Article I

The name of this church shall be Grace Brethren Church Inc. of Eagle River, Alaska at Mile 1.8 S. Birchwood Loop Rd., Eagle River, Alaska.

Article II

Covenant

The covenant by which this church exists as a distinct body, and which every member accepts, is as follows:

We acknowledge and commit ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, submit ourselves to the authority of the Holy Scriptures as our rule of faith and practice, and recognize the privilege and duty of uniting ourselves for Christian fellowship as well as for enjoyment of the advancement of His church on earth. Therefore, we do now, in the sight of God--and invoking His blessing--solemnly covenant and agree with each other to associate ourselves as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, as warranted by the Word of God.

We agree to maintain the teaching and the preaching of the Word of God, to commit ourselves to the orderly administration of the affairs of this church and to walk together in brotherly love. We do this depending on the aid of our Heavenly Father, who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation, and of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide.

Article III

Statement of Faith

The Statement of Faith which this church shall embrace, preach and defend is specifically set forth as follows:

1. THE BIBLE: The word of God, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, verbally inspired in all parts, and therefore wholly without error as originally given of God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

2. THE ONE TRUE GOD: existing eternally as three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22, Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).

3. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: His pre-existence and deity (John 1:1-3), incarnation by virgin birth (John 1:14; Matt. 1:18-23), sinless life (Heb 4:15), substitutional death (2 Cor. 5:21), bodily resurrection (Luke 24:36-43), ascension into heaven and present ministry (Heb 4:14-16), and coming again. (Acts 1:11).

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: His personality (John 16:7-15); His deity (Acts 5:3-4), and His work in each believer: baptism and indwelling at the moment of regeneration (1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9); and filling (Eph. 5:18), to empower for Christian life and service (Eph. 3:16; Acts 1:8; Gal. 5:22-23).

5. MAN: His direct creation in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-28), his subsequent fall into sin resulting in spiritual death (Gen. 3:1-24; Rom. 5:12), and the necessity of the new birth for his salvation (John 3:3-5).

6. SALVATION: A complete and eternal salvation by God's grace alone, received as the gift of God though personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

7. THE CHURCH: One true church, the body and bride of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all true believers of the present age (1 Cor. 12:12-13); and the organization of its members in local churches for worship, for edification of believers, and for world-wide gospel witness, each local church being autonomous but cooperating in the fellowship and work (Eph. 4:11-16).

8. CHRISTIAN LIFE: A life of righteousness, good works, and separation unto God from the evil ways of the world (Rom. 12:1-2), manifested by speaking the truth (James 5:12), maintaining the sanctity of the home (Eph. 5:22-6:4), settling differences between Christians in accordance with the work of God (1 Cor. 6:1-8), not engaging in carnal strife but showing a Christ-like attitude toward all men (Rom. 12:17-21), exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), and maintaining a life of prayer (Eph. 6:18, Phil. 4:6), including the privilege, when sick, of calling for the elders of the church to pray and to anoint with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18).

9. ORDINANCES: The Christian should observe the ordinances of our Lord Jesus Christ which are (1) baptism of believers by triune immersion (Matt. 28:19), and (2) the threefold communion service, consisting of the washing of the saints' feet (John 13:1-17), the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:20-22, 33-34, Jude 12), and the communion of the bread and the cup (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

10. SATAN: His existence and personality as the great adversary of God and His people (Rev. 12:1-10), his judgment (John 12:31), and final doom (Rev. 20:10).

11. SECOND COMING: The personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ to remove His church from the earth (1 Thes. 4:16-17) before the tribulation (1 Thes. 1:10; Rev. 3:10), and afterward to descend with the church to establish His millennial kingdom on the earth (Rev. 19:11-20:6).

12. FUTURE LIFE: The conscious existence of the dead (Phil. 1:21-23; Luke 16:19-31), the resurrection of the body (John 5:28-29), the judgment and reward of believers (Rom. 14:10-12, 2 Cor. 5:10), the judgment and condemnation of unbelievers (Rev. 20:11-15), the eternal life of the saved (John 3:16), and the eternal punishment of the lost (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:15).

The statement of faith herein set forth cannot be changed or diminished.

Article IV

Charter

1. Authority

The primary authority by which this church exists as an ecclesiastical body is received from God through the Holy Scriptures. It recognizes and sustains the obligation of mutual counsel and cooperation that is common among the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC).

The secondary authority is by the laws of the state of Alaska under which it is incorporated as a Not-For-Profit, Tax-Exempt Corporation.

2. Property

The title of the property of this church shall be vested in the corporate body of the church.

All property or assets owned by the local church and its auxiliaries shall be irrevocably dedicated to religious purposes and upon dissolution such property or assets shall not inure to the benefit of any private citizen but shall be distributed to: a religious organization which is a qualified tax exempt organization and which shall be selected by the members of Grace Brethren Church of Eagle River or to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in the event of their failure to make such a selection. Only if the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches will not accept the property and assets, shall a judge of the Court of general jurisdiction in the Municipality/State where said church shall be located decide on disposition.

3. Indemnification

See Grace Brethren Church of Eagle River Procedures and Policies, as well as Insurance Policies.

4. Contributions and Church Budget

a. General contributions shall be applied directly to church budget categories only, as outlined in the yearly church budget outline developed by the elders. At elders meetings the budget is regularly reviewed and decisions made and recorded. Update reports are made at business meetings and as needed. Budget information is available to members upon request.

b. Designated contributions imply a trust that the church will apply the contribution as desired to a particular ministry of the church or an outside ministry organization the church supports, such as a specified church project or supported mission organization. A list of these ministries and budget categories are detailed in the yearly budget. The church cannot apply a designated offering to an unlisted ministry. Any such received contributions will be returned to the giver for their determination.

c. At times, elders may designate a one-time offering and will clearly explain the particular ministry or project to which the offering will be given. However, a contributor may designate their giving otherwise as they so choose.

d. Collection, counting, depositing, recording, reporting and year-end receipts will be accomplished by the Finance Ministry team and overseen by an elder.

Article V

1. Membership Qualifications

A person may become a member if they meet the following requirements:

a. Profession of personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, signified by a life of regular discipleship.

b. Baptism: this church practices only triune immersion, but those that have been baptized in other ways following salvation are welcome to be members. Baptism may be requested by talking to any Elder.

c. Regular fellowship, discipleship and participation in the life of the church for a period of at least 6 weeks.

d. Willing to accept the Grace Brethren Church statement of faith, without serious exception.

e. Be willing to enter into a relationship of mutual accountability with the Church Elders and other members.

f. Be knowledgeable of the constitution of this church and willing to abide by it.

2. Becoming a Member

a. A new or renewal membership request can be made to any elder, who will bring the request to the full elder board

b. Discussion with an elder or participation in a new members class are common ways to learn about membership, doctrine and the constitution. It is important for the elders and the potential member to discern if membership is an appropriate step.

c. Following approval by the elder board, new members will be presented by the elders in a regular worship service.

3. Membership Duties, Responsibilities and Privileges

a. Members are expected to be faithful in all spiritual duties essential to the Christian life, to participate in communion ordinances, to be loyal to the church, to attend regularly its services, to contribute to its support and charities and to share in its organized work.

b. Only those members in good standing, fifteen years (15) and older, are eligible to raise questions and vote in all church business meetings. Elders will communicate any different age requirements specified by law related to a particular vote.

c. Any member who identifies problems or needs within the church fellowship should communicate directly with an elder or with the elder board by verbal or written means.

d. Membership does not entitle a member with any property, contractual or civil rights. Although the general public is invited to church services and many activities, the church property remains private property. The elders may suspend or revoke permission for a member/non-member to enter or remain on the property.

4. Membership Withdrawal

a. At least yearly, membership rolls will be reviewed by the elder board and action taken to ensure they are accurate. A membership list shall be published at least once a year.

b. A member's name may be removed from the roll upon written request of the member.

c. After a period of six months of inactivity and non-attendance, a member’s name may be dropped from the membership roll by action of the elders in any regular elders meeting. Upon request, a member may remain a member if absence is due to military service, Christian service, college attendance, or other similar reason.

5. Discipline of a member

Immorality, illegal acts, insubordination to the elders or teaching within the church contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith," shall be cause for restoration efforts, elder counseling and possibly for discipline of a member (Matt. 18:15-17).

6. Membership Dismissals and Restoration

Should a disciplined member fail to respond to restoration efforts by the elders, and after this condition has prevailed for one year, his name may be dropped from the membership if recommended by the elders.

After removal from membership, the former member may request restoration from the elders after repentance and evidence of change. The Elders will communicate restoration of membership to the general membership.

Article VI

Government

The membership functions not as a democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, under the shepherding of a board of elders (which may include pastors) and includes the counsel of deacons. Determinations of the internal affairs of the church are ecclesiastical matters and shall be determined by the church’s constitution, procedures, decisions of leaders, and meetings.

A. Meetings

1. An annual business meeting shall be held on a date set by the elder board, in consultation with the pastor. At this meeting annual reports shall be presented and such other business transacted as may properly come before the members. A semi-annual business meeting may also be held if the elders determine it is needed.

2. Special business meetings may be requested by any member who communicates to the elders by written request the stated purpose and has support for the request by ten percent (10%) of the voting membership. The elders will schedule the meeting and run it as a business meeting.

3. Any and all business meetings shall be publicly announced in at least two (2) regularly scheduled services. An agenda will be made available at the meeting and minutes will be recorded after each meeting.

4. A key purpose of business meetings is affirmation of the oversight of the elder board by the membership. Those qualified members present at any duly called business meeting shall constitute a quorum required for the transaction of business. There will be no absentee or proxy voting. Vote counting will be completed by 2 members and 2 elders/deacons. The approval margin will be calculated based on total votes cast by members either approving or disapproving the item.

5. The following membership affirmation votes require a two-thirds (2/3) or more approval margin.

(1) Election of elders and deacons.

(2) Any and all changes in wording or amendment to this Constitution.

(3) Yearly budget and all financial indebtedness.

5. The following membership affirmation votes if receiving less than a two-thirds (2/3) approval margin will be given further consideration by the elder board, which will make the final determination.

(1) Pastor nominations

(2) Addition of any new ministry teams

(3) Elder board request placed before members, such as building projects, significant changes in ministry, etc.

6. The elder board shall have at least monthly meetings to conduct the business of the church. Minutes will be taken and kept to document actions taken.

7. The deacons shall meet as needed and the deacon chairman or in his absence, a designee shall attend elder board meetings.

B. Officers and Committees

The Officers and Committees of this church shall be as follows:

1. Pastor

a. Selection and Call

1. Any pastor shall meet elder qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) and be able to carry out the responsibilities laid out by the elders (see Pastor Responsibilities).

2. The elder board will select and call a pastor after input from the church membership. Members will have sufficient contact with and knowledge of the pastoral candidate and his family to make informed recommendations to the elders. To nominate a pastor, the elder board must be in unanimous agreement.

3. First Year: The new pastor will be evaluated during his first year of service and only upon unanimous agreement of the elder board will he be retained and become a member of the elder board.

4. Term: Initial term of service shall be specified for one year to three years by the elders. The elders will review his service at least once a year. In addition, at least once a year, the elders will review the pastor's needs: training, salary, housing, and benefits.

5. The elders and congregation will encourage the pastor to fellowship with other Grace Brethren pastors and pastors of other churches in the community. Maintaining connections with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren churches is also important along with continuing education and personal spiritual renewal. Opportunities such as retreats, classes and conferences will be considered and by the elder board.

b. Duties

The pastor shall consider his primary responsibility that of edifying the saints in accord with Ephesians 4:11-16. In addition to preaching and teaching the Word of God, he will set a pattern of good works commensurate with his office. He shall work with the elder board in the selection, training, duties, and dismissal of any church staff, as well as in assessing and meeting the needs of the congregation.

c. Termination

(1) His leadership can be terminated voluntarily by the submission of a written resignation to the elder board at any elders' meeting or at any business meeting. 60 days notice is requested.

(2) The elder board may terminate pastor employment with 60 days written notice if his services are no longer needed.

(3) Immorality, illegal acts, insubordination to the elders or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith," shall be cause for immediate termination by action of the elder board.

2. Elders

a. Call

The congregation shall elect its own elders according to the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Any member sensing God's call to this office may present himself to the elder board and, upon their recommendation, shall be submitted to the church for membership affirmation vote. If recognition of an elder is to be extended beyond the immediate congregation, as in the case of a pastoral candidate, the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches shall be involved.

b. Duties

Elders shall be responsible for the oversight of all matters of church life and practice, and shall see that opportunity be given for regular public worship, prayer and observation of the Christian ordinances. The elder board shall serve as corporate officers of the church, managing church business, property, finances, staff and the programs of the church.

c. Election

Each year, the elder board will submit to the membership for election enough members to make a full complement to the elder board. The number of elders will be commensurate to the size and growth of the church, but at no time will the board be less than three (3) members. It is the goal of a new church to accomplish this as soon as possible. In the case of a new church, the election of the elder board shall be divided into one thirds: one third for a three year term; one third for a two year term; and one third for a one year term. After the initial election, all terms shall be for three years

d. Termination

An elder may terminate his office by submitting a written resignation to the board or to the pastor. Immorality, insubordination or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith," shall be cause for immediate termination by action of the elder board.

3. Deacon

a. Call

Deacons shall be chosen from the members of the church according to the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Recommendations for this office shall be submitted to the elder board, which will then present to the church those names for a membership affirmation vote. The number of deacons shall be determined by the immediate needs of the congregation. The term of service shall be for a period of three years.

b. Duties

Their ministry shall be to assist the elder board. They are to assist in ministry teams and/or in any area of service necessary for the functioning of the church.

c. Termination

A deacon may terminate his office by submitting a written resignation to the elder board or to the pastor. Immorality, insubordination, or teaching contrary to Article III, the "Statement of Faith," shall be cause for immediate termination by action of the elder board.

4. Ministry Teams

a. The chairman of each ministry team shall be a member of the elder board, unless approved otherwise by the elders.

b. Each team shall be responsible for ministry areas within the church, and shall make regular reports to the congregation and to the elder board. Each team shall make budget recommendations to the elder board when requested.

5. Procedures and Policy

It is understood that a Procedures and Policy Manual will be developed by the pastor, elders, deacons, and ministry teams. Each submission approved by the elder board will be dated and placed in the manual. It is through these procedures and policies that the concepts and principles of this constitution will be implemented.

Submitted for Approval of Revisions to Articles II, IV, V, VI: May 2006

© 2006 - Grace Brethren Church of Eagle River, Alaska