Article   I - Name
Article II - Doctrine           
Article III - Membership           
Article IV- Officers
Article V - Committees    
Article VI - Government
Article VII - Ordinances         
Article VIII - Organizations & Property Holding 
Article IX - Discipline
Article X - Amendments    
Article XI - "Doctrinal Statement"
Article XII - Church Standards
 
 

The term "church" shall be construed to mean an organized group of Christians who represent Christ in the world; who meet together for worship,  instruction,  fellowship, and service for God.

This local church shall be known as the IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH  of  Syracuse,  New  York,  and  shall  consist  of spiritual and corporate organizations.

We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in the verbal,  plenary inspiration of  the Holy Scriptures as originally given; in the vicarious atonement of our Lord us Christ; the eternal salvation of all who believe in Christ, and the eternal punishment of all who reject Him; as  more  particularly  detailed  in  the  doctrinal statement (Article XI) hereinafter set forth.

Section 1.  Qualification for membership shall consist of satisfactory  testimony  of  regeneration;   baptism  by immersion; acceptance of the doctrinal beliefs as stated Article XI; satisfaction of any other requirements of this Constitution.

Section 2.  Applicants for membership shall be examined by the Pastor and Board of Deacons as to their experience of salvation, baptism by immersion, and acceptance of our doctrinal  beliefs.   Applicants who  hold  beliefs which differ seriously from our church position  shall be encouraged to seek membership elsewhere.    Persons recommended for membership by the Pastor and Deacons shall be accepted into membership upon a majority vote of the members of the church at any regular meeting,  or one called for that specific purpose.

Officers of this church shall consist of Pastor, Assistant Pastor(s)), Deacons, Trustees, Clerk, Church Treasurer, Missions Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, AWANA Commander, and Youth Worker.

The Officers of this church shall be selected from the membership with the following qualifications in mind:
1. Minimum age of twenty-one (21) years.
2. Showing evidence of Christian maturity.
3. Faithful in attendance.
4. Having the interest of Immanuel Baptist church at heart.
5. A member in good standing.

Section 1.  PASTOR
He shall be the spiritual leader of the church holding qualifications as set forth in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.   He  shall  be  prayerfully  selected  and recommended to the church by the Board of Deacons as described in Section 3 of this Article, point No. 1 of the Deacons' Responsibilities and Duties.

The election of a Pastor shall be by written ballot, at a special congregational meeting called for that purpose.  An affirmative vote by  three-fourths  (3/4)  of  the qualified voters present shall be necessary.  Believing that the office of Pastor is by divine appointment, as well as election by the church, the Pastor(s) tenure of office shall be for an indefinite period. Either Pastor or Corporate Body may terminate the relationship upon sixty (60) days written notice.  Dismissal of the Pastor shall be by majority vote of the members present and voting at a special meeting called for that purpose.  A written ballot shall be taken.   Such special meeting shall be convened by a majority vote of the Deacons' Board.  In addition to his duties as overseer of all worship services and other activities of the church.  The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all Boards and meetings.  This ex-fficio membership status
shall also extended to the Assistant Pastor(s).  The Pastor shall report to the Board of Deacons at their regular meetings, and shall present a written report to the Annual Corporate meetings.

Section 2.  ASSISTANT PASTOR(S).
His qualifications, election, and dismissal (if necessary) shall be the same as those stated for the Pastor  in title IV, Section 1.  Candidates for Assistant Pastor shall be interviewed and recommended to the church for corporate vote by the Deacons Board as outlined in tide IV, Section 3, "Responsibilities and Duties."  However, the Pastor shall also be part of the interview and recommendation process.  No candidate shall be recommended to the church for the office of Assistant Pastor apart from the Pastor's approval.

Duties of the Assistant Pastor will be to assist the Pastor in the work of the ministry; to minister particularly in that area or areas of pastoral work where the Pastor may feel the Assistant can minister most effectively.

Section 3.  DEACONS.
Qualifications for the office of Deacon shall be based on the guidelines set forth in the Scriptures.  (Acts 6:1-3. I Timothy 3:8-13).

Deacons shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, accept when his election is to replace a Deacon leaving office before his term is fulfilled.  When a Deacon serves  two successive terms totaling six (6) years, he shall remain off the Board for a minimum of one (1) year before becoming eligible for another term.

Deacons  responsibilities and duties shall include:
1.  To act as a Pulpit Committee.  In the event of serious illness to the Pastor, they shall provide speakers for the church worship services.  In the event of the pastor's resignation or discharge, the Deacons shall invite candidates for Pastor to speak at services with a view toward selection of the Lord's choice as new pastor.  Furthermore, the Deacons shall interview such candidates and their wives, and recommend action to the corporate body as  to the calling of a new pastor.  At the discretion of the Deacons' Board, the Pulpit Committee may also include two (2) ladies of the church membership to participate in these interviews.
2.  To act with the Pastor(s) as a Membership Committee, interviewing and recommending candidates for baptism and/or membership.
3.  To exercise spiritual concern and watchcare over their fellow members in the church.
4.  To assist the Pastor by prayer, encouragement, counsel, serving of the Lord's Supper, and the exercise of church discipline
5.  Each Deacon shall subscribe annually, in writing, to the Deacons' Faithful Attendance Covenant.

Section 4.  TRUSTEES.
Duties of the Trustees' Board shall include:
1.  Preparation of the Annual Budget.
2.  Responsibility for the church property and maintenance.
3.  Counseling the church as to its financial condition.
4.  Planning long and short-range improvements to the physical facilities to meet program demands.

Trustees shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, not to exceed two (2) consecutive terms.  They shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of three (3) years, except in cases where the newly-elected Trustees will be filling an unexpired term.  When a Trustee serves for two (2) consecutive terms totaling six (6) years, he shall remain off the Board for a minimum of one (1) year before becoming eligible for another term.

Trustees' Board shall consist of at least three (3) members, with the total number of the Board always being a multiple of three (3).  Vacancies on the Board may be filled by majority vote of the members present at any regular business meeting.

Section 5.  CHURCH CLERK.
A Church Clerk shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one  (1) year.  The Clerk's duties shall be to keep accurate minutes of all business transacted at church business meetings; handle correspondence relative to transfers of membership; to record and file all reports, records, and communications of value to the church.

An Assistant Clerk shall be elected in the same manner, with the same qualifications as the Church Clerk.  The duties of the Assistant shall be to act as the Clerk in the absence or inability of the Clerk to perform such duties.

Section 6.  CHURCH TREASURER.
Church Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting serve for a term of one (1) year.  The Treasurer's duties shall include the counting and care of all church finances, except for the Deacons' Fund.  The Treasurer shall be responsible for making bank deposits, writing all checks on the church general bank account, the care of all building and other special funds.  He shall present a written report of church finances at the Annual Meeting, and each quarterly meeting of the church.

An Assistant Treasurer shall be elected in the same manner, and with the same qualifications as the Church Treasurer.  The duties of the Assistant Treasurer shall be to assist the Treasurer in the performance of his duties, to act as Treasurer in the event of the Treasurer's absence or inability to do so.

In order to do all things "decently and in order", all Church and Sunday School offerings shall be counted by a minimum of two (2) financial officers, or other persons delegated to do so.  (Matthew 18:16)

Section 7.  FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
Financial Secretary shall be elected at the Annual meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  The Financial Secretary's duties shall include keeping a record of the individual giving of each person to our Church.  He shall purchase and supply offering envelopes to all persons who wish them.  At the end of each fiscal quarter.  The Financial Secretary shall issue an individual report of each member's giving during the quarter.  In addition, he shall assist the Treasurer in counting of all church offerings.

An Assistant Financial Secretary shall be elected in the same manner, and with the same qualifications as the Financial Secretary.  The  Assistant shall perform the service of the Financial Secretary in the event of the absence or inability of the Financial Secretary to do so.

Section 8.  MISSIONS SECRETARY/TREASURER.
A Missions Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  The Missions Secretary/Treasurer's duties shall consist of the "Receiving and disbursing of all funds marked for missionary giving.  The Missions Secretary/Treasurer shall keep a record of all such income and disbursement, shall handle correspondence dealing with missionary financial matters, and act as recording secretary for the Missions Committee.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall provide an oral written on missions giving to the church at each quarterly business meeting, and a written report at the Annual Meeting.

An Assistant to the Secretary/Treasurer of Missions shall be elected in the same manner, and with the same qualifications as the Missions Secretary/Treasurer.  He shall assist the Missions Secretary/Treasurer in performing his duties, and serve in the place of the Secretary/Treasurer in the event of his absence.

Section 9.  SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT.
A Sunday School Superintendent shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  His
general duties shall consist of overseeing the Sunday School program.  He shall select the curriculum and materials to be used in the Sunday School, subject to the approval of the Pastor and Deacons.  The Superintendent shall appoint teachers and other Sunday School workers, subject to the approval of the Pastor and Board of Deacons.  The Sunday School Superintendent shall be responsible for planning all programs and activities of the Sunday School.  He will preside at all staff meetings and generally exercise watchcare for the quality and
effectiveness of the Sunday School.

An Assistant Sunday School Superintendent shall be elected in the same manner and with the same qualifications as the Sunday School Superintendent.  The Assistant shall assist the Superintendent in whatever area and manner the Superintendent selects.  He shall perform the duties of the Superintendent in the event of that officer's absence or inability to do so.

Section 10. AWANA COMMANDER.
An AWANA Commander shall be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  His general duties shall be to oversee the AWANA program.  The commander shall appoint AWANA leaders and assistants, subject to the approval of the pastor and Deacons Board.  He shall be responsible for planning all program and activities of the AWANA Clubs.  The Commander will also preside at all AWANA staff meetings, and generally exercise watchcare for quality and effectiveness of the AWANA ministry.

Section 11.  YOUTH WORKER.
A Youth Worker shall be elected for a one (1) year term.  He may be selected from the church membership, or from outside the church.  In either case, his selection shall be by recommendation of the Pastor and Deacons' Board. The Youth Workers duties shall be to guide and promote work among our church youth, and whatever tasks the Pastor assigns him.

Section 1.  NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
A Nominating Committee shall be chosen annually for the purpose of selecting a slate of officers and committee members for the church consideration and vote.  The Committee shall consist of:  The Pastor(s), two (2) members of the Deacons' Board, one (1) member from the Trustees Board, two (2) members from the general church membership, one (1) member of the Sunday School.  In addition, the Committee shall have one (I) member who shall be a youth representative of high school age at least sixteen (16) years old.  It is understood that all members of the Nominating Committee shall also be church members in good standing.

The Nominating Committee shall meet at a time set by the Pastor; but at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Meeting.  After selecting a slate for recommendation, the Nominating Committee shall also query the persons selected as to their willingness to serve if selected.

Membership on the Nominating Committee is restricted to not more than one (1) member from any household.

Section 2.  MISSIONS BOARD.
A Missions Board shall be chosen from the church membership at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  Duties of the Board shall include assisting the Pastor in the planning of missionary conferences and speakers; recommending missionary personnel and ministries to the church for regular support; dispensing of Missions monies for special gifts and speaking honorariums.  The Missions Board shall seek to promote the work of bible-believing missions and missionaries in our church family.

Section 3.  USHERS.
A Board of Ushers shall be elected from the church congregation at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  The Board shall elect a chairman from its number to serve for one (1) year.  Duties of the Ushers shall be determined by the Pastor(s) and Deacons and supp1ied to each Usher in written form.

Section 4.  BAPTISM COMMITTEE(S).
 1. Ladies' Baptism Committee shall be elected from the membership of the church at the Annual Meeting to serve a term of one (1) year.  Their duties shall include care of all robes, towels, and other materials which are used in baptisms; assisting ladies and girls during , baptismal services.
2. Mens' Baptism Committee shall be elected annually in the same manner, and with the same qualifications as the Ladies Baptism Committee.  Their duties sha1l include preparation of the baptismal tank and platform before baptismal services.  The Men's Baptism Committee shall assist the men and boys who are being baptized, and they shall be responsible for clean up of the facilities after all baptismal services.

Section 5.  COMMUNION COMMITTEE.
A Communion Committee shall be elected from church membership at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of
(1) year.  Their duties sha1l include acquisition and preparation of all materials needed to observe the Ordinance of Communion.  The Committee shall also have sole responsibility for clean up after such  Communion services.

Section 6.  MUSIC COMMITTEE.
A Music Committee shall be elected from the choir members at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1)
year.  The Music Committee shall automatically include the Choir Director (who shall be the Committee Chairman), and Church Organist.  The Music Committee's duties shall include assisting the Organist and Choir Director in Selection of music, and holding auditions for any Persons who wish to sing in the choir.

Section 7.  AUDITING COMMITTEE.
An Auditing Committee shall be elected from the church membership at the Annual Meeting to serve for a term of one (1) year.  Duties of such Committee shall be to examine the record books of the Treasurer and Missions Treasurer annually, prior to the Annual Meeting, with a view toward determining whether said records are in good order.

Section 8.  FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE.
A Fellowship Committee shall be elected annually for the purpose of planning fellowship suppers, and other social activities.  The Committee shall also be responsible for maintaining all church kitchen supplies.

Section 9.  CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD.
A Christian Education Board will be elected annually at the Annual Meeting.  The board will consist of: The Youth Director, Awana Commander, Sunday School Superintendent, One (1) adult Sunday School teacher and one (1) children's Sunday School teacher, and two (2) members at large.  This board will oversee all education matters of the church.  (Adopted 2/87).
 

There shall be an Annual Meeting held on the last Wednesday of January, at which time reports shall be read
by all departments,  including audited reports from the Treasurer and the Missions Treasurer.  Church officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting.

Quarterly Business Meetings shall be held on the 2nd Wednesday after the last Sunday in March, June, and September.

Special Congregational Meetings may be called at the discretion of the Pastor, the Board of Deacons, or the Board of Trustees, or by application in writing of ten (10) members in good standing, at least seven (7) of which shall be over twenty-one (21) years of age.  Special Congregational Meetings may be held only after notice of such meeting is read to the congregation on the two (2) Sundays immediately preceding the meeting.

Voting privileges shall be extended only to those who have been officially received as members of this church.  In all corporate and/or legal matters only those who are at least (21) twenty-one years of age shall be eligible to vote.  On all general church matters, those members who are at least sixteen (16) years of age shall be eligible vote.  A quorum shall consist of at least twenty (20) qualified voters.

Privileges shall be forfeited by a member's failure to attend services for a six (6) month period, with the exception of persons in  fu1l-time Christian service or military service.  This forfeiture clause may be waived at discretion of the Pastor and Deacons' Board.

Section 1.  BAPTISM BY IMMERSION.
This method is recognized by our church as a Scriptural ordinance.

Section 2.  THE LORD'S SUPPER.
This ordinance of remembering the Lord's death shall be observed at least once every month, subject to the
discretion of the Pastor and Deacons' Board.

Furthermore, since we recognize all believers as our brothers and sisters in Christ, and since the Scripture places the responsibility for receiving Communion on the individual believer (I Corinthians 11:27-32), we invite
other born-again believers to fellowship with us in this observance.

All organizations shall be subsidiary to and responsible to the membership of the church.  Such organizations shall give full report of their activities at the Annual Meeting, and at such other time as ca1led upon by the membership of the church, the Pastor, or the Board of Deacon's.

All church and organizational records, financial and otherwise, are the property of the church, and must be turned over to the church by the holder of any such records upon expiration of his term of office, or at the request of the church membership.

This church may acquire, own, encumber, dispose of real and personal property in conformity with the laws of the State of New York.  Title to all property shall be held in the name of the church corporation.

Section 1.
Matters of discipline shall be vested in the Pastor(s) and the Board of Deacons, but they shall have the right to refer any such matter to the church if they feel the gravity of the offense warrants.

Section 2.  DISORDERLY MEMBERS.
Disorderly members whose conduct or belief has become a reproach to the church and the name of Christ, shall be dealt with according to the Word of God in Matthew 18:17; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:l0-l5.

Section 3.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Disciplinary action against members who have clearly evidenced wrongdoing shall involve:
1. Forfeiture of all offices or duties in the church.
2. Loss of voting privileges or participation in any business meetings.
3. Prohibition from taking part in our Communion services.

Section 4.  REINSTATEMENT.
Persons who have thus forfeited  their membership privileges shall, on satisfactory evidence of sincere repentance, be heartily forgiven and cheerfully readmitted to full communion and fellowship.  The ultimate object of discipline is correction in Godliness, with restoration the prayerful goal.  (I Corinthians 5:4-5 with Corinthians 2:5-ll).

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the qualified members present and voting at any Annual Meeting, or at any Special Corporate Meeting called for that purpose; providing that public notice shall have been given at the regular Sunday worship services on the (2) Sundays immediately preceding said Special Corporate Meeting.

This Constitution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption by a  two-thirds (2/3) vote of the qualified members present and voting at a Special Corporate Meeting held for that purpose.  Adoption shall nullify all previous constitutions and amendments to same.

Section 1.  THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
We believe in the absolute integrity of Holy Scripture and verbal, plenary inspiration by the Holy Spirit, as
originally written through men prepared for this purpose by God.  The Scripture of our Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are inerrant in relation to any subject with which they deal, and are to be accepted in their natural
intended sense as of full authority over Christian faith, life, and practice.  No other religious writings or posed revelations are to be accepted as divinely inspired or authoritative.  (II Timothy 3:16-17;II Peter 1:20. 21).

Section 2.  THE GODHEAD.
We believe in one, triune God, eternally existing in three sons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Co-eternal in being; co-identical in  nature; co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfection's.  (Dueteronomy 6:4; II Corinthians 13:14).

Section 3.  THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST.
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God.  We believe He became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.  (John 1:1-2, 14; Luke 1:35)

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross, as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. (Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right-hand of God, where as our High Priest He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate.  (Acts 1:9-l0; Hebrews 9:24; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2).

Section 4.  THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration.  We believe He baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ,
indwelling and sealing them until the day of redemption. (John 16:8-11; I Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 8:9).

We believe He is the Divine Teacher who guides believers to all truth; that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit.  (John 16:13; Ephesians 5:18).

Section 5.  THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF MAN.
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; that man is totally depraved, and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.  (Genesis 1:26-27;  Romans  3:22-23; Ephesians 2:1-2, 12).

Section 6.  SALVATION.
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our  sins.   (Ephesians  2:8-10;  John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19).

Section 7.  THE ETERNAL SECURITY AND ASSURANCE OF BELIEVERS.
We believe that all redeemed, once saved, are kept by God's power, and are thus secure forever, in Christ.  (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Rornans 8:1, 38-39).

We believe it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word.  However we also believe that the Scriptures clearly forbid the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to indulge in the fleshly nature.  (I Corinthians 1:4-8; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

Section 8.  THE TWO NATURES OF THE BELIEVER.
We believe that every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for victory of the new nature over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit; that all claims to the eradication of the old nature in this life are unscriptural.  (Romans  6:13; 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; I Peter 1:14-16; I John 3:5-9).

Section 9.  SEPERATION.
We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner not to bring reproach upon their Saviour and Lord; that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded of God.  (II  Timothy  3:1-5;  Romans  12:1-2;  14:13; I John 2:l5-l7; II Corinthians 6:14-17).

Section 10.  MISSIONS.
We believe that the saved are obligated to witness by life by word to the truths of Holy Scripture, and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind.  (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:19-20).

Section 11.  THE MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all gifts, and that the gifts of evangelists, pastors, and teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today; that speaking in tongues, and the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament scriptures were completed and their authority became established.  (I Corinthians 12:4-11; II Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:7-12).

We believe that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith in accord with His own will, for the sick and afflicted.  There is no warrant, however, in  the scriptures for the contention that God must and will grant physical healing to every prayer of faith.  (James 5:14-16; II Corinthians 12:7-10; II Timothy 4:20).

Section 12.  THE CHURCH, UNIVERSAL AND LOCAL.
We believe that the universal church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism, made up of all born-again persons of this present age.  (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25-27; I Corinthians 12:12-14; II Corinthians 11:2).

We believe the local church is an assembly of born-again, baptized believers, united in organization to: (1) practice the New Testament ordinances: The Lord's Table (Communion), and Baptism by immersion; (2) to meet
gather for worship, prayer, fellowship, teaching, and a united testimony; and (3) to actively engage in carrying
out the Great Commission.  (Acts 2:4-42;  I Corinthians 11:2).

Section 13.  DISPENSATIONALISM.
We believe in the dispensational view of Bible interpretation, but reject the extreme teaching known as hyperdispensationalism.  (Ephesians 2:7; 3:4-5).

Section 14.  The PERSONALITY OF SATAN.
We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin, and cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire.   (Job  1:6-7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-l1; 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Section 15.  THE ETERNAL STATE.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men; the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting separation from God.  (Matthew 25:41-46).

We believe that the souls of the saved are, at death, sent from the body and present with the Lord where, in conscious bliss, they await the resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.  (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Phi1ippians l:23).

Section 16.  THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
We believe in the "Blessed Hope", the personal, imminent, pre-tribulational and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; in His subsequent return to the earth with His saints to establish His
millennial kingdom.  (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

Section 17.  POSITION AND PRACTICE.
(Amended and Adopted 7/13/83)
We believe it is important to identify ourselves as being: fundamental, dispensational, pre-tribulational, pre-millennial, evangelistic, separated, independent (or specifically, non-aligned with any particular group or association), adhering to historic Baptist distinctives.  We also believe it is important to identify ourselves as not being: liberal, neo-orthodox,  neo-evangelical, charasmatic, hyper-Calvinistic, or covenantal in theology.

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, and on profession of personal faith in Him, having been baptized according to the commandment of Christ, we engage by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love;

To strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, purity of life, and efficiency of service;

To promote its spirituality and prosperity, to sustain its worship and ordinances, and the Truth for which it stands.

To contribute cheerfully and systematically to the expense the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all the world.

We will endeavor to maintain family and private prayer,  to educate our children religiously, to seek the salvation of relatives and friends;

To walk carefully in the  world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and watchful of our manner of life.

To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating beverages and other harmful drugs;
To be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.

We will further endeavor 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 speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; and mindful of the bidding of our Saviour to seek it without delay.

Finally  we will endeavor, if we remove from this place, to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of these standards and God's Word.