Constitution
of
Grace Bible Church
of Parachute, Colorado
Article I--Name
The name of this organization, a corporation, shall be Grace Bible Church of Parachute, Colorado.
Article II--Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to worship the living and true God in spirit and in truth. This worship shall be promoted by instruction, fellowship, pursuit of purity, service and evangelism.
Article III--Doctrinal Statement
Section A -- Statement of Faith (Please see our We Believe Page)
Section B -- Movements Contrary to Faith
1. Ecumenism
Ecumenism is that movement which seeks the organizational unity of all Christianity and ultimately of all religions. Its principal advocates are the World Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
2. Ecumenical Evangelism
Ecumenical Evangelism is that effort to promote the Gospel by bringing fundamentalists into an unequal yoke with theological liberals and/or Roman Catholics and other divergent groups.
3. Neo-Orthodoxy
Neo-Orthodoxy is that theological movement which affirms the transcendence of God, the finiteness and sinfulness of man, and the necessity of supernatural divine revelation of truth; however, while using evangelical terminology, it seriously departs from orthodoxy by accepting the views of destructive higher criticism, by denying the inerrancy of the Bible as historic revelation, by accepting religious experience as the criterion of truth, and by abandoning important fundamentals of the Christian faith.
4. New-Evangelicalism (Neo-Evangelicalism, New Conservatism)
These terms refer to that movement within Evangelicalism characterized by a toleration of a dialogue with theological liberalism. Its essence is seen in an emphasis upon the social application of the Gospel and in having weak or unclear doctrines of the inspiration of Scripture, of Biblical creationism, of eschatology, of Dispensationalism, and of separation. It is further characterized by an attempt to accommodate Biblical Christianity and make it acceptable to the modern mind.
We believe that these movements are out of harmony with the Word of God and with the official doctrine and position of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, Colorado and that they are inimical to the work of God.
Article IV--Membership
The Membership of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO shall consist of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have acknowledged substantial agreement with the faith and practices of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, Colorado. Substantial agreement of faith is to agree with conviction to Article III, Section A, points 1,2,3,6,9, and 10 of this document (any disagreement with the remaining doctrinal areas of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO must be discussed with one or more of the Elders). Substantial agreement of practice is to agree to follow the procedures and conduct of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Church Covenant.
Article V--Officers
The scriptural officers of the Church are Elders and Deacons/Deaconesses. Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO shall be governed by the Council of Elders as set forth in the Bylaws of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO. These Bylaws shall determine the appointment, number, removal, term, and responsibilities (etc.) of the Elders and Deacons/ Deaconesses.
Article VI--Meetings
Meetings for worship: instruction, fellowship (prayer, praise, singing, meals, etc.), and evangelism shall take place regularly as determined by the Elders. Meetings for business shall be set forth in the Bylaws of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO.
Article VII--Relationships
Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO believes in the sovereignty of the local church as an autonomous Body of Believers under the headship of Christ. Therefore, in order that our cardinal beliefs will not be compromised, Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO shall, by official action, determine the maintenance of fraternal fellowship and cooperation with churches and other organizations of like faith and practice. To such groups Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO may send statistical reports and may be represented in their meetings. No financial support is to be given to a work or workers whose doctrinal position is not in keeping with the Doctrinal Statement of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO.
Article VIII--Amendments
Proposals to alter or amend the Constitution of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO may be presented at any meeting of the Elders. After the amendment or alteration has been presented to the congregation for its evaluation, the congregation must have four [4] weeks in which to respond to such an amendment or alteration proposal. The Elders shall consider all input and then make a final decision on the proposal.
Due to the sensitive nature of Article III, it can only be altered or amended using the following four steps:
Step 1. Any proposed amendment or alteration to Article III must be made by the Council of Elders.
Step 2. Each proposed amendment or alteration must then be presented to the membership of Grace Bible Church of Parachute, CO by mail.
Step 3. Each proposed amendment or alteration must be presented to the congregation on the first Sunday of twelve [12] consecutive months during the Sunday Morning Worship Service. (This additional time will allow time for the congregation to study the theological and practical implications of the proposal.)
Step 4. The Council of Elders shall then prayerfully review all opinions on the amendment or alteration and make a decision.
The Council of Elders shall be very reluctant and cautious in suggesting or recommending any amendment or alteration, especially in Article III.
Doctrinal Statement of Grace Bible Church
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