CONSTITUTION OF CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
CONSTITUTION OF CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
PREAMBLE
In order to affirm and preserve the principles of our faith, to guarantee that this body may be governed in an orderly and efficient manner consistent with the Scriptures, and for the purpose of preserving the unity of this church, the liberties inherent in each individual ministry partner and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we declare the following:
1. The pre-eminence of Christ as our Divine Lord and Savior.
2. The supreme authority of the Bible and its sufficiency as our only rule of faith and practice.
3. Regenerate ministry partnership.
4. The symbolic ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s supper (open to all believers – I Corinthians 11:28)
5. The complete independence and autonomy of the local church.
6. The spiritual unity of all believers.
7. The world-wide program of missionary endeavor and evangelism.
We, therefore, band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for our government, structure, purpose, and plan the following articles and by-laws:
ARTICLE I Name and Organization
Section 1. Name
The name of this church shall be Calvary Baptist Church of Eau Claire, WI, and shall be in practice and doctrine historically Baptist.
Section 2. Organization
Calvary Baptist Church was organized on May 13, 1951.
Section 3. Incorporation
Calvary Baptist Church was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin on July 16,1951.
Section 4. Affiliation
This church shall be and remain independent and autonomous. By voluntary association, this church shall be affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association on local, state, regional and national levels, as long as their policies and doctrinal statements are in accord with our constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE II Purpose Statement
We believe that the church of Jesus Christ was founded in the book of Acts on five fundamentals that were the visible evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the corporate life of the church. (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27) Calvary Baptist Church seeks to keep these five fundamentals as the cores of our ministry:
1. Committed to truth – Beginning with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves sinners by grace through faith, we are devoted to teaching the whole counsel of God’s Word, making disciples of Jesus Christ and multiplying churches.
2. One in the Spirit – We are devoted to the fellowship of believers united in God’s love by one Spirit, so that others will see in us the compassion of Christ.
3. Rejoicing in Redemption – we are devoted to the consistent celebration of our redemption purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross and sealed by the Holy Spirit for all eternity in His resurrection from the dead. We strive in our personal lives to accomplish Christ’s ministry of reconciliation by bringing the lost to Christ for redemption so as a church we can continue to celebrate new life.
4. Energized by prayer – Having gained access to our heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are devoted to walking in constant communication with God so that we might know His specific will for our lives and obey Him.
5. Spiritually Gifted to Serve – The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit brings to every follower of Jesus Christ a unique place and empowerment for service in the Body of Christ. We are committed to helping every believer discover God’s assignment of gifts and provide a place of service where those gifts can be fully expressed in ministry to Christ’s church.
ARTICLE III Statement of Faith
Section 1. Of The Holy Scriptures
We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testaments in the original manuscripts; that all Scripture was written by men under the control of the Holy Spirit; has God for its author; has salvation for its end; has truth without error for its content. We believe the Bible to be the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions are to be measured. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 1:1-3)
Section 2. Of The True God
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose Name is Jehovah, the creator and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
(Matthew 28:19-20; John 17:3; 2Corinthians 13:14)
Section 3. Of Christ
We believe in the absolute deity of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; that He was divine as no other man can be, being total man and total God, existing from all eternity co-equally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and that He is the creator and sustainer of all things; that He never ceases to be God for one instant and that His humiliation did not consist in laying aside His deity; that as a man He was miraculously begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, sinless in His life, ministering often with miracles, making atonement for the sins of the world by His death, bodily resurrection, and ascension. We believe the Scriptures teach that He is our High Priest seated at the right hand of God, our intercessor and our advocate. We believe in the personal, visible, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His church and in His coming glory with the believers to set up His kingdom on the earth.
(Isaiah 7:14; Colossians 1:15-17; Matthew 9:6; John 5:39; Acts 1:3; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 20)
Section 4. Of The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son, and of the same nature; that He was active in creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He bears testimony to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent of the new birth; that He baptizes the believer into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation; that He seals, indwells, empowers, guides, convicts, teaches, witnesses, comforts, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
(John 7:38-39; 14:16-17; 16:8-14; Romans 8:9-17; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Section 5. Of Satan
We believe that Satan is a spirit, a fallen angel. He is the unholy god of this age, the author of all the powers of darkness, the father of lies, and destined to the judgment of eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
(Job 1,2; Isaiah 14:12-17; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Revelation 20:7-10)
Section 6. Of Man and Personal Salvation
1. We believe the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God. (Genesis 1,2; John 1:3)
2. We believe that man, in the person of the first Adam, was created in innocence but by voluntary transgression fell into sin, thus plunging the whole human race into condemnation and death. All mankind is now born in sin and become willful sinners with the expression of personal choice, and so are without excuse before God. (Genesis 3; Romans 5:10-19)
3. We believe that the only escape from the condemnation of sin is through the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ when he voluntarily took a human body and nature, yet without sin, and by His death and resurrection made full satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man; that the blessings of salvation are given by grace to all who believe and confess Him as Lord and Savior. (John 1:1-3; John 1:14; John 3:1-7; Hebrews 10:4-14)
4. We believe that faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation from sin, and this salvation is wholly by grace; that no works, however good, make this salvation more secure. We believe that all who take Christ as their Savior are spiritually reborn and are eternally secure in Christ. (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-7)
5. We believe that death is the end of physical life, but not the end of spiritual existence. All persons, whether they have a relationship with God or not, possess immortality. After Jesus returns, all humanity will be judged. Those who have refused a relationship with God through the Son will be separated from Him with everlasting conscious suffering; those who have embraced relationship with Him through the Son will enjoy His presence forever in heaven, without tears, pain, death or evil. (Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 15:12-23; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 10:11; 21:1-4)
Section 7. Of The Church
1. The Universal Church – We believe that the Church universal is a New Testament institution made up of all born again believers in Jesus Christ, established by Jesus Christ, who is its sole Head; an Old Testament mystery revealed in the New Testament by the Apostles; empowered and perpetuated by the Holy Spirit; it is His “body” for service and His “bride” for glory. It began with the New Testament saints and will be consummated at the coming of Christ in the rapture. (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:18)
2. The local Church – We believe that the church universal is manifest through the local church, which is a congregation of believers by agreement with the Articles of Faith and Statement of Purpose, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts of the Spirit, enjoying the rights and privileges invested in it by the Word of God; that it has the absolute right of self-government directed by the Holy Spirit and is answerable only to the Lord Jesus Christ; and that in all matters of membership policy, government, discipline, and benevolence the will of the local church is final. (Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 2:41-67)
Section 8. Of The Righteous and Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who through faith are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in God’s esteem. All who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in God’s sight wicked and cursed. This distinction holds among mankind both during life and after death, in the everlasting conscious joy of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
(Malachi 3:18; Matthew 25:34-41; Luke 6:25; John 8:21; Romans 6:17-23)
Section 9. 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, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Pet/ 2:13-14)
Section 10. Human Sexuality and Marriage
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, 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. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)
Section 11. Family Relationships
1. 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 leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors, elders, and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
2. We believe 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 the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7)
Section 12. Abortion
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 an unborn life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that attempts to justify abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
Section 13. Euthanasia
We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder and is contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment. (Ex 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:12; Acts 17:28)
Section 14. Love
We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are told to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions, and seek to show them the forgiveness of sin available in Jesus Christ. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17:21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; I John 3:17-18)
Section 15. Lawsuits between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes, unless all Biblical avenues of reconciliation have been exhausted. We believe the church possess 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 a part of the church’s reconciliation and restitution process and is pursued without malice or slander. (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)
Section 16. Missions
We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As Ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 26:46-48; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Section 17. Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is commanded to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should give sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the local church as God directs them, including gifts for the relief of those in need and the spreading of the Gospel worldwide. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his offerings once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17)
Section 18. Of Ordinances
We believe that there are two church ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water and is properly called “Believer’s Baptism.” It sets forth in a beautiful and solemn way the believer’s faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and symbolized in the believer’s life the effects of that faith – death to sin, burial of the old sin nature, and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is a prerequisite to local church membership. The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of the Lord’s death until He comes and our continual fellowship with Him and should be preceded by careful self-examination. Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-28)
Article IV Ministry Partnership
Section 1. Definition
Typically called “Members”, Calvary has chosen the term “Ministry Partners” to identify all Christ-followers who have a clear testimony of born-again salvation and have subsequently been baptized by immersion. We do not award “membership” to anyone. Instead, according to the book of Acts and the earliest church history, we affirm that Jesus Christ has added an individual to our number based on their testimony of faith. Any and all individuals who attend Calvary will be served with the love of Jesus. However, Ministry Partners are invited into the decision-making process by Calvary’s leadership and into positions of leadership.
Section 2. Qualifications for Ministry Partnership
The ministry partnership of this church shall consist of persons who have confessed Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, who have been subsequently baptized by immersion, who choose to support the mission and purpose of this church, who choose to begin faithfully participating in the ministries of this church, and who testify to such in the presence of an Elder.
Section 3. Termination of Ministry Partnership
Ministry partnership in this church may be terminated by unanimous consent of the Elder Board for any of the following reasons:
1. By letter of request to transfer ministry partnership to a church of similar faith and practice.
2. By letter of request from a ministry partner to terminate ministry partnership.
3. By discipline of the Elders for the purpose of correction and restoration under the care of the Elder Board for anyone whose life or beliefs consistently violate the principles of God’s Word and this constitution.
4. With the exception of shut-in ministry partners and missionaries, by extended non-participation in worship and ministry for a period of at least six months, during which time the Elder Board has personally contacted the ministry partner to attempt restoration to fellowship.
PREAMBLE
In order to affirm and preserve the principles of our faith, to guarantee that this body may be governed in an orderly and efficient manner consistent with the Scriptures, and for the purpose of preserving the unity of this church, the liberties inherent in each individual ministry partner and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other churches of the same faith, we declare the following:
1. The pre-eminence of Christ as our Divine Lord and Savior.
2. The supreme authority of the Bible and its sufficiency as our only rule of faith and practice.
3. Regenerate ministry partnership.
4. The symbolic ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s supper (open to all believers – I Corinthians 11:28)
5. The complete independence and autonomy of the local church.
6. The spiritual unity of all believers.
7. The world-wide program of missionary endeavor and evangelism.
We, therefore, band ourselves together as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ and adopt for our government, structure, purpose, and plan the following articles and by-laws:
ARTICLE I Name and Organization
Section 1. Name
The name of this church shall be Calvary Baptist Church of Eau Claire, WI, and shall be in practice and doctrine historically Baptist.
Section 2. Organization
Calvary Baptist Church was organized on May 13, 1951.
Section 3. Incorporation
Calvary Baptist Church was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin on July 16,1951.
Section 4. Affiliation
This church shall be and remain independent and autonomous. By voluntary association, this church shall be affiliated with the Conservative Baptist Association on local, state, regional and national levels, as long as their policies and doctrinal statements are in accord with our constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE II Purpose Statement
We believe that the church of Jesus Christ was founded in the book of Acts on five fundamentals that were the visible evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the corporate life of the church. (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27) Calvary Baptist Church seeks to keep these five fundamentals as the cores of our ministry:
1. Committed to truth – Beginning with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves sinners by grace through faith, we are devoted to teaching the whole counsel of God’s Word, making disciples of Jesus Christ and multiplying churches.
2. One in the Spirit – We are devoted to the fellowship of believers united in God’s love by one Spirit, so that others will see in us the compassion of Christ.
3. Rejoicing in Redemption – we are devoted to the consistent celebration of our redemption purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross and sealed by the Holy Spirit for all eternity in His resurrection from the dead. We strive in our personal lives to accomplish Christ’s ministry of reconciliation by bringing the lost to Christ for redemption so as a church we can continue to celebrate new life.
4. Energized by prayer – Having gained access to our heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are devoted to walking in constant communication with God so that we might know His specific will for our lives and obey Him.
5. Spiritually Gifted to Serve – The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit brings to every follower of Jesus Christ a unique place and empowerment for service in the Body of Christ. We are committed to helping every believer discover God’s assignment of gifts and provide a place of service where those gifts can be fully expressed in ministry to Christ’s church.
ARTICLE III Statement of Faith
Section 1. Of The Holy Scriptures
We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testaments in the original manuscripts; that all Scripture was written by men under the control of the Holy Spirit; has God for its author; has salvation for its end; has truth without error for its content. We believe the Bible to be the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions are to be measured. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 1:1-3)
Section 2. Of The True God
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose Name is Jehovah, the creator and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
(Matthew 28:19-20; John 17:3; 2Corinthians 13:14)
Section 3. Of Christ
We believe in the absolute deity of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; that He was divine as no other man can be, being total man and total God, existing from all eternity co-equally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and that He is the creator and sustainer of all things; that He never ceases to be God for one instant and that His humiliation did not consist in laying aside His deity; that as a man He was miraculously begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, sinless in His life, ministering often with miracles, making atonement for the sins of the world by His death, bodily resurrection, and ascension. We believe the Scriptures teach that He is our High Priest seated at the right hand of God, our intercessor and our advocate. We believe in the personal, visible, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His church and in His coming glory with the believers to set up His kingdom on the earth.
(Isaiah 7:14; Colossians 1:15-17; Matthew 9:6; John 5:39; Acts 1:3; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 20)
Section 4. Of The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son, and of the same nature; that He was active in creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that He bears testimony to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent of the new birth; that He baptizes the believer into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation; that He seals, indwells, empowers, guides, convicts, teaches, witnesses, comforts, sanctifies, and helps the believer.
(John 7:38-39; 14:16-17; 16:8-14; Romans 8:9-17; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Section 5. Of Satan
We believe that Satan is a spirit, a fallen angel. He is the unholy god of this age, the author of all the powers of darkness, the father of lies, and destined to the judgment of eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
(Job 1,2; Isaiah 14:12-17; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Revelation 20:7-10)
Section 6. Of Man and Personal Salvation
1. We believe the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God. (Genesis 1,2; John 1:3)
2. We believe that man, in the person of the first Adam, was created in innocence but by voluntary transgression fell into sin, thus plunging the whole human race into condemnation and death. All mankind is now born in sin and become willful sinners with the expression of personal choice, and so are without excuse before God. (Genesis 3; Romans 5:10-19)
3. We believe that the only escape from the condemnation of sin is through the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ when he voluntarily took a human body and nature, yet without sin, and by His death and resurrection made full satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man; that the blessings of salvation are given by grace to all who believe and confess Him as Lord and Savior. (John 1:1-3; John 1:14; John 3:1-7; Hebrews 10:4-14)
4. We believe that faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation from sin, and this salvation is wholly by grace; that no works, however good, make this salvation more secure. We believe that all who take Christ as their Savior are spiritually reborn and are eternally secure in Christ. (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35-39; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-7)
5. We believe that death is the end of physical life, but not the end of spiritual existence. All persons, whether they have a relationship with God or not, possess immortality. After Jesus returns, all humanity will be judged. Those who have refused a relationship with God through the Son will be separated from Him with everlasting conscious suffering; those who have embraced relationship with Him through the Son will enjoy His presence forever in heaven, without tears, pain, death or evil. (Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 15:12-23; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 10:11; 21:1-4)
Section 7. Of The Church
1. The Universal Church – We believe that the Church universal is a New Testament institution made up of all born again believers in Jesus Christ, established by Jesus Christ, who is its sole Head; an Old Testament mystery revealed in the New Testament by the Apostles; empowered and perpetuated by the Holy Spirit; it is His “body” for service and His “bride” for glory. It began with the New Testament saints and will be consummated at the coming of Christ in the rapture. (Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:18)
2. The local Church – We believe that the church universal is manifest through the local church, which is a congregation of believers by agreement with the Articles of Faith and Statement of Purpose, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts of the Spirit, enjoying the rights and privileges invested in it by the Word of God; that it has the absolute right of self-government directed by the Holy Spirit and is answerable only to the Lord Jesus Christ; and that in all matters of membership policy, government, discipline, and benevolence the will of the local church is final. (Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 2:41-67)
Section 8. Of The Righteous and Wicked
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those who through faith are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in God’s esteem. All who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in God’s sight wicked and cursed. This distinction holds among mankind both during life and after death, in the everlasting conscious joy of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
(Malachi 3:18; Matthew 25:34-41; Luke 6:25; John 8:21; Romans 6:17-23)
Section 9. 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, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Pet/ 2:13-14)
Section 10. Human Sexuality and Marriage
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, 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. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)
Section 11. Family Relationships
1. 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 leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors, elders, and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
2. We believe 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 the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Pet. 3:1-7)
Section 12. Abortion
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 an unborn life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that attempts to justify abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well-being of the mother. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
Section 13. Euthanasia
We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder and is contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment. (Ex 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:12; Acts 17:28)
Section 14. Love
We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are told to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions, and seek to show them the forgiveness of sin available in Jesus Christ. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17:21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; I John 3:17-18)
Section 15. Lawsuits between Believers
We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes, unless all Biblical avenues of reconciliation have been exhausted. We believe the church possess 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 a part of the church’s reconciliation and restitution process and is pursued without malice or slander. (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)
Section 16. Missions
We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As Ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 26:46-48; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Section 17. Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is commanded to financially support his local church. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should give sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the local church as God directs them, including gifts for the relief of those in need and the spreading of the Gospel worldwide. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his offerings once the gift has been made. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17)
Section 18. Of Ordinances
We believe that there are two church ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water and is properly called “Believer’s Baptism.” It sets forth in a beautiful and solemn way the believer’s faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and symbolized in the believer’s life the effects of that faith – death to sin, burial of the old sin nature, and resurrection to a new life. Baptism is a prerequisite to local church membership. The Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of the Lord’s death until He comes and our continual fellowship with Him and should be preceded by careful self-examination. Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-28)
Article IV Ministry Partnership
Section 1. Definition
Typically called “Members”, Calvary has chosen the term “Ministry Partners” to identify all Christ-followers who have a clear testimony of born-again salvation and have subsequently been baptized by immersion. We do not award “membership” to anyone. Instead, according to the book of Acts and the earliest church history, we affirm that Jesus Christ has added an individual to our number based on their testimony of faith. Any and all individuals who attend Calvary will be served with the love of Jesus. However, Ministry Partners are invited into the decision-making process by Calvary’s leadership and into positions of leadership.
Section 2. Qualifications for Ministry Partnership
The ministry partnership of this church shall consist of persons who have confessed Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, who have been subsequently baptized by immersion, who choose to support the mission and purpose of this church, who choose to begin faithfully participating in the ministries of this church, and who testify to such in the presence of an Elder.
Section 3. Termination of Ministry Partnership
Ministry partnership in this church may be terminated by unanimous consent of the Elder Board for any of the following reasons:
1. By letter of request to transfer ministry partnership to a church of similar faith and practice.
2. By letter of request from a ministry partner to terminate ministry partnership.
3. By discipline of the Elders for the purpose of correction and restoration under the care of the Elder Board for anyone whose life or beliefs consistently violate the principles of God’s Word and this constitution.
4. With the exception of shut-in ministry partners and missionaries, by extended non-participation in worship and ministry for a period of at least six months, during which time the Elder Board has personally contacted the ministry partner to attempt restoration to fellowship.
