Sunday Morning Worship 9:30
Adult Sunday School 11:00
Sunday Evening Worship 6:00
Wednesday Praise & Prayer 7:00

5760 Cannonsburg Road NE
Belmont, Michigan 49306
616-874-6740

Our Constitution

INTRODUCTION

This Constitution is a statement of the primary principles by which West Cannon Baptist Church is to be governed. While many other policies and practices have been and will be developed as needed, the Constitution provides stability and direction that supports the church’s existence and fulfillment of its mission as found in God’s Word.

Article I
NAME

The name of this church shall be West Cannon Baptist Church of Belmont, Michigan. Our address is 5760 Cannonsburg Road NE, Belmont, Michigan, 49306.

Article II
OUR MISSION STATEMENT

As a called-out people of God in accordance with His authoritative Word, it is the mission and desire of West Cannon Baptist Church to worship God acceptably (John 4:23-24; Hebrews 12:28), to edify and encourage one another to personal holiness (Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 10:24-25), and to proclaim to a lost world, through word and deed, the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16, Matthew 28:18-20).

Article III
AUTONOMY

West Cannon Baptist Church of Belmont, Michigan, is and shall remain autonomous; that is, totally self-governing under the headship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18).

Article IV
REQUIREMENTS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

  1. Profession and evidence of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:3; 1 John 2:3; Romans 10:9).
  2. Baptism by immersion after becoming a believer (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41).
  3. Agreement with West Cannon Baptist Church’s Statement of Faith, commitment to keeping the West Cannon Baptist Church Membership Covenant, and abiding by the West Cannon Baptist Church Constitution and policies (Philippians 2:2).

Article V
CHURCH DISCIPLINE

The church is committed to the practice of church discipline for the following reasons:

  1. It is commanded in Scripture (Matthew 18:15-20; Matthew 28:19-20; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13).
  2. It protects the purity and holiness of the corporate body of Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7).
  3. It promotes personal purity and holiness in individual members of the body of Christ (Hebrews 12:10-11).

If a believer is unrepentant when lovingly confronted first by another believer, then by one or two witnesses, and finally by the entire church, he or she is to be treated as an unbeliever. The church family should discontinue fellowship with him or her. Discipline serves as a way to express genuine love and to practice accountability in the body of Christ. Therefore, the entire discipline process (see Congregation-Approved Policy Article 4) should be motivated by and carried out with love. The goal of discipline is the complete restoration of the disobedient believer to fellowship with God and the church body.

Article VI
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Congregational meetings, including an Annual Meeting, will be held regularly (see Congregation-Approved Policy Article 11). (Acts 15:22; 1 Corinthians 14:40; 1 Peter 2:13)

Article VII
FINANCIAL PROGRAM

The ministries of the church will be financially supported through the weekly giving of the church body as they follow the biblical pattern (Deuteronomy 16:6-17; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Corinthians 9:6-8). Based on the income God has provided and the desire of each person’s heart, he or she has the privilege and responsibility to give regularly, generously, and cheerfully to honor the Lord and support the ministries of the church.

Article VIII
CHURCH OFFICES

We believe there are two offices of servant-leadership given for the church in Scripture: pastor and deacon.

  1. Pastors
    1. Senior Pastor
      1. Qualifications
        He must be a man who meets the requirements found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
      2. Responsibilities
        1. The Senior Pastor’s primary responsibilities in the body of Christ are to minister in the Word and in prayer (Acts 6:1-4 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5).
        2. The Senior Pastor is to fulfill his other obligations as overseer/ administrator, elder, and shepherd of the flock in humility, exemplifying Christlikeness for the church (1 Peter 5:1-4).
    2. Associate Pastor(s) (Acts 20:17; Philippians 1:1).
      1. Qualifications - He must be a man who meets the requirements found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.
      2. Responsibilities - While the specific responsibilities of the Associate Pastor will vary according to his specialized area of ministry, his overall responsibility is to assist the Senior Pastor in carrying out the responsibilities of ministering to the church family.
    3. Deacons
      1. Qualifications - He must be a man who meets the requirements found in Acts 6:1-8 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
      2. Responsibilities - A deacon’s primary responsibility is to minister to the physical needs of the church family through the “Undershepherd Ministry” (Acts 6:1-8). Secondary responsibilities include assisting the Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor(s) in carrying out the responsibilities of ministering to the church family.

Article IX
AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be amended through revisions, additions, or deletions. A minimum of three-fourths of a quorum of members present at any church meeting must approve any changes. A notice of proposed changes to be voted upon shall be given at three regular services of the church within two weeks preceding the meeting.
 
 
© 2008   West Cannon Baptist Church