ARTICLE I: NAME

1.100 BridgeWay Community Church

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

2.100 Transform spiritually hungry people into fully devoted followers of Christ.

ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF FAITH

1. GOD

We believe in one eternal, holy, loving and infinite God, the Creator of all things, who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit. (Matt 3:16-17, 28:19-20; 2 Cor 13:14)

2. JESUS CHRIST

We believe in Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man at the same time, who was born of the virgin Mary, lived, died and rose again to bring about our salvation. (Matt 1:20-25, 16:15-16; John 1:1-18)

3. HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is active in the world, convincing the world of sin, sanctifying believers and guiding believers into all truth. (John 14:15-18, 16:7-15; Rom 8:1-17)

4. THE BIBLE

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, inerrantly revealing all we need to know about how to be saved and live a life pleasing to God. (2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21)

5. SIN

We believe that sin is an attitude of the heart that originated with Adam and Eve and is an everyday action where people are in rebellion against God. It separates humanity from God and causes rippling effects throughout the universe. It is a human plight with no exceptions, crying out for a remedy. (Rom 3:23, 5:12-14, 6:15-23)

6. ATONEMENT

We believe Jesus Christ died on the cross and that by placing our full trust in his saving grace, we are restored fully to a right relation with God. (Isa 53:5-6; John 3:14-17)

7. FREE WILL

We believe that no one can turn to God in his or her own natural power. However, God has enabled and empowered us by His grace to freely turn from our sin to His salvation, but He has not forced us to do so. God has also created us with a will to choose to follow Him or choose to reject His love. We also believe that God created each of us with a divine plan and purpose. (Gen 2:16-17; John 1:12, 6:44; Gal 6:7-8)

8. REPENTANCE

We believe salvation is found when someone freely turns from their sin, and trusts Christ to forgive and cleanse them. (Isa 55:6-7; Acts 17:30-31)

9. JUSTIFICATION & ADOPTION

We believe that when we turn from sin and trust in Christ, we are fully pardoned from our sinful past and we are born anew as a member of the family of God. (Acts 13:39; Titus 3:4-7; Gal 4:4-7)

10. HOLINESS

We believe that after being born anew, God calls us and enables us to move on to a higher level of maturity that entails holy living. When God calls us to be holy, he also enables us to live in such a way with victory over sin. This holy calling involves cleansing our spirit, filling us with His perfect love, and giving us the power to live victoriously through the Holy Spirit. (2 Tim 1:9; Matt 3:11, 22:37-40; Phil 3:12-16; 2 Pet 3:11; 1 John 4:16-18)

11. THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church is the active Body of Christ in the world today. It is called together by the Holy Spirit, through the Word, for the purpose of fulfilling God’s saving mission for the world until Christ returns. (1 Cor 12:12-31; Eph 5:25-27)

12. BAPTISM

We believe in baptism as a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of salvation, to be given to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration which initiates new believers into the universal church of Jesus Christ. Parent’s have the option of choosing infant baptism (similar to infant dedication) as a way of symbolizing the inclusion into the family of God. (Matt 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41)

13. THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe in the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of our redemption in Christ. It is intended as a sacrament for believers to remember their Lord’s death given to save them from their sins. (Matt 26:26-29; 1 Cor 11:23-32)

14. DIVINE HEALING

We believe God can divinely heal. We pray for healing. We also believe that God can work through medical science. (2 Cor 12:7-10; James 5:13-16)

15. SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

Jesus is coming again –visibly, victoriously and swiftly–to establish God’s just and righteous rule. (John 14:1-3; Thes 4:13-18)

16. RESURRECTION & JUDGEMENT

We believe that everyone will face the judgment of God with its rewards and punishments. Those trusting in Christ for salvation will be with Him forever in heaven. Those refusing His grace will be eternally in Hell. (Matt 25:31-46; Rev 20:11-15)

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

4.100 Qualifications:
4.101 Membership in this church shall be composed of those individuals who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior; agree with the church’s Statement of Faith, Mission, Values and Vision; are willing to fully support the church’s ministry with both time and resources; are baptized or pursuing baptism; agree to follow the church’s leadership; and complete a membership class.

4.200 Procedures for Becoming Members:
4.201 The procedure for becoming a member can be found in the BridgeWay Membership Handbook.

4.300 Termination of Membership:
4.301 Death
4.302 Resignation: By filing a written resignation with the church office or senior pastor.
4.303 Exclusion: It is the right of the Elders, in harmony with the Scriptures, to exclude from membership any person who either: (a) holds to false or heretical doctrine (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10-11); (b) lives in an immoral manner contrary to the teaching of Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11); (c) is sowing discord and disturbing the unity of the church.
4.304 Inactivity: Any person who fails to attend or participate in the worship or ministry of BridgeWay for a period of 6 months or more will be considered inactive.
4.305 Failure to Renew Membership: The Elders will annually require all members to renew their membership in BridgeWay Community Church.

4.400 Discipline of Members:
4.401 Any member charged with exclusion (see 4.303, 4.304) or other offenses contrary to Scripture shall have the right to a hearing by the Elders. Charges against a member shall only be made by a resolution of the Elders and a written copy of such charges served upon the member not less than a 10-day period prior to any hearing on the matter. However, no charges shall be resolved by the Elders until the Elders have first followed the steps as directed by Matthew chapter 18, seeking the reconciliation and forgiveness of the offending member. If after all attempts at reconciliation have failed and the member is found guilty by vote of the Elders, the accused may be either admonished, deprived of office, or expelled from the church membership.
4.402 Any person excluded from membership may, upon the recommendation of the Elders, be restored.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

5.100 Quorum:
5.101 Twenty-five percent (25%) of the total membership or at least 75 members, whichever is greater, shall constitute a quorum for any annual or special meeting.
5.200 Notice:
5.201 Public notice of the time and place of the annual Meeting and the time, place and purpose of all special meetings shall be announced on the two successive Sunday services preceding the meeting day.
5.300 Voting:
5.301 Voting at all annual or special meetings will be restricted to members eighteen (18) years old, or older. All issues before the membership for a vote, unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, shall require approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting to pass.
5.400 Place of Meeting:
5.401 Annual or special meetings shall be held at the normal meeting place of BridgeWay Community Church unless otherwise publicly noted.
5.500 Annual Meeting:
5.501 An annual meeting will occur to allow members to transact business as may come before them, including the approval of the Elders.
5.600 Special Meetings:
5.601 Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Elders, or petitioned by members with signatures of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership.

ARTICLE VI: ELDERS

6.100 General Powers
6.101 The Board of Elders, submitting to the headship of Christ, is to oversee all administrative affairs within the church and are the final legal authority within the church. These responsibilities shall include but are not limited to an on-going evaluation of the execution of our Church’s mission statement; insuring that no false teaching or doctrine is being taught or practiced within the Church; evaluating performance efforts of ministries; working with the Sr. Pastor on hiring and discharging personnel; determining salaries and missions expenditures; insuring that the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are being practiced; insuring that the role of compassionate overseer is being assumed or delegated in the church body; and providing responsibility for the upkeep and use of all property. The Elders or Trustees shall not acquire or dispose of real property or contract for loans or mortgages on behalf of the church except upon the affirmative vote of 2/3 of a quorum of the members who are in attendance at a duly called business meeting. The notice for any meeting at which such actions might be taken shall specifically state that such action may be taken.

6.200 Meetings of the Elders:
6.201 Special meetings of the Board of Elders may be called at the request of any two Elders.

6.300 Elder Qualifications:
6.301 The qualifications for Elders shall be any member who meets the qualifications stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 and I Peter 5:1-3 with other attributes as follows:
• A member in good standing who is totally committed to the principal priority of leading the church in transforming the spiritually hungry into fully devoted followers of Christ and willing to set aside personal interests in achieving the greater goal.
• A member whose beliefs are in total harmony with the doctrine, mission, values, vision and structure espoused at BridgeWay.
• A member who has demonstrated a consistent pattern of faithfulness through attending regularly, giving tithes and offerings, actively participating in ministry, and committed to the church family in greater depth through smaller groups.

6.400 Process for Elder Selection:
6.401 The Nominating Committee shall be made up of three voting members appointed by the Elders, who do not desire to be nominated as Elders.
6.402 Any member of the church may present to the Nominating Committee in writing any member they wish to be considered for appointment to the Board of Elders within the prescribed timelines as outlined by the Committee.
6.403 The Nominating Committee shall submit to the Board a list of candidates after insuring that they meet the qualifications (Section 6.301) and after prayerful and diligent investigation.
6.404 In determining the nominees, the Committee shall vote by secret ballot, and no name shall be included on the list of nominees unless he/she shall receive the vote of at least two members of the Committee. Once the Committee’s list is received by the Elders only one name at a time is to be voted upon.
6.405 Each nominee must receive at least a three-quarters (3/4) affirmative vote of the total number of Elders before being recommended to the membership for their consideration. After selection by the Elders, those approved are told of their selection. They are given time to pray and examine their lives and situation before making a decision to continue the process. If a person agrees to serve, his/her name will be recommended to the membership. If he/she does not agree to serve, the Elders will review the remaining names that were submitted by the Committee. Each nominee must receive two-third (2/3) affirmative vote from the membership to serve.
6.406 Nominating Committee members serve one-year terms.

6.500 Terms of Elders:
6.501 The term of service for an Elder position shall be three years. At the end of the first three year term, an elder can elect to serve an additional three year term upon a majority affirmation by the Elder Team. An Elder can serve two consecutive terms and then will be required to step down as an Elder for a season of at least one year. This individual would be eligible to serve after a one year break, per the Elder Nominating Process described above. The above does not preclude an individual from serving as a Deacon within that one year period should he/she be asked to do so. Elders affirmed by their fellow Elders for a second three year term will be presented to the congregation for affirmation at the annual meeting. A vote of affirmation by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting is required for the continuation of a second term.
6.502 Each year, each Elder shall evaluate his/her continued service as an Elder, again considering the biblical qualifications as well as any personal factors that might affect his/her service. An individual’s service as an Elder may be discontinued by his/her own decision, or by failing to be affirmed by the majority of the current Elders.
6.503 Those Elders affirmed by their fellow Elders will be presented to the congregation for affirmation at the annual meeting. A vote of affirmation by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting is required for all current Elders to continue to serve.
6.504 Elders who have resigned are not eligible for nomination for one year.

6.600 Compensation:
6.601 Elders shall not receive any compensation for their services.

6.700 Quorum:
6.701 A majority of Elders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of Elders.

6.800 Termination of an Elder:
6.801 Those Elders not reaffirmed annually by a simple majority of the Elder team will be terminated.
6.802 The Elders, by a majority vote, may suspend or terminate an Elder for cause after an appropriate hearing. Cause shall include, but is not limited to, an Elder: (a) holding to false or heretical doctrine; (b) living in an immoral manner contrary to the teaching of Scripture; or (c) sowing discord and disturbing the unity of the church.
6.803 The membership present at an annual or special meting duly called may terminate or fail to reaffirm any Elder for any cause by a simple majority vote.

6.900 Resignation of Elders:
6.901 Any Elder may resign voluntarily at the annual renewal period or by filing a written resignation with the Elders. Resignation will take effect upon acceptance of the Elders. Leaving the Board of Elders voluntarily does not preclude future service as an Elder, subject to the Elder selection process.

ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS AND PASTORAL STAFF

7.100 Church Officers:
7.101 An Elder will fill the position of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The Elders may elect any other Assistant Treasurers or Assistant Secretaries from the membership, as they deem necessary. An Elder may hold only one office. Officers will be elected at the first regular meeting of the year of the Board of Elders or through-out the year as needed.

7.200 Chairperson:
7.201 The Chairperson shall preside at all business meetings of the church and of the Elders. He/she is responsible for the general supervision of the administrative affairs of the church as directed by the Constitution and the Elders.

7.300 Vice-Chairperson:
7.301 In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson will preside at general church meetings and elders meetings and perform any other duties of the Chairperson necessary in his/her absence.

7.400 Secretary:
7.401 The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the business meetings of the members’ and the Elders; receive and issue notice of all business meetings of Elders and member; be custodian of corporate records and seal; keep a current roster of the names and addresses of all members, Elders and officers; and maintain a record of attendance at Elders meetings.

7.500 Treasurer:
7.501 The Treasurer shall have charge and custody over corporate funds and securities; keep accurate books and records of corporate receipts and disbursements; deposit all monies and securities as authorized by the Elders or members; complete all corporate filings; present current financial statements to the members at the annual meetings and such other financial statements as directed by the Elders. He/she shall send financial statements to all contributors showing their record of contributions.

7.502 Trustee Committee
7.503 Annually the Elders shall elect at least three, but no more than 9 trustees to hold title to real property on behalf of the church and to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the physical structures belonging to the church.

7.600 Removal of Officers:
7.601 Any church officer may be removed from office by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all Elders at a duly called Elders meeting.

7.700 Senior Pastor:
7.701 The Senior Pastor along with the Elders shall oversee the spiritual life of this church. He shall preach and teach the word, administer the ordinances, and have charge of the Church services. The Senior Pastor will be a voting member of the Elder Team and an ex-officio member of all committees. The Senior Pastor will oversee all of the staff of the church. Delegation of the management of the staff can occur at the Senior Pastor’s discretion. While being the spiritual leader of the church, the Senior Pastor is also accountable to the Elder Team. The Senior Pastor will receive a yearly review to be edified and inspired to greater levels of ministry effectiveness.
7.702 A Senior Pastor shall be called to full time service by an affirmative vote of 2/3 (two-thirds) of the members present at a duly called meeting for this purpose. Church membership will be automatic for the Senior Pastor and his wife on acceptance of the call.
7.703 The Senior Pastor’s term of office shall be indefinite. A vote may be taken by the members at any time to terminate the Senior Pastor’s services subject to the following: It shall be placed on the agenda of any annual or special meeting, provided that it is presented by majority vote of the Elder Board, or by petition of the members as provided in 5.601.
7.704 A majority vote of ballots cast at such meeting shall be required to terminate the Senior Pastor’s services.
7.705 In the event of doctrinal and/or moral defection, the Senior Pastor’s services may be suspended immediately by action of the Elders, to be ratified within 30 days by a majority vote of the ballots cast at a special meeting of the membership called for that purpose.

7.800 Other Pastoral and Ministry Staff:
7.801 The pastoral staff will be called with the consent of the Senior Pastor, by a two-thirds majority vote of the Elders. The length of time of service will be at the will of the senior pastor and Elders. Church membership for these staff members and spouses, if any, assuming they are both interviewed, will be automatic on their accepting the call.

7.900 Other Individuals:
7.901 All persons or agencies approved for financial support, including short-term missionaries, need to be doctrinally compatible with the BridgeWay Statement of Faith.

7.950 Licensing, Commissioning, and Ordaining:
7.951 Licensing: As Spirit-filled individuals are called out from among us to proclaim the Gospel of the grace of God, such may be given a renewable one-year license to preach providing a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of approval by the Elder Board to become effective.
7.952 Commissioning: When a missionary requests commissioning the request must be approved by the appropriate staff and/or committee, then be presented for a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of approval by the Elder Board to become effective.

7.953 Ordaining: When, in the judgment of the Elders, a member, or in special cases a non-member, is called to Christian service (including both preaching and non-preaching ministries), it will be within the power of the Elders to call and conduct a Council of Ordination after announcing it to the church. This Council will consist of at least three or more ordained evangelical ministers. The Council shall thoroughly examine the candidate regarding the person’s personal Christian experience, call to the ministry, appropriate educational & seminary training, doctrinal belief and reputation. The Council shall make a recommendation to the Elders, whether to proceed or not. The ordination will be approved upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Elders.
7.954 Power of Revocation: The Elders will have the power to discipline, even to the revoking of the ordination credentials, license, or commission of any minister or missionary ordained, licensed or commissioned under this Constitution, if said minister or missionary is found guilty of doctrinal or moral default.

ARTICLE XIII: MISCELLANEOUS

8.200 Gifts and Property:
8.201 The church shall have power to receive, either by gift or purchase, and hold such real, personal or mixed property as is authorized by the State of Michigan and is deemed necessary for the business of the church and shall have the power to dispose of such property, mortgage, deed or otherwise, in agreement within the limits of this Constitution.

8.300 Disputes:
8.301 In case of division of the church the property of the church shall belong to those who abide by these bylaws.
8.302 In the event of an irreconcilable dispute, all members agree to submit the disputed issue to the board of an agreed upon evangelical church, and agree to be bound by its recommendations. No member or groups of members may file any law-suit against the church, the Elders, ministry staff, or officers, except to enforce, if necessary, this Constitution.

8.303 Dissolution:
8.304 Should dissolution of the church ever be necessary, all excess assets after payment to all appropriate creditors shall be distributed to the Grand Rapids International Fellowship of Grand Rapids, Michigan at the following address:

3765 Kalamazoo Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49508

ARTICLE IX: FISCAL YEAR

9.100 Fiscal Year:
9.101 The fiscal year of the church shall begin on the first day of May and end on the last day of April each year.

ARTICLE X: LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.100 Liability:
10.101 No member of the Elders who is a volunteer shall be personally liable to this church for monetary damages for a break of fiduciary duty; provided, however, that this provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability for any of the following:
• A breach of duty or loyalty to the church;
• Acts of intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law;
• A transaction from which the Elder derived an improper personal benefit; or
• An act of omission that is gross negligent.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

11.0 Amendments:

11.01 This document was drafted by faithful but fallible people. Should the Spirit of God point out the need to revise this document in any way, the elders shall present the suggested revisions to the senior pastor for his consideration, and ultimately to the participating members of the body for ratification by majority vote.
11.1 Minor revisions not affecting the theology, ministry philosophy, or overall structure and governance shall be made at the discretion of the elders (e.g., rewording, clarification of ideas considered to be confusing, added scriptural support, etc.)
11.2 The Constitution may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present at any duly called meetings provided that notice of the proposal to amend or repeal is given to the membership in writing two (2) weeks prior to the meeting and the previous two (2) Sunday worship services.
11.3 The church shall be dissolved if so decided by the members, or if the church has not held an annual meeting for three years, or when less than twenty members remain.

ARTICLE XII: MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

12.0 Marriage and Divorce and/or Dissolution of Marriage

The Christian family, knit together in a common bond through Jesus Christ, is a circle of love, fellowship, and worship to be earnestly cultivated in a society in which family ties are easily dissolved. We urge the development of strong family ties in our church. In particular, we urge upon the ministry the importance of teaching and preaching clearly the biblical plan of the permanence of marriage.
The institution of marriage was ordained by God in the time of man’s innocence, and is, according to biblical authority, “honourable in all”; it is the mutual union of one man and one woman for fellowship, helpfulness, and the propagation of the race. Our people should cherish this sacred estate and should enter it only after dedicated prayer for divine direction, and when assured that the contemplated union is in accordance with scriptural guidelines. They should eagerly seek Christian counsel and seek the blessings that God has ordained in connection with the wedded state, namely, holy companionship, parenthood, and mutual love—the elements of home building. The marriage covenant is morally binding so long as both shall live, and breaking of it is a breach of the divine plan of the permanence of marriage.
(Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:21-24; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; Ephesians 5:21—6:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4)
In biblical teaching, marriage is the commitment of male and female to each other for life, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. As such, marriage is intended to be permanent, and divorce an infraction of the clear teaching of Christ. Such infractions, however, are not beyond the forgiving grace of God when this is sought with repentance, faith, and humility. However, because of the fallenness of human nature, the Scriptures permit divorce in the following cases as an accommodation to human sin for the protection of the innocent party:
• Divorce for the cause of adultery—with the understanding that the obligation to maintain or reinstate the marriage may not be imposed upon the innocent spouse.
• Divorce for desertion—desertion being defined as behavior equivalent to the abandonment of the marriage relationship. In such cases, the innocent spouse is not bound. He or she is free to remarry in the Lord (though the seeking of repentance and reconciliation should always be the first recourse).

The remarriage of believers may not be approved when:

• Divorce is being used as a vehicle to seek a different mate, since such pre-intent makes the divorce adulterous.
• There is no evidence of repentance and brokenness over the circumstances that caused the divorce.
• Restoration of the original marriage remains a viable option.
• It is understood that the concerns above do not apply to divorces that have occurred before conversion. Each case of divorce or remarriage has to be dealt with on an individual basis from the perspective of God’s inexhaustible capacity to forgive human sin and to restore broken lives.

(Genesis 2:21-24; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 7:36-50; 16:18; John 7:53—8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 7:10-16; Ephesians 5:25-33)

Members of BridgeWay are to seek prayerfully a redemptive course of action when involved in marital unhappiness, in full harmony with their vows and the clear teachings of the Scripture, their aim being to save the home and safeguard the good name of both Christ and His Church. Couples having serious marital problems are urged to seek counsel and guidance of their pastor and/or any other appropriate spiritual leader that is recommended by their pastor.
Through ignorance, sin, and human frailties, many in our society fall short of the divine plan. We believe that Christ can redeem these persons even as He did the woman at Samaria’s well, and that sin against God’s design for marriage does not place one beyond the forgiving grace of the gospel. Where a marriage has been dissolved and remarriage has followed, the marriage partners are encouraged to seek the grace of God and His redemptive help in their marriage relation. Such persons may be received into the membership of the church at such time as they have given evidence of their regeneration and an awareness of their understanding of the sanctity of Christian marriage.

13.0 Sanctity of Life

BridgeWay Community Church affirms the sanctity of human life as established by God the Creator and believes that such sanctity extends to the child not yet born. Therefore, we oppose induced abortion by any means, when used for either personal convenience or population control. We oppose laws that allow abortion. Realizing that there are rare but real medical conditions wherein the mother or the unborn child, or both, could not survive the pregnancy, termination of the pregnancy should only be made after sound medical and Christian counseling.
Responsible opposition to abortion requires our commitment to the initiation and support of programs designed to provide care for mothers and children. The crisis of an unwanted pregnancy calls for the community of believers (represented only by those for whom knowledge of the crisis is appropriate) to provide a context of love, prayer, and counsel. In such instances, support can take the form of counseling centers, homes for expectant mothers, and the creation or utilization of Christian adoption services.
Through ignorance, sin, and human frailties, many in our society fall short of the divine plan. We believe that Christ can redeem these persons and the church is called to pray, care and surround these in healing love.

(Exodus 20:13; 21:12-16; Job 31:15; Psalms 22:9; 139:3-16; Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:5; Luke 1:23-25, 36-45; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:1 ff.; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6)

14.0 Human Sexuality

BridgeWay Community Church views human sexuality as one expression of the holiness and beauty that God the Creator intended for His creation. It is one of the ways by which the covenant between a husband and a wife is sealed and expressed. Christians are to understand that in marriage human sexuality can and ought to be sanctified by God. Human sexuality achieves fulfillment only as a sign of comprehensive love and loyalty. Christian husbands and wives should view sexuality as a part of their much larger commitment to one another and to Christ from whom the meaning of life is drawn.
The Christian home should serve as a setting for teaching children the sacred character of human sexuality and for showing them how its meaning is fulfilled in the context of love, fidelity, and patience.
Sexuality misses its purpose when treated as an end in itself or when cheapened by using another person to satisfy pornographic and perverted sexual interests. We view all forms of sexual intimacy that occur outside the covenant of heterosexual marriage as sinful distortions of the holiness and beauty God intended for it.
Homosexuality is one means by which human sexuality is perverted. A Christian living a lifestyle of homosexuality is acting in opposition to the clear teaching of scripture. We oppose any action or statement that would seem to imply compatibility between Christian morality and the practice of homosexuality. We believe the grace of God in connection with the best of Christian counseling is sufficient to overcome the practice of homosexuality.
(Genesis 1:27; 19:1-25; Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-10)

15.0 Christian Giving

IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES, God’s people were encouraged to contribute at least a tenth of their income to God’s work (the tithe). Although the New Testament is not explicit about the continued validity of the standard, it may be assured that it endorses the practice of tithing as a minimum guideline or a starting point for Christian giving. Obviously, the New Testament lays demands upon believers that exceed the giving of the tithe.

According to the New Testament, the totality of one’s possessions belongs to God—not just the tithe (Matthew 6:19–34, 19:16–30, 25:14–30; Luke 9:23–25, 12:13–34, 16:1–13, 18:18–30, 21:1–4; Acts 2:44–45, 4:32–37).

The New Testament allows Christians to keep the portion of their income which is necessary to provide for them and their dependents so that they do not become a burden on society (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; 1 Timothy 5:8; 6:6–10). But the balance of their income is encouraged to be used for God’s work and for deeds of charity (2 Corinthians 9:6–15; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:17–19; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:16–18).

Thus, whereas the Old Testament required the contribution of only a tenth of one’s income to God’s work, the New Testament encourages the total disposition of one’s possessions for God’s work, except for that portion which is to be kept to provide for oneself and one’s relatives with reasonable safeguards for the future. On this basis, if twenty percent of one’s income is sufficient to provide for one’s own and family needs, the remaining eighty percent belongs to God’s work. This approach to giving reflects the radical transformation of pagan materialistic values that takes place under the impact of the Gospel as the quest for personal advantage gives way to the desire to worship God through total disposition of oneself to His service and to the service of others (Romans 12:1).

The replacement of the old covenant standard of tithing into the principle of total grace giving provides an explanation for the silence on this issue of tithing in the New Testament. The implications of the New Testament principle of total disposition reduces tithing to a beginner’s exercise, a minimum reference that is to be increased in proportion to one’s income and one’s growth in Christ.

For Christians whose limited income is only sufficient for subsistence, the tithe provides a goal to attain. For Christians whose income exceeds their needs, the tithe becomes restrictive. It is to be surpassed in the same measure that God prospers them. To ensure the proper functioning of the ministries of the local church, it is appropriate for a body of believers to expect that, apart from other giving, at least a tenth of their constituents’ income be contributed to the local church that serves them. Both the Old and New Testament offer warrant to uphold such a standard (Leviticus 27:30–32; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23). The New Testament enjoins believers to support generously the ministry of their local church (1 Corinthians 9:11–14; Galatians 6:6).

According to the New Testament, the responsibility for the proper apportionment of a believer’s giving is a matter of individual conscience rather than a function of the body. However, the church is to exercise watch care over its constituency to protect it from the sin of greed which may be cause for church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:10–11; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5).

When Christians learn to regard the totality of “their” possessions as belonging not to themselves, but to God, they develop a joyful sense of freedom from the instinct of possessiveness. They view their possessions as divine entrustments placed in their care for the purpose of ministry. As a result, their giving is not based on legalistic calculations of grudgingly accepted impositions. It becomes the spontaneous heart response of grateful spirits answering cheerfully and generously to God’s love. The biblical measure for giving is to be found in a grateful heart, not in the devices of an electronic calculator (Acts 20:35).

16.0 Women and Men in Ministry

WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE teaches that men and women were created by God and equally bear His image (Gen. 1:27). God’s intention was for them to share oneness and community (Gen. 2:23–24), even as the Godhead experiences oneness within the Trinity. Each had a direct relationship with God and they shared jointly the responsibilities of rearing children and having dominion over the created order (Gen. 1:26–28). However, human oneness was shattered by the Fall. The struggle for power and the desire to “rule over” another is part of the result of human sin. Genesis 3:16 is a prediction of the effects of the Fall rather than a prescription of God’s ideal order.

However, God has acted in Christ to redeem the human race, and to offer to all people the opportunity to be part of the New Community, His church. It is God’s intention for his children to experience the oneness that exists between the Father and the Son (John 17:11, 20–23). This means that old divisions and hierarchies between genders and races are not to be tolerated in the church, where all are “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). In the formation of the church at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on women and men alike, as had been predicted long before the coming of Christ (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:18). In the New Testament, women as well as men exercise prophetic and priestly functions (Acts 2:17–18, 1 Cor. 11:4–5, 1 Peter 2:9–10). Further, the Spirit bestows gifts on all members of the New Community sovereignly, without giving anyone preferential treatment based on gender (Acts 2:1–21, 1 Cor. 12:7, 11). Every believer is to offer her or his gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Peter 4:10–11). To prevent believers from exercising their spiritual gifts is to quench the work of the Spirit. In all attempts to understand and put into practice appropriate relationships between genders in the body of Christ, our sole authority is the will of God as expressed in Scripture. A few isolated scriptural texts appear to restrict the full ministry freedom of women. The interpretation of those passages must take into account their relation to the broader teaching of Scripture and their specific contexts. We believe that, when the Bible is interpreted comprehensively, it teaches the full equality of men and women in status, giftedness, and opportunity for ministry. Therefore, in our attempts to live together as a biblically functioning community, we are committed to the following values:

o To provide opportunity for ministry based on giftedness and character, without regard to gender.
o To pursue the kind of purity and loyalty in relationships between genders that led New Testament writers to describe them in terms of family: “brothers and sisters.”
o To be intentional where appropriate in overcoming sexist elements of our culture and to offer encouragement to women in areas where their giftedness has been traditionally discouraged.
o To teach and model these values to members of our community, to the church, and to the world at large.

17.0 Principles for Ethical Living

• We believe that the body is a God-given temple that deserves our care. A healthy spiritual, physical and emotional lifestyle is to be conscientiously pursued.
• Followers of Christ are to avoid any activity outlined in scripture or any other societal over-indulgence that could bring disharmony to the larger church. Knowingly doing anything that could cause your brother or sister to stumble in their Christian walk runs counter to the normal biblical mandate for Christian living. Although the Bible does not forbid the consumption of alcohol, it does warn against becoming drunk or doing anything that could cause your brother or sister to stumble in their Christian walk. Also, any illegal narcotic or substance that can do damage to the body should be avoided. Considering others above ourselves and caring for the body as a temple should be our highest goal.
• The essence of God’s love was demonstrated through Christ as He sacrificed the prerogatives of Heaven for the betterment of those He loves (Philippians 2: 1-11). Those assuming the position of leadership in the church are likewise called to lovingly live their lives and sacrifice personal freedoms for the betterment and harmony of the entire church.

(1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 10:31-33; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19-26; 1 Peter 4:3)

18.0 Children’s Dedication and Infant Baptism

We believe that children are a gift from God. A parent or parents will want to dedicate their children to the Lord through the church in the custom of Hannah in the Old Testament. When that child grows and comes to full saving faith in Christ, he/she will need to be baptized as a believer. Also, employing the symbol of infant baptism is an accepted practice.

Parents or guardians will need to give assurance for them of necessary Christian training. Using the symbol of infant baptism in this way, the child will have the freedom to choose to be baptized later as an adult believer as the person desires.

Dedication and baptism does not redeem the child, but we believe that due to God’s grace, a child who dies will be with the Lord in heaven due to God’s mercy.