Constitution and Bylaws
Our Constitution and By-Laws will provide more information on how our church is structured and how we relate to the governing authorities that have been placed over us.
Grace Bible Church Constitution and By-Laws
Our Constitution and By-Laws will provide more information on how our church is structured and how we relate to the governing authorities that have been placed over us.
Table of Contents
1. Name
2. Purpose
4. Leadership and Organization
6. Teachers
8. Meetings
10. Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
12. Corporate Board of Directors
13. Officers of the Corporation
14. Committees
1. Name
The name of this part of the spiritual body of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be Grace Bible Church N.C. (Hereafter referred to as Grace Bible Church).
2. Purpose
A. Statement of Purpose
To be a faithful Church that brings glory and pleasure to our Heavenly Father through obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
B. Objectives to Accomplish our Purpose
God-Centered Worship – To promote, encourage, and strive after worship of God our Father and His son our Lord Jesus Christ with all or our hearts, souls, minds and strength.
Expository Preaching &Teaching – To teach and preach the whole council of God as revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures: that the pride of man might be humbled and the grace of God in salvation might be exalted to the praise of His glory, and that genuine holiness in heart and life might be promoted.
Discipleship & Authentic Christian Community – To nurture those entrusted to our care that we may each attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Holiness – To pursue holiness in our personal lives, in our families, in this part of the Lord’s body, trusting the Holy Spirit to conform us to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ
Service – To reach out to our body, our communities, our nation, and the world in acts of service that will demonstrate the love of Christ, and to promote this service in such a way that all members have the opportunity to serve Christ according to their measure of giftedness.
Evangelism – To share the unsearchable riches of our Lord Jesus Christ individually, in our community, in our nation, and in the world.
Submission – To subject ourselves to such spiritual authority that may be placed by the Holy Spirit over us and to submit to one another in the fear of Christ.
Overt Focus on Prayer – To commit ourselves to regular personal, family and corporate prayer.
3. Statement of Faith
The Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God in the original manuscripts. They are the revelation of God’s will for man, being the divine and final authority for all Christian knowledge and obedience in the faith.
The doctrine of Grace Bible Church is according to the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith and our adopted policy statements on human sexuality, marriage and sanctity of human life.
4. Leadership and Organization
A. Definition
Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, The Council of Elders, the Deacons and the Congregation work together to see that the church accomplishes the work to which God has called her. The governance of the church is undertaken through the selection of a Council of Elders who exercise final authority according to the mandates of 1 Peter 5:1-3. This involves a commitment to communication with the congregation and mutual accountability. In light of this accountability, the vote of the membership of this Church at a properly called meeting, as provided in the statement on Church Government below, shall be required to effect the following actions:
Approve any transactions regarding real property.
Adopt, amend, or repeal the Constitution or By-Laws of this church.
Approve the call of Vocational Pastors and Ministers.
Receive members or dismiss members
At the Elders discretion a vote of affirmation will be solicited for the annual budget or for large non-budgeted expenditures.
B. Offices of the Church
The offices of the Church shall be Elder and Deacon. The purpose of the officers of the Church is to lovingly govern, care for, and equip the membership to do the work of the ministry.
C. Function of Elders
The leadership of the Church shall be vested in the Council of Elders who are responsible for governing the Church, teaching the Word and shepherding the flock of God in this Church. The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function.
D. Function of Deacons
Deacons shall assist the Council of Elders by performing services of advice, benevolence, administration, and implementation.
5. Church Government
A. General Statement
Officers – The Officers of the Church shall be a Council of Elders and the Deacons. All officers of the Church shall be members of the Church in good and regular standing and affirm and commit to uphold our statement of faith and other doctrinal beliefs. The Council of Elders shall be composed of men (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:5-6). Except as provided for in (2) below, the Council of Elders is the only governing body and Deacons are the only additional officers provided for in this document.
Nominations – All nominations for the position of Elder or Deacon must be made by the Elders and approved by a 2/3rds vote of the congregation at a regularly scheduled members meeting.
Ministries and Appointees – The Council of Elders has the authority to create ministries and positions to which it may delegate any specified aspect of its responsibility. The Council of Elders has the authority to dissolve any ministry or position which it created. The Council of Elders also has the authority to appoint Elders, Deacons or other members of the Church to serve as members of such ministries and to act as its agents in such positions. The Council of Elders may delegate to the individual Deacons the authority to appoint Deacons or other members of the Church to serve as members of such ministries and as agents of the Council of Elders in such positions. Every ministry shall have a chairperson, responsible for the overall operation of the ministry who shall be appointed by the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders may delegate the responsibility for selecting the chairperson to an individual Deacon or to the ministry.
B. Vocational Pastors and Ministers
Definition – Vocational Pastors are the ordained Elders of the church, who in response to God’s call, have devoted their vocational lives to the ministry of the Word and prayer in the service of the church of Christ. Vocational Ministers are the non-ordained ministers of the church who, in response to God’s call, serve the church of Christ as their primary vocation. Both Vocational Pastors and Vocational Ministers are supported financially by the church in return for their vocational labors.
Duties – In addition to the duties of their office as described in Sections 4 and 5 below, Vocational Pastors and Ministers shall perform the duties determined by the Council of Elders. The duties shall be in writing at the time of the call to service. The church’s call of a Vocational Pastor is a call to the Eldership of the church. Therefore Vocational Pastors shall be members of the Council of Elders and have all the Biblical qualifications of an Elder. Vocational Ministers are not necessarily called to the Eldership, but as assisting partners in the ministry. Vocational Ministers may, when appropriate, be called by the church to the Council of Elders or to the office of Deacon.
Vocational Call by the Church – The members shall call Vocational Pastors and Ministers (1) upon recommendation of the Council of Elders and (2) by at least a two-thirds majority of those members voting at the meeting with at least thirty percent (30%) of the membership of the Church present. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on the two successive Sundays preceding the meeting.
C. Non-Vocational Officers
Duties – Non-vocational Elders and Deacons shall have the duties of their offices as described below.
Calling – The Council of Elders shall recognize, interview, investigate and appoint candidates for non-vocational Elder and Deacon. The Council of Elders shall publish for the congregation a ballot of candidates for calling as Elders or Deacons at least three weeks prior to appointing those candidates to office. It is the responsibility of the congregation to evaluate the candidates according to the qualifications of Elders and Deacons as found in Titus 1:6-10 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and as required by the governing documents of Grace Bible Church. After this three week period, and after all received input has been acted on by the Council of Elders, the candidates for Elder or Deacon may be approved at any regular or special meeting of the Council of Elders. The new officers will then be presented to the church.
Terms of Service – Non-vocational Elders and Deacons shall be called according to the procedures described in section 2 above and shall serve as long as they maintain biblical qualification for this office.
D. Termination of any Office
Resignation – An officer may resign his office at any time if he finds he is no longer able and willing to discharge the duties of the office.
Grievance from Congregation – Where a grievance exists against any officer either due to his preaching or teaching contrary to the beliefs of the Church as set forth in the Statement of Faith and our adopted policy statements on human sexuality, marriage and sanctity of human life or to alleged conduct on his part in violation of specific Scriptural principles, such grievance may be brought before the Council of Elders by any two members in good standing, following the procedures laid out in Matthew 18 and 1 Timothy 5:19 (see Church Discipline section). The Council of Elders must then determine if the grievance will result in removal according to the guidelines in section 3 below.
Removal by Council of Elders – Any Elder may be removed from office at any regular or special meeting of the Council if he is found to be physically or mentally incapacitated or spiritually unqualified (according to pertinent Scripture, including 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 and according to the adopted doctrine of Grace Bible Church), after thorough corroborating investigation by the Elders (or a duly appointed Committee of the Council, per Article V, Section 2 of these Bylaws, at the sole discretion of the Council), in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19. When an Elder is removed because of sin that is deemed sufficient to disqualify him from shepherding, and if he refuses to repent from that sin, the removal shall be accompanied by a public rebuke, and notice shall be made before the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly-scheduled worship service as prescribed in 1 Timothy 5:20.
Restoration – An officer who has been removed from office through disciplinary action, yet remains within the church, may be eligible for office under the following conditions:
A waiting period as determined by the Council of Elders
True repentance has been clearly demonstrated
The above process for the calling of an Elder or Deacon is followed if and when it is determined that he again meets the qualifications for office
E. Council of Elders
Composition, Term, and Calling – The Council of Elders shall be composed of men, both Non-vocational Elders and Vocational Elders. The Council of Elders shall be composed of at least three members, with the number of Elders at any time determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification of men in the church. The number of Vocation Elders on the Council may not exceed fifty percent. Each Elder shall be called by the Council of Elders to serve as long as they remain Biblically qualified for the office.
Qualifications – Elders and nominees for Elder shall be qualified for the office as specified in the Bible. Relevant texts include I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9 and I Peter 5:1-4. He shall be:
Blameless as a steward of God; above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)
Husband of one wife; a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)
Temperate, sober, vigilant (1 Timothy 3:2)
Sober-minded, prudent (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Of good behavior; orderly, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2)
Given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)
Apt to teach; able to teach; he can exhort believers and refute false teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9)
Not given to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not violent; not pugnacious (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
Patient, moderate, forbearing, gentle (1 Timothy 3:3)
Not a brawler; uncontentious; not soon angry or quick-tempered (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7)
Not covetous; not a lover of money; not greedy of base gain (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7)
Rules well his own house; his children are faithful, not accused of rebellion to God (1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:7)
Not a novice; not a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6)
Has a good report or reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7)
Not self-willed (Titus 1:7)
A lover of good men and things (Titus 1:8)
Just, fair (Titus 1:8)
Holy, devout (Titus 1:8)
Self-controlled (Titus 1:8)
Eager in his service (1 Peter 5:2)
Not “lording it over” the flock (1 Peter 5:3)
He shall be in full agreement with and strive to uphold the doctrine of Grace Bible Church.
Responsibilities – The fundamental responsibility of the Elders is to devote themselves to prayer and the Word. The Elders are responsible for governing the Church, teaching the Word and shepherding the flock of God in this Church.The responsibilities of the Elders shall include: examining prospective members and acquainting them with the Statement of Faith and Church Covenant, overseeing the process of Church discipline, examining prospective candidates for office, scheduling and providing a moderator for business meetings, providing for reporting and recording of official Church business, overseeing the work of the Deacons and appointed church agents and ministries, conducting worship services, administering the ordinances of the Gospel, equipping the membership of the Church for the work of the ministry, teaching the whole counsel of God both formally and informally, correcting error, overseeing, coordinating and promoting the ministries of the Church, and mobilizing the Church for world mission.
Organization – The Council of Elders shall organize itself however it determines to be best to achieve the mission of the Church. The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function. The Elders must meet at least once per month. Meetings of the Elders may be held at any location and may be conducted by means of electronic communication through which the Elders may simultaneously hear each other. Unless the Council provides otherwise, meetings of the Council may be held immediately upon notice. A quorum for meetings of the Elders is defined as at least one-half of the Non-vocational Elders plus at least one-half of the Vocational Elders, except for matters on which only Non-vocational Elders are entitled to vote in which case a majority of the Non-vocational Elders shall constitute a quorum.
Decision making – Decisions shall be reached after prayerful consideration by unanimous vote in a spirit of humility, with each Elder regarding one another before himself. If, after a specified period of time, one member of the council holds a dissenting view from the other members, he will be asked to graciously yield to the decision of the other Council members.
F. Deacons
Composition, Term, and Calling – The Deacons shall be men. The number of Deacons shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification of men in the church. Each Deacon shall be called by the Council of Elders as described in Section C above and shall serve for as long as they remain biblically qualified for the office.
Qualifications – Deacons and nominees for Deacon shall be qualified for the office as specified in the Bible and according to Grace Bible Church’s constitution and by-laws. Relevant texts include I Timothy 3:8-12. These qualifications are the same as those for elders except that a deacon need not be gifted to teach. There must also be a period of testing as prescribed by the Council of Elders.
Responsibilities – The Deacons shall advise and be ready to assist the Elders in any service that shall support and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the Church, and the care for the members of the congregation. Their responsibilities may include:
Administering a fund to assist the poor and needy and otherwise providing aid in times of crisis or distress;
The greeting and welcoming ministries of the church;
Assisting in administering the ordinances of the Gospel;
Assisting at fellowship gatherings of the church;
Caring for and maintaining the Church properties;
Administering the business affairs of the Church that pertain to its material assets.
G. Licensing, Ordination, and Commissioning
Ordination – Ordination refers to the unanimous recognition by the Council of Elders of a man’s call to the ministry, preparation as a shepherd, and qualification to serve. Ordination shall be conferred for life, so long as the man continues to manifest the qualifications of the elder.
Licensing – The license is issued by the Council of Elders and is given in recognition of a man’s call to that ministry. Its aim is to allow a man to perform the ecclesiastical duties and functions of the church. Licenses are issued for life, so long as a man continues to manifest the qualifications of the office.
Commissioning – When local-church certification is required for ministry where ordination would be unnecessary or inappropriate, as in the case of deacons, a person is commissioned by the Council of Elders to minister. This authorization continues as long as the opportunity to minister remains in effect and as long as the person maintains the qualifications for ministry.
Procedure – In the matter of licensing or ordaining any person to the Gospel Ministry, the church shall follow, as far as possible, the following process
A period of testing as determined and defined by the Council of Elders
A public commissioning service which includes prayer and the laying on of hands by the current members of the Council of Elders
6. Teachers
Those who teach at GBC must be members in good standing who consent in writing to submit to and be bound by the Constitution, Statement of Faith, and leadership of GBC. All teachers must be approved by the Elder Council or its designee. Visitors must agree not to teach against the doctrinal beliefs of Grace Bible Church.
7. Church Membership
A. Active Membership
Persons desiring to unite with this church by profession of a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord shall be examined as to their Christian faith and experience by at least two members of the Council of Elders or a duly appointed committee. Membership requirements are:
A valid testimony of conversion
Believer’s Baptism
Signed Church Covenant
Submission to the GBC Constitution and By Laws & the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith
B. Denial of Membership
If, upon review of an application for membership, after meeting with a prospective member, or after a concern raised by a member (as designated in section C below) the Council of Elders determines that the applicant does not credibly confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, or that there is a lack of evidence of a godly lifestyle, membership shall be denied. The decision made by the Council shall be final and there shall be no appeal to any court from that decision.
C. Admission of Applicants
Applicants to membership shall share their testimony with the church either verbally or in writing. Current members are encouraged to voice to the Elders any concerns about prospective members. If there are no unresolved concerns, then the applicants will be asked to publicly commit to upholding the covenant of Grace Bible Church and be acknowledged as members.
D. Responsibilities of Members
The members of the church shall be responsible for faithful support of the body of Christ, the church (2 Cor 9:6-15, Heb 10:24-25), for submission to leadership (Heb 13:17, 1 Pet 5:5) and for the exercise of their spiritual gifts in support and encouragement of one another (Gal 6:2, Col 3:12-17). Members are also responsible to abide by the GBC Church Covenant.
E. Voting Privileges
Membership in this church shall not vest in any member any proprietary rights in the Corporation, but shall only entitle the member to vote at a meeting of the members on those matters that the Council of Elders chooses to submit to the church membership for affirmation. In such cases, voting privileges are restricted to members who are in good standing, who are not under any disciplinary action, and who have passed their eighteenth (18) birthday. Membership shall not be assignable inter vivos by any member nor shall membership vest to any personal representative, heir, or devisee.
F. Inactive members
A member shall be declared inactive if for at least six months they have failed to regularly attend services of this church and have not, after having been contacted, given satisfactory explanation of such absence. Inactive members shall have no right to hold church office. Inactive members may be dropped from the membership at the discretion of the Council of Elders.
G. Termination of membership
Membership may be terminated for the following reasons
Voluntary termination at the request of any member in good standing. No member may withdraw his/her membership during the process of church discipline of that member as set forth in Article IX.
Involuntary termination as a result of church discipline as described in Article IX or due to being inactive according to section F above.
8. Meetings
A. Business meetings
Notice shall be given during the worship service on at least two consecutive Sunday morning services prior to the business meeting. Business meetings shall be called for member input. A business meeting shall be called to review any item for which the members of the church must vote as designated in Article IV, Section A.
B. Voting
The privilege to vote is restricted to active members of this church 18 years of age and older. The Council of Elders shall determine the method of voting. Unless stated otherwise in this Constitution, a two thirds majority is required for the adoption of any resolution or motion or any item designated under Article V for congregational approval.
9. Church Discipline
A. Purpose
The threefold purpose of church discipline is to
Glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6).
Edify believers by deterring sin (1 Timothy 5:20).
Promote the spiritual welfare and restoration of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).
B. Subjects
Members of this church who substantially, consistently, err in major point(s) of doctrine, or who unrepentantly, engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by the Council of Elders, shall be subject to church discipline, including dismissal according to Matthew 18:15-18. General Procedure:
Step One – It shall be the duty of any member of this church who has knowledge of the erring individual’s heresy or unrepentant sin to warn and correct such erring individual in private, seeking his or her repentance and restoration.
Step Two – If the erring individual does not heed this warning, the warning member shall again go to the erring individual, seeking his or her repentance, but accompanied by one or two individuals who shall confirm that the sin has occurred or is continuing to occur, and/or that the erring individual has been appropriately confronted and has refused to repent. The first and second warnings may occur with no specified time interval.
Step Three – If the erring individual still refuses to heed this warning, then it shall be brought to the attention of the Council of Elders, if the elders determine—after thorough investigation in accord with the procedures prescribed by pertinent Scripture, including Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Timothy 5:19—that there is corroborating evidence that the erring individual has sinned or is continuing to sin, that he or she has been appropriately confronted, and that he or she has refused to repent, then the Elders shall inform the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled members meeting in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance. If the erring individual demonstrates repentance, then notice to that effect may be given at a regularly scheduled worship service.
Step Four – If, however, the erring individual does not repent in response to the church in its collective call to repentance, then he or she shall be publicly dismissed from the fellowship and/or membership of the church during a members meeting by a 2/3rd vote of the membership in attendance.
Restoration – If the erring individual, after such dismissal, heeds the warning, demonstrates repentance, and requests reinstatement before the Council of Elders then he or she shall be publicly restored to all the rights, duties, privileges, and responsibilities of fellowship and/or membership during a members meeting by a 2/3rd vote of the membership in attendance.
Ministry responsibilities – Protection of the flock as well as each individual will always be carefully considered by the Elders. Removal of the believer subject to church discipline from ministry responsibilities will be by the decision of the Elders, and will always be necessary whenever a public confrontation is required. After restoration of fellowship for this believer, time to restore trust and credibility (1 Tim 3:7) with opportunities to serve and to be proven (1 Timothy 5:22-25) will be provided before resumption of ministry responsibilities.
C. Special Procedure
Notwithstanding the discussion in Section C, the elders in the exercise of their discretion may proceed directly to the third stage of church discipline, (i.e. the informing of the church and the congregation thereof at a regularly scheduled worship service in order that the church may call the erring individual to repentance) or to the fourth stage of church discipline, (i.e. the dismissal from the fellowship and/or membership of the church without a congregational vote) when one or more of the following have occurred:
Public offense – Where the transgression and the refusal to repent have been public, i.e. openly and to the offense of the whole Church (1 Cor. 5:1-5).
False doctrine – Where the disciplined party has taught or otherwise disseminated doctrine deemed false or erroneous by the elders, then chosen to disregard the direction and reproof of the elders (Romans 16:17).
Factious conduct – Where the disciplined party has been warned twice to cease from factious and divisive conduct and has chosen to disregard that warning (Titus 3:10-11).
D. Response to Discipline
The members of this church agree that there shall be no appeal to any court because of the dismissal or because of public statements to the congregation at the third or fourth stages of church discipline. Members, who are under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeit and waive the right to resign from this church. Resignations from membership are possible only by members who are in good standing and who are not under any disciplinary action.
Statement on Mediation
Members of the church agree to submit any legal dispute with the church for mediation before a mutually agreed-upon mediator, or if none can be agreed upon, one selected by Peacemaker Ministries. Lawsuits between believers, or threats of lawsuits between believers, are a matter of grave concern for the church, are contrary to biblical and church teaching, and mediation is an effort to resolve disputes ina biblical fashion (1 Cor. 6: 1-7).
Mediation will be governed by the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC Rules), unless modified as stipulated by the parties. In particular, subject to the more detailed provisions of the ICC Rules, mediator(s) will attempt to assist us in reaching a voluntary settlement of any disputes through mediation. The confidentiality of the mediation process will be protected and these matters will not be discussed with people who do not have a necessary interest in them. If settlement can be agreed upon, the conciliators may, at their discretion, issue an advisory opinion. Neither the opinion, nor any communications exchanged in the mediation process, willbe admissible for any purpose in any subsequent legal proceeding.
E. Restriction from premises
Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), a member, non-member regular attender, or other individual may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
F. Removal from membership
Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders (or a duly constituted subcommittee thereof), the names of any members who have not attended a worship service, Sunday School class session or Fellowship meeting at Grace Bible Church for a period of three months or longer may be removed from the membership roll. Furthermore, a member may be removed from membership due to inconsistent attendance over a period of six months at the discretion of the Elders.
10. Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and that rejecting one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.
We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Genesis 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4).
We believe that God has commanded that no sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage. We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Furthermore, we believe all people are created in God’s image, designed by God as either male or female—the two being distinct and complementary sexes and genders—and that design cannot be altered on the basis of self-identification or medical procedure.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Grace Bible Church as a local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the Grace Bible Church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Grace Bible Church in any capacity, covenant in membership, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake any and all sin, seeking his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). We believe the issues of gender, marriage, and sexuality are complex as they apply to individuals. There are such things as same-sex attraction and gender identity confusion because we exist in a fallen, sinful world in fallen bodies with desires warped by sin. Because every person is created in the image of God and is of inestimable worth in God’s eyes, Grace Bible Church will minister according to the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone in need of help in working through these issues towards living in and daily exercise of whole-hearted faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:1-2; 1 John 3.7-10, 5:1-4).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with the doctrines of Grace Bible Church. However, We at Grace Bible Church must present a consistent, faithful message to the world on the biblical teaching on marriage, gender and sexuality. The church staff, leadership, and members must conscientiously agree to and maintain this message as part of their witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, facility use will not be permitted to persons or groups advancing or advocating beliefs or practices that conflict, contradict, or are deemed inconsistent with Grace Bible Church’s faith or moral teachings, which are summarized in—among other places—our constitution and bylaws. This policy applies to all church facilities, regardless of whether the facilities are connected to the church’s sanctuary, because the church sees all of its property as a gift from God and intended to be used for his praise and the advance of his purposes (Col 3:17).
Finally, because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, Grace Bible Church will only recognize marriages that accord with our sincerely held religious beliefs. Further, the elders, pastors, deacons, officers, and staff of Grace Bible Church shall only formally participate in weddings or solemnize marriages between one man and one woman.
11. Corporate Membership
The corporation shall have no members as that term is used in the North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act.
12. Corporate Board of Directors (Elders)
A. Powers
The affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors which shall be identical with the Council of Elders and shall be referred to as the Council of Elders hereinafter. Elders need not reside in North Carolina.
B. Number, Tenure, and Qualifications
The number of Elders shall be no less than three (3). In the event the Council of Elders falls below the number three (3) the remaining Elders are authorized to appoint such men from the active Deacons to temporarily serve with the Elders until qualified men are approved as Elders. The duration of the terms of service of the Council of Elders shall be as set forth in Article V above.
C. Meetings
Meetings of the Council of Elders may be called by or at the request of the Chairman of the Council of Elders or the majority of the Elder Council. The place and time of the meeting shall be specified in the notice of such meeting.
D. Notice
Notice of any meeting of the Council of Elders shall be given at least one day prior thereto by oral or written notice to each Elder. Regular meetings shall be held without notice to any Elder at the time and place for such regular meeting as is from time to time designated by the Council of Elders.
E. Manner of Acting
The majority of the Elders present at a meeting in which a quorum is participating by either personal presence or electronic medium shall be the act of the Council of Elders, unless the act of a greater numbers is required by law or by these bylaws. Two thirds of the members of the Council of Elders shall constitute a quorum.
F. Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the Council of Elders and any Eldership to be filled by reason of an increase of the Council of Elders shall be filled according to the provisions of Article V above.
G. Compensation
Non-Pastoral Staff Elders shall not receive any stated salaries for their services.
H. Informal Action by Elders
Any action required by law to be taken at a meeting of the Elders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting for the action so taken is signed by all the Elders.
I. Removal
Elders may be removed by the Council of Elders in accordance with the stipulations of Article V above.
13. Officers of the Corporation
A. Officers
The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Council of Elders, other officers as are deemed necessary and to have the authority and person the duties described, from time to time, by the Council of Elders.
B. Election and Term of Office
The officers of the corporation shall be elected annually by the Council of Elders at a regular meeting of the Council of Elders. Provided, however, that the duration and terms of the officers as may be elected by the Council of Elders shall be for one year. Provided, further, that all incumbent officers shall be deemed to have been re-elected to successive terms of similar duration in the absence of an election appropriately held. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Council of Elders.
C. Removal
Any officer elected or appointed by the council of elders may be removed by the Council of Elders whenever in its judgment the best interests of the corporation would be served hereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the officer so removed.
D. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Elders for the unexpired portion of the term.
E. Chairman
The Chairman shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Council of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Council of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees, if any, and shall have powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Council of Elders or the Bylaws.
F. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Council of Elders may order, of all meetings of the members, the Council and its committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the meetings, the Council and committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof.
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at an agreed upon location in the State of North Carolina the original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles and Bylaws, as amended to date. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Council and any committees thereof required by these Bylaws or by law to be given, shall keep the seal of the Corporation in safe custody, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as prescribed by the Council.
The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at an agreed upon location, a church membership register, or a duplicated membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.
G. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Corporation, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration…for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation or his/her agent or attorney.
The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Council of Elders. He/She shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Council of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Council of Elders. He/She shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Council meeting and at the annual meeting of members.
14. Committees
The Council of Elders, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Elders in office, may designate and appoint one or more committees, each of which shall consist of two or more Elders, which committees, to the extent provided in said resolution shall have and exercise the authority of the Council of Elders in the management of the corporation. However, no such committee shall have the authority of the Council of Elders in reference to amending, altering, or repealing the bylaws; electing, appointing or removing any member of any such committee or any Elder or officer of the corporation; amending the articles of incorporation; adopting a plan of merger or adopting a plan of consolidation with another corporation; authorizing the voluntary dissolution of the corporation or revoking proceedings therefore; adopting a plan for the distribution of the assets of the corporation; or amending, altering, or repealing any resolution of the Council of Elders which by its terms provides that it shall not be amended, altered, or repealed by such committee and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Council of Elders, or any individual Elder of any responsibility imposed on it or him by law.
15. Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds
A. Contracts
The Council of Elders may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
B. Checks and Drafts
All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Council of Elders. In the absence of such determination by the Council of Elders, such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer.
C. Deposits
All funds of the corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Council of Elders may select.
D. Gifts
The Council of Elders may accept on behalf of the corporation any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the corporation.
16. Books and Records
The corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Council of Elders and committees having any of the authority of the Council of Elders, and shall keep at the registered or principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the elders. All books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any elder or his agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
17. Facility Use Policy
The Church’s facilities were provided by God’s benevolence and the sacrificial generosity of its members. All Church property is consecrated and set apart to worship God (Col. 3:17), and therefore is to be used exclusively to glorify God and edify the Body of Christ. Although the facilities are not generally open to the public, the Church makes its facilities available to approved members and non-members on a case-by-case basis as a witness to its faith, in a spirit of Christian charity, and as a means of demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ in practice.
The Church’s facilities may not be used for activities that contradict, or are inconsistent with, the Church’s beliefs, as summarized in the Church’s statement of faith and other stated doctrinal beliefs. This restricted facility use policy is necessary for two reasons. First, the Church may not in good conscience materially cooperate in activities or promote beliefs that are contrary to its faith (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thess. 5:22). Second, the Church must present a consistent public witness to the community through its stewardship of its property. Allowing facilities to be used in a way that contradicts the Church’s statement of faith would have a severe, negative impact on the message that the Church strives to promote and could cause confusion and scandal to Church members and the community. Therefore, only events that are consistent with the Church’s religious beliefs, as determined by [pastor/elders/official designee], shall be permitted.
18. Code of Conduct Policy
A. Policy Inclusions. This ministry’s code of conduct is rooted in its sincerely held religious beliefs and is consistent with the following:
a. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17)
b. The Great Commandments as stated by Jesus Christ (Matt. 22:37-40)
B. Personal Conduct. All persons connected with this ministry community (e.g. visitors, employees, volunteers, board members, students, parents of students, etc.) shall hereinafter be referred to as ministry community members. All such ministry community members must conduct their personal affairs so there can be no opportunity for unfavorable reflections upon the Christian beliefs and mission of the ministry, either expressed or implied. The use of common sense, good ethical standards and discretion will guide all who are called into community with the ministry in proper conduct. Failure to maintain reasonable standards is subject to discipline, up to and including termination, from the ministry community. It is expected that all members of our ministry community will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with biblical standards, values, and character.
C. Rules of Conduct. In every organization where many people interact on a regular basis, some specific rules and policies are necessary to establish acceptable standards of conduct, assure fair treatment of all members of the community, and enhance the smooth operation of the organization. Ministry community members are expected to become familiar with and abide by the standards outlined in this policy. The purpose of these rules is to maintain a community environment that protects the safety and dignity of each community member without placing unreasonable restrictions on anyone.
Ministry community members are expected to model appropriate behavior and conduct both on and off-campus and model relationships that demonstrate a growing Christ-likeness manifested in a lifestyle that serves and gives itself to reconcile others. Ministry community members are also expected to model appropriate language on and off-campus and model speech that demonstrates a growing Christ-likeness (Ephesians 5:4). Ministry community members shall maintain appropriate attitudes of concern for others. Problems concerning ministry community members’ roles, relationships, and professional conduct should first be handled directly with the person involved. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be concluded, the matter should move up the relevant chain of responsibility. Specifically, ministry community members shall respect the integrity and confidences of other community members and those outside of our community attending any of our ministry’s functions. Ministry community members are expected to operate within their respective roles.
In summary, Christian ethics demand that ministry community members act in love and integrity, in confidentiality, and in alignment with the mission/purpose of this ministry.
D. Inappropriate Conduct. Violation of ministry rules and policies may result in an oral warning, a written warning, and/or termination of a member’s role in the ministry community. There is no requirement that discipline be progressive or that a warning be given prior to demotion or any other disciplinary action, including discharge from the ministry community. Set forth below are some examples of misconduct which will not be tolerated by the ministry. This list is not exhaustive and examples are not listed in order of seriousness:
1. Falsification of personnel and/or student records and information or other ministry records.
2. Dating, or otherwise becoming romantically involved with, anyone under legal age.
3. Engaging in any activity which a ministry community member knows, or has reason to know, will adversely affect the mission of the ministry.
4. Engaging in sexual acts and/or relationships outside the confines of biblical marriage between one man and one woman.
5. Deliberate damage or destruction of any ministry property or the property of any ministry community member.
6. Engaging in criminal conduct.
7. Insubordination, including but not limited to, failure or refusal to obey the orders or instructions of a supervisor, teacher, or other ministry leader, or the use of abusive or threatening language toward a supervisor, teacher, or other ministry leader.
8. Using abusive language at any time on campus.
9. Failure to notify a supervisor when unable to report to work.
10. Sleeping on the job.
11. Wearing unprofessional or inappropriate styles of dress (including dressing in such a way as to willfully reject one’s sex assigned at birth (Gen. 1:27)).
l2. Violation of any safety, health, security or ministry policies, rules or procedures.
13. Committing a fraudulent act or a breach of trust under any circumstances.
14. Unlawful harassment including harassment of a sexual nature (with the understanding that this ministry reserves the right to operate according to its sincerely held religious beliefs about biblical marriage and sexuality and therefore does not define “harassment” as including any enforcement of, or adherence to, its biblical principles and expectations in the areas of marriage, sexuality, dress, and discipline).
15. Engaging in behavior that suggests a willful violation of the religious beliefs and practices of the ministry including engaging in sexual acts and/or relationships outside the confines of biblical marriage between one man and one woman and rejection of one’s sex assigned by God at birth.
If a ministry community member has any doubt about whether certain conduct will constitute behavior that suggests a willful violation of the religious beliefs and practices of the ministry, the community member should ask an appropriate ministry leader.