This church shall be called the Memorial Baptist Church of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.
The purpose of this church shall be:
to proclaim consistently the
message of the bible, to please God, to do His will, and to be
instruments to His service and glory;
to maintain a Christian
fellowship which will be conducive to the maturing of the Christian
personality in accord with the new testament exhortation, "be perfect,
therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).
and
to fulfill the new testament command (Matthew 28:19, 20) to evangelize
in the local community and in all the world in accordance with Acts
1:8.
Having been brought by divine grace to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we do now solemnly covenant with one another as God shall enable us by His Holy Spirit: to conduct ourselves in a Christlike manner being zealous in our witness and in our efforts to glorify God; to walk together in Christian love and to exercise loving care and watchfulness over one another in time of need; to raise our children in the training and discipline of the Word of God; to participate in one another's joys and to endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other's burdens; to attend the worship services of the church and faithfully to avail ourselves in the privilege of prayer; and to contribute cheerfully to the ministry of the church, the spreading of the Gospel throughout the world and to the aid of the poor.
I. We believe in the Divine inspiration and Authority of the Scriptures. By this is meant a miraculous guidance of the Holy Spirit in their original writing, extending to all parts of the Scriptures equally, applying even to the choice of words, so that the result is the very Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Moreover, it is our conviction that God has exercised such singular care and providence through the ages in preserving the written Word, that the Scriptures as we now have them are in every essential particular as originally given and contain all things necessary to salvation. We believe the Scriptures are sufficient and complete in all matters of faith and practice. We affirm that the Scriptures in their entirety are inerrant, being free from all falsehood, fraud, or deceit.
II. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
III. We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true Man.
IV. We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also that spiritual death which is separation from God: and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and, in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, become sinners in thought, word and deed.
V. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood.
VI. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate.
VII. We believe in that "blessed hope," the personal, visible and bodily return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in power and glory. We recognize that orthodox Christians hold to various viewpoints on the exact sequence of events in eschatology. While allowing for this diversity within our own membership, the position of our church is premillennial.
VII. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are Born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.
IX. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting conscious blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost.
X. We also believe in the personality of Satan, the assurance of the saints, a life of separation from the world, the two natures of the believer and the obligation of the saved to witness for Christ to the ends of the earth.
XI. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are the only ordinances of the church and that they are a Scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age.
Any person who has been interviewed and recommended by the Pastor and the Board of Elders and who has professed to have accepted Christ as his savior and Lord and has been baptized by emersion or sprinkling at some point in time after his conversion or agrees to be baptized and has accepted this church's Doctrinal Statement and Covenant, may be received into membership by a majority vote of the members present at any regular devotional or business meeting.
Members who take up permanent residence at such a distance that regular attendance at worship is impossible are encouraged to change their membership to a suitable evangelical church in their new community.
Any active or inactive member in good standing may, at his request, be given a letter of transferal and recommendation to another church, by the church Clerk. This letter shall specify whether the member is an active or inactive member. This action shall be reported at the next congregational meeting.
In the event that a member becomes disorderly, immoral, or contentious, it shall be the responsibility of the Board of Elders to correct the matter by what ever biblical methods they are prayerfully convinced are necessary.
In the event that a member refuses to cooperate with the Board of Elders so that the troublesome condition continues and it becomes necessary to use firm measures, the Elders shall proceed on the basis of Matthew 18:15-17.
In the event that exclusion from membership is necessary, it shall be the responsibility of the Board Of Elders to request a congregational meeting, with two weeks prior notification for that purpose. The pertinent facts shall be reviewed. Fair opportunity for defense shall be given. A three quarters (3/4) affirmative vote of the members present shall be required, provided a quorum of 30% of the active voting members is present.
The exclusion of a member should be the last resort used only when the general welfare of the congregation is in jeopardy and other attempts to win the member have failed.
Members excluded may be restored to membership by expressing conviction of their sin to the Board Of Elders and a public testimony of their repentance.
Members who attend services, contribute more than once per year, or otherwise exhibit an active interest in the ministry of the church.
Annually or at their discretion, the Board Of Elders shall survey the membership list and place in the inactive category those who have not qualified as active members for a period of one year. The Board shall also have the power to transfer back to the active list the names of those who again become active as defined above (4A).
Notification by letter shall be sent to any person whose name is transfered. Members on the inactive list shall not be included in reporting statistics and shall have no voting rights.
The church may also, after due notice and kindly effort to make such action unnecessary, terminate the membership of persons who have been on the inactive list for a period of three years. Such action shall be taken upon recommendation of the Board Of Elders.
When an inactive member requests a letter of transfer to another church it shall be granted indicating he has been on the inactive list.
All members shall "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and savior, Jesus Christ."
II Peter 3:18.
All members shall consider attendance at church services and congregational business meetings a primary obligation unless prevented by circumstances beyond their control.
All members shall assume their responsibility to support the church with their tithes and offerings.
All members shall support the church with their prayers and shall use their talents in working with the Pastor and elected officials toward the fulfilling of the church's purpose.
Board members, teachers and any other person ministering in any capacity shall be active members of the church, unless approved by the Board Of Elders.
The congregation shall have ultimate authority in all matters pertaining to the church.
It shall be his duty to preach the Gospel, care for the spiritual needs of the congregation and community, and as an Elder, oversee all the functions of the church so that the most efficient possible witness is maintained. Under God he is an Elder and a spiritual leader and over-shepherd of the congregation. He is a member of the Board of Elders and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and boards.
Whenever a vacancy in the pastorate shall occur, or the resignation of a Pastor be accepted by the church, a pulpit committee shall immediately begin to function. The committee shall consist of five Elders, two Deacons, two members of the Women's Ministries Board, the Church Clerk, and the Sunday School Superintendent. Members shall be elected by their respective boards.
The Pulpit Committee shall search out the man it prayerfully believes is the best qualified candidate for this office and shall recommend him to the church. Only one candidate at a time shall be recommended for a vote. The church shall vote at a meeting at which two (2) weeks notification of purpose has been given. A three-quarters (3/4) favorable vote of those present shall be required to call a pastor. A quorum is required. The call shall state all the terms upon which the pastor comes.
The Pastor may terminate the pastoral relationship by giving at least six (6) weeks written notice. Any unused vacation will be paid in cash at termination of six (6) weeks written notice is given. The Pastor may continue in Pastoral duties at the discretion of the Board of Elders.
If the Pastor is dismissed, the following procedure must be followed:
(1) A special meeting of the Board of Elders must be called to hear all reasons for dismissal with the Pastor not present. Chairman of the Board of Elders shall preside.
(2) If sufficient reason for dismissal is found, all charges shall be specifically recorded and the Pastor shall have the opportunity of responding to all charges in the presence of the Board of Elders.
(3) If this does not resolve the difficulty and if the charges are of sufficient seriousness to warrant dismissal, a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of the Board of Elders is required to bring dismissal action to a vote of the congregation.
(4) Before such action is brought to the congregation, a joint board meeting of the Board of Elders and Deacons shall be called by the chairman of the Board of Elders to discuss and review with the Board of Deacons the Board of Elders' action.
(5) The Board of Elders shall elect a moderator for a special congregational meeting. Notice of two (2) weeks is required with the purpose of the meeting being clearly stated. The Pastor shall be given two (2) weeks paid leave of absence for prayer and soul searching. The Board of Elders shall see that the pulpit is supplied.
At the congregational meeting the charges shall be read by the chairman of the Board of Elders. The dismissal motion shall be read, discussed and voted upon at this meeting. A three-quarters (3/4) vote of those present shall carry the motion. A quorum is required. If the motion is carried, the Church Clerk shall declare the office of Pastor vacant.
(6) A dismissed Pastor shall continue to receive salary and all other benefits for a period of two (2) weeks, but his pastoral duties shall end immediately.
The Elders are those men recognized in the Christian church as being raised up by the Holy Spirit and qualified by the Word of God for the spiritual care of and oversight of the local church.
The duties of each member of the Board of Elders shall include, but not be limited to:
1. He must help shepherd the flock of God. (1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:5) He must care for the church like a shepherd who oversees a flock of sheep, guarding the people of God against false teachers (Acts 20:28-30). He is to meet their needs and assist them in whatever way he can.
2. He is to be an example to the flock. He is not to lord it over those allotted to his charge. (1 Peter 5:3) He is not to use his position for selfish gain or to demonstrate dictatorial attitudes. Rather he is to lead by a Christlike example.
3. He is to teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9) He is to instruct and admonish Christians. Part of the shepherding responsibility is to spiritually feed the flock of God.
4. He is to refute those who contradict the truth. (Titus 1:9) He is to stand up to those who teach false doctrines. He is to expose those who are "teaching things they ought not to teach." (Titus 1:11)
5. He is to manage the church of God. (1 Timothy 3:5) The Elders are to oversee the church and administer its affairs. This includes spiritual, physical and financial matters. They are to be men who can rule well. (1 Timothy 5:17) They shall delegate the legal responsibilities of the church to the Board of Deacons.
6. He is to pray and care for the afflicted. (James 1:27, 5:14-16) The Elders of the church are to go to the afflicted and pray for their spiritual and physical well being, as well as care for their physical needs. (James 2:15-16).
Elders shall be elected by the church for a term of four
(4) years, with the option, if needed, of being elected to two (2)
additional one (1) year terms, arranged, if possible, so that the terms
of at least two (2) will expire each year. A full board shall consist of
between eleven (11) and thirteen (13) active members of this church,
including the Pastor. Any member elected to fill a vacancy prior to the
end of a term will serve out the remainder of the departing member's
term and then be eligible for reelection to a full term as stated
above.
The board shall annually elect from its members a chairman, secretary,
and treasurer, excluding the Pastor. No board member shall be elected to
a second four- year term until at least one (1) year has elapsed.
The Deacons are to be men of wisdom and discretion, and sound in the faith. They should be examples to the flock in their personal Christian life.
It will be the responsibility of the Deacons to:
1. Work under the discretion of the Elders in organization and administration of the church's financial concerns and to care of the maintenance of all buildings and properties.
2. Join with the Elders in ministering to the afflicted and needy with special emphasis upon physical assistance, using these occasions to teach Biblical principles, to comfort and encourage the flock.
3. Assist the Elders in the administration of the ordinances of believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Deacons shall be elected by the church for a term of four (4) years,
with the option, if needed, of being elected to two (2) additional one
(1) year terms, arranged, if possible, so that the terms of at least two
(2) will expire each year. A full board shall consist of between ten
(10) and twelve (12) active male members of this church. Any member
elected to fill a vacancy prior to the end of a term will serve out the
remainder of the departing member's term and then be eligible for
reelection to a full term as stated above.
The board shall elect annually from its members a chairman, a Church
Clerk, and a treasurer. No board member shall be elected to a second
term, until at least one (1) year has elapsed, except the member serving
as treasurer.
In the event of a financial emergency the Board of Elders and the Board of Deacons shall temporarily assume administration of all funds. The existence of such emergency shall be determined by a three-quarters (3/4) affirmative vote at a congregational meeting. A quorum is required.
It shall be the duty of the Women's Ministries Board to call on the sick, and to respond wherever a spiritual/physical need may exist; to assist the Elders, as requested, in the two (2) church ordinances of believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper; and to do whatever else is possible for strengthening the spiritual fabric of our church.
Women's Ministry Board members shall be elected by the church for a term of between two (2) and five (5) years so arranged that the terms of at least two (2) expire each year. A prospective Board member shall agree to serve a specific number of years prior to being presented to the congregation as a nominee for this Board. A full board shall consist of between ten (10) and twelve (12) active female members of this church. A chairwoman and secretary shall be elected annually. No board member shall be elected to a second term, after having served five (5) consecutive years, until at least one (1) year has elapsed.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Missions to promote world-wide missions throughout all departments of the church. The Board will handle all monies given for missions, distributing them according to missionary interests, as determined by the Board of Missions.
The Board is vested with the right to return any gift to its donor.
The Board shall be composed of between six (6) and twelve (12) active members of the church who shall be elected by the church for a three (3) year term, with the option, if needed, of being elected to two (2) additional one (1) year terms, arranged, if possible, so that the terms of at least two (2) will expire each year. Any member elected to fill a vacancy prior to the end of a term will serve out the remainder of the departing member's term and then be eligible for reelection to a full term as stated above. The board shall elect annually from its members a chairman, a secretary, and a treasurer. No board member shall be elected to a second three-year term until at least one (1) year has elapsed, except for the member serving as treasurer.
The Sunday School Board shall be composed of all officers and teachers of the Sunday School. They shall elect annually a Superintendent, a secretary and a treasurer who shall be active members of the church. Those officers may serve a maximum of five (5) consecutive years. They shall be eligible for a new term after one (1) year has elapsed.
Board members, teachers and any other person ministering in any capacity shall be active members of the church, unless approved by the Board of Elders.
The Sunday School monies shall be used for Sunday School administration, missions, and the general program of the church.
A quorum shall be present before any congregational meeting can be held. Twenty (20) members shall constitute a quorum except in the case of: exclusion of a member; amendments to the Bylaws, calling, resignation, or dismissal of a Pastor; financial emergency; major expenditures of funds (above $5,000). In these cases a quorum shall be based on thirty percent (30%) of the active voting members.
Votes on these matters, except amendments to the Bylaws which are defined in Article VIII, require a three-quarters (3/4) affirmative vote of the members present, providing a quorum is present.
Regular congregational meetings shall be held at a convenient date in January, May and December. It shall be the duty of the Clerk to fix these dates after conferences with the Pastor and Chairmen of the Elders and Deacons.
The purpose of these meetings shall be to apprise the congregation of the condition of the church (spiritually and physically) and to conduct any necessary business.
The treasurers of the Church, Mission Board and Sunday School shall each present a financial statement so that the dispositions of all funds of the church are clearly understood by the congregation.
Special Congregational meetings may be called following any devotional meeting or at any other time by the Pastor, Clerk, or Chairman of the Elders or Deacons, provided that proper notice is given.
Notice of all congregational meetings, except those solely for purpose of voting on new members, shall be published in the Sunday bulletin and announced from the pulpit at the Sunday morning worship service for the two (2) Sundays prior to the meeting.
The Moderator shall be an active voting male member other than a member of the Board of Elders or Deacons. He shall be nominated by the Board of Elders and Deacons and elected by the congregation for a period of one (1) calendar year and he may succeed himself for a maximum of three (3) years. He shall prepare an agenda for each meeting and conduct the meeting in accordance with that agenda and in general accord with Robert's Rules of Order.
All meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer. Robert's Rules of Order shall determine parliamentary procedures. All questions shall be decided by a majority vote except where otherwise specified. Only active members eighteen (18) years of age or older are permitted to vote and must be present at the meeting to do so.
Candidates for election shall be placed in nomination by the boards at the December congregational meeting for the succeeding ministry year which begins January 1. No board member shall move or second the closing of the nominations. Members of all boards shall serve terms that begin on January 1st and end on December 31st of the final year of their term.
The congregation may submit names for consideration in the nomination
process but must do so by the first (1st) Monday in October.
These
names must be submitted in writing to the chairperson of the respective
boards. No nominations may be submitted from the floor during a
congregational meeting.
Semi-annually it shall be the duty of the chairman of the Elders and chairman of the Deacons to call a combined meeting of the boards. Representatives from other organizations of the church may be invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to maintain communications and cooperation within the church body. Meetings may be called as often as necessary beyond the minimum of two (2).
The Pastor or any member attending a convention or seminar of any organization and having any or all expenses paid by the church shall make a brief oral report to the congregation at the next congregational meeting of all resolutions passed and post a written report for congregational review of business transacted at said convention or seminar.
Amendment to the foregoing Bylaws of the church must be submitted in writing, read, approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and entered on the minutes at a regular or special meeting of the church for which notice of intent has been given. Final vote on the amendments to the Bylaws shall be taken at the next regular or special meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present is required. A quorum is required as defined in Article VII Section 1.
These Bylaws, as amended and adopted on December 9, 1992, shall supersede all prior Bylaws and amendments. Those Bylaws were adopted on May 26, 1966 and amended on January 1976, January 1981, January 1984, November 1985 and January 1988.