CONSTITUTION

WESBURN BAPTIST CHURCH (INDEPENDENT)

 

PREAMBLE.

 

Reposing our faith wholly in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation believing in the teachings and practices of Bible believing Christians and in those great distinctive principles for which they have ever stood, namely;

A. The pre-eminence of Christ as our Divine Lord and Master.

B. The supreme authority of the Bible and its sufficiency as our only rule of faith and practice.

C. The right of private interpretation and the competency of the individual soul in direct approach to God

D. The absolute separation of Church and State.

E. A regenerate church membership.

F. The beautiful symbolic ordinance of believer's baptism in obedience to the command of Christ.

G. The complete independence of the local church.

H. The solemn obligation of majority rule, guaranteeing equal rights to all and special privileges to none.

I. The spiritual unity of all believers, for which the Master so earnestly prayed.

J. A worldwide program of missionary fervour and evangelism in obedience to the final command of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Further, accepting the general summary of doctrines and duties of the "Church Covenant;" we, therefore, band ourselves together as a body of baptized (immersed) believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for our government, plan of worship and service the following articles.

 

 

ARTICLE  I - NAME.

 

This company of believers shall be called the "Wesburn Baptist Church (Independent)." We recognize that every born-again person of the body of all nations throughout the world make up the church universal, which is the body and bride of Jesus Christ. According to the teachings of the Word of God, there are many local assemblies with in the church universal, with each local assembly being subjected to the direct headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. The believers who gather to worship the Living God, at the Wesburn Baptist Church (Independent) shall thereby make up a local assembly.

 

 

ARTICLE II - OBJECT.

 

This church, believing the Bible to be the inspired and infallible Word of God, will have for its object:

(1) To faithfully and earnestly proclaim the gospel message and to urge its personal acceptance;

(2) To make every possible effort, by prayer, gifts and service, to win the lost at home and throughout the world to Christ;

(3) To teach and to urge the study of God's Word;

(4) To establish believers in the faith;

(5) To maintain public worship and prayer services;

(6) To establish and maintain a Christian Day School, should the Lord so direct.

 

 

ARTICLE III - DESCRIPTION

 

Seeking to conform to the New Testament pattern, this body shall be an autonomous Baptist Church. It shall not be affiliated with any ecclesiastical group, body, organization, association, convention, etc. This is not for the purpose of isolation, but merely to function, as we believe the New Testament teaches.

 

 

ARTICLE  IV - MEMBERSHIP

 

The membership of this church shall consist of such believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, as have been baptized in water, who take the Holy Bible as their only rule of faith and practice, and who have agreed to the Doctrinal Statement of this church, and who agree to be governed by this Constitution.

 

SECTION 1. QUALIFICATIONS

 

Any person may become a member of this church upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons and by a vote of the church; in each case the candidate giving evidence of a change of heart and the testimony of a Christian life and having adopted the views of faith and practice held by this church - a vote of all members present and voting being necessary for the admittance of a new member:

 

A. Upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and lord and baptism by immersion.

 

B. By letter from some other, Church of like faith and order.

 

C. By statement

 

D. By restoration. In order for a disciplined member to be restored to membership, repentance must be both expressed and demonstrated.

 

SECTION 2. DUTIES OF MEMBERSHIP

 

In order that persons applying for church membership may be informed as to the duties of members; they shall have the Church Covenant presented to them by the Pastor or Deacons, and they shall subscribe to it, both in letter and in spirit.

 

A. It is the duty of each member to keep their covenant obligations and to support, pray for, honour and esteem the Pastor and assist him in carrying out the program of the church.

 

B. It is the duty of each member, that if they find themselves opposed to the doctrines of this church, or for any other reason are unable to harmonize with others, they will not seek to disrupt its fellowship but will quietly withdraw from its membership.

 

C. It is the duty of each member to attend all business meeting of the Church where possible.

 

D. Only active members in good standing shall be eligible to hold position of leadership in the church or any of its programs, to serve in any way in a regular church ministry, or to receive a letter of recommendation to another church if they should so desire.

 

E. Only those members who are active and in good standing and are at least eighteen years of age may vote in church business meetings.

 

F. Each member will have the privilege to be involved in a ministry, where they can use their spiritual gifts. Their placement will be subject to the approval of the Pastor and Deacons.

 

SECTION 3. REGISTER OF MEMBERS

 

The secretary shall keep and maintain a register of members in which shall be entered the full name, address and date of entry of the name of each member. The register shall be available for inspection by members upon request.

 

SECTION 4. DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

 

Members may be dismissed from the Church as follows:

 

A. Voluntary, Members in good standing may, at their own request, have their church letter sent directly to the church with which they desire to unite. Letters are not granted to persons to carry or keep in their possession. Members leaving the area remain members of this Church until they transfer their membership or until their names are dropped from the roll.

 

B. By exclusion. Any member who is guilty of divergence from the Doctrinal Statement, sowing discord among the brethren, or serious misconduct, and who persists in the same after due admonition of the Pastor and Deacons (this to be done according to Matt. 18: 15– 17), may be excluded from the membership of the church by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, at any regular business meeting, provided notice of the contemplated action shall have been announced at the regular midweek meeting and to the offending member two weeks prior to the action.

 

C. Any member who is absent from worship services for a [period of three (3) months, (except when due to unavoidable circumstances; physical ailments which render active attendance impossible, temporary duty away from this area, etc.) shall be placed on the list of inactive members and denied voting privilege. Inactive members may regain active status by regular attendance at 75% of services for one month.

 

D. Any member guilty of habitual, long continued and unjustifiable absence from the services of the church and non-support of the church for six (6) months, automatically by such action dismisses himself and shall be dropped from the church membership at the next regular business meeting.

 

SECTION  5

 

Non resident members are encouraged to keep in contact with the church until such time as they can unite with another church of like faith and practice.

 

 

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

 

SECTION 1 - DEFINITION

 

The officers of the church shall consist of the Pastor(s), Deacons and such other officers desired by the church body. Boards and committees shall be those listed in this article and such others as the church may see fit to appoint or elect from time to time.

 

SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS

 

Officers and teachers who serve in the capacity of leadership where they will be exerting a definite influence shall, along with other qualifications, be required to abstain from all uses of tobacco and intoxication beverages. Sunday school teachers, church musicians, and choir members shall also have these requirements.  No position of leadership may be held by anyone who is not a member in good standing of this local church. All officers, members of boards and committees should be chosen on the following basis:

 

(1) Spirituality:

They should have proven themselves to be consecrated persons, separated from the world and unto Christ. They should not engage in any form of conduct, which is questionable as becoming followers of Christ or detrimental to their testimony as children of God.

 

(2) Capability:

They should be persons who are capable of carrying out the various duties required of the office, which they are to fill.

 

(3) Dependability:

They must be persons who can be depended upon to faithfully execute the duties of their position. Furthermore, all officers, board members, etc. should be required, before installation, to subscribe to the doctrinal statement and to pledge themselves anew to carry out obligations given in the church covenant.

 

 

SECTION 3.  OFFICERS

 

A. Pastor

 

1. Qualifications:

The pastor of this church shall be a man who has been called of God to preach the gospel, and must meet the spiritual qualifications given in the scriptures (1 Tim 3, etc.). He must believe the doctrines as given in the doctrinal statement and preach them. He must preach the whole Word of God without seeking to please men, but only to please God. He must be uncompromising in God-given convictions. He must whole-heartedly agree with the stand and position of this church. He must be separated from the world, and must not indulge in any habits, which could damage his testimony or influence for Christ.

 

2. Duties:

The pastor is not the "hired hand" of the church, but according to the Scriptures he is the "overseer" or the "under-shepherd".

 

As under-shepherd of this flock, the Pastor shall watch over and care for this body. He shall direct the worship services of the church and moderate the business meetings. If he should be absent for any reason, he shall appoint a qualified person to fill his place. He shall diligently feed the flock and firmly establish them in the faith, as well as to lead, guide and protect them. He shall have perfect liberty at all times, while in good standing with the church, as he is led by the Holy Spirit, to plan special meetings, such as Bible conferences, revivals, missionary conferences, etc. Also, he may choose speakers for these meeting without special permission from the Deacons or the church body. The pastor is to have charge of the pulpit at all times. He should, however, announce the chosen speakers immediately after scheduling them, to the Deacons. Then if the Deacons know of any legitimate reason - for the good of the church why such speakers should not occupy the pulpit, they shall have authority to request the Pastor to cancel the appointment of such speakers.

The pastor shall be ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church, and shall have authority to call meetings of such boards and committees.

 

3. Election:

The Pastor shall be chosen in the following manner: A pulpit committee, already approved by the church, shall recommend a qualified man to the church. The church shall then vote on this man in a business meeting which has been called for that purpose and announced in advance. The man can be elected by a 75% majority vote of active members present at the time of voting.

 

Having been properly elected, the Pastor shall serve until such time as he resigns his office, or until such time as he is requested by the church, - upon a 75% majority vote in a meeting called for that purpose and announced in advance - to resign his office. It shall be understood that sixty days notice shalt be given by either party in case of desired separation. The sixty days notice may be dispensed with by mutual consent of the Pastor and church.

Duties of the Pastor will cease immediately when the resignation of the Pastor is because of moral or doctrinal reasons that could cause irreparable harm to the church. In this case one (1) month's salary will be given to the Pastor, but all duties will be suspended immediately.

 

4. Privileges.

The Pastor shall be granted four (4) weeks vacation each year with pay, to be taken as he desires, in cooperation with the church program.

 

5. Salary and other benefits.

The workman is worthy of his hire. Due consideration of the Pastor's salary should always be taken. The Pastor is not a slave of the church. The attitude of the church toward any employee of the church should be that of generosity. Recognising that the Pastor has many expenses, such as entertaining, clothes, car, petrol, books, etc., that the ordinary church member would not have, due consideration must be made

 

Review of the pastor's salary, benefits and allowances should be made by the Deacons once a year prior to the annual business meeting, and recommendations brought to the church at the annual business meeting.

 

B. Associate Pastor

 

1. Qualifications. Same as for the Pastor.

 

2. Duties: To assist the Pastor in such ministries as determined by the Pastor. These duties shall be given in writing to the candidate and the church prior to calling such an individual. As revisions are made to these duties, they shall also be given in writing.

 

3. Election: Same as for the Pastor, excepting that the recommendation for the qualified man shall come from the Pastor.

 

C. Deacons

 

1. Number.

The Deacons shall be the number of men necessary to efficiently carry on the work required of them. The number will vary according to the size and business of the church.

 

2. Qualifications

The qualifications of Deacons shall be those outlined in the scriptures according to (1 Tim 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-8.) Also such qualifications are listed in Article V Section 2 of this Constitution.

 

3. Election

Election of Deacons shall be in the following manner:

 

A. The nominating committee shall be composed of the Pastor, Associate Pastor (if any) and active Deacons.

B. The nominating committee shall only submit the name or names of those men who meet the scriptural qualifications.

C. The church shall then vote on the man or men nominated in a business meeting which has been called for that purpose or a regular meeting, such being announced in advance. The man or men can be elected by a 75% majority vote of active members present at the time of voting.

D. Election shall be by secret ballot, and the term for which they shall be elected shall be for two years, after which they may be re-elected by the same process.

E. Those Deacons elected shall then be ordained, if they have not been previously ordained. 

 

4. Duties of the Deacons

The Deacons shall assist the Pastor in carrying out the work of the Church. They shall relieve the Pastor of many responsibilities, which would otherwise take away much of his time from prayer, study and preaching. They shall have the responsibility of caring for widows according to Acts 6:1-4.

 

The Deacons shall elect from their number a Secretary and Treasurer.

 

The deacons shall be responsible for all temporal business of the church, and shall have the authority to make budgeted expenditure in carrying out those matters. They furthermore may authorize non-budgeted expenditures of up to $250. per month.  The Pastor(s) and Deacons shall act as trustees, representing the church as its agents.

 

5. Discipline:

A Deacon who continually absents himself without logical reason from the meetings of the Deacons, or fails to carry out his responsibilities, or whose life proves to be inconsistent with scriptural standards, shall be dismissed from the office of Deacon. This action must be done by 75% majority vote of active members of the church present at the time of voting. Another Deacon may then be elected to fill the vacancy.

 

D. The Secretary

 

1. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all business meetings and business transactions of the church, such as: reception of members, dismissal of members, etc. He shall perform all other duties of his office as laid down by the church body.  

 

2. A register of members of the church shall be kept by the Secretary, and shall be updated at each quarterly business meeting. Records kept by the Secretary shall be made available for inspection be members in good standing. 

 

3. The Secretary shall have custody of the common seal of the church, and shall only affix it to documents as authorised by the church, and the affixing of the seal shall be attested by the signatures of any two of the   Pastor(s) and Deacons

 

E. Treasurer

 

1. The church Treasurer shall have charge of all church finances, except those otherwise provided for by the church body. He shall pay out the same as directed by the church body.  He shall also keep accurate record of offerings, financial transactions, etc., and shall make quarterly and annual reports to the church, including a statement of income and expense and a balance sheet at the annual meeting.

 

2. All books, securities and documents related to finances shall be kept in the custody of the treasurer. He shall make all financial records available for inspection by any member in good standing.

 

F. Sunday School Superintendent

 

The Sunday School superintendent shall have general responsibility for the Sunday School and junior church programs, and shall see that they are fulfilling their purposes. He shall see that they are run efficiently, as well as decently and in order. He shall report that condition regularly to the church and Pastor

 

G. A.W.A.N.A. Commander

 

The AWANA commander shall have general responsibility of the program, and shall see that they are fulfilling their purpose. He shall report their condition regularly to the church and Pastor.

 

 

SECTION 4. COMMITTEES

 

A. Nominating Committee:

 

1. The nominating committee shall be composed of the Pastor and Deacons.

 

2. The duties of this committee will be to nominate all officers, teachers, workers, etc., as directed by the church body. They shall present such nominations to the church for approval.  No nominations shall be made from the floor by individual members. 

 

3. A quorum shall be 75% of the Pastor(s) and Deacons, and committee shall only be established until the next regular business meeting of the church.  Any vacancies on the committee through resignation or death of the officer may be filled by following the procedures laid out in Article V Section 3.A and B. of this constitution.

 

B. Other Committees:

 

Other committees may be brought into existence as the church feels is there is a need. New committees will operate under the same rules and regulations as existing committees operate, doing the function for which the new committee is brought into existence.

 

C.

All committees will follow the same procedure for meetings as laid out for the church in Article VI Section 2A & B. and Section 3 of this constitution.

 

 

ARTICLE  VI - MEETINGS.

 

SECTION 1. WORSHIP SERVICES

 

Unless otherwise provided, the church shall meet each Sunday for public worship both morning and evening, and at least once during the week for Bible Study and prayer. Except when circumstances forbid, the ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be observed at least once each month.

 

SECTION 2. BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

A. A quarterly business meeting of the church shall be held on the Wednesday following prayer meeting after the first Sunday of February, May, August and November, at which time the regular business of the church shall be transacted. A quorum shall consist of the members present to transact business. All active members of the church who are eighteen (18) years of age or over shall be entitled to vote on all church business.  No proxy voting will be allowed in business meetings.

 

B. The annual General Meeting shall be the first business meeting following the completion of the financial year.

 

C. Fourteen days notice shall be given in the church bulletin with full agenda including notices of motion, for all business meetings of the Church.

 

 

SECTION 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS

 

The Pastor or Deacons may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting and the purpose for which it is called to the church from the pulpit at least two Sundays prior to the meeting. Only that business announced shall be handled at special meetings. A meeting for election of a pastor may be called by the pulpit committee at any regular service of-the church at least two Sundays in advance.

 

SECTION 4. SPECIAL SERVICES.

 

Special services, other than regular worship and prayer services, may be scheduled at the discretion of the pastor and the church body. These meetings may be revival services, Bible conferences, missionary conferences, etc., as the Lord leads.

 

 

ARTICLE VII - FINANCES.

 

SECTION 1

 

The financial year shall begin 1st July and end on the following 30th June.

 

SECTION 2

 

No money shall be raised to support this church except by free will giving, since this is the only Biblical plan found in the scriptures. There shall be no entrance fees or subscription fees charged for membership of this church.

 

SECTION 3

 

No financial obligations shall be placed upon the church either as a mortgage, note, or outstanding bill, or in any other form unless money is on hand to meet the same, or by corporate act of the church.

 

SECTION 4

 

All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by two of the pastor(s) and deacons.

 

SECTION 5

 

Any expenditure not authorized in the regular annual budget in excess of $50 monthly must be approved by the church or the deacons, except as stated in by law 1 Expenditures up to this amount may be authorized by the treasurer at the request of the pastor.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - MISSIONS.

 

SECTION 1

 

It shall be the policy of this church to support only missions engaged principally in evangelization. They shall be known to be in hearty agreement with our doctrinal statement, both in word and practice, and to be Baptistic in policy.

 

SECTION 2

 

It shall be the duty of the Pastor and Deacons to interview prospective candidates and make recommendations as the Lord may lead for the church's consideration and action.

 

 

ARTICLE IX - AUDIT.

 

An audit, either by an independent accountant hired by the church or an auditing committee, shall be done of the church's financial records at least once per year. A report of their findings shall be given to the church following a Sunday morning service of the church before the annual meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE X - ORGANIZATION.

 

SECTION 1. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

 

The purpose of the same is to be faithful, teaching of the Word of God on the level of all age groups, so that souls may find Christ as their Saviour and be established in their faith . No literature shall be used in the school except that which is true to the bible as the inspired and infallible word of God, and is in harmony with the doctrine statement.  The pastor, and the Deacons, shall be responsible for examining literature to determine this.  This organization is not to be separate from, but a definite part of this church, and its operation shall be determined by the church body. Its teachers and officers shall be elected by the church. The teachers and officers of this school must be born again believers who live consecrated and separated lives.  They must be members of this church and be in accord with the doctrine statement as well as with the stand and position of this church.

 

SECTION 2. THE CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

 

The church will endeavour to provide a Christian day school should the Lord so direct.

 

 

ARTICLE XI - OFFICERS AND TEACHERS STANDARD.

 

A. I will study my Bible regularly, because in it I will find the primary source material and inspiration for my class.

B. I will be with my class each Sunday or in case of absence, I will notify my substitute or superintendent as far in advance as possible.

C. I will do my best to attend all teachers' meetings and such training courses as may be offered during the year in order to be a better teacher.

D. I will spend a reasonable amount of time in preparation of my lessons; as a teacher of God's word, I would not do less.

E. I will keep close contact with my class through personal visits, and whenever this is not possible, by cards, letters or telephone.

F. I will pray regularly for my pupils and seek to know their personal needs so that I may call them over to the Lord in prayer.

G. I will make my teaching two-fold: to lead my unsaved pupils to Christ and to build Christian character in those who are saved.  I will seek to do this by example as well as by precept.

H. I will so my best to attend the worship services at my church regularly and support its financial program with my tithes as the Lord prospers me in accordance with 2 Cor 9:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Matt 23:23; and will teach my class to do likewise.

I. As a leader whom others will follow, I will co-operate with the pastor, superintendents, and other leaders of the church in order to help make the overall program a success to the glory of God. If at any time, I find myself' unable to co-operate and do my job as it should be done, I will, like a true Christian, resign and let someone else take my place,  that the cause of  Christ may not be harmed.

J. I further agree to live a separated life by the power of the Spirit and set a good example for my students. I will endeavour not to do anything that could cause pupils to stumble or fall.  My guide for Christian conduct will be 1 Cor 10:31, "whether therefore ye eat, or drink, whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God", and 2 Cor 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, my dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, perfecting holiness in the fear of God".

 

 

ARTICLE XII. ORDINATION.

 

SECTION 1

 

When in the judgement of the Deacons a man in the membership of the church is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within the power of the Deacons to call a council of ordination.  This council will consist of ordained ministers and two representatives of churches of like precious faith. The ordination council shall examine all candidates for ordination as to call to the Christian ministry, their preparation, doctrinal belief, and make a recommendation to the church of that ones

qualifications in these areas. The church will examine the candidates' reputation, Christian experience, character, and ability in Christian service. When candidates are examined in these areas, the church will

then receive the recommendation of the Deacons as to whether or not the candidate should be ordained by the church.

 

SECTION 2

 

The following shall not be ordained by this church:

A. One who has not demonstrated evidence in some definite Christian work, in such manner as to convey reasonable evidence of God's call to the ministry.

B. No woman shall be ordained by this church.

C. One who uses or is addicted to the use of intoxicating beverages, drugs, tobacco in any form, or one who has brought disrepute upon his Christian life and ministry through worldly practices and associations.

D. No divorced person shall be ordained by this church, or a person married to a divorcee.

 

SECTION 3

 

It shall be within the power of the Deacons to call an ordination council for the purpose of the ordination of a man who is not a member of this church, but it shall not be a common practice to do so.

 

SECTION 4

 

It shall be within the province of the church to discipline, even to the revoking of the ordination credentials, of any minister ordained under this constitution.

 

 

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS.

 

This constitution and statement of purposes may be amended by a 75% majority of all voting members of the church. No amendment may be acted upon except in a regular business meeting, and notice of the proposed amendment must have been given twenty-one days prior to the meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE XIV. DISSOLUTION CLAUSE.

 

Should this church ever depart from the preaching and teaching of the fundamental doctrines of God's Word - those recorded in the original statement, the charter members or other members who still hold to the above mentioned doctrines are authorized to disband (According to the Act) this church and sell its buildings and properties. Money secured in sale of such shall be used to organize and build another Independent Baptist Church of like faith and practice. Such disposition shall be consistent with the internal revenue laws of Australia relating to church organizations.

WESBURN INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH