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The name of this church shall be BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA.
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31, 32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection; and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1, 3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19, 20; Ephesians 4:5, 6
We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1, 2; 2:5, 6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:32; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9, 10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26, 27; John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26
We believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual, and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation, and granted eternal life. Genesis 1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Ecclesiastes. 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 19:3, 20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the unique task of making disciples of Jesus Christ from all nations. Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:19-21; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25; Matthew 28:18–20
We believe that a Christian has died with Christ and been raised with him to new life, and should therefore live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15, 23-24; I John 2:3-6; II Corinthians 9:6-9; I Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 1:9-10
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from undue interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. I Timothy 2:5; Romans 14:7-9, 12
We believe that local churches can promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Acts 15:36,41; 16:5; I Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4, 10, 11. This church is affiliated with Converge and may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20; I Thessalonians 4:15; II Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 4:5; I Corinthians 15; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15
The membership of this Church shall consist of persons who confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, who give evidence of regeneration by a living consistent with their profession and with the views of faith, doctrine, and practice of this Church, who have been baptized by immersion and who have been received into its membership according to the Bylaws of this Church.
1. Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the membership of the Church is the final authority within this local Church. This authority is normally exercised through the election of officers to govern the Church.
2. The vote of the membership of this Church at a properly called meeting, as provided in the Bylaws, shall be required to effect the following actions:
a. Accept members into the Church, give letters of transfer or recommendation to members, or drop members from the Church roll;
b. Elect officers of the Church;
c. Discipline members by dismissing them;
d. Discipline officers by removing them from office;
e. Approve annual budgets of the Church, authorize any expenditure of the funds of the Church when such expenditure is not covered by an approved budget, and approve any transactions regarding real property;
f. Accept, reject, or otherwise dispose of any matter submitted to the membership of the Church by the Council of Elders, or raised by motion at a business meeting;
g. Adopt, amend, or repeal the Constitution or Bylaws of this church;
h. Approve the call and job description of those Elders who receive compensation from the Church for fulfilling their Elder responsibilities.
3. The offices of the Church shall be Elder and Deacon. The purpose of the officers of the Church is to lovingly govern, care for, and equip the membership to do the work of the ministry.
4. The leadership of the Church shall be vested in the Council of Elders who are responsible for governing the Church, teaching the Word and tending the flock of God in this Church. The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function.
5. Deacons shall assist the Council of Elders by performing services of ministry, advice, administration, implementation, and other such services as the elders deem necessary.
1. Revisions, additions or amendments of this constitution may be made only in the following manner:
a. at the annual meeting; and
b. by a majority vote of the membership, or a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at such meeting, provided at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church is present at such meeting; and
c. after presentation by written motion at a quarterly or special business meeting held at least three months before the annual meeting; and
d. if notice of the proposed change or addition has been given, in writing and from the pulpit on at least two weekends in the interim period between said meetings.
2. Article II (1) and VI (2) of this constitution shall not be repealed, amended nor revised.
Section 1
PROCEDURE
All actions regarding membership, either of admission or dismissal, shall be by vote of the Church upon recommendation of the Council of Elders. At any of the regular meetings for worship, the Church may, without special notice, receive new members.
Section 2
INSTRUCTION TO NEW MEMBERS
All persons uniting with this Church shall previously be made acquainted with the Church Covenant and the Membership Affirmation of Faith. New members shall pledge themselves to fulfill their stewardship obligations to regularly attend worship and participate in service and giving, when they make public profession of faith and join the Church.
Section 3
REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
a. Members may be removed from membership upon recommendation by the Elders and a majority vote of the members present at any business meeting.
b. Members in good standing may request a letter of recommendation to present to a different church. Members who unite with another Church will be removed from the membership roll.
c. Members who are found to be inactive in the worship, fellowship and ministry of the Church will be removed from the membership roll. It is the responsibility of the Council of Elders to remind members of their duties in this respect.
d. Members whose conduct consistently or grievously contradicts the commitments outlined in the Church Covenant may be subject to Church discipline under the leadership of the Elders.
Section 1
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
The Biblical offices of the Church are Elders and Deacons. The Council of Elders are the legal directors of the Church. Elders and Deacons shall be called to office by vote of the membership of the Church as described in Article II, Sections 2–3 of these Bylaws. All Elders and Deacons of the Church shall be members in good and regular standing. The Church also recognizes the administrative positions of Clerk, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary and may employ additional personnel as described in Article III of these Bylaws.
Section 2
ELDERS
a. Qualifications. Elders and nominees for Elder shall be men of demonstrable godly character, above reproach in public and private, and committed to shepherding the flock of God and to teaching and guarding sound doctrine, as expressed in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Elder Affirmation of Faith. Elders and nominees will exemplify the Biblical characteristics of elder-overseers in I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-4 and will agree with the Bethlehem Baptist Church Elder Affirmation of Faith and commit to the Elders Covenant.
b. Responsibilities. The fundamental responsibility of the Elders is to devote themselves to prayer and the Word. The Elders are responsible for governing the Church as godly servant leaders. They must teach the Word and tend the flock of God in this Church. The responsibilities of the Elders shall include: examining prospective members and candidates for baptism and acquainting them with the Affirmation of Faith and Church Covenant, overseeing the process of Church discipline, examining prospective candidates for office, scheduling and providing a moderator for business meetings, providing for reporting and recording of official Church business, overseeing the work of the Deacons and appointed Church agents and committees, conducting worship services, administering the ordinances of the Gospel, equipping the membership of the Church for the work of the ministry, teaching the whole counsel of God both formally and informally, correcting error, overseeing, coordinating and promoting the ministries of the Church, and mobilizing the Church for world mission.
c. Composition. The Elder Council shall be comprised of Staff and Non-Staff Elders. Staff Elders are men who receive financial compensation from the Church as they fulfill God's call to the specific ministries of the Word, prayer and shepherding the flock. In addition to the duties of their office as described in Section ‘b’ above, Staff Elders shall perform the duties determined by the Council of Elders and approved by the congregation. The duties shall be in writing at the time of employment and substantial changes shall be approved by the Church.
Non-Staff Elders are men recommended by the Council of Elders and called by the Church who serve voluntarily without financial support from the Church as they fulfill God's call to the specific ministries of the Word, prayer and shepherding the flock.
d. Call by the Church. The members shall call Staff Elders and Non-Staff Elders (1) by ballot upon recommendation of the Council of Elders and (2) by at least a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on the two successive weekends preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail (electronic or otherwise) to the membership at least one week before the meeting. Elders shall stand for reaffirmation not later than the third annual meeting following the six-month anniversary of their call or previous reaffirmation. Reaffirmation of Elders shall be by two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting.
e. Organization. The Council of Elders shall organize itself however it determines to be best to achieve the mission of the Church. The Elders shall be equal in authority but may be specialized in function. Meetings of the Council of Elders may be held at any location and may be conducted by means of electronic communication through which the Elders may simultaneously hear each other. Unless the Council provides otherwise, meetings of the Council may be held immediately upon notice. The Council shall annually select its Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its Non-Staff Elders. The Council of Elders will meet at least quarterly and will consist of a quorum which is at least one-half of the Non-Staff elders plus at least one-half of the Staff Elders, except for matters on which only Non-Staff Elders are entitled to vote, in which case a majority of the Non-Staff elders shall constitute a quorum.
f. Action Without A Meeting. The action required or permitted to be taken by the Elders of this church may be taken by written action approved in writing by that number of Elders that would be required to take the same action at the meeting of the Elders at which all Elders then in office were present. The decision to pursue an action without a meeting requires the unanimous recommendation of the Pastor for Preaching & Vision (or the senior pastor equivalent), the Elder Council Chairman, and the Elder Council Vice Chairman. This recommendation must be communicated to the other Elders, including a timeframe for Elder responses on the action being so taken. Any Elder may submit in writing his objection to taking such action without a meeting within the timeframe stated in the recommendation. Once an objection to action without a meeting is submitted, the action being considered can only be decided upon in a meeting to be held in person, by audio connection, or by video conference.
Section 3
DEACONS
a. Qualifications. Deacons and nominees for Deacon shall be men and women who are members in good standing and demonstrate godly character and possess particular gifts of service. Deacons will exemplify the godly characteristics set forth in I Timothy 3:8-12.
b. Responsibilities. The Deacons shall advise and be ready to assist the Elders in any service that shall support and promote the ministry of the Word, new and existing ministries of the Church, and the care for the members of the congregation. Deacons shall assist the Council of Elders by performing services of ministry, advice, administration, implementation, and other such services as the elders deem necessary.
c. Composition. The Deacons may be both men and women. Deacons may or may not be employed by the Church. The number of Deacons shall be determined by the needs of the ministry and by the call and qualification of men and women in the Church.
d. Call by the Church. The members shall call Deacons (1) by ballot upon recommendation of the Council of Elders and (2) by two-thirds vote of those members present and voting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church present at the meeting. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on two consecutive weekends preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail (electronic or otherwise) to the membership at least one week before the meeting. Deacons shall stand for reaffirmation not later than the third annual meeting following the six-month anniversary of their call or previous reaffirmation. Reaffirmation of Deacons shall be by at least two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting.
e. Organization. Under the direction of the Elders, the Deacons shall organize themselves however they determine to be best to achieve the mission of the Church. The Elders or the Deacons may designate any specific Deacon or group of Deacons to specialize in some particular diaconal function. Meetings of the Deacons, or subcommittees thereof, shall be held as needed to best fulfill the responsibilities of the Deacons.
Section 4
REMOVAL
a. By resignation. Elders or Deacons may resign their office at any time if they find they are no longer able to discharge the duties of the office.
b. Grievance. Where a grievance exists against an Elder or Deacon due to teaching contrary to the beliefs of the Church as set forth in Article II of its Constitution or to alleged conduct on their part unfitting an Elder or Deacon, such grievance may be brought before the Council of Elders by any two members in good standing. If the Council, after thorough investigation and consideration, believes the grievance to be true and substantial, then the call of the Elder or Deacon may be terminated at any business meeting upon the recommendation of the Council of Elders when supported by closed ballot of a majority of those members of the Church present and voting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church present at such meeting. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on the two successive weekends preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail (electronic or otherwise) to the membership at least one week before the meeting.
c. Lack of Reaffirmation. If an Elder or Deacon fails to be reaffirmed to the office of Elder or Deacon a special business meeting shall be called to consider the question of terminating the call of that Elder or Deacon. The call shall be terminated only if supported by closed ballot of a majority of those members of the Church present and voting with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church present. Public notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given on the two successive weekends preceding the meeting. Notice shall also be given by mail (electronic or otherwise) to the membership at least one week before the meeting.
Section 5
LICENSING AND ORDINATION
In the matter of licensing and ordaining any person to the Gospel Ministry, the Church shall follow the procedure approved by the Council of Elders.
In addition to Staff Elders, the Church may employ additional personnel. The Council of Elders or their designees will be responsible for determining the duties of and hiring such personnel.
Section 1
IN GENERAL
No method of raising funds shall be entertained which is in conflict with the Scriptural ideals of the Church.
All funds donated for missions by the societies and organizations of the Church shall pass through the Church Finance Secretary and the Treasurer in order that due record may be made and credit given to the Church. The Deacons shall provide assistants for the Financial Secretary in accounting for funds donated.
Section 2
CONTRIBUTIONS
It is understood that membership in this church involves financial obligations to support the Church and its causes with regular and proportionate giving. Each member shall be encouraged to give cheerfully, regularly, and sacrificially. Special offerings may be sought by the Church, or by any of its organizations, with the approval of the Council of Elders. This shall not preclude individuals from making special offerings or designated gifts at any time as the Spirit of God may move them.
Section 3
FINANCIAL PLANNING
The financial planning of the Church shall be carried out through the medium of annual budgets for carrying out the various programs of its work. Annual budgets shall be adopted by the Church upon recommendation of the Council of Elders, or, if authorized by the Council, the Deacons or other committee. Matters involving staff compensation shall be the responsibility of the lay members of the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders may delegate this responsibility provided such delegation is to lay Deacons or other lay members of the Church.
Section 4
ACCOUNTS
Financial receipts from all sources shall be accounted for by the Finance Secretary according to the purposes for which contributions are designated. The Treasurer of the Church shall disburse these funds promptly according to the financial program of the Church as detailed in the Budgets or other authorized designations. All monies for missions shall be remitted in accordance with the Mission Budget of the Church or otherwise designated, preferably each month and not less than each quarter.
Section 5
INDEBTEDNESS
No note or contract exceeding 1% of the total annual budget whereby the credit of the Church is pledged shall be made except by recommendation of the Council of Elders and approved by the Church.
Section 6
AUTHORITY TO BIND THE CHURCH
The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council of Elders are the only officers who have authority, in accordance with these Bylaws, the Church Constitution, and any applicable laws, to execute legal documents relating to real estate, church property, and church finances.
Section 1
FOR WORSHIP
Public services shall be held on the Lord's Day. The Lord's Supper shall be celebrated on the first Sunday of each month or at such other times as the Council of Elders may determine. Other religious services may be appointed as the advancement of the work of the Church may require.
Section 2
FOR BUSINESS
a. The Annual Meeting. The annual meeting shall be held some time during the last month of the fiscal year of the Church for the purpose of calling and reaffirming the officers, reviewing proposed budgets and other business. Officers called at the annual meeting shall assume their duties at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
b. Quarterly Meetings. Quarterly meetings of the Church shall be held within the first month of each quarter of the fiscal year.
c. Special Meetings. The Council of Elders or 5% of the members of the Church in good standing, may call for a special meeting. Notice of the meeting shall be given from the pulpit or by other notification, the particular object of such meeting being clearly stated in the notice. In the calling of special meetings for purposes where an interval after advance notice is required by provision in these Bylaws or according to law, such provisions shall be observed. Notice shall be given at least one week in advance for meetings on especially important matters not otherwise provided for.
d. Quorum. Any number of members shall constitute a quorum at any ordinary meeting of the Church. At meetings dealing with particular matters stipulated in these Bylaws, the quorums prescribed shall apply.
e. Rules Governing Business Meetings. Robert's Rules of Order shall be recognized as the general pattern for the conduct of the business meetings of the Church. Seeking the Lord's wisdom and blessing through thankful prayer shall be a part of every meeting.
f. Notice Provisions. Unless specifically defined in other sections of these Bylaws or the Constitution, "notice . . . in writing" means a written announcement sent by regular U.S. mail or other electronic means, and "notice . . . from the pulpit" means an oral announcement at each of the weekend worship services.
g. Electronic Meeting. When approved by the Council of Elders, any member business meeting may be conducted as an electronic meeting by remote communication using guidelines established by the Council of Elders. All members whose remote participation in a meeting complies with such guidelines are considered to be "present" for all purposes under these Bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order. All members "present" by electronic means have the same right as members present in person. The Council of Elders is not required to offer remote communication for a meeting, and no member has a right to demand participation by remote communication for any meeting for which the Council of Elders has not approved it. The Council of Elders is not required to provide technology for people to participate remotely if they are unable to attend in person.
Members of this church shall have the liberty to participate in and organize themselves for ministry, provided that such participation and organization does not conflict with Article II of the Constitution. Any such organization may seek church sanction from the Council of Elders as an official ministry of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Such sanction shall be granted provided that 1) the object, purpose, belief and conduct of the organization and its members is consistent with Article II of the Constitution, and 2) the primary officers of the organization are: members of the church, or other regular attenders of the church who have been approved under guidelines established by the Council of Elders. Sanction by the Council of Elders does not necessarily imply support of the organization by the church with personnel, finances, or facilities. Such support may be requested as provided by the leadership of the church.
Church discipline shall be carried out by the Council of Elders in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws and as explained in our Relational Commitments developed by the Council of Elders and approved and consented to by the members.
Relationships in the church will be guided and governed by the biblical principles set forth in a document entitled “Relational Commitments,” which is incorporated into these Bylaws by reference. This document establishes our commitments related to peacemaking and reconciliation, accountability and church discipline, preserving marriages, biblical counseling and confidentiality, and the protection of our children. These Commitments shall apply to members of our church, and may be amended from time to time in the same way that these Bylaws may be amended.
Amendments to these Bylaws may be introduced through written motion at any quarterly meeting, with the exception of Article II(4)(b) regarding amending the Elder Affirmation of Faith which as previously stated may only be amended by a recommendation of the Council of Elders to the church. Amendments shall not be acted on until the following quarterly or annual meeting, at which time an affirmative vote of the majority of the membership of the Church, or a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting shall be required for acceptance; provided, however, that at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of the Church be present at such meeting, and that notice of the proposed change or amendment be given from the pulpit on at least two weekends and in writing to the membership in the interim period between the meetings.