|
ARTICLE I - NAME
The official name of the Church shall be the Congregation of The Reformed Baptist Church of Virginia Beach, Virginia, hereafter in this document, for sake of brevity, called Reformed Baptist Church.
ARTICLE II - AFFILIATION
We are an autonomous Church, associated with the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America(ARBCA).
ARTICLE III - DOCTRINE
We adhere to historic Reformed Baptist beliefs, as expressed originally in the London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) and, in contemporary language, in our own Hampton Roads Confession of Faith (1984).
ARTICLE IV - SACRAMENTS
A sacrament is a formal religious act that is sacred, being a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. We recognize only those two sacraments instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ: (1) Baptism, and (2) The Lord=s Supper (see Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:34-39; Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 26:26-29; and 1 Corinthians 11:20-34)
1. Baptism - As an outward sign that he or she has been regenerated, every believer should be baptized in water. Baptism does not save us, but is an expression of an inner salvation already experienced. Because paedo (infant) baptism is nowhere taught in Holy Scripture, we will not baptize infants or children too young to comprehend what is being signified. We do, however, encourage parents to dedicate their children to God, and vow to conscientiously fulfil their God-given role. Our mode of baptism shall be immersion, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. The Lord=s Supper - As instituted by Christ himself on the night He was betrayed, and amplified by the Apostle Paul, we will partake of the Lord=s Supper on a regular basis. Our partaking points to the death of Christ and symbolizes our reception of his perfect life and atoning sacrifice. It also points to our being made members of his body, the Church, and of our spiritual unity therein. All believers present when the elements of the Lord=s Supper are distributed may partake, whether or not they are voting members of Reformed BaptistChurch. They must take heed, however, to the warning found in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, lest any partake in a careless manner and bring chastening upon themselves. Children may also partake with us (at the discretion of their parents) if they have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ from the heart, confessed him with their mouth, and been baptized in water, according to his command.
ARTICLE V - GOVERNMENT
We embrace the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ is both interested and involved in the affairs of his Church. He bought the Church with his blood and rose again to be her Lord. We recognize him, therefore, as our final and ultimate authority. The question naturally arises, then, how does he communicate his will to the Church? Concerning general questions of doctrine (what we shall believe and how we are to live in the light of those beliefs), the Bible is our final authority, as stated in our Confession of Faith. Concerning matters of guidance for the Church, ie., when and if to build; when to ordain an elder, etc., we believe the Lord guides the Church as follows:
1. Through the Elders - Christ chooses; gives spiritual gifts; and communicates his will to us
through our Elders (see Article VIII).
2. Through the Deacons - Christ chooses; gives spiritual gifts and insights, particularly in
business matters, to our Deacons (see Article IX).
3. Legal Trustees - Our Legal Trustees are elected by the membership to authenticate certain legal transactions and sign important documents. Their function is largely perfunctory. They are not involved (as Legal Trustees) in leading the Church (see Article X).
4. Through the Membership - The members of Reformed Baptist Church are not rulers, but over rulers. In communication with their risen Lord, they have the final say in determining the will of God in any given situation. Voting at duly called business meetings (see Article VII) they may also remove, if necessary, elders, deacons, legal trustees, or individual Church members.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP
Persons who join Reformed BaptistChurch are expected to take their vows seriously. This should manifest itself in their regular attendance, their tithes and offerings; their voluntary service; their submission; and their spiritual unity. The requirements for membership are:
1. Interview - People should not become members of the visible Church who are not regenerate members of the Christ=s (universal) Church, which is visible only to Him. They should be able, therefore, by personal testimony, to confess the Lord Jesus Christ and their union with Him. Candidates for membership shall first be interviewed, either by the Elder(s) of the Church or by persons appointed by them for such service, and recommended to the Deacons, before being received into membership. They must also have been baptized, as believers, or be willing to be baptized in joining.
2. Age - The children of members under the age of eighteen are automatically members by virtue of their parent or guardian=s membership, albeit theirs is a non-voting and non-office-holding status. When they reach the age of eighteen, however, they no longer enjoy that special status but are expected, when they are converted, to apply for membership. Believing children of unbelieving (or non attending) parents may also be recognized and gladly received into our local Church family, but they will remain in the same non-voting, non office holding status as their peers until they reach the age of eighteen.
3. Membership Vows (to be spoken when joining)
a. Do you believe, from the heart, that Jesus Christ died to pay in full for your sins, and that he rose again to be your Lord, and have you thus received him?
b. Do you understand the Articles of Association of Reformed BaptistChurch, and do you share our beliefs as written in The Hampton Roads Confession of Faith?
c. Do you affirm that you have been drawn by God to this local assembly, and do you come without bitterness or ill will toward another church?
d. Do you promise, before God, to do everything within your power to maintain harmony and the unity of the Spirit within this assembly?
e. Do you intend to submit to the lawful authority of the leaders of Reformed BaptistChurch, as long as they follow Christ?
f. Do you promise to support this Church in prayer, in attendance, and with your tithes and offerings, as God enables you?
g. Do you intend to discover and use your spiritual gift(s) in the work of this Church, as defined by its leadership?
(When these vows are spoken in a public meeting, a brief
personal testimony is appropriate, but not mandatory.)
4. Letters - Those coming to us with letters of recommendation from other churches will be received in the same manner as those without them. Persons bringing letters from ARBCA sister churches, however, will always be given special consideration.
5. Inactive Members - Brothers or sisters who leave our area are encouraged to band together with like-minded believers in their new locations, preferably with other Reformed Baptist churches. They may, however, experience short-term absences and wish to remain on our membership roll, albeit in an inactive status. When so, they must furnish written statements to the Deacons to that effect. While away they will not be expected to attend public meetings nor counted for quorum purposes at business meetings. When they return they will be reinstated to active status, provided there has been no significant change in their beliefs or lives.
6. Membership Roll - The membership roll of Reformed Baptist Church, which is maintained by the Deacons, is the list of all members, active and inactive.
7. Discipline and Termination of Membership - If for some reason a member desires to have his name removed from the membership roll, he may do so by furnishing a written statement to that effect to the Deacons. The Bible teaches that we are our brother=s keeper. We need daily to Aexhort one another lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.@A brother or sister who practices sin not only endangers himself, but also the spirit and witness of the whole Church. Anyone who continues to practice sin, whether member, legal trustee, deacon, or elder ... should be approached by the first member who is made aware of it and, in the spirit of meekness and love, restored to fellowship with Christ. If the errant member cannot be corrected by that effort, the concerned member should follow the guidelines found in Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17; James 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; and 2 Corinthians 2:5-11), always moving from the simple to the complex, always involving as few persons as possible, and always with a view toward restoring his brother or sister. Any member who continues in violation of God=s holiness and/or his membership vows (after reasonable attempts have been made to restore him) shall have his membership terminated. Likewise, a member who misses two consecutive business meetings without good reason and prior notification shall be notified that his (or her) name has been removed from the membership roll, and that he may reapply for membership at any time.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
Meetings of the membership fall into two categories: (A) non-business meetings (usually social in nature) where non-members may be included and no voting is done; and (B) business meetings, wherein important decisions are made. There shall be at least one such business meeting per year, for the purposes of relaying information; electing new officers; approving budgets; and making major decisions, ie., hiring; building; or excommunicating. Business meetings may be called by the Elder(s), by a majority of Deacons, or by a petition signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the active membership of the Church, and stating the purpose for the meeting (such a petition must be presented to the Deacons beforehand, who must send written notices in accordance with item 1). For a business meeting to be conducted, the following four elements must be included:
1. Written notice - Notices must be mailed to every voting member at least two weeks in advance, stating the date, time, place, and purpose for the meeting.
2. The Presence of a Quorum - A quorum consists of two-thirds of the active membership of the Church. No voting can take place without such a quorum. Accordingly, the Recording Secretary shall count the number of members present to determine whether or not there is a quorum (see Article IX, item 2-b) and record the same in the minutes.
3. Rules - Among spiritually-minded brethren, rules made by men are rarely needed. As churches grow larger, however, or are overtaken by carnality, maintaining order at business meetings can become difficult. Should either occur at Reformed BaptistChurch, Robert=s Rules of Order, shall be invoked and followed. The Moderator of the meeting, normally an Elder, may act as Parliamentarian, or he may appoint another member to so serve.
4. Voting - Issues shall be normally decided by simple majority vote of those who are present. If a greater majority is deemed wiser, for certain weighty considerations, any member may make the motion, in advance of the casting of the vote, to do so. If seconded and approved by the membership, that becomes the rule for that decision. The votes shall be counted by at least two active members (one must be a deacon) and recorded in the official minutes of the Church. Votes resulting in a tie shall be taken a second time, after a season of prayer. If the voting remains tied, the issue may be taken up at a future business meeting.
ARTICLE VIII - ELDERS
God divided the old covenant ministry between the priests and the Levites. All priests were of the tribe of Levi, but not all from that tribe were priests. The highest order was that of the priests, who were direct descendants of Aaron. Through their teaching and counsel they were to keep the vision of God ever before His people. Priests were leaders, judges, burners of incense, and they who entered into the holy place to make intercession for the people. Some, like Asaph, were devoted to the ministry of music. The Levites, on the other hand, were also descendants of Levi, but not of Aaron. As such, the Levites were set apart for the more practical aspects of the ministry. They transported the tabernacle and its vessels, kept the gates, and helped process the sacrifices of God=s people.
Similarly, under the new covenant, the work of the ministry has been divided. The role of the elders/ bishops (presbuteros/episkopos) is primarily prophetic and pastoral, while the role of the deacons (diakonos) is more practical (see Article IX). Historically, the failure of churches to take God seriously concerning the ordination of elders has often led to disaster. While the appointment of godly elders cannot by itself guarantee the success of churches (every member shares in that responsibility), the lack of godly elders almost always precedes failure. Churches rarely, if ever, rise above the spiritual level of the men they hold in high esteem. In our culture, elders who labor in the word and doctrine, being supported financially by their churches, are usually called pastors or ministers. At Reformed BaptistChurch, such elders (when the Lord is pleased to provide them) shall be called by God (and confirmed by vote of the membership) to oversee this flock. Accordingly, items 1 through 6 (below) apply primarily to formally ordained, financially supported elders.
And when they had ordained them elders (presbuteros) in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)
... to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos) ...(Philippians 1:1b)
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders (presbuteros) of the Church take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers (episkopos), to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood ... Acts 20:17, 28)
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (presbuteros) of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.(James 5:14)
The elders (presbuteros) which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder (sumpresbuterion), and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.(1 Peter 5:1-4)
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop (episkope/overseer), he desireth a good work. A bishop (episkopos) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober. Of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?); not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.(1 Timothy 3:1-7)
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders (presbuteros) in every city, as I had appointed thee. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop (episkopos) must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers ... (Titus 1:5-9)
1. Qualifications - Before an Elder is called, great care must be taken to insure that he is a man gifted and called by God to this Church, and is qualified in accordance with Holy Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4). He must also be in full agreement with The Hampton Roads Confession of Faith.
2. Duties - As with literal shepherds, the duties of elders consist of feeding the flock, leading the flock, and protecting the flock. Accordingly, the flock is fed@ the whole counsel of God as it is found in Holy Scripture, led by personal example and exhortation, and protected from unsound doctrine and/or practice by those who must prayerfully watch for your souls. In keeping with these duties, the Elder(s) may call business and other meetings of the membership at their discretion; serve as members ex-officio of the diaconate (see Article IX, item J); preside at business meetings (unless the purpose of the meeting is to consider their removal); and select guest speakers, when appropriate, to enhance and balance their own ministry.
3. Members Responsibilities toward their Elders - As Christ's undershepherds, the Elders have grave responsibilities toward the flock of God, for which they are held accountable. So also do members of the flock have responsibilities toward their Elders. These include:
a. Prayer - No Elder can expect to succeed in his calling without the fervent, intercessory prayers of the members of his Church (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:18).
b. Submission - As Christ's undershepherds, The Elder(s) are to be obeyed as long as they follow Christ (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5).
c. Financial provision - Those Elders Awho labor in the word and doctrine and devote themselves full-time to the spiritual well-being of the flock of God are worthy of double honor. As such they are to have their material needs met by the flock (1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14).
4. Part-time elders - The Lord may also, in time, provide other elders to assist the ordained Elder(s) with the spiritual oversight and pastoral concerns of the Church. These may be retired men, or men still employed in other avocations. They must be scripturally qualified, similarly gifted, and highly motivated. Theological examination and formal ordination may not be required in their case, nor are they necessarily salaried. They must, however, be recommended by the existing eldership, and, like them, be confirmed by vote of the membership (see Article VII). Their roles, authority, and lines of communication shall be presented in writing when the membership is asked to confirm them.
5. Resignation of an Elder - Should an Elder choose to resign his office, or leave the Church altogether, he shall give at least sixty days written notice of his intention, hopefully explaining his reasons for so doing. In certain circumstances this requirement may be waived by the majority vote of the remaining Elder(s) and Deacons.
6. Removal of an Elder - An Elder may be removed involuntarily from office by vote of the membership (see Article VII, item 4). This is a solemn proceeding that must be undertaken with the greatest care, and with wisdom from above.
ARTICLE IX - DEACONS
As outlined in the opening paragraph of Article VIII, the Lord led His Apostles to divide the ministry of the NewTestamentChurch into different offices. Some were called elders or bishops (presbuteros/episkopos) and others deacons (diakonos). The latter are chosen by the Membership for more practical ministries. By their willingness to wait on tables deacons free elders from much routine business. The elders of the New Testament era can no more expect to fulfill their callings without good deacons than the priests of the Old Testament era could have fulfilled theirs without good Levites. God alone knows how many devastating Church scandals have been occasioned by satanic assaults on tired and defenseless pastors, who had no spiritual deacons to help them. Those who use the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Accordingly, the Deacons of Reformed BaptistChurch are elected by the membership on an annual basis to assist the Elder(s), care for needy members, and conduct the routine business of the Church.
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos). (Philippians 1:1)
And in those days, when the number of disciples multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, >It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore brethren, look ye out seven men, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1-8)
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise must the deacons (diakonos; ministrants) be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon (diakoneo), being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons (diakonos) be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon (diakoneo) well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.(1 Timothy 3:7-13)
1. Qualifications - Lest Satan should gain an advantage over us, great care must be taken before selecting men to the office of deacon. They must be active members, qualified in accordance with Holy Scripture (Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 3:8-13), and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to serve. A deacon need not be as skilled in theology as an elder, who must be able to exhort and convince the gainsayers. He must, however, hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience(1 Timothy 3:9). He must believe in Jesus Christ and in Him crucified for sinners. He must have a vital, personal, heartfelt grasp of the gospel. He must also exercise himself Ato have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward man (Acts 24:16). If he does not, and is emotionally hamstrung by a troubled or seared conscience, how can he be expected to minister to others? Another important qualification is wisdom (Acts 6:3). Not the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 2:5-6), but that higher wisdom that is hidden from men of this world (1 Corinthians 2:7-10). It is the wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit when we compare spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 1:13-15). Strangers to daily devotions and intercessory prayer lack such wisdom, for it is imparted in no other way. What other kind of wisdom could suffice for the deacon, who represents the Church and ministers to all sorts of people, especially the fatherless and widow? What other kind of wisdom could suffice for the deacon, who must be both leader and follower, discerner and sympathizer, counselor, and minister? Those who are unqualified not only lack such wisdom, but they are also vulnerable to satanic influences. They may even endanger the Church, as did Nicolas of Antioch, whom some scholars believe to be the originator of the deeds of the Nicolaitanes@ (Revelation 2:6, 15), a deadly doctrine hated by Christ.
2. Duties - The specific duties of deacons will vary, according to the number of elder(s) serving, the willingness of members to labor, and the size and ministries of the Church. Treasurer, for example, responsible for receiving and recording contributions to the Church, and Recording Secretary, responsible for keeping the official minutes of the Church, are deacon roles. Other duties include:
a. Personal Ministries - The Deacons shall each be engaged in ministry to Church members, especially the fatherless and widows.
b. Supporting the Elders - As Levites once supported and assisted the Priests under the Old Covenant, so are Deacons tasked with helping Elders under the New. This is especially true when baptizing believers and serving the Lord's Supper. That Elders may give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word the Deacons shall free them, as much as possible, from the minutiae of Church business, ie., from having to wait on tables. Also, since the Elders are ill-positioned to speak in their own behalf, the Deacons shall pray for them, encourage them, inquire concerning their well-being, and speak for them when the need arises.
c. Business - The Deacons shall conduct the routine business of the Church, insuring that the handling of Church finances and business dealings are above reproach. Accordingly, they shall meet regularly for prayer, discussion, and oversight of the Church=s business and financial transactions. Issues within the scope of their ministry shall be decided by majority vote, while major and/or unresolved issues shall be brought before the membership at duly called business meetings (see Article VII). Also, based upon current expenses and anticipated future expenditures, the Deacons shall provide the membership with a proposed budget for the coming year. They shall also furnish a written, itemized financial report to every member when the year has ended.
d. Rental Property Management - When and if the Church owns property not currently being using for worship or education, the Deacons are responsible to the Membership for the stewardship thereof, even though they may appoint someone else to manage such property.
e. Auditing - Whether internal or external, the Deacons shall arrange for an annual audit of every Church account. This audit must be conducted by someone who was not managing a Church account during the year being audited. When the annual audit has been completed the written report thereof shall be shown to the Membership. The Deacons may also conduct unscheduled audits, either partial or complete, as the need arises.
f. Maintenance - The Deacons shall insure that all church building(s), grounds, properties, and equipment are properly warrantied, cleaned, repaired, and readied for public meetings. After buying new items; disposing of; or replacing worn items, the Deacons shall periodically furnish that updated information to the Legal Trustees, who are charged with the responsibility of maintaining an inventory and insuring it against theft, vandalism, or natural disaster.
g. Programs - Subject to the approval of the Elder(s), the Deacons shall insure that the ever-changing programs of the Church (i.e., education, music, and youth) are staffed with qualified personnel, and are properly furnished and equipped.
h. Calling meetings - A Majority of Deacons (in accordance with Article VII) may call business meetings of the Membership at their discretion.
I. Church facilities - As the need arises, the Deacons may be tasked by the Membership to find suitable property, prepare feasibility studies, develop building plans, apply for zoning changes and building permits, hire contractors, and oversee the construction of a new facility. On other occasions they may be tasked similarly with the renovation of an existing facility.
j. Diaconal Structure - After their election it falls to the Elder(s) to appoint the Deacons to their various roles (Acts 6:3). This will normally be done in consultation with the deacons themselves, and will be based upon their gifts, experiences, and various life circumstances. Also, depending upon the gifts and needs of the Elder(s) and the character and maturity of the Deacons, the Elder(s) may appoint one of them to act as Chairman of the diaconate (body of deacons). Every elder is automatically a member ex-officio of the diaconate, however, and may or may not attend their meetings. When an elder does attend such a meeting, and wishes to do so, he shall be permitted to speak and given first place on their agenda. Should the Church find itself without an Elder, the Deacons shall assume the responsibilities of the same, to the best of their ability, until an Elder can be found and properly ordained. During such times they shall also select one of their number to act as their Chairman and the Moderator at Church business meetings.
ARTICLE X - LEGAL TRUSTEES
Legal Trustees, referred to hereafter as Trustees for brevity's sake, are necessary to satisfy the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. To comply and use this requirement and serve the interests of our Church, we require that there be three, elected by the majority vote of the membership at a duly called business meeting wherein a quorum is present (see Article VII). The Trustee receiving the greatest number of votes automatically becomes Chairman of The Trustees, and will act as Liaison to the Elder(s) and Deacons. In the event of a tie vote, the newly elected Trustees shall meet and decide among themselves who will be their Chairman. They shall then notify the Elder(s) and Deacons of their decision. If unable to reach a consensus as to the Chairmanship within one month, they shall communicate that inability to the Deacons, who will appoint their Chairman.
Due to the legalities, costs, and inconvenience of registering their names in Court, the Trustees shall be elected for terms of five years. Trustees may, however, be re-elected to successive terms. Trustees must be stable members, men of great integrity, who are likely to remain at the Church long enough to fulfil their terms. As with all other Church offices, however, a Trustee can resign or be removed from office in mid-term for scandalous behavior or incompetence. Upon the death, resignation, or removal of a Trustee, a business meeting shall be called (in accordance with Article VII) to elect a replacement. The new Trustee shall be elected for the duration of the departed Trustee=s term. The specific duties of the Trustees include:
1. Signing and Maintaining Important Church Documents - The Trustees legally own the Church's assets for the Congregation. Their signatures are required on certain legal documents pertaining to buying, owning, and selling real estate, and securing mortgages and loans. Trustees act only as directed by the voting membership. They have no personal liability, so long as they are lawfully executing their office as Trustees. The Trustees shall designate one of their number to keep the files of important Church documents. These include Court documents pertaining to their appointment, deeds, property appraisals, insurance policies, letters to and from attorneys at law, and letters to and from state, federal, and local governments.
2. Maintaining the Archives - The Trustees are responsible for maintaining the archives (permanent records) of the Church. After the close of a year, when the Deacons have completed their work; conducted their annual audit; corrected the minutes (proceedings) of all business and deacons meetings recorded and signed by the Recording Secretary; sent annual reports to the membership, and the Treasurer has sent statements of annual contributions to every known contributor, they shall put everything pertaining to that year in final form and turn it over to the Chairman of the Trustees. This then becomes part of the permanent archives of the Church. If this is not done by the end of May, the Trustees shall petition the Deacons for said records. If the records are not in their possession by June 30th the Trustees shall call a meeting of the Membership (in accordance with Article VII) to determine the cause thereof.
3. Releasing Information - From time to time, the Trustees may be called upon by the Membership, Elder(s), or Deacons, to search the archives for needed historical information. With a reasonable amount of time given them to comply, the Trustees shall produce that information. However, the Trustees must never hand over the originals of such records without being present with them. The permanent archives of the Church are important and irreplaceable. The originals must never be handled carelessly, passed from person to person, separated, altered, or lost. Should information ever be required by the Internal Revenue Service concerning a person=s declared financial contributions, it is normally provided by the outgoing Treasurer. Once archived, however, the Trustees must provide that information.
4. Maintaining Inventory and Insurance Information - The Trustees, during the year following their election, shall take an existing insurance coverage and make sure that the insurance company is periodically updated concerning the assets owned by the Church. The Trustees shall also, at least once during their term, compare insurance companies and costs, recommending changes, if needed, to the Deacons. This is a matter of good stewardship and an important role, especially after a fire, theft, or other painful providence. careful inventory of every significant item owned by the Church, estimating dates of purchase and replacement costs, and recording model and serial numbers when needed. The Trustees themselves shall determine what is to be considered significant and therefore subject to being listed and/or insured. This will probably include electronic equipment, sound room equipment, kitchen equipment, audio-visual equipment, furniture, hymn books, office and cleaning equipment, lawn care equipment, choir robes, and any vehicle owned by the Church. The Trustees shall also review the Church
5. Other Duties - At the pleasure of the Membership, expressed by majority vote at any duly called business meeting (see Article VII), the Trustees may also be tasked with other assignments.
ARTICLE XI - PROPERTY
The building and grounds of Reformed BaptistChurch are dedicated to the cause of God and truth. Any outside group desiring to use our facilities must have the prior approval of the Elder(s) and Deacons.
ARTICLE XII - DISPOSAL OF ASSETS
At least three business meetings are required to disband Reformed BaptistChurch(may God deliver us). Should a majority of members vote to disband the Church (at a business meeting called for that purpose; see Article VII), they shall at that time elect a special disbanding committee to recommend how best to dispose of tangible remaining assets (they shall elect their own chairman). In so doing, the committee shall seek the furtherance of Christ's cause upon earth, that is, the building of His beloved Church. Special consideration should be given to those associations, churches, and/or missionaries that share our Reformed Baptist doctrinal views. Also, at that time, a second meeting shall be scheduled to enable the disbanding committee to present its recommendations to the membership.
At that second meeting, if the recommendations of the disbanding committee are adopted (see Article VII), a procedure and time line shall be established for the execution of same, and a third business meeting scheduled, to enable the disbanding committee to report the distributions they have made to the membership, and provide the necessary documentation. Also, at that second meeting, a volunteer shall be elected to store several boxes of Church records for not less than seven years. This is to protect past and present members from audits by the Internal Revenue Service and/or possible satanically-inspired, after-the fact, hard-to-defend, accusations of wrong doing. If the person elected does not have space available for such storage, and space must be rented, the cost of same shall be paid in advance from remaining Church assets. A reasonable amount should also be included to anticipate the possibility of this elected archivist having to dig out, produce, and re-store such records, perhaps even appearing at a legal proceeding. All Church records may be destroyed seven years after the Church has been disbanded.
At that third (and hopefully, final) business meeting, each remaining member shall be furnished with an itemized statement, showing the exact disposition of every item and dollar, signed by every member of the disbanding committee. Nothing is to be excluded. Should differences of opinion grow into a dispute, a knowledgeable Virginia attorney shall be consulted and remunerated from Church assets. Should that occur, yet another meeting shall be scheduled. Under no circumstances is The Congregation of The Reformed Baptist Church of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to be considered disbanded while tangible assets remain.
ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENT
These Articles of Association may be amended, in whole or in part, by a majority vote of the active membership at a duly called business meeting (see Article VII, item 1).
1Before voting to excommunicate a member, he (or she) must have first been afforded an opportunity to defend his innocence. He will also be invited to attend the meeting at which his excommunication is be considered but he cannot vote.
The insurance company may be consulted as to the possibility (and advisability) of substituting a video for a written list.
|
Home