PREAMBLE
what we believe

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this local assembly in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminance over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry of this assembly, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the appearance of evil, to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay. We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other local assembly where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

A. THE BIBLE

We believe the Holy Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books known as the Old and New Testaments only, to be the plenarily, verbally inspired Word of God and therefore wholly without error as originally given of God, altogether sufficient in themselves as our only infallible and authoritative rule of faith and practice. II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:20-21; I Peter 1:23-25; Matthew 5:18; Psalm l19:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Acts 1:16; Proverbs 30:6; Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22: 19

B. THE TRIUNE GODHEAD

We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God, who is personal, spirit, and sovereign; perfect, infinite, and eternal in His being, holiness, love, wisdom, and power; absolutely separate and above the world as its Creator, yet everywhere present in the world as the upholder of all things; self-existent and self-revealing in three distinct Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each having a distinct ministry in God's relation to His creation and people. Matthew 28:19; John 1:1&l4, 4:24, 5:17&I8, 10:30, 14:23, 17:5&10; Mark 12:30; Ephesians 2:18; Acts 5:3&4 Acts 20:28; I Cor. 2:10,11; Phil. 2:5,6; Heb. 3:4, Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10

C. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

We believe He is the second Person of the Triune God, the Eternal Word and Only Begotten Son; that without change in His Divine Person, he became man by the miracle of the Virgin Birth, thus to continue forever as both true God and true man, one Person with two natures; that as man He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin; that as the Perfect Lamb of God He gave Himself in death upon the Cross, becoming there the sin of the world, and suffering in its full penalty of Divine wrath in our stead; that He arose from the grave and was glorified; that as our High Priest He ascended into Heaven, there to appear before the face of God as our Advocate and Intercessor. Matthew 1:18-25; John 1; I Cor. 15:3,4; I1 Cor. 5:21; Col. 2:9; Heb. 4:15; I John 2:1,2; Rom. 8:34 Heb. 7:23-25; 9:24

D. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe He is the Third Person of the Trinity and the Divine Agent in nature, revelation, and redemption; that He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgement; that He regenerates, indwells, baptizes, seals, and anoints all who become children of God through faith in Christ; that He further empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, and fills believers who daily surrender to Him. John 16:7-11; Eph. 1:13,14; Rom. 8:1. We believe the Bible teaches that the evidences of being Spirit filled are the fruit of the Spirit and the power to witness. (Gal. 5:22,23; Acts 1:8) The Charasmatic emphasis upon tongues as a sign of Holy Spirit indwelling is not substantiated in Scripture. (I Cor. 12-14)

E. THE CREATION AND FALL OF MAN

We believe that man was the direct creation of God, made in His image and likeness according to the creation account of Genesis. We believe the days of creation were literal twenty-four hour days. We believe that by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God, man became a sinful creature, the father of a fallen race which is universally sinful in both nature and practice, thus alienated from the life and family of God, under the righteous judgment and wrath of God, and has within himself no possible means of salvation. Genesis 1-3; Exodus 20:11; Rom. 1:18-32; 2:1-16; 3:9-18; 5:12- 19

F. SALVATION

We believe that salvation is the perfect gift of God, neither merited nor secured in part, or in whole by any virtue or work of man, but received only by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all true believers have as a present possession the gift of eternal life, a perfect righteousness, sonship in the family of God, deliverance and security from all condemnation, every spiritual resource needed for life and godliness, and the Divine guarantee that they are kept by the power of God through faith; that this salvation affects the whole man; that apart from Christ there is no possible salvation. We believe the gift of salvation is available to all and that anyone who places their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation can be saved. John 3; Romans 3: 10,23; 5:8,12; 6:23; l0:9-13; Eph.2:8,9; Titus 3:5; Acts 16:31; John 1:12; 5:24; 10:27-30 Rom. 8:l,29,30,38,39; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 7:25; I Peter 1:5; I1 Tim. 1:12

G. HEAVEN & HELL

We believe hell is a literal fiery place initially prepared for the devil and his angels. It is also the place where the unsaved go and are held under punishment until the Great White Throne Judgment at which time their bodies are raised from the grave and they are judged and cast into the Lake of Fire. Heaven is the place of eternal blessedness prepared for the saved, who upon death are immediately in the presence of Jesus Christ in heaven. At the time when Christ returns for the church, their bodies will be raised along with the translated saints to face the Judgment Seat of Christ for the determination of rewards. Luke 16:19-31; Rom. 2:5-11; I Cor. 3:12-17; Rev. 20:11-15; Matt. 25:41; II Peter 2:4

H. SATAN

We believe he is the one who was originally created a holy, perfect being, but through pride and wicked ambition rebelled against God, thus becoming utterly depraved in character, the great adversary of God and His people, leader of all other evil angels and spirits, deceiver and god of this present world; that his powers are vast but strictly limited by the permissive will of God who overrules all his wicked devices for good; that he was defeated and judged at the cross and therefore his final doom is certain; that we are able to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God, by the blood of the Lamb, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; I Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-I8; Job 1:12; II Cor. 4:3, 4; I John 3:8 Hebrews 2:14; Rev. 20:10

I. THE CHURCH

We believe the New Testament church is the body of Christ consisting of all genuine born again baptized believers who will assemble locally on a regular basis to practice New Testament ordinances, to worship, to pray, to fellowship, to hear God’s word, and is actively engaged in carrying out the Great Commission. We believe the Lord Jesus instituted two ordinances for the Church, baptism and communion. We believe baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to show forth by solemn and beautiful symbolism, the believers identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection and that it is a prerequisite to membership in a local assembly. We reject the tradition of infant baptism and the teaching that water baptism is a part or means of salvation. We believe Communion (The Lord's Supper) is partaking of bread and the fruit of the vine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood, commemorating His suffering and death for us and continual benefit therefrom. We believe participation should be limited to those who are walking in obedience regarding baptism and living in close fellowship with Christ and His church. Participation should be preceded by a time of careful self-examination. We believe the local assembly should be self-governing and free from denominational and political control. Each local assembly is directly accountable to God and free to cooperate with other assemblies of believers as the Holy Spirit leads. We believe the two offices of the church are that of Pastor (bishop and elder are used interchangeably referring to the same office as pastor or shepherd) and Deacon. The Pastor is the bishop or overseer, placed over the flock by the Holy Ghost. Deacons are servants who serve the Pastor and people and are not a Board of Directors but are to assist the Pastor in meeting the needs of the flock so that the Pastor may give himself to the ministry of the Word & Prayer. We believe it is the responsibility of all believers to remember the work of their local assembly and its extension ministries in prayer, to support it with their tithes and offerings, to faithfully attend all the gatherings of their local assembly as the Lord enables, and to voluntarily submit to the watchcare and discipline of their local assembly. Acts 2:41-47; 14:27; 20:17-32; I Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:5-11; I Cor. 3:10-17; 5:l~1; Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:7 Heb. 10:19-25; 13:17, 18; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5; I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38-41; I Cor. 11:2, 23-32

J. THE SECOND COMING

We believe in a pre-tribulational return by Christ in the clouds to catch away or rapture His Bride, the Church. We believe this to be the blessed hope of the Church for which we should constantly watch and pray because the time is unrevealed but always imminent. The dead in Christ will be bodily resurrected and rise first with the living saints changed and caught away in a moment in the twinkling of an eye. A seven year period, known as the tribulation, will follow during which the righteous judgment and wrath of God will be poured out upon the unbelieving world. Afterwards, Christ will return to Jerusalem with the Saints and establish His millennial kingdom to rule and reign over all the nations for a thousand years. During the millennial reign, the national promises given to Abraham by the Lord will be fulfilled and Israel will be raised to the glory prophesied in Scripture. Satan will be bound during this period but will be released for a little season to deceive the nations. He then will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity. I Cor. 15:51-53; Titus 2:13; I Thess. 1:7,8,10; 4:13-18; 5:2,3,9; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; 3:30; 6:15-17 20:2-7; Matt. 24:21-31; Luke 21:25;26; Daniel 12:1; 9:24-27; Jer. 30:7; Isa. 2:19; Zech. 14:4,16; Jer. 23:5,6; Isa. 9:6-7; II Sam. 7:12-16; Dan. 7:13,14; Matt. 25:31-34

K. ANGELS

We believe in the personal existence of angels who were created by God to bring honor and glory to His name and to serve Him. Angels also are ministering spirits to those who are the heirs of salvation. While their numbers are innumerable, one third of the angelic host followed Satan in a rebellion and was cast out from heaven. Among those fallen angelic beings are some who left their first estate and are reserved in chains unto judgment while the rest are functioning under Satan’s leadership as the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. Isaiah 6; 14:12-15; Eph. 6:11,12; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1 :4-14; 12:22; I Peter 1:12; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Rev. 12:1-9

L. SEPARATION

We believe the Scriptures teach that every believer should be separated unto God from the world, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit should walk in Christian love and holiness, exhibiting qualities of honesty, integrity, forgiveness and loving kindness. We are to avoid conformity to the world, friendship with the world, and being in love with the world. This includes modesty in our appearance and temperance in our behavior. We are to mark and avoid those who promote false doctrine and division within the body of Christ and heretics are to be rejected after receiving a second admonition. Those who pervert the Gospel are to be accursed. We are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Rom. 12:1,2; 14:19-21; 16:17,18; I Cor. 6:14-20; 8:9-13; 9:23-27; 10:23,33; II Cor. 6:14-18; 7:1; Gal. 1:6-9; 5:22-25; Eph. 4:22-32; 5:1,2,7-10,15-20; Phil. 4:8; I Thess. 4:7; I Tim. 2:9,10; Titus 3:10; James 4:4; I John 2:15-17

M. THE LORD'S DAY

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord‘s Day for it commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. It is to be set aside unto the Lord for worship, fellowship, and instruction in the Word of God. The practice of meeting together on this day is in accordance with the early church practice. Acts 20:7; Mark 16:9; John 20:19; Rom. 14:5, 6; I Cor. 16:1,2; Col. 2:16,17; Heb. 10:24, 25

N. MARRIAGE AND THE HOME

We believe the home was the first institution God provided for man, and that marriage is a sacred relationship and honorable for all. We believe the Scriptures teach that a marriage consists of a man and a woman joined together in holy matrimony and is to be a lasting Covenant until the death of one or the other. We recognize there are Biblical grounds for divorce in instances of sexual immorality and/or an unbelieving spouse departing and these allow for remarriage. Even in instances of divorce on non-Biblical reasons, Christ forgives and restores! Gen. 2:24; Matt. 5:31, 32; 19:1-9; Mark 10:6-9; I Cor. 7; Eph. 5:21-26; Prov. 18:22; Heb. 13:4, Deut. 24:1-4; Jer. 3:8

O. HUMAN SEXUALITY

We believe that God has commanded there be no intimate sexual activity engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bi-sexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery or appearance. The distinctions between men and women are God-made to be ultimately fulfilling and are thus to be preserved and promoted. Gen. 2:21-23; 19:5-13; 26:8,9; Lev. 18:1-30; Deut. 22:5; Rom. 1:26-29 I Cor. 5:1; 6:9-20; 11:1-15; I Thess. 4:1-8; I Tim. 2:9-14; I Peter 3:1-9 Heb. 13 :4

P. FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the head of the home and men are to be leaders within the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for license and ordination by the church. God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to Christ. Children are an heritage of the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them through consistent example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. Children are to live in obedience and honor towards their parents. Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5; Prov.13:24; 19:18; 22:6,15; 23:l3,14; 29:15; Mark 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; I Cor. 11:1-15; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4,5,12; I Peter 3:1-9

Q. SANCTITY OF LIFE

We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life and is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancy due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable. Abortion is the shedding of innocent blood which the Bible declares to be an abomination. We further believe that murder, suicide, and euthanasia are prohibited in Scripture. However, the Bible does teach that capital punishment is acceptable as punishment for one who has taken the life of another and is not inconsistent with a pro-life position as it is the deserved punishment of a murderer. Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13; 21:12; Lev. 24:17 Num. 35:16, 31; Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5; 139:l4-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44

R. CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1.) the home, 2.) the church, and 3.) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, church, and state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. Rom. 13:1-7; Heb. 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14; I Tim. 2:1-3 Acts 4:13-21; 5:29

S. LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS

We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31,32



Membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives evidence a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Saviour; who renounce sin; who endeavour to live a consecrated life wholly unto the Lord; who fully subscribe to the Statement of Faith contained herein; who enter into the Church Covenant contained herein; upon compliance with any of the following: A. By Baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Saviour. B. By Letter of recommendation from another congregation of like faith, applicant having been duly baptized. C. By Testimony of their profession of faith and having been duly baptized D. By Restoration, if having been removed from membership, upon confession made publicly before the assembly seeking forgiveness, and satisfactorily evidencing repentance. All persons desiring to unite with this local assembly in membership will meet with the pastor and will give testimony of conversion and Christian experience, and affirm acceptance of and adherence to the Statement of Faith, Covenant, and Rules of Order of this church. Approved candidates for membership will be presented to the membership by the pastor. Candidates may be presented at any regularly scheduled service and each will be given opportunity (if they so desire) to share his or her testimony before the congregation. A motion to receive them into membership and a second will be made by members of the congregation and candidates will gain membership upon a majority vote of the membership present at the time of the vote.

2. Dismissal of Members

Membership in Crossroad Bible Church may be dissolved in one of the following ways: A Death B. Letter of Recommendation: such letter shall be granted by vote of the members present in one of its regular business meetings for any member in good standing to any congregation of like faith and practice which may request it. C. Erasure: in the case of a member uniting with a congregation to which Crossroad Bible Church cannot grant a letter of recommendation. D. Request: of any member who wishes to withdraw from the fellowship of Crossroad Bible Church. E. Discipline: for doctrinal deviation or heresy (I Tim. 6:3-5; Titus 3:10,11) for immorality (I Cor. 5:1-13); for failure to uphold conditions and duties of membership. 1.) Purpose: the purpose of discipline shall be at all times for the maintenance of the testimony of Christ in purity and truth and the restoration to fellowship with God of sinning members. 2.) Procedures: we will follow the pattern of Matthew 18:15-19; I Timothy 5:19, 20; Rom. 16:17,18; II Cor. 2:1-1 1; Gal. 6:1; II Thess. 3:6, 10-15 Termination of membership shall be automatic for A, C, D and by a simple majority vote of members present at a business meeting for B & E.

3. Inactive Members

Members who fail to attend any services of Crossroad Bible Church for a period of three months, if the failure is due to no good cause (as determined by pastor and deacons), shall result in their status being changed from active to inactive member. Inactive members cannot hold office or vote in church matters and are not eligible for a letter of recommendation to another congregation. Members who are placed on inactive status will be sent a letter notifying them of the status of their membership and requesting that they respond as to whether or not they wish to remain a member of Crossroad Bible Church. If no response to said letter is forthcoming after 90 days, then that individual's membership will automatically be terminated without further notice.

4. Privileges of Membership

A. Each member of the Crossroad Bible Church, having attained the age of 18 years, shall be entitled to vote. Each voting member has one vote. Members must be present to vote. B. This congregation does not function as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and the direction of the pastor as the bishop (overseer) with the counsel of the deacons. Determinations of the internal affairs of this church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined exclusively by the church's own rules and procedures. The pastor shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church. The deacons shall give counsel and assistance to the pastor. C. Membership in Crossroad Bible Church does not afford the members with any property, contractual, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Although the general public is invited to all of the worship services, the property remains private property. The pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the deacons) has the authority to suspend or revoke the right of any person, including a member, to enter or remain on the property. If after being notified of such a suspension or revocation, the person enters or remains on the property, the person may, in the discretion of the pastor (or in his absence, an individual designated by the deacons) be treated as a trespasser. D. A member, upon five business days prior written request made upon the membership, may inspect or copy the prepared financial statements of the Crossroad Bible Church, the minutes of the proceedings of church meetings, and the minutes of the proceedings of board meetings. A member may not under any circumstances inspect or copy any record relating to individual contributions to Crossroad Bible Church.

5. Membership Classes

The church will conduct regularly, according to need, classes for new members and new converts. These will be taught by the pastor or some other qualified leader. The classes will include instruction on matters as the Bible, worship, prayer, ordinances, giving, personal conduct, witnessing, missions, church polity, and the home.

Section 2 - Officers

1. Elected Church Officers The elected officers of this church shall consist of the following: A. Pastor - shall serve as corporation president B. Deacons - the chairman shall serve as corporation vice-president C. Treasurer - shall serve as treasurer of the corporation D. Financial Secretary - shall serve as assistant treasurer of the corporation E. Clerk - shall serve as secretary of the corporation One person may hold two or more offices, except that of pastor and the same person may not be treasurer and financial secretary. Each officer shall be required to subscribe to the constitution and by-laws and be an active member of the church.

2. Appointed Church Officers

Other positions of service within the church such as Sunday School Superintendent, Head Usher, Awana Commander, etc. shall be filled by appointment by the pastor after consultation with the deacons. They shall serve for one year and may be reappointed as often as determined by the pastor and deacons. They shall be required to subscribe to the constitution and by-laws and be an active member of the church.

3. Eligibility for Office

A. Pastor - the pastor of this church shall be a believer in and a preacher of the Gospel and the doctrinal statement as held by this church. He shall be required to affirm his faith in the doctrinal statement annually to the deacons. He must meet the qualities as given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Only a man may hold the office of pastor at Crossroad Bible Church.

B. Deacons

- the deacons of this church shall adhere to the doctrinal statement as held by this church and be required to affirm their faith in the doctrinal statement annually in the presence of the pastor and deacons. They must meet the list of qualities as given in Acts 6: 1-6 and I Timothy 3:8-13. Only men may be considered for the office of deacon at Crossroad Bible Church, however, we recognize the contribution their wives make in their ministry in accordance with the qualities expected of them in I Timothy 3:11.

C. Other Offices

- Only active members shall be eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position. The church shall not install or retain any officer who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with our Statement of Faith.

4. Terms of Office

A. Pastor - the pastor's term of service shall be for an indefinite period.

1.) Calling a Pastor

A pulpit committee consisting of the deacons shall endeavor to secure a candidate who meets the Scriptural qualities of I Tim. 3 & Titus 1. After careful examination of the candidate, they shall make a recommendation to the church. Only one candidate may be considered and voted on at a time. During the time the church is without a pastor, the pulpit committee shall be responsible for pulpit supply. The pastor shall be called at a special or regular business meeting of the church provided notice to that effect shall have been given from the pulpit at least two Sundays preceding the vote. A three-fourths majority vote by ballots cast shall be necessary to call said candidate. Upon his acceptance of the call, he shall become a member of the church. 2.) Resignation or Termination: In the event of his resignation, the Pastor shall give a minimum of one months notice, or less by mutual consent. If his resignation is requested it shall be handled in the following manner: Accusations against the Pastor shall be submitted to the deacons, and shall not be considered unless supported by the testimony of two, preferably three or more witnesses. (I Tim. 5:19) It must be moral or doctrinal in nature. The matter will be brought before the church body and a majority vote shall be required to dismiss the pastor. The vote shall be by ballot after notice shall have been given for two Sundays preceding the vote. Disciplinary removal of the pastor from office automatically terminates his membership. B. Deacons - deacons shall be elected to terms of two years and shall be eligible for reelection if there are no other men willing or able to serve. The church shall seek to maintain at least two active deacons if qualified men are available. Additional deacons may be added as the church deems necessary to assist with the affairs of the church. The Pastor and existing deacons will consider and recommend men to the church to serve as deacons. Deacons shall be elected by a majority vote of members present at the annual business meeting of the church. Deacons may be removed from office for unbiblical conduct as determined by the other deacons and pastor, upon a majority vote of the pastor and remaining deacons. C. All Other Offices - the term of service shall be for one year at the expiration of which they may be reelected or reappointed. If a vacancy occurs during the year for an elected officer, the Pastor and deacons shall appoint a qualified member of the church to serve out the remainder of the term. All elected and appointed officers shall serve in their respective offices until their successors are duly elected or appointed. Any officer unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of their office should resign. If any officer refuses to subscribe to the Statement of Faith, Covenant and Rules of Order, it will be just cause for their removal from office by the pastor and deacons. Elected officers shall be elected at the annual business meeting of the church.

5. Staff Positions

All church staff, whether paid or volunteer, including assistant or associate pastors shall be under the supervision of the pastor who has the sole authority, after consultation with the deacons, to hire, appoint, or dismiss the same. No one may serve on staff as an employee or volunteer who does not become a member of Crossroad Bible Church upon assuming their duties and fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the Statement of Faith. Salaries for paid staff shall be set and approved by the membership.

6. Duties of Officers

A. Pastor - The pastor shall preach the Gospel regularly and shall be at liberty to preach as the Lord leads him. He shall be the administrator of the ordinances, act as moderator at all meetings of the church for the transaction of business, supervise the teaching ministry of the church, tenderly watch over its membership and spiritual interests, and organize and develop its strength for the best possible service. The pastor shall appoint the members of the standing and/or committees, at the annual church business meeting. He shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church with the power to vote and its accessory organizations. He shall serve as corporation president. It shall be his duty to publicly inform all newly elected officers of their particular function and the responsibilities of their respective offices. He shall extend the right hand of fellowship to all new members on behalf of the church and perform such other duties as generally appertain to such a position The pastor shall be free to choose the means and methods by which he exercises the ministry that God has given him.
B. Deacons - In keeping with the Scriptural meaning of the term "deacon", and with the Scriptural function of the office, it is understood that the office of deacon is an office of service. It shall be the responsibility of the deacons to assist the pastor in promoting the spiritual welfare of the church, organizing and developing its strength for the best possible service, in conducting the religious services, and all other work of the church. They shall make provision for the observance of the ordinances of the church. Further, the deacons shall assist the pastor in examining and recommending new members to the church. They shall assist the pastor in visitation and all other evangelistic efforts of the church. In cooperation with the pastor, they shall disburse benevolence funds. They along with the pastor shall act as the Nominating Committee and Budget Committee. It shall be the responsibility of the deacons to serve as trustees of the corporation and in cooperation with the pastor, to care for the physical properties and monies of the church. They may raise or secure the payment or repayment of money in the manner they decide by the issue of debentures. However, no debenture shall be issued except by a three-fourths majority vote of the members present at a meeting called for that purpose of which notice shall have been given at least two Sundays prior to the said meeting. They shall provide the pulpit supply and choose a moderator for church meetings if the pastor is unavailable or the office of pastor is vacant. Upon the death, resignation, or dismissal of the pastor, the deacons shall serve as the pulpit committee. Immediately following the annual business meeting of the church, the deacons shall meet and from their own number elect a chairman who shall be vice-president of the corporation.
C. Financial Secretary - The financial secretary shall receive a report from the treasurer of all funds contributed; have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds of the church and disperse the funds as directed by the pastor and deacons or the budget adopted by the members of the church at the annual church business meeting, taking proper vouchers for the disbursements. The financial secretary shall maintain an accurate and auditable record of the finances of the church; submit a written itemized report quarterly to the church; and deliver all records to any successor upon leaving office.
D. Treasurer - The treasurer shall receive and give receipts for all contributions, gifts and donations to the church. Further duties include the depositing of all funds in the name of the church in banks or other depositories as shall be selected by the pastor and deacons. The treasurer shall give a report of receipts and deposits to the financial secretary. Upon leaving office, all records are to be delivered to any successor. The treasurer serves as the chief financial officer of the corporation.
E. Clerk - It shall be the duty of the clerk to keep a correct record of the minutes at all business meetings; be custodian of the records of the church including the membership roll, baptisms, and certificates of ordination, licenses and commissions. The clerk shall conduct the correspondence of the church when so instructed. The clerk shall see that the reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed. Further duties include recording the account of any special events in the life of the church which are of historical interest. Upon leaving office, all records are to be delivered to any successor.

Section 3 - Business Meetings

1. The fiscal year shall be January 1st - December 3 lst. 2. The annual business meeting of the church shall be held on the third Sunday of January at which time the annual budget will be presented and officers and teachers will be elected and appointed. 3. The pastor, after consulting with the deacons, may call the church into business meeting following any regularly scheduled service. Members should understand that business may need to be done and should be faithful to the services with an expectation that business may follow. The only exception is in regards to calling a pastor, amending the Constitution and By-laws, or the borrowing of funds for which two Sundays prior notice must be given before voting. 4. The pastor shall be the moderator at all business meetings. In his absence or if the office of pastor is vacant, the chairman of the deacons shall act as moderator. 5. A quorum shall consist of the members present and only members present may vote. 6. Only members that are eighteen years of age and older may vote. 7. All business shall be conducted with a simple majority vote except for calling a pastor which requires a three-fourths majority, amending the constitution and by-laws which requires a two-thirds majority, and the borrowing of funds which requires a three fourths majority.

Section 4 - Meetings For Worship

1. The church shall assemble each Sunday for public worship. 2. The church may assemble at other times during the week as decided by the Pastor for Bible study, prayer or special meetings such as revival services, camp meeting, jubilee, mission conference, prophecy conference, etc.

Section 5 - Ordinances

1. Baptism shall be by immersion only and only those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour shall be eligible. 2. Communion shall be held at least once per quarter and when able it shall be on the first Sunday night of each quarter. Any in attendance who are active members of an assembly of like faith and practice and in close fellowship with the Lord may participate along with the membership of our congregation.

Section 6 - Accessory Organizations

1. Accessory organizations may hold meetings at such times as will not conflict with the meetings of the church, and shall be under the control of the pastor and deacons. 2. No organization is to buy or sell in the name of the church without authorization by the church. 3. The officers of all adult and youth accessory organizations shall be members of this church in good standing, elected by their respective organizations, subject to the approval of the pastor.

Section 7 - Amendments and Changes

This Constitution and By-laws may be amended or revised at a business meeting of the church provided two Sundays prior notice has been given. A two-thirds majority of eligible members present and voting is required in order to enact said amendment or revision.

Section 8 - Dissolution

In the event of the dissolution of this church, all of its debts shall be fully satisfied. None of its assets or holdings shall be divided among the members or other individuals, but shall be irrevocably designated by corporate vote prior to dissolution to such other non-profit religious corporations as are in agreement with the letter and spirit of the Statement of Faith adopted by this church, and in conformity with the requirements of the State and of the United States Revenue Code (Section S01 C-3)