processes required in Matthew 18:15-18, further steps must be taken to correct offenders. The elders shall meet with the accused, unless the person refuses to appear. After a fair and impartial hearing of all the witnesses accessible, and all facts ascertainable, the elders must form a judgement. If they believe the accused to be guilty and deserving of severe biblical discipline, they shall make a recommendation that the offender be excommunicated at a duly called congregational meeting. The congregation shall have the right to excommunicate a member by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. The vote will be taken by a show of hands or by standing. Excommunication always has as its end the glory of God, the purity of the body of Christ and the restoration of the offending party. 

D. RESTORATION — It is the joyful duty of the church to forgive and restore to membership those persons who give satisfactory evidence of being repentant (2 Corinthians 2:6-8; 7:11). The elders shall meet with and seek the restoration of those who have been excluded or suspended when they (the elders) have judged that the aims of the discipline have been accomplished. Such action is to be reported to the church. Upon recommendation of the elders the congregation shall have the right to restore an excommunicated person by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting. 

ARTICLE VIII 

CHURCH OFFICERS 

Section 1: General Statement 

Jesus Christ alone is the head of His church. However, as head, He has ordained that individual churches should be blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of special office bearers. Therefore, it is the duty of the church to seek to discover from among members in good standing those men to whom Christ the Lord has imparted the necessary gifts for office bearing. The Lord’s appointment is recognized by not only the inward conviction of the individual, but also by the approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required, and by Scriptural definition of the office. 

While it is always the desire of the congregation to come to one mind regarding those who should be appointed to serve as office bearers in the church, no less that 75% of all votes cast shall be required for the election of an officer. 

Elders are ordained by Christ to lead in the administration of local churches (Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1-7; 14:23). Deacons are appointed to care for the temporal needs of the congregation. 

Section 2: Eldership 

The elders shall be comprised of men who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. No elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure. The Elders shall oversee the ministry and resources of the church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Peter 5:1-4, the elders shall devote their time to prayer, the ministry of the Word (by teaching and encouraging sound doctrine), and shepherding God’s flock. This includes maintaining an accurate church roll. 

The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in this calling, having been examined according to the process set forth in Article IX, and in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church after three years. After an elder, other than the senior or associate pastor(s), has served two terms, he may only be elected to the office of elder after at least one year off. An elder’s term of office may be terminated by resignation or by dismissal. 

The elders shall take particular responsibility to examine and instruct prospective members, examine and recommend all prospective candidates for offices and positions, oversee the work of the deacons and appointed church committees, conduct worship services, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, equip the membership for the work of the ministry, encourage sound doctrine and practice, admonish and correct error, oversee the process of church discipline, coordinate and promote the ministries of the church, and mobilize the church for world missions. The elders are further to ensure that all who minister the Word to the congregation, including outside speakers, share our essential convictions. The elders may establish ministry positions or committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders may also propose funding for new paid staff positions. The membership shall approve all candidates to fill the positions of senior and associate pastor. The scope and approval of job descriptions for any staff position shall reside in the hands of those with hiring authority for that position. 

The elders shall have primary responsibility for the supervision and evaluation of staff members. This responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to another staff member. In addition the elders shall have primary responsibility for the employment and dismissal of all non-pastoral staff members. In view of the fact that the responsibilities of the eldership are numerous and great, Scripture makes provision for the financial support of elders. 1 Timothy 5:17 encourages the support of “elders who rule well” and “especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” Thus a congregation may support more than one elder in various duties of that office but should place priority on the teaching function. Those serving in the teaching function, the senior pastor and associate pastor(s), should, as far as possible, be adequately maintained in material necessities, so as to be disentangled from the cares of an additional vocation. 

Section 3: The Senior Pastor 

The senior pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2, above, and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching. His call shall not be subject to the reaffirmation or to the term limitation set out in Section 2 above for elders. He shall preach on the Lord’s Day, administer the ordinances of baptism and communion, and perform such other duties as usually pertain to that office, or as set forth in the constitution. In the absence or incapacity of the senior pastor the elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated. 

Section 4: Associate Pastors 

The church may call additional pastors whose relationship to the senior pastor is that of associate. An associate pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section 2, above, and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching. His call shall not be subject to the reaffirmation or the term limitation set out in Section 2 above for elders. He shall assist the senior pastor in the performance of his regular duties and shall perform any other duties as usually pertain to the office of pastor, or as set forth in the constitution, or which may be specifically assigned to him by the congregation. In the absence or incapacity of the senior pastor for defined periods of time (such as sabbatical or illness), the associate pastor(s) shall assume the responsibility for his duties under the oversight of the elders. 

Section 5: Assistant Pastors 

The church may call additional pastors whose relationship to the senior pastor and associate pastor(s) is that of assistant. An assistant pastor shall be an elder. He shall perform the duties of an elder and shall be recognized by the church as particularly gifted and called to the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching. He shall assist the senior pastor and associate pastor(s) in the performance of their regular duties, and shall perform any other duties as usually pertain to the office of pastor. 

Section 6: Pastoral Assistants 

The elder may hire additional staff to assist with pastoral ministry, designated as pastoral assistants. These shall not be recognized as pastors by virtue of their servings as pastoral assistants. The elders shall define the responsibilities of the pastoral assistant(s). They shall serve at the will of the elders for an initial term up to two years, though that term may be extended with the approval of the elders. 

Section 7: Deacons 

The office of deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7. The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as deacons. They shall be elected to one term lasting for a maximum of three years. Afterward they may be reaffirmed by the congregation for another 3-year term. After this second 3-year term, they may only be elected to another term after one year off. 

Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of members, preserve unity, attend to the accommodations for public worship, and encourage and support those able to help others and those with gifts of administration. The deacons shall assist the church in maintaining a fund for benevolence and reporting to the church its total receipts and total disbursements only. The deacons, with the agreement of the elders, may establish unpaid administrative positions or committees. 

ARTICLE IX 

ORDINATIONS Section 1: Ministers of the Gospel 

It is our hope that Spirit-filled men will be called out from among us to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God. The church will commission such men by giving a License to those whose ministries will be limited in scope or time, or by Ordination to the ministry. 

1. License — For a man whose gifting is becoming evident but whose calling is still being tested and developed, the founding pastor (or, once a plurality is installed, the elders) may recommend that the church grant him a license. The candidate may be received under license upon the approval of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting. A license authorizes him to preach and serve in ministry within a defined scope or for a defined season, while his character, doctrine, and calling continue to be examined. A license does not install a man into the pastoral office, and it does not carry the governing authority of an elder — it is the church's way of saying, "we see the beginning of a call, and we are giving you room to grow into it under our oversight." 

2. Ordination — After a man has been fully examined according to the qualifications for the office of elder set forth in this Constitution (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9), and the church has recognized him as called and fit for pastoral ministry, he is ordained. Ordination sets a man apart with the full authority of the pastoral office: to preach, to administer the ordinances, and to share in the government of the church. 

A man who senses a call to the ministry should not expect to move directly from that sense of calling to ordination. The normal path runs through a season of observed, examined, licensed ministry first, as recommended by the church with a two-thirds majority vote, giving both the man and the church time to test whether what he senses in himself is confirmed by the fruit others see in him. 

When there is a prospective candidate for ordination to the ministry, the elders shall guide that person in his studies and preparation. They shall then call a council to examine the qualifications of the candidate. While this church does not have a plurality of recognized elders, this council shall be composed of pastors or elders from other churches with which this church holds relationships of accountability and fellowship, in keeping with the principle set forth in Article IV. Once a plurality of elders has been installed, the council shall be composed of the elders of this church, who may also invite pastors or elders from such churches to take part. The council shall look into the soundness of his conversion, the godliness of his walk, the soundness of his doctrine, the degree of his gifts, the extent of his training, and the blessing of God upon his labors for Christ. 

The elders, under the principles set forth in Article VII, shall have the power to exercise discipline, even to the revocation of this church’s ordination or license. 

Section 2: Installation of Elders 

In a regular worship service of the church, the Pastor shall question newly elected elders as follows: 

A. Do you believe the Scriptures as written in the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and do you accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, promising to live wholly under their authority? 

B. Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully submit to and defend the Confession (1689 London Baptist) and Constitution of this church, promising to carry out your responsibilities in accordance with these guiding documents? 

C. Do you accept the Office of Elder readily, and do you promise to perform its duties of caring for this flock of God in the fear of His Name? 

After agreement, the hands of the existing elders shall be placed on the head of the new elder(s) and prayer offered on their behalf. Following this, the people shall be exhorted to esteem and obey those whom God has placed over them. 

Section 3: Installation of Deacons 

In a regular worship of the church, the Pastor shall question newly elected deacons as follows: 

A. Do you believe the Scriptures as written in the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and do you accept them as the only infallible rule of faith and practice, promising to live wholly under their authority? 

B. Have you personally adopted and will you cheerfully submit to and defend the Confession (1689 London Baptist) and Constitution of this church, promising to carry out your responsibilities in accordance with these guiding documents? 

C. Do you accept the Office of Deacon and do you promise to care for the poor and needy, to manage the business of this church in the fear of God, and to work for the unity of this church in full cooperation with the elders? 

After agreement, the hands of the officers shall be placed on the head of the new deacon(s) and prayer offered on their behalf. Following this, the people shall be exhorted to esteem and obey those whom God has placed over them. 

ARTICLE X 

FINANCES 

The work of this church is financially dependent upon the voluntary gifts of God's people. Until a plurality of elders is established, the founding pastor shall be responsible for the orderly administration of the annual budget and all financial disbursals and receipts. At every regularly scheduled members meeting, the elders shall give an account of the financial state of the church, including income received and expenses incurred, to the congregation. 

The fiscal year of the church shall begin January first and end December thirty-first. 

ARTICLE XI 

AMENDMENTS

 Amendments to the Constitution may be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a congregational meeting, provided that such amendments have been distributed by the officers in written form at least two weeks prior to the congregational meeting.