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THE CONSTITUTION of PORT CHILKOOT BIBLE CHURCH of Haines, Alaska As amended March 11, 2018 and September 8, 2019“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” -Ephesians 2:19-22 Port Chilkoot Bible Church# 21 Ft. Seward DrivePO Box 156Haines, AK 99827STATEMENT OF FAITHWe believe that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments only, is verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit, is inerrant in the original manuscripts, and is the infallible and authoritative Word of God. (II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21, John 17:17) We believe that the one Triune God exists eternally in three persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19-20, John 1:1-4, Luke 3:22, John 15:26) We believe that Jesus Christ is God, was born of a virgin, died vicariously, shed His blood as man's substitutionary sacrifice, rose bodily, and ascended to heaven where He is presently exalted at the Father's right hand. (Luke 1:30-35, Romans 5:6-11, I Corinthians 15:3-8, Acts 1:11, Acts 2:33, Acts 7:55) We believe in the personality, Deity, and ministry of the Holy Spirit, who is the source and power of all worship and service, and is the infallible teacher of the Word of God. (I Corinthians 2:10-14) Who regenerates the sinner at the moment of belief, placing the believer in the body of Christ and securing him for eternity. (I Corinthians 12:13; II Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13) Who immediately and fully indwells and constantly energizes the believer for Christian walk and service, without the necessity of subsequent visible or physical manifestations. The Holy Spirit is ever present to testify of Christ, seeking to occupy us with the Lord Jesus Christ, and not with our experiences or ourselves. (Romans 8:2, 9; Romans 8:13-16; I Corinthians 6:19; II Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 4:6; Galatians 5:17-25; Ephesians 3:16; James 4:5; I Peter 1:22; I John 2:20, 27) We believe that Adam, created in the image of God, was tempted by Satan, the god of this world, and fell. Because of Adam's sin all men have guilt imputed, are totally depraved, and need to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit for salvation. (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:17; II Cor. 4:3-4; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-19; Genesis 3:6-19; I Timothy 2:14) We believe that salvation consists of the remission of sins, the imputation of Christ's righteousness, and the gift of eternal life received by faith alone, apart from works. (John 5:24; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:49, 13; II Corinthians 5:17-21) We believe that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent and that it will be visible and personal. (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:13-16) We believe that the saved will be raised to everlasting life and blessedness in heaven, and that the unsaved will be raised to everlasting and conscious punishment in hell. (John 3:16-19; John 5:28-29; Acts 3:19-26) We believe that the church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual body and is composed of all born-again believers of this age of grace. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:25-27; I Corinthians 12:12-14) We believe in the necessity of assembling ourselves together regularly for the worship of God, for the study of God's Holy Word, and for spiritual growth. (II Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:25) We believe in the Biblical ordinances of baptism and the observance of the Lord's Supper. We believe that baptism should be by immersion and is to be administered in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that we should observe the Lord's Supper at least once a month to remember Christ's death and resurrection until He comes. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38, 41; Luke 22:15-20; Romans 6:1-4; I Corinthians 11:23-32) We believe that Christ commanded the church to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing and teaching those who believe. (Matthew 28:19-20, John 20:21, Luke 24:46-47) We believe that the institution of marriage is between one man and one woman. We believe God is the sole authority of a person’s gender, and that gender reassignment is therefore not Biblical. We believe that marriage is the only legitimate and accepted sexual relationship. (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6-9, Romans 1:22-32, Galatians 5:19-21, I Corinthians 6:18, I Thessalonians 4:1-7, Matthew 19:9) MEMBERSHIPEligibilityAny person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as evidence of a change of heart and adopting the views of faith and practice held by Port Chilkoot Bible Church, hereinafter identified as “PCBC”, as set forth in the foregoing Statement of Faith may be received into its membership regardless of age. Application and RemovalA prospective member must: Be reviewed and approved by the Executive Board. Be presented for final approval by the membership at the next business meeting. Grounds for removal from the membership roll shall include: A member's conduct and lifestyle is violating Biblical standards and the individual refuses correction. (Matthew 18:15-35; Titus 3:10, 11) A member leaves the church as a result of relocation or other reason. A member requests to be removed. The Executive Board shall revise the membership roll not more than ninety (90) and not less than fortyfive (45) days before the annual business meeting and at such other times as they deem necessary. At its annual revision and more often as need may require, the Executive Board shall remove from the roll all names of members who are deceased, together with the names of those who have resigned, or whose membership has been terminated. Members who cannot attend for an extended period of time should communicate their desire to retain their membership with the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall issue and attest to all letters of removal. DutiesMembers shall constantly strive to: Acquire Scriptural knowledge, make constant progress in grace and spirituality, and demonstrate consistency in conduct. Pray for the pastor, manifest a tender regard for his reputation, and pray for the work of the church that many souls will be saved and that those who are saved might be rooted, grounded and built up in the faith. Cultivate and cherish brotherly love for each other, and show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity. Contribute, according as God has prospered, toward the maintenance of Port Chilkoot Bible Church and its missionary program, and assist in bearing the expenses and sharing the duties and services of this congregation. OFFICERSEligibilityAll officers must be members in good standing of Port Chilkoot Bible Church. ElectionNominations may be made by any member at least one month before the annual business meeting. Nominations shall include the name of the person being nominated, the position for which they are being nominated, and the signature of the member making the nomination. Nominations shall be delivered to any member of the Executive Board by hand, mail, email, or offering box. The Executive Board shall collect and review all nominations for eligibility. All eligible nominees shall then be contacted by a deacon or other designated member to determine willingness to serve. Officers shall be elected for a two-year term and may succeed self. SecretaryThe secretary shall: Keep a correct record of the proceedings of all business meetings. Keep a register of all members. Keep a copy of this constitution, and any amendments to the same. Keep a copy of all documents filed with the State Secretary of State.Keep a copy of all rulings, letters, and other documents relating to the Corporation’s federal, state, and local tax status. Notify members of committees appointed. TreasurerThe treasurer shall: Receive and safely keep the monies of Port Chilkoot Bible Church and pay out the same in accordance with the policies set forth by the membership at the last business meeting. Keep an accurate account of contributions, and make reports quarterly to the Executive Board and at the annual business meetings. Sunday School SuperintendentThe Sunday School Superintendent shall: Supervise the Sunday School and all its work. Have authority to appoint regular and substitute teachers. Regular and substitute teachers must either be members of Port Chilkoot Bible Church or approved by unanimous vote of the Executive Board. DeaconsEligibilityWhenever possible there shall be two (2) or more deacons, with number depending on membership. Election shall be in the same manner as other officers. Every deacon shall be a man chosen on the basis of qualifications given in I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.DutiesThe deacons shall: Assist the pastor in general oversight of Port Chilkoot Bible Church. Assist in the administration of the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Assist in the visitation and watch-care over the congregation both spiritually and materially. Maintain and keep readily available a complete set of policies such as they feel are needed, which shall include a Child Protection Policy. Maintain and keep readily available a log of all decisions made (this may be the minutes of meetings). PASTORQualification and DutiesThe pastor shall be a man with qualifications given in I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, he shall meet all the eligibility requirements set out for deacons (with the exception of past attendance), and he shall otherwise be in full accord with this Constitution. It shall be the pastor’s duty to faithfully proclaim the Word of God, to care for the stated services of worship, to administer the ordinances, and to visit and care for the congregation both spiritually and materially. He shall be an ex officio member of all boards and committees. Election and DismissalA prospective pastor shall be approved by the deacons and a duly appointed pulpit committee, which shall then submit his name to be voted upon at a regularly called business meeting. A three-fourths (3/4) majority shall be required to elect a pastor. This process shall be repeated until a suitable candidate is elected. The pastoral relationship may be dissolved at any time, either by Port Chilkoot Bible Church or by the pastor, by written notice of such intent thirty days in advance. The thirty day notice period shall be waived if both parties are agreed to do so, or if the pastor no longer meets the qualifications and duties set forth. The business meeting called to consider dismissal of a pastor may not be an emergency meeting, and a two-thirds (2/3) majority shall be required. (I Timothy 3:17; Titus 1:5-7) EXECUTIVE BOARDDefinitionThe Executive Board of Port Chilkoot Bible Church shall be comprised of the deacons and the pastor. Within two (2) weeks of every annual meeting, the Executive Board shall elect a deacon as chairman and vice-chairman (if applicable), and shall appoint a secretary. In the event a single person is on the board, he shall assume the full responsibilities of the board. In the absence of a pastor and any deacons the membership shall function as an interim board. DutiesThe Executive Board shall be responsible for the daily operational needs of the church, such as arranging for building maintenance, guest speakers, and interim pastors. In addition, the Executive Board shall: Call such business meetings as are necessary. Interview everyone applying for church membership to ascertain they understand and meet the requirements set forth in the membership application section, and review the membership roll as previously defined. Screen all persons working with children according to the Child Protection Policy. This shall include the Sunday School Superintendent, teachers, deacons, and pastors. In the event disciplinary action is necessary, take the actions suggested in the Scriptures. (Matthew 18:15-35; Titus 3:10-11) Create and maintain a set of policies as set forth in the Administration section of this document. Have the final ruling authority in the event of doctrinal dispute, and enter any such decisions into the set of policies. DelegationThe board may choose to appoint members to assist with the discharge of responsibilities as it sees fit. The membership shall be notified of all appointees when possible. SERVICESPort Chilkoot Bible Church shall hold services: Regularly every Sunday for public worship.When possible, at least once each week for prayer. On the first Sunday of each month, the membership shall observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper during regular Sunday morning service. ADMINISTRATIONBusiness MeetingsAn annual business meeting will be held for the purpose of electing the officers, receiving annual reports by the pastor and officers, and adopting a budget. Regular business meetings will be held as needed, and must be announced during Sunday morning service for two weeks prior to the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated. An emergency meeting may be announced during the regular Sunday morning service, to be held following the service or at any other designated time, by any member of the Executive Board with the majority consent of all members present. The purpose of the meeting must be included in the announcement, cannot include amendments to this Constitution or the election or dismissal of a pastor, and no other unannounced business may be conducted. These meetings shall be conducted in a decent and orderly way: A member of the Executive Board shall be chosen to be the chairman of the meeting. The chairman shall cause every meeting to be opened and closed with prayer.Every member who wishes to speak shall respectfully address the chairman.A quorum (a simple majority) of active members must be present to conduct business. VotingAll questions arising at any business meeting shall be decided by the vote of the majority of members voting, except in cases mentioned where a greater majority is required. Members must be 18 years or older to vote. Absentee voting is allowed, and a ballot shall be made available in a timely fashion to any who express interest in voting absentee. Election of pastor, election of officers, and amendments to this constitution shall be by secret ballot. PoliciesThe Executive Board shall create and maintain a set of policies for any such required procedures that are not set forth in this document. This Policy Manual shall be reviewed annually, either by the board or by such person(s) as are designated by the board, to ascertain that the policies contained are still necessary, are of sound doctrine, and are easily understood. A current copy of the Policy Manual must be kept readily available to members. Incorporation and DissolutionPort Chilkoot Bible Church is a non-profit corporation, registered as such with the State of Alaska, and entitled to all protection and benefits of any 501(c)(3) organization. It is not controlled by the state or federal government but is an independent, self-governed body under the authority of God. In the event that Port Chilkoot Bible Church should dissolve, the Executive Board shall, after paying and or providing for the liabilities and obligations of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation to Avant Ministries (Kansas City, MO). If Avant Ministries should not exist, the assets would go to Alaska Bible College (Palmer, Alaska) or, at the discretion of the Executive Board, to another qualified 501(c)(3) organization. AmendmentsThe foregoing rules may be amended at any regular business meeting of the Port Chilkoot Bible Church membership by three-fourths (3/4) majority vote provided that:The intention to amend shall have been clearly announced during Sunday morning services for two weeks prior to the business meeting in which the amendments are to be submitted. The proposed changes shall be made readily available in written or electronic form to all members no less than two weeks prior to the business meeting in which the amendments are to be submitted. Amendments become effective when ratified. ................
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