New Life Church Bylaws
Constitution and Bylaws of
New Life Church
PREAMBLE
Since it pleased Almighty God, by His Holy Spirit, to call sure of His servants to unite here under the name New Life Church of Bluffton, SC, for the worship of God and the spread of the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ, we, the members of New Life Church do hereby organize ourselves and adopt this Constitution as our articles of governance, to be interpreted at all times to reflect the character of and bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Holy Bible and articulated in the Statement of Faith and Covenant of this church.
ARTICLE I
Name and Principal Office
The name of this church is New Life Church, located in Bluffton, South Carolina. New Life Church maintains its principal office at 389 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC, 29910.
ARTICLE II
Mission and Purpose
The mission of New Life Church is to impact the nations for God’s glory by making disciples in our community.
Real People.
Real Community.
Real Faith.
New Life Church purposes to be a people worshiping in an atmosphere of joy and awe, growing under the authority of God’s Word, building authentic relationships, serving one another with our gifts and abilities, and actively sharing the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ps.86, Matt. 28:18-20, 2 Tim. 2:2, Rev. 7:9-10)
Article III
Statement of Faith
A. The Scriptures
We believe the Bible was written by divinely inspired men and is God’s revelation of Himself and His will to man. The Bible, in its entirety, is the Word of God and is wholly true in everything it affirms. The Scriptures are the unique, full, and final authority on all matters of faith and practice (Ps. 18:30, 119;2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 3:15-16).
B. God
We believe the Godhead exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three persons are one God worthy of the same confidence, obedience, and worship (Mt. 28:18-19, Mk. 12:29, Jn. 1:14, Acts 5:3-4).
1. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-wise. God becomes a Father to each person who becomes His child through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ (Gen. 1:1, 2:7; Ex. 3:14, 6:2-3, 15:11ff, 20:1ff, Lev. 22:2; Dt. 6:4, 32:6; 1Chr. 29:10; Ps. 19:1-3; Isa. 43:3, 15, 64:8; Jer. 10:10, 17:13; Mt. 6:9ff, 7:11, 23:9, 28:19; Mk. 1:9-11; Jn. 4:23-24, 5:26, 14:6-13, 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Rom. 8:14-15; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 4:6; Eph. 4:6; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:6, 12:9; 1 Pet. 1:17).
2. God the Son
We believe The Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh was fully God and fully man, that He was born of a virgin, and that He lived in sinless life. He taught and worked mighty works, wonders, and signs as recorded in the four Gospels. He was crucified, died as a penalty for our sins, and was raised from the dead, bodily, on the third day. Later, He ascended to the Father’s right hand, where He is head of the church. He will come again personally, bodily, and visibly to this earth (Matt. 16:27; Rom. 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:3-8; Heb. 1:2, 4:15).
3. God the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is truly God and possesses all the divine attributes. He brings glory to the Father and Son. He convicts the world of sin, indwells all believers, and baptizes and seals them now of salvation. He uniquely endows each believer with gifts for the building up of the body. He guides believers in understanding and applying the Scriptures and empowers them to lead a life of Christ-like character (Jn. 16:7-15; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:30; Gal. 5:22-23).
C. Providence
God, from eternity, sovereignly decreed all things that come to pass and perpetually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and all events; yet He is not the author or approver of sin, nor does He destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures (Prv. 16:33; Isa. 46:9-11; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:13-15).
D. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them, male and female, as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. God created people in His own image, giving them value and worth. Therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love (Gen. 1:26-30).
E. Sin
By his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into humanity. Through the temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence, whereby his posterity inherited a sin nature inclined toward sin and evil. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they act out of their sin nature and become transgressors, and are under condemnation (Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32, 3:10-23, 5:6-19, 6:6; Eph. 2:1-3)
F. Salvation
We believe that God, by His sovereign choice and His love for mankind, sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to bring people back into fellowship with Him through regeneration. Regeneration is a change of heart brought about by the Holy Spirit, who gives life to those dead in trespasses and sins. He enlightens their minds to understand the word of God and renews them, providing a new nature.
This salvation, with its forgiveness of sin, is a gift, wholly a work of God’s grace, not the result of human works. Instead, salvation must be personally appropriated through repentance and faith. As a result, God declares each believer justified and righteous through the righteousness of Christ.
When a believer is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they are also set apart for God’s purposes. Through sanctification, the believer is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerated person’s life.
Believers born again may struggle and fail in their walk with God on earth. But they are eternally secure in the gift of salvation once received and is forever. It cannot be lost. Believers who flounder remain secure in their salvation. They can be renewed in their walk with God through repentance. (Mk. 1:15; Jn. 6:37-40, 10:28-29; Rom. 3:23, 5:8, 8:28-39; 1 Cor. 1:8-9; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 12:5-6; 1Jn. 5:12-13).
G. The Church
The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has ultimate authority over the church’s governance.
We believe there is one universal church which is comprised of all who place their faith in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Following the pattern modeled in the New Testament, we choose to associate with one another in our local body of believers, the New Life Church.
The Lord Jesus Christ provides a structure for church leadership. He gives authority to the elders and deacons to lead. They oversee the ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s supper. (Mt. 26:26-29; 28:19; Jn. 10:16; Acts 2:38, 20:17, 28; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 10:16-17. 11:23-34, 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23, 5:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-13, 5:17-18; Tit. 1:5-9; Heb. 10:25)
1. Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is an outward demonstration of our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Baptism is expected and obligatory for new believers. Through baptism, we are identified with the Lord Jesus.
Baptism Is the act of immersing the believer in water. Baptism is performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism represents our death, burial, and resurrection to newness of life. Water baptism is a prerequisite for church membership.
2. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of The Lord Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. It is to be observed until the kingdom of God comes (Luke 22:18).
It is in no sense a sacrifice. The Lord’s supper is designed to remember His death for the sins of the world. It provides an opportunity to examine ourselves and renew our devotion and commitment.
H. Last Things
Our physical bodies return to the dust of the earth when we die. The spirits of the righteous are ushered into the presence of God. The spirits of the unbelievers await final judgment.
A day of final judgment is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will judge everyone who has ever lived. The wicked will go into everlasting and conscious punishment. The righteous will go into everlasting life.
(Mt. 25:46; Jn. 5:22-29; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:6-11; 1 Cor. 15:12-28; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thes. 1: 7-10; 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 7:13-17, 14:9-11).
In addition, New Life Church affirms The Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.
ARTICLE IV
Affiliation
This Church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs. Recognizing the benefits of cooperation with other churches, we may choose to partner with organizations to better advance the Gospel:
And we reserve the right to initiate other partnerships which honor The Lord Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom.
ARTICLE V
Membership
A. Qualifications for Membership
It is the desire of New Life Church to freely extend its fellowship to all individuals. At the same time, New Life Church has three qualifications for membership. To qualify for membership in this church, a person:
1. Must be a believer in The Lord Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration
2. Must have been baptized by immersion in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration
3. Must be sixteen years of age or older ( see Article V Section G for further explanation)
4. Must hold without mental reservation the doctrines of our church as expressed in the Statement of Faith
5. Must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the New Life Church Covenant (see Appendix A)
B. Procedure for membership
To be admitted into church membership, applicants shall be recommended by the elders for affirmation by the church upon completion of the following:
1. Membership class
Membership classes shall regularly be offered to provide the following instruction:
a. The New Life Church statements of faith and mission
b. The scriptural principles of commitment to the body of Christ
c. New Life Church’s principles of government and ministry
2. Covenant Signature, A potential member expresses intent to join by signing the New Life Church Covenant.
3. Follow-up Membership Interview Following the candidate’s affirmation of the church covenant, this candidate desiring membership shall submit to an elder or appointed leader his/her personal testimony to determine the integrity of his/her faith and desire to be committed to New Life Church as a local body of believers.
4. Letter of transfer For candidates who are currently members at another SBC Church, New Life Church will contact that church and request a letter of transfer. Receiving them into membership at New Life Church is pending until a letter of recommendation from that SBC church is received.
5. Public affirmation of new members before the Congregation
New Life Church entrusts its elders with screening candidates for membership. The congregation shall be allowed to freely voice any reservations or concerns regarding any of the candidates to an elder prior to these candidates’ presentation to the congregation. The congregation will then affirm the decision of the elders to receive these candidates into membership.
C. Duties and privileges of membership
1. Minister In accord with the duties enumerated in the Church Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only those shall be entitled to serve and lead in the ministries of the church who are members of this congregation; non-members may serve on an informal basis with the approval of elders. Notwithstanding, non-members may serve the church for purposes of administration and professional consultation.
2. Decision Making Under Christ, this congregation is led by its elders under the authority of the members. It is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings and vote on the following matters: the election of elders, the annual budget of the church, the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the church, the merger or dissolution of the church, acquisition of property, amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the church, the calling of paid elders/pastors, and other matters that the elders deem necessary for the congregation. An affirmative vote would consist of a 75% majority of the members present.
3. Covenant Living
Members covenant together to live corporately under the authority of Christ and His Bride, the Church. As a result, members are encouraged to live in mutually sanctifying relationships with other believers where care and correction are practiced. When a member strays from this covenant lifestyle into unrepentant sin, the church will exercise discipline for the purpose of the member’s restoration according to the New Life Church Discipline Policy as developed and interpreted by the elders. [See Appendix B]
* The elders of New Life Church have the right to review current membership activity to see if there is a need to terminate the current status of a member. This review process would include the faithfulness of attending worship service (Hebrews 10:25) giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) connected to a Life Group (Acts 2:42-47) or supporting the current vision of the leadership team at New Life (Matthew 12:25). This process of termination will not be voted on by the church but decided amongst the elders of New Life.
D. Voting limitations
Each member is entitled to one vote. Voting by proxy is prohibited.
E. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a vote of 75% of voting members present at a duly called business meeting called to amend this Constitution. Should a member identify a subject of the constitution which he deems in need of amending, he ought to bring his proposal and rationale to the elders. If the elders affirm the recommendation, they shall bring this amendment to the congregation at the following business meeting. If the elders do not affirm the proposed amendment, they shall offer the member an explanation. At this time, the member should take thirty days to prayerfully consider his amendment request in light of the counsel of the elders. Following this time of reflection, should he desire his amendment proposal to be considered, he may re-approach the elders with his amendment request or modified amendment request. The elders shall allow this proposed amendment to come before the church, though they may do so with declared reservation.
F. Associate membership
Students and others temporarily residing in the Bluffton, SC, area who are members of an evangelical church may apply for associate membership. Qualifications are identical to those for full membership as set out above, except that home church membership must be retained. A letter of commendation will be sought from the applicant’s home church.
1. Limitations of associate membership Duties and privileges of associate members are the same as for members with the following exceptions:
a. When absent from Bluffton, SC area for extended periods, associate members are released from the responsibility to attend our church services
b. While associate members are encouraged to participate in member’s meetings, they will not be eligible to stand for any office (elder) or deacon) or to vote.
2. Termination of Associate Membership
Termination of Associate Membership as a disciplinary measure will be as it is for other members, except that the elders shall notify the pastor or elders of the home church of that termination. Associate membership will normally terminate immediately upon the end of the period of temporary residence in the Bluffton, SC, area.
G. Junior membership
Affirming that children under the age of sixteen can have a credible testimony of regeneration and gifts to serve in the church, New Life Church desires to prepare them for responsibilities of church membership through this category of lesser responsibility and corporate accountability.
1. Qualification for Junior Membership Children who meet the following qualifications shall be eligible for Junior Membership:
a. Must be a believer in The Lord Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration
b. Must have been baptized by immersion in obedience to Christ, following his or her regeneration
2. Procedure for junior membership The procedure for one to be admitted into Junior Membership is the same as that of other members. A membership class targeting Junior Member candidates may be offered.
3. Limitations of Junior Membership Junior Members shall not exercise the responsibility to vote, nor will they be candidates to administer or receive church discipline.
4. Transition from Junior Membership to Membership
Following a Junior Member’s sixteenth birthday and before his receiving membership, he/she shall request of the elder a membership interview to be received as a member.
H. Termination of membership
Membership may be terminated for the following reasons:
1. Death
2. Transfer of membership to another church or ceasing to be an active participant in the body of New Life Church as determined by the elders.
3. By personal request of the member, except when that member is in the process of church discipline. If it appears to the elders that a member has requested removal merely to avoid church discipline, that request may not be honored until the disciplinary process has been properly concluded.
4. As an act of church discipline in accord with the New Life Church Discipline Policy.
ARTICLE VI
Meetings of Members
A. Worship Meetings
Worship services shall be held each Lord’s Day and may be held throughout the week as elders determine.
B. Business Meetings
In every meeting together, members shall act in the spirit of mutual trust, openness, and loving consideration, which is appropriate within the body of our Lord. Business meetings of the members shall proceed according to a proper order according to the occasions, in the manner, and for the purposes set forth below.
1. An annual business meeting of the Church will be held to adopt a yearly budget and conduct any other business deemed appropriate by the elders.
2. A special business meeting of the Church may be called at any time by the elders.
3. Notification of business meetings shall be given to members by any one of the following methods:
a. Distribution of written material to the congregation attending all Sunday services.
b. Announcement of the meeting in the church newsletter or email
c. Oral announcement to the congregation at all Sunday services
d. By first-class letter to members
4. Members shall be notified no less than one week before a business meeting.
5. A quorum shall consist of those members present and voting on a given matter.
6. The chairman of the elders, namely the Teaching Elder, will preside over the meeting. If absent, another elder (pastor) chosen by the elders will preside over the meeting.
7. A motion shall be adopted upon the agreement of 75% of the members present and voting.
ARTICLE VII
Church Government
Scripture indicates that the responsibility for shepherding and leading the Church under The Lord Jesus Christ belongs to the elders (1 Ti. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet.5:1-4).
A. Elders
1. Qualifications and Responsibilities of Elders
a. Subject to the will of the congregation, the elders shall provide oversight to the ministry, financial management, and resources of the Church. In keeping with the principles set forth in Acts 6:1-6, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 5:17, Tit. 1:5-9, Jas. 5:14, and 1 Pet. 5:1-4, the elders shall seek the mind of Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the word of God as they undertake the work of shepherding God’s flock. The elders shall teach and exhort; refute those who contradict the truth; pray for the sick; care for the church’s members; devote themselves to prayer, to the government of the church, and to ministry.
b. The elders shall be comprised of several men determined by the active elders who satisfy the qualifications for the office of elder (pastor) set forth in 1 Ti, 3:1-7 and Tit. 1:6-9. Only men may serve as elders in accord with 1 Tim. 2:12, 3:2. The duties of an elder shall be as follows:
i. He will be responsible to manage or administrate the local church before Almighty God, exercising leadership and authority (Tim. 3:4-5; Tit. 1:7)
ii. He will be responsible for being a guardian of the truth and to care for the welfare of the members of the local church in every area and will give account to God (1 Tim. 3:1-2; Tit. 1:7; Heb. 13:17).
iii. He will be required to hold fast to the Scriptures and to be able to apply them to life situations (Tit. 1:9).
iv. He will be required to reprove, rebuke, and exhort according to the principles of Scripture as necessary (2 Tim. 3:16; Tit. 1:9-13).
v. He will be required to “feed the flock” by ministering the Word of God publicly or privately (Acts 20:28; Tim. 3:2; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).
vi. He will be an example to the membership of the church. (1 Pet. 5:3).
vii. He will be required to “shepherd” the members of the local church (Acts 20:28).
c. Elders shall be voted in for a term of three years. At the end of their term, the Elder shall be required to take a 1-year sabbatical UNLESS the existing Elder Board votes unanimously to keep the Elder on the board. No congregational vote is needed for this action.
Standing Elders may serve in this manner for up to, and not more than, three consecutive terms. At the end of the third term, the Elder MUST take a 3-year sabbatical. Following that 3-year break, if the Elder wishes to serve again, the Elder must be nominated and voted onto the board again as if it were his first time serving.
Following the 1-year sabbatical, the Elder may rejoin the board by unanimous reaffirmation of the sitting board of Elders. At that point, the Elder initiates his first term toward his three consecutive terms.
Elders may resign at any point during their tenure. Elders may also be removed from the board (by the remaining Elders) due to church discipline according to the New Life doctrine on discipline.
d. No elder shall hold the office of deacon during his tenure.
e. The elders may establish and oversee ministry positions and committees to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities. The elders shall also have primary responsibility for the employment, supervision, and evaluation of staff members. The outworking of this responsibility may, on a case-by-case basis, be delegated to deacons or another staff member.
f. A paid volunteer staff position does not in and of itself constitute an elder’s position.
g. The elders may hire and fire non-ministerial staff on a case-by-case basis.
h. The elders must have at least 75% approval of the elders to proceed with an action.
i. The Teaching Elder (pastor) will be chairman of elders’ meetings and moderator of members’ meetings. If desired, he may delegate this to another elder. In his absence, the elders shall appoint another elder to fulfill these duties.
j. Should a member desire to add an item to the agenda of the elders’ meeting, he shall make this request in writing to the elders no less than fourteen days prior to the meeting.
2. The Teaching Elder (pastor) The Teaching Elder (pastor) shall perform the duties of an elder described in Section A above. He shall be recognized by the church as gifted and called to preach and teach the word of God. He will serve as an elder as first among equals. While being a chairman of the meetings, his vote will exercise the same authority as other elders. In his absence, the other elders shall assume responsibility for his duties, any of which can be delegated.
3. Selection of Elders The church shall recognize men gifted and willing to serve in the calling, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. These men shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as elders. This recognition shall be reaffirmed by the church triennially. After an elder has served one three-year term, he shall be eligible for a one-year sabbatical if desired, either by the elder himself or the elders. Exceptions to this term limitation shall require the unanimous consent of the remaining elders. The selection process shall be as follows:
a. The current elders shall provide the congregation with Biblical teaching concerning the tasks and qualifications of elders
b. The congregation shall submit names of nominees to the elders for their consideration.
c. The nominees shall perform extensive self-evaluation based upon the Scriptural teaching concerning elders.
d. The elders shall interview those nominees who remain in the process following the self-evaluation.
e. The elders shall recommend to the congregation the nominees they feel best to fulfill the Biblical requirements for elders.
f. The congregation shall then evaluate the recommended nominees. Any concerns shall be taken up first with the nominee and then the current elders.
g. Following the congregational evaluation, a time of dedication and congregational affirmation shall be held for the new elders.
4. Dismissal of elders Any two members with reason to believe that an elder should be dismissed should express such concern first to the elder in question and, if necessary, to the elders. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our lord in Mt. 18:15-17 and 1 Tim. 5:17-21. The dismissal of an elder shall be the responsibility of the remaining elders. Action to dismiss an elder shall require the unanimous consent of the remaining elders.
B. Deacon Ministry
1. Role of Deacons
a. The office of deacon is described in 1 Tim. 3:8-13 (cf. Acts 6:1-7).The church shall recognize, in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections, men, women who are giving of themselves in service to the church, who possess gifts of ministry, who are called to further service and care for the church’s members, and who meet the qualifications of a deacon as described in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and the call and qualifications of men in the church.
b. Deacons shall assist the elders in any service that shall support and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the church, and the care of the members of the congregation. The deacons may be organized in the most fitting way to accomplish the mission of the church.
2. Selection of Deacons
The church shall recognize men, women gifted and willing to serve in this calling in accordance with the constitutional provisions on elections. Deacons shall serve one-year terms and are subject to elder evaluation and the end of each year with congregational input. No limit is placed on the number of consecutive terms deacons may serve. The selection process shall be as follows.
a. The current elders shall provide the congregation with Biblical teaching concerning the tasks and qualifications of deacons.
b. The elders shall solicit from the congregation names of nominees for their consideration.
c. The nominees shall perform extensive self-evaluation based upon the Scriptural teaching concerning deacons.
d. The elders shall interview those nominees who remain in the process following the self-evaluation.
e. The elders shall recommend to the congregation the nominees they feel best fulfill the Biblical requirements for a deacon. f. The congregation shall then evaluate the recommended nominees. g. Following the congregational evaluation, a time of dedication and congregational affirmation shall be held for the new deacons.
3. Removal of Deacons Any member with reason to believe that a deacon should be dismissed should express such concern first to the deacon in question and, if necessary, to the elders. Any such action shall be done in accordance with the instructions of our Lord in Mt. 18:15-17. The dismissal of a deacon shall be the responsibility of elders. Action to dismiss a deacon shall require the unanimous consent of the elders.
C. Clerk It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the minutes of all regular and special members’ meetings of the church to preserve an accurate roll of the membership and to render reports as requested by the elders, deacons, or the church. In the absence or incapacity of the clerk, the elders shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the church clerk. For purposes of compliance with the nonprofit corporation laws of the state of South Carolina, the clerk shall serve as the secretary of the corporation. The church clerk shall ensure that dated copies of the most recent revision of this constitution shall be available for all church members. The elders shall appoint the clerk.
D. Treasurer The treasurer, who shall not be an active elder or a paid church staff member, shall ensure that all funds and securities of the church are properly secured in such banks, financial institutions, or depositories as designated by the church. The treasurer shall also ensure that complete and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements are kept in books belonging to the church and that adequate controls are implemented to guarantee that all funds belonging to the church are appropriately handled by any officer, employee, or agent. The treasurer shall render to the elders annually or whenever they require it an account of all transactions as treasurer and the church’s financial condition. The treasurer shall also be responsible for presenting regular reports of account balances, revenues, and expenses of the church at regular members’ meetings. Elders shall appoint the treasurer.
E. Trustees The trustees shall serve the church as official representatives of the church in terms of business contracts and other legal matters. Trustees, under the direction of elders and congregational approval, may borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of the church and cause to be executed and delivered for the church’s purposes and in the church’s name, promissory notes, and other evidence of debt and securities. The trustees shall be appointed by the elders for a three-year term.
ARTICLE VIII
Paid Staff
A. Qualifications of Paid Elders
All pastoral staff shall meet the Biblical qualifications for elders. Reference Article VII, Section A above.
B. Calling of Paid Elders
In the event of a vacancy in the office of a paid elder/pastor, the elders shall conduct a search for an acceptable candidate to present to the congregation if filling this vacancy is deemed necessary by the remaining elders. Having selected the candidate, he shall be presented to the congregation for a congregational vote. The extension of a call shall be made upon an affirmative vote by a minimum of 75% of the members present and voting at a duly called business meeting.
C. Dismissal of Paid Elders
The dismissal of a paid elder/pastor shall be the responsibility of the elders. Action to dismiss the elder/pastor shall require the unanimous consent of all the remaining elders.
D. Calling of Support Staff
The creation of support staff positions and hiring of support staff shall be the responsibility of the elders.
E. Dismissal of Support Staff
The dismissal of a support staff member shall be the responsibility of the elders. Action to dismiss a member of the support staff shall require the unanimous consent of all the elders.
APPENDIX A
The New Life Church Covenant
Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, been baptized, and agreed with New Life Church’s strategy and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the New Life Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
1. I Will Protect the Unity of My Church
by acting in love toward other members
by refusing to gossip
by following the leaders
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord The Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 15:5-6 “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Pet. 1:22-23
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, nor a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Heb. 13:17
2. I Will Share the Responsibility of My Church
by praying for its growth by inviting the unchurched to attend by warmly welcoming those who visit. “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.” 1 Thes. 1:2 “Then the master told his servant, go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in so that my house will be full.” Lk. 14:23 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Rom. 15:7
3. I Will Serve the Ministry of My Church
by discovering my gifts
by being equipped to serve
by developing a servant’s heart
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Pet. 4:10“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Eph. 4:11-13“Then make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or, empty conceit but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Phil. 2:2-4
4. I Will Support the Testimony of My Church
by attending faithfully
by living a Godly life
by giving regularly
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Phil. 1:27
“On the first day of the week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up so that when I come, no collections will have to be made.” 1 Cor. 16:1-2
APPENDIX B
New Life Church Discipline Policy
We must love each other with biblical love – a love that discerns, desires, and does what is best for another person, according to Scripture. We must value each other’s holiness more highly than we value our own comfort. Even more importantly, we must value the approval of our Lord more highly than we value each other’s approval. Otherwise, we will be unwilling to do the right thing when we fear that it might upset someone.
Biblical Church Discipline Manual
God’s desire for His children here on earth is purity of life. It is impossible to study Scripture attentively and not be overwhelmingly convinced that God seeks, above all else, for His people to be holy and that He is grieved by sin of any kind. Directly quoting God’s command to His Old Covenant people Israel, Peter wrote the same command to Christ’s church: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Because God is so concerned for the holiness of His people, they should be equally concerned. The church cannot teach and preach a message. It does not live and have any integrity before God or even before the world.
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary
Pursuing someone in sin is the most loving thing that can be done for that individual, the body of Christ, and the name of Christ.
Shepherding the Church Family
Church discipline at New Life Church is founded upon the holiness and the love of our glorious God, the Lordship of The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church, and an understanding of the church as the Body of Christ. (Eph. 4-5; Col. 1:9-29)
Discipline is a courageous and compassionate act of love, desiring only good for the person caught in sin. Its aim is rescue, restoration, and reconciliation. Just as discipline is a mark of a healthy family, church discipline is a mark of a healthy church. The context and prerequisite for church discipline is an authentic Christian community. (Prv. 3:11-12;1 Cor. 5:5, 11:32; 1Tim. 1:20; Heb. 12:5-11; Rev. 3:19)
The primary teaching and desire of the elders at New Life Church is for believers to develop self-discipline so that they may lead godly lives characterized by obedient faith. We believe that love for God, the first and greatest command by the Lord Jesus Christ, is manifested primarily through diligent obedience to the Word of God and love for other believers. (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:5-10;1 Thes. 4:3-8; Heb. 3:12-15, 12:14-17; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 2 Pet. 1:3-11; Rev.3:14)
Church discipline has three purposes:
1) To glorify and honor God through obedience to His Word.
2) To protect and maintain the purity of the local church by pursuing individual and corporate holiness.
3) To rescue and restore believers overtaken by sin.
We believe that church discipline should be exercised in every case of substantiated, habitual, willful, unrepentant sin when the erring party is unwilling to attempt to resolve the matter. Though not an exhaustive list, the following sins addressed within the New Testament Church: divisiveness (2 Thess. 3:11; Tit. 3:10-11; Rom. 16:17-20),
irresponsible and undisciplined living (1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6-15),
sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5:1-13),
doctrinal heresy (1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 2 John 1:10-11; Rev. 2:14-16).
The actions and heart attitude of the church, particularly the elders, are to be characterized by humility, compassion, mercy, gentleness, and fairness (Gal.6:1-2; Js. 5:19-20; 2 Thes. 3:15; 1 Cor. 5:2; 2 Cor. 2:4-8; Mic. 6:8).
Elders and deacons are held to an even higher standard of accountability (1 Tim. 3:1-7, 5:17-22; Jas. 3:1)
We believe that church discipline applies to all members and believers who fellowship with us. Withdrawal of membership or fellowship does not necessarily negate the process of church discipline, particularly where it appears that a person has done so to avoid church discipline. Such requests may not be honored until the disciplinary process has been concluded. If a believer fails to discipline himself and demonstrates no evidence of repentance, the Scriptures indicate that loving confrontation is the responsibility of the church. Church discipline is a biblical process that is to be handled prayerfully, carefully, justly, and only after several individual attempts at correction have been attempted and have failed.
The basic stages of church discipline, according to Mt. 18:15-20 are as follows.
First: If a Christian fails to discipline himself and is trapped in unrepentant sin, Christ commands the individual who is aware of the matter to go to him in private to lovingly confront, counsel, and encourage him to repent (“Go and show him his fault, just between the two of you” Mt. 18:15).
Second: If he will not listen to the one person, especially after several attempts, and there is no evidence of repentance, “take one or two others along” to address the matter further and continue encouraging him to repent. The intent of others being involved is to guarantee clear communication and to enlist others for prayer and discernment (Mt. 18:16)
Third: If these personal and informal steps do not elicit repentance, Jesus says we should “tell it to the church.” Tell it to the church necessarily involves bringing the elders into the process and requesting their direct assistance in resolving the problem if they were not involved in the previous steps. Sometimes, one or more elders may repeat the previous steps and try to persuade the offender to repent. The elders, after confirming the information, a proper process, and continued refusal to repent, may then inform the church when it is assembled (Mt. 18:17). The elders will send a letter by registered mail warning the individual that the third or fourth step of church discipline will be taken if they have not received significant evidence of repentance by a specific date.
“Telling it to the church” means that the congregation will be informed about the general nature of the sin, given a general description of the process that has taken place and about the refusal to repent. They will be asked to pray for and plead with the offender to repent and to pursue the person for the purpose of restoration. Personal visits, telephone calls, and letters are examples of what it means to “pursue” them. The church is to keep on loving them and seeking their restoration.
Fourth: If the offender refuses to submit to the caring admonition of the church and continues to harden his heart, then Jesus says we are to “treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” This means that the person is publicly dismissed from church with the hope of future repentance and reconciliation. In addition, this means that the person will be denied Christian fellowship, treated as an unbeliever, and delivered over to Satan in the hope that his soul will be saved (Mt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17; 2 Thes. 1:20, 3:6, 14; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 3:10).
If, at any point during this process, the offender demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect will also be made public so that the church may rejoice and gently and judiciously restore the repentant believer to the fellowship of the church.
We accept these stages as principles prescribed by our Lord and our Scriptures. The elders of the church, after prayer and consultation with one another and the Holy Scriptures, may eliminate, compress, contract, or combine into one any of these stages. Elders are commanded to protect the flock, and some forms of sinful conduct deemed harmful to the flock may require immediate action (Acts 20:28-31; Tit. 3:10; 1 Cor. 5:1-5.