Service Times

Worship Service
Sun. 9:30am – 10:30am

Sunday School
Sun. 10:45am – 11:20am

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
Wed. 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Crusaders Club (Seasonal)
Thurs. 3:00pm – 5:30pm

Crusaders Teens (Seasonal)
Thurs. 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Constitution (1992)

This document is published here for historical purposes only. The current constitution, ratified February 5, 2017, may be found here.


CONSTITUTION FOR THE BAPTIST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

OF

ROYAL CENTER, INDIANA


Article I :  Name
The name of this church will be the Baptist Christian Church of Royal Center, Indiana.

Article II :  Purpose
The purpose of this church will be to glorify God through worship, to purify itself, to edify itself, to equip itself and to evangelize the lost.

Article III :  Doctrinal Statement
The Scriptural doctrines which every member believes and accepts are briefly contained in these Articles of Faith:

Section A:  The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, His revelation to man, inerrant in the original writings, and that it is therefore the supreme and final authority in all matters of doctrine, faith and life  (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Section B:  The Godhead (Trinity)
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons–Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  We believe they have precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and are worthy of precisely the same honor, confidence, and obedience  (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3: 16-17; Matthew 28:19;20; Mark 12:29; 1 Peter 1:2).

  1. God the Father
    We believe in God who is personal, sovereign, eternal, absolutely holy and self-existent (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 90:2; 147:5; Jeremiah 10:10; Mark 12:30; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 1:17).
  2. God the Son
    We believe that Jesus Christ eternally existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit; that in His incarnation was begotten by the Holy Spirit; born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man  (John 1:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:16).We believe that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and a substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood.  We believe He arose bodily from the dead on the third day in the same body in which He suffered and died (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3).We also believe that our Lord ascended into Heaven; that He is now seated on the right hand of the Father, and is our High Priest and divine Advocate with the Father.  We believe that by His finished work on the cross and His unceasing ministry of intercession in Glory, Jesus Christ has procured for every believer Eternal Redemption, Eternal Salvation, and Everlasting Life  (Mark 16:19; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; Hebrews 5:9; 7:25; 8:1; 9:11-12; 1 John 2:1).We believe in the Blessed Hope, the personal, premillenial, pre-tribulational and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is known as the Rapture of the Church.  We also believe in the personal, visible and glorious return of Christ to the earth with His saints at the end of the Great Tribulation.  This phase of His coming is known as the Revelation of Jesus Christ.  When He returns to the earth with His saints, we believe that Jesus Christ will establish His millennial Kingdom and will reign for one thousand years  (John 14:3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:9-10; Titus 2:13; Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-6).
  3. God the Holy Spirit
    We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person; that He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He regenerates the sinner by the Word of God; that He permanently indwells the Church and the body of each believer.  He seals, enlightens, instructs and guides every born-again person, and is the efficient power for godly living, Christian service and spiritual worship  (John 3:5-7; John 14:16-17,26; John 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30).

Section C:  The Creation and Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God.  All human beings are born with a sinful nature and are totally depraved.  Those who reach moral responsibility become sinners in thought, word and deed, and must be born again to be accepted of God  (Genesis 1:26-27; John 3:1-21; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:10,23; 6:23;).

Section D:  The Nature of the Church
We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ was begun at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven and came into the Church; that it is composed solely of born-again people who have been called out from among the Jews and Gentiles to become the body and bride of our Lord.  Christ, glorified in Heaven, is its Head; and the Holy Spirit on earth is the active agent of the Godhead, who ever seeks within its ranks to bring about conformity and obedience to the Word of God and the will of God.  Being one body unites believers to each other and all to Christ; and its chief purpose of existence is to evangelize the world and complete itself through the winning of lost souls to Christ  (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2:1-47; Romans 1:16; 3:22; 5:23,24; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:13-16).

Section E:  Ordinances
We believe the two ordinances that Christians are commanded to observe are water baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  While recognizing that water baptism has no saving merit, it is our conviction that after one is saved, water baptism is the next step in portraying to the world the believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  It is our conviction that the scriptural method of water baptism is immersion.

We believe that Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death until He comes.  We further believe that water baptism by immersion is to be observed but once and is a sign of identification and a testimony to newness of life; but the Lord’s Supper is to be observed often as a memorial of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ  (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8: 35-39; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33; Colossians 2:9-13).

Section F:  The Eternal State of the Saved and the Lost
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men: the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment  (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-15).

We believe the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord.  There they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul and body are reunited to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ and to be glorified forever with the Lord  (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8, 10; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6).

We believe the souls of unbelievers remain in conscious misery after death until the second resurrection when the soul, and body are reunited and they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment.  They shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting punishment  (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15).

Section G:  The Personality of Satan
We believe that Satan is a personal being, the author of sin, a fallen angel, prince of demons, the god of this age, the great enticer and deceiver, the adversary of Christ and His people, the accuser of the brethren, whose end is in the Lake of Fire  (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-10; 20:10).

Section H:  Angels
We believe in the existence and personality of angels, both holy angels and fallen angels or demons (Matthew 25:41; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 2:13; 9:26; 15:10).

Section I:  Separation and Sanctification
We believe that the Scriptures clearly teach non-conformity to the world for every believer; that born-again people should be separated from the world unto Christ; that it is clearly commanded of God that all believers should live lives of separation from all worldly and sinful practices; and to be holy as He is holy.  We believe that positional sanctification occurs at the moment of regeneration; and that practical sanctification is to be progressive throughout the entire life span of a believer on earth.  God’s provision for holy living is in the believer’s identification and ascension, the indwelling person and power of the Holy Spirit, the believer’s yieldedness to Him, and the powerful Word of God  (John 17:17; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 6:14-17; 7:1; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 2:6; 5:25-27; Colossians 1:13; 3:1-4; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 4:12; 10:13,14; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 3:18).

In setting forth this Doctrinal Statement we by no means set aside or undervalue any of the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments.  It is the responsibility of each Christian to believe and live every doctrine taught in God’s Word (Matthew 4:4) and to observe to do all things whatsoever Christ has commanded us (Matthew 28:20).  We do consider the knowledge, belief and acceptance of the truth as set forth in this Doctrinal Statement to be essential to sound faith and faithful practice.

We believe that movements out of harmony with the Word of God and the official doctrine and position of our local church should be opposed, such as the following movements:

  1. Ecumenism: Ecumenism is that movement which seeks the organizational unity of all religions.  Its principal advocates are the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
  2. Ecumenical Evangelism: Ecumenical Evangelism is that effort to promote the Gospel by bringing fundamentalists into an unequal yoke with theological liberals and/or Roman Catholics and other divergent organizations.
  3. Neo-Orthodoxy: Neo-Orthodoxy is that theological movement which affirms the transcendence of God, the finiteness and sinfulness of man, and the necessity of supernatural divine revelations of truth.  However, while using evangelical terminology, it seriously departs from the orthodoxy in accepting the views of destructive higher criticism, in denying the inerrancy of the Bible as historic revelation, in accepting religious experience as the criterion of truth, and in abandoning important fundamentals of the Christian faith.
  4. New Evangelicalism: (Neo-Evangelism, New Conservatism)  These terms refer to that movement within evangelicalism characterized by a toleration of and a dialogue with theological liberalism.  Its essence is seen in an emphasis upon the social application of the Gospel and weak or unclear doctrines such as the inspiration of Scripture, Biblical creationism, eschatology, dispensationalism and separation.  It is further characterized by an attempt to accommodate Biblical Christianity and make it acceptable to the modern mind.

Article IV :  Membership

Section A:  Qualifications Of Membership

  1. This church will welcome into its fellowship those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior  (1 Corinthians 1:2-3; Ephesians 2:8-9, 11-22).
    1. The candidate will fill out an application for church membership.
    2. All member must be Scripturally baptized unless physically impossible  (See Article III; Section B and Article VI; Section B).
    3. The Board of Elders will be responsible for interviewing all prospective members.
  2. No person under discipline of another church will be considered for membership  (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13).

Section B:  Responsibilities Of Membership

  1. All members are urged to maintain regular attendance at church meetings whether for the purpose of worship or the transaction of business (Hebrews 10:25).
  2. Members of this church will be urged to study the Scriptures, to progress spiritually, to put away questionable habits and to live a life that would honor the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-23; 2 Timothy 2:15).
  3. Members are instructed to cultivate love toward others and to demonstrate this love for the purpose of encouraging toward maturity in Christ (John 13:34-35; 1 John 2:9-11; 3:14).
  4. Every believer is commanded to participate in the Lord’s Supper; therefore it is the responsibility of each member to fellowship with other believers in this ordinance  (1 Corinthians 11:2, 23-34).
  5. Members should honor and support the leadership of this church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
  6. Each member should exercise his/her spiritual gift(s) faithfully in the ministry of this church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 14:12; Ephesians 4:7,11-13).
  7. Each member has the responsibility to support the ministry of this church with his/her finances.  This is to be done cheerfully and as God directs each individual (2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15).
  8. It is the duty of all members to be a good witness for Jesus Christ at all times.  This includes walking carefully in the world, fulfilling obligations and, as opportunity enables, commending the Gospel of Christ to others (Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 Peter 2:13-15; 3:15-16).

Section C:  Privileges Of Membership

  1. The voting membership shall consist of all active members eighteen (18) years or older.
  2. An active member is one who has attended at least two (2) services a month (See Article IV; Section B; Number 1).  This provision will not be applied when it is physically impossible for the member to attend.
  3. Considerations for inactive members:
    1. Before being placed on the inactive list, the member will be contacted by at least two (2) members of the Board of Elders and/or the Board of Deacons.
    2. A member who is on the inactive list for twelve months will be dropped from the church roll.
  4. An active member who has moved away from this geographical area and still desires to remain on the church roll will be an associate member.  The associate member will not have the privilege of voting.

Section D:  Discipline Of Membership

  1. The purposes of discipline
    1. To be obedient to Scripture
    2. To protect and maintain the peace and purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)
    3. To honor Christ (Romans 15:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31)
    4. To restore the sinning member (1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Galatians 6:1)
  2. Discipline will be imposed whenever there is deliberate and active error, whether it be in doctrine or in practice of sin (Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 2:16-19).
  3. The procedure of discipline
    1. Reasonable efforts must be made by those who have firsthand knowledge of the doctrinal error or sin to attempt to correct the offender and encourage him/her to practice the truth (Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3; Galatians 6:1).
    2. If private reproof fails, the matter shall be brought to the offender by one or two additional witnesses who offer reproof and spiritual counsel  (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16).
    3. If reasonable attempts toward restoration have failed, the charges will be submitted in writing to the Board of Elders.  The offender will be notified in writing of the charges and of the date of their consideration by the Board of Elders.  He/She will be given opportunity to give answers to the questions raised.
    4. If the matter is not reconciled, it will be brought to the church membership for a vote.  A two-thirds majority vote of those present will be required for expulsion (Matthew 18:17; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).
    5. Persons who have been disciplined but who demonstrate a genuine attitude of repentance may be restored to membership in accordance the regulations which govern the reception of members (Luke 17:3; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

Section E:  Termination of Membership

  1. A letter of dismissal will be granted only upon written request from the member or from the church or pastor proposing to receive the member.
  2. No member under discipline will be granted a letter of dismissal for any reason.
  3. Members who move away from this area will be encouraged to unite with another church of like faith as soon as possible.  We believe Christians should support their local church, therefore, non-residents will not remain on the active roll.
  4. When a member joins another church or denomination, membership is automatically forfeited.

Article V :  Church Government

Section A:  God and His Word

We believe God is Sovereign and His Word is the final authority for the government of this church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).

Section B:  Congregation

  1. The congregation has the authority under God to elect its own leadership according to Biblical qualifications.  The congregation is then obligated to support the leadership within the bounds of their God-given office (Hebrews 13:17).
  2. The regular business meetings will be held each quarter (January, April, July, October).  A special meeting may be called by the church Moderator or Elders as the need arises.
  3. Twenty (20) voting members will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any business meeting.
  4. The annual meeting will be held in January for the purpose of electing officers, hearing reports, and adopting a budget.  Officers will be installed during the Sunday Worship service following the annual meeting.
  5. All officers of the church will be members.  All members of the Board of Elders and Deacons will be male.

Section C:  Board Of Elders

    1. Number and Term of Office
      1. There will be four or more qualified elders (in addition to the pastor) as needed.
      2. The elders will be elected annually and may serve for an indefinite period of time.
    2. Qualifications of Elders
        1. Blameless (above reproach) as a steward of God – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
        2. Husband of one wife (not divorced) – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
        3. Temperate (sober, vigilant) – 1 Timothy 1:3:2; Titus 1:8
        4. Sober minded (exercising sound judgment) – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
        5. Of good behavior (orderly, respectable) – 1 Timothy 3:2
        6. Given to hospitality – 1 Timothy 1; Titus 1:8
        7. Apt to teach – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9
        8. Not given to wine (We believe elders should abstain from the use of alcohol.) – 1 Timothy 3:3;  Titus 1:7
        9. Not violent – 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
        10. Patient (forbearing, yielding) – 1 Timothy 3:3
        11. Not a brawler (not given to anger or quick temper) – 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
        12. Not covetous (not a lover of money) – 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
        13. Rules well his own house (has the  respect of his wife and children) – 1 Timothy 3:4-5: Titus 1:6
        14. Not a novice (not a new Christian) – 1 Timothy 3:6
        15. Has a good report or reputation with outsiders – 1 Timothy 3:7
        16. Not self-willed – Titus 1:7
        17. A lover of good – Titus 1:8
        18. Just (fair) – Titus 1:8
        19. Holy – Titus 1:8
        20. Self-controlled – Titus 1:8
          1. Does it edify?
          2. Does it cause enslavement?
          3. Is it beneficial?

      Philippians 3:12-16 expresses the attitude that each elder should have about the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.  “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”

      The qualifications are:

      We believe the following Scriptural principles, found in 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23, should be applied to every Christian’s conduct.

      For example, we believe the use of tobacco does not edify, does cause enslavement, and is not beneficial.

    3. Duties and Responsibilities

The Board of Elders is responsible collectively and individually for the general oversight and shepherding of those who attend this church.  1 Peter 5:2-3 describes this responsibility.

“Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;  nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”

This very broad responsibility includes:

      1. Guard the Purity of Biblical Doctrine – Titus 1:9

This includes studying God’s Word so he will be able to refute false teaching with sound doctrine.

      1. Feed the Flock – 1 Peter 5:2

The word feed means to shepherd.  As the shepherd cares for his flock, the elders should lead, protect and provide for the well-being of the church.

      1. Maintain An Effective Prayer Life – James 5:16

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

      1. Teach the Word – 1 Timothy 3:2;5:17

The elders are instructed to labor in the Word and doctrine (teaching).

      1. Care For The Sick – James 5:14-16

The general care of the sick involves the ministries of visiting and praying.  However, when specifically asked by the sick to be anointed with oil, the elders will meet with the sick first to deal with any known sin.  They will then pray and anoint with oil.

      1. Discipline the Erring  – 1 Corinthians 5

Following the Scriptural pattern set forth by Paul in 1 Corinthians, the elders are to oversee all matters of church discipline (Article IV,  Section D).

      1. Ordain Elders – Titus 1:5

As Paul instructed Titus, elders are responsible for the ordination of other elders.  When, in the judgment of the Board of Elders, a man in this membership is called to the Christian ministry, it shall be within the power of the elders to call and conduct a council  (consisting of pastors and laymen of like faith) for ordination , providing such support is granted by two-thirds majority vote of those present (1 Timothy 5:22).

      1. Oversee Church Finances

The elders are responsible for the orderly administration of church finances.

The Board of Elders will act on all matters between the pastor and the congregation concerning the pastor’s salary, vacation, duties  or other personal matters as might develop in his pastorate.

      1. Administer Ordinances of the Church

The elders are responsible for administering the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

      1. Attend Monthly Board Meetings

The Board of Elders will meet on a regularly scheduled basis, usually not less than once per month.

      1. Serve As Committee Members

Elders will be ex-officio members of all boards and committees.

    1. Administration of the Board of Elders
      1. The Board of Elders will elect its own chairman.
      2. A majority of elders (including the pastor) will constitute a quorum at any board meeting.

Section D:  Pastor/Elder

    1. Selection of the Pastor
      1. Only one candidate is to be presented at one time.
      2. No candidate will be presented to the congregation unless he is in agreement with the constitution.
      3. The pulpit committee will secure and present the candidate’s history and background, giving all details pertinent to his qualifications as listed in Article V, Section C, Number 2.
      4. The candidate will minister not less than two consecutive Sundays, when possible.
      5. After sufficient examination by the pulpit committee and congregation, the candidate will be presented to the church members for a vote.  A three-fourths majority vote of those members present will be required to extend a call.
      6. The pastor and his wife will automatically become members of this church.

A pulpit committee of three members in good standing will be elected by the church. The following procedure will be used:

    1. Duties and Responsibilities
      1. Arrange and conduct all public and regular services of the church
      2. Train the congregation and guide them in their ministries
      3. Set regular office hours in which he can be reached by the  congregation for counsel or information.  These hours will not be such as to interfere with other pastoral and private responsibilities.
      4. Be responsible to the Board of Elders

In addition to those already listed under Article V, Section C, Number 3, the pastor will:

  1. Discipline of Elders
    1. There is a distinction between the discipline of an Elder and a regular member of the church.  This is due to his position and the ill effects that any false accusation would have on his continued ministry.  Matthew 18:15-17 is written for the discipline of the congregation in general.  1 Timothy 5:19-21 is written to provide instruction for the disciplining of an elder.
    2. If a person has an accusation against an elder, he should first approach him as a brother in Christ.  If he does not listen, then 1 Timothy 5 comes into view.  If he listens, he would naturally initiate his own disciplinary proceedings.
    3. An accusation is not to be received by the elders unless there are two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19).
    4. If the accusation is received, then the elder is to be publicly rebuked (1 Timothy 5:20).
    5. The purpose of all discipline is restoration.  However, some discipline may require removal from office.  If the elder is removed from his position, caution is to be exercised before he can, if ever, be restored to the office of elder (1 Timothy 5:22,24-25).
    6. Due to the seriousness of this matter, the elders overseeing the discipline are charged, “before God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels to observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21).
  2. 4 .  Termination of the Pastor
    1. The Pastor may continue in office for an indefinite period of time.  He will give written notice to the Board of Elders of his resignation thirty (30) days in advance.  The Chairman of the Board will read the Pastor’s resignation to the congregation.  By mutual consent between the Board and the Pastor, the time may be extended or shortened.
    2. The church may dissolve the pastoral relationship because of Biblical discipline or their intention to terminate his service.  The church will give the pastor two (2) weeks notice of their intention to dissolve this relationship.
    3. After the above notification (paragraph b), a special meeting will be called by the Board of Elders for the congregation to vote on the termination of the pastoral relationship.  The meeting will be announced on two (2) consecutive Sundays in advance of this meeting.  A vote of two-thirds of the active members present will be required to terminate the pastoral relationship.  Upon termination of the relationship, the pastor may remain in the parsonage for thirty (30) days and receive his salary for that time.

Section E:  Board of Deacons

    1. Number and Term of Office
      1. There will be eight (8) or more deacons as needed.
      2. The deacons will be elected annually and may serve for an indefinite period of time.
    2. Qualifications of Deacons
      1. Grave (dignified, worthy of respect) – 1 Timothy 3:8
      2. Not double-tongued (not two-faced) – 1 Timothy 3:8
      3. Not given to much wine (we believe deacons should abstain from the use alcohol) – 1 Timothy 3:8
      4. Not greedy of filthy lucre (not pursuing dishonest gain) – 1 Timothy 3:8
      5. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience (living his life with a Scripturally clear conscience) – 1 Timothy 3:9
      6. First be proven (not a novice, must be tested) – 1 Timothy 3:10
      7. Blameless (above reproach) – 1 Timothy 3:10
      8. Deacons’ wives must be grave, not slanderers, sober minded, faithful in all things – 1 Timothy 3:11
      9. Husbands of one wife (not divorced) – 1 Timothy 3:12
      10. Ruling their children and their own houses well (has the respect of his wife and children) – 1 Timothy 3:12

Philippians 3:12-16 expresses the attitude that each deacon should about the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

    1. Duties and Responsibilities of Deacons
        1. Visitation with the Congregation

      Through visitation, the deacons should become aware of the spiritual as well as the physical needs of the people.  Through this awareness, specific needs can be met.

        1. Assist the Elders In Administering the Ordinances of the Church
        2. Attend Monthly Board Meetings

      The board will meet on a regularly scheduled basis, usually not less than once a month.

The duties and responsibilities of the deacons are not specifically outlined in the Scriptures.  In Acts 6:1-4, the first deacons were elected to relieve the disciples (elders) so they could devote more time to the ministries of the Word and prayer.  Therefore, the deacons are to assist the elders in the spiritual welfare of the church.  In all areas of ministry, deacons stand alongside the elders as co-laborers in a spiritual ministry.

  1. Administration of the Board of Deacons
    1. The Board of Deacons will elect its own chairman.
    2. A majority of deacons will constitute a quorum at any board meeting.

Section F:  Board of Trustees

    1. Number and Term
      1. There will be three (3) trustees or more as needed. One member of the Board of Trustees will be a woman.
      2. The trustees will be elected annually for a term of three (3) years.  For continuity, their terms will be staggered.
    2. Duties and Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees will have actual care of the church property (including securing janitorial and maintenance personnel) and will be the legal representatives of the church.  They will have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer property without a two-thirds majority vote of active members present.

Section G:  Officers and Committees
The following officers and committee members will be elected annually and serve for an indefinite period of time.  All officers and committees will submit a report at the annual meeting.

    1. The Clerk of the Church

The clerk will keep an accurate record of all business transacted by the church, a register of names of members, and give such legal notice as required by state law.  He/She will record at the Clerk’s Recorder Office the names of the clerk and trustees each year.  He will collect and prepare all important records.

    1. The Treasurer

The Treasurer will keep records of the church finances, pay all bills, salaries, etc.  These records will be audited annually.

    1. The Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary will be responsible for the receipts and safekeeping of the funds of the church.  He will keep record of individual contributions upon request, and according to individual designation.  The record of deposits will be audited annually.

    1. Sunday School Superintendent

The Sunday School Superintendent will supervise the operation of the Sunday School.  All matters pertaining to the Sunday School, including the selection of literature and teachers will be determined by the Sunday School Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Board of Elders.  The Assistant Sunday School Superintendent will assist the Sunday School Superintendent and assume his duties as the occasion may require.

  1. Deaconess
      1. Number and Term
        1. There will be eight (8) deaconesses or more as needed.
        2. They will be elected annually and may serve for an indefinite period of time.
      2. Qualifications

    As a committee, usually consisting of the wives of deacons, they must meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3.  They must be dignified, not malicious gossips, exercise self control, and faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11).

    1. Duties
      1. They will be responsible for electing their own chairman.
      2. They will be responsible for preparations of the monthly communion service and assist in all baptisms.
    2. Moderator
      1. Duties
        1. The moderator will conduct all church business meetings in an orderly and decent manner (1 Corinthians 14:40).
        2. He will appoint a vice-moderator to fulfill his duties in his absence.
        3. He will appoint the Auditing, Remembrance and Special Days Committees.
  2. Finance Committee
    1. Composition
      1. The Finance Committee will consist of five (5) elected members, the Clerk, Financial Secretary, and the Treasurer.
      2. The Finance Committee will elect its own chairman annually.
    2. Duties
      1. They will prepare and present an annual budget to the church.
      2. With respect to all salaries, the Financial Committee will work together with the Board of Elders.
      3. They will be responsible for proposing and presenting the pastor’s initial salary package first for the approval of the church, then to the prospective pastor.
  3. Nominating Committee
    1. Number and term
      1. Nominating Committee members will be elected annually for the coming year.
      2. This committee will consist of the pastor and four (4) members.
      1. Prepare and distribute nominating ballots to the congregation for all elected positions following the October quarterly business meeting.  All ballots must by received within one (1) month after they are distributed.
      2. Evaluate nominating ballots and consider qualified candidates for each position.  All candidates must be members who fulfill the duties and responsibilities of membership in a consistent manner.
      3. Prepare for the Board of Elders’ approval a recommended ballot listing at least two (2) qualified candidates when possible.
      4. Post the approved ballot at least two (2) weeks prior to the annual meeting.
      5. Present the ballot to the congregation at the annual meeting.  There will be no nominations from the floor.

Article VI :  Ordinances

Section A:  Lord’s Table

The Lord’s Table will be observed on a regular basis as provided by the Board of Elders and Board of Deacons (See Doctrinal Statement on Ordinances; Article III, Section E).

Section B:  Baptism

Water Baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Christ and has no saving merit.  We believe that baptism by immersion is the only Scriptural method (See Doctrinal Statement on Ordinances; Article III, Section E).

Article VII :  Organizations

All organizations within the church will be strictly subordinate to the church and will hold their general policies subject to the approval of the pastor and the Board of Elders.  They will require a careful record of all receipts and expenditures and shall report the same to the church at the annual meeting.

Article VIII :  Finances

The financial needs of the church will be met by the voluntary contributions of its members and friends.  No entertainments, suppers, bazaars, rummage or bake sales, etc., will be given by the church or auxiliary organizations for fundraising (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15).

Article IX :  Amendments
Amendments to this constitution must be presented in written form and discussed at a regular business meeting.  It must be presented in writing at least four (4) weeks prior to discussion.  A three-fourths majority vote is required for approval.

Article X :  Dissolution
In the event a decision is made to dissolve this church known as the Baptist Christian Church of Royal Center, Indiana, all of the assets of the church over and above those needed to pay off any debts and liabilities of the church, will be assigned by majority vote to one or more fundamental, Bible-believing, non-profit organizations such as churches, missions, schools, or associations.  None of the assets will be given to any individual.