Article III: Affiliation Article IV: Declaration of Faith
Article V: Covenant
Article VI: Membership
Article VII: Staff, Officers and Committees
Article VIII: Church Ordinances
Article IX: Church Meetings
Article X: Amendments
Article XI: Dissolution
Article I: Name
The name of this congregation shall be Vail Valley Baptist Church.
Article II: Purpose
This church exists by the grace of God alone, for the glory of God
alone, which shall be for the ultimate purpose in providing and maintaining
a place of worship, edification, fellowship, discipleship and evangelism
for the glory of God. We take God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as the only
rule of faith and practice.
Article III: Affiliation
We, the members, declare our affiliation shall be with the following agencies
and their schools, etc.
a) Catalina Baptist Association of Southern Arizona and it’s schools,
mission societies, and agencies.
b) Arizona Southern Baptist Convention and it’s schools, mission
societies, and agencies.
c) Southern Baptist Convention and it’s schools, mission societies
and agencies.
d) Any other evangelical organization approved by the Church.
Article IV: Declaration of Faith (our direction and theology)
The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the basis for any
statement of faith. The church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of
THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE
adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention in the year 2000. We band together
as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, personally committed to
sharing the good news of salvation to lost mankind. The ordinances of the
church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Article V: Covenant
Since we have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ and have experienced
the acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption of God our Father, we
covenant together as members of this church that with God’s help through
the guiding presence of His spirit:
We will walk together in brotherly love.
We will show loving care for one another and encourage, counsel and
admonish one another.
We will assemble faithfully for worship and fellowship, and will pray
earnestly for others as well as for ourselves.
We will endeavor to bring up those under our care in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.
We will seek, by Christian example and personal effort, to win others to
Christ and to encourage their growth toward Christian maturity.
We will share one another’s joys and endeavor to bear one another’s
burdens and sorrows.
We will oppose all conduct which compromises our Christian faith and
will uphold high standards of Christian morality.
We will voluntarily submit ourselves to one another and to the
discipline of the church.
We will prove the reality of our conversion by living godly, fruitful lives.
We will maintain a faithful ministry of worship, witness, education,
fellowship and service.
We will be faithful stewards of our resources and abilities in sharing
the gospel with the people of all nations.
As a result of this covenant relationship, we will seek earnestly to
live to the glory of God who brought us out of the darkness into His
marvelous light.
We will regularly celebrate this covenant together within our fellowship
gatherings.
Article VI: Membership
Section I: Statement of Policy
Membership in this church is open to all persons who have publicly
testified to their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and
Lord and have given evidence of that faith by following the Lord in
believer’s baptism by immersion in water, and who are in agreement with
the covenant and the statement of faith of this church.
Section II: Acceptance of Members
Membership in this church may be attained in one of the following manners:
By scriptural baptism by immersion after profession of faith in Jesus
Christ as personal Lord and Savior.
By transfer of church letter from another Baptist church.
By a statement of faith of their prior experience of conversion and
scriptural baptism by immersion in another evangelical church of like
faith and practice.
By restoration to the church membership after having been dropped.
After successfully completing the New Member’s Class.
Section III: Duties and Privileges of Membership
In accord with the duties listed in this church covenant, each member
shall be privileged and expected to participate and contribute to the
ministry and life of the church, consistent with God’s leading and with
the gifts, time, and material resources each has received from God. Only
members of this congregation shall be entitled to hold leadership roles
in the church’s ministries, whereas non-members and members alike are
encouraged to attend and participate in this church’s ministries. It is
the privilege and responsibility of members to attend all member’s
meetings and vote on the election of officers, on decisions regarding
membership status, and on such matters as may be submitted to a vote.
Section IV: Discipline and/or Removal
Any member guilty of conduct by which the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
may be dishonored, and so opposing the welfare of the church, shall be
subject to the admonition of the church leadership, and the discipline of the
church, according to the instructions of our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17 and the
example of scripture. Church discipline should only be considered after
individual private admonition has failed.
This discipline’s purpose being:
Love for the individual and a desire for God’s best in his or her life
(see Matthew 22:39 and John 13:34,35).
For the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the
individual disciplined (see Proverbs 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 27:5; I
Corinthians 4:14; 5:5; Ephesians 6:4; I Timothy 1:20; 3:4-5;Hebrews
12:1-11; Psalms 119:115; Ecclesiastes 7:5;Matthew 7:26-27; 18:15-17;
Luke 17:3; Acts 2:40; II Thessalonians 3:6; Titus 1:13-14; James 1:22).
For the instruction and good of other Christians, as an example to them
(see Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:14; I Corinthians 5:11; 15:33; Colossians
3:16; I Thessalonians 5:14 [note this is written to the whole church,
not just to the leaders]; I Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:11; Hebrews 10: 24-25).
For the purity of the church as a whole (see I Corinthians 5:6-7; II
John 1:10; II Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 5:27; Jude 24; Revelation 21:2).
For the good of our corporate witness to non-believers (see Proverbs
28:7; Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35; Acts 5:10-14; Ephesians 5:11; I
Timothy 3:7; II Peter 2:2; I John 3:10).
And supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His Holy Character (see
Deuteronomy 5:11; I Kings 11:2; II Chronicles 19:2; Ezra 6:21; Nehemiah
9:2; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekial 36:20; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 18:17,25;
Romans 2:24, 15:5-6; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; I
Peter 2:12).
Section V: Membership Termination
Membership in this church may be terminated in the following ways:
Death.
Transfer to another church.
Exclusion by action of this church.
By written request.
Article VII: Officers and Committees
Officers:
All church officers must be members of this church in good standing.
Officers of this church may include: Senior Pastor, associate pastors,
deacons, clerk, secretary, and treasurer. This church shall employ or
call officers, as needed, by the congregation and leadership.
Pastor: His qualifications:
The pastor’s qualifications shall be consistent with those listed in I
Timothy 3:1-7, 1Peter 5:1-3, and Titus 1:6-9. His training, skills and
experiences are needed in this area of leadership.
His responsibilities:
These generally fall into the following areas: preaching, teaching,
pastoral counseling, administration, planning, and shepherding the
church to grow and fulfill its purposes. He shall lead the church, the
organizations, and all leaders of the church in performing their tasks in
worship, proclamation, education, and evangelism. The pastor shall be
an ex officio member of all church standing committees, except the
Pastor Search Committee. He shall assist the deacons in securing pulpit
supply in times of his absence.
His call:
A pastor shall be chosen and called whenever a vacancy occurs. A Pastor
Search Committee shall be appointed by the church, with the approval of
The Personnel Committee, to seek out a suitable pastor and this committee’s
recommendation will serve as a nomination. The Pastor Search Committee
will recommend only one candidate at a time. The pastor’s election shall
take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least a two week
notice shall be given to the church members. An affirmative vote of three-fourths
(3/4) of those members present is necessary for a pastoral candidate.
His terms of service:
The chosen pastor shall serve until the relationship is terminated by either his
request or that of the church. In either case, at least thirty (30) days notice
shall be given unless otherwise mutually agreed. There shall be a written, mutual
contract/agreement between the pastor and the church.
Deacons: Number and terms of office:
There shall be up to five (5) deacons for the first 100 resident members and one
for each additional fifty (50) or portion thereof. Deacons shall be elected for a
term of service of two (2) years or until his term of office is terminated by either
his request or that of the church. After a deacon’s two year term, the deacon must
not serve in the capacity of a deacon for a minimum of one (1) year. Deacons shall
serve their terms on a rotational basis, such that no more than two of the five
deacons will cease their terms at the same time.
Qualifications:
A church deacon must meet the scriptural qualifications listed in Acts
6:1-7, and I Timothy 3:8-13. A deacon shall demonstrate an exemplary
Christian testimony in private, family, and public life; be a committed
Christian leader and partner of the pastor; supporter and promoter of
the church faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
Election:
When a deacon vacancy occurs, the chairman of the body of deacons shall
make it known to the Personnel Committee and Pastor that an election of a deacon is
required. The body of deacons will enlist active men to be
recommended for the office of Deacon. The duties, qualifications, and importance
of the office of a deacon will be interpreted to the candidates.
The body of deacons will then elect the deacon or deacons and present the
deacon or deacons to the church membership in a Sunday Worship Service.
Ordination:
When the leadership of the church recommends the ordination of deacons,
the ordination service shall be scheduled as led by the pastor.
Duties:
Elected deacons shall elect the chairman of their body. Deacons serve as
a body of counsel to assist the pastor concerning all areas of the progress and
welfare of the church. Assist the pastor in ministering to the needs of the
congregation. Seek to solve any fellowship problem of the church. Assist the pastor
in administering the church ordinances. In the absence of the pastor, the chairman
of the deacons shall serve as an advisory member to all organizations, departments
and committees of the church.
Trustees: Number and terms of office:
There shall be at least three (3) trustees serving at the same time within the church.
Trustees shall be elected for a term of service of three (3) years or until his term
of office is terminated by either his request or that of the church. After a trustee’s
three year term, the trustee must not serve in the capacity of a trustee for a minimum
of one (1) year.
Qualifications:
A church trustee must demonstrate an exemplary Christian testimony in private, family,
and public life; be a committed Christian leader and partner of the Pastor; supporter
and promoter of the church faith, practice, programs, and ministries.
Election:
When a trustee vacancy occurs, the chairman of the body of trustees shall
make it known to the Personnel Committee and Pastor that an election of a trustee is
required. The body of trustees will enlist active men to be
recommended for the office of Trustee. The duties, qualifications, and importance
of the office of a trustee will be interpreted to the candidates.
The body of trustees will then elect the trustee or trustees and present the
trustee or trustees to the church membership in a Sunday Worship Service.
Duties:
Elected trustees shall elect the chairman of their body. Trustees serve as a body to hold
trust the property of the church. They shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease
or transfer any property of the church without a specific vote of the church authorizing
each action. It shall be the function of the trustees to sign any and all legal documents
involving the sale, mortgage, purchase or lease of church property or any other legal
documents requiring the signature of the trustees for and in behalf of the church.
Committees:
Through the cooperative efforts of the Pastor and the Personnel
Committee, all church committees shall be formed as needed. Each
committee shall consist of at least a chairperson who is a member in
good standing. The only permanently standing committees of this church
shall be the Personnel committee, and the Budget and Finance committee.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee, in cooperation with the church leadership,
shall be responsible throughout the year for nominating and filling various positions
of service in the church, both new and vacated. Also this committee shall aid in the
development of new church committees. The Personnel Committee shall consist of a
minimum of five (5) members (one of which must be a deacon), including the chairperson.
Every person selected for church service shall be informed of his or her responsibilities
by this committee. The Personnel Committee members’ term of service shall be three (3)
years. After serving this term, a minimum one (1) year absence from serving on this
committee is required. Members shall serve their terms on a rotational basis, such that
no more than two of the five members will cease their terms at the same time.
Budget and Finance Committee
This committee shall have the responsibility of assuring that the adopted budget is
adhered to. It shall recommend financial policies to the church and shall foster and
promote programs of stewardship. In consultation with the church leadership for the
new church year, it shall draw up and submit to the church an annual budget during
the month of November for the next calendar year. The taking of special offerings
shall be approved by this committee. This committee shall be responsible for the
annual audit of the treasurer?s books. It shall consist of 5 members (one of which
must be a deacon) and be under the guidance of the church leadership. The Budget and
Finance Committee members’ term of service shall be three (3) years. After serving
this term, a minimum one (1) year absence from serving on this committee is required.
Members shall serve their terms on a rotational basis, such that no more than two of
the five members will cease their terms at the same time.
Article VIII: Church Ordinances
Believers’ Baptism
Believers’ baptism is the immersion in water of any person who has believed in
Jesus Christ as personal savior, who has confessed said belief publicly, and who has
indicated a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord. The pastor, or whomever the church
leadership shall authorize, may baptize, at a regular or special worship service, any person
fulfilling the above requirements.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is the symbolic act of obedience whereby members of
the Body of Christ, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, commemorate the
sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and anticipate His second coming. The pastor, or whomever
the church leadership shall authorize, shall administer the Lord’s Supper at a worship
service at least once per quarter.
Article IX: Church Meetings
Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday for the worship of God, for
preaching, instruction, evangelism, and on Wednesday, designated for
prayer and bible study. These meetings will be open for the entire
membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under
the direction of the pastor or designated person in the absence of the pastor.
Business Meetings
A business meeting may be called by the pastor, and with other church officers, or by action
of the church to consider special matters of significant nature. A two week notice must be
given for the called business meeting.
Meeting Etiquette
Meetings shall be conducted in a Christ like manner, to the glory of God.
Church items requiring vote
The following items require vote by the church membership:
Calling of senior pastor, associate pastors and paid officers.
Adoption of the annual budget.
Real property purchases.
Accepting or occurrence of indebtedness.
Pastor’s and paid officer’s salaries and compensations.
Adopting and/or amending the church constitution and by laws.
Article X: Amendments
The church constitution and by laws may be amended upon the condition that the proposed amendment
has been submitted to each member in writing, allowing two (2) weeks prior to voting on said
amendment. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote shall be necessary to effect a constitution amendment.
Article XI: Dissolution
In the event of dissolution of this organization, all unencumbered properties and finances shall
be given to the Catalina Baptist Association. All such decisions regarding this matter would be
made by the majority vote of the remaining members of this corporation prior to final dissolution.
