Bible Baptist Church Constitution

Preamble

The Constitution of Bible Baptist Church shall be, from this First day of June 1999 and forward, the Bible as interpreted by the Elders.

Moreover, endeavoring to serve faithfully the Lord Jesus Christ by propagating the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God and contending for the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints," and being admonished by the Word of God to "let all things be done decently and in order," we, the members of Bible Baptist Church, willingly and cheerfully, yet solemnly and sincerely, ordain and establish the following Polity and Articles as guides.

Since the Scripture declares that in the last days many shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and many will engage in scattering abroad the fatal seeds of error, directly affecting the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the destiny of the soul, we feel constrained by fidelity to Him, to adopt the statement of doctrine and polity contained herein. We agree to voluntarily submit ourselves to be governed by them and to them we ask the assent of all applicants for membership.

Changes in this Constitution may be made at a meeting called for that purpose, provided each amendment shall have been presented in writing at a previous meeting, and copies of the proposed amendment furnished to each member present. Amendments shall require three fourth's vote of all active members present before enactment.

Constitution

The name of this congregation shall be Bible Baptist Church.

Purpose

Our purpose, by the grace of God, shall be to fulfill the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" Matthew 28:19-20

Bible Baptist Church is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes, the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, rescue missions, print shops, day care centers, camps, nursing homes, and cemeteries and any other ministries that the Church may be led of God to establish.

Bible Baptist Church shall also ordain and license men to the Gospel Ministry; evangelize the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ; educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture, both on Sundays and weekdays; maintain evangelistic activities in the United States and any foreign country; and engage in any other ministry that the Church may decide, from time to time, to pursue in obedience to the will of God.

Covenant

"And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul" II Chronicles 15:12

Having been led by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and upon the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; we joyfully enter and subject ourselves to this solemn covenant with each other, as one body in Christ, the Bible Baptist Church of Peoria, Illinois.

We therefore determine to maintain family and secret devotions; to educate our children in the Doctrines of Christianity; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances, to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further commit, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to strive for the advancement of Bible Baptist Church, giving it a sacred preeminence over all other institutions of human origin. In a special way, we will sanctify and honor the first day of the week as the Lord's Day, and attend all seasons of public worship, church meetings, and meetings of prayer appointed by the Church, but for acts of mercy or Providence. When absent, we will be ready to give an account of why we were so, if required. We hope to edify the Lord's Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort, promoting its prosperity and spirituality, and sustaining its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. We are happy to contribute regularly, through our tithes and offerings, 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.

It will be our study and sincere effort to keep our garments unspotted by the flesh, and walk as becometh saints. We promise to try to walk together in Christian love and to watch over each other 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 commands of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

Before them that are without, our endeavor will be to walk in a manner becoming the Gospel that we may with well-doing, put to silence the ignorance of gainsayers. We will practice the strictest honesty in our dealings, and faithfulness in fulfilling our promises. It shall be our study, as Ambassadors for Christ, to represent true Christianity before the world in the whole of our conduct. We will be circumspect and cautious of all vain amusements and diversions, by which time could be foolishly spent, money wasted, our minds carnalized, and ourselves exposed to many dangerous temptations.

Finally, should we remove from this place, we promise, as soon as possible, to do our best to unite with another Baptist Church of like faith and practice, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

These things, and whatever else may appear commanded by the Word of God, we promise in the strength of divine grace to observe and practice.  Knowing our insufficiency, we look up to Him who giveth power to the faint, rejoicing that in the Lord we have not only righteousness, but strength.

"Hold thou us up, O Lord, and we shall be safe! Amen."