CONSTITUTION& BYLAWS
Northside Baptist Church Mineral Wells, Texas
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLEI:NAME
ThelegalnameofthischurchshallbeNorthside Baptist Church Inc. (hereinafter,“Northside Baptist”)
ARTICLEII:FOUNDATION,OBJECT,ANDPRIORITIESOFMINISTRY
ThefoundationofthischurchistheLordJesusChrist(1Corinthians3:11),anditscodeofguidanceinallitsaffairsistheWordofGod.ThischurchdoeshereaffirmitsfaiththattheHolyScripturesoftheOldandNewTestamentsarethe inerrant WordofAlmightyGod (Mark13:31).
TheobjectofthischurchistoworshipGodaccordingtotheteachingofHisWord,to practicethepreceptsandexamplesoftheChurchofourLordJesusChristassetforthin theScriptures,tosustainitsordinancesanddoctrines,andtopreachandpropagateamong allpeoplesthegospelofsalvationthatisbypersonalrepentanceandfaithinJesusChristasSaviorandLord.ThischurchisaffiliatedwiththeSouthernBaptistConventiononanationallevelandtheSouthernBaptistsofTexasConventiononastatelevel;itmayalso partnerwithotheragenciesforthepurposesofChristianministryorgospelproclamation.
TheprioritiesofministryofthischurchflowfromthevisionofGod’sgloryrevealedin JesusChrist.Weexisttosavorthisvisioninworship(John4:23),strengthenthisvision innurtureandeducation(1Corinthians14:26;2Peter3:18),andspreadthisvisionin evangelism,missions,andlovingdeeds(Matthew28:18–20;5:16;1Peter2:9;3:15).
ARTICLEIII:STATEMENTOFFAITH
FromthetimeoftheApostlestotoday,Christianshavelaidoutdoctrineinbrief, definitivestatements.AsthosewhoknowGodanddesiretodeepenoneanother’sjoyin God,webelieveitnecessarytosetforthinaconcisefashionthetruthsourchurchaffirms asguidedbyScripture.OurStatementofFaithdoesnotexhausttheextentofourfaith, butsummarizeshistoricChristianbeliefs,promotesunityinChrist,andguardsthechurch fromerror.
WebelievethattheBiblealonespeakswithfinalauthorityconcerningtruth,morality, andthe proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe. Wealsobelievethatforpurposesofchurchdoctrine,practice,policy,anddiscipline,wemuststateandagreetotheBible’smeaningandapplication.OnceweasmembersagreetotheStatementofFaith,weareresponsibletoGodandeachotherforbelievingand livinginaccordancewithit.
Section1:TheWordofGod
WeaffirmthattheScriptures,consistingonlyofthesixty-sixbooksoftheOldandNew Testaments,arenotamerewitnesstodivinerevelationbutareGod’scompletewritten revelationofhimselftohumanity,graciouslygiventousthroughtheinspirationoftheHolySpiritandaccordingtoGod’ssovereignpurposesinJesusChrist.John5:39;14:26;16:13-15; 20:31; Acts 13:27-29; Romans 1:2-3; 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:6-14; 2
Timothy3:15-16;Hebrews1:1-2;3:7[cf.Psalm95:7-11];2Peter1:20-21
WeaffirmthatasGod’swrittenrevelationtohumanity,theScripturesconstitutetheholy WordofGodcommunicatedthroughappointedhumanauthors.Inhissovereignty,God sosuperintendedthehumanauthorsofScripturethatalthoughwhattheywrotewas genuinelytheirown,itwasneverthelesstheverywordofGod,verballyinspiredinevery partequally,withouterrorintheoriginalmanuscripts,totallytrueinalltheyaffirm,and completelytrustworthy.Thus,wealsodenythatanyportionofScriptureismarkedby errorortheeffectsofhumansinfulness.Exodus24:4;Numbers23:19;Deuteronomy4:1- 2;Jeremiah36:2-4;Psalms12:6;19:7-10;119:11;Proverbs30:5;Ezra1:1[cf.Jeremiah
1:1-2];Matthew22:43-44; Mark7:13; Luke3:2;Acts 4:25;28:25-27; John10:35;14:26;
16:13-14;17:17;1Corinthians2:13;14:37;1Thessalonians2:13;2Timothy3:16;Titus
1:2; Hebrews 1:5[cf. Psalm2:7; 2Samuel 7:14;Acts 13:33], 6[cf. Deuteronomy32:43],
8[cf.Psalm45:6-7];3:7[cf.Hebrews4:7];1Peter1:23-24;2Peter1:20-21;3:16;1John
4:6
WeaffirmthattheScripturescarrywiththemtheauthorityoftheLordJesusChristand thusstandasthesupremeandfinalauthorityovereverydomainofknowledgetowhich theyspeak, including, but not limited to, the literal history of Creation, the Flood, the Exodus, etc.,andthattheyaresufficientforallthatGodrequirestheChristianandthechurchtobelieveanddo.Therefore,theScripturesmustremaincentraltotheteaching ministryofthechurch,theformationandpreservationofsounddoctrine,andtheproclamationandspreadofthegospelofJesusChrist.Deuteronomy17:19;Isaiah40:8;Matthew4:4,7,10;5:17-20;16:18;19:4-6;22:29;26:31,52-54;Luke4:16-21;16:17;18:31-33;21:33;22:37;24:25-27,44-46;John10:35;14:26;15:26;16:13,15;Acts1:2;10:41[cf.Acts1:22,26];20:27,32;Romans15:4;1Corinthians15:1-11;Galatians2:9;Ephesians2:20;1Timothy4:13;Hebrews2:3;4:12;1Peter1:25
Section2:TheTrinity
WebelievethatthereisonelivingandtrueGod,eternallyexistinginthreepersons— Father,Son,andHolySpirit—whoareequalineverydivineperfection,andthatthepersonsofGodexecutedistinctbutharmoniousofficesintheworkofcreation, providence,andredemption.Genesis1:1,26;Matthew28:19;John1:1,3;4:24;Romans
1:19–20;Ephesians4:5–6
Section3:GodtheFather
WebelieveinGodtheFather,aninfinite,personalspirit,perfectinholiness,wisdom, power,andlove.WebelievethatHeconcernsHimselfmercifullyintheaffairsofman, thatHehearsandanswersprayer,andthatHesavesfromsinanddeathallthatcometo HimthroughJesusChrist.WebelievethattheFatherordersanddisposesallthings accordingtoHisownpurposeandgrace.Isaiah46:9–10;Matthew23:9;Luke10:21–22;John3:16;6:27;Romans1:7;1Timothy1:1–2;2:5–6;1Peter1:3;Revelation1:6
Webelievethat,astheonlyabsoluteandomnipotentrulerintheuniverse,Godissovereignincreation,providence,andredemption.InHissovereignty,Heisneither authornorapproverofsin,nordoesHewaivetheaccountabilityofHiscreatures.Hehas graciouslychosenfrometernitypastthosewhomHewouldhaveasHisown,notbased onanythingtheyhavedone,butaccordingtoHisowngoodpleasure.Genesis1:1–31;Psalm103:19;Habakkuk1:13;John8:38–47;Romans11:36;Ephesians1:4–6;2:8–9;1
Timothy6:13–16;James1:13;1Peter1:17;Revelation4:11
Section4:JesusChrist
WebelieveinJesusChrist,God’sonlybegottenSon.WebelieveinHisvirginbirthby theHolySpirit(Matthew1:18,25pointtothemiraculousnatureofbothChrist’s conceptionandbirth),sinlesslife,miracles,andteachings.WebelieveinHis substitutionaryandpropitiatorydeath(onourbehalftheSonsatisfiedHisFather’s holiness,avertingHisFather’swrath),bodilyresurrection,ascensionintoheaven, perpetualintercessionforHispeople,andpersonal,visiblereturntoearth.WebelieveJesusChristiscoequal,consubstantial(i.e.,havingthesamesubstance,nature,or essence),andcoeternalwiththeFather.Isaiah9:6–7;Matthew1:18–25;20:28;Luke1:26–38;John1:1,14;10:30;14:9;20:28,30–31;Acts1:11;Romans5:6–8;6:9–10;2
Corinthians5:21;8:46;9:5;Ephesians1:4;1Timothy3:16;Hebrews1:8;7:25;9:28;1
Peter2:21–23;2Peter1:1
Webelievethatintheincarnation(whenGodbecameman),Christsurrenderedonlytheprerogativesofdeity,andnothingofthedivineessence,eitherindegreeorkind.Webelieve that JesusChrist representshumanity anddeity in indivisibleoneness. Micah5:2;John5:23;14:9–10;Philippians2:5–8;Colossians2:9
Webelievethatonthebasisoftheefficacy(effectiveness)ofthedeathandresurrection ofourLordJesusChrist,everygenuinebelieverisfreedfromthepunishment,the
penalty,thepower,andonedaytheverypresenceofsin;andthatheisdeclaredrighteous (i.e.,justified),giveneternallife,andadoptedintothefamilyofGod.Romans3:25;5:8– 9;2Corinthians5:14–15;1Peter2:24;3:18
We believethat intheresurrection ofJesusChrist fromthe dead,Godthe Father displayedtoHiscreationthedeityofHisSonandgaveproofthatHeacceptedthepropitiatoryworkofChristonthecross.Isaiah53:10–12
Section5:TheHolySpirit
WebelieveintheHolySpiritwhoproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSontoconvicttheworldofsin,righteousness,andjudgment.WebelievethattheHolySpiritisthesupernaturalandsovereignagentinregeneration.ItisHisworktoindwell,sanctify, instruct,empowerforservice,andsealuntilthedayofredemptionallwhobelieveon JesusChrist.WebelievethattheHolySpiritindwellseverybelieverinChrist,andthatHeis anabiding helper, teacher,and guide. Heis adivine person, eternal,underived (i.e., havingnobeginningorsource),possessingalltheattributesofpersonalityanddeity.In allthedivineattributes,Heiscoequal,consubstantial,andcoeternalwiththeFatherand theSon.Jeremiah31:31–34;John14:16–17,26;15:26–27;16:9–14;Acts2:15–20;
Romans8:9;1Corinthians3:16;6:19;2Corinthians3:6;Galatians5:22–26;Ephesians
1:13;Hebrews10:15–17
Section6:Man
WebelievethatmanwasdirectlyandimmediatelycreatedbyGodinHisownimageand likeness,freefromsin,witharationalnature,intelligence,andvolition;yetwithamoralresponsibilitytoGodwhocreatedhim.Genesis1:26–27;2:7;1Corinthians11:7;James
3:9
WebelievethatGod’sintentioninthecreationofmanwasthatmanshouldglorifyGod byenjoyingHimforever.Isaiah43:7;Colossians1:16;Revelation4:11
WebelievethatinAdam’ssinofdisobediencetotherevealedwillandWordofGod, manlosthisinnocence,incurredthepenaltyofspiritualandphysicaldeath,becamesubjecttothewrathofGod,andbecameinherentlycorruptandutterlyincapableof choosingordoingthatwhichisacceptabletoGodapartfromdivinegrace.Thus,every humanbeingisutterlydepravedand,havingnorecuperativepowerstoenablehimto rescuehimself,ishopelesslylost.Man’ssalvationis,therefore,whollyofGod’sgracethroughtheredemptiveworkofourLordJesusChrist.Genesis2:16–17;3:1–19;John 3:36;Romans3:10–11,23;5:12;6:23;1Corinthians2:14;Ephesians2:1–3,8–9;1John
1:8
WebelievethatbecauseallhumanitydescendedfromAdam,anaturecorruptedby Adam’ssinhasbeentransmittedtoallofhumanity(JesusChristbeingtheonly exception). Allofhumanityisthus sinfulbynature,bychoice, andbydivinedeclaration, spirituallydeadintheirtrespassesandsins,andbynature,childrenofGod’swrath. Psalm14:1–3;Jeremiah17:9;Romans3:9–18,23;5:10–12;Ephesians2:1–3
Section7:Salvation
A.Election
WebelievethatelectionisthesoleactofGodbywhich,beforethefoundationoftheworld,HechoseinChristallwhomHegraciouslyregenerates,saves,andsanctifies. Romans8:28–30;Ephesians1:4–11;2Thessalonians2:13;2Timothy2:10;1Peter1:1–2
Webelievethatsovereignelectiondoesnotcontradictornegatetheresponsibilityof humanbeingstotheirCreator.Spirituallydeadhumanity,however,canneverbeconsideredrighteous,andnonewilleverunderstandspiritualtruths,muchlesseverseek afterGod,ontheirownaccord.Therefore,God’ssovereigngraceincludestheonly meansofreceivingthegiftofsalvation.God’ssovereignelectionalwaysresultsinwhatGoddetermines.Therefore,allwhomtheFathercallstoHimselfwillcomeinfaith,and allwhocomeinfaiththeFatherwillreceive.Isaiah55:6–7;Luke13:3;John6:37–40,44;Acts2:38;13:48;3:19;11:18;Romans2:4;3:10–18;8:28–30;9:11–16;1Corinthians
2:14;2Corinthians7:10;Ephesians1:4–11;2:1–2,4–5,8-9;2Peter1:1
WebelievethatwhenGodgrantsgracetoutterlydepravedsinners,itisnotrelatedtoany initiativeoftheirown,nortoGod’santicipationofwhattheymightdobytheirownwill, butissolelyonthebasisofHissovereignpurposeandwill.Ephesians1:4–8;Titus3:4– 7;1Peter1:1–2;2Peter1:1
B.Regeneration
WebelievethatmanwascreatedbyGodinHisownimage;thathesinnedandthereby incurredphysical,spiritual,andeternaldeath,whichisseparationfromGod;thatasaconsequence,allhumanbeingsarebornwithasinfulnatureandaresinners,andare, therefore,undercondemnation.WebelievethatthosewhoareregeneratedbytheHoly Spiritrepentandforsakesin,trustJesusChristasSavior,becomenewcreatures,aredeliveredfromcondemnation,andreceiveeternallife.Genesis1:26;2:17;3;5:2;Psalm
51:7;Proverbs28:13;Ecclesiastes2:11;Jeremiah17:9;John1:13;3:14,16;5:24,30;
7:13;8:12;9:22;10:26;Romans3:19;5:19;8:1;2Corinthians5:17;2Thessalonians1:9;
James1:14;1John1:9;Revelation19:3,20;20:10,14–15;21:18
Webelievethatregenerationismanifestedbyfruitsconsistentwithrepentanceas demonstratedinrighteousattitudesandconduct.Goodworksdoneinfaithandlovewillbetheproperfruit(result)andevidenceofgenuinerepentance.Matthew7:18–21;1 Corinthians6:19–20;Ephesians2:10
C.Justification
WebelievethatjustificationistheactofGodbywhichHedeclaresmanrighteous.This righteousnessisapartfromanyvirtueorworkofmanandinvolvestheimputationofour sinstoChristandtheimputationofChrist’srighteousnesstous.Bythismeans,Godisableto“bejustandthejustifieroftheonewhohasfaithinJesus”(Romans3:26). Romans3:26;8:33;3:20;4:6;1Corinthians1:30;2Corinthians5:21;Ephesians2:8–9;
Colossians2:14;1Peter2:24
D.Sanctification
WebelievethateverygenuinebelieverexperiencesjustificationbeforeGod.Therefore, havingbeenjustified,webelievethatinthedailylifeofthebelieverheisbeing progressivelyconformedtothelikenessofChrist.Inthisrespect,everysavedpersonis involvedinadailyconflict—thenewcreationinChristdoingbattleagainsttheremnantoftheflesh(sinfulthoughts,desires,actions,andwords).Thosewhoaregenuinelysaved willperseveretotheendinthisbattleagainsttheflesh.Matthew24:13;John17:17,19;Romans6:1–22;2Corinthians3:18;1Thessalonians4:3–4;5:23
E.PerseveranceoftheSaints/PreservationbytheSavior
WebelievethatallthoseregeneratedbytheSpiritofGodwillbelikewisekeptbyGod’s powerandarethussecureinChrist.John5:24;6:37–40;10:27–30;Romans5:9–10;
8:1,31–39;1Corinthians1:4–8;Ephesians4:30;Philippians1:6;Hebrews7:25;13:5;1
Peter1:5;Jude24
WebelievethatthetruechildrenofGod,chosenfromthefoundationoftheworld,willstandfirmforChristtotheend,becausetheyarekeptinChristbytheHolySpirit. Parallelingtheclearteachingsconcerningthesecurityofthetruebeliever,God’sWord warns theprofessing churchconcerning theperseverance ofthose whoclaim thename of Christ.Matthew24:9–13;Hebrews10:23-39;Revelation2–3
Webelievethatreferencestothosewhodo“fallaway”(Matthew24:10),whose“lovewillgrowcold”(Matthew24:12),arereferencestomenandwomenwhoclaimthatthey areinChristbut,inreality,arenot.ChristtaughtthatthekingdomofGod—thegenuineelectofGod—willbeinfiltratedwithtares,thosewhoclaim(andmayeventhink)thatthey areinChristbut who,inreality,are not.Theseclaimants(tares) maybemembersof alocalchurch,buttheyarenot,andhaveneverbeen,truecitizensofthekingdomof God.Matthew7:21;13:24–30,37–42;24:10,12;1John2:19
WebelievetheforegoingwarningsshouldbetakenseriouslybyallofuswhoclaimthenameofChrist,includingtheleadershipofNorthside BaptistChurch,“sothatwhenheappears wemayhaveconfidenceandnotshrinkfromhiminshameathiscoming”(1John2:28). OnlythegenuineelectofGodwilleverexperiencethepromiseofChrist,“thatI[Christ] shouldlosenothingofallthathe[theFather]hasgivenme[Christ],butraiseitupatthelastday”(John6:39).Therefore,weteachandencourageallwhoclaimthenameof Christto“examineyourselves,toseewhetheryouareinthefaith.Testyourselves”(2 Corinthians13:5;cf.,1Corinthians10:12).
Webelievethatitistheprivilegeofallgenuinebelieverstorejoiceintheassuranceof theirsalvationthroughthetestimonyofGod’sWord.ButwealsoteachthatGod’sWord clearlyforbidstheuseofChristianlibertyasanoccasionforsinfullivingandcarnality. Forthatreason,weteachthat“faithbyitself,ifitdoesnothaveworks,isdead”(James 2:17).Romans6:1–2,15-22;13:13–14;Galatians5:13,25–26;Titus2:11–14
Section8:TheChurch
WebelieveintheuniversalChurch,alivingspiritualbodyofwhichChrististhehead andallregeneratedpersonsaremembers.Wealsobelieveinlocalchurches.Inparticular,
webelievethelocalchurchoughttoconsistof,andourlocalchurchshallconsistof,acompanyofbelieversinJesusChrist,baptizedbyimmersiononacredibleprofessionof faith,andassociatedforworship,ministry,andfellowship.Webelievethattheoverflow oftheworshipofthisgloriousGodwillleadthemembersofthislocalchurchtodeclarethegospelofJesusChristtoalostworld.Acts1:8;2:42;Ephesians2:19–22;5:19–21;Hebrews10:23–25
WebelievethateverychildofGodisbaptizedbytheHolySpiritintooneunitedspiritualbody,thebrideofChrist,ofwhichChrististheHead.Wealsobelievethatthebrideof Christ includes Old Testament saints (Isaiah 54:5–6; 62:4–5; Hosea 2:19–20). 1
Corinthians 12:12–13; 2Corinthians 11:2;Ephesians 1:22, 23;5:23–32; Colossians1:18;
Revelation19:7–8
Webelievethattheestablishmentandcontinuityoflocalchurchesisclearlytaughtand definedintheNewTestamentScriptures,andthatthemembersoftheonespiritual, universalbodyofChristaredirectedtoassociatethemselvestogetherinlocalassemblies (1Corinthians11:18–20;Hebrews10:25).Acts13:1–3;14:23,27;20:17,28;Romans
16:1–5,16;Galatians1:2;Philippians1:1;1Thessalonians1:1
WebelievethattheonesupremeauthorityforthechurchisChrist,andthatchurch leadership,gifts,order,discipline,andworshipareallappointedthroughHissovereignty asfoundintheScriptures.ThebiblicallydesignatedofficersservingunderChristand overthespiritualcareofourlocalassemblyareelders(alsocalledbishops,pastors, overseers,presbyters,andpastor-teachers;seeActs20:28;Ephesians4:11;1Timothy 3:1;4:14).Themembersofthelocalchurchshouldsubmittotheirleadership,whilealso holdingsuchleadershipaccountabletobiblicalpreceptsandqualifications.Thebiblically designatedofficershelpingtoservetheassembly’sphysicalneedsunderthedirectionof theeldersaredeacons.Botheldersanddeaconsmustmeetbiblicalqualifications. Ephesians1:22;5:23;Colossians1:18;1Timothy3:1–13;Titus1:5–9;Hebrews13:7,
17;1Peter5:1–5
Webelievethattheseleaderswholeadorservewellareworthyofdoublehonorbeforethechurch.But likewise,those holdingthe officeand responsibilityofanelder whocontinuetosininamannerthatcontradictsthebiblicalqualificationsmustbepubliclyrebuked beforethecongregationforthepurposeofmakingthechurchfearfulofsinning.1 Timothy5:17–22
Webelieveintheimportanceofdiscipleship(Matthew28:19–20;2Timothy2:2)and mutualaccountabilityofallbelieverstoeachother(Matthew18:15–20),aswellastheneedfordisciplineofunrepentantmembersofthecongregationinaccordancewiththestandards of Scripture. Matthew 18:15–22; Acts 5:1–11; 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; 2
Thessalonians3:6–12;1Timothy1:19–20;Titus1:10–16
Section9:ChristianConduct
WebelievethataChristianshouldliveforthegloryofGodandthewell-beingofhis fellowman,thathisconductshouldbeblamelessbeforetheworld,thatheshouldbeafaithfulstewardofhispossessions,andthatheshouldseektorealizeforhimselfand othersthefullstatureofmaturityinChrist.John14:15,23–24;Romans12:1–3;1
Corinthians4:2;10:31;2Corinthians9:6–9;Colossians1:9–10;Hebrews12:1–2;1John
2:3–6
Section10:TheOrdinances
WebelievethattheLordJesusChristhascommittedtwoordinancestothelocalchurch:baptismandtheLord’sSupper.(1)WebelievethatChristianbaptismbyimmersion,inthenameofthetriuneGod,isthevisualrepresentationwithwaterofthebeliever’s identificationwithChristspiritually.(2)WebelievethattheLord’sSupperwasinstitutedby ChristforcommemorationofHisdeath.WebelievethatthesetwoordinancesshouldbeobservedandadministereduntilthereturnoftheLordJesusChrist.Wedonotbelievetheseordinancesholdanysalvificvalue—theydonotconveysavinggraceupontherecipient.Theseordinances,however,aremeansbywhichGodrevealsHisgospeltoHis peopleandbringslovingencouragementintotheirlives.Matthew28:18–20;Romans 6:3–5;1Corinthians11:23–26
Section11:TheFamily,Marriage,andSexuality
Godhasordainedthefamilyasthefoundationalinstitutionofhumansociety.Itis composedofpersonsrelatedtooneanotherbymarriage,blood,oradoption.Genesis 1:26-28;2:15-25;Exodus20:12;Deuteronomy6:4-9;Psalms78:1-8;127;128;Proverbs
14:1;Ephesians5:21-6:4;1Timothy4:3
Webelievethat“marriage”hasonlyonemeaning,namely,marriagesanctionedbyGod thatjoinsonemanandonewomaninasingle,exclusive,covenantunionasdelineatedin Scripture.MarriageisGod’suniquegifttorevealtheunionbetweenChristandhis churchandtoprovideforthemanandthewomaninmarriagetheframeworkforintimatecompanionship,thechannelofsexualexpressionaccordingtobiblicalstandards,andthemeans forprocreation andthriving ofthe humanrace. Thus,God intendssexual intimacy tooccuronlybetweenamanandawomanwhoaremarriedtoeachotherandthathehas commandedthatnointimatesexualactivitybeengagedinoutsideofamarriagebetween a man and a woman. Genesis 1:26-27; 2:15-25; Ecclesiastes 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16;
Matthew5:31-32;14:3-4;19:3-9;Mark10:2-12;Luke16:18;Romans1:18-32;7:1-3;1
Corinthians7:1-40;Ephesians5:21-33;1Timothy3:2;5:8,14;Titus1:6;Hebrews13:4;
Revelation19:7-9
ThehusbandandwifeareofequalworthbeforeGod,sincebotharecreatedinGod’s image.ThemarriagerelationshipmodelsthewayGodrelatestoHispeople.Ahusbandis tolovehiswifeasChristlovedthechurch.HehastheGod-givenresponsibilityto providefor,toprotect,andtoleadhisfamily.Awifeistosubmitherselfgraciouslytotheservant leadershipofherhusbandeven asthechurch willinglysubmitsto theheadship of Christ.She,beingintheimageofGodasisherhusbandandthusequaltohim,hastheGod-givenresponsibilitytorespectherhusbandandtoserveashishelperinmanaging thehouseholdandnurturingthenextgeneration.Genesis1:26-27;2:15-25;3:1-20;5:2;
Proverbs5:15-20;12:4;18:22;31:10-31;Matthew5:31-32;19:3-9;Mark10:2-12;Luke
16:18;Ephesians5:21-33;1Corinthians5:1-13;6:9-20;7:1-16;11:2-16;Colossians
3:18-19;1Timothy2:8-15;Titus2:3-5;1Peter3:1-7
Children,fromthemomentoffertilization,areablessingandheritagefromtheLord. ParentsaretodemonstratetotheirchildrenGod’spatternformarriage.Parentsareto teachtheirchildrenspiritualandmoralvaluesandtoleadthem,throughconsistentlifestyleexampleandlovingdiscipline,tomakechoicesbasedonbiblicaltruth.Children aretohonorandobeytheirparents.Exodus20:12;Deuteronomy6:4-9;Joshua24:15;1 Samuel1:26-28;Psalms51:5;78:1-8;127;128;139:13-16;Proverbs1:8;6:20-22;13:24;
14:1;17:6;22:6,15;23:13-14;24:3;29:15,17;31:10-31;Matthew18:2-5;Romans1:30;
Ephesians6:1-4;Colossians3:20-21;2Timothy1:3-5;Titus2:3-5
WefurtheraffirmthatGodoffersredemptionandcompleterestorationtoallwhoconfess andforsaketheirmarital,sexual,orparentalsins,seekingGod’smercyandforgiveness through Jesus Christ. John 4:1-30, 39-42; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11;
Ephesians2:1-10;Titus3:3-8
Section12:TheChristianandSocialOrder
AllChristiansareunderobligationtoseektomakethewillofChristsupremeinourown livesandinhumansociety.Meansandmethodsusedfortheimprovementofsocietyand the establishmentofrighteousness amongmencanbe trulyandpermanently helpfulonly whentheyarerootedintheregenerationoftheindividualbythesavinggraceofGodin JesusChrist.InthespiritofChrist,Christiansshouldopposeracism,everyformofgreed, selfishness,andvice,andallformsofsexualimmorality,includingadultery, homosexuality,andpornography.Weshouldworktoprovidefortheorphaned,theneedy,theabused,theaged,thehelpless,andthesick.Weshouldspeakonbehalfoftheunbornandcontendforthesanctityofallhumanlifefromfertilizationtonaturaldeath. EveryChristianshouldseektobringindustry,government,andsocietyasawholeunder theswayoftheprinciplesofrighteousness,justice,andbrotherlylove.Inorderto promotetheseendsChristiansshouldbereadytoworkwithallmenofgoodwillinany goodcause,alwaysbeingcarefultoactinthespiritoflovewithoutcompromisingtheir loyalty to Christ and His truth. Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7; Exodus 20:3-17; 21:22-25;
Leviticus6:2-5;Deuteronomy10:12,17-18;27:17;Job10:11-12;Psalms8:3-8;51:5;
101:5;139:13-16;Micah6:8;Zechariah8:16;Matthew5:13-16,43-48;22:36-40;25:35;
Mark1:29-34;2:3ff.;10:21;Luke1:41;4:18-21;10:27-37;20:25;John15:12;17:15;
Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28;
Ephesians6:5-9;Colossians3:12-17;1Thessalonians3:12;Philemon;James1:27;2:8
Section13:TheChristianandCivilGovernment
CivilgovernmentisordainedbyGodtorestrainandpunishevilandtopreserveand rewardgood,whichpromotesthetemporalwell-beingofhumanity,thosecreatedin God’simage.ItisthedutyofChristianstoprayforthoseingoverningpositionsandto renderloyalobediencetocivilauthoritiesinallthingsnotopposedtoGod’srevealedwillinScripture.AsPrinceoverthekingsoftheearth,JesusChristaloneisLordoftheconscience,andhehaslefttheconsciencefreefromthedoctrinesandcommandmentsof menwhicharecontrarytohisword.Thechurchshouldnotresorttothecoercivepowers ofthestatetocarryonitsworkoradvanceitsmissionsincethegospelofJesusChristcontemplatesspiritualmeansaloneforthepursuitofitsends.ItisalsounjustforthestatetousurptheroleofanychurchbyenforcingitswillinmatterscontrarytoScripture,yetif
thestateshoulddoso,theChristianistorespondwithhumilityandfaithfulnesstothewordofGod.Genesis1:26-27;2:7;Matthew6:24;10:17-18;16:24-26;22:21;Mark
13:9;John8:36;Acts4:19-20;Romans6:1-2;13:1-10;14:7-9;1Corinthians9:19-23;
Galatians5:1,13;Philippians3:20;1Timothy2:1-5;James4:12;1Peter2:12-17;3:11-
17;4:12-19
Section14:TheLastThings
Webelieveinthepersonal,bodily,andvisiblereturnoftheLordJesusChristtoearth, andinHiseternalkingdominheaven.Webelieveintheresurrectionofthebody,thefinaljudgment,theeternalfelicity(i.e.,intensejoy)oftherighteouswhohavebeensaved bythegraceofGodtoworshipHimforever,andtheeternalconscioustorment(in oppositiontoannihilationism)ofthewickedwhoeternallyperishintheirsinsapartfromChrist. Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15;
Philippians3:20;1Thessalonians4:15;2Thessalonians1:7–10;2Timothy4:1;Titus
2:13;Revelation20:4–6,11–15
ARTICLEIV:MEMBERSHIP
Section1:GeneralConstitution
Themembershipofthischurchshallconsistofpersons(1)whoconfessfaithontheLord JesusChristastheirpersonalSavior,(2)whogiveevidenceofregenerationbyliving consistentlywiththeirconfessionandwiththeviewsoffaith,doctrine,andpracticeof thischurch,asstatedinitsConstitutionandBylaws(includingtheStatementofFaith,Northside Baptist ChurchCovenant and Church Discipline Principles, together hereinafter,“Documents”),(3)whohavereceivedbeliever’sbaptismbyimmersion,and (4) whohave been receivedinto membership according to the Bylawsof this church and It isrequiredthateachpersonwhodesiresmembershipinNorthside BaptistChurchwillgothrough thenecessarymembershipcourse.
Furthermore, members who are 16 years of age or older and have completed the required Membership course and have met all the requirements above, shall be allowed to vote at any and all Members Meetings.
Furthermore,theyarerequiredtosubmitaMembershipProfileinwhichtheyunderstand andagreetoabidebyandbeheldaccountableforthechurch’sbeliefs,positions,and policies,asoutlinedinthechurch’sDocuments.Shoulddisagreementinanyoftheseareaseveroccur,memberswillinformtheeldersofthepoint(s)ofdisagreementandhold Northside BaptistChurchanditsleadershipharmless.Therewillbenoappealtoanycourt(cf.1 Corinthians6:1–11).MembershipinNorthside BaptistChurchdoesnotvestinanymemberany proprietaryrightsinthechurch,butshallonlyentitlethemembertoaffirmordenythosematterssubmittedtothechurchmembershipbytheCouncilofEldersinaccordancewith ConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
Section2:Northside BaptistChurchCovenant
“Wedonow,inthepresenceofGod,angels,andthisassembly,mostsolemnlyand joyfullyenterintocovenantwithoneanotherasonebodyinChrist,havingbeenled,as webelieve,bytheSpiritofGod,toreceivetheLordJesusChristasourSavior,and,on theprofessionofourfaith,havingbeenbaptizedinthenameoftheFatherandoftheSon andoftheHolySpirit.
Weengage,therefore,bytheaidoftheHolySpirit,towalktogetherinChristianlove;to strivefortheadvancementofthischurchinknowledgeandholiness;topromoteits prosperityandspirituality;tosustainitsworship,ordinances,discipline,anddoctrines;to contributecheerfullyandregularlytothesupportoftheministry,theexpensesofthechurch,thereliefofthepoor,andthespreadofthegospeltoallnations.
Wealsoengagetomaintainfamilyandpersonaldevotions;toeducateourchildrenintheChristianfaith;toseekthesalvationofourkindredandacquaintances;towalk circumspectlyintheworld;tobejustinourdealings,faithfulinourengagements,and exemplaryinourdeportment;toavoidallgossip,backbiting,andexcessiveanger;to seekGod’shelpinabstainingfrompracticesthatbringunwarrantedharmtothebodyor jeopardizeourownoranother’sfaith.
Wefurtherengagetowatchoveroneanotherinbrotherlylove;torememberoneanother inprayer;toaidoneanotherinsicknessanddistress;tocultivateChristiansympathyin feelingandcourtesyinspeech;tobeslowtotakeoffense,butalwaysreadyfor reconciliationandmindfuloftheguidelinesofourSaviortosecureitwithoutdelay.
WemoreoverengagetoencourageoneanotherasweeagerlyawaittheSecondComing ofourgloriousSaviorandKing,theLordJesusChrist;and,shouldwemovefromthis place,wewill,ifpossible,unitewithachurchwherewecancarryoutthearticlesofthis confessionandthespiritofthiscovenant.”
ARTICLEV:LEADERSHIPANDORGANIZATION
Theofficersofthechurchshallbeeldersanddeacons.Thepurposeoftheeldersofthechurchistogovernlovingly,carefor,andequipthemembershiptodotheworkoftheministry.Thepurposeofthedeaconsistoservelovinglythephysicalneedsofthemembership.
Section1:CouncilofElders
ThespiritualoversightofthislocalchurchshallbevestedintheCouncilofElders,who areresponsibleforgoverningthechurch,teachingtheWord,andprayerfullytendingto allhermembers.Theeldersshallbeequalinauthority,butmaybespecializedin function.UndertheauthorityofJesus ChristandtheWordof God,thispluralityofelders willexerciseloving,caring,biblicalshepherdingoftheflock,whilethemembersof Northside BaptistChurchwillmutuallysubmittoandserveoneanotherandtheleadership withinthislocalchurch(Hebrews13:17;2Peter5:1-6;cf.Ephesians5:21).
Theeldersshallseekparticipationbythemembersforthefollowingmajorissues(seeBylawsII.4.DandII.6fordecision-makingandmemberparticipation):
(1)Acceptingmembersintothechurch,givinglettersoftransferorrecommendation tomembers,andremovingmembersfromthechurchroll;
(2)Appointingofficersofthechurch;
(3)Discipliningunrepentantmembersforindividualoffenses—asopposedto corporateoffenses—anddiscipliningofficersbyremovingthemfromoffice(seeBylawsII.1.D,II.3.D,andVII.1-3);
(4)Approvingannualbudgetsofthechurch,authorizingexpendituresofthefundsof thechurchwhensuchexpendituresarenotcoveredbyanapprovedbudget,and approvinganytransactionsregardingrealproperty;
(5)Adopting,amending,orrepealingtheConstitutionand/orBylawsofthischurch;and
(6)Approvingthecall,ministrydescription,andinitialsalaryofVocationalPastors andVocationalMinisters.
Section2:Deacons
DeaconsshallassisttheCouncilofEldersbyperformingservicesofadvice, administration,andimplementationofministry,allasprayerfullydeterminedbytheCouncilofEldersandinaccordancewithBylawsII.5.
ARTICLEVI:CHURCHPROPERTY
Intheeventofadivisionofthischurch—fromwhichmayGodinHismercysaveus— thepropertyofthischurchshallbelongtothatgroupofsuchdivisionasrepresentsthelargestportionofthechurchmembership,providedsuchgroupisloyaltothis Constitution;otherwise,itshallbelongtothegroupremainingloyaltothisConstitution, thoughitmaynotbethelargestgroupinsuchdivision.Shouldaconditionariseatany timeinthefuturewhenforanyreasonthechurchworkcannotcontinue,thechurch propertyshallbesoldtoretireanydebt,andtheremainingproceedsshallbedonated to the Southern Baptist Texas Convention.
Shouldconditionsarisewhereaconsolidationwithanotherchurchofthesamebeliefsisadvisable,theCouncilofEldersshallbeauthorizedbythemembershipofthechurchto proposeanadvisablecoursefornegotiatingthetermsofsuchconsolidationthatconcerns thepropertyofNorthside BaptistChurch.
ARTICLEVII:AMENDMENTS
AmendmentstothisConstitutionmustbesubmittedtotheCouncilofEldersinwriting forrecommendationtothemembersofNorthside BaptistChurch.Theamendment(s)willbeapprovedordisapprovedbythedecisionoftheCouncilandthemembershipofthechurchinaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
BYLAWS
ARTICLEI:MEMBERSHIP
Section1:GeneralProcedure
Allactionsregardingmembership,eitherofadmissionordismissal,shallbemadebytheCouncilofEldersandthemembershipofthechurchinaccordancewithConstitutionIV andVandBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
Section2:AdmissionbyBaptism
AllapplicantsformembershipprofessingfaithintheLordJesusChrist,givingevidenceofachangeofheart,andhavingacceptedthefaith,aims,andidealsofthischurch(as expressedinConstitutionIIIandIV)maybereceivedintomembershipbymeansof believer’sbaptismbyimmersion,upontheaffirmationoftheCouncilofEldersandthemembershipofthechurchinaccordancewithConstitutionIII.1andVandBylawsII.4.D andII.6.ValidNewTestamentbaptismisthatwhichisreceivedafterone’scommitmenttoChrist.Northside BaptistChurchholdsthatbaptismisnotnecessaryforsalvation;rather,itisbetterunderstood asan important stepof obediencein every believer’slife andwalk with ChristthatresultsfromGod’sworkinthehearttofollowHisWord.Forthisreason, believer’sbaptismbyimmersionisarequirementformembershipatNorthside BaptistChurch. Anyapplicantwhohasbeenbaptizedbymeansotherthanimmersionshallundergo baptismbyimmersionbeforemembership.
Section3:AdmissionbyStatement, LetterorRestoration
Allapplicantsformembershipotherthanbybeliever’sbaptism(i.e.,byStatement or Letter from a Southern Baptist Church,ifpreviouslybaptizedbyimmersionin believer’s baptism, in accordance with Constitution III.10.(1) and By Laws I.2orbyrestoration)shallbereceivedinto thechurchinthesamewayasthosebybaptism,excepttheordinanceshallnotbeadministered.
Section4:InstructiontoNewMembers
AllpersonsunitingwiththischurchinanyofthewayssetforthinBylawsI.1–3shalldo soinaccordancewithConstitutionIV.Newmemberswilltestifypubliclyoftheirfaithin ChristandtheirsupportofNorthside BaptistChurch.Bymakingapublicprofessionoffaithand joiningthechurch,newmembers,withoutdevaluingotherareasofobedience,service, andcommunallife,pledgethemselvestofulfilltheirstewardshipobligationsregarding corporateworship,CareGroupinvolvement,Members’Meetings,service,andgiving.
Section5:DismissalofMembersonGroundsOtherThanChurchDiscipline
Membersingoodstandingwhohavefulfilledtheirobligationstothechurch,or satisfactorilyarrangedthesamewiththeeldersandthemembership,shall,uponrequest, begrantedaletterofcharactertounitewithsuchachurchastheymaydesignate.Such
letterofcharactershallbesenttothechurchthememberintendstojoin.Memberswho unitewithanotherchurchwithoutsuchlettershallberemovedfromthechurchroll.
ARTICLEII:CHURCHGOVERNMENT
Section1:GeneralStatement
A.Officers
Theofficersofthechurchshallbeelders(comprisingaCouncilofElders)anddeacons. Officersshallbecalledtoofficebyaffirmationofthemembershipofthechurchin accordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.Allofficersofthechurch shallbemembersofthechurchingoodandregularstanding.
B.CommitteesandAppointees
TheCouncilofEldershastheauthoritytocreatecommittees(hereinafter,“Ministry Teams”)andpositionstowhichitmaydelegateanyspecifiedaspectofits responsibilities.TheCouncilhastheauthoritytodissolveanyMinistryTeamorposition on such a MinistryTeam. These Ministry Teamsshall perform tasks solely inaccordancewiththeexpressedpurposeofNorthside BaptistChurch.
Section2:VocationalPastorsandVocationalMinisters
A.Definition
VocationalPastorsaretheordainedeldersofthechurch,who,inresponsetoGod’scall, havedevotedtheirvocationallivestotheministryoftheWordandprayerintheserviceofthechurchoftheLordJesusChrist.VocationalMinistersarethenon-ordained ministersofthechurchwho,inresponsetoGod’scall,servethechurchastheirprimaryvocation.Northside BaptistChurchfinanciallysupportsbothVocationalPastorsandVocationalMinistersinreturnfortheirvocationallabors.
B.Duties
InadditiontothedutiesoftheirofficedescribedinBylawsII.4and5,VocationalPastors andVocationalMinistersshallperformthedutiesdeterminedbytheCouncilofElders. Thedutiesshallbeinwritingatthetimeofthecalltoservice,andsubstantialchanges shallbeapprovedbytheCouncilofElders.Thechurch’scallofaVocationalPastorisacalltotheeldershipofthechurch.Therefore,VocationalPastorsshallbemembersoftheCouncilofEldersandshallhaveallthebiblicalqualificationsofanelder.
VocationalMinistersarenotnecessarilycalledtotheeldership,butarecalledasassisting partnersintheministry.VocationalMinistersmaybeaddedtotheCouncilofElders(in accordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6).
C.Calling
TheCouncilofEldersandthemembershipofthechurchshallhavetheresponsibilityof allhiringandterminatingofVocationalPastorsandVocationalMinisters(inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6).
D.Termination
AvocationalcallatNorthside BaptistChurchmaybeterminatedasfollows:
(1)Resignation:ThequestionofterminatingthevocationalcallofaVocationalPastororVocationalMinistershallbeconsideredatanytimebytheCouncilofElders uponthepresentationofthePastor’sorMinister’sresignation.
(2)Grievance:WhereagrievanceexistsagainstaVocationalPastororVocationalMinister,eitherduetohispreachingorteachingcontrarytothebeliefsofthechurch assetforthinConstitutionIII,orduetoallegedconductonhispartunfittinganelder orminister,suchgrievancemaybebroughtbeforetheCouncilofEldersbyanytwo membersingoodstanding,inaccordancewithBylawsVII. (1Timothy 5:19)IftheCouncil,after thoroughinvestigationandconsideration,believesthegrievancetobetrueand substantial,thenthevocationalcalloftheVocationalPastororVocationalMinister maybeterminateduponthedecisionoftheCouncilandthemembershipofNorthside Baptist Church,inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
Section3:LayOfficers
A.Definition
Layofficersarethenon-vocationaleldersanddeaconsofthechurch.
B.Duties
Layeldersanddeaconsshallhavethedutiesoftheirrespectiveofficesasdescribedin BylawsII.4and5.
C.Calling
TheCouncilofElders,onbehalfofthemembershipofNorthside BaptistChurch,andin accordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6,shallrecognize,interview, andinvestigatecandidatesforlayofficersofthechurch.TheCouncilshallprovidefor individualmembersofthechurcheithertonominatecandidatesortopresentthemselves totheCouncilascandidatesforofficeandfortheCouncil’sfurtherinvestigation.Inno instanceshallanyindividualbeconsideredanomineeforofficewithoutthenominee’s consent.InthosecaseswheretheCouncilconcludesthatanomineeisnotqualifiedfor office,theyshallinformthenominee,statingthereasonsforthisconclusion.
D.Removal
LayofficersatNorthside BaptistChurchmayberemovedasfollows:
(1)Resignation:Anofficermayresignhisofficeatanytimeifhefindsheisno longerabletodischargethedutiesoftheoffice.
(2)Grievance:Whereagrievanceexistsagainstanofficerofthechurch,eitherdueto the adherenceto andpropagationof beliefscontraryto thebeliefs ofthechurch assetforthinConstitutionIII,orduetoallegedconductonhispartunfittinganelderor deacon,suchgrievancemaybebroughtbeforetheCouncilofEldersbyanytwo membersingoodstanding,inaccordancewithBylawsVII.IftheCouncil,after
thoroughinvestigationandconsideration,believesthegrievancetobetrueand substantial,thentheofficermayberemovedfromofficeuponthedecisionoftheCouncilandthemembershipofNorthside BaptistChurchinaccordancewithConstitution
V.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
Section4:CouncilofElders
A.CompositionandCalling
TheCouncilofEldersshallbecomposedofthemen,Godgraciouslyprovidestolead, carefor,andprotectthislocalchurchasourelders/pastors/overseers—termsusedby Scripturetorefertothedifferentaspectsoftheoneofficeweareherecalling“elder”(Acts20:17,28;Tit1:5-7;1Pet5:1-2).AccordingtoScripture,theCouncilshallalways havemorethanoneelder(Acts14:23;20:17;Tit1:5).Onanongoingbasis,thischurch willjoyfullyandresponsiblyseektorecognizetheeldersGodprovidesaccordingtoHis wisdom,love,andpowertomeetourneedsandtheneedsoftheministriesHeentruststo usforHisglory.
InrecognizingGod’sgiftofelders,weagreetofollowthesestepsbecausetheyrightly emphasizewhoeldersare,whattheydo,andwhatwemustdotoknowifGodhasgiven aparticularmantousasanelder:
(1)Initiation:ThemanrespondstoGod’sworkinginhislifebyexpressingadesiretoservethislocalchurchasanelder(1Tim3:1;cf.Acts20:28;1Pet5:2).
(2)Consultation:TheCouncilofEldersandtheaspiringmandiscussthebiblicalqualificationsforelder,thenatureandexpectationsoftheministryingeneraland atNorthside BaptistChurch,observationsandevidencethatGodhasequippedtheman asapastorforNorthside BaptistChurch,agreementwiththeDocumentsofNorthside Baptist Church,andotherareasthatmaybenecessaryorbeneficial(1Tim3:1-7;2Tim1:13-14;2:2;Tit1:5-9;1Pet5:1-4;cf.BylawsII.4.B).
(3)Confirmation:TheCouncilofEldersdeterminesifthereisenoughevidencethatGodismakingthe mananelderto callthewhole churchfamilytoobserve him.If unanimouslyagreed,theeldersassumeresponsibilitytoworkwiththemanin waysdesignedtobothcontinuetheirdiscernmentandfurtherequipthemanfor possibleministryasanelderatNorthside BaptistChurch.
(4)Demonstration:TheCouncilofEldersinformsthechurchofthestepstakento thatpointandcallsthechurchtoaperiodofobservation.Duringthattime,thechurchobservestheeldercandidate,hiswayoflife,hishome,andhisministryof thewordtoseeifhemeetsthebiblicalqualificationsforelderandifhehasbeen equippedbyGodtofunctionasanelderatNorthside BaptistChurch.Eachmemberwillseektodowhatisreasonablynecessarytomakethisdeterminationfor himself/herself.Theelderswillassignthecandidatespecificresponsibilitiesof ministryinthechurchforaperiodoftimetheydetermineissufficientineach case.Indeterminingthecandidate’sresponsibilitiesandtheperiodofobservation, theelderswillconsiderthemembers’inputandtheirneedtoobservewhetherthemanhastheaspiration,character,capabilities,andheartofonegivenbyGodasaneldertolead,carefor,andprotectthislocalchurch.Itislikelytheobservation periodwillbeshorterthelongeracandidatehasbeenamember.
(5)Presentation: At a Members’ Meeting following the observation period, theCouncilofEldersleadadiscussionregardingwhatthemembershaveobserved andaddressanyconcernsbroughtbeforeoratthemeeting.Thecandidatewillbeavailabletoanswerthemembers’questionsandreceivetheirencouragementand exhortationssothatthechurchisbuiltupbythetruthspokeninlovewhetheror notthemaniseverrecognizedasanelder.Afterthismeeting,thememberswillhaveatleast30daystobringtheirpersonalobservations,encouragement,and concernstotheelders(cf.1Tim5:22).
(6)Affirmation:IfafterpresentationtheCouncilofEldersisunanimousthatGodhas madethemananelderatNorthside BaptistChurch,thentheeldercandidateispresented tothemembershipataMembers’Meetingforaffirmationordenial,in accordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
B.QualificationsandResponsibilities
EldersandnomineesforeldershallbequalifiedfortheofficeasspecifiedintheBible. Relevanttextsinclude:1Timothy3:1–7;Titus1:6–9;and1Peter5:1–4.ThefundamentalresponsibilityoftheeldersistodevotethemselvestoprayerandtheWord ofGod.Theeldersareresponsibleforgoverningthechurch,teachingtheWordofGod, andprayerfullytendingtheflockofGodinthislocalchurch.
Moreover,theresponsibilitiesoftheeldersshallinclude:(1)examiningprospectivemembersandacquainting themwiththe Documentsand membershipcoursematerial; (2) overseeingtheprocessofchurchdiscipline;(3)examiningprospectivecandidatesfor office;(4)overseeingtheworkofthedeacons,appointedchurchagents,MinistryTeams, andministrypositions;(5)conductingworshipservices;(6)administeringtheordinances oftheGospel;(7)equippingthemembershipofthechurchfortheworkoftheministry;
(8)teachingthewholecounselofGodbothformallyandinformally;(9)correctingerror;
(10)overseeing,coordinating,andpromotingtheministriesofthechurch;(11) mobilizingthechurch forboth localand worldevangelism andmissions; and(12) helpingestablishpolicies,positions,andpracticesforNorthside BaptistChurchthatareconsistentwiththeexpresspurposesofthechurch.
C.Organization
TheCouncilofEldersshallorganizeitselfhoweveritdeterminesbesttoachievethemissionofthechurch.Theeldersshallbeequalinauthority,butmaybespecializedin function.TheCouncilmustmeetatleastonceeverymonth.Councilmeetingsmaybeheldatanylocationandmaybeconductedbymeansofelectroniccommunication throughwhichtheeldersmaysimultaneouslyheareachother.UnlesstheCouncilprovidesotherwise,meetingsmaybehelduponimmediatenotice.AquorumforCouncilmeetingsshallbeatleastone-halfoftheCouncil.
TheprioritiesofdiscussionandactionatCouncilmeetingsshallbethefollowing:
(1)Prayer/Worship:Prayer,discussions,anddecisionspertainingtotheshepherding andaccountabilityrolesoftheeldersovertheflock(seeActs20:28;1Peter5:2– 3);
(2)Management:Decisionsregardingfinances,administration,andpoliciesaffecting thedirectionoftheministry(see1Timothy3:5);
(3)ChurchDiscipline:Discussionandinitiationof churchdisciplinewherenecessary (seeHebrews13:17);and
(4)ChurchPolicyandMinistryMethodology:Periodicdiscussionsregarding doctrine,theministry,andhowtobebiblicalandeffectiveinthetasktowhich Godhascalledthechurchanditsleadership.
D.Decision-Making
DecisionsshallbereachedbytheCouncilofEldersafterprayerfulconsiderationonlyby theunanimousormajorityvoteoftheCouncil,asdifferentiatedbelow,inaspiritof humility,eacheldertherebyregardingothersbeforehimself.
Therefore, in essence, whether thedecision is one that necessitatesa unanimous vote or amajorityvote,theCouncilofEldersmusthaveaspiritofunanimityregardingthedirectionofthechurchafteralldiscussionsareterminatedandbindingdecisionshavebeenmadebytheCouncil.Anyviolationofthisspiritofunanimitymustbeconsideredaseriousbreachofelderqualifications.Ifitshouldoccurmorethanonce,withoutgenuinerepentance,thateldermustseekthere-approvaloftheCouncilofEldersandthemembershipofNorthside BaptistChurch(inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylaws
II.4.DandII.6)tocontinueintheofficeofelder(cf.Titus3:10–11).
(1)Unanimityisrequiredoncertainmatters.
TheunanimousvoteofthemembersoftheCouncilofElders,whethervotinginperson, orbytelephonetobeconfirmedlaterinwriting,isrequiredonthesematters:(1)callingandapprovingaVocationalornon-Vocationalofficerorministerofthechurch;(2) supportingamissionary(tobesupportedbytheMissionsBudget);(3)proposingan amendmenttoormodificationoftheConstitutionandBylawsgenerally,ortheStatementofFaithspecifically;(4)approvingormodifyingaPolicy/PositionStatement;and(5) modifyingtheindebtednesslimitationsoutlinedintheBylawsIV.5.
(2)Majorityisrequiredonallothermatters.
Decisionsonmattersotherthanthoselistedundertheprecedingunanimityparagraph shallrequireasimplemajorityofthemembersoftheCouncilofElders.Thoseeldersin theminorityposition,afterhavinganopportunitytodefendtheirviewfromScriptureand soundreason,willhumblyyieldtothemajoritypositionoftheCouncilinthespiritof Philippians2:3,therebypreservingthespiritofunitythattheCouncilmustmaintainto thecongregationandthepublic.Therefore,theminorityelder(s)mustpubliclysupportthedecisionofthemajorityoftheCouncilineverysituation.AnyviolationofthisspiritofunanimitywillbedealtwithasoutlinedinBylawsII.4.Dabove.
(3)Eldersmaybeexcludedfromvoting.
DecisionsbytheCouncilofEldersthatpertaindirectlytoanyoftheeldersthemselves (e.g.,churchdiscipline,conflictofinterestcases,salaryreview,etc.)maybemadewith orwithoutthe participation,input, orvoting oftheelder(s) concerned,at thediscretion of themajorityoftheotherelders.
E.Chairman
TheCouncilofElderswillappointaChairmanoftheCouncilbyamajorityvote.TheChairmanwillprovideleadershipforCouncilmeetingsandwillrepresenttheCouncilto thecongregationatMembers’Meetings.TheChairmanmustbeappointedor reconfirmedevery12months.
Section5:Deacons
A.CompositionandCalling
ThenumberofdeaconsshallbedeterminedbytheneedsoftheministryandbythecallandqualificationofindividualsinthemembershipofNorthside BaptistChurch,inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
B.Qualifications
DeaconsandnomineesfordeaconshallbequalifiedfortheofficeasspecifiedintheBible(1Timothy3:8–12).
C.Responsibilities
ThedeaconsshallinformandbereadytoassisttheeldersregardinganyservicethatsupportsandpromotestheministryoftheWord,newandexistingministriesofthechurch,andcareformembersofthecongregation.Thedeacons’responsibilitiesmay include(butarenotlimitedto)thefollowing:
(1)Administeringafundtoassistthepoorandneedy,andotherwiseprovidingaidin timesofcrisisordistress;
(2)Assistingthegreetingandwelcomingministriesofthechurch;
(3)AssistingtheadministrationoftheordinancesoftheGospel;
(4)Assistingatfellowshipgatheringsofthechurch;
(5)Caringforandmaintainingthechurchproperties;and
(6)Administeringthebusinessaffairsofthechurchthatpertaintoitsmaterialassets.
D.Organization
Theeldersshallorganizethedeaconshowevertheeldersdeterminebesttoachievethemissionofthechurch.Theeldersmaydesignateanyspecificdeaconorgroupofdeacons tospecializeinsomeparticulardiaconalfunction.
Section6:ChurchParticipation
Theelderswillseekparticipationbythemembersofthechurchindecisionsonmajor issues(inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1)ataMembers’Meetinginthefollowing manner:
(1)IftheCouncilofEldersisunifiedintheirdecision,thentheremustbeasubsequentMembers’Meetingconvenedinordertoallowforadequatediscussion ofthematter(s).Ifsuchameetingallowsforamplediscussionandreflectionon thematter(s),thenatwo-thirdsmajoritydecisionisrequiredbythemembership inattendanceforacceptanceordenialofthematters(s).
(2)Intheeventthatthereisnotamplediscussion,theeldersrecognizethattherearenecessaryamendmentstotheirproposal,therearequestionsthatareobjectionableinnature,orotherinformationpresentedisdeemedappropriatetosupportan objection,theCouncilofElderswillreconvenetocometoadecision.
(3)Furtherdiscussionfromanymembersregardingquestionsthatareobjectionableinnature,orotherinformationdeemedappropriatetosupportanobjection,willbedirectedtooneoftheeldersonapersonalbasisoutsideofandwithinoneweek fromtheinitialMembers’Meeting.Iftheelderwhoispresentedwiththeinformationrelatedtotheobjectionisnotabletoanswersatisfactorilythemember’sconcern,thateldermusttaketheinformationtotheentireCouncilof Eldersforconsideration.Toassisttheeldersintheirdiscussionoftheissueathand,themembermaybeaskedtomeetwiththeCounciltoclarifytheconcerns orobjections.
(4)Should the Council of Elders reconveneas described in (2) above, theelders mustcometoadecisioninaccordancewithBylawsII.4.D.1or2.Iftheelders determinefurtherdiscussionisnecessary,theywillre-presentthematter(s)atasubsequentMembers’Meeting(s).Iftheelderscannotreachtherequired unanimousormajorityvote,noactionwillbetaken,andthecongregationwillbeinformedofthisprocessinamannerdeemedappropriatebytheelders.Iftheeldersreachadifferentdecisiononthematter(s)andreachtherequired unanimousormajorityvote,theywillpresentthenewlydecidedmatter(s)ataMembers’Meetingasdescribedin(1)above.Andiftheeldersmaintaintherequiredunanimousormajorityvoteontheoriginalmatter(s),theywillpresentthematter(s)againataMembers’Meetingasdescribedin(1)above.
ARTICLEIII:CHURCHEMPLOYEES
InadditiontoVocationalPastorsandVocationalMinisters,thechurchmayemploy additionalpersonnel. The moneys forsuch personnel must beapproved by the Councilof Eldersin conjunction withtheBudgetand FinanceMinistry.TheCouncilshallberesponsiblefordeterminingthedutiesandhiringofsuchpersonnel.
Moreover,webelievethatinordertopreservethenature,purpose,function,andintegrity ofthechurchasthelocalbodyofChrist,andtoprovideabiblicalrolemodeltothe
churchmembersandthecommunity,itisimperativethatallpersonsemployedbythechurchinanycapacity,orwhoserveasvolunteers,shouldabidebyandagreetothe“Documents”ofNorthside BaptistChurch(seeConstitutionIV.1).
ARTICLEIV:CHURCHFINANCES
Section1:InGeneral
Nomethodofraisingfundsshallbeentertainedthatisinconflictwiththescripturalidealsofthechurch.Allfundsdonatedshallpassthroughthefinancialadministratorof thechurchinorderthatduerecordmaybemade.Thedeaconsand/oreldersshallprovideassistancetothefinancialadministratorinaccountingforfundsdonated.
Section2:Contributions
Itisunderstoodthatmembershipinthischurchinvolvesfinancialobligationstosupportthechurchanditscauseswithregularandproportionategiving.Eachmembershallbeencouragedinscripturalgiving,withtithingastheidealminimum.
Specialofferingsmaybesoughtbythechurch,orbyanyofitsorganizations,withtheapprovaloftheCouncilofElders.Thisshallnotprecludeindividualsfrommaking specialofferingsordesignatedgiftsatanytimeastheSpiritofGodmaymovethem.
Section3:FinancialPlanning
ThefinancialplanningofNorthside BaptistChurchshallbecarriedoutthroughtheannualbudgetsrelatedtothevariousministriesofthechurch.Annualbudgetsshallbeapproved andadoptedbythechurch(inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.Dand II.6)uponrecommendationoftheCouncilofEldersviatheBudgetandFinanceMinistry Team.MattersinvolvingstaffcompensationshallbetheresponsibilityoftheBudgetand FinanceMinistryinconjunctionwiththeCouncil.
Section4:Accounts
Financialreceiptsfromallsourcesshallbeaccountedforbythefinancialadministrator accordingtothepurposesforwhichcontributionsaredesignated.Thefinancialadministratorshalldisbursethesefundspromptlyaccordingtothefinancialprogramof thechurchasdetailedinthebudgetorotherauthorizeddesignations.
Section5:Indebtedness
Nonoteorcontractexceedingl%ofthetotalannualbudgetwherebythecreditofthechurchispledgedshallbemade,exceptbyrecommendationoftheCouncilofElders(in consultationwiththeBudgetandFinanceMinistry)tothemembershipinaMembers’ MeetinginaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.
Section6:AuthoritytoBindtheChurch
Theeldersaretheonlyofficerswhohaveauthority,inaccordancewiththeConstitution andBylaws,andanyapplicablelaws,toexecutelegaldocumentsrelatingtorealestate, churchproperty,andchurchfinances.
ARTICLEV:CORPORATEWORSHIPANDFACILITIESUSE
PublicservicesshallbeheldontheLord’sDay.TheLord’sSuppershallbecelebratedon fifthSundays,oratsuchothertimesastheCouncilofEldersmay determine.Otherreligiousservicesmaybeappointedastheadvancementoftheworkof thechurchmayrequire. Members Meetings shall be held quarterly on the first Wednesday night following the first Sunday in March, June, September and December. Special called Members Meetings may be called by the Council, with notice being given at least 10 days in advance of said meeting during whatever times the Congregation may be gathered.
Wefurtherbelievethatinordertopreservethepurityandintegrityofthechurch’s witnessinadvancingChrist’smission,theNorthside BaptistChurchfacilitiesandpropertyareto beusedsolelytopromotethenameofJesusChristandthevaluesandpurposeof Northside BaptistChurch.Therefore,wereservetherighttodenytheuseofourfacilitiesand property to anyperson(s) whosebeliefs orpractices contradictthe aforementionedvalues inthe“Documents”ofNorthside BaptistChurch(seeConstitutionIV.1),especiallythosevalues concerningthefamily,marriage,sexuality,andhumanlifeasarticulatedinConstitution III.11-12andBylawsVII.2.A.1-3.
ARTICLEVI:ORGANIZATIONOFMEMBERSFORMINISTRY
Membersofthischurchshallhavethelibertytoparticipateinandorganizethemselves forministry,providedthatsuchparticipationandorganizationdoesnotconflictwith ConstitutionIII.AnysuchorganizationmayseekchurchsanctionfromtheCouncilof EldersasanofficialministryofNorthside BaptistChurch.Suchsanctionmaybegranted, providedthat:(1)theobject,purpose,belief,andconductoftheorganizationandits membersareconsistentwithConstitutionIII;and(2)theprimaryofficersoftheorganization are members of the church who have been approved under guidelines establishedbytheCouncil.SanctionbytheCouncildoesnotnecessarilyimplysupportof theorganizationbythechurchwithpersonnel,finances,orfacilities.Suchsupportmay berequestedasprovidedbytheleadershipofthechurch.
ARTICLEVII:DISCIPLINE
ThedisciplineofmembersofNorthside BaptistChurchshallbearesponsibilityofits membership,includingtheCouncilofElders,undertheguidelinesandprocedures establishedonthebasisofScriptureasdetailedbelow.AllsuchproceedingsshallbeexecutedinprayerfuldependenceonGod,carefulsubmissiontoHiswrittenword, kindnesswroughtbytheSpirit,forbearancecharacteristicofGod’schildren,andafirm
truthfulnessdemandedbyChristianlove(1Corinthians13:6;Galatians5:22-23;Ephesians4:15;Colossians3:12-15;2Timothy3:15-17;1Peter5:6).
Section1:GeneralPolicy
ThemembersofNorthside BaptistChurchhaveauniquerelationshipwithoneanotherbasedon theirmembershipinthislocalchurchaccordingtoScripture.Wehavetheprivilegeof experiencingthefullexpressionofGod’sloveandcareinthebodyofChrist.Thisexpressionofloveandcareincludesbothformativeandcorrectivediscipline.To maintainapositivecorporatewitnessbeforenon-Christians,promotethespiritualwell- beingofthechurchandhermembers,andreflectthegloryofGodinourrelationship withJesusChrist,Northside BaptistChurchshallpracticebothformsofdiscipline.
A.FormativeDiscipline
Formativedisciplinereferstoactionsbyindividualmembers(e.g.,exhortation,teaching, correction,rebuke),asopposedtothemembersactingasawhole,thatservethecontinualsanctificationofeverybelieverinthelocalchurch.Asanongoingexpressionoflove, eachmemberhasaresponsibilitytogiveandreceiveformativedisciplinefromtheother members(1Corinthians15:1-2;Colossians1:21-2:7;1Thessalonians5:11;2Timothy 4:2;Hebrews3:12-13;10:23-25).MembersareencouragedtotakeformativedisciplineseriouslyforthejoyofGod’speopleandhisgloryamongthem.Theabsenceofgenuinerepentance—includinggenuinesorrowoversinandthetotalforsakingofsinfordeeper enjoymentofJesusChristandsubmissiontohislordship—ultimatelyleadstocorrectivediscipline(Matthew18:15;cf.Luke3:8;14:26,33;Acts8:22;20:21;26:20;2Cor7:10;
Heb6:1).
B.CorrectiveDiscipline
Correctivedisciplinereferstoactionsbytheentirechurchandherleadershipthatcomesin theabsence ofgenuine repentanceasa finalmeasure toturna memberfrom sinand/or protectthebodyandthenameofChrist,eventotheextentofexcludingaprofessing Christianfrommembership(e.g.,Matthew18:16-17;1Corinthians5:1-13;Titus3:10- 11).Correctivedisciplineisnotintendedtomakethechurchsinless.Rather,correctivedisciplinerecognizesthatcertaindeviationsfromthetruthandgodlylivingessentially revealaperson’srefusaltosubmittoGod’sreignandgivessufficientgroundsforthemembershipofthelocalchurchtocorrectthisrefusalthroughfurtherdiscipline.
Corrective disciplineisregardedas aseriousandcleardirective inScripture.Nomemberisaboveorimmunefromaccountability,includingtheelders.Thechurchshallhaveauthoritytorefuseamember’svoluntaryresignationortransferofmembershiptoanother church, eitherforthepurpose ofproceedingwith aprocessofcorrective discipline,orfor any otherbiblicalreason(Matthew16:18-19;18:15-20;Luke17:3;1 Corinthians5:1-13;
2Corinthians2:5-10;2Thessalonians3:6-15;1Timothy5:19-22;James5:19-20). Moreover,therecanbenoappealtoanycourtasaresultofcorrectivediscipline(seeConstitutionIV.1;cf.1Corinthians5:9-6:8).
Correctivedisciplineshallalwaysbeexercisedwithcompassionfortheerringmemberandasinceredesiretoseekthatperson’sspiritualgoodthroughrepentance, reconciliation, and, if applicable, restoration to the fellowship of the local church.
CorrectivedisciplinedoesnotentitlethemembersofNorthside BaptistChurch,includingitselders,toabuseanyauthorityoverothermembersofthischurch(1Peter5:1-5).Scriptureisclearthatthemotivesofthemember(s)and/ortheeldersdealingwiththeerring membermustbepurebeforeourSavior,Hischurch,andtheworld,asfollows:
(1)Theyaretoavoidvengeanceandarrogantpresumptionbybeginningwithself- examinationandaspiritofhumilitysensitivetoone’sownsinfulnessand vulnerabilitiestosin(Matthew7:1-5,12;Luke6:41-42;1Corinthians10:12;Galatians6:1-5;James3:2);
(2)Theyarenottobemotivatedbyhostilityoranger,butbyalovingconcernfortheerringmember(Galatians5:19-6:1;Ephesians4:26;2Thessalonians3:15;James 1:19-20;5:19-20;1John5:16;Jude22-23);
(3)Theyaretoapproachtheerringmemberwithheart-feltsorrowandagenuineinterestintheireternalwell-being(Matthew18:15;Luke17:3;1Corinthians5:2;2Corinthians2:4;2Timothy2:24-26;James5:19-20);and
(4)Upongenuinerepentance,theyaretobereadytograntbothforgiveness,and, wheneverapplicable,aperson’srestorationtomembership(Matthew6:14-15;18:15-35;Luke17:1-10;2Corinthians2:5-8;Colossians3:13).
Section2:OffensesApplicabletoCorrectiveDiscipline
Thefollowingfactorstogetherconstitutesufficientgroundsforcorrectivediscipline,up toandincludingexcommunication:thesinisoutwardinnature,itcausesseriousnegativeconsequencestothelifeofthechurchoranindividualmember,andtheprofessing believerpracticingthesinisunrepentant(Matthew18:15-20;1Corinthians5:1-13;Titus 3:9-11).Scriptureaddressesatleasttwocategoriesofoffensesforwhichthechurch shouldpursuecorrectivediscipline,corporateoffensesandindividualoffenses.Thesecategoriesarenotmutuallyexclusive,buteachrequiresdifferentactionsbythechurch andtheelders,asallmustproceedwithbiblicalwisdominassessingthenature, consequences,andeffectsanoffense(s)producesaswellastheimmediacyofaction requiredtopreservethechurch’swell-being.
A.CorporateOffenses
Corporateoffensesarethosesinfulactionsbyamemberthatdirectlythreatenthecorporatelife,witness,andunityoftheentirechurch.Thatis,theoffense(s)affectsthebroaderchurchbodysuchthatScriptureshiftsthefocusfromdealingwiththeerring memberprivatelyandmoremethodically—asinthestepsofMatthew18:15-17(seebelow)—toprotectingmoreurgentlythelifeandunityofthewholechurchbyremoving theerringmemberfromfellowshipandevenmembershipfortheirpersistentrefusalto repent(e.g.,1Corinthians5:4-5,11-13;Titus3:10-11).
Toensuretheoverallprotectionofthechurch,theeldersmaydecidetosuspendtheerringmemberfromcorporategatheringswhilewarninghim/hertorepent.Iftheerring memberrefusestorepent,thentheeldersshallproceedasScripturedirects,instructthechurchtoremovethatpersonfrommembershipimmediately,anddiscourageanyfurther personal fellowship with the erring individual. Upon instructing the body in their
decision,theeldersshallhumblyreceiveandcarefullyweighanyobjectionsthemembershipmayhavetoremovingtheindividual.Ifnoobjectionpersistsaccordingto Scripture,thentheerringindividualinquestionwillberemovedfrommembership,no votebeingrequired.
ExamplesinScriptureofcorporateoffensesthatrequireimmediateactionbythechurch andtheeldersinclude:
(1)FalseTeachingisadeliberateprogramofteachingand/orpersistentoutspoken refusalthatwouldleadtheChurchtorejecttheessentialtruthsofthehistoricChristianfaithbuiltuponGod’sword.TheseessentialtruthsarereflectedintheStatementofFaithoftheConstitutionofNorthside BaptistChurch.(Romans16:17;Galatians1:8-9;1Corinthians12:3;14:37-38;16:22;2Corinthians11:3-4;1 Timothy1:19-20;6:3-4;Titus1:9-10;2Peter2:1-2;1John2:19;4:1-5;2John7- 10;Revelation22:18-19).
(2)DivisivenessisbehaviorthatunderminestheunityofNorthside BaptistChurcheither betweenmembersoragainstGod’sestablishedauthorityinthechurch (Philippians4:2–3;1Thessalonians5:14;Titus3:10-11;cf.Romans16:17;Galatians5:20;2Thessalonians3:6-15;Hebrews13:17;2John10;Jude17-19).
(3)OstentatiousImmoralityisallbehaviorthatismorallyunacceptableaccordingto ScriptureandbringspublicshameonthetestimonyofChrist,defilesthelocalchurch,anddisruptshermissiontotheworld.Casesofimmoralityincludebutarenotlimitedtoidolatry,drunkenness,thievery,greed,reviling,swindling,murder (includingabortionandeuthanasia),andallformsofsexualimmoralitysuchas adultery,fornication,homosexualconduct,bisexualconduct,bestiality,incest, pornographyoranyattempttochangeone’ssex,ordisagreementwithone’s biologicalsex.(1Corinthians5:1-13;2Corinthians12:21;Ephesians5:3;cf. Genesis1:27;Exodus22:19;Leviticus20:1-26;Psalm139:13-14;Matthew 15:19;Romans1:18-32;1Corinthians6:9–20;Galatians5:19-21;1 Thessalonians4:3–8;Revelation2:14,20-21;9:21;19:2;seealsoConstitution III.11-12).
B.IndividualOffenses
Individualoffensesarethosesinfulactionsbyamemberthatdonotimmediatelythreaten thespiritualwell-beingoftheentirechurch,butcanandwillthreatentheerring member’sownspiritualwell-beingiftheyrefusetorepent.AllindividualoffensesshallbehandledbythechurchandtheeldersaccordingtoMatthew18:15-20.
(1)FirstStep:Theoffendedmemberarrangesaprivatemeetingwiththeoffending member,humblyconfrontingthepersonwiththenatureoftheoffense.Iftheoffendingmemberrepents,thematterisclosed(Matthew6:14-15;18:15;Luke17:3).Scripturedoesnotspecifythenumberoftimesthatanoffendershouldbeconfrontedonanindividualbasis.Scriptureisclearthatbelieversshouldexercisepatienceandpossessanunrelentingdesireforanoffender’srepentance(Matthew 18:21-22;1Corinthians13:7;James5:20;1Peter4:8).Iftheoffendingmember doesnotrepentandtheoffenseisofthenaturecategorizedaboveas“Offenses
ApplicabletoCorrectiveDiscipline”(seeBylawsVII.2),thentheoffendedmemberhasaresponsibilitytomovetotheSecondStep.
(2)SecondStep:Theoffendedmembersetsupanotherprivatemeetingwiththeoffendingmember,thistimewithoneortwootherwitnessespresent(Matthew 18:16).Thisstepshouldneverbetakeninhaste,butshouldfollowbiblicaldiscernmentandprayerfulconvictionthattheFirstStephasnotavailed.Iftheoffendingmemberrepents,heshouldseekforgivenessfromthecircleofoffense, andnofurther.
Itisimportanttounderstandthequalificationsofawitnessandthewitness’s functioninthedisciplinaryprocess.Biblically,awitnessisapersonwhobears testimonyofanother’swrongdoingbasedonfirsthandknowledge.Apersonisnotconstitutedawitnesswhobearstestimonybasedonhearsay,gossip,or secondhandknowledge(Deuteronomy19:15–19;2Corinthians13:1).TheBiblecondemnsfalsewitnesses(Exodus20:13).Accusationsnotsubstantiatedbytwo orthreewitnessesmustbelefttotheOnewhoknowsallthingsandjudges righteously(Genesis18:25;Numbers35:30;Psalm51:3–4;1Peter2:23).Itisthefunctionofawitnesstoensurethattheoffenseisclearlyandimpartiallypresented andthatnothingisleftunsaid.Witnessesalsokeepeachothers’motivationsand actionsaccountablebeforeGod(Matthew18:20).
Iftheoffendingmemberdoesnotrepent,thecircleofknowledgeoftheoffensemustbebroadenedtoincludetheeldersfortheirconsiderationoftheThirdStep, inaccordancewithBylawsII.4.D.
(3)ThirdStep:WiththerequiredvoteunderBylawsII.4.D,theelderspresentthemattertothemembersofNorthside BaptistChurch(Matthew18:17)ataMembers’ MeetinginaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.Themembershipwillthenhavearesponsibility,asopportunityprovides,tocalltheoffendingmembertorepentance.Anequitableperiodoftimewillbeestablished bytheCouncilofElderstooptimizethefullesteffectofthewitnessoftheentiremembership,toallowfortheworkoftheLord,andtoprovidemorethanampletimeforrepentance.
Iftheoffendingmemberrepents,theentirebodyshouldbequicktorespondwith forgiveness,grace,andlove(Matthew6:14-15;Luke17:3;2Corinthians2:5-8). Whilerepentanceandforgivenessareinstantaneous,restorationtoservicewillbemonitoredbytheCouncilofEldersforthebenefitanddevelopmentoftherepentantmember,andforthehealth,protection,andwell-beingofNorthside Baptist Church.
Iftheoffendingmemberdoesnotrepent,theelderswillbringthematterbeforethemembersofNorthside BaptistChurchataMembers’MeetingfortheFourthStep,thefinalstepintheprocessdetailedinScripture.
(4)FourthStep:TheCouncilofEldersandthemembershipofthechurchapproves ordisapproves removal of the offending member from membership inaccordancewithConstitutionV.1andBylawsII.4.DandII.6.Iftheunrepentantoffenderis
removedfrommembership,heorshewillbeconsidered“aGentileandatax collector,”asdescribedbyScriptureandasspecificallyinstructedinMatthew 18:17.
Thisphrasecontainstwointerrelatedaspects.First,theunrepentantoffenderis likenedtoaGentile,whichsignifiesthatthepersonisoutsidethecommunityof God’sblessingandgrace.Second,theoffender islikenedtoataxcollector, which signifiesthatthepersonisuntrustworthyandpotentiallydangerous.
Bywayofapplication,thisconstitutesaremovalfromchurchmembershipand personalfellowshipresultinginarecognitionthattheunrepentantoffenderis outsidetheblessingofGod’scovenantcommunity(Matthew16:19;1Corinthians 5:5,11-13;cf.2Thessalonians3:6;1Timothy1:20).Commongroundfor intimatefriendshiphasbeenremoved.Theentirecongregationhasanongoing responsibilitytoactinunison,callingthepersontorepentancewithallcontact,so asnottounderminetheScripturalprocessortheseveretemporalconsequencesof theperson’sobstinatebehaviorandcorruptdesires.Itissincerelyhopedthattherewillberepentanceandreconciliationasaresultoftheconsistentandloving applicationofthisheart-wrenching,butbiblicalaction.
Section3:IntegrityofKnowledge
Inallmattersofcorrectivediscipline,ifandwhenmembersbecomeawareofanoffenseand/orthedisciplinaryaction(includinganyandallstepsinBylawsVII.2),themembers areexpected,withoutexception,toholdtheknowledgewithintegrity,avoidinggossip andthedefamationofcharacter(Ephesians4:31–32;James4:11).WhilealldisciplinemattersconcernthemembersofNorthside BaptistChurchandmustnotbeparadedbeforetheworldinharmfulways,wewill,asachurch,submittotheapostoliccommandtotrustGod andbe generallysubject tothe governingauthorities heestablishes (Romans13:1-7;1Peter2:13-17).