The Constitution of Free Grace Baptist Church
Preamble
We the members of Free Grace Baptist Church, solemnly declare and affirm the principles contained in this Constitution to be sufficient for the governing of this body in an orderly manner as an autonomous local church. We further declare and affirm that, while we will indeed faithfully and voluntarily submit ourselves to the principles and applications herein, we will only do so insofar as they are in accord with the clearly revealed truth contained in God’s Word. In regard to matters not clearly revealed in the word of God, the liberties of each individual church member shall be preserved (Romans 14:1-23; 1 Corinthians 10:23ff.; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 2:4) until such time as we are, by God’s grace, led into greater knowledge of His truth.
Article I -- Name
The name of this church shall be Free Grace Baptist Church, located in San Antonio, Texas.
Article II -- Objectives
The primary purpose of this church is to glorify God through the faithful preaching and teaching of His Word for the edification of His gathered saints and their equipping for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12ff.).
Article III – Statement of Faith
We believe and affirm that the Bible, comprised of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience for the believer. Additionally, we hereby adopt the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 as a reasonable summary of that which we believe is clearly taught in the Word of God. This Confession, however, is by no means to be viewed as an extra-biblical rule of faith and practice to which we are bound.
Article IV -- Covenant
As a member of Free Grace Baptist Church, having been graciously led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of my faith, having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, enter into a covenant with the members of this church, as one body in Christ. I, therefore, agree, by the help of the Holy Spirit and with the Bible, the inspired Word of God, as my guide to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church; to promote spirituality; to sustain its worship, discipline and doctrine; to observe the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper; to contribute cheerfully and regularly our offerings to the support of both the ministry of this church and to the spread of the gospel to all nations.
I agree to encourage personal and family devotions; to educate my children according to my faith; to be just in my dealings, reliable in my responsibilities, and an example to those around me, abstaining from every appearance of evil (II Corinthians 6:3-10; Ephesians 5:15,16; Colossians 3:13-17; I Thessalonians 4:11,12, 5:22); to walk in Christian harmony and watchfulness, giving and receiving assistance with meekness and affection; to pray for others; to help them in sickness and sorrow; to be slow to anger; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and unrighteous anger (James :26, 3:2-12; Ephesians 4:25, 5:7; Colossians 3:3-17; I Timothy 5:5-11; II Thessalonians 3:10-15; I Peter 4:15; Proverbs 6:16-19, 8:13, 26:20) and to be eager for reconciliation when necessary, and mindful of the commandments of our Savior to secure it without delay (Matthew 18:15-17). I also understand that if I am overtaken in a fault, I will be subject to biblical discipline which seeks my restoration (Galatians 6:1,2; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17,18; I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Corinthians 2:6-11, 7:9-11; II Thessalonians 3:11-14).
I further agree that, should I move from this area, I will as soon as possible unite with some other church where I can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.
Article V -- Membership
Section 1 -- Requirements for Membership
Any person who professes repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, has been baptized, by immersion, upon profession of his or her faith, and who expresses substantial agreement with the doctrine, aims, and government of this church shall be eligible for membership (Acts 2:47,14:23,16:5; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 3:1; Philemon) on the basis of either of the following scenarios:
a. Confession of faith -- Any person who meets the above requirements shall make a verbal request for membership to an elder. The elder(s) shall then fix a mutually agreeable time and place for a meeting of the applicant who will subsequently be examined as to his or her Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to wholeheartedly support the entire ministry of this church (II Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 4:12).
b. By letter -- Any person desiring to unite with this church upon letter of recommendation from another evangelical church shall present such a letter to the elder(s) and shall be examined concerning his or her Christian experience, doctrinal beliefs, and seriousness of intention to wholeheartedly support the entire ministry of this church (Acts 18:27; Romans 16:1,2; II Corinthians 3:1).
Section 2 -- Procedure for Receiving Members
When the elder(s) are satisfied that the applicant has met the requirements for membership, they shall announce to the congregation on two successive Sundays that said applicant has applied for membership.
Each member of the congregation will then be urged to pray for the applicant and to make any pertinent inquiry of the applicant necessary to satisfy, in his or her own mind, the applicant’s qualification for membership. Barring any unforeseen issues, the elder(s) shall subsequently present the applicant to the congregation who will then express its desire with regard to the reception of the candidate by a two thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting.
Section 3 -- Termination of Membership
Membership at Free Grace Baptist Church may be terminated for any of the following reasons:*
a. Transfer -- Letters of transfer shall be granted to those who apply for them, provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Conscious of our responsibility for the spiritual welfare of our members, letters of transfer shall be forwarded and given only to other evangelical churches (Acts 18:27; Romans 16:1,2; II Corinthians 3:1).
b. Exclusion -- If a member is habitually absent from the regular meetings of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to settle differences with others in a Scriptural manner, or requests severance of membership, he may be excluded from the membership at the discretion of the elder(s), subject to the approval of the congregation (I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:3,14-16; Hebrews 10:23-25).
c. Excommunication -- It is right and in harmony with the Scriptures for the congregation, upon recommendation of the elder(s), to exclude from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrines; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his Christian profession; or who walks disorderly, or any person who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church (Matthew 18:15; Romans 16:17; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:6,11,14,15).
*Exclusion and excommunication, though very difficult (and, blessedly, infrequent) actions undertaken by the church, may indeed be the necessary ends of church discipline (Matthew 18). Restoration, however, is always the object of discipline. It is the duty of the church to forgive and restore to membership those persons who give satisfactory evidence of true repentance. In such cases, the elder(s) shall recommend to the congregation the restoration of any person who has been either excluded or excommunicated. As with votes concerning membership, a two thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting shall be sufficient for such restoration.
Article VI -- Officers
Section 1 -- General Statement
Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His church (Ephesians 5:29; Colossians 2:19). However, as Head, He has ordained that individual churches should be blessed with the spiritual rule of special office bearers (Ephesians 4:11-16). Therefore it is the duty of the church to seek to discover those to whom Christ has imparted the necessary gifts for office bearing, and having formally recognized such by congregational vote, to set them apart by united prayer and submit to their rule and ministry. Christ has ordained that the administration of local churches be by elders and deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-5; Hebrews 13:7,17). The officers of Free Grace Baptist Church, therefore, shall consist of elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13). Members meeting the Scriptural qualifications for these offices shall have been a visible part of this local body for a period of at least one year before being nominated. Nominations for officers will be submitted to the elder(s), who will in turn present them to the congregation for a vote. Consent must be secured from a nominee before his name is placed before the congregation. The corporate recognition of church officers shall commence with their election and ordination.
Specific church policies with regard to elders and deacons serving Free Grace Baptist Church are as follows:
Section 2 -- Elders
a. Elders are responsible for the spiritual ministrations of the church, the implementation of church discipline, and watchcare over the souls of the members as those who must give an account to God for this responsibility (Acts 20:28-31; Hebrews 13:17). They shall exercise the oversight of the church in all its ministries and functions (I Peter 5:2).
b. Anyone desiring the office of elder must evidence the personal, domestic and ministerial qualifications as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.
c. Elders must seek to discharge their duties as set forth in the Scriptures, particularly such passages as Acts 20:17,20; I Peter 5:1; and Hebrews 13:7,17.
d. Anyone called to the office of elder must be able to conscientiously affirm his agreement with the articles of faith and constitution of this church. Should he at any time move from his position of substantive agreement, he is under spiritual and moral obligation to make this known to the church (Hebrews 10:23; I Timothy 4:16).
e. It shall be the solemn responsibility, duty, and privilege of the elders of this church to be diligent and faithful in attendance in regular and special elders meetings and at the regular services of the church.
The elders shall have the responsibility for the serving of the Lord's Table, for the preaching and teaching ministry of this church, and for any special programs which they deem useful and edifying to the congregation (Hebrews10:24,25; Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 14:40; I Peter 5:2,3).
f. The unanimous assent of the entire membership will be sought in the appointment of elders. When voting for elders and deacons, every "no" vote must also be accompanied by the Scriptural reason for the negative vote. If there is any dissent in such a decision, efforts will be made to deal with any problems raised, and to arrive at unanimity of heart and mind. Should such a unanimous decision be impossible, no less than a 90% majority of the membership shall be required for the election of an elder (Acts 2:46; I Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27).
g. If an elder's life or preaching should ever violate the standards of Scripture, and the other presiding elders so recommend, the services of said elder may be terminated pending approval by a 90% majority of those members present and voting.
h. If at any time, an elder shall make application to be released from his office, the relationship between elder and church may be terminated immediately without the necessity of a formal vote by the congregation.
Section 3 -- Steps Towards Raising Up of Elders
a. The appointment of elders for office within the church is the responsibility of the congregation as they are so guided by the Holy Spirit. The Lord's appointment is recognized both by the inward conviction of the individual involved, and by the approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required by Scripture for the office. The congregation should prayerfully consider which men it recognizes as possessing the necessary gifts and graces for eldership (Acts 1:24; 13:2; 6:3,5; Galatians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 5:4).
b. Individuals should approach these persons privately to ask if they are willing to be nominated for eldership.
c. The person offering the nomination should subsequently submit to an existing elder, in written form, the name of the elder nominee.
d. The elder(s) will then meet with the elder nominee for the purpose of counseling him and determining the validity of his call to the eldership.
e. A waiting period of not less than one month, and not more than two months, will then be observed by the congregation for the purpose of prayer and fasting. This time should also be utilized as an opportunity for private conversation should any unresolved issues exist between the member and the nominee.
f. Any unresolved concerns about nominees shall be brought to the elders prior to the election.
Section 4 -- Deacons
a. Deacons shall be elected by the congregation according to the qualifications mentioned in Acts 6:3 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
b. Deacons shall have general executive responsibility for the administration of the business affairs and benevolent concerns of the church. Their duties are to be discharged with spiritual grace in cooperation with and in submission to the elder(s) so that the elder(s) may devote themselves without distraction to their spiritual duties (Acts 6:3,4).
c. Deacons shall have the administrative oversight for the ministries of compassion within our church family, in the community, and around the world. They shall see that the sick, the sorrowing, the aged, and those in difficult providential circumstances receive spiritual and temporal comfort (Acts 6:1-6; 8:26-40).
d. It shall be the duty of all deacons to be diligent and faithful in attendance at regular and special deacons meetings and at the regular services of the church.
e. Deacons shall be responsible to alert the elder(s) of the needs of members of the congregation.
f. Deacons shall be nominated and elected by the congregation at any duly called meeting of the church.
g. The principle of unanimity shall be sought in the same manner as pertains to the election of elders. (See section 2-f.)
h. Two considerations shall govern the number of deacons elected: the number of men who fit the spiritual qualifications for the office and the needs of the congregation (Acts 6:3-6).
i. If, at any time, a deacon's ministry or life is not in full accord with the standards of the Scriptures, and the elders so recommend, his services as deacon may be terminated immediately following a congregational meeting at which his dismissal has been approved by a 90% vote of those members present and voting.
j. If, at any time, a deacon shall make application to be released from his office, the relationship between deacon and church may be terminated immediately without the necessity of a formal vote by the congregation.
Article VII -- Ordinances
Baptism
We believe that there are two ordinances that Christians are directed to observe: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that baptism has no saving merit, but that following salvation, baptism (by immersion) is the next biblically prescribed step in showing to the world that the professing believer is now identified with Christ, who died, was buried, and rose again. Any person professing repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, whose life lends credibility to that profession, desiring to be baptized shall make application to be so baptized. The elder(s) will meet with the applicant who shall be examined concerning his or her experience and understanding of the ordinance of baptism (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 10:47).
The Lord’s Supper
Whereas baptism is to be observed once and is a sign of identification and a testimony to newness of life, the Lord's Supper is commemorative and declarative and is to be frequently observed as a memorial to the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38,41,42). The Lord's Supper shall, under normal circumstances, be celebrated by the membership of the church on the first Lord's Day evening of every month. In the interest of fellowship, good will, and love for the family of God at large, Free Grace Baptist Church will also extend an invitation to those non-members who, providentially, find themselves among us providing that they profess Christ as their Lord and Savior and are presently members in good standing of an evangelical church of like precious faith.
Article VIII -- Business Meetings
The elder(s) will call and conduct all business meetings of the church whenever necessary to take care of business matters.
Business meetings will be announced at Sunday services for at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
Business meetings will be for the membership, the congregation.
Because it is our concern to provide as much information as possible to the Lord's people to enable their prayerful consideration of the issues to be discussed, every effort will be made to distribute information concerning the agenda prior to the business meeting.
All members have a voice and vote. However, to guard the order of the business meeting, we will observe Biblical order as we do in all of the meetings if the church.
Any routine business requiring a vote by the congregation must be passed by a two thirds majority of voting members present.
Any children who are members, must give credible proof to the elder(s) as to their maturity and wisdom in making sound, Biblical decisions before being allowed to vote.
Article IX -- Amendments
This constitution may be amended, modified, or rescinded by a two thirds majority of church members voting at any regular or special meeting being conducted for business purposes. Any such amendments must be submitted to the church membership at least four weeks prior to the next meeting, and a public and written announcement must be made for at least three Sundays preceding the meeting. Any considerations for by-laws will follow the same procedure.
Article X -- Dissolution of the Church and Its Properties
In the event of dissolution, any remaining funds and/or assets of Free Grace Baptist Church shall be used first to dispose of all church-related liabilities and, to the extent that assets exceed liabilities, the remaining assets shall be donated to another church (of like faith and practice) as designated by the trustees (elders and deacons) of this Church.
