“BIBLICAL GUIDELINES OF THE CHURCH
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRAY'S PRAIRIE
WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GRAY’S
PRAIRIE, SITUATED IN GRAY’S PRAIRIE, TEXAS, BEING BONDED TOGETHER AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST JESUS, ESTABLISH THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTION, FOR GOD’S ULTIMATE GLORY.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE INCORPORATED CHURCH SHALL BE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL CONSIST OF THREE (3) MEMBERS, AND SHALL BE ELDERS WITHIN THE CHURCH, HAVING BEEN APPROVED BY THE CONGREGATION.
ANY VACANCY FOR ANY REASON SHALL BE FILLED BY ANOTHER ELDER.
A DEACON MAY TEMPORARILY FILL THE VACANCY, IF AN ELDER IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPOINTED DEACON WILL BE CHOSEN BY THE ELDERS, AND APPROVED BY THE CONGREGATION.
IF THERE ARE MORE THAN THREE (3) ELDERS, THE THREE (3) WITH THE MOST TENURE WILL SERVE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
THE PASTOR WILL SERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL OFFICER OF THE CORPORATION.
OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION WILL CONSIST OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE CHURCH SECRETARY.
Biblical Principles of Church Leadership
A brief explanation of the Church Government at First Baptist
God has ordained the existence of officers in the church, some of whom are charged under Christ with the leadership of the church (1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:7,17; Acts 20:28).
The leaders of the church must be men who are Spiritually mature and exemplary, gifted for the ministry given to them. (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Rom. 12:6-8; Acts 20:28; Phil. 2:2)
The leadership within the church will consist of two offices held by men: deacon and elder - The elder’s primary role will be that of Spiritual leader, while deacons serve under the eldership in matters of church operation. The office of pastor falls under the category of elder. The eldership, with the support of the deacons, have the responsibility of maintaining true biblical doctrine within the church. (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16). Matters of church doctrine are decided upon by the church eldership. While church eldership may discuss, pray, and counsel with one or more church members concerning doctrinal issues, it is understood that the final accountability in this matter is upon the elders, and ultimately the pastor. It is the duty of eldership to submit qualified men to the church for approval to the office of elder and deacon.
The ministry of the church is primarily the work of the members in the activity of worship toward God, nurture toward each other, and witness toward the world. Internal structures for church leadership are not the main ministry of the church, but the necessary equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).
Under Christ Jesus and his word, the final court of appeal in the local church in deciding matters of disagreement is the congregation itself. This is implied, first, in the fact that the leaders are not to lead by coercion, but by example, persuasion and free consent [1 Peter 5:3; Titus 1:9]; second, in the fact that elders may be censured [1 Tim. 5:19]; and third, in the fact that in Matthew 18:15-20 the church is the final court of appeal in matters of discipline.
The local congregation should therefore call and approve its own leaders. As church eldership proclaims church doctrine, if a dispute arises concerning the teaching, the eldership has the obligation to exhort and convince those that oppose [Titus 1:9]. Ultimately, a majority of members can decide to reject a particular teaching.
Each ministry of the church falls under one of the following categories: PREACHING * TEACHING ADULTS * TEACHING CHILDREN * SUNDAY SCHOOL * MUSIC * EVANGELISM * ADMINISTRATION * MEDIA * CHURCH OPERATIONS * COUNSELING; There will be an elder overseeing each of these categories. The ministry leaders are accountable to the overseeing elder. The overseeing elder has the responsibility of making certain that the particular ministry is, in all manner, biblical. (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16) Refer to ministry parameters.
Diligent effort will be made to conform the church as closely as possible to biblical guidelines, with a constant eye to promoting the glory of God and the advancement of faith (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 1:25).
Christ Jesus is the head of the church, and Spiritually all his disciples are on a level ground before him, each having direct access to him, and a responsibility to intercede for the good of all as a community of priests (Eph. 4:15; Mt. 23:8-11; 1 Tim. 2:5; Rev. 1:6; Gal. 6:1-2; Heb. 3:13).
Concerning the True God
We believe That there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness; and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; revealed under the personal and relative distinctions of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption
Concerning Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its purifying power; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
Concerning Holy Scripture
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
Concerning Biblical Evangelism
It is the duty of every believer to evangelize the lost. We adamantly stand against hyper-Calvinism on the one hand and easy believism on the other. We are committed to preach the Gospel to every creature and to implore all men to repent and believe. At the same time, we recognize that neither repentance nor faith can be produced by manipulating the emotion or coercing the will. They are the result of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
Concerning Compassionate Church Discipline
Although church discipline is a foundational doctrine in Baptist history, it is now almost non-existent among “contemporary” Baptists. This forgotten and often misunderstood Bible doctrine is still practiced at First Baptist. We believe that if we truly seek to honor God, and if we truly care for the well-being of His people, we will obey Christ’s commands to practice church discipline. When practiced biblically and compassionately, it is a powerful tool to restore the fallen and to preserve Christ’s honor in the church and the unbelieving world. Church members will be encouraged with much love and compassion to live biblical, God exalting lives. It is the duty of all church members and eldership to be sensitive toward other church members, and exhort with love and compassion.
Concerning Parent-Driven Children’s Ministry
Parents are primarily responsible for the discipleship and discipline of their children. The church should not usurp the authority of godly parents, nor assume the responsibilities of parents who are lax in their duties. The church should give itself to teaching the biblical principles of parenthood and to holding parents accountable to carry them out in the context of families. While we have an active program for children, it should be viewed as an extension of the parents’ roles, and it is never to replace them.
Concerning Church Membership
Church membership is important for all Christians. We believe that Scripture supports the acknowledged, orderly process of church participation. Candidates for church membership are received by:
A profession of faith by baptism
A Promise of a church letter from a church of like faith
A statement of faith
Prospective church members are asked to meet with church eldership to discuss the doctrine and ministries of the church
Prospective church members must be 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 years of age, who are living at home with their parent(s) or guardian(s), are considered members, if their parent(s) or guardian(s) are members. Those who are under 18 years of age, attending church, without their parent(s) or guardian(s), will be received with love and compassion. They will be taught and nurtured with great love. However, to be active in church ministry, one must be a church member. If an attendee is under the age of 18 years of age, and their parent(s) or guardian(s) do not attend, yet they desire church membership, a church elder will meet with the parent(s) or guardian(s). After an explanation of church membership and baptism, if the parent(s) or guardian(s) agree, the attendee will be allowed church membership and baptism. Those who attend First Baptist periodically, and are members of another church of like faith, may be permitted to minister.
Concerning Biblical Church Administration
1 Corinthians 4:40 let all things be done decently and in order.
There may be certain procedural issues not addressed within the Church Guidelines. If necessary, Church eldership will issue memorandums outlining new procedures. When the issues are substantial, Church eldership will be careful to allow the congregation the opportunity to participate in the decision making process.
Church business meetings will be held on a regular basis, and when necessary, special meetings will be called. There will be a posted date and agenda for each meeting. Only church members may participate.
The meetings will be chaired by a church elder.
Specific Items requiring a church vote are, including, but not limited to:
Church offices (approvals and revocations)
Church memberships (approvals and revocations)
Church tithing and giving
Church budget
Non-budget expenditures over $200.00 (Church eldership may make decisions concerning what line items to deduct on non-applicable purchases. The main focus is the bottom line budget amount approved)
New ministries that operate under the covering of the church
(All votes are passed by majority with the Pastor casting a deciding vote)
Concerning the Parameters of Each Ministry
In a broad since we are all constricted in our calling. We all are called to live and operate within the boundaries of scripture. Also, in a more narrow sense, we seek to know God’s specific desire for a specific time. For example: In a broad since, the pastor is constricted to preach only the Word of God. But also, in a narrow since, the pastor must at a specific time preach a specific message from the Word of God. Within the broad boundaries, there are also more constricted boundaries, that allow ministers to be more “prophetic” in their ministries.
The eldership has a responsibility to seek the Lord and receive direction for the church as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary to set certain parameters for the ministries. In a broad since, all ministries are constricted by the Word of God. In a more narrow since, the Lord will constrict us further to promote a specific message. These more narrow constrictions within the Word of God are set by God, through the eldership. As directed by God, some of these parameters may be adjusted to reflect the need of the church.
Each minister has freedom within their ministries, however, their freedom is always within the parameters of scripture. Therefore, the elders that oversee ministries must work with the ministers. We must all be sensitive to minister as God would lead, therefore, we pray and labor together as we minister. We must believe that we as God’s sheep will hear His voice. Eldership has the responsibility to stay within Godly parameters, however, elders must work closely with the body, and not govern harshly, but humbly, seeking to maintain unity in the Spirit.
