FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLAY CENTER, KS
STATEMENT OF FAITH
STATEMENT OF FAITH
OUR BELIEFS
The Bible: All scripture, Old and New Testaments, is God’s word given to man. It is completely
without error, totally sufficient, as the only infallible source of truth.
2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:21
God: God is Triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in one Triune God, who is sovereign,
infinite, and eternal in His being. God created all things and is completely present within his creation
as Upholder of all things. He is a personal God, desiring a relationship with His people. God is self-
existing, self-revealing, unchanging in character, perfect and Holy.
Gen. 1:1 26-27 3:22, Matt. 13:16-17 28:19, Heb. 13:8, John 1:1-3, Rev. 4:11, James 1:17
Jesus: Jesus is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the virgin Mary, fully God and fully man. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself
up as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people for all time by dying on the cross. He arose from
the dead by the power of God demonstrating His sovereignty over sin and death. He ascended to
heaven, sits at the right hand of God as intercessor for the believer. He will return one day to earth to
reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
John 1:1-5 14: 10-30, Heb. 4:14-15 7:25 9:11-15, Rom. 1:3-4, Luke 1:27-35, 1Corth 15: 3-4
1 John 2:1-2, Rev 17:4
Holy Spirit:--The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of revelation and redemption. He convicts the world
concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. He anoints all who place their belief in the Living Triune
God. He empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and intercedes for believers who surrender themselves
to God.
John 16:7-15, 1 Cor. 2:12 3:16, Eph. 1:13
Mankind: People are made in the spiritual image of God, according to His likeness. God created
mankind, male and female, for His Glory. All people are valued and loved by God. God created people
to be in relationship with Him. However that relationship was marred by disobedience toward God,
which is called sin. All people have sinned. Sin separates people from a holy God. God in His great
love towards us reconciled us to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Gen. 1:27, Ps. 8:3-6, Isa. 53:6a, Rom. 3:23, Prov. 8:23, Isa 59:1-2, Rev. 4:11, John 1:12 John 3:16
Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to all people who believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By trusting in Jesus and only in Him do we receive Salvation and are redeemed from the penalty of sin. Once the believer is saved he has direct access to God and may present all prayers and supplications to Him. Eternal life with God begins at the moment of salvation.
Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8-9, John 4:16 1:12, Titus3:5, Gal. 3:26, Rom. 5:1, 1 Peter 2:29
Eternal Life: God offers the gift of eternal life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is
secured by the grace and power of God, not by any self-effort or works. All those by faith who believe
in the Lord Jesus will not perish but have eternal life with God.
John 3:16 10:29, 2 Tim. 1:12, Heb. 7:25 10:10, 14, 1Peter 1:35
Eternity: Heaven and Hell: There is life after physical death, a bodily resurrection, and an eternal
judgement. The souls of the saved go immediately to be with Christ in heaven. The souls of the
unsaved at death go to Hades where they are kept until the final judgement. At that time they shall be
judged and cast into hell, a place of final and everlasting punishment in the absolute absence of God.
Rom. 14:10-12, Matt. 25:46, Rev 20:1-15, John 10:29
The Church: The church is a body of Christian believers, of whom Christ is the head, which gathers
for worship, fellowship, and exhorting one another in the faith as patterned after the New Testament
Church. The local church is independent and autonomous.
Eph. 5:23-32, Acts 4:31-35, Rom. 12:1-21, Heb. 10:24
Church Ordinances: We practice two ordinances. The first is baptism by immersion. This is an
outward expression of an inward change, a corresponding pledge of obedience, and a testimony the
believer has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The second, Holy Communion, is
the symbolic remembrance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, while looking forward
to His triumphant return in glory.
Matt. 28:19, Col.2:12, Acts 16:33, 1 Cor. 11:23-29, Rev. 19:11-16
Constitution of First Baptist Church, Clay
Center, KS
Revised: July 8, 2018
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PREAMBLE
Whereas, being convinced of the importance of having all
things done properly and in order, we
believe that we may more
readily help each other in our service in God’s house by following definite
rules. And whereas, we believe it is the sacred duty of every true follower
of Christ to cultivate carefully a sense of responsibility to, and an active
interest in, the church and its spiritual and temporal welfare. Therefore,
with these ends in view, we, the
active members in good standing in the First Baptist Church of Clay Center, Kansas,
do hereby ordain and establish the following constitution to which we
voluntarily submit ourselves. We hereby rescind all previous action contrary
thereto.
Article I
NAME
The name of
this organization is “The First Baptist Church of Clay Center, Kansas,
Incorporated”, a religious corporation.
Article II
AFFILIATION
This church
shall be unaffiliated.
Article III
PURPOSE
The purpose of this church is to
promote the interests of the Kingdom of God, at home and abroad, by
evangelizing the unsaved and seeking the spiritual improvement of its members
through the Gospel as set forth in the New Testament. This Church also
recognizes the Old Testament as the inspired Word of God and fit for
instruction.
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Article IV
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1. Persons professing the Lord Jesus Christ as
the Lord and Savior of their life, accepting the entire Bible as the inspired
Word of God and after baptism by immersion (except in cases of medical
limitation), may upon recommendation by the Pastor and the Deacon Board, and
a favorable vote of church members, be received into membership of the
church.
Sec. 2. On acceptance by the Pastor and Board of
Deacons, those immersed members of other churches, holding the same
profession of faith in Jesus Christ, may be received by letters of
recommendation and dismissal from their respective churches.
Sec. 3. On acceptance by the Pastor and the Board
of Deacons, immersed believers, in which no regular letters of dismissal are
available, may be received by giving satisfactory testimony of a personal
profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of their life.
Sec. 4. On recommendation by the Pastor and the
Board of Deacons and a favorable vote of the church, members excluded per
article IX in this Constitution, may be restored to membership.
Sec. 5. A letter of transfer to another church body
of like faith may be granted to a member upon acceptance of the Pastor and
the Board of Deacons. A church letter
will be issued to those in good standing and who desire to unite with another
church.
Sec. 6. Every member of the church is expected to
attend its meetings and labor for its welfare in such ways as conviction or
church appointment may indicate. They
are expected to contribute regularly and according to their ability to its
treasury for expenses and benevolences and to keep the clerk informed as to
their place of residence.
Sec. 7.
Resident members may be placed on the inactive roll or removed from
membership by the Board of Deacons.
This shall be determined based on a lack of any church attendance or
participation in church activities for at least 12 consecutive months
Sec. 8. Members that have been placed on the
inactive roll under the guidelines of the previous Section, may be restored
to active member status by the Board of Deacons. The criteria for resumption of active
membership is based on a return to active participation in the life and
ministry of our church, including regular attendance when possible.
Article V
PREAMBLE TO
ARTICLES VI, VII
The lives of all staff members, officers,
committee members, and teachers shall be in conformity with the general rules
of Christian conduct and character as revealed in the Scriptures. They shall
be of good report, conscientious, consecrated to the Lord, dedicated to the work of the church,
regular in their attendance of church services (unless providentially
hindered), and faithful in their
support of the church. All those in leadership positions shall continually
subscribe to the adopted church Covenant, Doctrinal Statement, and
Constitution. Persons holding a
leadership position in this church shall exemplify a Christ honoring
life. Paid staff shall not be eligible
to serve on any board or committee which is responsible for their supervision. All officers, members of boards, standing
committees, church school officers and teachers shall be selected from the
active resident membership.
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Article VI
THE CHURCH OFFICERS
PASTOR
Qualification.
Sec. 1.a. Any
candidate for pastor of the church shall meet the requirements as set forth
in1 Timothy 3:1-6 and Titus 1:5-9 as well as the qualifications set forth in the preamble
to Article VI. It shall be the duty of the pastor to preach the Word of God,
to administer the ordinances of the church, to watch over the membership, to
have in his charge the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the stated
services of public worship and to perform the various duties incumbent upon
his office. He shall be a non-voting ex-officio member of all boards and
committees.
Sec.1.b. A pastorate may be concluded in one of the
following manners:
a. Resignation.
The Pastor shall provide a signed “Notice of Resignation” to the Board
of Deacons at least 30 days prior to the final date of his employment. The
term of notice may be shortened or lengthened by mutual agreement between the
Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
b. Termination.
A pastorate may be terminated by majority vote of the persons attending
any regular or special business meeting. Written notice of this meeting shall
be sent to all active church members at least two weeks prior to said
meeting. The Pastor shall then receive a written “Notice of Termination”
signed by the church Moderator and the Chairman of the Board of Deacons.
Issue of the notice shall be at least 60 days prior to the final date of his
employment. This term may be shortened or lengthened by mutual agreement
between the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
THE MODERATOR
Sec. 2. A moderator, other than the pastor, shall
be elected at each annual business meeting to serve for one year. It shall be
their duty to preside at all business meetings. They shall not hold the
position of an officer within any other board or committee during the current
tenure as Moderator. In case of their absence, the moderator shall be
succeeded, in order, by the chairman of the following boards: Deacons,
Trustees, and Board of Christian Education. The moderator shall be the legal
officer of the church.
THE CLERK
Sec. 3. The clerk shall be elected annually and
shall keep a correct record of the proceedings of the church at all meetings,
keep a registry of the membership, issue letters of transfer and certificates
of Christian character as directed by the church and preserve all documents,
papers and letters received during their term of office, delivering the same
to a successor.
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THE TREASURER
Sec. 4. There shall be elected annually a treasurer
of the church whose duty shall be to receive all monies raised for home
expenses, for mission and philanthropic purposes and to pay out the same as
ordered by the church.
-There shall
be elected annually an assistant treasurer to perform the treasurer’s duties
in the absence of the treasurer.
-The treasurer shall be a non-voting ex- officio
member of the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Committee.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Sec. 5. There shall be elected annually a
financial secretary who shall:
- Receive and keep a record of all monies
received for current expenses, benevolence
and all special funds of the church and shall
deliver them to the church treasurer.
- Maintain a record of contributor monies and their designation.
- Render statements to contributors annually.
- Report to the church at its regular business
meetings.
- There shall be elected annually an assistant
financial secretary to perform the financial secretary’s duties in their
absence.
- The
Financial Secretary shall be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Finance
Committee.
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THE LIBRARIAN
Sec. 6. There shall be elected annually a church
librarian who shall be in charge of the church library.
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THE HISTORIAN
Sec. 7. There shall be elected annually a church
historian who will keep a historical record of the church.
HEAD USHER
Sec.8 There shall be elected annually from
the church membership a head usher to oversee the services rendered by the
ushers. Ushers shall be approved
annually and in such numbers as the nominating committee determines
adequate. Ushers may be selected from
those regularly attending worship services.
VACANCIES
Sec.9.
If a vacancy should occur on an elected board or committee, the affected
board or committee shall then recommend a successor to be presented to the
church for a vote. Vacancies may be
filled at any regular business meeting or at any special meeting provided two
week notice has been given of such meeting.
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TERM OF OFFICERS
Sec.10. No member
of the church who is elected for more than a one year term shall be re-elected
to the same office until after the lapse of one year except as provided in
Article VII, Sec.1 and 2. No member who has been elected for a four year term
may hold two, four year offices at the same time.
SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS
Sec.11. The
church shall elect annually a general superintendent of the Sunday school, an
assistant superintendent and an assistant. The Board of Christian Education
shall nominate Sunday school teachers annually and present their names to the
church for election at a regular business meeting. Election shall be for a
term of one year, starting the Sunday following the beginning of the public
school session. Those who teach in the morning cannot be leaders of the same
group at night. The church school secretary shall keep attendance records for
the church school.
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Article VII
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
THE DEACONS
Sec .1. a. Qualifications
The Deacons shall be men whose character
shall reflect the requirements as stated in1 Timothy 3:8-13. The church shall have a minimum of six
Deacons serving a three year term, two of whom shall be elected annually. Deacons,
if re-elected, may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. This shall be
followed by the minimum of a 1 year interval prior to being considered for
re-election to the Deacon Board. An adjustment in the number of active Deacons
in excess of six shall be by a majority vote of church members at any regular
business meeting. It shall be the duty
of the Deacons to call upon the sick and the needy, to distribute the
elements of the Lord’s Supper, to procure supplies for the pulpit in the
absence of the pastor or in case of his illness, and to cooperate with and
assist the pastor in the performance of his duties. No permission shall be
given to any outside individual or organization to solicit funds from the pulpit,
without the authorization of the Board of Deacons. It is the responsibility
of the Deacons to provide for the secretarial staff deemed necessary by the Deacons
and the Pastor.
Sec 1.b.Authority
The entire church is subject to the
Lordship of Christ, it’s Head. Deacons are expected to cooperate with and assist
the pastor in his duties. The Deacons fulfill responsibilities granted to
them by the congregation through this constitution or by special action of
the church body and are accountable to the congregation. Authority is given to
Deacons to perform the duties of overseers in line with Biblical
principles and serves to render the operation of the church more efficient
while preserving the New Testament teaching concerning church government.
Five Deacons are required for quorum at all Deacons meetings.
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Sec 1.c. Ministry Staff
According to the needs of the church
and within the limits of an approved budget, the Senior Pastor may search for
and recommend additional staff members to assist in various aspects of the
church’s ministry. The Deacon Board has the responsibility to approve or reject
these recommendations with at least a 75% board consensus. If approved the
addition of staff must be voted upon by the church body at a quarterly
business meeting. Unless otherwise designated, the staff shall be responsible
directly to the Senior Pastor and he shall assign their duties. Persons
considered shall hold to the adopted covenant, doctrinal statement and
constitution of the First Baptist Church of Clay Center.
THE DEACONESSES
Sec.
2. There shall be elected six Deaconesses
serving three years, two being elected annually. Deaconesses, if re-elected, may serve a
maximum of two consecutive terms. This shall be followed by the minimum of a one
year interval prior to being considered for re-election to the Deaconess
Board. They shall prepare the elements of the Lord’s Supper, assist the
pastor and Deacons in the visitation of church members. They shall support
the spiritual life of the church fellowship through prayer and encouragement.
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THE TRUSTEES
Sec .3. The church shall have eight trustees
serving four years, two of whom shall be elected annually. They shall have
charge, care and control of the meeting house and other property. They shall make
or cause to be made all necessary repairs and secure the funds to maintain
the property of the church when authorized to do so. They shall not give a
mortgage upon the church property or purchase any additional property without
approval in each separate instance, voted by the church at a special meeting
of which a two week notice has been given. They shall approve all bills and
order payment of same. They shall meet whenever necessary. They shall also
provide for the church’s necessary custodial services.
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THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sec. 4. The Board of Christian Education shall
consist of a Chairperson, Chairperson of Leadership Education, Chairperson of
Mission, Chairperson of Children / Youth Education, Chairperson of Adult
Education, and one AT - LARGE member. If the Sunday school superintendent
serves in a Chairmanship on this board, an additional AT - LARGE member may
be added for a one-year term. Two shall be elected each year for a three year
term. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a member ex-officio with
voting privileges.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Sec.
5.a. The Finance Committee shall
consist of three members, elected annually by the church. The Finance
Secretary and the Church Treasurer shall be an ex-officio voting members
of this committee. The duties of the committee shall be to review the
separate budgets of the church boards and committees and then determine the
approximate budget for the upcoming church year. It is their responsibility
to determine and organize the actions necessary for the collections required
to fulfill the proposed budget needs.
Sec. 5.b. Audit – The elected members of the
Finance Committee shall conduct annually an audit of the financial records of
the church. Additional audits may be
requested by any of the following: the
Pastor, Moderator, Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees or a minimum of seven
active adult members of the church.
The results of the audit shall be reported to the church membership at
the next regular or special business meeting.
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THE PULPIT COMMITTEE
Sec.6. In the
event of a vacancy in the pastorate because of death, formal notice of
termination or resignation, the church shall, at the earliest date, elect a
pulpit committee of five members. This committee shall choose a chairman from
among it’s number. They shall be provided adequate funds as authorized by the
Trustee Board. This committee shall investigate prospective candidates and
shall make its recommendation to the church. No pastor shall be called
except at a meeting held for that purpose, of which a two week notice be
given. The vote shall be by ballot and at least three-fourths of the
membership present and voting shall be necessary for a call.
THE MUSIC COMMITTEE
Sec.7. The
Music Committee shall consist of three members who shall be elected by the
church at the annual business meeting, for a term of one year. It shall, in
cooperation with the pastor, make arrangements for music in connection with
public worship. This committee, in cooperation with the pastor, shall be
responsible for the selection of the choir director and any accompanist which
may be deemed necessary.
THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Sec. 8. The outreach Committee shall consist of six
members who shall be elected by the church at the annual business meeting for
a term of one year. It shall plan and administer a program of outreach for
the church.
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THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Sec. 9. The Nominating Committee shall consist of
five members, consisting of one deacon, one trustee, one Deaconess, one from
the Board of Christian Education, and one Sunday School teacher. These board
members shall be selected by their respective boards and the teacher by the current
Sunday School teachers. The nominating committee shall be called at least
three months prior to the annual meeting. This committee shall present at the
annual business meeting of the church a list of nominees for all officers of
the church and church schools for which an election shall be due under the
terms of this constitution. Nominations that supplement the committee
recommendations may be made from the floor at the time of the election
provided such nominees shall have consented to serve.
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THE KITCHEN COMMITTEE
Sec. 10.
The Kitchen Committee shall be elected annually and will have charge
of supplies and equipment necessary to maintain the kitchen.
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Article VIII
MEETINGS
THE LORD’S DAY
Sec. 1. The church shall meet regularly on
each Lord’s Day (the first day of the week) for public worship.
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THE PRAYER MEETING
Sec. 2. Once each week the church is
encouraged to meet for prayer and meditations.
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THE LORD’S
SUPPER
Sec. 3. The Lord’s Supper shall be observed
the first Sunday of each month, unless otherwise designated by the Board of Deacons.
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MEETINGS FOR
TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
Sec. 4. All meetings shall be conducted according
to Robert’s Rules of Order. Twenty members shall constitute a quorum. All
active adult church members, 18 years and older, shall be eligible to vote. Once
each quarter the church shall meet to discuss such matters of importance as
might be necessary. It shall meet early in April, July, October and January,
at times designated by the Moderator.
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THE ANNUAL MEETING
Sec. 5. The Annual Business Meeting of the church
shall be held within the month of January on a day designated by the Church
Moderator and the Church Treasurer. This meeting shall consist of reports
from all boards and standing committees, the nomination and election of
church officers, and any other necessary or pertinent church business. In the
case where there is more than one nominee for an office, election shall be by
ballot.
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SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
Sec. 6..Special business meetings may be
called by the Pastor, Moderator, Deacon Board, Trustee Board or at the
request of any seven adult members of the church. Notice of such meeting and
the purpose for which it is called, shall be given at the regular Sunday
morning service immediately preceding the time of said meeting.
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Article IX
DISCIPLINE
a. Purpose. It shall be the practice
of this church to emphasize to its members that every reasonable measure will
be taken to assist any troubled member. The attitude of members toward one
another shall be guided by a concern for redemption and restoration rather
than punishment. (Gal. 6:1)
b. Procedures. Discipline against a disorderly member
shall be according to the New Testament method as set forth in Gal. 6:1-5, 1
Corith. 6:1-8, Matt. 18.15-17, Tit. 3:10, 2 Thess. 3:6.
Article X
MISSIONARY STEWARDSHIP AND BENEVOLENCES
Sec. 1. The
church shall make a yearly budget for missions, the funds to be forwarded
regularly to the individuals and organizations designed and approved by the
congregation through the budget process.
Sec. 2.
An offering may be taken at each communion service and placed at the
disposal of the Board of Deacons to be used at their discretion.
Sec. 3. Other
action to raise benevolent or mission funds may be taken upon a
recommendation of the Deacon Board in cooperation with the Mission Chairman
of the Board of Christian Education. These recommendations must be voted upon
by the church membership.
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Article XI
AMENDMENTS
These articles may be amended by a
two-thirds vote of the members present at any business meeting of the church.
Notice of such meeting and the purpose for which it is being called shall be
given at two regularly scheduled Sunday Morning Services immediately
preceding the said meeting. The adoption of these Articles shall supersede
and render null and void all previous rules and regulations of the church not
in accordance with their provisions.
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Article XII
This constitution shall be in full
force and effect upon its adoption by
the church. This constitution may be
reviewed and amended as required upon the recommendation of the Deacon Board.
A committee made up of the Moderator and one each from the Deacon, Trustee,
Board of Christian Education and Deaconesses, chosen by their respective boards,
shall serve as the review/revision committee. The Pastor shall be an advisor
to the committee. No changes shall
occur without a minimum seventy -five percent ballot approval by a quorum of
active adult church members. Said vote shall occur not less than one week
after an announcement from the pulpit at the two previous morning worship
services. Any bylaws adopted by the
church shall be in concert with this constitution and shall not supersede
this constitution in any way.
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Article XIII
CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe , by
the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Savior, and, on
the profession of our faith, having been baptized by immersion in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the
presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter
into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We pledge, therefore,
by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to promote
its prosperity and spiritually; to sustain its worship, ordinances,
discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the
support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor
and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We all pledge to maintain
family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek
the salvation of our relatives and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in
the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary
in our deportment; to be truthful, edifying, loving, and peaceable in all our
speech; to abstain from all forms of activity which dishonor our Lord Jesus
Christ, cause stumbling to a fellow believer, or hinder the winning of a soul
to Christ, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the work of our
Savior. We further pledge to watch over one another in brotherly love; to
remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to
cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to
take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the
commandments of our Savior to secure it without delay. We moreover pledge
that when we move from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with
some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant, and
the principles of God’s Word.
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