Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church
CONSTITUTION
ADOPTED APRIL 24, 2003
We, the officers of Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church, do hereby ratify this constitution and its adjoining amendments. We have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us. This constitution does not supercede the Bible, the Bible supercedes this document. If we find an error or omission, this document will be amended.
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Table of Contents
PREAMBLE
*ARTICLE 1 - NAME OF CHURCH
*ARTICLE 2 - STATEMENT OF FAITH
*ARTICLE 3 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
*Section 1 - Church Discipline
*Section 2 --Dismissal Of Members
*Section 3 - Termination Of Membership From Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church
*ARTICLE 4 - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
*Section 1 - The Pastor
*Section 2 - Elders
*Section 3 - Deacons
*Section 4 - Treasurer
*Section 5 - Sunday School Superintendent
*ARTICLE 5: ORDINANCES
*Section 1 - Believer's Baptism
*Section 2 - The Lord's Supper
*ARTICLE 6 - MEETINGS
*ARTICLE 7 - TRUSTEES
*ARTICLE 8 - AMENDMENTS
*Section 1 - Procedures
*Section 2 - Exclusion
*ARTICLE 9 - FELLOWSHIPS
*DEFINITIONS
*We, the members of Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church of Beltsville, MD, do hereby adopt the following constitution as a guide for our fellowship. Our trust is not in creeds written by men, but in the blood of Jesus who IS the Word of God. This constitution is not a substitute for the word of God. It is simply a systematic review of how Rehoboth is to be run--firmly based on God's holy word. Its purpose is to keep ever before this assembly the doctrines, methods, and procedures of fellowship of Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church as we seek to strive together for the advancement of the kingdom of God.
This congregation shall be known as "Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church" of Beltsville, MD.
ARTICLE 2 - STATEMENT OF FAITH
1) We hold that the Bible, the Holy Word of God, was not only free from error in the originals (which have been lost for centuries) but that God in His Singular providential care has KEPT HIS WORD all through the ages, right down to the present day as found in the King James Version. The King James Bible is our final and absolute authority, above and beyond all other authorities on earth. Psalms 138:2 teaches us that God hath magnified HIS WORD ABOVE ALL HIS NAME. We are not liberals and we are not mystics. We do not separate between God and His word. We do not consult "the Greek" nor "higher critics" in order to change the interpretation of the word. We don't seek out signs and wonders like the charismatics do. We seek out God by studying and obeying His holy word by the power of the Holy Ghost. God means all that He says in His HOLY Book. It is in plain English in the King James Bible. All modern translations are perversions of God's holy word.
2) God is one, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Ghost, who are infinite in glory, wisdom, holiness, justice, power and love. Each person is God--the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God (I John 5:7). This is the doctrine of the Tri-une God. Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh (II Tim 3:16). He is the incarnate Word--the Word made flesh--in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God (John 1:1) and in the fullness of time, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Thus Jesus Christ is God and man, the second person of the Godhead (I John 5:7). Arians, such as Jehovah's Witnesses attack this doctrine and so do oneness Pentecostals/Jesus Only groups.
3) Jesus Christ is true man and God, who in His incarnation was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary. In His earthly ministry He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. By the power of God, He was raised from the dead in the same body now glorified. He ascended into Heaven where, at the right hand of God, He continually makes intercession for us. (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
4) The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son; regenerates the believing sinner; indwells, guides, instructs and empowers the believer for Godly living and service; and comforts the children of God. The Holy Spirit guides and gives power to the church, the body of Christ, to fulfill the Great Commission, and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (Acts 5:1-4, John 14:26; Acts 1:8)
5) Man was created perfect, but through Adam's disobedience, sin entered into the world and his corruption into all his posterity. God takes sin back to the womb where we were shaped in iniquity and conceived in sin (Psalm 51:5). Therefore, we are lost apart from Christ. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (Genesis Chapters 1-3; John Chapter 3, Romans Chapters 3 and 5)
6) Salvation is the gift of God and includes the forgiveness of sins, the imputation of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life. Union with the triune God provides all blessings in this life and the life hereafter. Salvation is received by faith alone, apart from all good works and merit. (II Timothy 2:15)
7) The church is composed of saved people (Acts 2:47) -- those regenerated by the Spirit of God by whom they have been baptized into one body of whom Christ is the head. The purpose of the church is to witness concerning Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures, and to preach the Gospel among all nations--
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
28:20 TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Another very important mission of Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church is to uphold the mystery of God in a PURE conscience void of offense towards God and man.
8) We will follow God's mandated guidelines for the appointment of Deacons, Elders and Bishops in the church as outlined in First Timothy Chapter 3 and Titus Chapter 1:6-9.
9) We must fulfill "Personal Holiness". "Holy" means a life regulated by God's holy Word. Holy people are free to do good and free to refrain from evil. God hates sin and everything about sin. We must battle sin in our lives daily and never give place to sin or make excuses for it. God wants to perfect our minds resulting in our lives becoming more and more perfected before him. We agree that when we sin it is our fault because we were led away of our own lust (James 1:13-14). God wants us to be Holy as he is Holy! (Acts 5:32, Hebrews 12:14, Titus 2:11-12, I Peter 1:16)
10) We as a church body hold to what we call the "Gospel Workers Manifesto" which is a summary of the doctrine found in II Corinthians chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6. We've extracted out the Gospel Worker's Manifesto so that our spiritual focus is clear--
God hath made us ABLE (not ignorant) ministers of the new testament. We are to manifest THE TRUTH at all times commending ourselves to every man's conscience whether in our homes with our spouses and children, in the workplace, in the market place, in fellowships, or wherever we may find ourselves as we are always in the sight of God. Also, we preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. We are ambassadors for Christ. In all things we approve ourselves as the ministers of God providing things honest in the sight of men and God. We also understand that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that we should tell men, women, boys and girls the Gospel of Jesus Christ that they might be reconciled unto God worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is that he died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day according to the scriptures. If they will REPENT of their sins and BELIEVE the gospel, they shall be saved. After they have been converted, we will strive to disciple them so that they can become productive members of the Kingdom of God.
ARTICLE 3 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Church membership at Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church is restricted to SAVED people.
Acts 2:47 ...And the Lord ADDED TO THE CHURCH daily SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED.
How is a person saved?
Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ ALONE. Baptism, good works, etc. do not save.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Saved people do not walk in sin. They strive to live holy, righteous lives. They are free from the dominion of sin according to the scriptures (see Romans chapters 5, 6, 7, 8). God's grace that saves teaches us to stop sinning (Titus 2:11-15). Righteousness means a life right in line with God's holy word. A saved person is obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Church people who determine to continue in their sins of choice are NOT saved. They cannot be taken in membership at Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church. If they join the church and are later found to be obstinately walking in sin, they will be dismissed.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that THE UNRIGHTEOUS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD? Be not deceived: neither FORNICATORS, nor IDOLATERS, nor ADULTERERS, nor EFFEMINATE (sodomites, "homosexuals", "gays"), nor ABUSERS OF THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND, Nor THIEVES, nor COVETOUS, nor DRUNKARDS, nor REVILERS, nor EXTORTIONERS, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Revelation 21:8 But the FEARFUL, and UNBELIEVING, and the ABOMINABLE [embracing anything the Bible says is an abomination], and MURDERERS, and WHOREMONGERS, and SORCERERS, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. [these people are NOT part of the kingdom of God.]
Unrepentant sinners are not and cannot be members of God's church. It shall be the duty of the Pastor and Deacons to counsel with and instruct persons wishing to join this church--whether they come by statement of faith or letter--before they are received into full fellowship. The purpose of this instruction and counsel shall be to better acquaint the candidate and Pastor with the doctrines that each holds. By this counsel, the Pastor can also be familiarized with the candidate's conversion experience and Christian walk. It is after conference that the candidate may be presented to the congregation and received by the church into full fellowship. Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church is a loving, friendly (yet serious), spiritual place where fellow Christians wishing to serve AND OBEY Christ will be heartily welcomed into fellowship.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself states that it is the Church's duty to exercise discipline. His command to exercise discipline is just as definite as His commands to baptize and commemorate His death on the cross. The disciplining of sinning members of the church is necessary for the spiritual health and strength of the body. It is indispensable to building a truly Christian, spiritual, victorious congregation. To surrender this doctrine means weakness and defeat--THE FLESH, THE WORLD, AND THE DEVIL WILL SLIP IN AND TAKE OVER. Love and joy will fade. The Holy Spirit will be grieved and quenched. Our house will be left desolate.
A member who falls into sin should be dealt with according to the procedure given in the scriptures pertinent to his situation.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
I Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Please see the next section for additional scriptures and procedures.
Section 2 --Dismissal Of Members
As permissible in the scriptures, we will seek to restore those who have been overtaken in a fault, but those who refuse counsel and continue to live contrary to the spirit and letter of the Statement of Faith and New Testament principles of Christian conduct will be dismissed from fellowship at Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church. Restoration can only occur when the person gives evidence of genuine repentance and humility.
It shall be the duty of the Pastor to see that all rules regarding discipline are observed by the congregation. Whenever the need of discipline occurs, the official act of excluding a sinning brother from the Lord's table and/or from the fellowship of believers must be done during the midweek prayer service.
Titus 3:10 A man that is AN HERETICK after the first and second admonition reject; (see also I Tim 1:20)
Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he NEGLECT TO HEAR THE CHURCH, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
II Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, WORKING NOT AT ALL, but are BUSYBODIES. (see also II Corinthians 12:20, Romans 1:30)
3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
5:10 Yet NOT ALTOGETHER with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
5:11 BUT now I have written unto you not to keep company, IF ANY MAN THAT IS CALLED A BROTHER be a FORNICATOR, or COVETOUS, or an IDOLATER, or a RAILER, or a DRUNKARD, or an EXTORTIONER; with such an one no not to eat.
5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore PUT AWAY FROM AMONG YOURSELVES THAT WICKED PERSON.
Any member dismissed from fellowship will have none of the rights and privileges of the members in fellowship. The purpose of Bible discipline is to keep the fellowship of believers pure--and only after exhortation to repentance and prayer. Excluded members will be joyfully restored upon confession of their sin and after giving evidence of true repentance and humility.
Section 3 - Termination Of Membership From Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church
Membership may be terminated by
A. By Death
B. By Request
C. By Disciplinary Action/Dismissal
Any member who requests termination of membership for whatever reason will be granted that request. If there are unresolved problems between the requesting member and the Church, efforts will be made by the Elders to resolve any points at issue prior to the granting of the request.
Should any member of this Church be found to be flagrantly negligent in living the Christian life, membership may be terminated by the Pastor. Should faithful counselling efforts by the Elders render no promise of reform or manifest no spirit of repentance on the part of the member in question, membership may be terminated by the Pastor. A member removed from fellowship by disciplinary action may be reinstated only by means of the normal admission procedure.
ARTICLE 4 - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
A. QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications for the Pastor are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-16. Namely, the Pastor must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; grave, not doubletongued. He must be one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
He cannot be a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things and a keeper at home.
Qualifications are also listed in Titus 1:5-9. Namely, he must be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
The Pastor will ONLY study and use the Authorized King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. No other version will be used during any of the ministrations or services of the church.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Pastor shall give himself primarily to the ministry of praying, preaching the word, teaching the word, discipling, and caring for the spiritual needs of the congregation. He shall be responsible for the training of all new members in special sessions at whatever time he deems most advisable and profitable. He shall be available for individual and family counseling based not on psychological techniques, but on the word of God. It shall be the privilege of the Pastor to review all committees and subordinating organizations as to their proper function in the church. The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and all committees and may call any board or any committee together at any time. He may call the church together for special meetings.
A. Selection
Elders shall be appointed by the Pastor and serve in that capacity for an indefinite period of time. Elders maybe removed from office upon their own request or by authority of the Pastor.
B. Qualifications
Elders shall be of spiritual maturity, with proven Christian character and sound judgment, exemplary in their conduct, effective leaders and teachers, and shall be qualified in accordance with the guidelines of I Timothy 3:1-16, namely --
Blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Also,
Titus 1:5-9, blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Elders, together with their wives, must be willing servants of the Church.
Additionally, Elders shall be members of the Church and shall have proven themselves before the Membership in lesser capacities of service. An Elder shall be ordained by this Church with the laying on of hands by the Board of Elders and Board of Deacons led by the Pastor. There will be strict adherence to these biblical qualifications of Elders and Deacons at Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church. It should be specifically noted that all Deacons and Elders as well as the Pastor will be men (not women) who have not been divorced (i.e. THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE) PER GOD'S QUALIFICATIONS IN FIRST TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3.
All Elders will use the Authorized King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. No other version will be used during any of the ministrations or services of the church.
C. Responsibilities
An Elder shall be responsible to:
1. Seek the Lord and find delight in Him:
a. Give adequate time to Personal Prayer and study in the Word.
b. Labor and strive after godliness (I Timothy 4:6-10).
2. Be a Pastor to one's own family first (I Timothy 3:4,5):
a. Time together in prayer, spiritual conversation, and the Word (Ephesians 5 & 6).
b. Meet the needs of one's wife in particular, deepening their intimacy and relationship together (Ephesians 5, I Peter 3:7).
3. Be an example to the believers (I Peter 5:1-3).
4. Pray for the whole church program and for individual members Acts 6:4).
5. Be involved in the teaching of God's Word (Acts 6:4; Ephesians 4:11; Titus 1:9).
6. Meet with the other elders of the church at stated times for the purpose of prayer, discussion, examination of potential members, making decisions related to the life of the church, and other such duties as may be part of the responsibilities of the Board of Elders.
A. Selection
Deacons shall be appointed by the Pastor of the Church. As the Lord leads, new Deacons may be appointed to either fill a vacancy on the Board of Deacons or to add an additional member to that Board. Deacons may be removed from office upon their own request, or by authority of the Pastor.
B. Qualifications
Qualifications for deacons are found in I Timothy 3:8-13. Namely, the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Qualifications are also found in Acts 6:3. Namely, deacons must be of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. The qualifications for Deacon shall be such as prescribed and set forth in the New Testament (Acts 6:3; I Timothy 3:8-13). He must have demonstrated a mature Christian life and proven character. The Deacons' wives shall also be of good Christian character and be willing to help their husbands in whatever way necessary to perform their duties.
Deacons shall be of spiritual discernment and members of the Church, exemplary in their Christian character and conduct, and of good reputation in the community outside of the Church. They and their spouses shall be willing to be servants of the Church in accordance with the meaning of the work as outlined in Acts 6:1-6 and shall be qualified in accordance with the guidelines in I Timothy 3:8-13. A Deacon shall be ordained by this Church with the laying on of hands by the Board of Elders and the Pastor.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the duty of the Deacons to visit the sick, to prepare and distribute the elements of the Lord's Supper, and to cooperate with and assist the Pastor in the performance of his duties. They shall assist the Pastor as may be required in all devotional services and have charge in the absence of the Pastor. They shall, with the Pastor, after carefully examining all candidates for church membership, recommend such as they consider eligible to the church for membership. They shall make an annual survey of the church roll and at the annual meeting submit recommendations to the church regarding necessary revisions. They shall give an annual report.
Under the direction of the church, except as otherwise provided, Deacons shall have the care and custody of the property of the church. The Board shall have the power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer real property. They are authorized to spend up to $250.00 for routine maintenance, not to include new or first-time purchases, but will retain the liberty to spend more than this in emergency repair and replacement purchase of church property with or without consent. All donated items become the property of the church and, as such, their use is governed by the Deacons. The Deacons shall have the right to engage or dismiss a paid employee of the church. The office of Pastor is not considered a "paid employee". The salary and raises of the Pastor shall be determined by the Deacons.
All Deacons will use the Authorized King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. No other version will be used during any of the ministrations or services of the church.
C. Responsibilities
The Deacons shall assist the Board of Elders and be responsible for various temporal and spiritual ministries of the Church. Specifically, the Board of Deacons shall:
- Provide leadership to the Congregation as an example in the areas of faith, prayer, spiritual growth in the home, and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.
- Visit the infirm, the elderly, the prisoners and church members as led.
- Become aware of the physical needs of those in the Church and the community at large, and develop and implement methods of meeting those needs as the Lord leads.
- Distribute goods and/or benevolence funds consistent with Biblical guidelines and procedures established by the Board of Deacons.
- Devise and implement effective Biblical methods of collecting the gifts of the Lord's people. This includes the counting and depositing of money collected in Church offerings or received by other means.
- Assist the Congregation in an understanding of Biblical financial management, stewardship, and giving and seek ways to develop in the Members the grace of liberality and Christian financial freedom.
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper, as required.
- Assist the Elders in baptismal services, as required.
D. Organization and Procedures
Procedures for the conduct of Deacon business shall be as determined by that Board. The Lead Deacon (selected by the Pastor) shall oversee meetings and act as Spokesman for the Board to the Congregation, the Board of Elders and others as appropriate. The Board of Deacons shall be accountable to the Board of Elders and to the Membership. If it is impossible for any reason to secure Deacons, the responsibilities of their office shall fall upon the Board of Elders.
E. Meetings
The Board of Deacons shall meet when necessary to conduct its business. Meetings shall be called by the Lead Deacon who will individually contact members of the Board and when possible, announce such meetings on the Sunday morning prior to the meeting.
F. Authority
The Board of Deacons shall have the authority to expend funds consistent with their responsibilities and within the limitations of the Church budget with oversight by the Pastor.
A. Qualifications
The Treasurer must be a member of the church, at least 25 years of age and have demonstrated a mature Christian life and proven character. He must have demonstrated ability in accounting skills.
B. Responsibilities
The Treasurer shall present a written report of itemized disbursements at the regular business meetings showing the actual financial condition of the church.
Financial Statements
Financial statements shall be prepared by the Treasurer. Financial statements shall conform to business standards and be comprehensive in nature including the identification of receipts and disbursements, by account, for the period covered and comparisons made to the budget figure for those same accounts and period. Financial statements shall be made available to the Membership.
Church Budget
A. Preparation
The Church budget shall be prepared by the Board of Deacons and approved by the Pastor. The Board of Deacons or the committee will be assisted by the Treasurer. The Church Budget shall be based on God-given challenges, the previous receipt and disbursement record, growth experienced during the previous year/period and anticipated in the coming year/period, and other factors which affect the expenditures of the Church. Input should be obtained from the various Boards, Committees, Officers, ministry groups or individuals relative to their particular areas of ministry.
B. Use and Implementation
The Annual Church Budget shall serve as a guide for the expenditure of funds in all areas of the Church's ministry. Expenditures in excess of the budget by Boards Committees, Officers, ministry groups or individuals require prior approval of the Pastor. The expenditure of funds for budgeted items which exceed the Budget amount may be approved by the Board of Deacons and approved by the Pastor as long as these expenditures are consistent with the needs of the Church, the financial position of the Church, and the extent of funds on hand. Items not addressed or identified in the Budget require the approval of the Board of Deacons and the Pastor, regardless of amount.
C. Budget Oversight Committee
The Church finances shall be reviewed quarterly by the Deacons. This committee will review all financial records and ensure that the books are balanced, make any recommendations to the board of Elders and make a report available to the congregation.
The Treasurer will use the Authorized King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. No other version will be used during any of the ministrations or services of the church.
Section 5 - Sunday School Superintendent
A. Qualifications
The qualifications for Sunday School Superintendent: He must be a member of the church, a professing Christian for at least one (1) year, must have worked for at least one year as a faithful Sunday School teacher, have demonstrated knowledge of the Bible and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and have demonstrated a mature Christian life and proven character.
B. Responsibilities
The Sunday School Superintendent shall have general control of the Sunday School ministry and its programs. The Superintendent shall select curriculum materials and teachers with the approval of the Pastor.
The Superintendent will see that the Sunday School and its teachers are in doctrinal harmony with the beliefs and practices of RMBC, and will be responsible for appointing a Sunday School secretary, who will keep accurate records for the Sunday School and assist in operations.
The Sunday School Superintendent, Teachers and all Staff will use the Authorized King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. No other version will be used for Sunday School materials, ministrations or services.
Section 1 - Believer's Baptism
A person who has made a profession of faith in Christ and who earnestly desires to lead an obedient life will be encouraged to be baptized. Such a person should present himself before the Board of Elders and/or the Congregation to profess his faith in Jesus Christ and to request baptism. The mode of baptism will be full immersion in water. If a person becomes a Christian who has previously been previously baptized incorrectly and earnestly desires a rebaptism, he may present himself before the Board of Elders and the Pastor to profess his faith and to request baptism.
Baptism services shall occur as and when scheduled by the Pastor. Any Elder may baptize and shall be assisted by Deacons or others as required.
The Lord's Supper is symbolic of the sacrifice of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) and the resulting fellowship of believers (1 Corinthians 10:16,17). Participation in the Lord's Supper shall be open to all Christians who trust and depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). The Lord's Supper shall be administered the first Sunday of every month. Any Elder may administer the Lord's Supper and shall be assisted by Deacons or others as required.
A. Regular Meetings
The Church shall meet regularly for worship of the Triune God, Bible Study, prayer, edification, discipleship, service, fellowship, and to evangelize the community. The conduct of these meetings shall be the responsibility of the Pastor and Board of Elders.
B. Business Meetings
There is no evidence in the New Testament church of any such gatherings as the modern church business meeting. Anything that had to be decided was made a matter of continued prayer until God's will concerning it was made known. The true business meeting of the congregation is the prayer meeting. Only those who take a part in the ministry of prayer can know God's will.
Due to laws of the land, it may be necessary for the church to appoint men to serve as trustees, to represent the church in certain legal matters as required by law, and to hold in trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, lease, mortgage, or transfer any property without the specific authorization of the Pastor. A trustee must be a property holder.
This constitution may be amended as determined by the Elders of the church.
No amendment to this Constitution shall be permitted which conflicts with the word of God.
Since all true believers are baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, let it be determined that Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church will fellowship with likeminded believers who come from other churches. This church will abstain from fellowship with that which is ungodly, worldly, or contrary to sound doctrine. This church will not associate with the ecumenical movement nor any other false religious movements because they believe contrary to the word of God, they are antichrist. This church will seek to advance the kingdom of Christ at home and on the foreign field by gifts, prayers, and service. We desire to see the Great Commission fulfilled so that all men might glorify Jesus Christ, for He is worthy of the glory and the honour. This article is never to be nullified.
BIBLE, WORD OF GOD, HOLY BIBLE, SCRIPTURES, ETC. - Unless otherwise noted, when we speak of the scriptures or quote them, we are always speaking of the King James Bible conformable to the edition of 1611. We deem invalid all the modern versions of the Bible including any modern "King James" Bibles such as the "New" King James, KJ21, etc. We do accept the King James edition of 1769 which is conformable to the edition of 1611.
CHURCH - In almost every case in this Constitution, Church refers to this particular local church called Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church.
CONGREGATION/ASSEMBLY - All those who fellowship with Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church on a regular basis including both members and non-members.
MEMBERS - Persons who have requested and been accepted into fellowship with Rehoboth Mission Baptist Church as per ARTICLE 3 of this Constitution.
BENEVOLENCE FUND - A specific fund established by the pastor and administered by the Board of Deacons for the purpose of sharing our monetary resources with those in financial or material need.
