CVBC Constitution

Chippewa Falls, WI * 715/723-2872 * Home page: http://cvbc.net

A Worshipping, Evangelizing, & Equipping Family of Believers

(Last modified: $Date: 2005/03/04 19:59:13 $)
This is the official constitution of the Chippewa Valley Bible Church. It was adopted on January 4, 1998, by a 92%-8% vote, out of the 73% of active church members who voted.

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SEE ALSO: Constitutional Supplement: New Testament Elders

CONSTITUTION OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

NAME: The name of this church shall be the CHIPPEWA VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this church shall be:

PART 1 - DOCTRINE

The scripture doctrines to which we ask the assent of all applicants for membership are contained in the following Articles of Faith:

  1. The Holy Scriptures -- We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12,13).

  2. The Godhead -- We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections (Deut. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13;14).

  3. The Person and Work of Christ --
    a.
    We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35).
    b.
    We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and, that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom. 3:24, 25; 1 Peter 2:24; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5).
    c.
    We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb. 7:25; 9:24; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1,2).

  4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit --
    a.
    We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person Who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and, that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Rom.8:9; Eph. 1:13,14).
    b.
    We believe that He is the Divine Teacher Who guides believers into all truth; and that it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20,27; Eph. 5:18).
    c.
    We do not endorse the tongues-speaking movement for the following reasons:
    1. It usually gives an undue prominence to the gift that had only limited value even in New Testament times (1 Cor.12-14);
    2. It often suggests that tongues-speaking is the necessary evidence of the special work of the Holy Spirit, when in fact the New Testament does not say this;
    3. It tends to place more emphasis on tongues-speaking as an external manifestation of the Holy Spirit than on the work of the Spirit within to produce character and behavior (Gal.5:16-25);
    4. It claims "ecstatic utterance" is also tongues-speaking when there seems to be good reason for believing that the gift in New Testament times was that of speaking in previously unlearned foreign languages;
    5. It often fails to see that God sovereignly gives His gifts, not on demand, and that no one gift is for everyone.
    In stating this position, we do not mean to detract from the sincerity of Christian character of many within the movement. However, we will not propagate the teaching and emphasis of the tongues movement within our fellowship.

  5. The Personality of Satan -- We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6, 7; Isa.14:12-17; Matt.:4:2-11; 25:41; Rev. 20:10).

  6. The Total Depravity of Man -- We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and, that man is totally depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen. 1:16,27; Rom. 3:22,23; 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3,12).

  7. Salvation -- We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18,19).

  8. The Assurance of Believers --
    a.
    We believe that all the redeemed are kept by God's power and are thus secure in Christ (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1, 38,39; 1 Peter 1:5).
    b.
    We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word: which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

  9. Sanctification -- We believe that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and is identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This sanctification has to do with the believer's standing, not his present walk or condition. (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2)

    We believe that there is also by the work of the Holy Spirit a progressive sanctification by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the standing the believer positionally enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17, 19; Romans 6:1-22; 2 Cor. 3:18; 1 Thess. 4:3-4; 5:23).

    In this respect we believe that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict - the new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh - but adequate provision is made for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin. (Galatians 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Phil. 3:12; Col. 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 3:5-9)

  10. The Church
    a.
    We believe that the Church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born again persons of this present age (Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).
    b.
    We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17,28-32; 1 Tim. 3;1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
    c.
    We believe in two church ordinances for the believer:
    1. Water Baptism -- we believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer; in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ (Rom. 6:3, 4; Acts 8:38).
    2. The Lord's Supper -- We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. It should always be preceded by solemn self-examination and we should continue to remember Him this way until He comes (1 Cor. 11:23-28).

  11. Missions -- We believe that it is the obligation of the saved to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scripture and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all mankind (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20).

  12. The Second Advent of Christ -- We believe in that "Blessed Hope," the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His redeemed ones; and in His subsequent return to earth with His saints to establish His Millennial Kingdom (1 Thess. 4:13-18; Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1;10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10).

  13. The Eternal State --
    a.
    We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13).
    b.
    We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Lu. 23:43, Rev. 20:4-6; 2 Cor.5:8; Phil. 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17).
    c.
    We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (Luke 16:19-26; Matt. 25:41-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6 & 7; Mark 9:43-48; Rev. 20:11-15).

PART 2 - MEMBERSHIP

A.
The membership of this church shall consist of those who give clear evidence of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and a sincere desire to live a godly, Christian life.

Each person desiring to unite with this church shall be examined by the Elders as to their Christian experience, and the basis of their salvation. Upon approval, the individual will be received into the membership of the church at a regular service. All names of applicants for membership shall be announced to the church at least two weeks preceding their reception into church fellowship. (removed Feb. 2005)

All applicants will be required to assent to the foregoing Articles of Faith and the Constitution of the church; show consistent attendance at Church services for a period of three months, and attend the Discovery Class. An individual must be at least 16 years of age to become a member.

B.
COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP -- As members of Chippewa Valley Bible Church we will, by the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, covenant to:
  1. Progress in obedience to Christ (John 14:15)
  2. Worship regularly with the church family (Psalm 150:1; Ephesians 5:19-20; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47)
  3. Serve faithfully in ministry (1 Peter 4:10)
  4. Financially support the church ministry through cheerful and generous giving (2 Cor.9:6-15; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).
  5. Love and uphold fellow members, to pray for them and to encourage them, even when they have failed. (Phil. 2:1-4; Gal.6:1-2).
  6. Influence my circle of friends, relatives and associates to become Christ's disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
  7. Be responsive to the church leadership (Hebrews 13:17).
  8. Resolve conflicts with other church members according to Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15-17.

C.
Withdrawal or Removal:
  1. Upon written request of any member addressed to the Elders, his or her name shall be removed from the church roll.
  2. If a member should join another church without a written request for removal of his or her name from the church roll, his or her name shall be removed from the church roll.
  3. Membership may be revoked, for any of the following reasons:
    a.
    Belief in a false or heretical doctrine.
    b.
    A life inconsistent with a Christian profession.
    c.
    Continuous absence from the service for 12 months without satisfactory reasons.

PART 3 - CHURCH GOVERNMENT

This church shall be self-governing in all matters, and shall not be under the direction or control of any denomination or federation. The Elders shall be the spiritual and administrative head of the church. (See ` supplement on "New Testament Elders" for the Biblical basis of an Elder led local church.)

I.
RECOGNITION OF ELDERS.

It is really God who makes men elders by maturing and burdening them to fulfill such a ministry. As overseers in their leading and protecting capacity, it is the responsibility of the elders to recognize the men whom the Holy Spirit appoints as elders (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 4:14).

The process of recognition of elders at Chippewa Valley Bible Church is as follows:

A.
Identification
  1. Anyone in the church family may, after prayerful consideration of the scriptural qualifications, recommend one of the men of the church to the eldership for consideration as an elder. Each person so presented is given serious consideration by the existing elders.
  2. If the elders are unaware of any Scriptural reasons to not consider the man, they commit some time in contact with the man himself in order to determine with him God's will in this matter (1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Peter 5:2). With this information, the eldership prayerfully decides whether the man suggested is a true candidate for the office of elder.
  3. Once agreed that the man appears to desire the office under the Lord's direction, the elders notify the congregation of the candidate under consideration. The church family is encouraged to pray and inform the elders of their input either personally or in writing.
  4. Any areas of life in which the man is found lacking results in an invitation for a discipling relationship between a member of the elders and the candidate. In this way deficiencies are dealt with directly and the candidate may be considered for the eldership at a future time.

B.
Consideration
  1. Following the identification of a potential elder, the elders take reasonable time (typically 6-18 months) to get to know the candidate. This time provides for:
    • Prayer and fasting for God's will in the matter (Acts14:23).
    • A period to familiarize the man with the functions of an elder.
    • A sufficient opportunity for the existing leaders to develop their relationship with the person and to evaluate his spiritual depth and character as one who might share in the ministry of equipping the saints (1 Timothy 5:22).
  2. Any areas of life in which the man is found lacking are discussed lovingly, candidly and confidentially within the eldership. The candidate's continuation in the process of becoming an elder is determined by the circumstances of any deficiency that arises.

C.
Presentation
  1. Following the period of consideration, the elders, by unanimous consent, notify the congregation of their intent to formally commend the candidate as an elder. They further charge the church family to be praying specifically for this man and his family.
  2. Approximately one month after the church family has been notified, the candidate is formally presented to the congregation by the elders. He is given opportunity to share with the church family his heart and sense of the Spirit's leading for him to assume the office of elder.
  3. The church family is given the responsibility to pray and express themselves regarding the candidate. During this period the elders challenge the body to affirm the man or to bring to them any report which may affect his qualification for the office of elder.
  4. Any objections concerning the candidate which might surface during this process are worked through in a constructive manner with the man involved so that any deficiencies or misunderstandings may be addressed and corrected.
  5. When the elders are assured of God's direction, of unity in the church family, and that any former objections have been dealt with properly, the new elder is publicly affirmed by the elders in the presence of the congregation.

II.
TERM OF SERVICE

The Scriptures do not indicate how long a man may officially serve as an elder in the local church. An elder is intended to serve for as long as he desires the work and meets the qualifications of Scripture.

At least once a year the elders gather for a time of reflection and evaluation. At this retreat each man's work and life is candidly discussed. The retreat also provides an opportunity for the elders to appoint corporate officers from among themselves for the coming year (as required by state law).

In advance of the retreat, the congregation is asked to be praying for the men. The church family is encouraged to inform the elders of particular concerns they may have in any of the following areas:

All decisions concerning a man's role and work as an elder are made by the unanimous consent of the elders. Any changes within the eldership, including the duration and duties of an elder taking a sabbatical rest, are communicated to the congregation in a timely manner following the retreat.

III.
REMUNERATION

The Scriptures instruct that the worker is worthy of his hire (1 Corinthians 9:3-14) and the hard working elder is worthy of 'double honor' (1 Timothy 5:17). The church's desire and obligation to free an elder from outside employment must be distinguished from viewing the elders as a professional class (clergy) whose position automatically receives a stated salary. The elders at Chippewa Valley Bible Church follow the Scriptural pattern of never demanding the right to be paid for their service (1 Corinthians 9:12-19; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Therefore, they do not automatically receive any financial compensation from the church for their service in the office of elder.

As the particular needs of the eldership warrant, the church may be able to free an elder to fulfill his responsibilities. The releasing of certain elders to serve in a more full time capacity should not be seen as interfering with the equality of the office shared by all the elders. A salary is provided sufficient to free the elder from the distraction or concern for his financial obligations. The specific remuneration for freed elders (and all church employees) is established by the unanimous decision of the eldership. Such information is available upon request to anyone in the congregation.

IV.
DISQUALIFICATION

Every member is subject to accountability within the church and therefore the elder may be disciplined according to Biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Cor.5; 2 Thess. 3:14, 15). Scripture does dictate that no accusation against an elder is to be taken seriously unless there are two or three witnesses to verify the charges. When a confronted elder "continues in sin," he is rebuked by the elders before the congregation, that "others may fear" (1 Timothy 5:19, 20).

An elder is subject to scrutiny in areas which call for church discipline (unrepentant sin) and circumstances which might affect his continuing qualification to serve as an elder. When an elder ceases to meet those qualifications, he is asked to remove himself from the office for a time so that he may put his life in order in that area. Such action is taken only by the unanimous agreement of the other elders. If an elder himself feels unable to serve for any reason, he may request to be relieved from office either temporarily or permanently. The process of his possible reinstatement at a later time is determined by the elders in relation to the circumstances.

V.
ACCOUNTABILITY

In carrying out his duties, the elder is immediately responsible to the other elders, continually responsible to his brothers and sisters in the congregation, and ultimately responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ.

PART 4 - DEACONS

I.
ROLE OF DEACONS IN THE CHURCH

A.
DEACONS ARE THE SERVANT-MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH. Their purpose is to relieve the elders of the multitude of practical duties of caring for the flock. Deacons are to give their primary attention toward caring for the congregation's physical welfare. Deacons have the honor of modeling, for the local church and the lost world, God's compassion, kindness, mercy, and love. As the church compassionately cares for people's needs, the world sees a visible display of Christ's love, which will draw some people to the Savior. Deacons are to be an example of commitment, unity and harmony in their service.

B.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Under the direction of the Elders, the deacons are to care for the buildings and equipment owned by the church. They are the collectors of funds, the distributors of relief and agents of mercy. They help the poor, the jobless, the sick, the widowed, the elderly, the homeless, the shut-in, and the disabled. They comfort, protect and encourage people and help to meet their needs. Although they do in many ways meet spiritual needs of those whom they serve, their primary service is related to physical needs. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Setting up a yearly schedule of Elders and Deacons to be responsible for counting and recording church monies on a per week basis for a month at a time. Two men shall always be present while monies are counted and recorded.
  • Deliver written budget request to the Finance Committee by December 1st.

C.
FINANCE COMMITTEE & ANNUAL BUDGET. The finance committee shall be composed of the Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and at least one deacon and one elder. At the end of each calendar year, this committee will gather all budget requests from various ministries of the Church and develop a proposed budget for the new year. This budget proposal will be submitted to the Elders and Deacons by December 1st. The Elders and Deacons will approve the final budget by January 1st and present it to the Church congregation.

II.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELDERS AND DEACONS (Philippians 1:1)

III.
RECOGNITION OF DEACONS. The recognition and confirmation of Deacons will follow the same steps as the recognition of Elders outlined earlier in this document.

PART 5 - OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.

The Elders will be responsible for appointing and overseeing these and other officers and committees as needed. Anyone serving in the following offices shall be a member of CVBC:

I. TREASURER -- The Church Treasurer shall be responsible to the Elders and Deacons for:

II. FINANCIAL SECRETARY -- The Financial Secretary shall be responsible to the Elders and Deacons for keeping confidential records of all contributors and sending out a year end report to same, of total contributions through church. The Financial Secretary shall assume the responsibilities of the Treasurer in his absence.

III. HEAD USHER -- The head usher is appointed to develop and supervise an adequate staff of ushers. Basic responsibilities of the head usher include attending to the comfort of the congregation, welcoming guests, and maintaining statistics of attendance.

IV. SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT -- Responsible for:

V. DEACONESSES -- There shall be an indefinite number of deaconesses. They shall serve under the direction of the Elders in the Spiritual ministry of the church: the communion service, visitation, assist in Baptismal services, and minister to women.

VI. AWANA COMMANDER -- Responsible for Coordinating the AWANA Clubs, arranging for leadership in the club, arranging for leadership training programs.

PART 6 - DISCIPLINE

The discipline of the church is entrusted to the Elders and shall be exercised according to the principle of Christian love, and as outlined in Galatians 6:1 - "Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted." All discipline must be conducted in Christian meekness and love with a desire to remove offenses and to win offenders.

  1. Personal grievances between members shall be reconciled according to the scriptural rule in Matthew 18:15-17.
  2. Cases not settled by the rule of Matthew 18:15-17 shall be brought to the Elders who shall endeavor to resolve the problem with disciplinary procedures in the spirit of the Word of God.
  3. The Elders shall endeavor to resolve any grievance by, or unbecoming conduct on the part of, any member of this church, and shall have the authority to call members into conference when there is evidence that any member is no longer in accord with the doctrinal statement, as set forth in this constitution.
  4. If any member, thus having been dealt with, persists in his sinful course, it shall be the responsibility of the Elders to carry out appropriate disciplinary action.
  5. Dismissal from church membership shall be announced to the church membership.

PART 7 - ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING

In the first quarter of each new year, the entire Church family shall meet for a time of prayer for the new year, testimonies of God's faithfulness, reports from the various ministries of the Church, and presentation of the operating budget for the new year.

PART 8 - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed and adopted by unanimous agreement of the Elders at any regular Elder's meeting. Members of the fellowship may propose amendments to the Elders for consideration.

PART 9 - DISSOLUTION

No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any donor, member, director, or officer of the corporation or any private individual; and no donor, member, director, officer of the corporation or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any corporate assets. Upon dissolution, any assets of the corporation must be distributed to one or more organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as one organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.
** This document approved January 4, 1998 by the congregation of Chippewa Valley Bible Church

** This Constitution supersedes and replaces all prior Constitutions.

SEE ALSO: Constitutional Supplement: New Testament Elders

This page is maintained by Tom Arneberg (toma@cvbc.net)
(Last modified: $Date: 2005/03/04 19:59:13 $)