ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
1. Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a change of heart and a
willingness to live in harmony with the constitution of this Church, as set forth in this document, may
upon believer’s baptism by immersion, be received into its membership.
1. The candidate for membership will have an initial interview with the Pastor and be provided
with a copy of our constitution.
2. After conscientiously reading this document the candidate will be interviewed by the Pastor and
Deacons at which time he or she will be invited to share testimony of salvation, believer’s baptism by
immersion and willingness to live in harmony with this Church as set forth in this document.
3. Upon a satisfactory conclusion of the interview, the Pastor and Deacons shall duly call a meeting of
the Church for the purpose of recommending the candidate. A fifty-one per cent vote of members
present is required to approve an individual for membership.
All members in good standing, eighteen years of age and over, may vote on any and all business
matters of the Church.
All members in good standing shall be eligible for letters of commendation to other evangelical
churches. Letters of commendation shall be forwarded to the receiving Church.
- Excommunicating Discipline
1. Purpose - The purpose of all discipline shall be:
a. to promote consistent Christian living
b. to restore errant members to fellowship and service
c. to strengthen the Church
2. Occasions
a. Significant doctrinal deviation - Romans 16:17-18
b. Immoral conduct - I Corinthians 5:9-13
c. Divisiveness, Sowing Discord - Proverbs 6:16-19; Titus 3:10-11 (See Endnote 1)
3. Responsibility - Excommunicating discipline within the Church is the responsibility of the
membership under the leadership of the Pastor and Deacons. It is neither the prerogative nor the
responsibility of the Pastor alone. Any such severe disciplinary action that is deemed necessary shall
be in the spirit of love (II Thess. 3:14-15) and meekness (Gal. 6:1).
1. Death - A person’s name shall be removed from membership upon their decease.
2. Request - A Letter from a member requesting termination shall be acknowledged at the next
business meeting following the date of the request. The termination shall be noted in the minutes.
3. Non-Attendance - Members demonstrating habitual absence from all the services over a six month
period without sufficient cause will forfeit the privilege of voting on any matter of Church business.
Their intentions regarding continued membership will be ascertained by the Deacons. One year of such
absence will automatically bring a member’s name before the Church for consideration of dismissal.
4. Excommunicating Discipline
a. After all attempts at restoration and discipline have been taken, the Deacon’s Board shall
recommend to the Church at a duly called business meeting, that the delinquent person’s name be
removed from the membership roll. The recommendation shall require a majority vote of the members
present.
b. Notification - The decision of the meeting and reasons for termination shall be communicated in
writing to the person involved by the Church Clerk. Notification will be sent to the last known address.
Disciplined members may be received back into membership by giving evidence of repentance.
Each member of the Church of the Open Bible, accepts and is committed to the following affirmation:
In applying for membership in The Church of the Open Bible, my purpose is to cooperate fully with the
other members to advance the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ through this local Church.
I join with fellow believers in this commitment. I sincerely affirm that I am trusting solely in the merits
of Jesus Christ for my salvation from sin. I also affirm that I have accepted and am committed to the
Statement of Faith and all other provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws. I gladly affirm that by His
enabling grace I will endeavor to conduct my life in accordance with the following Scriptural principles:
• I will sincerely pray that Christ be exalted and that lives be blessed through the ministries of this
Church. (II Thessalonians 3:1)
• I will endeavor to live in a way that consistently honors Jesus Christ, whom I acknowledge as the Lord
of my whole life. (Ephesians 4:1)
• I will participate as regularly as possible in worship and fellowship with this congregation. (Hebrews
10:25)
• I will seek to discover my spiritual gifts and to use them in some form of Christian service within this
Church. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
• I will endeavor to participate faithfully in the financial support of the ministries of this Church. (II
Corinthians 9:6-11)
• I will refrain from propagating my Scriptural interpretations that differ from those set forth in the
Statement of Faith in order to avoid unprofitable divisions caused by contention. (I Corinthians 1:10-11)
At the same time, I will allow freedom of expression in non-essentials so that we may learn from one
another. (I Thessalonians 5:21)
If my adherence to the Scriptural principle above is called in question and should the matter then be
taken up by the Board of Deacons, I agree to submit the difference or charges to that Board. If I remain
unwilling to settle the difference on Scriptural grounds (Matthew 18:15-17), then I agree that the
Church should drop my name from the roll of church membership.
Article V - Officers
- Preface to Church Officers
Officers of this church shall consist of the Pastor, Pastoral Staff, Deacons, Trustees, Clerk, Treasurers,
and Sunday School Superintendent. The office that has been entrusted to you by the membership of
this church is not meant to be a kingdom over which you rule but a ministry in which you serve. Our
Savior has taught us, "...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And
whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave." It is imperative that we always keep
before us this sense of sacrifice for others and in doing this we will fulfill our responsibilities as unto
Him. Let's be slaves for Jesus sake.
1. The Pastoral office is a Divine appointment recognized by the people at the time of the pastor’s
calling. The relation of Pastor and people is not therefore a mere business contract. It should not be
lightly formed or rudely severed.
2. Calling
a. A candidate for the pastorate shall be carefully examined by the pulpit committee as to his
salvation, doctrine, Christian conduct (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) and call to the ministry. If he has
served in other churches, his ministry there should be explored. He shall be required to state his
acceptance of and adherence to the articles of faith and constitution. Any differences which he holds
concerning these documents should be submitted to the pulpit committee in writing. He shall also state
in writing any differences which he holds relating to groups and associations with which this Church is
in fellowship. The pulpit committee shall present only one man at a time for the consideration and vote
of the Church.
b. A call to a Pastor shall be extended at a meeting of the Church called for that purpose and
announced from the pulpit for two Sundays immediately preceding the date of the meeting. A seventy-
five per cent affirmative vote by those members present shall be necessary for a call. Voting shall be
by secret ballot. A written call and agreement shall be presented to the prospective Pastor, giving
details of Church-pastoral relationship, including salary, housing allowance, car operating expense,
professional development, retirement, insurance, vacations, etc.. These matters shall be discussed
with the Pastor and approved mutually.
c. Pulpit Committee - The Pulpit Committee shall consist of the deacons and anyone whom they
shall appoint. It shall be their duty to make careful and diligent inquiry concerning possible candidates
as to their doctrine and practice.
3. Responsibilities
a. The Senior Pastor exercises the oversight of the work and the pastoral care of the flock in
accordance with the Scriptures. In this he is first and foremost accountable unto God. As his principal
counsel the Church will elect from among its members a Board of Deacons to assist him in his calling.
b. In particular he carries out the following duties:
(1) Preaches the Word, has charge of the services, and administers the ordinances of Baptism
and the Lord’s Supper.
(2) Shepherds the flock on a personal basis as time, energy and gifts will permit.
(3) Is an ex officio (non-voting) member of all the boards and committees of the Church and a
voting member to those boards to which he was directly assigned by the congregation.
(4) He will have ultimate responsibility for all ministerial staff and secretaries. (See B.3.b)
4. Benefits
a. The Pastor’s remuneration shall be in the spirit of I Timothy 5:17,18.
b. The Pastor’s salary and benefits shall be reviewed and determined at least once a year, with
consideration also being given to the rising costs of living.
5. Severance
a. The severance of the bond between a Pastor and the Church shall be by resignation, dismissal
or death.
b. Resignation - In the event of a Pastor’s resignation, he will normally give a minimum of thirty
days notice. He will submit his intention in writing to the Deacon's Board and then to the Church. The
Deacons will recommend to the Church the financial settlement deemed suitable.
c. Dismissal
(1) All matters affecting the Pastorate shall, first, be discussed by the Deacon's Board and the
Pastor. In the event of the Deacons becoming aware of a general lack of confidence or support of the
Pastor by the Church, they shall prayerfully and sympathetically present this position to the Pastor for
consideration and action.
(2) Should the Deacon's Board, deem a change of Pastor is in the best interests of the Church,
the matter will be submitted to the Church. The dismissal of a Pastor will be upon the fifty-one per cent
vote of the members present at a duly called business meeting, the nature of the said meeting having
been clearly announced. In the event of such a meeting being called, the Pastor’s duties will be
suspended until the results of the meeting are known.
- Additional Pastoral Staff Including Secretaries
1. Appointment
a. The Deacon’s Board, in conjunction with the Senior Pastor, shall be responsible for determining
when it is appropriate to add additional pastoral personnel to the staff of the Church. A
recommendation to do so shall be made to the membership at a business meeting, and, on approval,
steps shall be taken to locate what we would understand to be the person of God’s choosing.
b. The Senior Pastor shall be responsible for all initial interviews. Those whom he considers
suitable for filling the identified positions shall then appear before the Deacon’s Board for confirmation
and recommendation.
c. A personal profile on the recommended additional pastoral personnel shall be circulated to the
membership for their consideration. The church members shall have opportunity for discussion and a
vote by secret ballot at a meeting called for the purpose. At least seventy-five per cent of the members
present must be in favor of inviting the individual concerned to join the pastoral staff.
2. Responsibilities - Additional pastoral staff will be responsible to the Senior Pastor. In addition to a
specific area of ministry to which they will be assigned, they will assist the Senior Pastor in the overall
performance of his tasks and the fulfillment of his responsibilities.
3. Benefits
a. The remuneration shall be in the spirit of I Timothy 5:17,18.
b. The salary and benefits shall be reviewed and determined at least once a year, with
consideration also being given to the rising costs of living.
3. Severance
a. By written resignation of the staff person with one month's notice.
b. By the request of the Senior Pastor in conjunction with the Deacon’s Board.
1.There shall be at least four deacons, two of whom may be junior deacons to visit the sick and needy
and to assist the pastor in his pastoral work. The deacons shall distribute the elements of the Lord’s
Supper. They shall assist the pastor in the general supervision of the spiritual work of the church. At
least once a year in cooperation with the church clerk they shall thoroughly revise the church roll.
2. The deacons shall control the purpose for which the church building is to be used and examine the
person who is going to be occupying the pulpit.
3. (As amended) The deacons will decide who is to act as moderator at church business meetings.
The board of trustees shall consist of two or more members. Their duties shall be as follows, after the
recommendation of the church leadership.
1. To assume full charge of all the church property (including parsonage) and be responsible for its
care, insurance and maintenance.
2. To represent the church on all legal matters and to have custody of all legal instruments belonging
to the church.
3. To arrange for all needed alterations and maintenance.
1. There shall be one treasurer for all current expenses and benevolences. This person shall receive
all monies and shall pay all bills that are approved by the church. He/She shall render a monthly report,
and at the annual meeting shall give a full report of the year.
2. There shall be one missionary treasurer for all missionary giving and expenses. This person shall
receive all missionary monies and shall pay all missionary bills that are approved by the church. He/She
shall render a monthly report, and at the annual meeting shall give a full report for the year.
The church clerk shall keep a record of all church meetings, a full and accurate list of members and
attend to such other work as may pertain to his or her office, and discharge the duty of financial
secretary.
- Sunday School Superintendent (as amended)
The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a member of the church and shall be elected by the
church. Working with the pastor he shall have supervision of the various divisions of the Sunday
School, and shall be chairman of the Sunday School Board composed of the officers, teachers, and
substitute teachers. With the Sunday School Board he shall plan and promote the various activities of a
well-rounded program of Christian Education.
The duties of the ushers shall include seating the people, taking the tithes and offerings, controlling
the ventilation, caring for the hymn books, and any other duties usually performed by ushers, that the
order of the service might be carried on more smoothly.
Article VI - Committees
The Membership Committee shall consist of Pastor, Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, and Clerk.
The Pulpit Committee shall consist of the deacons and anyone whom they shall appoint. It shall be their
duty to make careful and diligent inquiry concerning possible candidates as to their doctrine and
practice.
The Nominating committee shall be made up of three members chosen at the business meeting
preceding the annual meeting. This committee shall bring in a slate of officers to be acted on by the
church at the annual meeting. If a vacancy occurs or need arises for a committee or added members of
the committee the pastor and deacons will name them.
The church shall elect the following committees as necessary during the annual business meeting as
recommended by the nominating committee: Music Committee, Missionary Committee, Communion
Committee, and Flower Committee
- Budget Committee: See article X Amendment II
Article VIII - Meetings and Voting
A. The church shall meet regularly morning and evening every Lord’s Day for public worship. A meeting
of the Sunday School shall be held each Sunday for the study and teaching of the Bible. The Ordinance
of the Lord’s Supper shall be observed on the first Sunday evening of each month or at such other
times as the church may decide.
B. (as amended) of legal business. The regular business meeting of the church shall be held the first
Sunday night of each quarter following the evening service. A two week notice shall be posted in the
weekly bulletin prior to each meeting and an announcement of the meeting shall be given at the
Sunday morning service prior to the meeting..
C. The annual business meeting of the church shall be held on the last Sunday in January following the
morning worship service. (As amended) Written reports of the officers and committees shall be
presented by officers and committees elected. Other business as may come before the meeting to be
transacted. One third of the active membership shall constitute a quorum. For the transaction of legal
business a seven days notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place, and an announcement of the
meeting given at the Sunday morning service previous to the meeting. The posted notice must contain
a statement of the nature of the business to be transacted.
D. Special meetings for business may be called at any time when a notice is not required by law. Such
meetings may be called by the Pastor, Clerk,, or any five members of the church, who shall present
their request in writing to the Clerk. The written request must state the purpose of the meeting.
E. The voting privileges of the church on all legal business shall be confined to members who are
eighteen years or over as defined by law. (as amended) On all other matters all members shall be
privileged to vote. Inactive members shall not be entitled to vote at any legal or special meeting.
(Inactive members are defined in Article IV Section 3.)
Article IX - Auxiliary Organizations
All organizations of the church shall be subject to the church and shall make reports in writing at the
annual business meeting. Their policies and programs shall be subject to examination by the church.
Failure to work in harmony with the church shall be a cause for disbanding such organizations.
Article X - Amendments
A. The forgoing rules may be amended at any legally called meeting of the church by three-fourths vote
of the members present and entitled to vote, providing that the proposed amendment shall have been
read at two regular Sunday services prior to the business meeting at which the amendment is to be
voted on.
B. This church with all other fundamental churches, accepts the New Testament as the foundation of its
doctrinal beliefs and as it all-sufficient guide in matters of Christian living.
Amendment I - Dissolution
In case of dissolution of the church corporation the property, monies, and holdings shall be disposed
by Christian Schools, Inc. or if they are unable, by new Brunswick Bible Institute.
Amendment II - Budget Committee
The Budget Committee shall consist of treasurer, trustees, and elders. This committee shall meet
before the annual meeting to propose an annual church budget.
Amendment III - Ordination
When in the judgment of the Official Board, a man is this membership is called to the Christian ministry,
it shall be within the power of the Official Board to call and conduct a council of ordination, provided
such authority is granted by vote of the church.
The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their call to the
Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and
demonstrated efficiency in Christian service.
The following shall not be ordained to the ministry:
A. One who has not served six months as Pastor, Assistant Pastor, or in definite Christian work in such
manner as to convey reasonable evidence of God’s call to the ministry.
B. One who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or tobacco in any form; or who belongs
to a secret society; or one who brings disrepute upon his ministry through worldly practices and
associations.
C. No women shall be ordained to the ministry.
It shall be within the province of the Official board to discipline, even to the revoking of the ordination
credentials of any minister ordained under this Constitution if said minister is found guilty of any of the
above practices after an impartial trial conducted in the ministry of I Corinthians 13.
It shall be within the province of the Official Board to call an Ordination council for the purpose of
ordaining a man who is not a member of this congregation, but it shall not be a common practice to do
so.
Amendment IV - Nominating Process
A. The nominating committee shall send out a letter explaining the nominating process to all active
members of the church. The letter shall contain the names of the offices and the qualifications of the
officers. The letter shall also contain a suggestion card to be filled out by the voting members. The
same letter must be mailed out by October 1, and the suggestion card must be returned to the
nominating committee by November 1.
B. The nominating committee shall then meet with the pastor and deacons to discuss the possible
nominations. The pastor, deacons and nominating committee must be unanimous in each nomination.
C. The list of nominations shall be sent out by the first day of January to every voting member. Anyone
who has a question about the nominations or has a biblical reason to contest a nomination can ask to
meet with the pastor, deacons, and nominating committee before the annual business meeting.
D. The nominating committee will then present the list of nominations for vote during the annual
business meeting.
Article VII.3.
The nominating committee shall be made up of three members chosen with the other officers at the
annual business meeting. This committee shall bring a slate of officers to be acted upon at the annual
business meeting following their appointment. They shall work in accordance with the nominating
process described in Amendment IV.