About

DEER ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

(Non-denominational)

Constitution and By-Laws

Preamble

It is the intention of the believers who make up Deer Island Community Church that our Constitution and By-Laws follow the guidelines of our Lord Jesus Christ for the governing of His church. They are designed to reflect our comprehension of God’s Word regarding the formation and functioning of this community of believers.

We, the membership of Deer Island Community Church, thus constitute and organize ourselves with the understanding of the New Testament principles and patterns of church life and leadership.

We dedicate ourselves as a body of believers to the scriptural instruction that our worship, government, and service shall “prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in 1‹nowledge of the Son of God and become mature, to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ”. (Ephesians 4:12-13)

Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we do now in the presence of God, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, in one body in Christ.

We commit ourselves, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and joy of faith; to promote its spiritual growth; to maintain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and its doctrines; to submit to the scriptural exercise of the Elder’s oversight; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry and expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spreading of the gospel through all nations.

We also pledge to maintain strong, biblically sound families; to seek the salvation of family and acquaintances; to be fair in our dealings, faithful in

our commitments, and exemplary in our conduct; to abstain from anything that may cause a believer to sin against his or her conscience and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We further dedicate ourselves to watch over one another in Christian love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate Christian unity and encouragement by our speech, to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation.

Articles

Article I: Name

The name of this body of believers shall be Deer Island Community Church, duly incorporated according to Oregon State law.

Article II: Purpose

Deer Island Community Church exists for the purpose of worshiping God and glorifying Him by evangelizing and discipling people of all nations to be followers of Jesus Christ in every area of their life.

Article III: Doctrine

The doctrines below do not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the Deer Island Community Church’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our elders are Deer Island Community Church’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

3.1 We believe the Bible is God’s inspired and inerrant word, the eternal, infallible, and final standard of faith and practice for the believers in Jesus Christ. Its interpretation must be gained by careful reading in its grammatical, historical, and literary context under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 119; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17; John 10:34,35; John 16:13; Acts 17:11; I Corinthians 2:10-13; II Timothy 2:15; II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:16-21)

3.2  We believe in one living and true God, the Creator of all, who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being and who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that each has the same nature,

attributes, and perfections and is worthy of the same worship. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 40:28; Matthew 28:18,19; John 8:58; Acts

5:3,4; II Corinthians 1:3; John 1:1,2)

3.3 We believe God makes Himself known to all humanity in general revelation (creation, providential care, the sense of His nearness and conscience) and that much truth concerning God’s existence and His glory can be discovered through careful study of His creative handiwork. (Psalm 8:1; 19:1-6; 104; Acts 14:17; 17:27; Romans 1:18-21, 2:14,15)

3.4 We believe that humanity was created in the image of God, and that everyperson bears His image. We believe, however, that every person has fallen in sin and is therefore separated from God and in need of salvation. (Genesis 1:26,27; Romans 3:22,23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3)

3.5 IWe believe that, in accordance with the Father’s eternal plan to redeem mankind, the Son became a man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ provided the perfect means for mankind’s salvation through His sinless life, His death on the cross as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and His bodily resurrection from the dead. We believe that He ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest. (Luke 1:35;

John 14:6; Acts 1:9,10; 2:23; Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 1:7;

Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 9:24; I Peter 1:3-5; I John 2:1-

2)

3.6 We believe that salvation is the gift of God received by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that true faith in Christ guarantees the fruit of good works in the believer’s life. (John 1:12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14; James 2:18-26; I John 2:14-18)

3.7 We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ through regenerating, indwelling, instructing and empowering believers, and that He is our advocate before the Father in intercession on our behalf. (John 16:13-14; Acts 1:8; Ephesians l:13-14; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:26,27)

3.8 We believe that the Church (Body of Christ) is composed of all true believers in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:18; I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22,23; 5:25-27)

3.9 We believe that the local church is an organized assembly of believers, indwelt and unified by the Holy Spirit in confession and mission, who gather regularly to worship God, encourage one another, teach the Word, observe the ordinances of baptism and communion, and actively make Christ known in the world by both word and deed. We believe that under the headship of Christ, the local church has the right to decide and govern its own affairs. (Matthew 28:16-20; John 13:35; Acts 1:8; 2:41,42; 6:1-6; 8:36-38; I Corinthians 1:2; 5:13; 6:1-5; 11:23-39; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:25)

3.10 We believe in the personal, imminent and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus for His redeemed ones. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; the believer to everlasting joy with the Lord and the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting punishment. (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28,29; Romans 13:11,12; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:1l-13; I Peter 1:3-7; Revelation 20:5,6,12,13)

3.11 We believe that because God has ordained marriage and ordained it as the covenant relationship between a man, a woman, and Himself, the Deer Island Community Church will only recognize marriage between a biological man and a biological woman. Further, the pastors and staff of Deer Island Community Church will only participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between a biological man and a biological woman. (Genesis 2:18-25)

3.12 We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)

Article IV: Membership

4.1 Qualifications.’ All persons demonstrating a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ, submission to God's Word and the Holy Spirit, and who is in agreement with the Constitution and By-laws of Deer Island Community Church and who is willing to be involved in the ministry and purpose of this local church and has become a regular attendee shall be considered members.

4.2 Responsibilities: Members shall live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as set forth in God’s Word and summarized in the covenant of the Constitution and shall assist in accomplishing the ministries and purpose of Deer Island Community Church, according to their individual gifting, interest, talents and physical and/or temperamental strengths.

4.3 Discipline. The ultimate purpose of all fellowship discipline is restoration and healing. In the case of a serious accusation regarding the conduct, speech or attitude of any member of the church, an effort to restore the individual on a personal level shall be made. If this effort has failed, the allegation may be presented to the elders for consideration. If the elders consider the accusation sound, and the accused member refuses to repent, the elders will bring the issue before the congregation. If the member still does not repent, he or she will be excommunicated from the fellowship of the church. (Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5:1-13; Ephesians 4:1-6; Galatians 6:1-3; II Thessalonians 3:14-15). If the person under discipline demonstrates genuine repentance, he or she will be restored to fellowship upon affirmation by the elders. (II Corinthians 2:1-11)

4.4 Teaching: Teaching positions shall be filled by individuals who have expressed a desire to teach, have shown an exemplary spiritual life and are approved by the elders.

4.5 Termination:

a. Any member may be dropped from membership at his or her own

request.

b. When a member of the church dies, he or she will be removed from membership.

c. If a member ceases to attend the regular meetings of the church and fails to show personal interest in the ministry of the church, and the elders have unsuccessfully attempted to restore the individual’s fellowship, that person will be removed from membership.

d. The elders may recommend dropping a person from membership under the conditions outlined in article 4.3.

e. Members who are unable to attend meetings due to long-term illnesses, relocation, work, travel, or other uncontrollable events will not be dropped from membership.

Article V: Elders

5.1 Qualifications:

a. All candidates must meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture. (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

b. There shall be a minimum of two church elders, provided the qualifications in 5.1a are met.

5.2 Function:

a. According to Ephesians 4:11-13, the purpose of the spiritual leadership of a church is to equip the membership by the Scripture for maturity and ministry in the body of Christ.

b. The Scripture gives the following responsibilities and authority to the elders in their ministry for accomplishing this task.

1. Supervise by giving direction to the entire ministry of the church under the authority of Christ (Acts 20:28; I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 5:5)

2. Lead by being examples of servanthood (I Peter 5:3) and submission. (Ephesians 5:21)

3. Provide pastoral care to the congregation. (Acts 20:28)

4. Teach and Exhort (I Timothy 3:2)

5. Refute false teachers (Titus 1:9)

6. Pray for the sick. (James 5:13-15)

c. Decisions of the elders shall be made by consensus.

5.3 Selection and Tenure:

a. Selection of qualified elders shall be made by the current elders and deacons.

b. A consensus shall be required for selection by the elders.

c. The board of elders shall be one and the same as the church’s

board of directors.

d. The elder’s service shall continue unless he 1) is shown to be unqualified, 2) discontinues regular attendance, 3) willingly chooses to end his service, or 4) relocates to another church body.

Article VI: Deacons

6.1 Qualifications: All those holding the position shall be men who are members of the church in good standing who meet the standard set forth in scripture (I Tim. 3:8-12).

6.2 Functioning: As the ministry requires, permanent or temporary service positions requiring capable spiritual leadership shall be established. The specific functions and job descriptions of a particular deacon shall be worked out with the board of elders

6.3 Selection and Tenure:

a.  Selection of prospective qualified deacons shall be done by a consensus of the current elders and deacons. A committee appointed by the elders may be formed to provide for input by the congregation concerning prospective qualified deacons.

b. The name of the prospective candidate shall be presented to the congregation. Input concerning the candidate shall be given to the elders or deacons.

c. The deacon’s service shall continue unless he 1) is shown to be unqualified, 2) discontinues regular attendance, 3) willingly chooses to end his service, or 4) relocates to another church body.

d. In the event that a deacon is needed for a special, temporary roll or function, the board of elders may appoint such a one for a specific and temporary time period.

Article VII: The Pastor

7.1 The Pastor of this church shall be selected for an indefinite period of time under recommendation of the pulpit committee after careful consideration. Only such men shall be recommended as can and will conscientiously sign the articles of faith, covenant, constitution and by- laws without mental reservation.

7.2 There shall be a consensus of the elders before the recommended candidate for Pastor is presented to the membership for input.

7.3 The recommended candidate for Pastor shall be presented to the membership for input. If there is no negative input the elders shall confirm the selection.

7.4 The Pastor may be terminated by 30-day notice by the elders. If there are less than 2 elders, assistance may be requested from In Faith (formerly American Missionary Fellowship). Dismissal of a pastor must have a 3/4   majority vote of the membership. All active members, who have attended Deer Island Community Church at least 6 months, and are at least 18 years of age, shall be eligible to vote.

7.5 The Pastor shall be remunerated until his point of termination.

7.6 The Pastor shall be an ex-officio member of all boards and committees of the church.

7.7 Upon the selection of the pastor, he and his wife shall be automatically members of the congregation. Membership shall end at his termination.

7.8 The pastor shall be considered among the board of elders as staff elder.

Article VIII: Ordinances

8.1 The Lords Supper (Corinthians 11:23-30) shall normally be conducted on the first Sunday of each month. Members and/or worship participants may partake according to the dictates of their own conscience.

8.2 Baptism by immersion. (Matthew 28:19 and 3:13) Baptism shall be preceded by fruitful demonstration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and by a class of instruction on the meaning and purpose of baptism according to the Bible.

Article IX: Finances

9.1 This church shall be maintained by free-will gifts from those who wish to contribute.

Article X: Meetings

10.1 An annual meeting shall be called by the board of elders on the last Sunday of January or other day designated by the elders, but not later than the end of February. Notice for such meeting shall be announced and/or posted at least seven days in advance. Special meetings may be requested by members and if deemed necessary by the Board of Elders.

10.2 Quorum shall be considered 2/3 of membership.

10.3 The annual meeting shall consist of the following items: Treasurer's report, Elder’s report and other reports as necessary.

Article XI: Affiliation

11.1 This church, having been in full fellowship with In Faith ministries (formerly the American Missionary Fellowship), shall remain so until said affiliation shall be terminated by a vote* of a quorum of the membership at a duly called meeting called for that purpose which has been announced three successive Sundays prior to said meeting. The local representative of In Faith shall be notified three full weeks prior to said meeting. A 'Z4 majority vote shall be required for termination.

11.2 The local representative of In Faith shall be an ex-officio member of all church boards and Committees.

Article XII: Organization of the Corporation

12.1 Board of Directors:  The Board of Elders

Chairman of the board:  The individual so appointed by the elders. Secretary:  The individual so appointed by the elders.

Treasurer:  The individual so appointed by the elders.

Article XIII: Ordinations and Licensing

13.1 Any member or friend of the church, who, in the judgment of the church, gives evidence by his Christian life, zeal and ability to teach, that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, after having proven himself worthy of the office and of the vocation to which he is called,

may be given a license to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to perform wedding ceremonies by authority of his name, subject to a consensus by the elders.

13.2 If a consensus of the elders determine that a preacher possesses the spiritual qualifications and training for full ordination, the board of elders shall call a council of ministers and laymen to examine the

candidate for biblical proof of qualification for ordination.

Article XIV: Amendments

14.1 This constitution may be amended by the majority vote of a quorum of the membership at any regular or special meeting providing the proposed amendment has been made available to each member and has been openly posted two full weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

Article XV: Dissolution

15.1 In the event that this corporation is dissolved, all assets, after all obligations and liabilities of the corporation have been paid, satisfied, discharged or adequate provision made therefore, shall be distributed to In Faith (formerly the American Missionary Fellowship). In the event that In Faith is not in existence at such time as this corporation is dissolved, all assets, after all obligations and liabilities of the corporation have been paid, satisfied, discharged or adequate provision made therefore, shall be distributed to a non-profit, evangelical Protestant corporation which has the same status in regard to federal income tax exemption that this corporation possesses

Extensively revised in 2013 Revised 11/2015