So that things may be done decently and in order in accordance with the accepted tenets of other churches of like precious faith, and so that we may more readily help each other in our Christian service, we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.
SECTION 1 - NAME
This congregation of believers shall be known as the Timberline Baptist Church, Manitou Springs, Colorado.
SECTION 2 - PURPOSE
A. This congregation is organized as a Church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day-care centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries, and any other ministries that the Timberline Baptist Church may be led of God to establish.
B. The Timberline Baptist Church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekday schools of Christian education; maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the Timberline Baptist Church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.
SECTION 1 - STATEMENT OF FAITH
A. The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God, inerrant, infallible, immutable, and preserved in the King James Version for the English speaking people, and that it is the supreme and final authority of faith and practice.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
B. The Godhead
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in essence while distinct in personality and function.
(Exodus 20:2-3; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 John 5:7)
C. Creation
We believe in God's direct creation of the universe without the use of pre-existent material and apart from any process of evolution whatsoever, as according to the Genesis account.
(Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3)
D. Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.
(Isaiah 7:14; John 1:1, 14; Luke 1:35; Galatians 4:4)
E. Bodily Resurrection of Christ
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there as our High Priest and Advocate.
(Matthew 28:1-7; Acts 1:8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:4-9; Hebrews 4:14-16)
F. The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the agent of the New Birth through conviction and regeneration, and that He seals and indwells everyone who trusts Christ as Saviour. We also believe that the Holy Spirit fills and empowers believers, and that He distributes Spiritual gifts to all believers.
(John 3:5; Romans 8:9 & 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:13 & 13:1-13; Ephesians 1:13 & 2:20 & 4:11-12 & 5:18; Hebrews 2:3-4)
G. The Charismatic Movement
We believe that the modern-day charismatic movement, in all of its forms, is unscriptural. We do believe in the power of God and the fullness of the Holy Spirit; however, this power is not evidenced by speaking in an "unknown tongue" or any other manifestation of a "gift." The Word of God clearly states that, when believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke the Word of God with boldness. The modern-day charismatic movement, which officially began in the early 1900's, sidesteps the very reason for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, when believers were filled with the power of God, they went out into the city, preached the Gospel, went soulwinning, and had 3,000 souls saved.
(Acts 4:13, 19, 31)
H. The State of Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also Spiritual death, which is separation from God. All human beings are born with a sin nature and are sinners in thought, word, and deed.
(Genesis 1:26-27 & 3:1-6; Romans 5:12, 19 & 3:10-13, 23)
I. The Scope of Salvation
We believe that Jesus Christ died as the substitutionary sacrifice for all men. The blood atonement He made is unlimited in its potential. It is limited only in its application, effectively saving all those who call upon the name of the Lord in repentance and faith.
(Isaiah 53:4-11; John 3:5-8, 16; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:1-2)
J. The Way of Salvation
We believe that all who receive, by faith, the Lord Jesus, are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God.
(John 1:12-13 & 3:3-16; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
K. Eternal Security of the Believer
We believe in the eternal security of the believer, that it is impossible for one who is born into the family of God, ever to be lost, because he is forever kept by the power of God.
(John 10:28-29; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
L. The Rapture
We believe in that "blessed hope," the personal, premillennial, pretribulational, and imminent return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when He will gather all believers unto Himself and take them to Heaven.
(John 14:1-3; I Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-13)
M. Dispensationalism
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man's responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations-the age of law, the age of the Church, and the age of the kingdom-are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture.
(Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 9:17; 2 Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10, 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24-25, 27; Revelation 20:2-6)
N. Heaven and Hell
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the saved and the unsaved, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in Heaven, and the everlasting punishment of the lost in Hell.
(Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-8)
O. The Local Church
We believe that the local Church is the agency through which God has chosen to accomplish His work in the world. A New Testament Baptist Church is an organized body of baptized believers, immersed upon a credible confession of faith in Jesus Christ, having two offices (Pastor & deacon), congregational in polity, autonomous in nature, and banded together for work, worship, edification, the observance of ordinances, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The local Church, under the headship of Christ, is to be free from any external hierarchy and should not associate itself with any ecumenical, charismatic, neo-orthodoxy, new-evangelical, or any other effort which compromises the Truth.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Ephesians 1:22 & 3:10; 1 Timothy 3 & 6:3-5; 1 Peter 5:1-3)
P. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that the two ordinances of the local Church are Baptism by immersion after salvation, and The Lord's Supper which was instituted by Jesus that we might remember and show forth His death "till He come."
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Colossians 2:12)
Q. Human Sexuality
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's original intent for the proper and Biblical sexual relationship. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery or appearance.
(Genesis 2:24, 19:5, 13, 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4)
R. Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, population or birth control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable.
(Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5, 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24, 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
S. Missions
We believe that God has given the Church the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20)
T. Civil Government
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: (1) the home, (2) the Church, and (3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God.
(Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14)
U. Lawsuits Between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the Church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander.
(1 Corinthians 6: 1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32)
V. Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local Church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the Church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made.
(Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17)
SECTION 2 - AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members.
SECTION 3 - COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of the Timberline Baptist Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Timberline Baptist Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations.
We also endeavor to maintain family and private devotions; to educate our children religiously; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from worldly amusements; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to endeavor to uphold the standards preached from the pulpit of the Timberline Baptist Church to the best of our abilities and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure reconciliation without delay.
We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other Church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
SECTION 1 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Upon a majority vote of the members present at any Timberline Baptist Church service or meeting, membership shall be extended to anyone who has had and whose life evidences a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour; who renounces sin; who endeavors to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribes to the Statement of Faith contained herein; and who enters the Timberline Baptist Church covenant contained herein; and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
A. By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Saviour.
B. By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing Church of like faith and practice or by other written statement of good standing from the prior Church if the applicant has been baptized by immersion subsequent to a profession of faith.
C. By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion.
D. By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon majority vote of the congregation after confession is made publicly before the Timberline Baptist Church membership of the sin or sins involved and satisfactorily evidencing repentance to the Pastor (or the Board of Deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant).
SECTION 2 - DUTIES OF A MEMBER
On becoming a member of the Timberline Baptist Church, in addition to the covenant contained in Article II, Section 3, each one further covenants to love, honor, and esteem the Pastor; to pray for him; and to recognize his authority in spiritual affairs of the Timberline Baptist Church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the Timberline Baptist Church; to support the Timberline Baptist Church in prayer, tithes, offerings and other financial support as the Lord enables; and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support, through a lifestyle walk, affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the Timberline Baptist Church.
SECTION 3 - PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
This congregation functions, not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the Headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the Pastor as the undershepherd with the counsel of the Board of Deacons. Membership in the Timberline Baptist Church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. The internal affairs of the Timberline Baptist Church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the Timberline Baptist Church's own rules and procedures. The Pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of the Timberline Baptist Church. The Board of Deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the Pastor as requested by him. The membership of the Timberline Baptist Church has certain limited areas of exercising a vote. Members may not vote to initiate any Timberline Baptist Church action, but rather the vote of a member is to confirm and ratify the direction of the Timberline Baptist Church as determined by the Pastor.
SECTION 4 - DISCIPLINE OF A MEMBER
A. There shall be a Discipline Committee consisting of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. These men shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the Statement of Faith and violations of the Timberline Baptist Church Covenant. If the Pastor or a deacon is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as member of the Disciplinary Committee. He shall be entitled to the same steps as other Church members and be subject to the same discipline.
B. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
C. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member, either a deacon or the Pastor, is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
D. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections B and C have been taken, the Discipline Committee, as the Timberline Baptist Church representatives Biblically responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the Discipline Committee, the committee shall recommend to the members of the Timberline Baptist Church that they, after self-examination, make an effort personally to go to the offending member and seek that member's restoration.
E. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections B, C, and D have been taken, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be removed from the membership of the Timberline Baptist Church upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering disciplinary action.
F. No matter may be heard by the Disciplinary Committee or the Timberline Baptist Church unless the steps outlined in subsections B and C have been taken, except in the case of a public offense.
G. If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the Timberline Baptist Church membership, all contact with him from that point forward should be for the sake of restoration (except family members).
SECTION 5 - TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Members not under the disciplining process of Section 4 may request that letters of transfer be sent to another Church.
SECTION 6 - TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A. The membership of any individual member shall be automatically terminated without notice if the member in question has not attended a regular worship service of the Timberline Baptist Church in the preceding six months. Upon good cause being shown to the Pastor, this provision for termination may be waived in the case of any individual member at the discretion of the Pastor.
B. No member of the Timberline Baptist Church may hold membership in another Church. If any member unites in membership with another Church, that person is automatically terminated without notice from membership in the Timberline Baptist Church.
C. A member may resign at any time, but no letter of transfer or written statement of good standing will be issued upon such resignation, except at the discretion of the Pastor.
SECTION 1 - CHURCH OFFICERS
The Church officers are Pastor (see Article V, Section 1), deacon (see Article V, Section 2), minister of records (see Article V, Section 3), minister of finance (see Article V, Section 4), minister of Sunday school (see Article V, Section 5), and minister of hospitality (see Article V, Section 6). One person may hold two or more offices, except that of Pastor. The Pastor, from time to time as he deems appropriate, may appoint other Church officers, subject to a confirmation vote of the Timberline Baptist Church membership.
SECTION 2 - DESIGNATION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS
As an accommodation to legal relationships outside the Timberline Baptist Church, the Pastor shall serve as president of the corporation; the minister of records shall serve as secretary of the corporation; the minister of finance shall serve as treasurer of the corporation; and the chairman of the board of deacons shall serve as vice president of the corporation.
SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUANCE IN OFFICE
A. All Timberline Baptist Church officers shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith (as set forth in Article II) annually in the presence of each other.
B. All Timberline Baptist Church officers must be approved initially and thereafter annually by the Pastor in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.
C. Only active Timberline Baptist Church members are eligible for election or appointment to any Timberline Baptist Church office or position.
SECTION 4 - TERMS OF OFFICE
The length of terms of office shall be as follows:
A. The relationship between the Pastor and the Timberline Baptist Church shall be permanent unless dissolved at the option of either party by the giving of a month's notice, or less by mutual consent. The severance of the relationship between the Pastor and the Timberline Baptist Church may be considered at any regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting, provided notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit to the Timberline Baptist Church two Sundays prior to said regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting. A three-fourths majority of the members present and voting shall be required to decide the matter. Disciplinary removal of the Pastor from office automatically terminates his membership. A restoration to membership after disciplinary removal will be subject to the requirements of Article III, Section 1-D.
B. The term of service for all offices and positions in the Timberline Baptist Church, except the Pastor, shall be one year, at the expiration of which they may be reelected or reappointed.
C. A vacancy occurring in any office or board, except in the case of the Pastor, may be filled at any regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting.
D. All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed.
SECTION 5 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers, if they are to be elected, by the Timberline Baptist Church membership shall occur during the month of December at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting.
SECTION 6 - PASTORAL OVERSIGHT OF OFFICERS AND STAFF
A. Subject to the approval of the Timberline Baptist Church membership and on the condition that they shall become a member of the Timberline Baptist Church upon assuming their duties, the Pastor may hire associates and assistants to assist the Pastor in carrying out his God-given responsibilities.
B. All Timberline Baptist Church staff, whether paid or volunteer, shall be under the supervision of the Pastor, who has the sole authority to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same.
SECTION 1 - THE PASTOR
A. The Pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God as the Lord leads him. He shall administer the ordinances of the Timberline Baptist Church, act as moderator at all Timberline Baptist Church meetings for the transaction of Timberline Baptist Church matters, supervise the teaching ministries of the Timberline Baptist Church, and tenderly watch over the spiritual interests of the membership.
B. The Pastor shall appoint the members of the various committees at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting. He shall serve as the president of the corporation. He shall publicly inform all newly elected or appointed officers of the particular function and the responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the Timberline Baptist Church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position. The Pastor shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.
SECTION 2 - THE BOARD OF DEACONS
A. The board of deacons shall assist the Pastor, in such manner as he shall request, in promoting the spiritual welfare of the Timberline Baptist Church, in conducting religious services, and in performing all other work of the Timberline Baptist Church. They shall make provision for observance of the ordinances of the Timberline Baptist Church. They shall, if requested by the Pastor, consider applications for Timberline Baptist Church membership. They shall, in cooperation with the Pastor, disburse the benevolence fund. They shall assist the Pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the Timberline Baptist Church. They shall provide the pulpit supply and act as leaders for Timberline Baptist Church meetings if the office of Pastor is vacant. The board of deacons shall assist the Pastor in caring for the administrative needs of the Timberline Baptist Church's various ministries as requested by the Pastor.
B. Immediately following the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting, the board of deacons shall assemble and elect, from their own number, a chairman who shall be vice president of the corporation, a vice chairman, and a secretary.
C. The board of deacons shall constitute the board of trustees of the corporation. The board of trustees shall exercise only the following specific powers:
1. To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the Timberline Baptist Church and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the Timberline Baptist Church.
2. To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real and personal property of the Timberline Baptist Church; to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose and the use of the Timberline Baptist Church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered for the indebtedness, in the name of the Timberline Baptist Church, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges.
3. To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the Timberline Baptist Church corporation, if such action is mandated by a vote of the Timberline Baptist Church membership.
SECTION 3 - THE MINISTER OF RECORDS
The minister of records shall keep a record of Timberline Baptist Church proceedings, of the membership, of all baptisms, of certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions as directed by the Timberline Baptist Church, and shall preserve all documents, papers, and letters coming into his hands during his term of office. All records are to be kept in the Timberline Baptist Church office and delivered to any successor upon his leaving office. He shall keep an account of any special events in the life of the Timberline Baptist Church which are of historical interest and shall give a report, if requested to do so, at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting of the status of the Timberline Baptist Church membership roll in the past year. The minister of records shall also serve as the secretary of the corporation.
SECTION 4 - THE MINISTER OF FINANCE
The minister of finance shall account for all funds contributed to the Timberline Baptist Church and shall disburse the same as ordered by the Timberline Baptist Church. He shall present a written report of itemized disbursements at the regular quarterly Timberline Baptist Church administration meetings and make a general report for the year at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting. All expenditures of the Timberline Baptist Church except miscellaneous petty cash disbursements shall be paid by check. The minister of finance shall also serve as treasurer of the corporation.
SECTION 5 - THE MINISTER OF SUNDAY SCHOOL
The minister of Sunday school shall supervise the Sunday school. In consultation with the Pastor, he shall recommend the appointment of the teachers of the Sunday school. He shall preside at the teachers' meetings and report on the condition of the Sunday school at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting. This position may be filled by the Pastor.
SECTION 6 - THE MINISTER OF HOSPITALITY
The minister of hospitality, in cooperation with the Pastor, shall appoint a sufficient number of assistants to care for the work of ushering and extending the official hospitality of the Timberline Baptist Church to its members and visitors.
SECTION 7 - ASSOCIATE PASTORS
Under the direction and guidance of the Pastor, the associate Pastors of the Timberline Baptist Church shall assist the Pastor in carrying out the ministries of the Timberline Baptist Church.
SECTION 8 - DUTIES OF ALL OFFICERS
A. All officers shall prepare a written report of their work for the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting and shall surrender any records in their possession to the minister of records at the close of their term of office to be filed as a permanent record of the work of the Timberline Baptist Church. All records are the property of the Timberline Baptist Church and must be kept in the Timberline Baptist Church office.
B. Any officer who neglects his duties as outlined in the constitution for a period of three months may be removed from his office at the discretion of the Pastor and another may be appointed by the Pastor to serve the unexpired term.
SECTION 9 - INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
A public installation service in which all newly elected or appointed officers of the Timberline Baptist Church are to be dedicated to their respective offices and the ordination of newly elected or appointed deacons shall be held at a public Church service following their election or appointment at the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting.
SECTION 1 - MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP
Unless otherwise determined by the Pastor, the Timberline Baptist 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 it, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday evening of each month.
SECTION 2 - MEETINGS FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATION
A quarterly Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting of the Timberline Baptist Church shall be held on the first Sunday evening of each quarter, at which time the regular Timberline Baptist Church administration shall be considered. A quorum shall consist of the members present.
SECTION 3 - SPECIAL MEETINGS
A. The Pastor (or deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant or the Pastor is the subject of possible disciplinary action) may call a special meeting by giving notice of such a meeting and the purpose for which it is called to the Timberline Baptist Church from the pulpit at least one Sunday and not less than one week prior to said meeting. A meeting for election of a Pastor may be called by the pulpit committee at any regular Church meeting of the Timberline Baptist Church at least two weeks in advance.
B. Bible conferences, missionary conferences, and revivals may be held as the Pastor deems beneficial.
SECTION 4 - FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Timberline Baptist Church shall begin January 1st and end December 31st.
SECTION 1 - PURPOSE
The Timberline Baptist Church believes that it is to provide the members' children with an education which is based upon and consistent with Biblical teachings. The Timberline Baptist Church believes that the home and Church are responsible before God for providing a Christian education. To this end, the Timberline Baptist Church shall engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates:
SECTION 2 - CHURCH PARTICIPATION
All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the Timberline Baptist Church shall be primarily for the benefit of the members of the Timberline Baptist Church; however, the Pastor may permit non-church members to participate in Church educational programs or courses of instruction if he deems it in the best interest of the Timberline Baptist Church.
SECTION 3 - STAFF MEMBERSHIP
All instructors, teachers, and administrators shall be members of the Timberline Baptist Church. This provision shall not apply to visiting missionaries, evangelists, or preachers engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals, or other special meetings on a temporary basis.
SECTION 4 - STATEMENT OF FAITH ACCORD
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be taught and presented in full accord with the Statement of Faith of the Timberline Baptist Church.
SECTION 5 - UNITY
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted as an integral and inseparable ministry of the Timberline Baptist Church.
SECTION 6 - TEACHING
All educational programs or courses of instruction shall be conducted consistent with the teaching of the inerrant Word of God. Any assertion or belief which conflicts with or questions a Bible truth is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth which will be disclaimed as false. It is the responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as the sole infallible source of knowledge and wisdom.
SECTION 7 - CHRISTIAN WALK
All administrators, instructors, and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with the precepts which they teach, whether in or out of the classroom.
Any expenditures in excess of $200 and not authorized in the regular annual budget must be authorized by the Pastor (or the Board of Deacons if the office of Pastor is vacant).
SECTION 1 - ORDINATION QUALIFICATIONS
Any member of the Timberline Baptist Church or its mission Churches who gives evidence of a genuine call of God into the work of the ministry and possesses the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, may be ordained as a minister of the Gospel.
SECTION 2 - ORDINATION PROCEDURE
A. Upon a conference with the Pastor and after the Pastor has approved the candidate for ordination, the Pastor shall call a council to examine and pass on the qualification of the candidate. The ordination council shall consist of ordained ministers of like faith invited to participate in the examination of the candidate.
B. If the candidate is found worthy of the ordination by the council, the ordination council may ordain the candidate on behalf of the Timberline Baptist Church.
C. The Pastor and the chairman of the deacons shall arrange for the ordination service.
SECTION 1 - PRIVATE INUREMENT
No part of the net earnings of the Timberline Baptist Church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Timberline Baptist Church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article I, Section 2 hereof.
SECTION 2 - POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
No substantial part of the activities of the Timberline Baptist Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Timberline Baptist Church shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
SECTION 3 - DISSOLUTION
Upon the dissolution of the Timberline Baptist Church, the Trustees shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all liabilities of the Timberline Baptist Church, dispose of all assets of the Timberline Baptist Church to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to organizations which agree with the Timberline Baptist Church's Statement of Faith.
SECTION 4 - RACIAL NONDISCRIMINATION
The Timberline Baptist Church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
From time to time, the Timberline Baptist Church, in the exercise of its religious, educational, and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors may suggest uses for their contributions, but all suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. All contributions made to specific funds or otherwise designated shall remain subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by a designated contribution made to the Timberline Baptist Church other than to use the contribution for the general furtherance of any of the purposes stated in Article I, Section 2.
This Constitution may be revised or amended by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit fourteen (14) days before the vote is taken.
This Constitution was adopted by a unanimous vote of the members present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Timberline Baptist Church in which a quorum was present. This Constitution and Bylaws supersedes any other constitutions and/or bylaws of the Timberline Baptist Church.
Date: February 28, 1999
Minister of Records: Joanna Jackson
NUMBER 1
Each member of the Timberline Baptist Church shall be entitled to vote on all matters except those pertaining to the disciplining of members, the purchase or sale of real property, and the dismissal or calling of a Pastor, in which matters only members at least sixteen years of age shall be entitled to vote.
NUMBER 2
All Timberline Baptist Church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for Divine guidance and blessing.
NUMBER 3
All appointments for public worship and Bible study and the arrangements thereof, including time and place and the use of the property belonging to the Timberline Baptist Church for purposes other than the stated appointments, shall be under the control of the Pastor.
NUMBER 4
The date of the annual Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting shall be determined at the regular Timberline Baptist Church ministry affairs meeting in September of each year.
NUMBER 5
All literature and music used in the Timberline Baptist Church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith and approved by the Pastor prior to its use.
NUMBER 6
The following order shall be observed at the regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meetings:
- Prayer
- Reading of minutes
- Dismissal of members
- Report of officers
- Reports of standing or special committees
- Unfinished matters
- New matters
- Election or appointment of officers
- Adjournment
- Closing prayer
NUMBER 7
These bylaws may be altered, suspended, or amended at a regular Timberline Baptist Church administration meeting by a majority vote of the members present and voting.