CONSTITUTION
of the
Grace Reformed Baptist Church

PREAMBLE
We the members of Grace Reformed Baptist Church, do ordain and establish the following articles, to which we voluntarily submit ourselves:

Article I - Name

The name of this church is Grace Reformed Baptist Church.

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of Grace Reformed Baptist Church is to glorify the God of the Bible through proper and reverent worship, the proclamation and teaching of His Word, the edifying of the saints, and the evangelization of the lost. We are committed to the full counsel of God's Word, believing that it alone is our sole authority for faith (what we believe) and practice (what we do).

Article III - Articles of Faith

We adopt, as an appropriate expression of our faith, the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. We, in no way, elevate this Confession of Faith to the authority of the infallible Word of God. Rather, we view it as an assistance in controversy and a confirmation in faith.

Article IV - Membership

SECTION 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any individual who professes faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and bears verifiable witness to such regeneration, and who expresses substantial agreement with the doctrines, aims, and government of Grace Reformed Baptist Church shall be eligible for membership.
An individual shall request membership to the body of elders if he or she meets the above qualifications. There are three primary ways in which one can request membership at Grace Reformed Baptist Church. They are as follows:

A. TRANSFER OF LETTER
If an individual is currently a member of another Southern Baptist church, he or she shall request that his or her letter of membership be transferred from that congregation to Grace Reformed Baptist Church.
B. STATEMENT OF FAITH
If an individual is currently a member of a church of like faith and order (i.e. a sound, Bible-believing church), he or she shall request membership through what is known as a Statement of Faith. This simply means that he or she must clearly articulate his or her testimony to the elders during the membership interview.
C. PROFESSION OF FAITH
If an individual has recently been saved (or has never been part of a local body of believers), and would like to join our congregation, he or she may request membership through what is known as a Profession of Faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
SECTION 2. FORMS OF MEMBERSHIP
A. REGULAR-All who are received into the membership of the church on the above mentioned conditions shall be considered members in good standing until such status is changed by one of the conditions set forth in Article IV, Section 4.
B. OTHER-The membership status of invalids, Christian workers, and others whose relationship to the church involves abnormal circumstances, shall be determined in each case by the action of the Eldership, subject to the approval of the congregation.
SECTION 3. PROCEDURE IN RECEIVING NEW MEMBERS
After requesting membership at Grace Reformed Baptist Church by way of a transfer of letter, statement of faith, or profession of faith, the names of the person(s) will be announced to the congregation in the church bulletin. This will be done one week in advance of their examination by the Elders to allow time for any objections against the membership of such persons to be shared privately with the Elders.

A meeting shall then be scheduled with the individual seeking membership and the elders. During this meeting, the elders will (1) pray with each individual, (2) ask for a clear, written personal testimony, (3) give each individual a copy of the Church Covenant, (4) prayerfully seek to discern whether each individual has been regenerated, and (5) answer any questions each individual has concerning GRBC. After this meeting, the elders will again pray for the Lord's discernment as well as for the individual seeking membership. After a short period, an elder will contact the individual and answer any further questions he or she has. In addition, at this time, the elder will share with the individual the decision of the elder body.

Once the elders affirm each believer seeking membership, the individual will be enrolled in a PROSPECTIVES course. If the believer is joining the church by a Profession of Faith, he or she will be enrolled in a FOUNDATIONS course prior to the PROSPECTIVES course.

During the final session of the PROSPECTIVES course, each prospective member will be given the opportunity to formally join GRBC. Individuals who have yet to be baptized by immersion will, at this time, meet with an elder to discuss the ordinance of baptism.

During a Worship Service shortly following the PROSPECTIVES course, each new member will stand before the congregation, and will verbally affirm the Church Covenant (a response of "We Will" or "I Will"). Further, the Congregation will respond by verbally affirming the Congregational Responsibilities to its members.
SECTION 4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A. BY TRANSFER -Letters of Transfer shall be granted by the Eldership to members who apply for them (either individually or by another evangelical church) provided they are in good standing and not subject to or under discipline at the time of application. When such letters have been granted, the relationship to this church shall be considered terminated. Letters of Transfer shall be given only to other evangelical churches.
B. BY DISCIPLINE-It is necessary and Biblical for the congregation, upon the recommendation of the Elder Body, to exclude from this fellowship any person who persists in holding false or heretical doctrine; or who obviously and persistently lives inconsistently with his Christian profession; or who lives in violation of the law or public morals; or who walks disorderly; or any person who persists in disturbing the unity and peace of this church (See Matt. 18:15ff; I Cor. 5:1ff; II Thess. 3:6, 11-15; Rom. 16:17).
SECTION 5. EXPECTATION OF MEMBERS
A. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES-All public and private spiritual disciplines shall be urged upon the members. Such disciplines include, but are not limited to regular attendance at the services of the church, daily systematic reading of the Bible, and private and family prayers.
B. GOVERNMENT OF THE HOME-The church expects its members to follow the Scriptures in home government. God has required that godliness in the home have high priority in every life. The home holds a central attention in God's Law and is the object of frequent exhortations in the New Testament. Men are expected to lead their homes in a spirit of Christ-like humility. Wives are to submit to their husbands in accordance with Scripture. Parents must train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4), by holy example, catechizing, consistent education, and Biblical discipline. Children must reverently obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). These primary responsibilities, prayerfully executed, will honor the name of Christ in the community and strengthen the cause of Christ in generations to come.
C. MISSIONS AND WITNESSING-It is the duty of every Christian and of every Church of Christ to seek and extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Missionary efforts are the natural consequences of regeneration (Psalm 51:10-14). It is the duty of every child of God to witness by life and word. Personal efforts at witnessing for Christ are expected of every member. Beyond this, we are committed to common efforts for sending the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
D. PRINCIPLES OF GIVING-We also affirm our conviction that Christians are to cheerfully support the work of the Lord by offerings made to the local church. Hence we pledge ourselves to systematic contribution for the support of this church with a proportion of our income, in accordance with the principle in I Corinthians 16:2.
E. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY-We shall require of each other in our daily walk and conversation loyal obedience to all those moral precepts established in the Word of God (Hebrews 10:24, 25). However, where God has not prohibited certain practices in His Word, the Christian has liberty to participate in them. The following principles should always guide the Christian's exercise of liberty:
(1) Fear of God-As the servant of Christ, all actions must be moved by a motive of
love to God, and all objects must be used for His glory. The term "liberty" should not be used as a cloak of malicious self-indulgence, which is sin. (I Corinthians 10:31; I Tim. 4:4, 5; I Peter 2:15, 16)
(2) Love of Brethren-Though no man may dictate to the Christian's conscience, the welfare of fellow-saints must always deeply affect his decisions. In a spirit of serving the brethren, he must do that which he judges will edify them and prevent their stumbling (Gal. 5:13; 1 Corinthians 10:23; 1 Corinthians 8:9).
(3) Compassion for Sinners-While God remains fully sovereign in the salvation of all men, He also ordains the means for their salvation, which is most frequently the work of the Holy Spirit through another believer. Use of Christian liberty must always be regulated by its effect on sinners, as that behavior which is intended to win more for the Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
(4) Watchfulness over the Soul-Though free in conscience to use all of God's creation, carefulness in practice is demanded because of remaining lusts. Where the Christian judges himself weak through lust, he must abstain in order to persevere. (1 Corinthians 9:23-27)

SECTION 6. MEMBERSHIP RECORD
In order to keep an accurate membership roll, there shall be an annual review of the membership roll by the Elders prior to the Annual Congregational Meeting. All who have been inactive for whatever cause will be classified as such and will be notified of this action.

Article V - Church Discipline

The discipline of the church shall be exercised according to the following principles:

SECTION 1. FORMATIVE DISCIPLINE
The sanctifying influence of formative discipline as taught in I Corinthians 12:12-27 should be well understood. Every member will then be satisfied with his place, and we shall all grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. By such observance, can the church build up its members and use the talents of both old and young. All who have been redeemed should live for Him and the Church and not for themselves.
SECTION 2. CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE
Corrective discipline implies disorderly conduct or heretical doctrine that is opposed to the church's life and faith. Reasonable efforts shall be made to clear up difficulties and remove offenses before any action is taken. No offense shall be brought before the church until the instructions of Christ have first been followed (Matthew 5:23, 24; 18:15, 16). Corrective discipline has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the church, and the spiritual restoration and growth of the offender.
SECTION 3. REMOVAL FROM CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
Procedure shall be in the following manner. The suspected person shall first be interviewed as directed in Matthew 18:15-18. If this does not lead to restoration of fellowship, written charges shall be filed with the Eldership. After a fair and impartial hearing of all the witnesses accessible and all the facts ascertainable, if the majority of the Eldership believes the accused to be guilty, the Eldership shall make an appropriate recommendation to the congregation for their action at a regularly called congregational meeting. The congregation shall have the right of removal from membership by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting.
SECTION 4. RESTORATION TO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
The right to exclude or remove membership persons or the withdrawal of fellowship (2 Thessalonians 3:6) is in harmony with the teaching of the New Testament (Matt. 18:16, 17). The church also has a duty to restore those persons who gave satisfactory evidence of repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). The object of the discipline having been accomplished, the congregation shall have the right to restore the penitent member to full membership by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting.

Article VI - The Ordinances

SECTION 1. GENERAL
We believe there are two ordinances that the Church is exhorted to observe, namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
SECTION 2. THE LORD'S SUPPER
Grace Reformed Baptist Church shall observe the Lord's Supper on the first week of each month as a memorial to the broken Body and shed Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those eligible to participate in the Lord's Supper are professed believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
SECTION 3. BELIEVER'S BAPTISM
Baptism is the outward expression of the inward work of salvation in the life of a believer. The purpose of baptism is five-fold: (1) It is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ. (2) It is an act of public identification with Christ. (3) It is a public declaration of faith and commitment to Christ. (4) It is a pictorial reminder of the source and meaning of salvation. (5) It is a symbolic illustration of the forgiveness of sins that Christ provided for every believer in His death and resurrection.

At Grace Reformed Baptist Church, baptism shall be done by way of immersion (this can be appealed). There are two primary reasons for our belief. First, Jesus Christ was baptized by immersion in the Jordan River prior to His public ministry. Secondly, the Greek word for baptize (baptizo) literally means "to immerse."

It is important to note, however, that we do not believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation; rather, it occurs after one has been saved by grace, as a sign to all for what God has done in the life of the believer.

Article VII - Officers

SECTION 1. GENERAL STATEMENT
Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His Church. As Head, He has ordained two offices by which the local body shall be led and cared for. Christ has ordained these two offices to be elders and deacons.
SECTION 2. ELDERS
A. QUALIFICATIONS
Each elder must posses the biblical qualifications of an Elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These qualifications are as follows: male, above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money, good manager of his household, one who keeps his children under control, not a new convert, and one who has a good reputation with those outside the church.
B. RESPONSIBILITIES
Elders are the shepherds (pastors) of Grace Reformed Baptist Church and are responsible for the spiritual leadership of the church, the implementation of church discipline, and watching over the souls of the members as those who must give account to God for this responsibility. They shall exercise the oversight of the church in all its ministries and functions. We affirm the following statement as it pertains to the responsibility of the elders at Grace Reformed Baptist Church:
"…over each church of Christ in the apostolic age, a plurality of rulers was ordained, who were designated by the terms elder, bishop, overseer, pastor, with authority in the government of the flock.. these rulers were all equal in rank and authority, no one having a preeminence over the rest. This satisfactorily appears from the fact, that the same qualifications were required in all, so that though some labored in word and doctrine, and others did not, the distinction between them was not in rank, but in the character of their service." William Bulletin Johnson

C. LIMITATIONS
The Body of Elders shall consist of more than two men who shall come to a unanimous decision before action is taken. In the event there are not enough qualified men (in accordance with 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:1-5, and Article VII, Section 4 A) to satisfy the minimum number of elders required, this rule may be temporarily suspended by a majority vote of the church congregation.
D. PASTOR TEACHER
The Pastor Teacher of Grace Reformed Baptist Church shall bear the primary responsibility of preaching and teaching. This shall be his distinguishing function within the body of elders. He shall not possess superior rank or authority within the Body of Elders; rather, his distinction shall be in the nature of his service to the body of believers.
SECTION 3. DEACONS
A. QUALIFICATIONS
Each deacon must posses the biblical qualifications of Deacon as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These qualifications are as follows: believers of dignity, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not fond of sordid gain, holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, individuals who have been tested, husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
B. RESPONSIBITLIIES
Deacons are to be ministers of service and mercy within the church. They shall be responsible for the administrative affairs of the church. They are to serve as ministers of care to those in physical, emotional, or spiritual need with the church, especially the widows among us. They are also responsible for the maintenance of the church premises. The collective ministry of the Body of Deacons shall operate under the oversight and authority of the Body of Elders.
SECTION 4. APPOINTMENT AND REMOVAL OF OFFICE BEARERS
A. The appointment of Elders (including the Pastor-Teacher) and Deacons for office within the local church is the responsibility of the local church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Lord's appointment is recognized both by the inward conviction of the individual involved, and by approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required by Scripture for the office concerned. The existing Elders shall recognize those who are already functioning in the use of their gifts and bring such before the church for recognition. With the exception of the Pastor Teacher, all officers shall have been a member of the church for a period of at least one year before being placed in nomination.

B. No less than a 3/4 majority of the members present and voting shall be required for the election of an office bearer. A written ballot shall be taken as the physical means of recording each member's vote.

C. An office bearer may be removed from office should he neglect his duty, be guilty of sinful behavior, fall into error, or hold views contrary to our confession and constitution. If an accusation is made against an elder, it must be done so in accordance with 1 Timothy 5:19-21.

E. An Elder unable to fulfill his commitments should relinquish his office. Such retirement shall be ratified by the church.

F. The congregation shall annually affirm each elder serving in the Body of Elders by a majority vote.

G. If at any time the Pastor shall make application to be released from his office, or if the congregation shall choose by a 3/4 majority to dismiss him, the relationship between Pastor and church may be terminated by the congregation in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it is mutually agreed upon. If the relations between the Pastor and congregation become detrimental to the welfare of the church, the Board of Elders shall have authority to consider this matter and make recommendation to the congregation at a duly called congregational meeting. If the Pastor's life or preaching shall violate the standards of this church, and the Board of Elders so recommends, the services of the Pastor may be terminated immediately following a congregational meeting, at which his dismissal may be requested by a majority vote of those members present and voting.

Article VIII - Official Board

SECTION 1. FUNCTION
The governing of the church and the conducting of its business, the management and control of its property, real and personal, and the general supervision of its work shall, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, be vested in the Official Board.
SECTION 2. MEMBERS
The official board shall consist of the Elder(s), Deacon(s), and Finance Board Members. The Chairman of the Official Board shall be elected by those on the Board for a two-year term. The term of service by the Chairman cannot continue for two consecutive terms. The Board shall also choose one of its number to act as Vice Chairman and another as Recording Secretary.
SECTION 3. MEETINGS
The Board shall meet at least once a quarter to discuss and act upon the general business of the church.

Article IX - Finance Board
SECTION 1. FUNCTION
The oversight and management of all Church Financial matters will fall under the responsibility of the Finance Board. The Finance Board shall operate under the authority of Body of Elders and the Official Board. The members of the Finance Board shall have check signing authority for all business pertaining to Grace Reformed Baptist Church. The Chairman of the Finance Board shall be elected by those on the Board for a two-year term. The term of service by the Chairman cannot continue for two consecutive terms.
SECTION 2. MEETINGS
The Board shall meet at least once a month to discuss and act upon the general business of the church.

Article X - Trustees

SECTION 1. GENERAL STATEMENT- A Board of Trustees is required for the Articles of Incorporation, the necessary document of incorporation under the Laws of the state of Texas.
SECTION 2. NUMBER AND ELECTION-The Board of Trustees shall consist of three members and one-third of the members of the Board of Trustees shall be elected by corporation at each Annual Congregational Meeting for a term of two years, and each member so elected shall hold office until his successor shall be elected and qualified. A Trustee may be elected to succeed himself. They may be elected from the existing office bearers or from the members of the congregation. Trustees will not be considered a part of the Official Board merely by virtue of their election to this responsibility. In case of a vacancy in the Board of Trustees, a successor shall be appointed by the Official Board and shall serve for the unexpired term of his predecessor.
SECTION 3. FOUNDING TRUSTEES
Founding Trustees shall be appointed by the Founding Elders in order to perform the duties and responsibilities necessary for incorporation in the State of Texas. The Founding Trustees shall remain until the first Congregational Meeting when the Congregation shall elect all initial Trustees.
SECTION 4. FUNCTION-The Trustees shall be called upon to perform whatever legal and business transactions specifically designated to them by the Laws of the State. In the discharge of their duties, they shall act only at the direction of the Official Board.

Article XI - Congregational Meetings

SECTION 1. GENERAL STATEMENT
All Members should regard their presence at a duly called congregational meeting with the same seriousness with which they would regard their attendance at a stated service of worship. The Lord is present in power at the gathering together of the church and therefore all meetings should be carried out in a spirit of worship and unity. Every church meeting shall begin and end with prayer. There are two types of meetings at Grace Reformed Baptist Church--Business Meetings and Open Forum Meetings. Business Meetings shall be initiated and organized by the Body of Elders; discussion shall be limited to church business and/or related topics as determined by the elders. Open Forum Meetings shall be initiated and organized by the Body of Elders; topics for discussion may vary; any GRBC member in good standing may present a topic for discussion; if at all possible, members should notify the elders in advance of the topic(s) they intend to present.
SECTION 2. NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Notice of all congregational meetings shall be given at regular worship services on the two successive Sundays immediately prior to the meetings. In an emergency, a meeting may be called on shorter notice by notifying each member of the time, place, and purpose of the congregational meeting. Congregational meetings in which there is no business to be transacted by vote may be called at the discretion of the Elder Body without previous notice.
SECTION 3. NUMBER OF MEETINGS
Congregational meetings shall be held when needed for the reception of reports and the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the congregation. A congregational meeting shall be held as soon as possible after the close of each calendar year and shall be called the Annual Congregational Meeting. The regular election of officers and adoption of a budget shall take place at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
SECTION 4. METHOD OF CALLING MEETINGS
It shall be the right and responsibility of the Body of Elders to call all regularly scheduled congregational meetings. The Body of Elders shall arrange the details of all regularly scheduled congregational meetings and see that all possible preparation for their successful conduct is made. Nothing shall be brought before the church at church meetings except through the Body of Elders. The congregation may initiate the calling of a congregational meeting based upon a petition of 1/3 of the members.
SECTION 5. QUORUM FOR TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS
The voting members present at any constitutionally called congregational meeting shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business. It should be our goal to prayerfully discern the mind of God so that in all matters of church business it may be said of us, as was said of that church business meeting recorded in Acts 6, "that this thing pleased the whole multitude." However, in such situations where unanimity is not realized, no less than a 2/3 majority of those voting will make a resolution valid. In other matters where the Constitution or By-Laws require a different proportionate vote, this 2/3 figure will be overridden by the express statement of the Constitution and By-Laws regarding those items of business.
SECTION 6. VOTING ELIGIBILITY
Any member of the church eighteen years of age or over, in good and regular standing, shall have the right to vote on any question properly brought before the congregation. Members shall speak standing.

Article XII - Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted by a 2/3 vote of the congregation at any regular congregational meeting or special meeting called for this purpose. Such an amendment shall be distributed in written form to the membership at least two weeks prior to such meeting.

Article XIII - Discontinuance of Grace Reformed Baptist Church
On discontinuance of Grace Reformed Baptist Church, by purposeful dissolution or otherwise, its assets are to be transferred to a religious organization whose views of the authority of the Bible and its historic orthodox interpretation are in accord with this congregation. This will be done under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 as amended. This act of dissolving GRBC will be based on a two-thirds majority vote of the church membership.