Grace Baptist Church

Article IX - Church Officers

   1. Section 1 - General Statement

     Jesus Christ alone is the Head of His church. However, as Head, He has ordained that individual churches should be blessed with the spiritual rule and ministry of special office bearers. Therefore, it is the duty of the church to seek to discover those to whom Christ the Lord has imparted the necessary gifts for office bearing. The Lord's appointment is recognized by not only the inward conviction of the individual involved, but also by the approval of the church observing the possession of those gifts and graces required, and by Scriptural definition of the office.

      It should be the desire of the congregation to come to one mind regarding those office bearers to whom they must submit in the Lord, but should such unanimity not be fully realized, no less than two-thirds majority of the members present and voting shall be required for the election of an officer. (See 'Method of Election' - Art. 3 of By-Laws.)

      Christ has ordained that the administration of local churches is to be by Elders and Deacons (Philip. 1:1; Acts 6:1-7; 14:23). When the church is too small to maintain both offices, overseers will function as both Elders and Deacons until such time that the growth of the church requires Elders and Deacons. In such cases where the overseers function in the capacity of both Elders and Deacons, ALL REFERENCES IN THE CONSTITUTION OR BY-LAWS TO EITHER ELDERS OR DEACONS WILL APPLY TO THE OVERSEERS.

   2. Section 2 - Eldership

         1. Teaching Elders (Pastors)

            Among the Elders are those whom we call Pastors. These are set apart for prayer and the study of the Word and should, as far as is possible, be adequately maintained in material necessities, so as to be disentangled from the cares of a secular calling.

               1. A Pastor, being by Scriptural terminology, a teaching and ruling Elder, must evidence the personal, domestic and ministerial qualifications for this office as set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9.

               2. Anyone called to this office must be able to affirm conscientiously his agreement with the Articles of Faith, the adopted Confession, and Constitution of the church. Should he at any time move from this position, he is under spiritual and moral obligation to make this known to the church.

               3. The Pastor shall seek to discharge all the functions of his office as set forth in the Scriptures and in keeping with the exercise of his own distinctive gifts of ministry. In conjunction with the Elders, he shall have general oversight of all the church and its ministry and functions.

               4. If at any time the Pastor shall make application to be released from his office, or if the congregation shall choose by majority vote to dismiss him, the relationship between Pastor and church may be terminated by the congregation in ninety days from the date of notice of intention, or in a shorter period of time, if it is mutually agreed upon. If the relations between the Pastor and congregation become detrimental to the welfare of the church, the Elders shall have authority to consider this matter and make recommendation to the congregation at a duly called congregational meeting. If the Pastor's life or preaching shall violate the standards of this church, and the Elders so recommend, the services of the Pastor may be terminated immediately following a congregational meeting, at which his dismissal has been requested by a majority vote of those present and voting.

         2. Ruling Elders

            Elders are responsible for the spiritual ministrations of the church, the implementation of church discipline, and watching over the souls of the members as those who must give account to God for this responsibility. They, in conjunction with the Pastor, shall exercise the oversight of the church in all its ministries and functions.

               1. Anyone desiring the office of an Elder must evidence the personal, domestic, and ministerial qualifications as set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and in Titus 1:5-9.

               2. Elders must seek to discharge their duties as set forth in the Scriptures, particularly such passages as Acts 20:17, 28ff; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17.

               3. While every Elder bears spiritual rule, some will be more engaged in formal and public teaching, while others will be more exclusively engaged in the details of ruling (1 Tim. 5:17).

               4. Elders shall be men in full communion with the church, of mature judgment, of unquestioned Christian character, loyal to the Word of God, able to teach sound doctrine, and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and the spiritual welfare of the church (1 Tim 3, Titus 1:6-9). They shall be ordained as Elders after their first election, as soon as convenient.

               5. It shall be the duty of the Elders to be diligent and faithful in attendance at the Elder's meetings and at the regular services of the church. They shall assist the Pastor at the Lord's Table. They shall make suggestions regarding the Pastor's pulpit ministry, and encourage him in the work of the Lord. Elders may at their discretion call upon one or more of the Deacons to assist with any of their responsibilities when necessary.

         3. Section 3 - Deacons

               1. Deacons are responsible for the business and secular affairs of the church, which are to be administered with spiritual grace and in cooperation with and subjection to the Elders.

               2. Deacons shall be men in full communion with the church, being sober in life, having a good reputation, and being able to comfort the oppressed (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

               3. They shall be installed as Deacons after their first election, as soon as convenient. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to be diligent and faithful in attendance at Deacons' meetings and at the regular services of the church. They shall be watchful to assist the Elders at the Lord's Table and in every possible way.