Beef River Baptist Church
Constitution and
Operational Policies
Pastor Thomas E. Kresal
104 5th Avenue North
Strum, WI 54770
Beef River Baptist Church
Constitution & Operational Policies
Article I
NAME & OBJECTIVE
Section 1 – Name:
This congregation of believers shall be known as the “Beef River Baptist Church”.
Section 2 – Objective:
The objective of this church (“church”, unless expressly defined in context, shall be understood as defined in Article II, Section VII of this document) shall be to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ for all purposes required in, or consistent with, scripture, including, but not limited to, the purpose of:
(1) Evangelizing the unsaved as we go about our daily lives, through evangelistic outreach, training and educational ministries, and printing, and distribution of the scriptures. As listed, the auxiliary ministries are: Chaplain Thomas E. Kresal Jail and Prison Ministry Outreach at Trempealeau County Jail, Whitehall, WI and Jackson County Institution in Black River Falls, WI.
(2) Strengthening and building up the membership of Beef River Baptist church in the most holy faith, through worship, training, teaching, and education of the saints; with the consideration that the scriptures command us to come out from among the world and to assemble as the Beef River Baptist Church; for this reason, the regularly scheduled services of the Beef River Baptist Church are not intended to be considered public meetings, but private meetings, for those who have accepted Christ by faith and have been scripturally baptized in deep water by an authorized administrator and who are in good standing have been made members of this church by such means;
(3) Actively engaging in the enterprise of missions, both at home and abroad, with prayer and financial support;
(4) Educating our members and their children in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both in Sunday and weekly schools of Christian education;
The establishing of the Beef River Baptist Church is to promote a sound, evangelical testimony, and true-to-the-Bible witness for the glory of Christ.
Article II
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Beef River Baptist Church
434 Woodland Drive
Strum, WI 54770
“…to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us…” — Luke 1:1.
I. CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURES:
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God as its Author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principle by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man, the true center of all Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
1. By the “Holy Bible” we mean that collection of sixty six books from Genesis to The Revelation, divinely preserved in the English language and commonly known as the authorized, King James Version of 1611 A.D.
2. By “inspiration” we mean that all books of the Bible were written down by holy men of God as they were supernaturally moved by the Holy Ghost, in a definite yet inexplicable way so as to record the very words and sense of God, though conveyed within their own literary styles; that such writings are free from all error and from all omission as no other writings have been or ever will be; that the Bible does not merely contain the Word of God, but is the very Word of God.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:19-21; Acts 1:16; 3:21; II Samuel 23:2; Acts 28:25; Psalm 119:89,130,160; I Corinthians 2:12,13; Luke 24:25-27,44,45; Psalm 12:6.7; Isaiah 40:8; I Peter 1:23-25; John 10:35; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Luke 16:17, 29-31; 21:33; John 17:17; Proverbs 30:5,6; Romans 3:4; 15:4, Revelation 22:18,19 John 12:48; Isaiah 8:20; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 19:7-11; John 5:39, 45-47; Romans 10:17.
II. CONCERNING THE TRUE GOD:
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
- Of God the Father.
We believe the Scriptures teach that God the Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the events of human history according to the purposes of His grace; that He is unchangeable in holiness, love and truth; that He is Father in truth to those who are the children of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and fatherly in His attitude toward all men, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 3:14; 15:11; 20:2,3; I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; John 4:24; Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Revelation 4:11; I Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33; Mark 12:30; Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7; II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; I John 1:5; 4:8; Hebrews 12:29; Deuteronomy 6:4,5; Isaiah 6:3; I Peter 1:15.
2. Of God the Son. - We believe the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, co-equal, co-essential, and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Ghost, the second Person of the Trinity; that He was born into this world of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of a woman, and that He is both perfect God and perfect man; that He lived a sinless life, honoring the divine Law by His personal obedience, yet identifying Himself completely with mankind; that He died a substitutionary death on the cross securing redemption through His shed blood for sinners; that He supernaturally rose again the third day with a glorified body, was seen of many, and ascended into the heavens to be exalted and seated at the right hand of the Father where He is the Head over His churches, the Mediator and Advocate with God the Father for all believers; and that He is supernaturally coming again to this world to reign personally and visibly over the earth.
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Mark 1:1; John 1:1-3,14; Psalm 2:7; Hebrews 1:8; Galatians 4:4; I John 5:20; I Corinthians 15:47; Isaiah 9:6,7; John 8:58; 10:30; 17:5; Philippians 2:5-11; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; Romans 9:5; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 13:8; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:24-28; Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 10:12; I John 2:1; Isaiah 53:6; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; I Corinthians 15:3,4; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Colossians 1:18.
3. Of God the Holy Spirit.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Holy Ghost is a divine Person, co-equal, co-essential, co-eternal, and co-active with God the Father and God the Son, the third Person of the Trinity; that He was active in the creation of the universe; that He moved holy men of God to write the Bible; that He is the present representative of the Godhead on this earth, and in His relationship to the unbelieving world restrains evil, convicting men of sin, of righteousness, and judgment; that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony, and is the Agent of the new birth, regenerating those who by faith believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; that He seals, fills, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and comforts all believers, cultivating in them Christian character and bestowing upon them spiritual gifts by which they serve God in the church, these gifts being entirely unlike those falsehoods perpetrated within the so-called “Charismatic Movement” of today.
John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; 16:8-11,13; Acts 5:3,4,30-32; 11:16; I Corinthians 2:10,11; 12:4-6; Hebrews 9:14; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; John 1:33, 3:5,6; Ephesians 1:13,14; II Thessalonians 2:7,13; Romans 8:14,16,26,27; I Peter 1:2.
III. CONCERNING THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE, WEDDING CEREMONY, CLOSED MARRIAGE, AND STATE MARRIAGE LICENSES AND MANKIND:
THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE: We believe the Scriptures teach that God created man in His own image and after His own likeness; that man is notably distinct from all other forms of life, being tripartite in nature and having an everlasting soul; that man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms of life; that the entire Genesis account of creation is to be accepted literally and not allegorically or figuratively; that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and specially, and God’s established law is that they should bring forth only “after their kind.” We believe that, in regard to the procreation process of mankind, that the mystery of the church was hid in and revealed by marriage between one man and one woman that enter into the covenant of marriage that would be recognized by the scriptures. The mystery of the church is exemplified by the husband and wife relationship, illustrating that Christ is the groom and the church is the bride (Eph 5:30-33). Therefore, marriage is to be between one man and one woman and is to exemplify Christ and His church. It is for this reason that any other view or practice of marriage, other than as between one man and one woman, is incompatible with the scriptures and therefore incompatible with the requirements in regard to the membership of this (Beef River Baptist Church) church body. If marriage is not between a man and a woman, we believe it is not recognized as marriage at all and is to be considered in violation of human nature, Laws of God, and the scriptures, and is to be considered sinful, vile and without natural affection.
WEDDING CEREMONY: We believe that the ceremony of a wedding that joins one man to one woman is an allegory of the marriage of Christ to his bride which is the local, visible and scriptural church (church as described in this statement of faith) of Jesus Christ. The groom represents Jesus Christ and the bride represents the visible church which is the bride of Christ. This ceremony in relation to this church body, property and policies is to represent and be in line with this doctrine “in holiness, purity and practice” that is, to be between one man and one woman that are members of Beef River Baptist Church and are in good standing who share, believe and practice this visible truth.
CLOSED MARRIAGE: We believe that these doctrines and practices are and were given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. In regard to marriage and preserving the institution and doctrine of marriage, we believe that the ceremony of the solemnization of marriage belongs to this church body and its ordained ministers. We believe that this doctrinal practice is to be between members of this church body who believe that the bride is the local visible church body and the groom is Christ. We believe that this practice is our responsibility to preserve and protect. As communion is known as the Lord’s table, which is between Christ and His bride, the local visible church, is closed to the public and only open to its members, likewise, we believe the practice, ceremony and solemnization of marriage is closed to all but its membership as well. This practice shall be considered, known and called “Closed Marriage”.
STATE MARRIAGE LICENSES: We believe that marriage was the first institution that was given by God our creator to the first man and woman. Marriage is a gift from God and is considered a great mystery concerning Christ and his church. Marriage was in existence before any city, state, nation or government. Therefore we do not believe that it is necessary to secure a marriage license from the state or any other political entity or power in order for a man and woman to live together in the holy bonds of matrimony. We believe it would be a violation of the principle of separation of church and state for the government to impose its will upon us as a church body in regard to the solemnization or authority of a marriage that is practiced within the confines’ of our faith and practice. For marriage is from God, it is holy, it is honorable and God joins it together. Therefore, we believe and conclude that the appointment of authority comes from Christ and was given to his churches. Whatsoever is bound on earth by the church(es) is also recognized bound in heaven by God.
Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 5:30-33. John 3:27-30; Revelation 21:9; 2 Corinthians 11:12; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 16:19,18:18, 25:1-13
1. Of the Fall of Man.
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression through an act of deliberate disobedience, fell from that sinless and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the Law of God, positively inclined to evil; that upon reaching a capability of moral action, becomes a transgressor and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse.
Genesis 1:1,11,25-27,31; 2:21-23; Exodus 20:11; Acts 4:24; Colossians 1:16,17; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:3; Revelation 10:6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jeremiah 10:12; Nehemiah 9:6; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Genesis 3:1-6,24; Romans 1:18,20,28,32; 3:10-19; 5:12,19; Ezekiel 18:19,20; Galatians 3:10,22; Psalm 51:6; Isaiah 53:6; Ephesians 2:3; Matthew 20:15.
2. Of Civil Government.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good of human society; that all those in authority are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except only in things opposed to the revealed will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the rulers of the earth; that civil rulers have no rights to have control over, or interference with, religious matters; that churches and religious organizations should receive no help from the State, except protection and full freedom in the pursuit of spiritual ends; and that the requiring of an implicit faith and absolute blind obedience destroys liberty of conscience and reason.
Romans 13:1-7; I Peter 2:13,14,17; Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Timothy 2:1-8; Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7,10; Acts 4:18-20; Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:14; Psalm 72:11; II Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21,22; Acts 23:5; Philippians 2:10,11.
IV. CONCERNING THE WAY OF SALVATION AND THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL:
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of the grace of God, through the merits of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus Christ and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ began with the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist.
Mark 1:1-4 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
1. Of the Law and the Gospel.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their sinful nature; to deliver them from which, and that to restore them through a Mediator of unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is the one great end of the Gospel; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
Romans 3:20,31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17; Romans 4:15; 7:7,12,14,22; Galatians 3:21; Romans 8:2,4,7,8; 10:4; I Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 8:10.
2. Of God’s Purpose of Grace.
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves those sinners who, by faith, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of God’s free mercy to others; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; and that it is the foundation of Christian assurance.
II Timothy 1:8,9; II Thessalonians 2:13,14; II Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:22; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; II Peter 1:10; I Thessalonians 4:10; Isaiah 42:16; Romans 11:29.
3. Of the Freeness of Salvation.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth except his own inherent depravity and voluntary refusal to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, which refusal will subject him to an aggravated condemnation.
I Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; I Peter 1:2; Titus 1:1; Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 55:1,6,7; Revelation 22:17; Romans 10:13; John 6:37; Acts 2:38; John 3:15,16; I Timothy 1:15; I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:4,5; John 15:40; John 3:18,36.
4. Of the Atonement for Sin.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Son of God, by appointment with the Father, freely took upon Him not the nature of angels but of the seed of Abraham, yet without sin; that by His death on the cross, made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by his death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinners’ place, the Just dying for the unjust; that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven and, uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate, and all-sufficient Saviour.
Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24,25; John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7,8; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; I John 4;10; I Corinthians 15:3,20; II Corinthians 5:21; John 10:18; Galatians 1:4; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Isaiah 53:11,12; Hebrews 2:14 ,16; 7:25; 9:12-15; 12:2; I John 2:2.
5. Of Regeneration.
We believe the Scriptures teach that regeneration, or the “new birth”, is that change wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, by which a new nature and a spiritual life, not before possessed, are imparted, and the person becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus; that a holy disposition is given to the mind, the will subdued, the dominion of sin broken, and the affections changed from a love of sin and self, to a love of holiness and God; that the change is instantaneous and not a process, effected not by culture or character, nor by the will of man, but solely through the power of God through the Word of God, in a manner incomprehensible to reason.
John 3:3,6; I Peter 1:23; James 1:18; II Corinthians 5:17; I John 2:29; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:13; 2:13; Romans 6:13; John 1:12,13; I Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5-7.
6. Of Repentance.
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance is a personal act, prompted by the Spirit of God; and consists of a godly sorrow over sin as offensive to God and ruinous to the soul; that it is accompanied with great humiliation in view of one’s sin and guilt, together with prayer for pardon; also by sincere hatred of sin, and a persistent turning away from, and abandonment of, all that is evil and unholy. We further believe that repentance is a gift from God that will allow the repentant persons to acknowledge truth, that they may be able to recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.
Matthew 3:1,2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19; 5:31; 17:30; 20:21; Luke 18:13; 24:47; II Corinthians 7:2; Romans 2:5; Isaiah 55:7; Psalm 51:1-4,7; 2 Timothy 2:25-26.
7. Of Faith.
We believe the Scriptures teach that faith, inseparably united with repentance, is a solemn obligation and a grace wrought in our soul by the quickening Spirit of God; that it is an assent of the mind and a consent of the heart, consisting mainly of belief and trust, wherein the testimony of God is accepted and believed as true, while Christ is unreservedly received for salvation; that through it, the believer is brought into vital relations with God, as seeing Him Who is invisible, and is freely justified; that it reveals Christ to the soul as a willing and sufficient Savior, and commits the heart and life to Him.
Acts 16:31; Romans 1:17; 3:22; 5:1; 10:3,9-13; Hebrews 11:1,6; James 2:23; Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 34:22; 125:1; II Corinthians 5:7.
8. Of Justification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe on Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needed for time and eternity.
John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8; Acts 13:39; Isaiah 3:11,12; Romans 5:1-3,9,11; 8:1; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 10:43; Matthew 6:33; I Corinthians 1:30,31; I Timothy 4:8; Isaiah 53:11.
9. Of Adoption.
We believe the Scriptures teach that adoption is a gracious act by which the Father, for the sake of Christ, accepts believers to the estate and condition of children, by a new and spiritual birth; sending the Spirit of Adoption into their hearts, whereby they become members of the family of God, entitled to all rights, privileges, and promises of children; and if children, then heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ to the heritage of all saints on earth, and an inheritance reserved in Heaven for them.
Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 3:26; 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:5; I John 3:1; Hebrews12:7; I Peter 2:9.
10. Of Sanctification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that sanctification is that work by which, according to the will of God, we are set apart unto God in spirit, soul and body being called out of this world to assemble as a church body and made partakers of His holiness; that it is both a declared fact and a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried out in the hearts and actions of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, through the continual use of the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, prayer, and in the practice of all godly exercises and duties.
II Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1; 13:9; Ephesians 1:4; 4:11,12; Proverbs 4:18; II Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 6:1; II Peter 1:5-8; Philemon 12-16; Philippians 2:12,13; I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 13:5; I Timothy 4:7.
11. Of the Preservation of the Saints.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such as are truly regenerate, being born of the Spirit of God, cannot utterly fall away and finally perish, but will endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from those who have professed their faith superficially; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
John 6:39,66-69; 8:31,32; 13:8; I John 2:19,27,28; 3:9; 5:18; Matthew 13:19-21; Romans 8:28,35-39; Matthew 6:20,30-33; John 4:4; Philippians 1:6; 2:12,13; Jude 24,25; Hebrews 1:14; 13:5; John 10:28,29; 16:8; Colossians 1:21-23; I Peter 1:5.
12. Of the Righteous and the Wicked.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only such as through faith are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in God’s esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are, in His sight, wicked and under the curse; and that this distinction holds among men in this life and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved, and the everlasting conscious suffering in the lake of fire of the lost.
Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Isaiah 5:20; Genesis 18:23; Jeremiah 15:19; Acts 10:34,35; Romans 1:17; 6:16,18,22,23; 7:6; I John 2:7,29; 3:7; 5:19; I Corinthians 11:32; 15:22; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36; Isaiah 55:6,7; 57:21; Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; 12:25,26; Luke 9:26; 12:4,5; 11:23-26; Matthew 7:13,14; 25:34; Proverbs 11:31; I Peter 1:18.
V. CONCERNING THE UNSEEN WORLD:
1. Of Angels.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a vast celestial kingdom of spirit beings called Angels, in ages past created holy, glorious, and higher than man; a vast company of various ranks worshiping God, ministering to His glorious Person and to His children.
Psalm 148:2,5; Colossians 1:16; Nehemiah 9:6; Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103;20; 104:4; Daniel 9:21,22; Luke 9:26; Mark 8:38; Daniel 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7; Psalm 80:1; 99;1,11; Revelation 4:6-8; Ezekiel 1:4-28; Isaiah 6:1-3; II Thessalonians 1:7,8; Psalm 34:7; Acts 12:7-11; II Kings 6:17.
2. Of the Devil, or Satan.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Satan, as the mighty Cherub (angel) Lucifer, was once holy, enjoying heavenly honors; but that, through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant “prince of the power of the air”, the unholy god of this world; that he is man’s great tempter, the enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power that backs the present apostasy; the lord of the Antichrist (the papacy), and all other antichrists now present in the world; and the author of all the powers of darkness; destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God’s own son, and the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Revelation 12:9; Jude 6; Ephesians 2:2; II Peter 2:4; John 14:30; I Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 4:1-3; I Peter 5:8; I John 3:8; Matthew 13:25,37,39; Luke 22:3,4; Revelation 12;10; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Mark 13:21,22; I John 4:3; II John 7; I John 2:22; Revelation 13:13,14; 12:7-9; 19:11,16,20; 20:1-3,10; II Thessalonians 2:8-11; Matthew 25:41.
VI. CONCERNING SIN:
We believe the Scriptures teach that sin is any transgression of, or in want of conformity to, the revealed will of God; that it has permeated the entire universe, including every realm and affecting every race and species amongst creation; that every man is born with a sin nature, an inherent inclination toward evil which results in acts of wrongdoing; that the wages of sin is death, being separation from God in this life and throughout eternity.
I John 3:4; Numbers 32:23; Isaiah 53:13; Matthew 7:23; 23:28; Romans 6:19; Judges 20:16; Romans 3:23; I Samuel 15:23; Jeremiah 2:25; Luke 19:14; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 3:14,18; Romans 8:22; 1:18-32; Psalm 51:5; 58:3; John 3:19; James 4:17; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27; Romans 5:12,14; Ephesians 2:1; 4:8; Matthew 10:23; Revelation 20:15.
VII. CONCERNING THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD:
We believe the institution of the church of Christ is a scriptural Baptist (not as a name, but as a doctrine) church that was started and established personally by the Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry (Matt 16:18), and not at Pentecost. The church that Christ formed was both local and visible. (Matt 18:17). We reject the concept of a universal, invisible church, as it weakens the authority of the local churches and is unscriptural. We believe the scripture uses the word “church” in reference to local assemblies (1 Cor 1:2) and in an institutional ( Gal 1:13) or generic sense, (like we or us Heb 10:25). The local Baptist church is to be made up of born again, scripturally baptized believers (Act 2:41) by being a proper candidate (A person who is capable of and having the repentance of sin and having believing faith and is saved), by proper mode (Deep water for total body immersion), and by a properly-authorized and ordained Baptist administrator, who is organized and authorized to carry out the works of the gospel ministry. The church is the house of God and is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). We believe that the succession, perpetuity and continuity of the scriptural Baptist church can be traced back to Christ and His apostles (Eph 3:20-21). The mystery of the church is exemplified by the husband and wife relationship, illustrating that Christ is the groom and the church is the bride (Eph 5:30-33). Therefore, marriage is to be between one man and one woman and is to exemplify Christ and His church. It is for this reason that any other view of marriage, other than between one man and one woman, is incompatible with the scriptures and therefore incompatible with the requirements in regard to the membership of this church body.
We believe the Scriptures teach that a Baptist church is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) ; governed by His laws, and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only Scriptural offices of the church today are pastors (elders, bishops, evangelists as church planting pastors), and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the New Testament. We also believe that pastors and bishops are called of God and appointed by the Holy Ghost over the flock of which God has made them overseer. We furthermore believe that deacons are not called of God, but rather are chosen of the people and appointed by the pastor for menial tasks, i.e. the needs of widows, orphans and the poor; The true mission of each church is found in the Great Commission; first, to make individual disciples; second, to build up the church by baptizing those believers (repentance before faith and faith before the water); and third, to teach and instruct as He has commanded; that his order cannot be reversed; that each church has the absolute right of self government, free from any interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only Head of each church is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is Scriptural for churches of like faith and order to co-operate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel, but that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its co-operation; that in all matters of membership, policy, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of each church is final.
We believe that the very night that the Lord was betrayed He established the Lord’s Supper. We also believe that on this very night that the Kingdom which God had appointed to Christ was, in turn, appointed by Christ to the church. For this reason, the church is the executor of the Kingdom of God and of the Last Will and Testament (New Testament) of our Lord and S aviour Jesus Christ.
The individuals of a scriptural church body are enabled by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and, as a body, are enabled individuals. The church was made the executor of the Kingdom when Christ appointed it to the church. For this reason the church is authorized with all power of heaven. With this in mind, the local visible church is the instrument by which the enabled membership, with all power, is to go into the entire world and preach the gospel of the kingdom, baptize and observe all things the Lord commanded.
Acts 2:41,42,47; 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; I Corinthians 4:17; 5:5,11,18; 11:2,23; II Corinthians 8:5,23,24; I Timothy 3:5,15; II Thessalonians 3:7; Romans16:17-20; Matthew 18:15-20; 28:19,20; John 14:15; 15:10; I John 4:21; I Thessalonians 4:2; II John 6; Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:1-6 14:23; 15:22,23; 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Ephesians 1:22,23; 3:20-21; 4:11;5:30-33 I Corinthians 12:4,8-11; Acts 6:5,6; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23,24; I Peter 5:1-4; Jude 3,4; I Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; Luke 22:2930; Hebrews 6:4-5.
VIII. CONCERNING THE ORDINANCES:
1. Of Scriptural Baptism.
We believe that there are two ordinances committed to the church:
We believe that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism for Jew and Gentile alike. We believe that the ordinance of water baptism came from God and was given to John the Baptist. We believe that the water (Christian) baptism practiced today is the same baptism that came from John. We reject that the ordinance of Christian baptism began at Pentecost. We also believe that any saved person that does not receive this water baptism that came from God and was given to John and then to the Apostles and the church, rejects the counsel of God (Luke 7:30). Baptism is for born again believers only and consists of full immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (Matt 28:19). We also believe that water baptism is to be performed by the hands of an authorized, ordained minister of a scriptural Baptist church. It is not a sacrament of salvation, but is a public profession of our faith and a covenant with that particular church body to henceforth cast off the works of darkness, as we are baptized into that local body. Water baptism also symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism also symbolizes that we have died with Him and are raised to walk in the newness of life, in the casting away of the filth of the flesh, which is metaphorically the circumcision of the heart. (Deut 10:16 Rom 2:29, 6:4, 1 Pet 3:21, Col 2:11). It is through water baptism that one enters into the fellowship and membership of the Beef River Baptist Church (Romans 6:1-5; 1 Cor 12:12-13). Scriptural Baptism from other scriptural Baptist churches is recognized as such, and a prospective church member is therefore accepted by transfer of letter for transfer of church membership (Acts 18:24-28), based upon the following conditions: That this church body must be familiar with the church and the administrator of said baptism, the familiarity consisting of the assurance that both church and administrator have true scriptural authority; that the administrator has had a proper and a biblically-authorized ordination, in order to execute the ordinance of baptism; that the church has a foundation that would be considered true, proper and scriptural. If facts that support such authority for said baptism is in question, it is to be rejected, and the candidate for church membership is to present themselves for scriptural baptism under the authority of a scriptural Baptist Church, i.e. Beef River Baptist Church.
We believe the Scriptures teach that baptism is the immersion in water of the believer in Christ, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, performed with the church’s authority; to show forth in solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership; that infants are God’s little ones, whether children of Christian or non-Christian parents, and are safe in Christ until an age of moral accountability is reached, thus making any thoughts of “infant baptism” unnecessary.
Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 2:41; 8:12,13,26-39; 9:17,18; 10:25,26,44-48; 16:14,15,25-37; 18:7-11; Matthew 3:1-16; 21:24,25; John 3:22,23; 4:1,2; Galatians 3:27,28; Ephesians 4:5 1; Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans2:9, 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12; I Peter 3:15,20,21; II Samuel 23:22,23; Proverbs 20:11; Deut 10:16.Romans 6:1-5; Acts 18:24-28.
2. Of the Lord’s Supper.
The Lord’s Supper is a scriptural local church ordinance that must be administered by a scriptural ordained Baptist minister and approached by saved, baptized members of that local church who are in good standing. Christ gave this ordinance to his Church the night that He was betrayed (Luke 22:28-30, 1 Cor 11:23), and by this appointment, the church received this ordinance. The same night, the church also received the appointment of Christ’s Kingdom, meaning that the church is the executor. As executors of this appointed Kingdom, the church has the responsibility to perpetually keep all the ordinances and His laws until Jesus Christ himself returns and partakes with us in His (Christ’s) Kingdom. The Lord’s Supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (non-alcoholic grape juice) (Matt 26:26-28). These elements, which we use, are symbolic only, of Christ’s body and blood which were broken and shed on the cross for us. They serve as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice for us (1 Cor 11:24), and a declaration of faith in His promised return (1 Cor 11:26). We further believe that as the ordinance of baptism is required for membership, likewise, the Lord commanded that participation in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper also be required of each church member.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord’s Supper is a provision of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, as symbols of Christ’s body and shed blood; partaken of by the members of a scriptural church, in commemoration of the suffering and death of their Lord, and in hopeful anticipation of His return.
Matthew 26:27-30; 28:20; Mark 14:20-26; Luke 22:19,20; I Corinthians 10:16; 11:2,17-34.
IX. CONCERNING HERESY AND APOSTASY:
We believe the Scriptures teach that it is necessary to maintain a total and complete separation from all forms of heresy and ecclesiastical apostasy. We believe the Scripture admonishes us to try them, mark them, rebuke them, have no fellowship with them, withdraw ourselves, receive them not, have no company with them, reject them, and separate ourselves from them.
Romans 16:17; II Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 5:11; II Thessalonians 3:6,14; Titus 1:13; 3:10; I John 4:1; II John 10,11.
X. CONCERNING THE GRACE OF GIVING:
We believe the Scriptures teach that giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith; that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; that tithing is a Bible principle, and that the storehouse for the tithe in this present age is the common treasury of the church; that we are under obligation to serve God with our time, talents, and material possessions, and are commanded to cheerfully, regularly, and liberally bring our tithes and offerings into the storehouse upon the first day of the week. We further believe that the tithe is a demonstration of our faith and witness that Jesus Christ our High Priest lives today and is at the right hand of the Father. (Heb 7:8)
Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 8:18; Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:23; I Corinthians 9:13,14; 16:1,2; Hebrews 7:2,4; Acts 4:35,37; Proverbs 3:9; II Corinthians 8:3,12; 9:7,8; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 7:8.
XI. CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION AND LAST THINGS:
We believe the Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ rose literally and bodily from the dead on the third day; that having ascended into glory, He alone is our merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God; that this same Jesus shall return to earth bodily, personally, and visibly; first, to raise the righteous dead and catch up all living believers in the twinkling of an eye, then, to return with the saints to set up His glorious kingdom of a millennium of peace and righteousness, having executed judgment upon an unbelieving world; that, at the final day of judgment, all Christ-rejecting sinners will be raised, judged, and cast into the lake of fire for everlasting damnation, and that the saved will live with Him for eternity according to the sure promises of God.
Matthew 28:6,7; Luke 24:2,4-6,19,51; John 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:6,19; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 3:21; Hebrews 8:1,6; 12:2; I Timothy 2:5; I John 2:1; Hebrews 2:17; 5:9,10; John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:16,17; Matthew 24:27,35,42; Hebrews 9:28; I Corinthians 15:25,42-44,51-53; Philippians 4:20,21; Luke 1:32; Isaiah 11:4,5; Psalm 72:8; Revelation 20:1-4,6,15; 21:7,8,24-27; 22:11; I Peter 4:7; I Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Revelation 1:7; I John 2:17; Acts 24:15; Luke 14:14; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 6:40; 11:25,26; II Timothy 1:10; Acts 10:42; Matthew 13:37-43,49; 25:35-41; II Peter 2:9,11,12; Revelation 20:20.
XII. CONCERNING ORDINATION:
We believe that in order for the perpetuity, succession, and continuity of the Baptist church that Jesus established and started during His earthly ministry, He established the ordination of His ministers. We believe that only men are called of God to the office of the Pastor (bishop, evangelist), and that they must fulfill the biblical qualifications found in the scriptures. We believe that pastors must be scripturally ordained to be able to administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that ordination and its process belongs to the local church. We believe that ordination is the conveying of authority of the local church into a qualified man, via the laying on of hands of other scripturally-ordained Baptist ministers. Ordination authorizes a minister to baptize converts, establish churches and administer the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, and is to set things in order, that the great commission can be fulfilled. Without proper ordination, the conveying of church authority is null and void.
Mark 3:14; John 15:16; Titus 1:5; I Tim 4:14; I Tim 5:22; II Tim 1:6.
Article III
CHURCH COVENANT
HAVING BEEN LEAD, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of our Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 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 of Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children and seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, and backbiting, and excessive anger, to abstain from the sales and use of illegal and/or recreational drugs, intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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 in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we shall, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of the covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Article IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Membership:
Membership shall be extended to all who have had lives, and whose lives evidence, a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in, and acceptance of, Jesus Christ as personal Savior, who renounce sin, who endeavor to live according to our church covenant a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord, and who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein, upon compliance with any of the following conditions:
- By water baptism (immersion) under the authority of Beef River Baptist Church and by the hands of a duly authorized ordained minister as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior.
(2) By letter of transfer from another scriptural Baptist church, applicant having been duly baptized, with the following provisions: That this church body is familiar with the church and the administrator of said baptism, the familiarity consisting of the assurance that both church and administrator have true scriptural authority; that the administrator has a proper and biblically-authorized ordination in order to execute the ordinance of baptism; that the church in question has a foundation that would be considered true, proper and scriptural. If familiarity of either the church or the administrator of said baptism cannot be established, this baptism is to be rejected.
(4) By restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon confession made publicly before the church membership, of the sin or sins involved, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance.
(5) Members in good standing are those who attend the Lord’s Table and are active in church attendance as contained in operational policies, number 1.
Section 2 – Duties of a Member:
On becoming a member of this church, each member will to the best of their ability accept and practice the church covenant. Each member is to honor, esteem and love the pastor; to pray for him, to recognize his authority in visible and spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer and with financial support as the Lord enables, and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support through a lifestyle walk of affirmation the beliefs and practices of the church.
Section 3 – Discipline:
All members of this church shall be subject to church discipline. If, after prayerful and deliberate effort, all endeavors to correct the cause fail (Matt. 18:15-17), then the church shall withdraw fellowship and withdraw membership of the member being disciplined, upon a majority vote of the membership present at a meeting called for such purpose and requesting such action.
Members of this church, unless having valid excuse, who have not attended and contributed to its support for a period of one year, shall be automatically dropped from the membership after an honest effort has been made by the pastor(s) and/or deacons (if convenient), or others selected in the membership to correct the delinquency.
Section 4 – Transfer to another church:
Members in good and regular standing may, at their request and on majority vote of the church, receive letters of transfer to another scriptural Baptist church of like faith and practice, and that this church body is familiar with the church and the administrator of baptism, the familiarity consisting of the assurance that both church and administrator have true scriptural authority; that the administrator has a proper and biblically-authorized ordination in order to execute the ordinance of baptism; that the church in question has a foundation that would be considered true, proper and scriptural. If familiarity of either the church or the administrator of said baptism cannot be established, the request for letter of transfer will not be granted. If party pursues membership in another church of such nature, and joins without a letter of transfer from Beef River Baptist Church, the individual will be removed from our church rolls.
Article V
OFFICERS
Section 1:
The officers of this church shall consist of the following: A pastor, clerk, trustee(s), treasurer, assistant treasurer as necessary; a Sunday School superintendent, and deacons as the church deems necessary. Other appointive or elective offices may be added as needed. All nominations for officers must be approved by the Pastor.
Section 2:
The length of terms of office shall be as follows:
(a) The relationship between the pastor and the church shall be permanent until dissolved at the option of either by the giving of a month’s notice, or less by mutual consent. Notice of a business meeting to consider the severance of this relationship must be given from the pulpit at least two Sundays from the said business meeting. A two-thirds majority of the congregation shall be required to remove the pastor from office.
(b) The term of office for all officers, except the pastor, associate pastor and minister of music, shall be one year, at the expiration of which they may be re-elected.
(c) A vacancy occurring in any office, except in the case of the pastor, may be filled at any regular business meeting of the church.
(d) All elected and appointed officers shall serve their respective offices until their qualified successors are duly elected.
Section 3:
The annual election of officers and annual business meeting shall occur during the month of January.
Section 4:
Paid employees: The paid employees of the church shall be under the direct supervision of the pastor, who has the power to hire and dismiss the same.
Section 5:
DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
Pastor
(a) It shall be the duty of the duly called (by the church) pastor to preach regularly at the church, to administer the ordinances of the church (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and to perform the various duties incumbent in his office. He will be the moderator of the church and preside at all its business meetings which includes the privilege of voting. He will be ex-officio (ex-officio is by virtue of office, official position) of all committees and organizations, and other pastors (elders) within the body. The pastor is responsible and in charge of the pulpit and various services and suppliers of the ministries of the church.
Deacon(s)
(b) It shall be the duty of the deacons to visit the sick, and, if needed, to help in the preparation and distribution of the elements of the Lords supper, to help the pastor in the general spiritual work of the church as described in James 1:27, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world and at all times be under pastoral authority. The appointment of the deacons will be based on the above need, voted on by the church, and the deacons will be appointed by the pastor to their respective responsibilities. The office of the deacon(s) will be for one year and voted on annually.
Trustees
(c) It shall be the duties of the trustees to have charge and care of all church properties. They will serve in an advisory capacity, holding the church’s property in trust. No debt shall be incurred by the trustees, except by the vote of the church. No real estate will be sold without approval of the church. No trustee shall be allowed to sign checks , be in charge of, have access to, or have jurisdiction over the finances of the church, and must at all times, in related matters, submit to pastoral and congregational authority.
Clerk
(d) It shall be the duty of the clerk to keep a correct record of the proceedings of the church, of all baptisms, issue letters as directed by the church, and preserve all documents, papers and letters as coming into his/her hands during his/her term of office, all of which are to be kept in the church office, and to deliver the same, with all the records kept by him/her, to his/her successor. He/she will keep an account of any special events in the life of the church which are of historical value. The clerk will also serve as the secretary (secretary is a person in official charge of records, correspondence, minutes of meetings, baptismal and ordination certificates and preaching licenses, etc.) of the church.
Treasurer
(e) It shall be the duty of the treasurer to be responsible for the receiving and dispersing of all approved church funds. He/she will keep a careful record of the financial transactions of the church and present a regular financial report to the church. All expenditures of the church will be made by check and all financial records will be kept in the church office. The treasurer will also assist the pastor in preparing an annual budget to submit to the church for approval.
Sunday School Superintendent
(f) It shall be the duty of the Sunday School Superintendent to have a general supervision of the Sunday School, to strive for the salvation of the unsaved, and to work under the direction of the pastor.
Section 6:
Day School
Christian Day School (Monday-Saturday) teachers: The Christian Day school (teaching of academics) and participating home schooling will always be under the supervision of the church as an integral, inseparable ministry.
Article VI
CALL OF THE PASTOR
Section 1:
Committee, by definition throughout this document and the operational policies, refers to the monthly men’s meeting afforded to all male members in good standing according to “operational policies number #1”.
The Pulpit Committee: In the event of vacancy of the office, a pulpit committee, consisting of at least three spiritual men, shall be chosen by the congregation to seek a new pastor. Their duties will be:
(a) To prayerfully select men as candidates to present to the church.
(b) To carefully question each candidate concerning his Christian experience, call to the ministry, doctrine, manner of life, pastoral experience and other qualifications.
(c) To make recommendations to the church concerning these men.
(d)To assist in providing men to fill the pulpit during the time there is a vacancy.
After a new pastor has been called and has accepted the pastorate, the pulpit committee will be dissolved.
Section 2:
The election of the pastor: After the church has had the opportunity to hear a candidate preach, a vote will be taken to extend a call to him for an indefinite term. The business meeting to consider the candidate will be called as soon as possible after the service in which he was presented to the church. Candidates for pastor will be considered one at a time and a two-thirds majority of qualified voters will be required to extend a call.
Article VII
Church Policies and Procedures
Section 1:
All male members of the Beef River Baptist that are in good standing and meeting the requirements of active church membership shall serve in a supporting capacity within the monthly men’s meeting and shall serve in the capacity of praying for the pastor, church and ministries and submitting recommendations to the pastor and the church for consideration. The vote of the church body will be the deciding factor in all matters of importance. Committee, by definition throughout this document and the operational policies, refers to the monthly men’s meeting afforded to all male members in good standing according to “operational policies number #1”.
Section 2:
Educational Leadership: The leadership of the ministries of education, consisting of the pastor, and also Sunday School Superintendent, Christian Day School (Monday-Saturday) administrator and designated representatives as advisors, who would be of assistance at the request of the pastor to perform duties assigned to them by the church, such as recommendation of Sunday School teachers and officers, and Christian Day School (Monday-Saturday) teachers. This would also include recommending changes where it is deemed advisable and necessary in the educational program of the church.
Section 3:
Church Planters Institute
Honorary Church Planters Institute Members: Honorary members for the Church Planters Institute – Out of respect and consideration of knowledge, wisdom and experience of men of God, honorary membership is extended. Honorary members shall consist of Pastors and other ministry personnel of other scriptural Baptist Churches for the purpose of church planting advice and suggestion. Recommendations for honorary membership as an honorary member of the Church Planters Institute shall be presented by the pastor to the church for approval. Extended honorary membership will be limited to hearing of advice and wisdom for consideration only. The removal of honorary membership will be at the recommendation of the pastor and mutual consent of the church.
Media Missionary
Media Missionary: A person(s) chosen by the church body to be in an “official capacity as media missionary”, to officially promote, direct, and, or to be actively engaged in media ministries on the behalf of Beef River Baptist Church and its ministries. Media ministries include: video, audio, broadcasting and literary publication works.
Article VIII MEETINGS
Section 1:
Meetings for Worship: Unless otherwise provided, the church will meet each Sunday morning for public worship and at least once during the week for Bible study and prayer. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper will be observed at least quarterly, if possible.
Section 2:
Meetings for Business: Business meetings other than the annual business meeting, will be held as needed, according to the discretion of the pastor and church. Business meetings which deal with major decisions should be announced at least one service in advance.
Section 3:
Special Meetings: Bible conferences, missionary conferences and revivals will be held as the pastor deems necessary.
The salary of the pastor shall be fixed at the time of the call and may be changed by vote of the church at any regular business meeting, providing such change has been discussed by the advisory committee (men’s meeting). The salary and/or housing allowance will be paid in weekly installments. The pastor will be entitled to an annual vacation of two weeks with full salary. Expenses will also be paid to at least one Bible conference annually.
Section 4:
Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the church will begin with January 1st ending December 31st.
Article IX
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CHURCH DAY SCHOOL
It is deemed essential to the Biblical beliefs of the church to have the members’ children provided with an education which is based upon and consistent with the Biblical teachings in both content and structure of activity. It is the church’s belief that the home and the church are responsible before God for the providing of a Christian education. To this end, the church will engage in ministries in education in keeping with the following dictates:
(1) Church Participation: All educational programs or courses of instruction formulated and offered by the church in furtherance of one or more of its functions shall be for the benefit of the members of the church. Non-church members will be selectively allowed to participate in, or take advantage of, any such educational programs or courses of study only if there is room for their participation after meeting of all the needs of the members wishing to participate.
(2) Staff Membership: All instructors, teachers and administrators, excluding visiting or intern pastors or preachers, engaged for the purpose of delivering sermons, conducting revivals or other special meetings on a temporary basis, in any educational program or course of instruction shall be active members of the church in good standing.
(3) Statement of Faith Accord: All educational programs or courses of instruction, irrespective of the particular subject of any particular course, will be taught and presented in full accord with the statement of faith of the church.
(4) Outreach: All educational programs or courses of instruction, irrespective of the subject of any particular course, will be conducted as a part of the outreach ministry of the church. It is the duty and responsibility of each instructor or teacher to know whether or not each student has exercised saving faith vested in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As to any student concerning whom the teacher or instructor is not personally assured that he or she is saved, the teacher or instructor is to assume that each student is not saved, to the end that each and every student will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and accept Him as Saviour. Each instructor or teacher will continuously and in every aspect of the student – teacher relationship present Jesus Christ as the only omnipotent and omniscient ultimate Sovereign, Who is available universally to each student personally as Savior and to encourage and induce each student to personally accept Him as Saviour.
(5) Teaching: All educational programs or courses of instruction, irrespective of the subject of any particular course, shall be conducted as part of the teaching function of the church; thus, it is the duty and responsibility of every instructor or teacher to present the inerrant Word of God as recorded in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the only and infallible source of knowledge and wisdom and that any assertion or belief in conflict with or questioning the truth thereof, is a pagan deception and distortion of the truth and to be understood as such, disclaimed, and proclaimed as false. All knowledge and wisdom on every subject thusly being from God and revealed in His Word, each instructor or teacher is to present Biblical perspective and continually, throughout the course of instruction, emphasize the Biblical basis for and purpose of the knowledge being imparted. Each instructor or teacher, irrespective of the particular course of instruction, will continually emphasize that the sole purpose of the acquisition of knowledge is to glorify God and that to use it otherwise is sin.
(6) Student Discipleship: Each instructor or teacher, irrespective of the particular course of instruction, will instruct that submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in life is the most important post-salvation decision which education can impart and is a process as opposed to an event. This commitment to Christ’s Lordship requires willing obedience to absolute morals as revealed by God in His Holy Word. Without character traits consistent with God’s absolute moral standards, there is no submission to the Lordship of Christ. Thus, it is the duty and responsibility of each instructor and teacher to instruct each student by example and word as to what God’s moral standards are and that they are absolute. That is, there is an absolute right and an absolute wrong in each situation which does not vary from situation to situation. Further, there is absolute truth, not dependent on empiricism, and there is absolute falsehood.
(7) Academic Excellence: Because God is not the author of either mediocrity or confusion, and because all things are to be done heartily as unto the Lord, each administrator, instructor and teacher shall emphasize academic excellence in every educational program and course of instruction.
(8) Anti-Theistic Thought: The postulates of atheism, polytheism, materialism, pantheism, deism, fatalism, naturalism, rationalism (to be contrast to rationality), including secular humanism, situation ethics and evolution, theistic or otherwise, and the results of the application of these anti-theistic philosophies shall be taught, where appropriate and if at all, only as pagan falsehoods and understanding of which may, from time to time, be necessary in order to contrast the efficacy of God’s Word with the futility of these falsehoods.
(9) Eternity: Each instructor or teacher, irrespective of the particular course of instruction, shall relate the instruction being given to its purpose and necessity of God’s overall plan for mankind in eternity.
(10) Physical Death: Each instructor or teacher, irrespective of the particular course of instruction, has the duty and is responsible for knowing that each student is taught that one’s being as a person does not terminate with physical death but that he or she will exist eternally and that the choice to reject the opportunity to be allegiant to God is a choice to spend eternity in Hell in return for whatever, if any, temporal benefits they perceive to be attendance to their allegiance to Satan.
(11) Lifestyle. All administrators, instructors and teachers shall continue or adopt a lifestyle consistent with the precepts which they teach so that instruction of students can be observed by the students, whether in the classroom or out of the classroom.
(12) Parent Commitment. Each year, both parents, if both are living custodians, or the guardians of any person age seventeen (17) or under, enrolled or wishing to be enrolled in any educational program or course of study for which academic credit is expected, shall subscribe to the following statement before a witness as a condition precedent to enrollment or continued enrollment:
I,_____________________________, have thoroughly read the Statement of Faith, pertaining to the Ministries of Education, of Beef River Baptist Church’s Schools of Strum, WI in detail. Having studied these provisions with care, by my signature below I signify that I am fully aware that the primary and consuming thrust of the educational program and course of study is to bring each student to accept salvation by grace through Jesus Christ and to inculcate each student with the necessity of adopting a lifestyle under the Lordship of Christ and do affirm and acknowledge my responsibility and intention as a/an _________________________(Parent, guardian, student, etc.) to cooperate and assist in the method and content of teachings as set forth and will never discourage nor contradict anything taught in accordance with the Statement of Faith. Also, at any time my disposition deviates from that here stated, I promise to bring that fact immediately to the attention of the Pastor of BEEF RIVER Baptist Church.
Article X
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be revised or amended by the two-thirds vote of the members present at voting, at any regular business meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit two weeks before the vote is taken.
At time of church closing, all assets will be sold, with monies received from the sale of assets. All bills will be paid first. If/or any monies left over will be dispersed to Shiloh Baptist Church, 664 Dahlstrom Rd., Gwinn, MI 49841 Phone: 906-249-1205
Article XI
OFFICERS AND TEACHERS STANDARDS
Beef River Baptist Church Operational Policies
1. To study the Bible regularly, because in it is the primary source material and inspiration for one’s class.
2. To be with one’s class whenever required, or in case of absence, to notify a substitute or superintendent as far in advance as possible.
3. To do one’s best to attend all teacher meetings and such training courses as may be afforded during the year in order to be a better teacher.
4. To spend a reasonable amount of time in preparation of lessons; as a teacher of God’s Word, it would not be possible to do less.
5. To keep in close contact with the class through personal visits, and whenever this is not possible, by cards, letters or telephone.
6. To pray regularly for the pupils and seek to know their personal needs so that they may call them over to the Lord in prayer.
7. To make teaching twofold: To lead unsaved pupils to Christ and to build Christian character in those who are saved, seeking to do this by example as well as by precept.
8. To do ones best to attend the worship services of this church regularly, and to support its financial program with tithes as the Lord prospers, in accordance with II Corinthians 16:1-2; Matthew 23:23, and to teach ones class to do likewise.
9. As a leader whom others will follow, to cooperate 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 one finds oneself unable to cooperate and to do the job as it should be done like a true Christian, resign and let someone else take one’s place, in order that the cause of Christ may not be harmed.
10. Further, to live a SEPARATED LIFE by the power of the SPIRIT and set a good example for the students realizing that such things as: smoking, drinking, drugs, dancing, movies containing inappropriate content, cursing, gambling, attending places of ill-repute, etc., would be damaging to one’s Christian testimony and cause pupils to stumble or fall. A guide for Christian conduct will be I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Also, II Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
BEEF RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH
Operational Policies
Number 1: Attendance requirements. Each member of the church, ages 18 and up, will be entitled to the right of expression on all matters of the church, providing membership requirements are met such as: Participation in the Lord’s Supper when scheduled. Absence from two consecutive Lord’s Supper meetings, and/or failure to attend (in a reasonable manner) regularly-scheduled church services in a period of 90 days without a valid excuse which is to be determined by default of non-participation in the attendance or the Lord’s Supper, will result in an inactive membership for the concerned party which in turn, exempts concerned member from voting. Other situations due to extenuating circumstances will be considered and determined by the church body whether a plausible reason for not attending services or the Lord’s Supper will be by a church vote which will in turn allow or deny member to remain active with all voting rights. Only those who are actively in attendance of the Lord’s Supper can attend the church business meetings. Committee, by definition throughout this document and the operational policies, refers to the monthly men’s meeting afforded to all male members in good standing according to “operational policies number #1”.
Number 2: Any expenditure in excess of $2500.00, outside of the adopted budget must be first presented to the Advisory Board. It is understood, however, that this restriction will not apply to regular and established business matters of indebtedness and purchase in which the church has been engaged and to which it is accustomed, neither will this restriction apply in case of any emergency where delay would be likely to cause material or irreparable loss, damage or injury either to persons, property or the welfare of the church.
Number 3: All business meetings will be opened and closed with prayer for divine guidance and blessing.
Number 4: All motions of new business will originate in committee or in business meeting by two thirds majority vote of those present.
Number 5: All questions of order will be settled by the customary rules governing deliberate bodies, as given in “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
Number 6: All funds and properties of organizations of classes of the church and Sunday School are automatically the property of the church, to be used as recommended by the trustees and approved by a majority vote of the church.
Number 7: The date of the annual business meeting will be determined at the regular business meeting of January of each year.
Number 8: All literature used in the church will be in complete agreement with the doctrinal statement.
Number 9: The following order of business will be observed at the regular business meetings of the church:
1. Open in prayer
2. Reading of Minutes
3. Report of Officers
4. Unfinished Business
5. Election of Officers
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
8. Benediction
Number 10: These by-laws may be altered, suspended or amended at the annual business meeting of the church by a two-thirds majority vote, in accordance with the church charter.
Article XII
This Constitution & Operational Policies supersedes any other constitution and/or by-laws of the BEEF RIVER Baptist Church.
Dated: January 23, 2020
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