To help people begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and their life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name.What We Believe
1 – The Bible: We believe in the plenary (complete), verbal inspiration of the inerrant Word of God, such that God superintended human authors with their own experience, personality, methods, and style to produce the very words of Scripture – the Word of God – without error in the original writings. We believe that all Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, center around and lead to the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible to be the revelation of God and His will for the Salvation and practical instruction of man, and that it is the supreme and final authority for faith and life. (Luke 24:27; 24:44; John 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17:2-3; 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23; Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 2:13; 10:11; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21)
2 – The Trinity: We believe in one God, the living and true God, existing eternally in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – each having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections. (Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; II Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6)
3 – The Father: We believe that God the Father, unlimited in holiness, power and majesty, showed His exceedingly great love in giving His only begotten Son to redeem man from sin for eternal fellowship with Him. This act of grace was carried out according to His eternal, sovereign plan. The nature of the Father is completely and perfectly revealed in the Son. (Isaiah 53:1-10; John 1:1; 3:16, 14:6-9; 17:24; Romans 16:20; Colossians 1:15; 1:18-20)
4 – The Lord Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God and continues to be the God-Man forever. We believe that He was born of the virgin Mary, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, entered in to human flesh in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. We believe that His death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all men and that His bodily resurrection from the dead guaranteed redemption and salvation to all those who believe. We also believe that He later ascended into heaven exalted at the right hand of God where He is our High Priest and Advocate. (Luke 1:35; John 1:1; 1:14; 1:18; Romans 3:24-26; 4:25; Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:14; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:17-20; Hebrews 1:3; 3:1; 7:23-25; 9:24; 12:2; I John 2:1-2)
We believe in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as He went, in person on the clouds of heaven, and with power and great glory to introduce the millennial age, to bind Satan and place him in the abyss, to lift the curse which now rests upon the whole creation, to restore Israel to her own land and to give her the realization of God’s covenant promises, and to bring the whole world to the knowledge of God. (Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Isaiah 11:9-11; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Matthew 24:15-25; 24:44-46; Acts 15:16-17; Romans 8:19-23; 11:25-27; II Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 20:1-3)
5 – The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, eternal in being, took up His abode in the world to reveal and glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to men. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts man of sin. At salvation He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, fills and sets apart believers unto a holy life. He continues to convict of sin and to fill believers daily as they yield to Him. We also believe that He keeps and empowers believers day by day, and is the Teacher of the Word of God and the Guide for daily living. (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15; I Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1:13; 2:22; 5:17-18)
6 – Man: We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell through sin against God which brought mankind into a state of sin, separation from God, and subject to the power of Satan. We also believe that every child of Adam is born into the world with a nature which not only possesses no spark of divine life, but is totally depraved apart from divine grace. Man can only obtain spiritual life and salvation through the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Psalms 14: 1-3; 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:53; Romans 3:10-18; 8:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-3; I Timothy 5:6; I John 3:8)
7 – Satan & Hell: We believe in the existence of Satan as a personal being and a fallen angelic creature of God, who is the open and declared enemy of God and man and the accuser of the brethren. We believe that Hell is a real place of eternal torment reserved for Satan, his followers and those who have not received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. (Job 1:6-12; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:2-11; II Corinthians 4:4; 11:3, 11:14-15; II Thessalonians 1:6-10; I Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10; 21:6-8)
8 – Salvation: We believe that salvation is the gift of God in Grace and is received by any man only through repentance from sin and personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe that when an unregenerate person exercises that faith in Christ and His death on the cross as payment for his sin, he passes immediately out of spiritual death into spiritual life, and from the old creation into the new, being justified, accepted before the Father just as Christ, His Son, is accepted and loved as Christ is loved, having his place and portion as linked to Him, and one with Him forever in a literal Heaven. We also believe that the greatest degree of reformation, the highest attainment of morality, the most attractive culture, baptism, or another ordinance, cannot help the sinner to take even one step toward heaven. Only by a new nature imparted from God and a new life implanted by the Holy Spirit through the Word, may one receive salvation and thus become a child of God. True faith will be manifested by a changed life. (Leviticus 17:11; Isaiah 64:6; Matthew 26:28; John 1:12-13; 3:5-18; 5:24; 17:20-23; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 5:1-10; I Corinthians 3:21-23; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 3:10-13; 6:14-15; Ephesians 1:7-8; 2:8-9; Philippians 3:7-11; Colossians 2:9-15; Titus 3:3-7; James 1:18; I Peter 1:18-23; I John 2:3-6; 5:11-12; Revelation 21:1-4; 21:9-27)
9 – Sanctification: The Bible refers to Christians as “saints” as those who have been set apart unto God. We believe that sanctification is threefold: (1) POSITIONAL sanctification, which means that a person now stands before God as holy, is already complete for every saved person because our perfect representative, Jesus Christ, took all our unholiness away through His sacrifice. (2) However, the believer retains his sinful nature in this life so that his present state is no more perfect than his experience in daily life. There is therefore, a PROGRESSIVE sanctification wherein the Christian is to grow in grace and to be changed into the likeness of Christ by the unhindered power of the Spirit. (3) We also believe that the child of God will ULTIMATELY be fully sanctified in Christ when he shall see his Lord and shall be “like Him”. (John 17:17-19; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 12:13; II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Ephesians 4:20-24; 5:17-18; 5:25-27; Colossians 1:21-23; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 10:8-14; 12:7-11)
10 – The Church: We believe that the church, which began on the day of Pentecost, is the Body and Bride of Christ, and is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons irrespective of their affiliation with Christian organizations. We further believe that by the Holy Spirit all believers in this age are baptized into, and thus become, one body that is Christ’s. Having become members one of another, we are under solemn duty to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, rising above all sectarian differences, and loving one another with a pure heart fervently. (Matthew 16:16-18; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:3-13; I Corinthians 1:10-17; 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:11-22; 4:1-16; 5:25-27; Colossians 3:12-17)
We believe that Christ is the head of the church, and that He ordained Elders and Deacons for the oversight and care of His body. Elders are to oversee and shepherd the flock, and be devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Deacons are to serve the needs of the church, and in doing so gain respect and confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. Both church governing bodies are to be personal examples of virtue in the body, and each Deacon and Elder should meet the qualifications outlined in Scripture. (I Samuel 12:23; Acts 6:1-6; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:15-20; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4)
11 – Baptism and The Lord’s Supper: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Table to be observed by all believers until His return. We believe baptism was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ to symbolize the work of the Holy Spirit identifying the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ and was practiced by the New Testament Church. We practice the ordinance of water baptism after conversion and believe that it is the solemn responsibility of every believer to bear this testimony of trust in Jesus Christ by being baptized. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41; 10:47-48; Romans 6:3-7; Colossians 2:12)
We believe the Lord’s Supper was instituted as a memorial remembrance which instructs the body of believers by focusing the believer’s worship upon Christ and His work on the cross. The Lord’s Supper is the only act of worship where Jesus Christ gives us specific directions and thus is the highlight of corporate worship. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the basis of our fellowship with Him, promotes an atmosphere of thankfulness in the church, and motivates our anticipation of His second coming through a common hope of future deliverance. We believe that each believer is responsible not to partake of the bread (signifying His body broken for us) and the drink (signifying His blood shed for us) unworthily. We are commanded to observe the Lord’s Supper continually in order to focus on our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:7-38; I Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:20-34)
Eligibility for Baptism and the Lord’s Supper is based on one’s personal trust in Christ as Savior, and not in local church membership.
12 – Responsibilities of the Believer: We believe that all believers should walk by the Spirit in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Lord and Savior. We believe that it is the obligation of every believer to witness by life and by word to the truths of Holy Scriptures and to seek to proclaim the Gospel to all the world; that it is the responsibility of all believers to pray for the work of the Lord and to support it with their time and resources as the Lord has prospered them. We believe that every believer has a spiritual gift which should be used to edify the body of Christ. Believers are also responsible to submit to the authorities that God has placed over them. (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:1-2; 13:1-7; 14:13; I Corinthians 12:14-20; 16:2; II Corinthians 6:14; 7:1; 9:7; Ephesians 4:7-16; Titus 3:1; Hebrews13:17)
Aldersgate’s By-Laws
Back to Home
Revised December 6, 2009
The purpose of this document is to provide a working structure for the Body of Aldersgate Church in accordance with Scripture and as an accurate biblical model. Our mission is to bring people to Jesus Christ and membership in His family, develop them to Christ-like maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and their life mission in the world, in order to magnify God’s name.
I. GOVERNMENT
Scripture provides general principles which serve as guidelines for church leadership. These guidelines have been followed in formulating a philosophy of government for Aldersgate Church as follows: (Acts 6:3. 14:23; Colossians 1:18;1 Timothy 3:10, 5:17; Titus 1:5-9; Hebrews 13:17).
I. A. CHRIST (Colossians 1:18) “…and He is the head of the body, the Church…”
Christ is the true source of all the Church is and does, and His glory is to be the objective of every act, function, and motive of the Body, both individually and corporately. (I Corinthians 10:31)
Christ has provided His thoughts and His direction for the Body in the Word. The Bible reflects and contains His mind, His commands, His counsel, and His purpose for every believer. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
The Body is to conform to His Word, thus carrying out His will to His glory. This is the function of the Church. (Colossians 3:15-17)
I. B. ELDERS
In accordance with the biblical model as set forth in the New Testament, Aldersgate Church has chosen to be an elder led church. (Acts 20:28) The Elder Board, consisting of elected elders and the Senior Pastor, as overseers of the local church, are responsible for the spiritual health of the Body. They are to glorify Christ by serving the Body according to the biblical principles of love and care. In practice, the Elder Board establishes the guidelines and policies for conducting services, programs, ministries, the general conduct of the church, and, assist and advise the staff pastors. They are to lead by precept and example, realizing they are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ for their efforts and actions. (Hebrews 13:17)
I. B. 1. Qualifications
Elected elders must be members of Aldersgate Church and exhibit the qualifications found in the scriptural passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. An elected elder is also expected to be active in at least one ministry to the Body.
I. B. 2. Selection Process for Elected Elders
Nominations will be received annually from the Body for any man aspiring to the office of elder. Each candidate must first be pre-qualified, interviewed and approved by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Elder Board and executive committee of the deacons. Once an elder candidate has been approved, he will enter a 30 day evaluation period for the purpose of allowing the Body to get to know him and reconcile any differences they might have with him. Then the elder candidate must be approved by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting.
I. B. 3. Number and Term
The Elder Board will consist of a minimum of three elected elders and the Senior Pastor. Each elected elder will serve a three-year term. A one-year sabbatical is required after two consecutive terms. Installment of elected elders should be such as to stagger the terms of membership. The Elder Board shall annually select a chairman. In the absence of the chairman, the Elder Board will select an interim chairman.
I. B. 4. Replacement
A vacancy created by a departing elected elder may be filled in accordance with Section I.B.2 above. The new elected elder will complete the departing elected elder’s term.
I. B. 5. Dismissal
If after going through the disciplinary steps of Matthew 18:15-17, an elected elder is found to no longer fulfill the responsibilities and/or qualifications of the office, then the dismissal of the elected elder in question is accomplished by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Elder Board followed by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting.
I.C. DEACONS
Deacons hold a vital leadership position and contribute to the successful functioning of the Body. In this role deacons assist the Elder Board in the fulfillment of the church ministry. They are delegated the authority for the execution of various activities, ministries, and the management and control of the church property. The heart of their ministry is service as illustrated in Acts 6:2-3.
I. C. 1. Qualifications
Deacons must be members of Aldersgate Church and exhibit the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. A deacon is also expected to be active in at least one ministry to the Body.
I. C. 2. Selection Process
Nominations will be received annually from the Body for any man aspiring to the office of deacon. The candidate must first be interviewed and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Elder Board. Once a deacon candidate has been approved, he will enter a 30 day evaluation period for the purpose of allowing the Body to get to know him and reconcile any differences they might have with him. Then the deacon candidate must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting.
I. C. 3. Term
Each man will serve a two-year term. A one-year sabbatical is required after three consecutive terms. Installment of deacons should be such as to stagger the terms of membership. The board of deacons are responsible for annually choosing their own officers: chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. This comprises the Executive Committee.
I. C. 4. Replacement
A vacancy created by a departing deacon may be filled in accordance with Section I.C.2. above. The new deacon will complete the departing deacon’s term.
I. C. 5. Dismissal
If after going through the disciplinary steps of Matthew 18:15-17, a deacon is found to no longer fulfill the responsibilities and/or qualifications of the office, then the dismissal of the deacon in question is accomplished by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Elder Board followed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting.
II. STAFF
II. A. SENIOR PASTOR
The Senior Pastor is the spiritual leader of the congregation. In this unique position he provides for the equipping of the saints through a regular ministry of preaching, training, and encouraging the congregation as a whole. His goal is to mature the saints through insightful and accurate presentation and proclamation of the Word, stressing both the understanding and application of divine truths and principles.
He provides vital input on planning, ministry challenges, and biblical guidance to the Elder Board during the decision making process. He is often the primary agent in the implementation of the various programs and ministries undertaken by the church.
He is accountable to the Elder Board for the fulfillment of his ministry. While serving equally with other Elders elected by the congregation, he will not serve as Elder Board Chairman and occasions may arise when Elder Board meetings will be closed to him.
With the consensus of the Elder Board, the Senior Pastor may delegate responsibilities.
He is also responsible for the management of the church office and supervision of all staff. (1 Timothy 4:11 -13, 15, 16; Ephesians 4:11, 12; 2 Timothy 3:16,17, 4:2-4; Matthew 5:13)
II. A. 1. Qualifications
The senior pastor must meet the qualifications as set forth in the scriptural passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4.
II. A. 2. Selection Process
The selection process is outlined in the Personnel Policy.
II. A. 3. Dismissal
The Senior Pastor shall serve until his pastorate is terminated by either resignation or dismissal. The senior pastor shall give a minimum of thirty (30) days notice before resignation of his services. If at any time his personal belief, preaching, or teaching is not-in full accord with the Doctrinal Statement and the Word of God, his services as senior pastor shall be terminated. The dismissal of a senior pastor because he is not fulfilling the responsibilities and/or qualification of a senior pastor is the responsibility of the elected elders, and is accomplished by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of these elected elders followed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting. When the senior pastor receives dismissal from the congregation, his services shall be terminated immediately, but his salary shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days thereafter.
II.B. OTHER PASTORAL STAFF
As the needs of the church dictate, other pastoral staff may oversee specialized ministries. These are positions to be filled by men who possess the spiritual leadership and gifts specific to the ministry needs. They are accountable to the senior pastor and elected elders for the discharge of their ministries.
II. B. 1. Qualifications
The Pastoral staff must meet the qualifications appropriate for the position defined by the Personnel Team.I
I. B. 2. Selection Process
The selection process is outlined in the personnel policy.
II. B. 3. Dismissal
The dismissal of a pastoral staff member because he is not fulfilling the responsibilities and/or qualifications of the pastoral staff position is the responsibility of the Elder Board and is accomplished by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Elder Board followed by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the voting membership assembled at a duly called congregational meeting. When the staff member receives dismissal from the congregation, his services shall be terminated immediately, but his salary shall continue for a period of 30 days thereafter. A member of the pastoral staff shall give a minimum of thirty days notice before resignation of his services.
II. C. NON-PASTORAL STAFF
Non-pastoral staff are defined as paid employees of the church, whether full or part-time in a non pastoral capacity. The senior pastor is the manager of the church staff. Final offers of employment or dismissal require mutual agreement between the senior pastor and deacons.
III. MEMBERSHIP
III. A. QUALIFICATIONS
Membership in Aldersgate Church is open to all who testify of their salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and agree with both the Purpose and Doctrinal statements before the Senior Pastor and/or Elder Board of the church.
III. B. EXPECTATIONS
Members of Aldersgate Church are expected to support their church by participation in worship, instruction and giving of their time, talents, finances, and resources to the accomplishment of the purposes of the church. Members should take seriously the Great Commission and the admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ to love one another. (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 10:25; John 13:35)
III.C. TERM
The term of membership is permanent unless one of the following occurs:
1. The member asks to be dropped from the membership roll.
2. The member is dismissed due to action or behavior that is contrary to biblical principles and refuses to repent.
3. The names of those who are completely inactive in the fellowship may also be removed from membership. The membership roll will be reviewed annually for this purpose.
III.D. DISMISSAL
The dismissal process for any member of Aldersgate Church must follow the pattern established by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15-17. If the member refuses to repent and seek restoration, membership is terminated and fellowship with the person shall cease until restoration is attained.
III.E. REINSTATEMENT
A former member in good standing can be reinstated to membership following an interview with the leadership of the church. A dismissed member will be reinstated by repenting and seeking restored fellowship with the church, after gaining the approval of the Elder Board.
IV. MINISTRY TEAMS
The ministry teams shall consist of those teams that are required to accomplish the ministry of the church. As a minimum, the ministry teams shall consist of Finance, Personnel, Nominating and Mission Teams. The charter for each team shall be kept in the Ministry Team’s section of Aldersgate Ministries and Policies. The addition and/or termination of teams shall be accomplished by the Elder Board of the church.
V. TRUSTEES
The trustees will hold the title to the church properties, transact all legal business regarding church property and hold keys to safety deposit box where church papers are kept. The trustees shall at all times be subject to the Deacons and/or congregation.
VI. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
In order to effectively communicate major issues and decisions, the annual meetings are to be held in the month of January. The desired time frame for the meeting will be within the first two weeks of the month, but no later than the last Wednesday of January. This meeting will include election of Deacons and/or Elders, and review and approval of the annual budget.
VI.B. AGENDA
An agenda will be prepared and distributed to the congregation the Sunday prior to that meeting date. Agenda items submitted by a voting member(s) will be placed on the agenda at the discretion of the elders. Agendas for meetings called by the voting members will be part of the petition calling the meeting. In case of emergencies, the requirement for distribution of agendas may be waived.
VI. C. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Congregational meetings may be called when any of the following conditions arise:
1. A petition from the members of the church is submitted to the Elder Board or Deacon Board.
2. When requested by the Elder Board.
3. When requested by the Deacon Board.
VI. D. ANNOUNCEMENT
Except in extreme emergencies, congregational meetings will be announced in the church bulletin two Sundays in advance of the meeting date.
VI. E. QUORUM
The voting members present at a duly called congregational meeting will constitute a quorum.
VI. F. ATTENDANCE
Congregational meetings are generally open to regular attendees and members alike; however, voting is limited to members 18 years of age or older.
VI. G. VOTING
Voting by church membership is required for the annual budget, purchase of real or other non-budgeted property, appointment or dismissal of elected elders or deacons and the calling or termination of senior pastor and pastoral staff. In all of the listed cases, two-thirds (2/3) majority of the quorum is required.
VII. COMMISSIONING AND ORDINATION
When, in the Judgment of the Elder Board, a man in this membership is called to Christian ministry and meets the requirements as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:1-9, it shall be within the power of the church by majority vote to commission him to preach the Gospel as he may have opportunity and to exercise his gifts in the work of the ministry. After a period of one year, his status will be reviewed by the church, in cooperation with the Elder Board to determine if he desires to become an applicant for ordination.
When in view of the Elder Board the applicant is ready for ordination, it shall within their authority to call and conduct an ordination council. The council shall consist of the Elder Board and the senior pastor shall act as chairman of the council.
The ordaining council shall thoroughly examine all applicants for ordination as to their call to the Christian ministry, education, Christian experience, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated effectiveness in Christian service. Any other member of the congregation may attend the examination.
It shall be within the province of the Elder Board to discipline, even to the revoking of the ordination credentials of a minister licensed or ordained under these by-laws, if the said minister ceases to meet the requirements set forth herein. The prior ordination of men called to pastor this church will be accepted by our fellowship.
VIII. AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS
These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the quorum present at any regular or special meeting, provided the proposed amendment has been announced to the congregation at two (2) consecutive Sunday morning services before the time for said vote. The congregation shall be provided an exact copy of the proposed amendment 30 days prior to the called meeting.