Doctrinal Statement, Constitution and Bylaws
PREAMBLE
For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like faith, where the Holy Ghost may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means, both at home and in foreign lands; we, whose names appear upon the church roster under date herein, do hereby recognize ourselves as a local church in fellowship with the PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD OF AMERICA, INC.
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
As Christian ministers associated together for voluntary and cooperative fellowship and service in the PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD, we formulate the following declaration of the things which are most surely believed among us (Luke 1:1), praying that there be no harmful or divisive difference of the belief to the injury of any, or the disturbance of peace and harmony of the church, and that we may be all of the same mind and same judgment, speaking the same things (I Cor. 1:10; Acts 2:42) in love with one voice glorify God, edify His people and give Christian witness to the world.
1. THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide to conduct and doctrines (II Timothy 3:15; I Peter 2:2).
2. THE GODHEAD
Our God is one, but manifested in three personalities. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal (Phil. 2:6).
God the Father is greater than all (John 14.28), the source of the Word (Logos) and the Redeemer (John 16:28 and 1:14).
The Son is the Word; flesh covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:1, John 1:18 and John 1:14).
The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son (John 15:26) and is eternal.
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came
3. MAN’s FALL AND REDEMP'TION
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and the image of God, but through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came into the world. (Rom. 5:12). "All men have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one." (Rom. 3:10). Jesus Christ, the Son of God was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God (I John 3:8).
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Separate from works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Eph. 2:8).
4. ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH
Man's first step towards salvation is godly sorrow that worketh repentance (II Cor. 7:10). The new birth is necessary to all men (John 3:3-5), and when fulfilled produces eternal life (I John 5:12).
5. THE CHURCH
The true church is the body of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 12:27), He being the head (Col 2:19). Its earthly constituents are men and women born of the Spirit, possessing eternal life. To it is delegated the various gifts and offices of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:1-10), necessary for the successful fulfillment of Christ's great commission to the church as given to the disciples in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-20.
6. MINISTRY
God, through the Holy Spirit, definitely calls such as He desires to serve as evangelists, pastor and teachers, and specifically endues the one called, with the talents and gifts peculiar to that office or offices (Eph. 4:11-13). Under no circumstances should any one be ordained or set apart to any such office unless the calling is distinct evident.
7. WATER BAPTISM
Baptism in water is by immersion, and is a direct commandment of our lord (Matt. 28:19), and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12, Acts 8:36-39).
8. BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11), is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ, to all believers in this dispensation, and is received subsequent to the new birth (Matt. 3:11, John 14:14-16, Acts 1:8; 2:4; 2:39; 10:44-48). He is accompanied with speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit himself gives utterance as the initial physical sign and evidence (Acts 2:4).
9. SANCTIFICATION
The Bible teaches that without Holiness no man can see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14). We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive, work of grace commencing at the time of regeneration and continuous until the consummation of Salvation (I Thess. 5:23; II Peter 3:18; II Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:12-14, and I Cor. 1.'30).
10. THE LORD'S SUPPER
The ordinance of the Lord's Supper is a commandment of our Savior; and, being a memorial of His death, is strictly limited to Christian believers (I Cor. 11:27). Its time and frequency of observance is left to the discretion of each congregation (I Cor. 11:26). We recommend the use of unfermented grape juice in connection therewith.
11. FEET WASHING
Foot washing is recognized among many believers as a Christian practice and the time, manner and frequency of if its observance is left to the discretion of each local congregation (John 13).
12. DEVINE HEALING
Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith and the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18, James 5:14-15). Healing is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of every member of the church today.
13. RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE PRE-MILLENIAL RETURN OF OUR LORD
The angels said, "This same Jesus shall so come in like manner." (Acts 1:11). His Coming is imminent. When He comes, "The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." (I Thess. 4:16-17). Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth, as King of kings and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years (Rev. 20:6).
14. HELL AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT
The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire, and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance (Heb. 9:27). The lake of fire is literal (Rev. 19:20). The terms "eternal." and "everlasting," used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned (Matt. 25:41-46) in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence, as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of saints in the presence of God.
15. RELATION TO WAR
Whereas we believe that our government is ordained of God and are thankful to the government of the States of America for the Freedom to worship God, according to the dictates of our own conscience, and whereas our religion teaches us "Thou shall not kill," be it resolved that in the time of war, we shall be glad to be of service to our government in any way consistent with non-combative service.
16. BAPTISMAL FORMULA
The following recommendation regarding the Water Baptismal formula is adopted, to wit: "On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
17. THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
The gifts and callings of God are without repentance, and the Holy Spirit bestows upon each as He wills: "In the last days our sons and daughters shall prophesy" (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17-18). When called of God and anointed by the Spirit, our women may freely serve.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1. NAME
The name of this church shall be CALVARY TEMPLE CHURCH, a California corporation
ARTICLE 2. PERROGATIVES
Section 1: The church shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of the New Testament scriptures: "…endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace…till we all come in unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:3-13).
Section 2: The church, in connection with or incidental to section 1, shall have the right to, in accordance with its Constitution and by-laws, purchase or acquire by gift, bequest or otherwise (either directly or as trustee), own, hold in trust, use, sell, convey, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of any real estate or chattels as may be necessary for the furtherance of its purpose.
ARTICLE 3. AFFILIATION
While maintaining its inherent rights to sovereignty in the conduct of its own affairs, this church shall voluntarily enter into the full co-operative fellowship with churches of like precious faith.
ARTICLE 4. TENETS OF FAITH
This church shall accept the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule for faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity. It shall also adopt the statement of Fundamental Truths approved by the Pentecostal Church of God of America, Inc.
ARTICLE 5. ORDINANCES
Section 1: The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt. 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins, who have believed on the lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their soul and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Rom. 6:3-5 & Col. 2:12).
Section 2: The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall regularly be observed as enjoined in the scriptures (Luke 22:19-20 & I Cor. 11:23-26).
Section 3: Infants and small children may be dedicated to the Lord in the church when requested (Mark 10:13-16 & Luke 18:15-16).
Section 4: The sick shall be prayed for with the anointing of oil and laying on of hands upon their request (Mark 16:18 & James 5:14).
ARTICLE 6. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership in this Church shall be eligible to all those who give evidence of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who voluntarily subscribe to its tenets and of faith and agree to be governed by its Constitution and By-laws as herein set forth.
Section 2: All those who meet the Scriptural standards for membership and whose names appeared on the original membership roll of the Church at the time the Church was first organized together with those names which shall be added from time to time, shall constitute the legal voting membership of the Church, provided they are sixteen years of age or over, that they regularly attend the means of grace and take part in the services, that they are living consistent Christian lives and are in agreement with our distinctive testimony.
Enrolled members who shall without good cause absent themselves from the services of the Church for a period of three consecutive months and / or cease to contribute of their means to its support and/ or may be out of harmony with its teachings or its ministries and / or is under charges for misconduct (all charges to be in writing, signed by the pastor and official board) and /or may have fallen under condemnation through sinful or worldly practices shall not be eligible to vote. They may be restored as members in good standing upon the definite action of the church through its elected officers
ARTICLE 7. OFFICERS
The officers of this Church shall consist of the Pastor, Secretary-Treasurer, and three, five or seven representatives who shall serve as Deacons (which may be men or women). If desired, one of said persons may serve as Secretary-Treasurer.
ARTICLE 8. MEETINGS
Section 1: Meetings for public worship shall be held on each Lord's day and during the week as may be provided for under the direction of the Pastor and the Board of Deacons.
Section 2: There shall be an annual business meeting of the church, at which time the election of officers shall take place and the report of all officers shall be read. This meeting shall be held in the first quarter (no later than March 31st), each year. Proper Notice shall be required for any annual business meeting.
Section 3:
Special business meetings of the church may be called when necessary, provided that the meeting has been agreed upon by the majority of the Board. Proper Notice shall be required for any special business meeting.
A special meeting may also be requested via a petition having been signed by not less than one-fourth of the active membership of the church and presented to the Board. Proper Notice shall also be required for any such special meetings requested via petition.
As used in these Bylaws, “Proper Notice” shall consist of announcement from the pulpit of the meeting date, time and location in two Sunday Services prior to meeting date.
Section 4: No regular or special business meeting of the church shall be declared legal unless two-thirds or more of the membership are present to constitute a quorum.
Section 5: The Board of Deacons, with the Pastor, shall meet at monthly intervals for the transaction of routine business for the church.
ARTICLE 9. DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES
The church may hereby provide for the establishment of the Sunday School Department, Young People's work, Relief Committees, Home and Foreign Missionary Committees or any other Departments or Committees as the need of the work may require. All such departments shall be subordinate to the Church Board and shall contribute to the harmony and development of the Church Whole. They shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor and the Pastor shall be ex-officio member of all committees or departments.
ARTICE 10. FINANCES
Section 1: Voluntary contributions or the Tithes and Offerings of the membership and friends of Calvary Temple shall provide the funds for the maintenance of the church. Tithes and Offerings shall be accepted by the Church at such times and in such ways as agreed upon by the Board, and shall be administrated by the Secretary/Treasurer under their direction.
Section 2: Whereas Calvary Temple does provide residence for its appointed minister, it is hereby resolved that the rental value is part of the Pastors compensation and shall not be included in the Pastors salary per section 107 (Rental Value of Parsonages) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE 11. PROPERTY
All property of the Church (both real and chattel) shall be deeded to and held in the name of: Calvary Temple Church, a California corporation.
ARTICLE 12. AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended at any legal regular or special business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present. The Pastor, Church Secretary or Church Deacon shall make the meeting announcements.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1: ORDER
In order to facilitate the conduct of business in an orderly and satisfactory manner, business meetings shall be governed by the accepted rules of parliamentary procedure in keeping with the spirit of Christian love, courtesy and fellowship.
It shall be recognized that the great purpose of all rules and forms is to serve the will of the church rather than to restrain it: to facilitate and not to obstruct the expression of its deliberative sense.
A majority present at any meeting of the Board of Deacons shall constitute a quorum, provided all the members have been notified to be present.
ARTICLE 2: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: The Pastor shall be considered as the spiritual overseer of the Church and shall direct all of its activities. He shall act as chairman of all the business meetings of the Church and of the Board of Deacons. He shall be an ex-officio member of committees or departments. He shall provide for all the services of the Church and shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions or revival meetings. No person shall be invited to speak or preach in the Church without his approval.
Section 2: The Board of Deacons shall act in an advisory capacity with the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the Church in its spiritual life and in the ministry of its ordinances. They shall act in the examining of applicants for membership and also in the administration of the discipline of the church.
In the event the Church is temporarily without a pastor, or the pastor is unable to be present, the Board of Deacons shall be empowered to transact business for the Church
Section 3:
The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep the minutes of the official meetings of the Board of Deacons and of the annual and special business meetings of the Church. He shall keep a record of the membership of the Church and perform any other clerical work necessary to the proper discharge of his duties. He shall be the custodian of all legal documents of the Church.
He shall be entrusted with all the finances of the Church, which may be committed to him. He shall deposit all funds in a responsible Bank in the name of the Church, and shall disburse the same by check, as authorized by the Pastor and Board. The Treasurer shall keep an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements. He shall make an itemized report to the Church at its regular business meetings. His accounts shall be audited under the direction of the Pastor
ARTICLE 3: ELECTION
Section 1: The Pastor shall be elected, for an indefinite term, by secret ballot at an annual business meeting of the Church or at a special meeting called for that purpose. A two-thirds majority vote of all votes cast shall be required to constitute an election.
Section 2: The Board of Deacons shall appoint the Secretary-Treasurer nominee on a yearly basis prior to the Annual Business Meeting. This same name shall be submitted to the congregation for ratification during the Annual Business Meeting.
Section 3: To be eligible for Deacon, scriptural requirements (I Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:3; Romans 16:1) and two-year membership in local church shall be required. All other permanent officers shall require a membership of not less than one year.
Deacons will be elected for one-year terms, unless they are serving as deacons prior to church elections. Deacons re-elected to office after serving a one-year term shall be elected for a two-year term. Deacons serving for three consecutive years shall be elected for three-year terms.
Section 4: In order to create incentive toward Christian growth, and comply with the Bible admonition to "grow in grace - and progress spiritually toward Christian maturity", be it resolved, that all nominees for offices in Calvary Temple Church be free from habits that might impede their spiritual progress, or impair their Christian testimony.
ARTICLE 4: VACANCIES
Section 1: The Pastor
The Pastor shall be elected for an indefinite term. However, after a vacancy occurs and a new Pastor is elected the Congregation shall confirm at the first annual Business meeting following the first full one year term of the new Pastor, by a vote of the congregation, the continuation of the indefinite term.
Power is vested in the Board of Deacons to ask for the resignation of the Pastor at any of its regular business meetings. If such resignation request is refused, the pastorate shall not be considered vacant until the action of the Board of Deacons has been confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the congregation at a meeting called for that purpose: such meeting is to be presided over by the District Officiary.
Section 2: Other Officers
Any office may be declared vacant by an act of a majority membership vote at any regular or special business meeting.
Ground for Such action shall be:
a. Unscriptural conduct
b. Doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith.
c. Incompetence in office.
d. Any other good and sufficient cause.
Any incumbent under charges shall have opportunity for a fair and impartial hearing of his case before the Church, if he so desires.
ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. THE STANDARD OF MEMBERSHIP
The standard of membership of this Church shall be:
a Evidences of a genuine experience in regeneration (the New Birth) John 3:1-13; 3:3-8; I Peter 1:18-25.
b Evidence of a consistent Christian life. Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-2,15; I John 1:6-7.
c To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the Constitution.
d Willingness to contribute regularly to the support of the Church according to his or her ability.
Section 2. ACCEPTING OF MEMBERS.
a. Persons desiring to become active members of the Church shall make the fact known to the Pastor, who shall examine the applicant according to the standard for membership.
b The Pastor shall present the names of those who apply for membership with his recommendation to the Board of Deacons who shall act upon said recommendation and render a final decision. All persons who shall have met the membership requirements and have been passed on favorably shall be received into the Church publicly at any of the regular services, and their names inscribed on the roster.
Section 3. DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS.
a Any member of the Church who shall willfully absent himself from the regular services for a period of three consecutive months, or who shall be under charges, shall be temporarily suspended from active voting membership, pending investigation and final decision in his case.
b Unscriptural conduct or doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith held by this church shall be considered sufficient grounds upon which any person may be disqualified as a member. Matt. 18:15-18; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:11; Galatians 1:8-9; Titus 1:3-5.
Section 4. SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH - VOLUNTARY
Members in good standing, who may wish to sever their relationship with the church or who may desire to be transferred to some other congregation, may apply to the secretary for a letter, which shall be granted on the approval of the Pastor and Board. The Pastor and the secretary of the Church shall sign said letter.
Section 5. MAINTENANCE OF THE MEMBERSHIP ROLL
The Pastor and Board shall be authorized to revise the membership roll of the church annually. They may remove from the list of active members all names of those who may have become deceased during the year; together with the names of those who may have withdrawn from the fellowship or who may have fallen into sin and whose lives may have become inconsistent with the standards and teachings of the church. If a name is removed for cause, the Pastor and Board through the Secretary shall notify the one whose name is removed of the action. If appeal is made to the Board of Deacons for reconsideration of their action and reinstatement is not granted, the dismissed member may appeal to the congregation. The action of the church, by majority vote shall be considered final. Matt. 18:15-17; Romans 16:17,18; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; II Thess 3:6.
ARTICLE 6: SUNDAY SCHOOL
Section 1: There may be a Sunday School conducted as a branch of the church activities under the general Supervision of the Pastor.
Section 2: The Church at its annual business meeting may elect the Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent.
Section 3: Other officers, such as Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer may be elected at the time of the Superintendents election as stated under 2.
Section 4: The Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer along with the Pastor, shall constitute the executive committee of the Sunday School, supervising all its activities, appointing such teachers from time to time as may be deemed necessary.
Section 5: The Sunday School shall be considered a part of the work of the church and as such shall be under the direct supervision of the Pastor. All activities of the Sunday School shall obtain and bear the approval of the church and Pastor. The funds received through Sunday School work shall be a part of the regular funds of the church and disbursements shall be under the supervision of the Pastor.
Section 6: The decision as to what literature shall be used in the Sunday School shall be pass upon by the Pastor and Board before put into use.
ARTICLE 7: YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY
Young People's Society of the church shall be under the general supervision of the Pastor. It shall be conducted as a branch of the activities of the church. The Church Membership at the Annual Business Meeting shall elect its officers.
ARTICLE 8: PROPERTY RIGHT'S
All real and chattel property of the church shall be deeded to and held in the name of CALVARY TEMPLE CHURCH, a California corporation.
ARTICLE 9: ORDER OF BUSINESS
The regular order of business for the annual meeting of the church shall be as follows:
1. Devotional.
2. Reading of previous minutes by Secretary.
3. Report of the Secretary-Treasurer.
4. Report of Committees.
S. Unfinished business.
6. Election of Officers.
7. New Business.
8. Adjournment.
ARTICLE 10: DISSOLUTION CLAUSES
The property of Calvary Temple of Campbell, California is irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes (meeting the requirements for exemption provided by section 214 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) and no part of the net income or assets of this organization shall benefit any private persons. Upon the dissolution of Calvary Temple of Campbell, California its assets remaining after payment, or provisions for payment, of all debts and liabilities of Calvary Temple of Campbell, California shall be distributed to a Christian nonprofit fund, foundation, and/or corporation which has established its tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Such distribution of remaining assets shall be determined by a majority vote of the Board of Calvary Temple..
ARTICLE 11: PASTORS COMPENSATION
The Pastor’s compensation shall be determined, reviewed and/or adjusted as needed at the discretion of the Board and documented in the regular or special business meeting records or the minutes of any meeting of the Board, as appropriate, at the time of such determination, review or adjustment.
ARTICLE 12: AMENDMENTS
These By-laws may be amended at any legal regular or special business meeting of the Church by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present provided the proposed amendment has been announced publicly on the two Sundays prior to the date of the meeting. The Pastor or Church Secretary shall make the announcements.
ARTICLE 13: INDEMNIFICATION
Pastor, Board Members (Deacons) and Secretary. The Church shall indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness in, any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a Pastor, Board Member or Secretary, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding to the fullest extent and in the manner set forth in and permitted by applicable law, as from time-to-time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Pastor, Board Member or Secretary may be entitled apart from the foregoing provision. The foregoing provision of this Article shall be deemed to be a contract between the Church and each Pastor, Board Member or Secretary who serves in such capacity at any time while this Article is in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing, with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit, or proceeding theretofore, or thereafter, brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts.
Members, Employees and Agents. The Board of Deacons may determine (by majority vote), on behalf of the Church, to indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness in, any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person is or was an voting member, employee, or agent of the Church, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding to the extent and in the manner set forth in and permitted by applicable law, as from time-to-time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any such person may be entitled apart from the foregoing provisions.
Insurance. The Church shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Pastor, Board Member, Secretary, voting member, employee or agent of the Church against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of their status as such, whether or not the Church would have the power to indemnify them against such liability.
Conditions and Exceptions to Indemnification. Notwithstanding the forgoing, an individual may not be indemnified hereunder for obligations from a proceeding: (i) in which such individual is found liable on the basis that such individual improperly received personal benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken in such individual’s official capacity, or (ii) in which such individual is found liable to the Church.