Revised January, 2006

PREAMBLE

The BIBLE admonishes us saying, “let all things be done decently and in good order”.  To this end, and in order that an effective witness for Jesus Christ may be established, we the members of the Hyde Park Baptist Church adopt the following Constitution and By-Laws to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.01—Name

This congregation of believers shall be known as the Hyde Park Baptist Church (chartered in the town of Hyde Park New York).

Section 1.02—Purpose

This congregation is organized as a church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating and equipping of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country.   SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1It is an Independent Baptist Church and is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT

Section 2.01—Statement Of Faith

The following comprise the Scriptural beliefs of this church and its members. 

(A) The Holy Scriptures.  We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired Word of God.  The Scriptures are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed and, therefore, are the final authority for faith and life.  The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man.  The original writings were inspired by God and are not intended for private interpretation (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their literal, grammatical, and historical meaning, and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the pastor(s) and this constitution (so help them God).  The pastor(s) shall determine which versions/translations are appropriate for teaching and preaching in this church (Psalm 12:6-7).

(B) The Godhead.  We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons­—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, coequal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections.  (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:10, 26)

(C) The Person and Work of Christ.

            1.         We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2, 14; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8)

            2.         We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25; 1 Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

            3.         We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.  (Acts 1:9-10; Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2) 

(D)      The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

             1.        We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 3:6; Eph. 1:13-14)

             2.        We believe that He is the divine Teacher who assists believers to understand and appropriate the Scriptures and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be continually filled with the Spirit (Eph. 1:17-18; 5:18; 1 John 2:20, 27)

             3.        We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer.  God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry.  (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12)

             4.        We believe that the gift of healing and speaking in tongues are sign gifts.  Speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit, and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing. (1 Cor. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22) 

(E)   The Total Depravity of Man.  We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God; but that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. Man is totally depraved and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. (Gen. 1:26-27; Rom. 3:22-23; 5:12; 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19)

(F)   Salvation.  We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins.  We believe that all sins, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable.  (John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Matt. 12:31-32; 1 John 1:9)

(G)      The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.

             1.        We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever.  (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1; 38-39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; 1 Pet. 1:4-5)

             2.        We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh.  (Rom. 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15)

(H)      The Church

             1.        We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons.  (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27)

             2.        We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.  (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)

             3.        We believe in the autonomy of the local church free of any external authority or control. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

             4.        We recognize water baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church in this age.  (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

  (I)      Separation. We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. God commands His people to separate from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations, and to refrain from all immodest and immoderate appearances.  (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11; Lev. 19:28; 1 Cor. 6:19-20)

(J)      The Second Advent of Christ. We believe in the blessed hope, the personal, imminent return of Christ.

1.     We know it will be an encouraging event (1 Thes. 4:13,18) for it gives us a joyful hope even in the face of death (Titus 2:13; Eph. 2;12).

2.     We know it will be an inevitable event (1 Thes. 4:14) for no matter what, it is going to happen (John 14:3).

3.      We know it will be an inclusive event (1 Thes. 4:15) for all who have believed in Christ are going to be included (alive or dead) (1 Cor. 15:51).

4.     We know it will be an audible event (1 Thes. 4:16) for  the Lord will personally descend to meet us with a great sound of authority and victory (Rev. 1:10).

5.     We know it will be an instantaneous event (1 Thes. 4:17) for the words “caught up” mean to be “suddenly removed”, “swept away”, “carried off.” (1 Cor. 15:51-52)

(K)      The Eternal State.

             1.        We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.  (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13)

             2.        We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord. (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6)

             3.        We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment.  (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)

       (M)      The Personality of Satan.  We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the instigator of the Fall of Man; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire.  (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

         (N)      Creation.  We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods.  We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin.  (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)

      (O)      Civil Government.  We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions:  1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state.  Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word.  God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other.  The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God.  (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

      (P)       Human Sexuality.

               1.        We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.  We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance.  (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4) 

               2.        We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman.  (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23) 

     (Q)                 Family Relationships 

             1.        We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church.  The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church.  Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church.  (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)

             2.        We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society.  The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church.  The wife is to submit herself to the leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ.  Children are a heritage from the Lord.  Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction.  (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7) 

     (R)      Divorce and Remarriage.  We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies.  Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication.  Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon.  (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6) 

      (S)      Abortion.  We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.  Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life.  Abortion is murder.  We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

     (T)      Love.  We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly.  God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18) 

     (U)      Lawsuits Between Believers.  We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes.  We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members.  We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.  (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph.  4:31-32) 

     (V)      Missions.  We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to foreign nations (including our own) and not wait for them to come to us.  (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20) 

    (W)      Giving.  We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially.  We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel.  We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)

Section 2.02—Authority Of Statement of Faith

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe.  We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members.  All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.

Section 2.03—Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, 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 all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to strive to avoid worldly, ungodly amusements and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, and to secure reconciliation without delay.

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 the principles of God’s Word.

Section 3.01—Qualifications For Membership

Each applicant desiring to become a member shall meet first with the senior pastor followed by an interview with at least two deacons. One of those deacons shall than recommend that candidate to the church body. Upon a majority vote of the members present at any church service or meeting, membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior; who renounce sin; who endeavor to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; who enter into the church covenant contained herein; who agree to submit to the authority of the church and its leaders as set forth herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:

(A)       By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;

(B)       By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice, or other written statement of good standing from the prior church if the applicant has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith;

(C)      By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or

(D)      By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the church membership of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the pastor (or the board of deacons if the office of pastor is vacant).

Section 3.02—Duties Of A Member

On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article 2, Section 2.03, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the pastor(s); to pray for them; to recognize their authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and in accordance with Biblical commands, to support and serve through a lifestyle walk affirming the beliefs and practices of the church.

Section 3.03—Privileges Of Membership

 (A)     Only members at least eighteen years of age who are physically present at a duly called meeting of the church shall be entitled to vote.  There shall be no proxy or absentee voting.

 (B)      This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor(s) as the under-shepherds of God with the counsel of the board of deacons.  Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church’s own rules and procedures.  The pastor(s) shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church.  The board of deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor(s) as requested by them.

(C)      Membership in this church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government.  Although the general public is invited to all of the church’s worship services, the church property remains private property.  A pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons) has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on church property.  If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on church property, the person may, in the discretion of the pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the board of deacons), be treated as a trespasser.

(D)      A member, upon five-business days prior written request made upon the church, may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the church, the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings, and the minutes of the proceedings of board meetings.

1.         A member may not, under any circumstances, inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to the church, individual personal sensitive material, or the accounting books and financial records of the church.

2.         The church may impose a reasonable charge, covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any documents provided to the member before releasing the copies to the member.

Section 3.04—Discipline Of A Member

(A)      There shall be a discipline committee consisting of the pastors and members of the board of deacons.  These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the church covenant.  If a pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee.  The pastors and deacons shall be entitled to the same steps as other church members and be subject to the same discipline.

(B)       Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another.  When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother.  Before he goes, he should first examine himself.  When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration. 

(C)      If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or a pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter.  This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.

(D)      If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives Biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter.  If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline committee, the committee shall recommend to the members of the church that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member’s restoration.

(E)       If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections (B), (C), and (D) have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action.

(F)       No matter may be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the steps outlined in subsections (B) and (C) have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.

(G)      If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church membership, all contact with him from that point forward must be for the sake of restoration.

(H)      The procedures provided in this section are based on Matt. 18:15-20; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Cor. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-15; 1 Tim. 5:19-20; and Titus 3:10-11. 

Section 3.05—Transfer Of Membership

Members not under the disciplinary process of Section 3.04 may request that letters of transfer be sent to another church.

Section 3.06—Termination Of Membership

 (A)     The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated without notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the church in the preceding six months.  Upon good cause being shown to the pastors, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the pastors.

(B)       No member of this church may hold membership in another church.  If any member unites in membership with another church, that person is automatically terminated without notice from membership in this church.

(C)      A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the pastors.

ARTICLE 4 – OFFICERS

Section 4.01—church Officers

Section 4.02—Designation Of Corporate Officers

As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the church, the senior pastor shall serve as president of the corporation; the church administrator (not a church officer position) shall keep the records and serve as secretary of the corporation; the minister of finances shall serve as treasurer of the corporation; and the chairman of the board of deacons shall serve as vice president of the corporation.

Section 4.03—Eligibility For Office

(A)      The church shall not install or retain an officer who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.  All church officers, upon request of the senior pastor, shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in Article 2).

(B)       All church officers must be approved initially and thereafter annually by the senior pastor in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.

(C)      Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position.

Section 4.04—Terms Of Office

(A)      The relationship between the senior pastor and the church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month’s notice, or less by mutual consent.  The calling of a pastor or severance of the relationship between the pastor and the church may be considered at any regular church administration meeting, provided notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the church two Sundays prior to said regular church administration meeting.  A three-fourths majority of the eligible members present and voting shall be required to call a pastor or to sever the relationship between the pastor and the church.  Disciplinary removal of the pastor from office automatically terminates his membership.  A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be subject to the requirements of Section 3.01(D).

(B)       The term of service for all offices and positions in the church, except a pastor, shall be one year, at the expiration of which they may be re-elected or re-appointed.

(C)      A vacancy occurring in any office or board, except in the case of the senior pastor, may be filled at any regular church administration meeting.

(D)      All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed.

(E)       Members of the board of deacons may be removed from office for unbiblical conduct, as determined by the pastors and the deacons, upon a majority vote of the remaining members of the board.

Section 4.05—Election Of Officers

The annual election of officers by the church membership shall occur during the month of January at the annual church administration meeting.

Section 4.06—pastoral Oversight Of Officers And Staff

(A)      Subject to the approval of the church membership and on the condition that they shall become a member of the church upon assuming their duties, the senior pastor may hire associates and assistants to assist the pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities.

(B)       All church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the senior pastor who has the sole authority to dismiss the same.  No employee or volunteer shall be hired, appointed, or retained who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS

Section 5.01—The SENIOR pastor

(A)      The pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall oversee the administration of the ordinances of the church, supervise the teaching ministries of the church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual interests of the membership.

(B)       The pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees at the annual church administration meeting.  He shall serve as the president of the corporation.  He shall publicly inform all newly elected officers of the particular function and the responsibilities of their respective offices.  He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The pastor shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.

(C)      All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof, including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the church for purposes other than the stated appointments, shall be under the control of the pastor.

Section 5.02—The Board Of Deacons

(A)      The board of deacons shall assist the pastor(s), in such manner as the senior pastor shall request, in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, in conducting the religious services, and in performing all other work of the church.  They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of the church.  In addition to the senior pastor interviewing a potential member, a minimum of two deacons shall consider applications for church membership.  They shall, in cooperation with the pastor(s), disburse the benevolence fund.  They shall assist the pastor(s) in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the church.  The board of deacons shall assist the pastor(s) in caring for the administrative needs of the church’s various ministries as requested by the senior pastor.  They shall provide the pulpit supply if a pastor is unavailable or the office of pastor is vacant.  Upon the death, resignation, or dismissal of the senior pastor, the board of deacons may appoint a pulpit committee (unless an associate pastor has been previously elected whereby he will then become the senior pastor).

(B)       Immediately following the annual church administration meeting, the board of deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman (who shall be vice president of the corporation) and a secretary (who will record minutes from the board meetings).

(C)      The board of deacons shall elect within themselves the board of trustees of the corporation.  By New York state law the number of trustees shall be 3, 6, 9, 12, or 18. The board of trustees shall exercise only the following specific powers, upon authorization by a majority vote of the members present at a duly called church administration meeting:

1.         To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the church, and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the church;

2.         To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the name of the church, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges; and

3.         To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the church corporation.

4.         Any spending outside the budgeted item or project must be approved by the deacons and pastors (by two-thirds agreement) in the amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000). Any amount that is greater than one thousand dollars ($1000) must be presented to the church members and approved by majority vote.

(D)      All Deacons shall meet the qualifications of a deacon as described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Let all voting members carefully and prayerfully examine each potential man before he/she elects who will serve in this role.

Section 5.03—Church Administrator

The church administrator shall:

(A)      Certify and keep at the office of the church, the original bylaws or a copy, including all amendments or alterations to the bylaws;

(B)       Keep at the place where the bylaws or a copy are kept a record of the proceedings of meetings of the board of deacons, with the time and place of holding, the notice of meeting given, the names of these present at the meetings;

(C)      Sign, certify, or attest documents as may be required by law;

(D)      See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. (In case of the absence or disability of the church administrator, or his or her refusal or neglect to act, notice may be given and served by the pastor or by the chairman of the board of deacons.);

(E)       Be custodian of the records of the church, including the membership roll, baptisms, and certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions;

(F)       See that the reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed;

(G)      Exhibit at all reasonable times to proper persons on terms provided by law the bylaws and minutes of proceedings of the board of deacons or the minutes of the meetings of the church members;

(H)      Keep an account of any special events in the life of the church which are of historical interest and give a report at the annual church administration meeting of the status of the church membership roll in the past year;

(I)        Keep all records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office;

(J)       Though not an officer of the church, he/she will serve as the secretary of the corporation.

(K)    Be appointed by the pastors and the deacons.

Section 5.04—The Minister Of Finance

The minister of finance shall:

(A)   Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds of the corporation, and deposit all funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the pastor or the board of deacons;

(B)    Receive, and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church;

(C)   Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the church as may be directed by the pastor, the board of deacons, or the budget adopted by the members of the church at the annual church administration meeting, taking proper vouchers for the disbursements;

(D)   Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the church’s properties and business transactions including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and capital;

(E)    Make all expenditures of the church (except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements) by check;

(F)    When and as requested, render to the pastor and the board of deacons accounts of all his transactions as minister of finance and of the financial condition of the church;

(G)   Present a written report of itemized disbursements at the regular quarterly church administration meetings and make a general report for the year at the annual church administration meeting;

(H)   Keep all church financial records at the office of the church and deliver them to any successor upon leaving office;

(I)     Serve as treasurer of the corporation.

(J)    The minister of finance may delegate any of these responsibilities described in (A) through (I) to other individual(s) given the understanding that he is still accountable for the outcome and the individual(s) are approved by the pastors and deacons  

(K)   The minister of finance must meet the qualifications of a deacon as outlined 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Any unbiblical misconduct shall remove him from office.

Section 5.05—ASSISTANT & Associate pastors

The Assistant Pastor(s) shall:

(A)   Under the direction and guidance of the senior pastor, assist him in carrying out the ministries of the church;

(B) Be voting member(s) on the board of deacons;    

(C) Fulfill the qualification of pastor as outlined in 1 Timothy       3:1-7;

(D) An assistant pastor becomes the associate pastor once he has proven himself to be capable of senior pastor responsibilities. The senior pastor shall recommend to the board an assistant pastor for the associate position. Once the board has approved the promotion, the individual shall be presented to the church members for a vote of three-fourths agreement in favor of becoming the next senior pastor.   

The Associate Pastor shall:

(A)   Follow the same responsibilities described under Assistant Pastor;

(B)  Be one in number;

(C)   Be the new senior pastor if the existing Senior Pastor dies, resigns, or is dismissed.

Section 5.06—Duties Of All Officers

(A)      The senior pastor may request from any officer or individual a written report of their work for the annual church administration meeting and shall surrender any records in their possession to the church administrator at the close of their term of office to be filed as a permanent record of the work of the church.   All records are the property of the church and must be kept in the church office.

(B)       Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the bylaws for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the pastor(s) and remaining deacons, and another may be appointed by the recommendation of the board, followed by a majority vote of the membership to serve the un-expired term.

Section 5.07—Installation Of Officers

A public installation service in which all newly elected officers of the church are to be dedicated to their respective offices and the ordination of newly elected deacons shall be held at a public church service following their election at the annual church administration meeting.

 ARTICLE 6 – MEETINGS          

Unless otherwise determined by the senior pastor, the church shall meet each Sunday for public worship and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer.  Except when circumstances forbid it, the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed at least one Sunday each month.

Section 6.02—Meetings For church Administration

(A)      The annual church administration meeting shall be held on a specified Wednesday in January, at which time the regular church administration shall be considered.  A quorum shall consist of twenty-five percent (25%) of current members present. 

(B)       All church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for divine guidance and blessing.

(C)      The moderator shall be elected by the church membership at the annual church administration meeting. When electing this man, one must decide if he can be fair and unbiased. He shall hold no other office or position. He shall serve for one year but at the expiration he may be re-elected. He shall serve in his position until his successor is duly elected or appointed. If the moderator is under church discipline, than a pastor or chairman of the board may step in as moderator.  The moderator shall determine the rules of procedure according to his sense of fairness and common sense, giving all members a reasonable opportunity to be heard on a matter. The moderator is the final authority on questions of procedure, and his decision is final and controlling. The following order shall be observed at the regular church administration meetings:

             1.  Devotions & prayer

             2.  Reading of minutes

             3.  Reception of members

             4.  Dismissal of members

             5.  Report of officers

             6.  Reports of standing committees

             7.  Reports of special committees

             8.  Unfinished matters

             9.  Election of officers

           10.  New matters

           11.  Adjournment

           12.  Benediction

The church believes that it is to provide all members with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings.  The church believes that the home and church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education.  To this end, the church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates.

Section 7.02—church Participation

All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the church; however, the pastor may permit nonchurch members to participate in church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the church.

Section 7.03—Staff Membership

All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of this church.   This provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis.

Section 7.04—Statement of Faith Accord

All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the church.  The church shall not hire, appoint, or retain any employee or volunteer for its educational programs who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith.

Section 7.05—Unity

All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the church.

Section 7.06—Teaching

All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God.  Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false.  It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.

 Section 7.07—Christian Walk

All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.

 ARTICLE 8 – ORDINATION

Section 8.01—ORDINATION/LICENSE Procedure

Any member of this church or its mission churches, who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be licensed and/or ordained as a minister of the Gospel.

Section 8.02—LICENSE Procedure

Any man who has been approved to be a pastor of this church or its mission churches shall (in a timely fashion) be licensed (thus becoming legally recognized by the State of New York to fulfill his duties). All board members shall present him before the church membership and confirm his position with prayer.

Section 8.03—Ordination Procedure

(A)      Upon a conference with the senior pastor and after the pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the candidate. Being an independent church, the ordination council shall consist of church officers and church members. These participants will be determined by the pastors and deacons. Ordained ministers of like faith may be invited as well.

(B)     The senior pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.

No profit shall ever accrue to the benefit of any persons from the assets, holdings or other transactions in which this corporation may become involved.

ARTICLE 12 – BINDING ARBITRATION

Section 12.01—Submission To Arbitration

Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved between members of this church, and expressly waive any and all rights in law and equity to bringing any civil disagreement before a court of law, except that judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

The arbitrator shall be a pastor of this church. If there is no pastor, a deacon shall then be arbitrator. A pastor or deacon can not be an arbitrator if they are one of the parties involved in the unresolved situation.  

Section 12.02—Notice Of Arbitration

In the event of any dispute, claim, question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to these bylaws or any other church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreement as befits Christians.  To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution.  If they do not reach such solution within a period of sixty (60) days, then upon notice by either party to the other, disputes, claims, questions, or differences shall be finally settled by arbitration as described in section 12.01, above, and such Procedures for Arbitration as are adopted pursuant to Section 12.04, below.

Section 12.03—Limitations On Arbitration Decisions

(A)      Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined under Section 3.04, were followed.

(B)       Should any dispute involve the removal from office of the pastor or any church officer, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures set forth in Section 3.04 were followed.

Section 12.04—Arbitration Procedures

The Procedures for Arbitration shall be as adopted by the pastor and the board of deacons. No deacon or pastor shall be involved in the procedures if he is one of the parties to the unresolved situation.

ARTICLE 13 – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any regular church administration meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.

ADOPTION

These bylaws were adopted by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the church in which a quorum was present.

These bylaws supersede any other bylaws of Hyde Park Baptist Church of Hyde Park, New York.