Agape Christian Center
By Laws & Constitution
Table of Contents
ARTICLE II - DOCTRINE STATEMENT OF FAITH
ARTICLE IV - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS OF THIS CHURCH
ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE X - MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
ARTICLE XI - ORDER OF BUSINESS
ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS AND POLICIES
Being led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God upon the profession of our faith, baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do, now in the presence of angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into a covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
Therefore we engage, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; and to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through our families, friends, community and the World.
We also engage to maintain personal and family devotions; to educate our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our family, friends and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the work of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense and always ready for reconciliation.
We, moreover, engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the Spirit of this covenant and principles of God's Word.
ARTICLE II - DOCTRINE STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Holy Spirit moved upon the writers of the Old and New Testament and inspired them as they wrote the Words of God. God’s revelation in Christ and in scripture is unchangeable. Through it the Holy Spirit still speaks today. (II Timothy 3:13-17; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:89 &105; I Peter 1:23-25; Galatians 1:8-9; Matthew 5:18; Isaiah 40:8)
WE BELIEVE that there is One God, eternally existent in three personalities: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God the Father: Creator of all things. By His Word all things were created and through the power of His Word all things are held together. He sent His Son Jesus to redeem mankind unto Himself. A relationship with God only comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ: is the only begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, and performed many miracles. He redeemed us by His atoning death through His shed blood, He ascended to the right hand of the Father, and He will personally return in power and glory. There is no other name given under heaven by which man must be saved. Holy Spirit: inspired the writers of the Bible, convicts the world of sin, teaches us all things, and brings to our remembrance the Word of God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6-8; 43:10; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; I Corinthians 12:4-6; John 14:23 & 25; I Timothy 6:15-16; I John 5:7)
WE BELIEVE that mankind is perishing because of sin, which separates him from God. But God loves all mankind, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should repent. Mankind can only be saved through a complete commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, being regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26 & 31; 3:1-7; Psalm 8:4-8; Romans 5:1 & 12-21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 3:19-21; I Corinthians 15:21-22; Galatians 6:14 & 15; II Corinthians 5:17)
WE BELIEVE in the present filling of the Holy Spirit to all believers who desire it. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to the body of Jesus Christ gives power to live, witness, proclaim the gospel and to make disciples. The Holy Spirit gives us power to cultivate a Christ-like character through the Fruit of the Spirit and to build up and mature the church through the miraculous gifts and ministries in this present day. (John 15:8-10; I Corinthians 12:13; 12-14; John 3:5-6; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 2:38-39; Luke 11:9-13; Joel 2:28, 29; Hebrews 2:4)
WE BELIEVE that the local church is a body of believers brought together by the Holy Spirit as a visible part of the body of Christ and His church universal. The church is responsible to faithfully proclaim the whole Word of God in fulfilling the Great Commission, properly administer the sacraments, and humbly submit themselves to discipline, all for the glory of God. (Matthew 28:19 & 20; Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 2:22; I Peter 2:5, 9 &10; Titus 2:14)
WE BELIEVE that all mankind shall give an account of their deeds in this earthly life before the judgment seat of Christ. Those with their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be eternally with God in His glory, those without their names written will be eternally separated from God and tormented. (I Thessalonians 5:13-17; Revelation 1:7; 20:10-15; 21:1-4; Acts 1:11; II Corinthians 5:10; II Thessalonians 1:7-10)
SECTION 1: This organization shall remain until the Lord's return, a non-denominational and Evangelistic church.
SECTION 2: The purpose of this church shall be fourfold (in accordance with Matthew 28:19-20): (1) to reach out with the Gospel -- both at home and abroad; (2) to observe the ordinances appointed us by the Word of God; (3) to educate young and old alike in all ministries in the grace and knowledge of our Savior and in all facets of learning; (4) to provide Christian fellowship for the joy and edification of all Christians.
SECTION 3: This organization is organized exclusively for religious purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry out any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax as an organization described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code).
- Upon the dissolution of this organization, after the paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code and which has established its tax exempt status under this section.
- Upon the dissolution of this organization all remaining assets of the church shall be distributed to other churches or organizations who exist for the same purposes as listed in Article II, Sections 1 and 2.
ARTICLE IV - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving baptism, giving evidence of regeneration and accepting the Statement of Faith and the Covenant held by this church may be received as a member.
- Those who have been scripturally baptized and who accept the view of faith and practice as adopted by this church, may become members by virtue of their experience.
SECTION 2: A potential member may appear before the Pastor and Elders for advice and instruction before his name is presented for membership.
SECTION 1: It is the responsibility of all members to know and understand the church covenant and strive to adhere to the standards outlined therein.
SECTION 2: All members should bring themselves to the realization that we are of the household of Faith, and in God's sight, brothers and sisters. It is, therefore, our duty to love each other as such, to love and pray for our church as our earthly home and to strive to honor our Lord in all we do, say or act, as a good testimony to others.
SECTION 3: Because our church depends on the tithes and offerings of our members, we assert our conviction of proportionate giving as a distinct scriptural teaching (Malachi 3:8-11). Therefore, we will systematically contribute a portion of our income to the support of the church as we believe God would have us give, following the principle laid down in I Corinthians 16:2.
SECTION 1: Active Members - All those who show their interest in the welfare of the church and the Kingdom of our Lord and those who because of sickness or infirmities are unable to attend service classify as active members.
SECTION 2: Inactive Members - All members who do not attend regular services of the church for a period of two-months or more without being considered by the church as providentially hindered, shall be placed on the inactive list. Names on the inactive list shall not be counted in any statistical reports or be allowed to take part in any church wide votes. Any members on the inactive list shall be restored to active membership upon their resumption of regular attendance and evidence of fellowship in the faith.
SECTION 3: By majority vote, excluded members may be restored to membership upon confession of their error and by giving evidence of their repentance.
SECTION 4: Membership in this church shall terminate as follows:
- By granting letters of dismissal to churches of like faith.
- By erasure. Members who are known to be deceased, joined some other church, requested that their names be dropped from the membership in writing, or are unjustifiably absent from the regular services for 12 months, may be dropped from the roll (For record keeping purposes. If a previous members wishes to rejoin the church see Article III).
- By expulsion for disorderly walk by two-thirds vote of the membership. *In accordance with: Matthew 18:15-18; Philippians 4:1-3; II Timothy 2:23-26; Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17-18; II John 9-13; Galatians 6:1-3; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:6-11.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS OF THIS CHURCH
SECTION 1: The officers of this church are as follows: Pastor, Assistants to the Pastor, Elder Board, Board of Deacons and any other elected or appointed officers as deemed necessary. All officers and appointees shall adhere to the code for officers and meet the scriptural qualifications set forth for their position.
SECTION 2: Code for the officers:
- Every officer must be a born-again person.
- Every officer must be a member of the church.
- Every officer must be separated from the world (Acts 6:3; I Timothy 3:8-13) and sign the standard-of-conduct designated for their position.
- Every officer must be faithful to the church, in attendance, in the work assigned him, in the financial program of the church and the teachings of the church.
SECTION 3: Every officer shall be supportive of the Pastor’s vision.
ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1: The Pastor shall be the overseer of the vision of the church. He shall be the moderator of the church. He may call the Elders or the church together for special meetings to transact the business of the church.
- His qualifications shall reflect the requirements as stated in I Timothy 3:1-6 and Titus 1:5-9.
- He shall serve for an indefinite period of time with the reciprocal right to terminate his services upon 30 days notice.
- Accusations against the Pastor shall be submitted to the Elders, and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of two or more witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If he err in doctrine or conduct, the Elders shall, in brotherly love, attempt to correct and restore him (Galatians 6:1). If this is not effective, the matter shall be referred to the church which alone has authority to act.
- No election or dismissal of a Pastor shall take place except at a meeting for which public notice has been given by the Board of Elders at least two previous Sunday Mornings. A three-quarter vote by secret ballot of the eligible members present and voting shall be necessary to an election or dismissal of a Pastor. The vote may be brought to the floor by recommendation of the Board of Elders only.
- If the Pastor is dismissed, he shall vacate the pulpit immediately but shall receive sixty days pay.
SECTION 2: The Elder Board shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual and temporal work of the church, manage the business of the church, and shall hold the pastor accountable for the decision in which he makes concerning the leading of the church.
- An Elder’s qualifications shall reflect the requirements stated in Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
- The elder board shall advise the pastor and the church on Spiritual matters concerning the church. They shall also oversee the financial and legal matters of the church.
- The Elder board shall be made up of the pastor and at least two other members of the church in good standing as described in Article V.
- The Elders shall also assist in administering the ordinances as directed by the Pastor.
- Elders shall be nominated and voted on by the church body except the lead pastor. A person shall become an Elder by two thirds voted from the church body and shall remain in that position until as long as they are members unless dismissed by church vote.
- No election or dismissal of a Elder shall take place except at a meeting for which public notice has been given by the Board of Elders at least two previous Sunday Mornings. A three-quarter vote by secret ballot of the eligible members present and voting shall be necessary to an election or dismissal of a Elder. The vote may be brought to the floor by recommendation of the Board of Elders only.
SECTION 3: The deacon board shall assist the Pastor in caring for the families of the church.
- A Deacon's qualifications shall reflect the requirements stated in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
- The Deacons shall assist in administering the ordinances as directed by the Pastor, caring for the families in the church as well as those who are needy and sick, and other temporal, as well as, spiritual duties as needed.
- Deacons are ordained by the church and will remain in that position as long as they are members unless dismissed by church vote.
- Deacons may be chosen to serve actively for 2 year terms as deemed necessary by the church and may not become active again without being inactive for 1 year.
SECTION 3: Assistants to the Pastor shall assist the Pastor in any areas of the ministry in which he designates.
- His qualifications are the same as the Pastor's.
- He shall be appointed by the Pastor and confirmed by a vote of the Elder Board.
SECTION 4: Other officers shall be appointed by the Pastor and approved by vote of the Elder Board. All officers shall execute the functions normally expected of them under the supervision of the Pastor.
SECTION 1: The church shall meet regularly every Sunday for the public worship of the eternal God, and the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
SECTION 2: The church shall be given proper notice at least two Sundays before action can be taken on any project which involves a major expenditure. The amount of which will be determined by the Church Policy Manual.
SECTION 3: Quorum: In order to transact business, at any meeting, a quorum shall be formed by 25 percent of the active voting members.
SECTION 4: Only active members of the church of legal age (18 years old) shall be eligible to vote on any church matter.
SECTION 5: All subsidiary church organizations shall be considered arms of the church.
- No group shall follow any procedure in its own constitution or by-laws.
- All such groups shall be under the supervision of the Pastor and Elder Board and shall be responsible to the church as a whole.
- All officers of church organizations shall meet the requirements for church officers as set forth in Article VII
ARTICLE X - MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
SECTION 1: The ministries of the church shall include all education, evangelistic, and any other ministries which are authorized by the church and shall fall under the supervision of the Pastor and Board of Elders.
ARTICLE XI - ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 1: The Pastor, or in his absence, the Chairman of the Board of Elders or whomever the Pastor shall appoint, shall act as the moderator in all meetings for the transaction of business.
SECTION 2: The Moderator shall cause the meeting to be opened and closed with prayer, keep order and state and explain propositions.
ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS AND POLICIES
SECTION 1: This Constitution may be amended at any regular business meeting by a two-thirds vote, provided four weeks notice has been given to the church. The Statement of Faith contained in Article I and this Article are irrevocable.
SECTION 2: The Policy and Procedures Manual shall specify the details of the daily operation of the church. Policies shall be created as needed by the Pastor and Elder Board and only be implemented upon a majority vote of the members in a regularly scheduled business meeting.