Laurel Hill Bible Church

The Constitution of Laurel Hill Bible Church

NAME: The name of this organization shall be the Laurel Hill Bible Church Inc., 1260 Blackwood-Clementon Road, Clementon, New Jersey, herein after referred to as the "Church."

OBJECT: Our ministry, as a church, is that of a faithful witness to all men of the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, Who has the power "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the Power of SATAN unto God." Acts 26:18. Our ministry includes evangelism, Bible study, and instruction in Christian living.

CHURCH LEADERS:

The Church (Elders, Deacons, Pastors), leaders for the administrating of the spiritual and business affairs of the Church shall be appointed in accordance with Scripture. The Elders shall uphold the Word of God and the Deacons (Trustees) shall serve in the business affairs of the Church.
In order to serve in the capacity of a Church Leader, appointees shall be required to sign the Doctrinal Statement and Agree to abide by the Church Constitution.
Each Church Leader must sign the Doctrinal Statement at the beginning of his term and at the first scheduled meeting of each year.
The Elders and Deacons shall meet jointly on a quarterly basis in lieu of their regular meetings. The Pastor shall chair this meeting and the Church clerk shall take the minutes. In the absence of the Pastors, the Elders shall appoint a Moderator.
Upon completion of five (5) consecutive years of service as a Board Member (Elder-Deacon Board), or a combination of terms on either Board, no Board member shall be reappointed until a full year has elapsed. This rule is subject to the availability of qualified men in the congregation.

A - ELDERS

Elders are to be selected by the Pastor (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5) in accordance with the high standards set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7.
They must be male members of the Church and shall be selected for one (1) or two (2) year Partial terms, or a three (3) year hill terms on a rotated term basis.
There shall be a minimum of four (4) Elders. More may be selected as the Pastor deems necessary.
The Elders shall elect their own Secretary for recording purposes.

DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF ELDERS

The Elders shall assist the Pastor in the spiritual ministry.

The Elders shall assist in administering the ordinances of the Church. and shall make necessary provisions for the same.

The Elders shall guide the spiritual and moral use of the Church building(s) and properties.

The Elders shall accept into the Church membership, discharge discipline, and, when necessary, terminate membership in the manner provided herein.

The Elders shall appoint the General Sunday School Superintendent. The General Superintendent will appoint all Superintendents of departments, subject to the approval of the Elder Board.

The Elders shall receive, consider, and dispose of any grievance, suggestion or recommendation by any member or organization of the Church.

The Elders shall post a list of newly appointed Elders and Deacons two (2) weeks before such are publicly dedicated. If no justifiable objection is made prior to the dedication service, the list shall stand as posted. When a justifiable objection s made, the Board of Elders shall investigate the objection and make a ruling on the validity of the objection.

When the Church is without a Pastor, it shall be the duty of the Elders to supply the pulpit with men whose Christian character and teachings are in accordance with the Doctrinal Statement.

When the Church is seeking a Pastor, the Elder Board will be responsible to form a Pulpit Committee.

B - DEACONS (TRUSTEES)

The Board of Deacons shall be comprised of a minimum of four (4) male members who will be
selected by the Pastor and Elders in accordance with the qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:8-13
and elected in accordance with the LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, Statute #NJSA 16-1 -
19.
All Deacons must be members of the Church and must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
The Deacons shall elect, at their first meeting following the congregatonal meeting, their own officers consisting of a President, Vice President, Church Treasurer and Secretary who will serve as Church Clerk.

DUTIES OF DEACON (TRUSTEE) BOARD

The Deacons shall have full responsibility for and authority over all repairs and maintenance of Church buildings and physical properties.

The Deacons shall annually prepare a budget to be reviewed by the combined boards before final adoption by the congregation.

The Deacons shall not approve any expenditures in excess of $3,000 without consent of the congregation, unless said item already appears in the adopted annual budget.

The Deacons shall submit bills to the Treasurer for payment.

The Secretary of the Deacon Board shall keep accurate records of their meetings and related matters in accordance with both STATE AND CHURCH LAWS.

The President of the Deacons shall appoint an Auditing Committee consisting of three (3) qualified members of the congregation who are not presently serving on the Deacon Board who will serve for the calendar year.

The books of the Treasurer shall be audited at least once a year.

The Deacons shall be responsible to prepare and distribute a report of the finances to the congregation at least once per quarter.

C - PASTOR - CALLING A PASTOR

A Pulpit Committee shall be formed by the Elder Board.
The Pastor shall be chosen by the Congregation for an indefinite period, upon the recommendation of the Pulpit Committee, after prayerful investigation and consideration.
Only such men shall be recommended who can and will conscientiously sign, without mental reservation, the Doctrinal Statement and agreement to abide by the Church Constitution.
He shall have a minimum of three (3) years Bible training.
The selection of the Pastor shall be voted upon by ballot at a meeting of the congregation especially called for that purpose.
Notice of such a meeting shall be given at both morning and evening worship services of the Church on two (2) consecutive Sundays preceding the meeting called for each election.
A majority of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the voters present shall be necessary to elect.
After the election, the Pastor-elect shall be installed by the Elder Board and a Committee of Ministers chosen by the Elder Board and Pastor-elect.

PASTOR'S DUTIES

The Pastor shall discharge all the functions of the ministry. He shall, with the prayerful support of the Elder Board, have control of all religious meetings and spiritual affairs of the Church and give himself to prayer and study of the Word.

If an Associate or Assistant Pastor is needed, he shall be chosen by the Pastor, subject to the approval of the Board of Elders. The Associate or Assistant Pastor shall be approved by the congregation as provided under the section, "Calling a Pastor."

By virtue of the office, the Pastor shall be a voting member of all Church boards and at all congregational meetings.

The Pastor shall be chairman of the Elder Board.

CHANGE OF PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP

The relationship between the congregation and the Pastor, Associate or Assistant Pastor may be terminated for the following reasons:

The Pastor, Associate or Assistant Pastor has made application to be released from his position.

The relations between Pastor, Associate or Assistant Pastor and the congregation has become such as to be detrimental to the welfare of the Church..

The Pastor, Associate or Assistant Pastor has been proven to be guilty of heresy or immorality.

The termination of the relationship shall be affected in the following manner:

Automatically at the end of 30 days from the date of application if the termination is mutually agreed upon.

If the termination is not mutually agreed upon, the Board of Elders shall have authority to consider this matter and make recommendations to the congregation. The termination shall be affected by a majority of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voters present at the constitutionally called congregational meeting. The termination shall take effect at the end of 30 days following the meeting unless mutually agreed otherwise.

In the case of heresy or immorality, the termination shall take effect immediately following a majority of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voters present at the constitutionally called congregational meeting.

D - MEMBERSHIP

My person desiring to unite with the Church shall attend a Church membership class.
The applicant shall be given a copy of the constitution and shall be required to complete the Application Form.
The Pastor and Board of Elders will examine the applicant as to his or her Christian experience, assurance of salvation, and doctrinal belief.
If the applicant has met the requirements, he or she is accepted as a member of this Church and his or her name is placed on the active roll.
Persons age twelve (12) and older shall be eligible for membership.
The new members shall be publicly welcomed at a regular Sunday Service and given the right hand of fellowship by the congregation.

DUTIES OF MEMBERSHIP

Pray for the Church regularly.

AlI members shall be encouraged to systematically tithe their income to the Church.

Regularly attend services and congregational meetings of the Church.

Wholeheartedly support the services and activities of the Church.

ACTIVE

Active members are those who show their interest in the welfare of the Church and its ministries by regular attendance. (Sunday School only does not count for attendance requirements.)

INACTIVE - IN GOOD STANDING

A member who is unable to regularly attend for a period of three (3) months (90 days) for the following reasons may be transferred to an inactive-in good standing roll at the direction of the Elder
Board:

College attendance.

Service in the armed forces.

Full time Christian service.

Incapacitation due to extended illness.

A member who no longer reside in the area for other reasons but continue to support the Church and wish to remain member.

The Elders shall contact the member and shall inform him or her, before his or her name is transferred to the inactive-in-good standing role.

Names on the inactive-in-good standing roll shall be separately accounted for in any statistical report.

A member who is inactive-in-good standing may not hold any Church office nor vote in any Church matters.

A member who is inactive-in-good standing may be restored to the active roll, upon request to the Board of Elders, when he or she is again able to become active in attendance.

INACTIVE

A member who fails to show interest in the welfare of the Church and its ministry, by regular attendance may be transferred to the inactive membership roll, at the direction of the Elder Board.

A member whose name has been placed on the inactive roll shall, within ninety (90) days, be notified in writing of that fact if his whereabouts are known or can reasonably be determined.

Names of the inactive roll shall not be counted in any statistical report.

An inactive member shall have none of the privileges of membership.

An inactive member will not be entitled to hold any office or vote in any Church flatters.

The Elder Board shall make every effort to re-establish the inactive member's fellowship with the Church.

The Elder Board shall annually review the inactive membership roll and terminate the membership of those members whose names have been on the inactive roll for more than one (1) year.

If a person's membership is terminated the former member shall be notified in writing of the termination of this membership within thirty (30) days if his whereabouts are known or can be reasonably determined.

When such action is taken, it shall be related to the congregation at the next annual meeting.

Members on the inactive roll may be restored to full membership by becoming active in attendance, support, and interest. They must appear before the Pastors and Board of Elders for reinstatement.

DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

The Board of Elders shall investigate a written charge made by two or more active members of this Church against another member alleging that he is guilty of any of the following:

Manifesting inconsistency or flagrant sin in his Christian life.

Showing indifference toward the life and work of this Church.

Holding a position or positions contrary to the Doctrinal Statement or to the Bible.

Showing a disregard for authority in the Church.

Causing contention or strife within the Church.

Immoral conduct.

Taking a brother to Law.

Evidencing any other conduct contrary to the Doctrinal Statement or to the Bible.

In the event the Board of Elders finds that the charges are substantiated, it shall direct the least drastic remedial measures necessary to rectify the matter and return the guilty member to fellowship with the Church.

If it is not possible to restore the member to fellowship with the Church, the Elder Board shall, as a last resort, terminate his membership.

If such action is made by the Elder Board, the member who's membership has been terminated can exercise the Right of Appeal as detailed elsewhere in this document.

In the case of a personal difference between members of the Church, the Elders shall recommend that the parties endeavor to settle their differences Scripturally in the manner aid down by our Savior in Matthew 18:15-17.

If the difference cannot be settled, the person involved shall be requested to appear before the Elder Board.

A full and fair hearing shall be given and the Elder Board shall recommend a just settlement of the controversy.

The Elder Board has the option to terminate the membership of those unwilling to accept the decision.

APPEALS

Any matter may be taken to the membership for a decision if it involves any controversy within this Church.

Within either Board:

Between the Church congregation and either Board;

Between the Church congregation, either Board, or any member of the Pastoral Staff which controversy threatens to cause dissension resulting in probable injury to the welfare of this Church, and which has not been decided by the Board of Elders in such a manner as to allay dissension.

VOTING

Only members eighteen (18) years of age or older who are on the active roll and present at any congregational meeting may vote.

All matters shall be decided by a majority of votes cast, except where otherwise indicated.

Absentee ballots are not accepted.

MEETINGS

Attendance by twenty-five (25) percent of the active members shall constitute a quorum at any and all meetings of the congregation. After a quorum has been established, business may be conducted until attendance falls below twenty (20) percent of the active membership.
Annual Meetings
1. A congregational business meeting shall be held annually on the third Tuesday of January, or a date as near to that as possible, at which time regular business shall be held.
2. The Pastor shall be the moderator. In his absence, a temporary chairman shall be appointed by the Board of Elders to preside over the congregational meeting.
Special Congregational Meetings
1. Special congregational meetings may be called by:
  1. Pastors;
  2. Elders or Deacons;
  3. Thirty (30) percent of the active members upon presentation of a written request of the Elders.
    1. The specific purpose of the meeting including a list of suggestions or complaints/charges must be presented in writing to the Church leaders before a special congregational meeting will be called.
    2. The Church leaders will schedule the date, time and set the agenda for the meeting.
    3. The Pastor will moderate all meetings except in those instances where the action of censure or dismissal of the Pastor is being considered. In such instances the Elder Board will appoint a moderator.
    4. Such meetings shall be announced from the pulpit and written notice posted in the Church at least two (2) Sundays in advance of the meeting.

SERVICES

The following services shall be held: Sunday School; Sunday Morning Worship; Sunday Evening Service; the Lord's Supper (normally held on the first Sunday of each month); and Wednesday Prayer Service. Hours of all services shall be determined by the Pastor and the Board of Elders.

USE OF THE BUILDING

Use of the Church building and property of individuals and organizations shall be approved by the Board of Elders.

MISSIONS

All missions and missionaries supported by this Church shall be required to accept without reservation and sign the Doctrinal Statement of the Laurel Hill Bible Church annually.

MISSIONARY COMMITTEE

Purpose: The purpose of the Missionary Committee shall be to:
1. Stimulate interest in missions.
2. Examine support of our present missionaries/missions and recommend approval of new missionaries/missions and termination of support for present missionaries/missions if necessary.
3. Be responsible for the support sent to missionaries/missions and recommend an annual missionary budget.
Members: The missionary Committee shall consist of a minimum of six (6) members appointed by the present members of this committee with the approval of the Pastor.
Officers: The officers of the Missionary Committee shall consist of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.
Policy: The members of the Missionary Committee shall adhere to guidelines set forth in the Missionary Policy.

ORDINANCES

The following ordinances are instituted of God and observed by our Church:

The Lord's Supper
Believers' Baptism. The mode of baptism shall be by immersion.

DISSOLUTION

No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any donor, member, director, or officer of the Corporation. nor shall any private individual be entitled to share in the distribution of any of Corporation assets. Upon dissolution, any assets of the Corporation must be distributed to the Independent Fundamental Churches of America, Inc., if it then exists, and shall be exempt form Federal Income Tax as provided by law. If the Independent Fundamental Churches of America, Inc. no longer exists, distribution of assets shall be to one or more organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.

PROCEDURE FOR MEETINGS

Roberts Rules of Order shall be used for parliamentary procedure to supplement this Constitution.

AMENDMENTS

The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at any annual meeting of the Church congregation, or at a specially called meeting for that purpose. Any action to amend the Constitution shall be announced publicly and posted at least two (2) Sundays prior to the meetings.