"MEMBERSHIP CLASS WEEK #2"

Constitution and Bylaws

Article 1 – Name

This church shall be known as the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge, Colorado, and shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado. In this document, FBC may be used in place of First Baptist Church.

Article 2 – Covenant

A. We, as members of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge, believe and confess before all men:

1. That the Biblical goal of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge is to let God, through us, lead sinners to Christ and build them up to mature, Christ-like individuals. Of necessity, this involves the understanding and belief of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge of what qualities and characteristics exemplify a Christ-like life. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18)

2. That we are saved by faith given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, the eternal, incarnate, and only Son of God, and His work of grace and mercy by His atoning death on the cross, His burial, His bodily resurrection, and His ascension.

3. That we are part of the larger body of Christ called “The Church” and made members in the body by the reconciling work of Christ and the instantaneous baptism of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:19, Romans 5:9-11)

4. That we have agreed with God that all works, which emanate from our own efforts, are sinful and unacceptable for our salvation. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

B. We agree that it is theologically dangerous to summarize the Truth of God’s Word, either to add to it or subtract from it. Therefore, the whole inerrant, plenary, inspired Word of God, the Holy Bible, is our personal and corporate standard of faith and practice.

C. We believe:

1. That as members of God’s body we are all saints destined to be made holy and blameless by God’s finished work in us.

2. That all saints are gifted by the Holy Spirit to edify the body. (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11)

3. That we are collectively and personally called to walk worthy of our high calling so that seeing us in unified love, the world may desire to know the Gospel of Christ.

4. That by walking worthily, our lives will produce fruit that reflects God’s glory.

5. That, as a church, we are made worthy by our faith, hope, and love in Christ.

6. That, by God’s grace, we are in Christ and we are in the world but not of the world.

7. That each member is empowered by the Holy Spirit to be imitators of Jesus Christ and, therefore, a servant to others as Christ is a servant to us.

8. That all Godly decisions are made by interpretation of the Word of God and conviction of the Holy Spirit.

D. We recognize:

1. That the history of the early church in action emphasized corporate fellowship, teaching, prayer and evangelization.

2. That the church was attacked by Satan through false teaching and that he attempted to disfigure the Gospel and depreciate the work of Christ.

3. That prophecy from the Bible warns the Church of today that apostasy is a real and present danger.

4. That Scripture calls us to put on the whole armor of God to withstand the warfare which we will inevitably encounter.

5. That Christ established the leadership of the church as mature men of God, called to be shepherd/leaders, known as elders and deacons, with Christ himself as the Head.

E. We desire to be ministered to by elders. We recognize:

1. That the first elders were appointed by the Apostles.

2. That these first elders were qualified only if they could teach the Word of Truth, if they displayed irreproachable character, and aspired to be elders by the call of the Holy Spirit.

3. That no reference to a clergy as separate from the laity is found in the New Testament.

4. That elders are to be shepherds/leaders to the flock.

5. That no one person is ever given power to rule except Christ.

Article 3 Membership

Section 1 Definition

All who truly believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ are saved and are immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into His Body, the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) The Scriptures command that a worthy walk of faith follows salvation and requires the assembling together with other believers in the Body. (Hebrews 10:25)

Scripture instructs us to be devoted to one another in truth and love (John 13: 34-35, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:15); to act as one voice in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:2, John 13:34-35); to use our spiritual gifts to benefit the Body (Ephesians 4:11-13, Romans 12:6-8); and to be accountable to one another. (Hebrews 10:24-25, James 5:16)

All members of FBC are expected to exhibit the Christ-like moral and ethical qualities taught by Scripture and refrain from activities or behaviors that are contrary to those teachings. (Ephesians 4:1-3, Titus 2:11-12)

Section 2 Application

A request for membership may be made to a pastor or any elder, or by addressing the congregation at a church gathering. Upon making such a request, candidates shall receive the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge Constitution and By-laws. They shall also:

A. Specifically express acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

B. Agree to baptism by immersion as a requirement for membership in the church body. This baptism is a sign of unity and a public profession of faith. (Exceptions may be accepted at the discretion of the elders in special circumstances.)

C. Express a desire to live life in a Godly character, to share their spiritual gifts, to cheerfully give of their time and financial support to this body, and to be constant in prayer as commanded by Scripture.

D. Express a desire to uphold the intent of the Statement of Faith and Covenant contained in the FBC Constitution and By-laws.

E. Agree to faithfully pray for leaders, pastors, missionaries, the needy, and for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

Section 3 Method of Admission

Upon recommendation of the elders, the new applicant(s) shall be announced from the pulpit and posted in the bulletin, and then, after a minimum 2-week comment period, shall be received into membership by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of the church members present at any church meeting.

Section 4 Method of Dismissal

A. Members may be dismissed at the discretion of the elders (who shall notify the congregation) on the basis of one of the following:

1. By personal request.

2. By transfer to a church of like faith and practice.

3. By death.

4. By lack of commitment to Article 3, Sections 1 and 2 of this document.

B. Members may be dismissed at the recommendation of the elders due to church discipline. Church discipline, when necessary, shall be conducted according to Scriptural principles. (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, Galatians 6:1-2, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15) In such a case, the elders shall present the Scriptural basis for discipline to the congregation. If no valid Scriptural reason is presented contradicting the elders’ recommendation, the disciplinary recommendation shall stand and shall be acted upon by the congregation.

Section 5 Absent Members

The membership of a member who has moved from the area or is absent from the services of the church for a period of six months will be declared terminated at the discretion of the elders. The elders must communicate with the member, who will be losing voting privileges, in person or in writing. Christian workers, students, and military personnel, as well as those with physical or medical difficulties, will be given special consideration.

Article 4 Organization of the Church

Section 1 Requirements for all staff

All staff of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge are expected to exhibit the Christ-like qualities taught by Scripture and refrain from activities or behaviors that are contrary to those teachings. Therefore, FBC retains the right to refuse employment to anyone known to be practicing immorality as interpreted by the church elders, based on their understanding of Scripture. Leadership qualities are listed in the Character of a Leader in the Appendix.

Section 2 Elders

A. Number of Elders: The number of elders shall be indefinite, determined by:

1. The number of men who possess the qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

2. The number necessary to meet the spiritual needs of the congregation. For example, the congregation may be growing larger or smaller or the church may need them for preaching and teaching during a pastoral transition.

B. Selection of Elders

1. (This item is retained in the Constitution and By-Laws for historical purposes.) Upon acceptance of this document, the congregation shall choose twelve (12) godly men, charged with seeking out qualified men to serve as elders and deacons, using Scriptural guidelines. They shall present the selected elders and deacons for affirmation by the membership. These twelve men shall then be relieved of their charge.

2. After the first elders are selected, future elders are selected by existing elders. New elders shall be announced from the pulpit and posted in the bulletin, and then, after a minimum 2-week comment period, shall be presented to the church membership for affirmation.

3. A younger man in the faith should be considered only after he has proven himself suitable for a ministry of leadership through a period of discipline and testing. As the church looks to the future, it should have men who aspire to such a position in the proving process. (1 Timothy 5:22, 1 Timothy 3:10, Ephesians 4:11-15)

C. Responsibilities

1. Accountability to God (1st Corinthians 4:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2nd Timothy 4:7-8)

2. Prayer (James 5:13-17)

3. Teaching and exhortation (1 Timothy 3:2)

4. Shepherding and guarding (1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28, Titus 1:9)

5. Oversight (Acts 20:28, 1st Peter 5:1-3, 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17)

6. Church discipline for errant elders (1 Timothy 5:19-22)

7. Hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8)

8. Visitation (James 1:27, James 5:13-17)

9. Care for the needy (Acts 6:1-6, Acts 20:33-35)

10. Counseling (Proverbs 11:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15)

D. Protection and Discipline/Dismissal

It is imperative that elders be protected from unsubstantiated accusation. However, this protection does not give immunity from proper accusation determined by two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:17-19) Eldership disqualification follows when an elder is no longer above reproach. (1 Timothy 3:1-7) A sinning elder who has been properly accused, and who fails to repent, is to be rebuked by the congregation. (1 Timothy 5:20) The disqualified elder will be dismissed from his position by the other elders after rebuke by the congregation. Godly rebuke reflects attitudes which are free from bias (prejudice) and partiality (favoritism) and will emphasize a loving discipline toward the sinning elder in order to uphold God’s love and truth. (Matthew 18:15-21, 1 Corinthians 5)

E. Relationship to the Membership

1. Elders are called by God, confirmed by the congregation, and ordained to the job of leadership. They are fully committed to the responsibilities of being examples to the body, giving direction, teaching, and spiritual service to the church of God. (Acts 20:28)

2. The church is to respect the elders and their position of authority as granted them by God. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

3. Decisions by the elders shall be unanimous. If there is division among the elders in making a decision, all the elders should study, pray, and seek the will of God together until consensus is achieved. In this way, the unity and harmony that the Lord desires for the church will begin with those individuals He has appointed as shepherds. The congregation is obliged to follow these decisions. In most cases, an invitation to congregational input in private should precede the elders’ final decision.

F. Evaluation

Annual evaluation of the elders will be sought from the voting membership. This will be done by a Ministry Evaluation Sheet distributed to the congregation approximately thirty (30) days prior to the November business meeting. The returned sheets will be evaluated by the elders prior to the November business meeting. (See the appendix for the evaluation form.)

Section 3 Pastors

A. Pastor(s) as Elder(s): All that pertains to elders also pertains to a pastor(s) (see Article 4, Section 2, Parts C, D, and E).

1. The senior pastor will serve as an ex-officio elder.

2. Other pastors may be called to serve as ex-officio elders by the sitting elders.

B. Calling: The elders shall unanimously select the candidate for any pastoral position. The congregation shall then call the candidate with an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of the members present at a meeting.

C. Philosophy of Ministry: Scripture states that anyone who would be first among the brothers must be last of all and servant of all. (Mark 9:35) Scripture teaches that only two—Melchizedek and Christ—fulfilled the position of King and Priest. FBC desires a pastor who does not seek to rule but to serve.

D. Responsibilities: A job description, which defines a pastor’s official duties, shall be adopted by FBC and shall be included in the appendix to this document. This job description may be changed, if necessary, by the Elder Board. A pastor’s primary responsibilities will be:

1. He shall equip the members for their spiritual ministries.

2. He shall be available to counsel the church’s leaders.

E. Term of Office: A pastor’s term of office may be ended by his submission of a written notice to the elders or by the elders on behalf of the congregation notifying him of his dismissal. The length of time for either notice is at the discretion of the elders.

F. Evaluation: Annual evaluation of the pastor(s) will be sought from the voting membership. This will be done by a Ministry Evaluation Sheet distributed to the congregation approximately thirty (30) days prior to the November business meeting. The returned sheets will be evaluated by the elders prior to the November business meeting. (See the appendix for the evaluation form.)

G. Dismissal for Cause: A pastor who violates Scriptural standards of conduct may be dismissed according to the process defined for the dismissal of an elder (see Article 4, Section 2, Sub-Section D). Vote of confidence information may be used in the process of evaluating a pastor’s ministry and, if necessary, in the process of dismissal (see ministry Evaluation Sheet in the Appendix). A man discharged from pastoral ministry for disciplinary reasons shall receive no subsequent monetary benefits.

H. Pastoral Pay: All pastors are to be paid for their service to the congregation. (1 Timothy 5:18, 1 Corinthians 9:11,14) Salaries will be established by the Deacon Board (see Article 4, Section 4, Part E).

Section 4 Deacons and Deaconesses

A Board of Deacons and a Board of Deaconesses (1 Timothy 3: 8-13) shall be selected from qualified members of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge by the Nominating Ministry (see Article 4, Section 6, Sub-Section D, Point 1). Those nominees shall be announced from the pulpit and posted in the bulletin a minimum of 2-weeks prior to the November business meeting. They shall then be voted on by the congregation at the November business meeting.

A. The Board of Deacons and Board of Deaconesses shall be a rotating Board with (suggested) 1/3 number of members elected annually to a term of three (3) years.

B. Deacons may serve as the “chairman” of an individual ministry or may appoint a trustee (a man chosen for a particular task) to head a ministry.

C. The Deacon Board will search the congregation for additional qualified ministry members and appoint them annually or as needed.

D. Deaconesses may choose other women to assist them in their functions.

E. Deacons and Deaconesses shall keep the pastor(s) and elders informed concerning their activities.

F. Deacons shall be responsible for ministries, financial matters, maintenance and promotion of physical properties, and an annual review of financial records.

G. Deaconesses shall be responsible for communion setup, fellowship meals, special dinners, funeral assistance, visitation, kitchen needs.

H. Decisions by the Board of Deacons shall be unanimous.

Section 5 Other Staff

Other staff positions may be proposed by the Board of Deacons and presented to the congregation. All job descriptions shall be outlined by the Board of Deacons.

Section 6 Church Ministries

A. Definition: Each activity, program, or operational area of the church shall be the responsibility of a ministry.

B. Membership: All members of a ministry shall be members of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge.

C. Meetings and Responsibilities: Ministries shall keep orderly records and submit reports to the Board of Deacons as requested. A written report from each ministry shall be included in the annual report. They shall also submit an annual budget request to the Finance Ministry for their anticipated needs during the coming year.

D. Required Ministries:

1. Nominating: Shall consist of the church moderator, one elder, one deacon, and at least one member at large from the church membership. The Nominating Committee shall submit qualified candidates for Moderator (see Article 5, Section 1), Church Recorder (see Article 5, Section 2), Deacons, and Deaconesses (see Article 4, Section 4) to be elected at the November business meeting.

2. Finance: Administers the financial and legal matters of the church. This includes counting the offerings as well as making and submitting an annual budget subject to unanimous approval of the Board of Deacons.

E. Suggested Ministries: The following is a representative list of the ministries which are anticipated, but not required, to fulfill the mission of the church. As a new ministry becomes necessary, or an existing ministry becomes obsolete, changes may be carried out at the discretion of the elders and/or the Board of Deacons.

1. Body Life: Promotes interaction, encouragement, communications, and fellowship within the body.

2. Christian Education: Coordinates and administers the educational ministries of the church including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, AWANA and church nursery.

3. Evangelism: Develops, organizes, promotes, and administers evangelistic outreach.

4. Missions: Develops, organizes, promotes, and administers home and foreign missions.

5. Buildings and Grounds: Supervises the maintenance and improvement of all church property.

6. Worship: Encourages and develops spiritual worship, music, and other worship activities, coordinating them with the pastor(s).

7. Visitation: Coordinates with the pastor(s) and elders. Records shall be kept of each visitation.

8. Youth: Coordinates all youth (Grades 7 through 12) activities (excluding Sunday school and AWANA) and supervises all Youth Center activities.

Section 7 Teachers

A. All teachers (Sunday school, children’s church, AWANA, church-sanctioned Bible studies, etc) must be approved by the elders as qualified to teach Biblical truth.

B. Governing leadership of AWANA must be approved by the Elder Board and drawn from among FBC members. The AWANA leadership may, from time to time, need to accept teachers/helpers from churches of like faith.

Section 8 Interim Pastor

When necessary, an interim senior pastor shall be recommended by the elders, subject to eighty percent (80%) affirmation of the church membership (see Article 4, Section 2 for information about pastors).

Section 9 Baptism

A person desiring baptism performed by someone other than the pastor(s) should first seek Elder approval.

Article 5 Business Meetings

Section 1 Church Moderator

A Church Moderator shall be selected from qualified members of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge by the Nominating Ministry (see Article 4, Section 6, Sub-Section D, Point 1). The nominee shall be announced from the pulpit and posted in the bulletin a minimum of 2-weeks prior to the November business meeting. The nominee shall be voted on by the congregation at the November business meeting and, if elected, shall preside over all congregational business meetings in the following year. In his or her absence, a deacon may conduct such meetings.

Section 2 Church Recorder

A Church Recorder shall be selected from qualified members of First Baptist Church of Cedaredge by the Nominating Ministry (see Article 4, Section 6, Sub-Section D, Point 1). The nominee shall be announced from the pulpit and posted in the bulletin a minimum of 2-weeks prior to the November business meeting. The nominee shall be voted on by the congregation at the November business meeting. If elected, the Church Recorder shall keep the minutes of any business meeting in the following year and be custodian of the church records. The Church Recorder may appoint another member to keep the minutes.

Section 3 Church Treasurer

A Church Treasurer will be identified among the Deacons as the Deacon in charge of the Finance Ministry. The Church Treasurer shall be responsible to answer or coordinate the search for answers to any financial questions posed to the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge by authorized government officials. The Church Treasurer shall also present a report on the financial health of the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 4 Quorum

A quorum for the transaction of business at any congregational business meeting, which is duly announced (see Section 8 below), shall consist of the voting members present.

Section 5 Voting Rights

All members of the church sixteen (16) years of age and over are eligible to vote and must be present to do so.

Section 6 Annual Business Meeting

The annual business meeting shall be held in November with new officers assuming office January 1. At this meeting the membership shall:

1. Hear the annual reports of the Pastor(s), Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses, and ministries.

2. Adopt a budget for the next year.

3. Elect Deacons, Deaconesses, a Moderator, and a Church Recorder.

4. Transact such other business as deemed necessary.

Section 7 Interim Business Meetings

An Interim business meeting may be held in April to:

1. Review finances.

2. Hear reports and conduct any necessary business.

Section 8 Special Business Meeting

Special business meetings may be called at any time by the Elders, Deacons, or upon written request of ten percent (10%) of the qualified voting members.

Section 9 Notice of Meetings

The congregation shall be notified from the pulpit of every business meeting and the purpose of the meeting for at least two consecutive Sundays prior to the meeting except in emergency situations as determined by the Elders and/or Deacons.

Article 6 Licensing, Ordination, and Commission

Section 1 Licensing

Any member who, in the judgment of the church, gives evidence by his Christian life, zeal, and gift in preaching, that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, may be given a license to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The licensing must have the approval of the elders and must be affirmed by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of qualified voters present at any congregational business meeting. The elders shall specify the tenure of the license and the

license shall be subject to review. The license may be renewed by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote by qualified voters present at any congregational business meeting.

Section 2 Ordination

If a member, multiple members or the entire congregation believe a licensed preacher possesses the Scriptural qualifications and training for ordination, the elders may convene a council to examine such a candidate. The elders shall consider the recommendation of the ordination council and then make a determination concerning the candidate’s fitness for ordination and proceed accordingly, subject to an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote by qualified voters present at any congregational business meeting.

Section 3 Commission

After examining a candidate for gifting and appropriate ability, the elders may commission him or her for a specific ministry. The commission must be approved by an eighty-percent (80%) vote of the qualified voters present at any congregational business meeting. The elders will specify the tenure of the commission and it will be subject to congregational review. It may be renewed by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote by qualified voters present at any congregational business meeting.

Article 7 Corporate Matters

Section 1 Fiscal Year

The fiscal year is January 1 through December 31.

Section 2 Financial Support

This church is supported by the voluntary contributions of its people. It is urged that every member of the church practice faithful, systematic giving.(1 Corinthians 16:2)

Section 3 Dissolution

If dissolution of the corporation occurs, the assets of the church shall be distributed as follows:

All property owned by the corporation shall be and hereby is irrevocably dedicated to evangelical religious purposes and uses, and upon liquidation, dissolution of, or abandonment of the corporation, will not accrue to the benefit of any church member except a fund, foundation, or corporation organized and operated for evangelical religious purposes.

Article 8 Amendments

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, revised, or repealed by the congregation as follows.

A. Proposed amendments, revisions or repeals must be filed in writing with the Elders or they may be proposed by the Elders.

B. They must be provided to the church members and announced from the pulpit two Sundays in advance of a business meeting which will vote on them.

C. Any amendment, revision or repeal must be approved by an eighty percent (80%) affirmative vote of the qualified members present at a regular or special business meeting.

Article 9 Statement of Beliefs

1. The Holy Scriptures: We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the verbally inspired Word of God; the final authority for faith and life, inerrant, infallible, God-breathed, and that divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writing—historical, poetic, doctrinal, and prophetic—in the original texts. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Therefore, everything we say and do must be under the guidance and authority of the Scriptures. Our integrity depends on consistent application of commonly understood Biblical truths. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalms 19:7-11, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

2. Godhead: We believe the Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and these three are one God, worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:18-19, Mark 12:29, John 1:1 and 14, Acts 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 1:1-3 and 9:14, 1 John 5:20, Revelation 1:4-6)

A. God the Father: We believe in God the Father, existent as Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe God concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all that come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 4:24, John 6:57, Ephesians 4:4-6, 1 John 4:14-15)

B. Jesus Christ, God the Son:

(1) The Virgin Birth: We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, and became man without ceasing to be God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men. (Luke 1:30-31, John 1:1-5 and 14, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5)

(2) The Atonement for Sin: We believe the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as our representative, a vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and our justification is made sure by His literal and physical resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:12, Romans 3:24-25, Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:3-5 and 2:24)

(3) The Resurrection and Priesthood: We believe the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God as our High Priest, where He fulfills the ministry as our representative, intercessor, and advocate. (Acts 1:9, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:24-28 and 9:24, 1 John 2:1-2)

C. The Holy Spirit, God the Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit came to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and in testimony. He is the author of the new birth, the breath of God, and the inspiration of the Bible. He indwells every believer in Christ, serving as the sanctifying power of God in the believer to help teach and guide him. (Luke 24:49, John 3:5-6, 14:16-17 and 26, John 16:7-13, Acts 5:32 and 11:16, Romans 8:14-16, 23, and 26-27, Ephesians 1:13-14, Hebrews 9:14)

3. Satan and His Angels: We believe God created an innumerable company of spiritual beings known as angels. An angel, named Lucifer, and highest in rank, sinned through pride and became known as Satan. We believe a great company of angels followed Satan and became active agents in deceiving men against the grace of Jesus Christ. We believe Satan and his angels were judged at the cross. His activity now on earth is brief and is awaiting the second coming of Christ, and then the final judgment, at which time Satan will be bound and cast into the abyss for a thousand years. Then he will be released for a short season at the end of the millennium before being eternally cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:11-19, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 and 11:14-15, Ephesians 6:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, Revelation 20:1-3)

4. Holy Angels: We believe an innumerable company of Holy Angels did not follow Lucifer when he sinned, and remained to serve our God. They are before the throne of God and are sent forth as ministering spirits to believers. (Luke 15:10, Hebrews 1:13-14, Revelation 7:11-12)

5. Creation: We believe the Genesis account of Creation as being neither allegory nor myth, but a literal account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any macro evolutionary processes and only microevolution acting within species. Man’s spirit, soul and body was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life, and all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the human race. (Genesis 1 and 2, 4:1-2 and 5:1-4, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17)

6. Sinners: We believe that the Scriptures teach that we must oppose sin in all its forms while demonstrating compassion for those who are sinning, distinguishing between the value and identity of each person as an individual and the behavioral choices which each individual may make. (Galatians 5:19-25, 1 Corinthians 7:1-3) We understand the Bible to differentiate between recognition of personhood and rejection of those actions which it defines as immoral, while simultaneously extending forgiveness and healing to all who respond in believing faith to the Gospel’s universal offer of God’s saving grace. (John 8:3-11, Luke 15:10)

7. Repentance: We believe repentance is a change of mind and purpose toward God and is prompted by the Holy Spirit since the day of Pentecost. It is characterized by Godly sorrow for sin offensive to God. (Mark 1:14-15, John 16:7-11, Acts 2:37-38 and 17:30, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Peter 3:9)

8. Faith and Salvation: We believe faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation. (Acts 16:31 and 26:18, Romans 3:28 and 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 11:1 and 6)

9. The New Creation through Grace: We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again, and the new birth is a new generation in Christ Jesus. It is instantaneous. In the new birth, the old man, dead in trespasses and sins, is made a partaker of the divine nature and so receives eternal life, the free gift of God. The new creation is accomplished by our sovereign God in a manner beyond our comprehension through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ for us and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. By this, God produces holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life. (John 3:3, 507, Ephesians 2:1, 8-10, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 23)

10. Believer’s Two Natures: We believe we are called to walk in the Spirit, not after the flesh and its lusts. The flesh is never eradicated and must be kept in subjection by the Spirit, or it will reveal its presence in our lives and dishonor the Lord. We believe the saved should live a Godly life and walk in such a manner as to not bring reproach upon the Savior or cause others to stumble. (Romans 6:11-13, 8:5-13, 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:1-10, 1 John 2:15-17, 3:5-9)

11. Justification: We believe justification is the judicial act of God whereby we are declared righteous by grace through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, and not by our works of righteousness. (Acts 13:39, Romans 3:20-26, 4:5, 5:1-2 and 9, Titus 3:5-6)

12. Sanctification: We believe sanctification is the divine “setting apart” of the believer unto God. It is an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ. Sanctification establishes the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Savior. We believe, however, that the believer retains his sinful nature, which cannot be eradicated in this life. Therefore, while the standing of the Christian in Christ is perfect, his present state is no more perfect than his experiences in daily life. As a result, sanctification is a process wherein the Christian is to “grow in grace” and to be “changed” by the unhindered power of the Spirit. We also believe the sanctification of God will continue until the believer is fully sanctified and “like Christ”. (John 17:15-20, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 7:1, and 10:5, Ephesians 4:22-24, 30, and 5:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 10:10 and 14)

13. Eternal Security and Assurance: We believe God’s love guarantees man’s salvation through Jesus Christ, and all true believers shall be saved forever. This is assured by the intercession and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who are saved. God chastens and corrects the redeemed in infinite love, in order to perfect their character and give assurance in their earthly walk. (John 5:24, 10:27-29, Romans 8:35 and 37-39, 11:29, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 5:11-13, Jude 24)

14. The Church: The Church, the body and the bride of Christ, consists of those who are born again. They are made members by the once-for-all-time baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. Christ now makes intercession in heaven for the Church and will continue until He shall come again. (John 3:3, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Peter 1:23)

15. The Ordinances: We believe the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe Christian baptism is the immersion of a professed believer in water to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful example, his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. We hold baptism as a prerequisite to the privileges of local church membership. We believe Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper to commemorate His death. It should be observed and administered according to the Scriptural exhortations until He shall return the second time. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Colossians 2:12)

16. The Great Commission: We believe it is the message of our Lord Jesus Christ to the saved to go forth and share the Gospel as Christ was sent forth by His Father to redeem the world. We believe that after salvation, the saved are related to this world as strangers and pilgrims, ambassadors and witnesses. While the primary purpose in the life of a saved person is to glorify God, the second purpose should be to make Christ known to the world. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, John 17:1-26, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, 1 Peter 2:11-12)

17. Last Things

A. Dispensationalism: We believe the interpretation of the Scriptures in their literal sense reveals divinely determined dispensations, or rules of life, which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather divinely ordered stewardship's by which God directs man according to His purpose. (John 1:17, 2 Corinthians 3:9-18, Galatians 3:13-25, Ephesians 1:10, 3:2-12, and Revelation 20:1-6)

B. The Blessed Hope: We believe, according to the Word of God, the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air. He will receive to Himself and to Heaven both His own who are alive and have remained until His coming as well as all the dead in Christ. This event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scriptures and for this we should be constantly looking. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Philippians 3:20, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

C. The Tribulation: We believe the translation of the Church will be followed by the fulfillment of Israel’s 70th week. This time will be a time of judgment on the whole earth. At the end of this judgment, the “time of the Gentiles” will be brought to a close. The latter half of this seven (7) year period will be the “time of Jacob’s trouble” which our Lord Jesus called the Great Tribulation. We believe universal righteousness will not be realized prior to the Second Coming of Christ, and the world in this church age will see fearful apostasy. (Jeremiah 30:7, Matthew 24:15-21, Revelation 6:1, 19:21)

D. The Second Coming: We believe the Second Coming of Christ to earth will climax the end of the Great Tribulation, introducing the Millennial Age. Satan will be bound and placed in the abyss. Israel will be restored to her land to receive the earthly promise of God’s covenant, bringing the whole world to the knowledge of God. (Deuteronomy 30:1-10, Isaiah 11:1-9, Matthew 24:27-31, Acts 15:16-18, Romans 11:21-27, Revelation 20:1-3)

E. The Eternal State: We believe all those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation will pass immediately into His presence at the moment of death. Their spirits and souls will remain in heavenly joy until the resurrection of the glorified body at the Rapture. Completed, we will be united with Him forever in Glory.

After death, the spirits and souls of the unbelieving remain in conscious misery and condemnation until the final judgment of the Great White Throne. At the close of the Millennium, the unbeliever’s spirit, soul, and body will be reunited, judged, and cast into the Lake of Fire (not to be annihilated) to be punished with everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord. (Luke 16:19-26, 23:42-43, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-8)

18. Contemporary Problems

A. Holy Spirit: We believe the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and miraculous healing, were temporary. We believe speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the Baptism of the Spirit, and is not a sign of spiritual maturity, but has produced division and disunity among believers. Furthermore, the deliverance of the body from sickness and death awaits the consummation of salvation in the resurrection. For example, James 5:15 does not allow the word “heal” to be substituted for the word “saved”. (1 Corinthians 13:8-10, 14:22)

B. Civil Government: We believe civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good of human society. Judges and statesmen are to be prayed for, honored, and obeyed. The only exception granted is in those things opposed to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in His Word. (Deuteronomy 16:18, Matthew 22:21, Acts 5:29, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Titus 3:1)

C. Sexual Sin: God’s Word denounces sexual activity, except married heterosexuality, as a sin. Fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, group sexual activity, transgenderism and other such activities of our post-modern, western society are sinful. Those engaging in these activities need to come to God and agree with God about this sin. By grace they may be saved by faith, and become born again. Such deliverance means a new lifestyle is a necessity. (Genesis 19:1-11, Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-11).

D. Abortion: The sins which precede the present-day problem of abortion are selfishness and sexual immorality. We believe children are a gift from God and to be welcomed whenever He gives them to us. (Psalm 127:3-5, Matthew 18:10, Mark 9:37) We believe abortion is the Biblical equivalent of murder. The Bible states that life begins at conception. We also affirm that the stigma of illegitimacy exists only in the minds of men. God’s grace makes all His children legitimate. (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:4-5)

E. Cults: In our times we see the warning from Scripture that many will come professing Jesus Christ, but do not believe Him. They use Biblical words erroneously. These are false teachers, and are known as antichrist. We call them cults. Some tests, which can be used in determining if an organization is a cult, are:

(1) Is there any denial of the cardinal doctrines of the Bible?

(2) Are there any additions to the cardinal doctrines which are used to contradict Scripture?

(3) Is the deity or the humanity of the Lord Jesus denied?

(4) Is there denial of the total depravity of sin or is there a substitution of a new classification of failure?

(5) Is there denial of a physical resurrection?

(6) Is there acceptance of the atonement?

Scripture warns that we are not to “…be children tossed… carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes”. (Ephesians 4:14) We feel the obligation to stand firm on the sacredness of our Lord’s Person and Work. (Matthew 7:15, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 2:19, 22-23, 4:1-3, 2 John 1:7, 10-11, Jude 4)

F. Women’s Liberation: We affirm Scriptural standards, which provide for inequalities of men and women in the flesh, but equality in spiritual standing. The God-given institution of the family necessitates that “women’s rights” cannot be legislated, for they were purchased with guarantee at Calvary. The “Magna Carta” of women’s rights is the Holy Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 7:4, Ephesians 5:21-23, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:7)

G. Marriage: Marriage is a God-given institution. Scripture is very clear concerning the following:

(1) Marriage is only between one man, who was born male, and one woman, who was born female.

(2) Marriage is to be monogamous. (Exodus 20:17, 1 Corinthians 7:2)

(3) When married, a man and woman shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2: 24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:8)

(4) Marriage is terminated at death. (Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:2)

(5) Thou shalt not be unequally yoked—believers should not marry unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14)

(6) Marriage is an earthly example of God’s Spiritual marriage between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the Church, the Bride. (Ephesians 5:22-33) Other references on marriage may be found in Genesis 2:18-25, Mark 10:2-12, and Luke 16:18.

First Baptist Church of Cedaredge retains the right to not sanction or conduct any ceremony being called marriage that is contrary to that defined above and the right to refuse the use of FBC property for such a purpose.

H. The Family: Marriage is the first step in God’s institution called the family. (Genesis 2:18-25) The Bible discusses an orderly progression of authority and responsibility in the family. (Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 5:22-23, 6:1-4)

1. God

2. Husband

3. Wife

4. Children

Social movements within national and international governments in recent years have attempted to liberate children. Often done in the guise of protection from neglect and abuse, agencies of government have usurped parental (father and mother) authority and responsibility to raise children according to Biblical truth. Parenting is modeled after God’s relationship to man. (Deuteronomy 4:10, Matthew 19:14, Hebrews 12:5-11)

The Bible commands parents to:

(1) Accept children as gifts from God, who will be returned to Him. (Genesis 2, Psalm 127:3)

(2) Discipline their children—not doing so defies the commandment to love. (Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 23:13-14, 22:15, 29:15)

(3) Teach the principles of God daily in “ordinary conversation” at home. (Deuteronomy 6:1-25, Proverbs 15:4)

(4) Raise their children in the way they should go—as programmed by God. (Proverbs 22:6)

(5) Teach them to respect their parents in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4, Colossians 3:20)

(6) Teach them to obey rulers unless such rulers force obedience contrary to God’s Word. (Acts 5:27-29, Hebrews 13:17)

I. Divorce: Marriage can be shattered by sin (Matthew 19:3-8, Luke 16:18). Divorce is permitted in the cases of fornication, adultery, or desertion. (Matthew 19:9, 1st Corinthians 7:15)

J. Remarriage: We deem it necessary to address, with those professing to be Christians, the question of remarriage. The New Testament does not teach extensively on the question of remarriage, for the Bible does not legislate sub-ideal behavior. Instead, it regulates and forbids lifestyle choices that necessitate divorce.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7-10). It is the purpose of God’s people to effect the reconciliation and renewal of the believer to Christian maturity through the medium of Agape Love. It should be remembered that Scripture is clear on the position of those divorced and remarried regarding certain offices in the church. Any who have received Christ following divorce and remarriage are a new creation and are therefore qualified for all offices in the Lord’s Church. Believers who have gone through divorce for reasons not sanctioned by Scripture and then remarry are advised to humbly decline seeking an office which demands Scriptural, marital qualifications they can no longer meet

because of their remarriage. They should willingly seek other positions of service. (1 Timothy 3:2, 12, Titus 1:6)

(1) Remarriage of widows and widowers. It is neither commanded nor forbidden. It is accepted as a human prerogative and convenience. (Romans 7:1-3, 1 Corinthians 7:6-9)

(2) Remarriage for those divorced for causes of adultery, fornication, or desertion. The innocent party is given spiritual authority to remarry. (1 Corinthians 7:27-28)

(3) Remarriage for those divorced for causes other than adultery, fornication and desertion. The Bible states that, in this situation, remarriage is adultery. (Matthew 19:9)

K. Humanism: Humanism is a philosophy of life promoting the works of men while denying the sinfulness of man and the need of the cross of Christ. It includes “situation ethics” (example: What is right at a given moment in time is Right.) and human perfection (example: We can accede to the position of self-sufficiency through science, music, and the arts without God’s help, and we can master all our social and personal ills.), and it denies all Biblical doctrine. We believe it has been inculcated into the basics of all our education, government, and judicial systems, and has even infiltrated many Christian churches. The Bible clearly warns against it. (Romans 1:20-25, 3:10-11, 1 Corinthians 1:19-23, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Galatians 4:3, 8-9, Colossians 2:8, 1 Timothy 6:20) Man without God is without hop

A. Drugs: We are living in a drug culture. American people are propagandized toward many mind-altering substances. The end message is that these chemicals have the answer to human needs—freedom from guilt, the finding of peace and happiness, anxiety release, restful sleep, and enhanced innate capabilities. We believe the habitual drug user is involved in a misguided search for an ultimately meaningful experience and is making chemicals the replacement for the One True God. This is a “cop-out” and an “end run” around the Bible and believers are warned against such activities. (Revelation 21:8, 22:15) The habitual abuse of drugs destroys the soul as well as the body.

B. Race (Nations and People): The Bible teaches that there are different nations of men, yet all have one father, Adam. (Acts 17:26, Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 15:22) These were placed within geographical locations. The Word of God states we are “of one blood”. Christ died for all, that He might form a new people called the Redeemed. (The Bible speaks of Jew, Gentile, and the Redeemed as the three divisions of man.) This gospel must be preached to all. The middle wall of partition separating Jews and Gentiles is broken down (Ephesians 2:14) and all may become saints of God, irrespective of Jew or Gentile. Our church shall commit itself to the ministry of reconciliation and love, maintaining freedom and fellowship for all and partiality toward none.

C. The New Age Movement: The “New Age Movement” of today is the old morality described in Scripture. (Romans 1:18-32, 2 Timothy 3:1-7) It exchanges the absolutes of sin and salvation for godless pursuits involving drug addiction, sexual sin, devaluation of life, promotion of human-centered religions, emphasis on truth as relative not absolute, etc. It invades any church where a social gospel adds to or subtracts from the Bible and is used to replace Biblical authority. The Lord said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Paul said, “Love fulfills the law.” Such love forbids the arbitrary standards of the new age movement. (Galatians 5:19-21) We call on all believers to assert obedience to God rather than men. As new creatures in Christ, believers are to accept the sufficiency of Christ in salvation, and the Bible in rules of conduct. Accepting the absolutes of Scripture and rejecting the changeable values of the new age movement is the only way to godliness and salvation. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

D. War and Peace: The Bible proclaims war will exist until the Millennium. (Matthew 24:6-8) Christians know we may be victims of war – we may be willing or unwilling participants in it. It is important to see the problem of war and participation in it in the light of individual conviction (1 John 3:20-22), and government authority as granted by God. There is no doubt, in Scripture, that government has the authority to take life. (Exodus 21:12, 15:17) Nor is there any doubt that God historically commended acts of war. (1 Samuel 15:2-3)

It is also true that Scripture commands an individual not to murder. (Exodus 20:13) How does one resolve the fact that Moses, as a murderer, could be the channel of the Ten Commandments? Within our fellowship, as we share the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we become aware of our brother’s attitude toward some of these basic questions. Though we may personally differ, these questions should be upheld as a personal right. We are not judges. The Boards of this church and the pastor(s) shall gladly act as witnesses to personal character in the matter of conscientious objection to war. We shall commend a person to any authorities as an honest, law-abiding citizen who cannot accept the law of the land concerning war, but will do his utmost in some other area of assistance to his country.

Testimonies (important that at least 2 elders are present)

Opportunities to serve

Youth Ministry

Adult Sunday School (teachers)

Children’s SS

Children’s Church

Adventure Club

Music with the Kids

Missions

Choir

Music (Ministry)

Visitation

Membership Care

Ushering

Greeters

Discipleship