NIEMONDS INDEPENDENT CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND CONSTITUTION
Revised and Approved, 11/02
Article I - Name
The name of this church shall be Niemonds Independent Church.
Article II - Purpose
- To build up believers in the faith (Jude 20-21; Ephesians 4:11-12)
- To win the lost for Christ, both locally and in the foreign field (Matthew 28:19
Article III - Doctrinal Belief
- We believe in the inspiration of the original text of the Old and New Testaments; which is a divine revelation given by the Holy Spirit to holy men of GOd, and together they form the supreme and final authority in faith and in practice (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
- We believe in the one Eternal Triune God , who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, existing in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, 26; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
- We believe that God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of all those who accept Him as Savior (John 1:1-2; 3:16).
- We believe that Jesus Christ, who is God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; that He is the sinless One who vicariously suffered, died, was buried and rose again to reconcile us to God. We further believe that He ever lives in the presence of the Father to make intercession for believers. We believe in the personal bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ for the Church and then at a later time, with His redeemed to establish a world-wide kingdom of righteousness and peace (Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-3; Titus 2:13; 1 John 1:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
- We believe in the personality of the Holy Spirit and that His present ministry is to reveal Christ to men, convicting them of sin, enabling sinners to repent and believe which is called regeneration and conversion. We further believe that the Holyl Spirit takes up residence in a believer, assuring them of their place in Heaven, which is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit, sealing of the Holy Spirit and adoption into God's family. We further believe that the Holy Spirit indwells and gifts every Christian empowering them to live lives pleasing to the Father (John 15:26; 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
- We believe that man was created in the image of God and fell from his high estate through disobedience and thus brought upon the whole human race the penalty of death, with no ability within himself to escape this condition; therefore making necessary the need for eternal life through new birth in Jesus Christ (Genesis 1:26-27; 3:1-24; Romans 3:23; 5:12-18; 1 John 1:8).
- We believe that Jesus died for our sins by taking upon Himself the anger of God that we deserve (atonement). He physically arose from the grave, has ascended to Heaven and now goes before the Father for us (intercession). We believe that a restored relationship with God is only by God's grace when He declares us innocent through the blood of His Son (justification). This includes our admission of our inadequate condition (total depravity) and our trusting in Christ (repentance and belief) (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 7:25; Romans 3:22-23; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Mark 1:15; Mark 10:45; John 1:29; Ephesians 5:2).
- We believe that God created angels. According to His Word, some rebelled (demons) and are led by Satan. They seek to thwart God's purposes but their doom is certain. The faithful angels serve God's plan (Psalm 148:2, 5; Mark 13:27; Colossians 1:15-16; Hebrews 1:14; Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:3-4; Matthew 25:41).
- We believe in the bodily resurrection of all individuals - those who have believed, to everlasing joy in God's presence, and those who have not believed, to everlasting conscious punishment (Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20:4-6).
- We believe that those who have been born again are called with a holy calling to walk soberly, righteously and godly in this present evil world, and to maintain a manner of living so as not to be ashamed before Christ at His coming (Acts 2:42-46; Ephesians 4:12-13; 2 Peter 3:18; Romands 6:1-19).
- We believe that the Church is an elect company of believers, baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body of which Christ is the Head; and that its responsibility is to preach and teach the gospel among all nations (1 Peter 2:9-10).
Article IV - The Officers of the Church
We believe that Jesus Christ is the sovereign authority of this body of believers. The members of this congregation depend upon Him for all that is necessary to fulfill His purposes for the mission of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15).
This fellowship shall practice a form of congregational government that entrusts the general spiritual oversight and leadership of the congregation to the Pastor and elected lay elders. An elected general council comprised of the Pastor, lay elders, deacons and deaconesses will be responsible for the general oversight of the facilities and the various ministries of help to the congregation. WIth this trust, the Pastor and council shall report regularly to the congregation (Acts 14:23; Hebrews 13:17).
The officers of the church shall be:
Pastor: a minimum of 1 in number; male*
Elders: a minimum of 2 qualified men*
Deacons: any number, as needed, men that are biblically qualified*
Deaconesses: up to 1/2 the number of Deacons... women that are biblically qualified*
*As Christ provides qualified men and women (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Romans 16:1-2) each shall strive to carry out the appointed duties. When there are no persons biblically qualified, a lesser number or none will be permitted. We believe that qualification is more important than number.
Responsibilities:
Work of the Pastor: To preach the True Gospel and to administer the ordinances of the Church. To perform the duties of his office. He shall be the leader of this assembly, and shall provide leadership to the lay elders, general council and the congregation. He shall be an ex-officio (by virtue of his office) member of all boards, ministries and organizations within the body.
The Pastor and council shall agree on a suitable compensation package to be reviewed on a yearly basis and reported to the congregation at the annual meeting.
The Pastor's relationship to the church will begin with a calling and mutual consent of the congregation and Pastor by at least a 66% majority vote of the church membership. The union may be dissolved by his resignation, or by a 66% majority vote of the church (membership) provided announcement of the purpose of hte meeting has been made from the pulpit on two successive Sundays prior to the meeting. A three month notice is required, unless shortened by mutual consent.
Work of the Pastor and Lay Elders:
As Christ provides godly and gifted men, the congregation will elect Elders to serve with the Pastor in spiritual oversight of the congregation. They will be responsible for assisting the Pastor in the oversight and leadership of the ministry. They will assist and support the Pastor in the spiritual affairs of the assembly; watch faithfully over the spiritual interests of the congregation; maintain order in the House of God; aid in visiting the sick; aid in ministering as to their ability, to the edification and comfort of all the members. They shall tenderly watch over the congregation, helping to resolved any conflicts or difference in a biblical manner according to Matthew 18. They shall make provision for the supply of the pulpit in the absence of the Pastor and shall be responsible for the yearly review of membership, letters of transfer, etc. with the help of the general council.
Work of the General Council:
As Christ provides godly and gifted men and women, the congregation will elect Deacons and Deaconesses, who along witht he Pastor and Elders will serve as the General Council. The duties of this council will be to serve the church body and to meet the physical needs of the church plant. They will assist ni the administration of all real and personal property of the church. They shall maintain care (along with the treasurer) of the finances of the church. They will supervise the collection, counting, recording and depositing of all offerings and other income. To facilitate integrity, all monies will be counted by at least two representatives from the General Council, treasurer or assistant treasurer. They will seek to provide the church with a level of stewardship which is honorable to the Lord. They will seek congregational approval on any expenditures that exceed $1,000.00. The Pastor shall be the president of the General Council.
NOTE: The Pastor and Elders will have meetings as needed, and the General Council will have meetings on a monthly basis.
Pastoral Vacancy:
In the event of there being a pastoral vacancy, the Elders will elect from their number a person who will assume the responsibility of chairing a Pulpit Committee. That chairman will oversee a congregational meeting where an election of a Pulpit Committee would take place.
The election of the Pulpit Committee will follow these guidelines:
Chairman (elected by the Elders from among their number)
All other currently serving Elders will automatically serve
The following will be elected by the congregation:
One General Council Member (Deacon or Deaconess)
One Sunday School teacher
Two adult members at large (one male, one female)
One youth representative from age 16-21
Article V - Elections
Throughout September the congregation will be faithfully given the biblical qualifications of all elected officers of the church body. They will be given instructions on how to make nominations to those offices. At the regular monthly meeting of the general council in October (acting as the nominating committee), the number of needed Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses will be decided and the nominations will be reviewed as to their spiritual qualifications. A list of potential officers will be made. Each one will be contacted as to their willingness to serve. A final list, each nomination recognized and approved by 100% of the general council will be presented to the congregation at the November Annual Meeting where a majority vote of those members 16 and older will be needed for a two year term (secret ballot).
It shall be so arranged that a percentage of the council shall be elected each year and no elected official in either council may serve more than two consecutive terms without a one year sabbatical. All persons elected to Niemonds Independent Church as an Elder, Deacon or Deaconess shall be faithful members of this assembly and demonstrate ongoing evidence of the biblical qualifications for the position. They will refuse the office or remove themselves from office should they not be biblically qualified according to 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Titus 1 and Romans 16:1-2.
Article VI - Membership
Section One
Members of this church shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who take the Bible as their only rule of faith and practice; and who agree to be governed by this constitution.
Section Two
It is the duty of all members to take an active part in all functions of the church, for the glory of God and the uplift of all mankind. This includes: regular attendance at worship and study services; fervent prayer for the welfare of the church; a family altar and daily devotions at home; careful attention to the religious training of children; liberal financial and moral support towards the maintenance and benevolent undertakings of the church; obedience to her established law and authorities; untiring zeal in bringing the unchurched under her influence; and a spirit of Christian fellowship toward all members.
Section Three
Members guilty of misconduct which brings reproach upon the church will be disciplined by the Pastors and Elders according to the New Testament standards. Members may be dismissed by the Pastor and Elders for conduct unbecoming a Christian. Members falling under misconduct may be reinstated to full membership through disciplinary proceedings to be directed biblically and confidentially by the Pastor and Elders (Matthew 7:1-5; 18:15-19; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-8).
Section Four
There is no age restriction on membership - having exhibited a saving faith. But a member must be 16 (16) in order to be counted as part of the quorum and be able to vote. (The age of eligible members was officially changed to 16 at the November 2006 Annual Meeting.)
Article VII - Ordinances
We believe that Communion and Baptism are commands of Jesus CHrist for the church and are testimonies of the obedient believer.
Section One
Holy Communion shall be observed quarterly, or more often as directed by the Pastor and Elders, and according to 1 Corinthians chapter 11. All in right fellowship with the Lord may partake (Acts 2:38-41; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Section Two
Baptism shall be for those who give evidence of faith in Christ. The method of baptism at Niemonds shall be immersion since the biblical Greek word for baptism ("baptizo") means to dip or immerse. The Pastor may agree to baptize by another means under extenuating circumstances. Those who have been baptized by other mean (other than infant baptism) will be considered for membership on an individual basis through council with the Pastor (Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5).
Article VIII - Congregational Meetings
Section One
Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, or in the absence of a Pastor, by unanimous consent of the Elders. All voting shall be done by secret ballot.
Section Two
A quorum of 50% of eligible members (age 16 and older) shall constitute a quorum. This quorum is necessary to conduct any business as a congregation and may not be waived.
Section Three
All meetings (except for emergency meetings called by the Pastor or unanimous consent of the Elders) will be announced two concurrent Sundays from the pulpit prior to the meeting date.
An annual Congregational meeting will be held the second Wednesday night of November.
Section Four
Absentee ballots shall be made available to those who are unable to attend a meeting due to extenuating circumstances. Requests for absentee ballots should be made in writing to the council at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting. No absentee ballots will be allowed for the annual election of officers.
Section FIve
Niemonds Independent Church facilities shall not be used by any outside organization without approval by the general council. In all usage, there will be no gambling, smoking, or alcohol permitted.
*This Constitution was updated and approved by the members of Niemonds Independent Church at their regular annual meeting in November of 2002.
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