top of page

MEMBER 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 PURPOSE

As a called-out people of God in accordance with His authoritative Word, it is the duty 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. Under the authority of Christ as revealed in His Word, we hold to an elder-led congregational form of governance that is totally self-governing under the headship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18).

 

Article IV

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

  1. A believer of at least eighteen years of age who has made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:3; 1 John 2:3; Romans 10:9) and who demonstrates evidence of that faith.

  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 our Covenant, and abiding by the West Cannon Baptist Church Constitution and policies.

 

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).

(See Congregation-Approved Policies Policy 4)

 

Article VI

 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

(Acts 15:22; 1 Corinthians 14:40; 1 Peter 2:13)

Congregational meetings, including an Annual Meeting, will be held regularly

(see Congregation-Approved Policies Policy 10).

​

Article VII

FINANCIAL PROGRAM

The ministries of the church will be financially supported through the regular 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, they have 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: elder and deacon.

A. Elders

1.  Qualifications—Elders are male servant leaders who humbly model the character and ministry of Jesus Christ and desire to shepherd His flock at West Cannon Baptist Church (1 Timothy 2:12–14; 3:1–5; Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 5:2). An elder must not be a new believer and must be a member of West Cannon Baptist Church, able to teach, faithful in attendance, and actively involved with its members (1 Timothy 3:6).

Responsibilities—God has given elders to His church in order to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to build them up to spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11–13). This includes training in knowledge, protecting against false doctrine, helping members to use their gifts for the benefit of the local church, and passing on to faithful men that which has been entrusted to them. It also means praying and caring for the flock, serving in love, providing direction, being an example, and fostering unity (Acts 6:4; James 5:13–18; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:13–16; Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:1, 2; 1 Peter 5:1–3). Elders should live a life that evidences godliness and growth before the congregation (1 Timothy 4:12–16).

B. 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 responsibility is to assist the elders in caring for the church family. This is done under the leadership of the elders and includes helping in the administration of church functions and ministering to the physical needs of the church family (Acts 6:1–8).

 

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 least two weeks in advance.

bottom of page