Article I – Name
Article II – Purpose
Article III – Tenets
Article IV – Government
Article V – Membership
Article VI – Business Meetings
Article VII – Statement of Faith
Article VIII – Amendments
Article IX – Dissolution
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this Church shall be Columbia Bible Church, a Washington State Corporation, having its principal place of worship in Tri-Cities, Washington, Counties of Benton and Franklin, State of Washington, herein after referred to as this Church.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The purpose of this Church is to stand unequivocally for the fundamentals of the Faith as contained in the Holy Scriptures; 2Tim 3:16
To present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ at home and abroad to those who have not believed in Him as their personal Savior; Matt 28:19
To teach the Holy Scriptures for the edification of those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior; and 2Pet 3:18
To do all things in the name of and for the honor and glory of our Savior Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 1Cor 10:31, Col 3:17-23
ARTICLE III – TENETS
1. The Government of this Church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is not and shall not be subject to any external ecclesiastical authority. This Church may establish relations and maintain fellowship with other organizations of like belief. No financial support shall be given through this Church to any organization or worker when the doctrinal position of that organization or worker contradicts any portion of sections A through F of the Statement of Faith of this Church’s Constitution.
2. This Church shall not coerce anyone to become a member. Nonmembers are welcome to participate in the fellowship. Those who desire to affiliate with this Church as a member may do so by complying with the provisions of Article V of this Constitution.
3. This Church shall not solicit gifts from unbelievers nor coerce funds or pledges from believers.
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNMENT
The government of this Church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, is vested in its members, herein after referred to as Members.
The authority of the Pastor, Deacons, Officers, and Committees is derived from the Articles of this Constitution, or by resolution of the Members decided in accordance with this Constitution at a duly called Business Meeting. Any authority not so granted is specifically reserved in the Members.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
A. A PERSON SHALL QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP WHO:
1. Confesses the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior;
2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
3. Accepts conscientiously without reservation Sections A through J of Article VII of this Constitution, the Statement of Faith;
4. Agrees to be governed in church affiliation by this Constitution and its duly adopted amendments;
5. Recognizes and accepts the authority of the Pastor-Teacher in this Church.
6. Applies for membership and, upon due examination by at least two members of the Deacon Board, is approved for membership by the Deacon Board. The Deacon Board shall not be obligated to accept any person as a member.
B. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Any person who meets the qualifications of this Article, shall be received as a Member into the fellowship of this Church.
2. Members have the right to attend and vote at any duly called Business Meeting of this Church.
3. Members have the privilege of holding elected or appointed office in this Church for which they are qualified in accordance with this Constitution.
4. Members have the responsibility to see that the Church functions in a way that glorifies God and to help with Church operation and ministry.
C. MEMBERSHIP ROLL
1. It shall be the duty of the Deacon Board to examine the membership roll at least annually. Any Member who has been absent for a period of three consecutive months or longer, and who fails to give satisfactory reason for such absence to the Deacon Board, may be removed from membership.
2. Any Member may be voluntarily removed from membership by submitting a written request to the Deacon Board or making a verbal request to at least two members of the Deacon Board.
3. A former Member may be reinstated by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Deacon Board.
4. All changes to the membership role shall be made at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Deacon Board and recorded in the minutes thereof.
D. DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS
1. Any Member who fails to meet the Membership qualifications in Article V, Section A, of this Constitution, or gives just cause in conduct contrary to biblical principles, may be subject to dismissal.
2. All charges recommending dismissal shall be submitted to the Deacon Board in writing and signed by the accuser(s).
3. A Member shall be dismissed by the vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Deacon Board in a duly called meeting at which he or she may be represented by two other Members, introduce evidence, present and cross-examine witnesses. The accused Member shall be presented with the written charges at least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.
ARTICLE VI – BUSINESS MEETINGS
A. PLACE AND ANNOUNCEMENT
1. All business meetings of the Members shall be held at the principal place of worship of this Church, unless otherwise specified in the notice of the meeting.
2. Announcement of a business meeting shall be given from the pulpit on two (2) Sundays immediately preceding the meeting, and the notice and agenda of the meeting shall be posted on the church bulletin board on the two (2) Sundays immediately prior to the meeting. Announcement and posting may be reduced to the Sunday prior to the meeting by unanimous consent of the Deacon Board.
B. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
There shall be an Annual Business Meeting of the Members before March 1st of each calendar year, the exact date to be determined by the Deacon Board.
C. SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
Special business meetings of the Members shall be called by the Secretary of the Deacon Board upon request from the Pastor, the Deacons, or upon written request of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Members.
D. QUORUM AND CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
1. A quorum for the transaction of any business shall be fifty percent (50%) of the Members.
2. The agenda of all business meetings of the Members shall include at least the following: opening and closing prayer, proof of notice of meeting and quorum, description of the business for which meeting was called, and reports and elections as required by this Constitution. Items of business for the agenda shall be determined by the Deacon Board or by written request of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Members.
3. The President of the Deacon Board, or other member of the Deacon Board chosen by the Deacon Board shall act as Chairman at all business meetings.
4. In the transaction of business, protocol shall be determined by the Chairman based on courtesy, respect, the preamble to this Constitution, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, shall be used as guidance at the discretion of the Chairman.
5. In case of dispute in the conduct of the meeting, the meeting may be adjourned and all prior votes at such meeting may be nullified by a vote of at least two thirds (2/3) of the Members present and voting. In the case of such adjournment, all Business meetings held within the next three months shall be governed by Roberts’ Rules of Order, Revised, in all points not prescribed by this Constitution.
6. The minutes of all business meetings of the Members shall be posted on the Church bulletin board within two (2) weeks following the meeting. Additions and corrections to the minutes shall be submitted in writing to the Deacon Board within the two (2) following weeks for consideration at the next regular meeting of the Deacon Board and shall be reported in the minutes of said meeting.
E. VOTING
1. The Chairman shall determine the method of voting, except that the following shall be by secret ballot: the election or removal of Deacons; purchase, sale, or transfer of real or personal property, and the calling or dismissal of a Pastor or Assistant Pastor.
2. Only Members present when the vote is called for may vote. Absentee or proxy votes shall not be counted.
3. Except in the election of a Deacon, the vote of a majority of Members present and voting shall prevail unless the vote of a greater number is required by law, this Constitution, or within the motion itself. A supermajority required by this Constitution may also be increased within the motion. Election of Deacons is covered in the Bylaws, Article III, Section B.
4. Advisory polls may be taken at any meeting, but no motion may be voted upon unless the topic is stated in the agenda of the meeting.
ARTICLE VII – STATEMENT OF FAITH
A. PLENARY AND VERBAL INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be God-breathed (a), plenary (every word) (b), verbal (consisting of words) (c), and inerrant in the original writings (d). They are the supreme and final authority in faith and life (e).
a. 1Cor 14:37; 2:9-10; 2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1:21; 3:15-16.
b. Mt 5:18; 2Tim 3:16
c. Mat 4:4; John 6:63.
d. John 17:17; Tit 1:2-3; Heb 6:17-18
e. Ps 19:7-11; Ps 119:11; Isa 55:11; Mat 5:17-18; John 10:35; Rom 15:4; 2Tim 3:16-17.
B. SALVATION BY FAITH ALONE
We believe that salvation is received by means of personal faith in Jesus Christ alone without benefit of or requirement for works (a), that it is accomplished as a grace gift by God the Father (b) through the work of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross (c).
a. John 3:16-18; Rom 3:19-28; 4:5; 5:1; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9; I John 5:11-13.
b. John 3:16; 6:40; Rom 5:8; Eph 2:8; 2Tim 1:8-9.
c. John 3:16; 14:6; Rom 5:5-11; 1Cor 15:1-4.
C. SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, perfect and without sin (a), died as a substitutionary sacrifice on the cross (b), bearing punishment for all the sins of the entire world, past, present and future (c).
a. 2Cor 5:21; 1Pet 1:18-19; 2:22; 3:18; 1John 3:5.
b. Rom 3:23-26; 5:6-8; 1Cor 15:3-4.
c. 2Cor 5:14-21; 1Tim 2:5-6; 1John 2:2.
D. THE GODHEAD
We believe in the one (a) eternal God (b) existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (c). They are co-eternal (d) and coequal as to nature, attributes, and perfection (e).
a. Deut 4:35; 6:4; Isa 45:5-6; James 2:19.
b. Ps 90:2; John 1:1.
c. Isa 48:16-17; Mat 3:16-17; 28:19; 2Cor 13:14; 1 John 5:7.
d. Gen 1:1-2; John 1:1.
e. Isa 48:16; John 5:17-18; 10:30; 1 John 5:7.
E. DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST
We believe that the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary (a), lived a sinless life, did not possess a sinful nature (b), and is both true God and true man (c).
a. Isa 7:14; Mat 1:18; Luke 1:34-35.
b. 2Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1John 3:5.
c. John 1:1-3, 14; Phil 2:5-7; Heb 2:17.
F. RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST
We believe that the physical body of Jesus Christ was resurrected (a) and ascended into heaven (b) where He is our Advocate and High Priest (c).
a. John 20:26-27; 1Cor 15:3-8.
b. Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:9-11; 1Pet 3:21-22.
c. Ro 8:34, Heb 7:24-25, 8:1, 1John 2:1
G. SPIRITUALITY
Just as salvation is by grace though faith, so also the whole Christian way of life is by grace through faith. We believe that spirituality is an absolute condition in the life of a believer in the present age wherein he is filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit, walking in love and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that spirituality is distinct from maturity; that a believer becomes carnal through an act of mental, verbal, or overt sin; and that spirituality or fellowship with Christ is restored solely by personal confession of that sin to God the Father.
John 15:7-8; Rom 6:11-13; 2Cor 5:6-7; Gal 5:16; Eph 5:15-20; I John 1:9.
H. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BELIEVERS
It is God’s will that every believer should grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ by the regular and frequent intake of Bible Doctrine. This is the basis of glorifying Jesus Christ in the angelic conflict (a). Every believer has been called with a holy calling to walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, and so to live in the spirit that they should not fulfill the lust of the flesh; but the flesh being still in us to the end of the earthly life, needs to be kept constantly in subjection to Christ, or it will surely manifest itself to dishonor His name (b).
a. John 17:14-17; Mat 4:4; Eph 4:11-16; 2Pet 3:18.
b. Rom 8:12-13; 13:14; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-24; 5:18; Col 3:1-10.
I. SATAN
We believe that Satan is a created being who exists in personality and reality. He is the enemy of both God and of believers. He is the leader of a group of fallen angels.
Job 1:6-7; Mat 4:2-11; 25:41; Acts 5:3; 1Pet 5:8; Rev 12:7-10.
J. ETERNAL STATE
We believe that all those who do not believe in God’s provision of redemption through the death of Christ are eternally separated from God (a); they will be cast into the Lake of Fire where they will not be annihilated but will be punished with everlasting torment (b). We believe in a literal heaven (c). The Church-age believers pass immediately into God’s presence at death (d).
a. Luke 16:19-26; John 3:17-18; 5:25-29.
b. Mat 25:41; Rev 20:14-15.
c. Acts 7:55-56; Phil 3:20; 1Thes 4:16.
d. John 14:3; 2Cor 5:8; 1Thes 4:17.
K. RAPTURE AND RESURRECTION
Believers who have died remain in heaven in conscious bliss until the resurrection of their glorified bodies at the Rapture when body and soul will be united and remain with the Lord forever (a). Old Testament and Tribulation believers will receive their resurrection bodies at the Second Advent (b).
a. 1Cor 15:42-58; Phil 3:20-21; 1Thes 4:13-18.
b. Dan 12:1-2; Rev 20:4-6.
L. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is God. He is a distinct person of the Godhead who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (a); regenerates those who believe (b); baptizes them into the body of Christ (c); indwells all believers of the present age (d); seals them unto the day of redemption (e); is the only source of power for acceptable worship and service (f); is the infallible interpreter of Holy Scripture (g); is ever present to testify concerning Jesus Christ (h). It should be the desire of every believer to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (i).
a. John 14:16-17; 16:7-11; 1John 5:7.
b. John 3:5-6; Tit 3:4-5.
c. 1Cor 12:12,13.
d. John 14:16-17; Rom 8:9-11; 1Cor 3:16; 6:19.
e. 2Cor 1:21-22; Eph 4:30.
f. Acts 1:8; Rom 8:26-27; Gal 5:16-25.
g. John 14:26; 1Cor 2:9-16.
h. John 16:12-15; 1Pet 1:10-12.
i. Eph 5:18.
M. ETERNAL SECURITY
We believe that all believers everywhere, once saved, shall be kept saved forever.
John 5:24; 10:28-29; Rom 8:1; 8:38-39; 1John 5:13; Jude 24-25.
N. GREAT TRIBULATION
We believe that the present age will end and will be followed by Daniel’s seventieth week (a). The Abomination of Desolation spoken by Daniel the prophet will appear in the middle of the seventieth week (b). The appearance of the Abomination of Desolation will begin the most terrible time ever known in history, called “The Great Tribulation” (c). The Great Tribulation is finally climaxed by the visible and personal return of Jesus Christ to set up his Kingdom (d).
a. Dan 9:24-27.
b. Dan 9:27; Mat 24:15.
c. Jer 30:7; Dan 12:1; Mat 24:21-22.
d. Zech 14:1-9; Mat 24:29-30; 2Thes 1:5-10.
O. MAN CREATED AND FALLEN
We believe that the immaterial part of man was created in the image of God but the first man, Adam, willfully sinned and fell from God’s grace (a). In Adam, all men have inherited a sinful nature and all men have sinned and have incurred spiritual death, which is separation from God. Thus all men now are alienated from God and remain totally unable to redeem themselves (b). Those who reach moral responsibility are held accountable for their sinfulness in thought, word, and deed (c). Through Jesus Christ, God created man and all that has come into being (man, animals and the universe did not evolve) (d).
a. Gen 1:26-27.
b. Gen 2:17; Ps 51:5; Rom 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; 7:17-25; Eph 2:1-3.
c. Rom 2:1-15; Jas 2:10.
d. Gen 1:1-2:3; Ps 139:15-16; Col 1:16.
P. THE CHURCH – UNIVERSAL AND LOCAL
We believe that the Church Universal, which is the Body and Bride of Christ, includes the whole company of believers from Pentecost to the Rapture and that Jesus Christ is the Head and the Bridegroom (a). We believe that the local church is any autonomous group of believers in Christ, in one geographical location, united in the Spirit, who meet together for instruction in the Word of God, prayer, observance of the Lord’s supper, and observance of the ordinance of baptism by immersion (b). We believe that the mission of the Church is to glorify God and to present Jesus Christ to the world (c).
a. 2Cor 11:2; Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:24.
b. Mat 3:13-16; Acts 20:7; 1Cor 1:2, 11:23-29.
c. John 15:15-16; 1Cor 10:31; Phil 2:15-16.
Q. SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe that God the Holy Spirit, in grace and apart from human merit, sovereignly bestows spiritual gifts to believers in this dispensation. Some of the permanent spiritual gifts which exist today are: pastor-teacher, evangelist, administrator, helper, giving and showing of mercy. We further believe that the temporary spiritual gifts ceased with completion of the Canon of Scripture, and these were: apostleship, prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, healing, and working of miracles.
Rom 12:4-8; 1Cor 12:1-11, 27-31; 13:8-10; Eph 4:7, 11-16; 1Pet 4:10-11.
R. DISPENSATIONAL VIEWPOINT
This Church, by virtue of a consistent literal interpretation of the Scriptures, is Dispensational, Pre-millennial, and Evangelical. The English word dispensation comes from the Greek word oikonomia , which means “stewardship.” A Dispensation or Stewardship is a distinguishable economy or period in the outworking of God’s purpose(a). We believe that Israel always denotes the physical posterity of Jacob, and is never to be confused with the church (b)..
a. Col 1:24-26; Eph 1:9-10; 3:2-6.
b. 1 Cor 10:32; Rom 10:1, 11:1,25-28
S. DEATH OF CHRIST
We believe there are two aspects of the death of Christ – spiritual death and physical death. The spiritual death of Christ is the three hours on the cross during which He was judged in our place for the sins of the world to accomplish redemption (a). Physical death was the point when Christ voluntarily yielded up His soul and spirit after the work of redemption was completed. The physical death was a necessary part of the total work of Christ on the cross from numerous standpoints, including: the verification of the fact that redemption had been accomplished; the necessity for a bodily resurrection of the God-man as the First Fruits of the resurrection; the fulfillment of the covenants to Israel; Headship of the Church (b).
a. Mat 27:45-46; Luke 23:44-45; Rom 3:24-25; 5:8-9; 2Cor 5:21; Eph 1:7; 1Pet 1:18-19.
b. Mat 27:50; Mk 15:37; Luke 1:31-33; 23:46; John 19:30; Acts 2:30-33; Rom 4:25; 1Cor 15:22-23; Eph 1:20-23; Col 1:18.
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS
A. TIME AND METHOD OF ADOPTION
These Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the Members present and voting at any Annual Business Meeting. Proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation shall not be amended.
B. REQUIREMENTS
No amendment shall be voted upon unless it has been:
1. submitted in writing to each Member at least four (4) weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting,
2. announced from the pulpit on at least four (4) Sundays prior to the Annual Business Meeting,
3. approved by the Deacon Board or submitted by a petition signed by not less that twenty percent (20%) of the Members.
ARTICLE IX – DISSOLUTION
This Church shall be dissolved as a corporation of the State of Washington upon a vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the Members present and voting at a duly called Business Meeting. A four (4) week prior notice in writing to all members must be given prior to a vote for dissolution. The method of disbursement of funds after satisfying all outstanding financial obligations shall be included in the notice and may be amended during the meeting by a vote of a majority of Members present and voting prior to the vote on the dissolution motion itself. Upon dissolving, any funds remaining after satisfying any outstanding financial obligations shall be disbursed as specified.
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