REDEEMING GRACE BIBLE CHURCH, INCORPORATED

A Manitoba Non-Profit Religious Corporation

 

CONSTITUTION

 

The articles of incorporation of Redeeming Grace Bible Church, Incorporated are hereby

amended to read as follows.

 

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this corporation is Redeeming Grace Bible Church, Incorporated.

ARTICLE II - REGISTERED OFFICE

The registered office of this corporation is Box 23 Southland Mall, Winkler, MB R6W 2S2.

ARTICLE III – TERM

This corporation shall have perpetual existence until Christ’s physical return to earth. Come Lord Jesus!

ARTICLE IV – PURPOSES

1. Redeeming Grace Bible Church exists to glorify God by seeking to see the gospel transform everything: ourselves, our church, our city, and the world.

2. We will seek to accomplish our vision through various ministries including but not limited to: gathering in communal worship services of celebration, administration of the Lord’s supper and baptism, intimate prayer and discussion in community groups, in-depth study and discipleship of the radical life of a follower of Christ, counseling and support services, various community services, educational services for all ages, retirement and nursing homes, shelters for people in need, and other initiatives as deemed necessary by the governing body.

3. The general purpose for which this corporation is formed is to operate exclusively for such religious, charitable, and educational purposes as will qualify it as an exempt organization by Revenue Canada or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as tax- exempt organizations under that code.

4. This corporation will not, as a substantial part of its activities, disseminate propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation; nor shall it participate or intervene (by publication or distribution of any statements or otherwise) in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

5. No part of the net earnings of this corporation will inure to the benefit of any individual or member.

ARTICLE V – CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

Section 5.1. - Corporate Members

The members of this corporation will be those persons who are duly designated as elders

and deacons of Redeeming Grace Bible Church, Incorporated, and such other persons as from time to time hereafter may become members in the manner provided in the by-laws.

Any action which would otherwise require approval by a majority of all members shall only require approval of the Council of Elders or such other persons as from time to time hereafter may become members in the manner provided in the by-laws.

Section 5.2. - Members of the Congregation

Nothing contained in Section 5.1 of this Article shall be construed to limit the right of the

Corporation to refer to persons associated with the church ministry of the Corporation as

‘members’ even though such persons are not corporate members, and no such reference in

or outside of these bylaws shall constitute anyone being a member of the Corporation, other than those described in Section 5.1 of this Article. The Council of Elders may in specific circumstances condition its approval of matters on approval by the church membership (See Article XIII of the bylaws).

ARTICLE VI - GOVERNING BODY

The authority of this corporation shall rest in the Council of Elders. Elders are selected, maintained and removed by the members of the corporation congregation as provided in the by-laws.

ARTICLE VII - THE ANNUAL MEETING

A congregational meeting shall take place at least once per year.

ARTICLE VIII - BYLAWS

The members of the corporation congregation (as outlined in Article X of the bylaws) may adopt such bylaws for the conduct of its business and the carrying out of its purposes as it may deem necessary from time to time. Bylaws must be approved by the consensus of the Elders and two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the corporation congregation. Fifty percent (50%) of the congregation shall be considered a quorum for changes to the bylaws.

ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

The articles of this constitution may be amended by a consensus approval of the elders and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the corporation congregation. Fifty percent (50%) of the congregation shall be considered a quorum for amendments.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

No person, firm or corporation shall ever receive any dividends or profits from the

undertaking of this corporation and upon dissolution of this corporation all of its assets

remaining after payment of all costs will go to causes furthering the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the evangelical tradition, which have qualified for exemption by Revenue Canada. None of the assets will be distributed to any member or officer of this corporation.

ARTICLE XI – OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION

Section 11.1. - Officers

The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Council of Elders, other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.3 of this Article.

Section 11.2. - Election

The officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.3, or Section 11.5 of this Article, shall be chosen annually by, and shall serve at, the pleasure of the Council of Elders. Each officer shall hold his office until he shall resign, be removed, or become otherwise disqualified to serve, or until his successor shall be elected and qualified.

Section 11.3. - Subordinate Officers

The Council of Elders may appoint, and may empower the Chairman to appoint, such other

officers as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for

such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in the bylaws or

as the Council of Elders may from time to time determine.

Section 11.4. - Removal and Resignation

Any officer may be removed upon disqualification and removal as an Elder per Section 8.7 of the bylaws or whenever, in the judgment of the person or persons who appointed such officer, the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby. Any officer may resign at any time without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, by giving written notice to the Council of Elders, or to the Chairman, or to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 11.5. - Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or any other cause shall be filled in the manner prescribed in the bylaws for regular election or

appointment to such office, provided that such vacancies shall be filled as they occur and

not on an annual basis.

Section 11.6. - Inability to Act

In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the Corporation and of any person

herein authorized to act in his place, the Council of Elders may from time to time delegate

the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or other person whom the Council

may select.

Section 11.7. - The Chairman

The Chairman shall be a person who is a member of the Council of Elders, shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Council of Elders, have general supervision, direction, and control of the activities and officers of the

Corporation. He shall preside (or may appoint another) at all meetings of the Council of Elders, which are to be conducted according to the scriptural principles such as set forth in Philippians 2:2-8. He shall be an ex officio member of all the standing committees of the Council of Elders and otherwise, if any, and shall have powers and duties incident to the office of Chairman and as may be prescribed by the Council of Elders or the bylaws.

Section 11.8. - Secretary

The Secretary shall be preferred to be a person who is a member of the Council of Elders or a Deacon except in such cases where there is no one in those roles able to fulfill the responsibility of Secretary. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, a book of minutes at the principal office or such other place as the Council of Elders may order, of all meetings of the church members, the Council and its Committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at the church member meetings, the Council and Committees’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office (or such place as the Council of Elders shall designate) the original and a copy of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and bylaws, as amended to date. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Corporation (or such place as the Council of Elders shall designate), a church membership register, or a duplicated church membership register, showing the names of the members and their addresses.

Section 11.9. - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be preferred to be a person who is a member of the Council of Elders or a Deacon except in such cases where there is no one in those roles able to fulfill the responsibility of Treasurer. The Treasurer shall ensure the stewardship of the physical and financial resources of the Corporation, “taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration...for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). He shall select “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) to implement and accomplish this responsibility. The Treasurer shall ensure that all financial activities and transactions are consistent with the Articles of Incorporation and its bylaws as well as in accordance with the laws stated for such by the Province of Manitoba. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Corporation. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Elder or church member of Redeeming Grace Bible Church. The Treasurer shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be designated by the Council of Elders. He shall disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Council of Elders, shall render, or cause to be rendered, to the Chairman and the Council of Elders, whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as incident to the office of Treasurer and as may be prescribed by the Council of Elders. He shall make, or cause to be made, the financial reports at each regular Council meeting and at the regular annual meeting of church members.

 

The names and mailing addresses of the persons who are to serve are as follows:

Chairman – Joshua Shetter, Box 484, Winkler, MB R6W 4A7

Treasurer – Joshua Neufeld, 148 13th Street, Winkler, MB R6W 1S1

Secretary – Thomas Rempel, 476 Orion Lane, Winkler, MB R6W 0C3

 

REDEEMING GRACE BIBLE CHURCH

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I - PREAMBLE

Recognizing that all teachers of the Word of God are fallible and are to be tested by that Word, we maintain that this document is but a guide to the life of the church. This guide may be changed and revised as our understanding of the truth grows. This constitution of itself cannot safeguard the life of the church, nor does it bind consciences to matters of detail. Rather, it provides both a useful framework for the life of the church and a concise standard of teaching for its leadership as we serve Christ to the glory of God.

ARTICLE II - NAME

This church will be known as Redeeming Grace Bible Church, Incorporated (Hereinafter, Redeeming Grace Bible Church may be referred to as “this church”, “the church”, “this local assembly” or “congregation”). This will be a nonprofit corporation of the Province of Manitoba. This church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, independent of denominational control.

ARTICLE III - WHO WE ARE

Redeeming Grace Bible Church is an assembly of believers submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the body, the church. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and make Him known in an ever increasing measure. We are committed to learning and obeying the Word of God regardless of the cost or personal inconvenience. For the glory of our God, we seek to be Christ-centered in all our ministry, basing everything solely on the Word of God.

 

In full dependence upon the Spirit of the living God, we seek to build up the body of Christ and to call lost sinners to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - the one and only Saviour. We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord (2 Cor. 4:5). In all that we say and do, our desire is to glorify our most wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE IV – BELIEFS

The doctrinal outlook of Redeeming Grace Bible Church is reflected in the following statements from our “Congregational Affirmation of Faith.”:

 

A. WE BELIEVE GOD WROTE THE BIBLE WITHOUT ERROR THROUGH MEN. The Old and New Testaments, in their entirety, constitute the written Word of God and are without error in the original manuscripts. They were written by men, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and are therefore fully authoritative in all matters for the follower of Christ.

 

B. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD EXISTS ETERNALLY IN TRINITY: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. There is one God, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, love, justice, goodness, and truth, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who desires that we should know Him intimately and live a life of fulfillment through the pursuit of His glory.

 

C. WE BELIEVE THAT THE ALL-GLORIOUS AND INFINITELY HAPPY TRIUNE GOD CREATED ALL THAT EXISTS: the heavenly places, the angelic hosts, the universe, the earth, every living thing, and crowned His creation with Adam and Eve, who were given authority to steward God’s creation. God spoke everything into creation by the word of His power and declared all that He had made as good.

 

D. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS CREATED ALL HUMANS IN HIS IMAGE. HE HAS CREATED THEM UNIQUELY FEMALE AND MALE. All humans are created in God’s image; therefore all human life is sacred. In creating humans as male and female, God communicated His image in harmonious interpersonal relationships, equality of personhood and importance and a distinction in role and authority.

 

E. WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SECOND PERSON OF THE TRINITY WHO BECAME A MAN, LIVED A SINLESS LIFE, DIED ON A CROSS, WAS BURIED, AND ROSE BODILY FROM THE GRAVE TO REDEEM SINFUL HUMANITY. He is True God of True God, begotten, not made. He became human, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and made His dwelling among us, living a full life without sin. His perfect life and death on the cross provide the only atonement that satisfies the righteous requirements of God for the sinner. The death of Jesus Christ fully and finally paid for sin, and was

redemptive, substitutionary, and efficacious. The historic fact of Jesus Christ’s resurrection

from the dead testifies powerfully to His deity, and is itself humanity’s ultimate hope. Jesus

Christ will make a personal and imminent return to the earth; this return is a sanctifying

“hope” having vital bearing on the life of every Christian.

 

F. WE BELIEVE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SUPERNATURAL AGENT IN SALVATION, BAPTIZING ALL CHRISTIANS INTO THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AT CONVERSION, INDWELLING AND SEALING THEM UNTIL THE DAY OF CHRIST’S RETURN. The Holy Spirit bears persuasive testimony to the realities of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the personal, divine third member of the Godhead. He convicts the world of sin and its consequences; He brings repentance and faith to the believer; He indwells the believer with the radical life of Jesus Christ; He gives gifts to every believer for mutual service within the body of Christ; He unites each believer in the Body of Christ and seals them in that relationship; He bears the fruit of Christian character in the lives of every believer; He guides, instructs, and empowers the believer for godly living and service. He is worshipped with the Father and the Son.

 

G. WE BELIEVE ALL HUMANS ARE SINFUL AND IN NEED OF SALVATION. SALVATION IS THE GIFT OF GOD BROUGHT TO HUMANS BY GRACE ALONE, AND RECEIVED BY PERSONAL FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. A TRUE CHRISTIAN WILL BE KEPT BY GOD’S POWER FOREVER. God has created every person in the image of God, but we have fallen into sin, and are therefore lost; only through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit can we obtain salvation and spiritual life. All humans are sinners and face the judgment of God. The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and only those who place faith in Jesus Christ and enjoy a relationship with God on the basis of the work of Christ are delivered from the wrath of God, whose holy character justly requires that sin be punished. Those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are said by Holy Scripture to be justified, regenerated, redeemed, and adopted into the divine family as co-heirs with Christ of all the blessings of the Godhead. We proclaim that all persons must consciously repent of their sins and confess that Jesus Christ is Saviour and Lord.

 

H. WE BELIEVE THAT THE CHURCH IS A SPIRITUAL ORGANISM MADE UP OF ALL

BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE FOR ALL TIME. All Christians in all times and in all places have been united into a single body by an operation of God. This resultant union is called the Body of Christ, the Universal Church.

 

I. WE BELIEVE IN THE AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH AND RECOGNIZE BELIEVER’S BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER. Christ commanded that all Christians band together in assembly for instruction, worship, service, and fellowship. These assemblies are called local churches. Only those who are members of the Universal Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. Baptism of believers by immersion and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances to be observed by the local church in the present age. These ordinances are not to be regarded as means of salvation.

 

J. WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS WILL RETURN TO EARTH TO JUDGE ALL PEOPLE AND TO RULE AND REIGN WITH HIS SAINTS FOREVER. All people will be resurrected to give account of their lives before God. The believer in Christ will be resurrected to everlasting

blessedness and joy in the presence of God. The unbeliever will be resurrected to judgment

and everlasting conscious punishment.

 

K. We hold these truths in humble conviction.

ARTICLE V - PURPOSE

Redeeming Grace Bible Church is a Christian community which exists to bring God the glory He deserves and to bring redemptive good to all peoples, extending hope through the gospel and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is to bring glory to God through lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We seek to advance the joy and faith of others in the Lord Jesus Christ through the teaching of the Word of God and deeds of love, embodying the gospel in community.

 

Therefore, we are committed to:

• The Gospel - Individually becoming fluent in the message of the glorious Gospel of Christ, thus aiding us in personal sanctification, harmony in Gospel-shaped community, and the proclamation of God’s perfect Word and His glorious gospel of grace through all the world.

• Community - Collectively bearing witness to the genuine transformation the Gospel has made in our lives. Continuing steadfastly together in the Apostles’ doctrine, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayer.

• Mission - Individually and collectively bearing testimony to the power of the Gospel, to our neighbours, city, and world.

ARTICLE VI - WHAT WE TEACH

A. The whole of our doctrine is the Bible. Thus, the elders of Redeeming Grace Bible Church seek to teach the whole counsel of God. In the “Elder Affirmation of Faith” document, we have attempted to highlight some of the key truths established in the Scriptures. We do not claim that this doctrinal statement is infallible or without error. It is what we, the elders, see revealed in the Word of God as far as the light we currently have. Being finite men, we wholeheartedly ask for correction from the Word of God to any portion that does not accurately reflect its teaching. As believers we are bound by the whole counsel of the Word of God.

 

B. The document entitled “Elder Affirmation of Faith,” which is incorporated into these bylaws by reference, establishes our Elders’ Biblical commitments as ministers of the Word to teach the Bible faithfully. The “Elder Affirmation of Faith” document may be amended from time to time in the same way that these bylaws may be amended.

ARTICLE VII - CHURCH GOVERNMENT

A. Jesus Christ has been exalted as Lord over all (Acts 2:36; Phil 2:9-11). All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole Head of the Christian church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:20-23). Thus, Redeeming Grace Bible Church is under the Headship of Jesus Christ as our Chief Shepherd and Senior Pastor. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals His will through His Word - the Bible (John 16:12-16; II Tim. 3:16). Thus the Scriptures are the final authority in all church matters (John 10:35; 17:17).

 

B. Through the Holy Spirit, elders are raised up to serve and shepherd the flock as overseers (Jer. 3:15; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1-2). The church shall be guided in all matters of faith and practice by the elders, who function as Christʼs stewards, serving as overseers for the glory of their Lord and King (Titus 1:7; 1 Cor. 4:1). The Lord Jesus Christ holds the elders accountable for the doctrine and life of the church (Acts 20:17,28-32; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:9; 1 Tim. 3:4-5, 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:2,24-26; 4:2; Heb. 13:17).

ARTICLE VIII - ELDERS

Section 8.1. - General Statements

A. God promised His people in the Old Testament Scriptures that in the new covenant to come He would give them “shepherds according to [His Own] heart, who [would] feed [them] with knowledge and understanding" (Jer. 3:15). These “shepherds” are recognized according to the qualifications God gives in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1 and are appointed as elders. The elders are normally to be appointed from within this local assembly, where their life and character can be known.

 

B. Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His Church (Col.1:18). He has ordained that individual churches should be governed by Himself through officers whom He appoints, who are endowed by His Spirit with the gifts and graces needed to accomplish their work. Christ has ordained that local churches are to be administered by elders and deacons. Beside these two offices the Scriptures acknowledge no office which continues in the church today (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13).

 

C. The senior leadership of Redeeming Grace Bible Church shall be vested in a governing board of male elders/pastors, hereinafter referred to as the Council of Elders, the Elders, Eldership, or Oversight, which may be composed of both paid and unpaid elders/pastors who follow the leading of Jesus, the Chief Shepherd and Senior Pastor of Redeeming Grace Bible Church (1 Peter 5:1–4).

 

D. The Elders have the responsibility before God of shepherding and overseeing the flock of God. The elders serve the Lord Jesus Christ and as such must shepherd the local assembly in accordance to the Word of God. The elders are not lords over the flock but Christʼs stewards, serving as overseers and being an example to the flock. They shall teach and preach the Word of God according to their giftedness and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures give the elders three distinct titles which are descriptive of their character and work.

i. Elder (spiritual maturity - Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

ii. Overseer (“bishop” - Acts 20:17,28; 1 Tim. 3:1)

iii. Pastor (shepherd - Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

Section 8.2  – Extent and Limitation of Elder Governance

A. The Council of Elders may structure and organize however it deems necessary for the sake of simplicity, clarity of communication, and efficiency of organization, according to the needs of the church and the size of the Council of Elders so long as it preserves the plurality of elders and the doctrinal and character requirements for elders articulated in this document.

 

B. The Council of Elders determines the lead elder, who functions as the first among equals and is the lead elder for the church. It is the duty of the lead elder to help lead the Council of Elders and the rest of the church in obeying God’s leading as revealed in Scripture.

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C. To promote efficient handling of Council of Elders matters, the Council may appoint various councils and committees from within its membership, the staff, and from the church at large. These councils and committees shall perform tasks solely in accordance with the duties and with powers specifically delegated by the Council of Elders. The general functions of councils and committees are:

i.   To bring considered recommendations to the Council of Elders concerning ministries.

ii.   To provide a wider base of counsel to the Elders having the oversight of specific ministries.

 

D. Because the authority of the elders of the church is human authority exercised in the house of God according to the Word of God, it has both high prerogatives and important limitations:

iii.   It is divinely-delegated authority. Thus, elders are answerable to God for the exercise of this authority. Therefore, elders are obligated to discharge all of the duties specified by God in the Scriptures.

iv.   In the exercise of this God-given authority they must seek to gain the consciences of God's people through the ministry of the Word carried out both publicly and privately.

v.   The authority of the office of the elders does not include the right to make certain decisions unilaterally. In major decisions of church life (such as those having to do with corrective discipline, recognition of officers, and the sale of a church building), the entire local church as a whole is to have a voice (ARTICLE XIII) . Yet the elders must provide definitive leadership to the church in the making of such decisions.

vi.   The authority of the elders is limited to the sphere of the local church. Thus, they will not require disciple for sin beyond those of biblical church discipline, will not invade the biblically-defined spheres of other divinely-ordained human authorities (husbands, fathers, civil rulers, and employers), and will not command God's people regarding matters not specified in Scripture except to order the house of God by the application of His Word.

vii.   The authority of elders is conditioned by the fact that they are themselves members of the local church. While elders are shepherds over the flock, they are also members of the flock. Therefore, each individual elder is entitled to the same privileges, is obligated by the same responsibilities, and is subject to the same discipline as are all the other members of the church. Thus, each individual elder is both under the oversight of his fellow elders and accountable to the church as a whole.

viii.   The authority of every elder is the same, though we recognize a first among equals. Every elder shares an equality in the oversight of the church. Though gifts possessed and functions performed will vary from elder to elder, this God-given diversity must not come at the expense of the goal of real parity among the elders.​

ix.   Finally, the authority of the elders is very real authority because it is given by Christ. God's people are, therefore, required to submit when such authority is biblically exercised according to the Word of Christ for the good of Redeeming Grace Bible Church.

E. Selection as an elder pursuant to Section 8.3 below confers the authority to preach, marry, and enjoy all the rights and privileges accorded to licensed or ordained ministers under secular law.

Section 8.3. - Identifying and Installing Elders

A. General Prerequisites​

i.   All Elders of Redeeming Grace Bible Church must be members of it. Any individual set apart to one of these offices must be able to conscientiously affirm his agreement with the “Elder Affirmation of Faith” and Redeeming Grace Bible Church Constitution. If he should at any time move from this position, he would be under spiritual and moral obligation to immediately make that fact known to the other elders in an orderly manner.

ii.   While we acknowledge the valuable gifts which God has given women and the valuable assistance they may render to the officers of the church (Rom. 16:1-6; Phil. 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:11), the Bible prohibits women from holding the office of elder in the church (1 Cor. 14:33b-35; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:1-7). Also, since it is a violation of the Scriptures for a woman to exercise authority over a man in spiritual things, no woman shall be appointed to a teaching or authoritative function in a ministry of the church where adult men would be regularly under her ministry. Nevertheless, we acknowledge and encourage the valuable gifts and assistance of women in the formal instruction of children and other women (Titus 2:3-5), and especially the benevolent ministries of the church (1 Tim. 3:11; 5:9, 10).​

iii.   To be considered as an elder, a man must have been called by God into leadership at Redeeming Grace Bible Church (Acts 20:28) and be a man of the highest Christian character according to the qualifications of Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

B. Qualifications​

i.  Relation to God​​

1.   A man – masculine leader

2.   Above reproach – free from any offensive or disgraceful blight of character or conduct.

3.   Able to teach – effective Bible communicator

4.   Not a new convert – mature Christian​

ii.  Relation to Family​​

1.   Husband of one wife – one-woman man, sexually pure

2.   Pastors and Shepherds his children

3.   Manages family well – provides for, leads, organizes, loves​

iii.  Relation to Self​​

1.   Temperate – mentally and emotionally stable

2.   Self-controlled – disciplined life of sound decision-making

3.   Not given to drunkenness – without addictions

4.   Not a lover of money – financially content and upright​

iv. Relation to Others​​

1.   Respectable – worth following and imitating

2.   Hospitable – welcomes strangers, especially non-Christians for evangelism

3.   Not violent – even-tempered

4.   Gentle – kind, gracious, loving

5.   Not contentious – peaceable, not quarrelsome/divisive

6.   Good reputation with outsiders – respected by non-Christians

C. Elder Selection

The process of becoming an elder/pastor at Redeeming Grace Bible Church involves at least the following steps:

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i.   He must be a member in good standing at Redeeming Grace Bible Church who has demonstrated the calling, character, and competency of an elder.

ii.   He must make his desire to become an elder known to one of the elders and be interviewed for approval.

iii.   If accepted as an elder candidate the man will then undergo a period of training and testing.

iv.   Training, prior to becoming an elder, will include whatever is deemed necessary to enhance the nominee’s understanding of an elder’s responsibilities as outlined in Scripture.

v.   Upon completing his training and testing process, the man must be approved by the full council of elders without objection to be introduced to the church members as an official elder candidate.

vi.   If approved as an elder candidate, members of Redeeming Grace Bible Church will be notified that he has met the criteria of an elder. Anyone, in or out of the church, having a concern regarding the man’s qualifications to lead as an elder will have four weeks to notify the elders, who can investigate the matter to determine if there is any reason to disqualify the man.

vii.   Consensus approval from the elders and a congregational affirmation, indicated by a closed ballot majority vote, are required prior to the installation of an elder.

If the elders do not find any reason to reject the man as an official elder, an official final vote of the elders shall be taken and viii.   if there are no objections to his installation from any elder, the man will be installed by the laying on of hands, after which he shall be considered a minister of the gospel.

ix.   Selection as an elder does not result in contract rights as an employee. All employees are “at will” and the employment relationship may be terminated without regard to such person continuing to serve as an elder. See ARTICLE 8.8 of these bylaws.

x.   An elder’s position on the Council of Elders is pursuant to his continuation with the church and any voting or leadership right within the church is immediately revoked upon dismissal or if he is called elsewhere to pastor.

Section 8.4  – Elder Service

A. Though a plurality of elders is the New Testament norm for every church, the New Testament does not specify the number of elders each church should have, nor does it dictate the length of an elder's term of office. Therefore, only when an elder fails to meet the necessary scriptural qualifications for his office, or fails to be faithful to his calling, and thus no longer has spiritual support of the people of Christ, does he disqualify himself from being an elder.

 

B. While the call of an elder at Redeeming Grace Bible Church may be for life, it may be prudent for an elder to step down from his responsibilities for providential reasons that are beyond his control (i.e. - personal or family sickness or concerns.. etc.). If the elders determine that an elder needs an extended Sabbath for a season because of a legitimate need (e.g., illness, tragedy), then that elder can transition to an inactive and non-voting elder for a set period of time as determined by the elders. This temporary leave from the duties of the office would remain as long as the providential circumstances continued to be evident. Under the oversight of his fellow elders, together they would monitor when it seems most prudent for all concerned to resume his duties as an elder at Redeeming Grace Bible Church. Upon the elder returning to his biblical duties, the congregation would be advised of that decision and be allowed to respond or ask questions at a pre-announced time. This would be done to protect the integrity of the church and the elder in question.

 

C. There may be other circumstances that may cause an elder to remove himself from the office due to such things as moving away from the area.

 

D. To resign from the Council of Elders, an elder must notify the Council of his decision in the form of a letter of resignation, which he will give to the lead elder, and which the lead elder will then distribute to the other elders.

Section 8.5. - Responsibilities of Elders

Elders are responsible for devoting themselves to prayer and the Word, governing the church, teaching the Word, and tending the flock of God at Redeeming Grace Bible Church. Their responsibilities include …

• Instructing and examining prospective baptism and membership candidates and acquainting them with the Congregational Affirmation of Faith, Constitution and other church documents.

• Giving account to God for the church (Hebrews 13:17).

• Ruling/leading the church (1 Timothy 5:17).

• Managing the church (1 Timothy 3:4–5).

• Living exemplary lives (Hebrews 13:7).

• Rightly using the authority God has given them (Acts 20:28)

• Admonishing and/or overseeing the process of church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17).

• Examining prospective candidates for the offices of elder and deacon.

• Scheduling and moderating business meetings and seeing that official church business is reported and recorded.

• Overseeing the church membership (including oversight of Deacons, appointed ministry leaders, and committees).

• Conducting or delegating responsibility for worship services.

• Administering or delegating the administration of ordinances of the gospel.

• Developing contexts for both the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry in order to present them to God as mature in Christ.

• Teaching the whole counsel of God both formally and informally (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:2, 5:17).

• Teaching sound doctrine and refuting false teachings (Titus 1:9).

• Coordinating and promoting the ministries of the church.

• Mobilizing the church for world missions.

• Giving themselves to diligent study and fervent prayer (Acts 6:4).

• Praying for the sick (James 5:13–15).

• Consistently offering their lives as examples to the flock.

• Mobilizing the church to the world through mercy and evangelistic ministry.

• Caring for people in the church including the sick, elderly, hurting, non-participating, etc (1 Peter 5:2-5).

• Promoting prayer within the fellowship.

• Establishing strategic long-term goals and objectives for Redeeming Grace Bible Church.

• Clarifying and guarding church doctrine and/or practices, including the formulation of consequent church policies (Acts 20:17–31).

Section 8.6. - Absence of a Plurality of Elders

A. Our Constitution assumes, and the norms of biblical church order require, that a plurality of elders oversee this local assembly. Therefore, if at any period in the life of the church a plurality of elders does not exist in office and this lack cannot in a timely way be supplied, the remaining elder (or the assembly, if there are no elders) shall seek the temporary accountability and aide of two deacons from within the local assembly, selected by the existing elder (if one exists) and affirmed by the congregation through a vote. Those chosen should meet the requirements for a deacon as explained in ARTICLE IX.

 

B. The purposes of such an arrangement are to provide interim leadership in the absence of a plurality of elders and provide accountability if there is only one elder in place. Approval by the remaining elder (if one exists) and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the church shall be required to vote on each deacon being appointed to serve in this capacity.

 

C. If no elder is currently in office, three men shall be chosen by the church to serve as deacons to provide temporary care of the church and to lead the church in seeking pastor-elders to provide leadership. These pastor-elders may be sought from within or without of Redeeming Grace Bible Church. One of the deacons shall be selected to serve as moderator until an elder has been selected and installed.

 

D. When a man meets the requirements for an elder, completes the process described in Section 8.3 above, and is willing to undertake the responsibilities of an elder, the church shall within a reasonable period of time officially place itself under this eldership. If the church has an existing elder, the additional elder(s) shall function as his fellow elder(s). This action shall follow the process described in ARTICLE VIII.

 

E. When a plurality of resident elders is raised up, the temporary deacon oversight arrangement here described shall immediately cease, by written request from the eldership of this church.

Section 8.7. - Termination of Vocational Call

A. By Resignation

The question of terminating the vocational call of an elder/pastor shall be considered at any time by the church upon the presentation of the elder’ resignation.

B. Grievance

Where a grievance or any credible charge exists against an elder, whether moral impropriety or doctrinal error evidenced by his preaching or teaching contrary to the beliefs of Redeeming Grace Bible Church as set forth in ARTICLE IV and ARTICLE VI of these bylaws, such grievance may be brought before the Council of Elders by any two members in good standing. During the investigation, the elder in question shall not be allowed to vote on any church matters and shall be placed on temporary leave. If the Council of Elders, after thorough investigation and consideration, believes the grievance to be true and substantial, the elder in question shall be tried by the elders according to the criteria of Scripture (e.g., James 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:19–21). The vocational call of the elder may be terminated at any business meeting upon the recommendation of the Council of Elders when supported by closed ballot of a majority of those members of the Church present and voting with at least fifty percent (50%) of the membership of the church present at such meeting. Oral notice of any such meeting, stating its object, shall be given from the pulpit on two successive Sundays preceding the meeting.

Section 8.8. – Compensation

A. General Statement:

No compensation shall be paid to elders, deacons, or other staff position unless a resolution authorizing such remuneration shall have been adopted by the council of elders and church membership before the services were rendered. All staffing costs are reflected in the annual budget. Any person receiving compensation directly or indirectly from Redeeming Grace Bible Church shall not be in a position to determine the nature or amount of that compensation.

B. Financial Support of Elders:

Though all elders are equal as to the authority of their office, not all elders possess qualifications warranting full financial support in the office. The Bible teaches that special ability in ruling the church and, more especially, in public teaching and preaching are gifts worthy of full financial support. Thus, before it undertakes his financial support, the church must recognize that an elder or nominee to the eldership possesses special ministerial gifts and that he is excelling in the employment of those gifts for the benefit of the church, in ways appropriate to his opportunities. Special caution should be exercised in giving financial support, whether full or partial, to an elder for the following reasons:​

i.   Full support necessitates his removal from a secular vocation, which, in the interests of Christ's Kingdom and of his family, might be a more advantageous position for him to occupy.

ii.   A major portion of the church's financial stewardship is involved, for which its Head will hold it accountable.

iii.   A financially supported elder has a greater influence upon the church, for good or ill. The provisions of this Section apply to any portion of financial support required by an increase of ministry that would hinder an elder's full-time employment in a secular vocation. Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim.5:17-18; 1 Cor 9:1-14.

C. Increase of Financial Support:

The elders or a member of the church may recommend to the church that an existing elder or a nominee to the eldership be financially supported. In the case of a nominee, full support may be considered in conjunction with the consideration of his qualifications for the eldership. In such a case, the elders will inform the church of their recommendation when the business meeting for this purpose is announced. A distinct discussion and vote for both election to the office and financial support in the office is not necessarily intended but may be needed so that the mind of the church might be made known.

i. In the case of an existing elder who is being recommended for financial support or an increase in financial support, whether full or partial, a church meeting to consider this recommendation shall be announced on two consecutive Lord's Days prior to its being held. Such a recommendation may be considered in conjunction with the review of the elder involved. A distinct discussion and vote for both confirmation in the office and financial support in the office is not necessary.

ii.   During any meeting where financial support is being considered, special attention shall be given to the relevant teaching of Scripture. During the discussion the man under consideration and members of his immediate family shall leave the presence of the church until the written ballot is taken. Such discussion must at all times reflect the fear of God, the claims of truth, and the gravity of the matter. Any vote upon full support requires three-fourths of those ballots cast for approval.

iii. Elder Remuneration Committee: (Section 8.8 C. iii was amended by congregational vote on February 4, 2016.)

1.   Because of the delicate nature of payroll and the duty we have to ensure that we are above reproach with outsiders, an Elder Remuneration Committee consisting of three men shall be formed to review elder compensation. Committee members shall be members of RGBC and appointed by the membership, but subject to elder approval, so that the committee is not appointed by only the congregation or only the elders. Committee members shall serve three-year terms, with the terms staggered so that one term expires every year. An individual may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. If unforeseen circumstances necessitate interim appointments, these can be done so as to preserve the spirit of this committee and this section.

2.   The committee shall regularly consider input from both the congregation as well as the elders and then make recommendations to be voted on by the membership, requiring a ¾ vote of support to pass. It is expected that the committee would make a presentation to the membership at least annually. The committee will be responsible to initiate discussions as appropriate, and shall be available to the elders and the membership to hear recommendations. The committee shall function as an independent third party to the extent possible, having received this mandate from the membership and the elders.

3.   All elders and members of their immediate families shall excuse themselves from congregational meetings during the time where elder compensation is discussed so that free discussion can be had without hindrance to people speaking their minds.