CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF
REFORMATION BAPTIST CHURCH
CENTERTON, ARKANSAS
PREAMBLE
After much prayer, searching the Scriptures, being led by the Holy Spirit, receiving the Father’s grace, and for the glory of Jesus, we join together to form a church to better fulfill the GreatCommission of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)
We hereby organize ourselves in accordance with the Arkansas’ Nonprofit Corporation Act and adopt these bylaws as our articles of governance, to be seen at all times to honor and reflect the character of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of these bylaws is to set forth the manner of internal beliefs and affairs of Reformation Baptist Church. All references to the “church” refer to Reformation Baptist Church. All references to the “Elders” refer to the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE 1: Name
This organization is Reformation Baptist Church, Centerton, Arkansas.
ARTICLE 2: Mission, Purpose and Values
Mission: The mission of Reformation Baptist Church is to equip people to live lives changed by Jesus.
Vision: The vision of Reformation Baptist Church is to see lives changed through building healthy churches.
Purpose: We are committed to leading people to faith in Jesus, teaching them the biblical disciplines of the Christian life, and equipping them to serve with their God-given abilities under the leadership of the Elders.
Through Bible-based teaching, corporate worship, fervent prayer, caring benevolence, loving fellowship and consistent outreach, we anticipate God’s blessings in the salvation of the lost, growth of the church, strengthening of the family, maturity of the believer, participation of the laity, and commitment to national and international missions.
Values:
Growth: Spiritual first. Numerical second. We value each individual’s growth in the gospel and conformity to Christ. Secondly, we value those that don’t know Christ to come to believing and trusting in Him for salvation.
Authenticity: As a church, we will be deliberate to work against false pretenses of who we are as individuals. We have not reached spiritual perfection, but look to Jesus as the one who is our model.
Authority: God’s Word is authoritative and useful in all things. Our church sees the Bible as our highest authority, and all activities and teachings of our church are subject to its standard.
Effectiveness: All areas of the church are evaluated for their effectiveness. Our standard of effectiveness is that an area of ministry must dutifully accomplish its purpose while remaining faithful to God’s Word.
Excellence: As a church, our standard will strive for excellence in all that we do. We serve God’s own purposes for His Kingdom. As such, we aim to give our best in all endeavors He leads us.
Prayer: Every church exists because of God’s care and provision. Our existence is not born out of the will of men, but is a work of God to disciple His people so they can share the gospel with the lost. Prayer must cover everything we do because without God all our work will fail.
ARTICLE 3: Offices
Section 1: Principal Office
The principal offices of the church shall be located at 997 E Centerton Blvd, Centerton, AR 72719. The principal mailing address for the Reformation Baptist Church is 997 E Centerton Blvd, Centerton, AR 72719. The church may have such other offices as the Elders may determine.
Section 2: Registered Agent
The church shall have and continually maintain in the State of Arkansas a registered agent whose office or address is identical with the principal office of the church, as required by the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act. The address of the registered agent and the principal office of the church may be changed from time to time by the Elders by filling out the appropriate documents with the Secretary of the State of Arkansas.
ARTICLE 4: Affiliation
The government of this church is vested in the Board of Elders who oversee the body of believers who compose it through different roles determined by the Board of Elders.
All internal groups created and empowered by the church shall report to and be accountable to the Board of Elders and to the church, unless otherwise specified by church action.
The church is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation, which is common practice among Protestant churches. Under the suggestion and guidance of the Elders, the church membership shall determine by vote the denominations, associations, networks, or agencies with which it is affiliated.
ARTICLE 5: Officers
The biblical offices that we recognize are Elders and Deacons. In addition, we also recognize the ministerial and administrative needs to establish ministry leaders, paid staff, and any other roles established by the Board of Elders to help us accomplish our mission.
ELDERS
Elders are the primary leaders of the church given by Christ to the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry and instruct them in godly living. There is no earthly authority in the church higher than the Elders who themselves submit all their leadership to the Word of God.
Section 1: General Powers
The affairs of the church shall be managed by its Board of Elders. Other Deacons, ministry leaders, paid staff, or any other position established by the Elders shall serve the church under the direction of the Board of Elders.
Section 2: Number, Tenure, and Qualifications
The number of the Elders on the board of the church shall be determined by the Elders. Elders may serve as long as one meets the qualifications 1. Determined by 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 2. The existing Board of Elders.
An Elder may request to become an inactive member of the board for any reason for an agreed upon amount of time and at the approval of the remaining Elders. Inactive Elders do not count towards a vote and are not required to attend regular meetings but may be asked to provide wisdom and insight at the request of the Elders. At the conclusion of the inactive season, they may be restored to an active Elder with the approval from the existing Board of Elders.
Reserved for men, a man can become an elder through:
1. The request of the existing Board of Elders. This elder-candidate will go through a season of learning the church’s theology, philosophy of ministry, and leadership model under the oversight of the Elders. The length of this season will be determined by the Board of Elders.
For the elder-candidate to move from candidate to a functioning member of the Board of Elders, this must be approved by a consensus approval of the existing Board of Elders through a vote.
Section 3: Regular Meetings
A regular meeting of the Board of Elders shall be held at least monthly.
Section 4: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called by or at the request of the Lead Pastor or any majority of Elders.
Section 5: Manner of Acting
The Board of Elders will aim to act under a consensus. If a consensus is not possible for whatever reason, the act of a 3/4 majority vote of the Elders present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Elders.
Section 6: Resignation
Any resignation occurring in the Board of Elders may be filled by the affirmative vote of all remaining Elders. Such confirmation shall require at least a 3/4 majority vote.
DEACONS
The office of deacon is described in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 and alluded to in Acts 6:1–7. The church shall recognize men who are giving of themselves in service to the church, and who possess particular gifts of service. These members shall be received as gifts of Christ to His church and set apart as Deacons.
Section 1: General Powers
Deacons shall care for the temporal needs of members, attend to the accommodations for public worship, encourage and support other members, and take care of various administrative and practical needs in the church so that the Elders may focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer.
The Deacons shall receive, hold, and disburse a fund for benevolence, with approval from the Elders. Only total receipts and disbursements will be reported to the church.
Section 2: Number, Tenure, and Qualifications
The number of the Deacons of the church shall be determined by the existing Deacons and Elders.
Deacons shall serve as long as one meets the qualifications 1. Determined by 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and 2. The Board of Elders.
Reserved for men, a man can become a deacon through:
1. The request of the existing Elders/Deacons. This deacon-candidate will go through a season of learning the church’s theology, philosophy of ministry, and leadership model. The length of this season will be determined by the Deacons and Board of Elders.
For the deacon-candidate to move from candidate to a functioning member of the Deacon ministry team, this must be approved by consensus approval of the existing Deacons and by consensus approval of the Board of Elders.
Section 3: Resignation
Any resignation occurring of a Deacon may be filled by the affirmative vote of all remaining Deacons. Such confirmation shall require at least a 3/4 majority vote and approval of the Board of Elders.
ARTICLE 6: Membership
Section 1: Qualifications
To qualify for membership (also referred to as covenant membership) in this church, a person must be a believer in Jesus Christ who gives evidence of regeneration, who has been baptized by immersion following his or her regeneration, and who wholeheartedly believes in the Christian faith as revealed in the Bible. Each member must agree to submit to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in our Basic Beliefs (outlined in Article 7) and must promise to keep the commitments expressed in the Reformation Baptist Church Membership Covenant. The elders shall be responsible for determining each person’s qualification for membership. In making this determination, they may rely on a person’s profession of faith, or evidence of faith, as the elders deem appropriate. The Board of Elders may alter, amend, or change the requirements for church membership from time to time.
Section 2: Duties and Privileges of Membership
In accord with the duties enumerated in the Membership Covenant, each member shall be privileged and expected to participate in and contribute to the ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Those who are members of this congregation shall be entitled to serve in all appropriate ministries of the church. It is our desire to encourage non-members and those pursuing membership to serve as well in areas where membership is not required. They may serve in specific roles of most ministries alongside serving members.
Non-members and those pursuing membership may also serve in areas normally reserved for members with special permission from the elders.
Under Christ, this congregation is governed by its members under the oversight of the Elders. Therefore, it is the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all members’ meetings, affirm their leaders, and vote on the church acquiring debt (debt that exceeds the non-designated giving in that financial year), withdrawal or joining of a denomination, accepting or removing members, and approving the annual budget.
Section 3: Inactive Membership
Unless providentially hindered, members who are absent from the worship and community life of the church for 6 months will be considered inactive members. Inactive members may not vote in members' meetings, nor hold any office in the church. The Elders, Deacons and remaining members will seek to meet with inactive members, encourage their full participation in the gatherings and work of the church. The Elders will determine when/if the duties and privileges of full membership can be restored.
Inactive members may be subject to removal from the church’s membership without the formal process of church discipline outlined in Article 6, Section 4 under the discretion of the Elders.
Section 4: Church Discipline
Any member consistently neglectful of his or her duties or unrepentantly guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be subject to the admonition of the Elders and the discipline of the church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15–20, 1 Corinthians 5, and the example of Scripture. Formal church discipline, then, should ordinarily be contemplated after individual private admonition and admonition of 1-2 witnesses has failed.
Church discipline can include admonition by the Elders or congregation, suspension from communion for a definite period, deposition from office, and excommunication (see Matthew 18:15–20; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; 1 Timothy 5:19– 20; 1 Corinthians 5).
The purpose of such discipline should be:
For the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 29:15; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:4–5; Hebrews 12:1– 11; Psalm 119:115; 141:5; Proverbs 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Matthew 7:26–27; 18:15–20; Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 1:13– 14; James 1:22);
For the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians, as an example to them (see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 [note this is written to the whole church, not just to leaders]; 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10:24–25);
For the purity of the church as a whole (see I Corinthians 5:6–7; II Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; 2 John 10; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2);
For the good of our corporate witness to non–Christians (see Proverbs 28:7; Matthew 5:13–16; John 13:35; Acts 5:1–14; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:10); and
Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (see Deuteronomy 5:11; 1 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah 9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17, 25; Romans 2:24; 15:5–6; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12).
Section 5: Termination of Membership
Termination of membership shall be recognized by the church following the death or voluntary resignation of any church member unless church discipline has been initiated. Membership may be terminated as an act of church discipline at the recommendation of the Elders and with the vote of two-thirds of the members at any regular or special members' meeting at which a quorum is present.
Any voluntary resignation to terminate membership must be presented to the board of Elders and a 3/4 approval vote of the Elders.
ARTICLE 7: Basic Beliefs
We affirm the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God and the basis for our beliefs.
The SCRIPTURES
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible, and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12, 13).
The GODHEAD
We believe in one triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The PERSON & WORK OF CHRIST
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1–2, 14; Luke 1:35). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3–5). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry as Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2). We believe Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5; Romans 14:9; 2 Timothy 4:1).
The PERSON & WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8–11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18).
The DEPRAVITY OF MAN
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; man is depraved and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1–3, 12).
SALVATION
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. Those who die apart from this free gift of grace will experience eternal punishment under God's wrath in a place historically referred to as Hell/Hades/Gehenna (Ephesians 2:8–10; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Luke 16:23-25).
ETERNAL SECURITY & ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS
We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 6:37–40; 10:27–30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4–8; 1 Peter 1:5). We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for the flesh (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11–15).
The MINISTRY & SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowing of spiritual gifts. It is, however, the believer’s responsibility to attempt to develop their given spiritual gift(s). The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion and is the placing of the believer into the Body of Christ. We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor are an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; Ephesians 4:7–8). We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith, in accordance with His own will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to him (Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
The CHURCH
We believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25–27; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 18:22; 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1–3; Titus 1:5–11). We believe in the autonomy of the local churches, free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1–4; 15:19–31; 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 1 Corinthians 5:4–7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1–4). We recognize Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
The GREAT COMMISSION
We believe that Jesus commands us to go and share the good news of His love for humanity. Our daily lives are a mission to introduce and reconcile people to God. Everything we are as believers should come from the love of God that transformed our lives. Everything we do as believers should center on the Great Commission fueled by His love in our transformed hearts (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 20:21-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18).
The SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
We believe that the term marriage has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.
We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, prostitution, rape, any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex) is sinful and offensive to God.
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture or the doctrines of the church. (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:32-33; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 7:1-2; Romans 1:26-27; Leviticus 18:22).
The SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
We believe in the sanctity of human life, that God determines the boundaries of life and holds in His hands the two fragile ends of human experience. He is active in the conception of life and the conclusion of life, in birth and in death. This truth imparts extraordinary value to every life, independent of gender, race, socioeconomic position, age, or health status. Those who hold to biblical creation must attach great worth to human life and will stand in its defense.
We believe the sanctity of human life as established by God the Creator and believe that such sanctity extends to all people including the child not yet born, mentally and physically challenged, and those who are at the conclusion of their life here on earth. Life is a gift from God and should be afforded to Him.
All human life, including life developing in the womb, is created by God in His image and is, therefore, to be nurtured, supported, and protected. From the moment of conception, a child is a human being with all of the developing characteristics of human life, and this life is dependent on the mother for its continued development. Therefore, we believe that human life must be respected and protected from the moment of conception. Therefore the church calls for persons to practice the ethic of the New Testament as it bears upon human sexuality and to deal with the issue of abortion by placing it within the larger framework of biblical principles that provide guidance for moral decision making.
Reformation Baptist Church also recognizes that many have been affected by the tragedy of abortion. Each local congregation and individual believer is urged to offer the message of forgiveness by God for each person who has experienced abortion. Our local congregations are to be communities of redemption and hope to all who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual pain as a result of the willful termination of a pregnancy. (Genesis 1:27, 2:7; Psalms 22:9; 139:3-16; Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:5; Jeremiah 1:5; Acts 17:25).
STATEMENT OF FAITH ON BAPTISM
Baptism is solely for the believer who has received salvation from Christ’s atoning work on the cross, made a public profession of this salvation, and become His disciple. Water baptism is the step of obedience for that believer to obey the command of Scripture. This obedience is a testimony to God, oneself, the church, and the world as a visual and symbolic identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. To clearly demonstrate this identification, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This work, based upon repentance, gives a picture of the believer’s former life of sin that has been forgiven and put to death and the hope of our future resurrection (Acts 22:16; Colossians 2:12-14; Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:1-18).
ARTICLE 8: Church Ordinances
Section 1: Baptism
The church shall receive for baptism any person who has given a personal and believable profession of faith for salvation in Jesus Christ as Savior by faith and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord with others in the church.
1) Baptism shall be by immersion in water.
2) The pastors, or whomever the church shall authorize, shall administer baptism.
3) Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church, or at such other times as authorized by the church.
Section 2: The Lord’s Supper (also referred to as Communion)
The church shall observe the Lord’s Supper at regular intervals.
Participants shall include those who are saved, have received Christian baptism, hold to biblical doctrine, are at peace with God and their fellow man in their conscience through repentance, are members of a gospel-preaching church whether or not that church practices formal church membership, and living a consistent Christian lifestyle.
ARTICLE 9: Church Finances
Section 1: Budget
The finance team, in consultation with the Board of Elders, shall prepare an inclusive budget and submit it to the church for approval, indicating by items, the amount needed and sought for all local and other expenses.
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligation to support the church and its causes with regular, cheerful, sacrificial, and proportionate gifts.
Section 2: Accounting Procedures
All funds received for any and all purposes shall pass through the hands of the church counters, church treasurer, and properly recorded on the accounting books of the church. A system of accounting that will adequately provide for the handling of all funds shall be the responsibility of the finance team and any administrative support. The financial records of the church shall be kept and protected from unauthorized inspection.
Section 3: Record of Contributions
A record will be kept of the contributions of each donor that are given by check, electronic giving, or by a cash offering given in an offering envelope that provides a written record of the person and amount contributed. The finance team will mail to each donor a record of contributions at least annually and present an annual report at the end of each fiscal year.
ARTICLE 10: Amendments
These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Elders at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Elders.