Woodbridge Bible Church Constitution
PREAMBLEARTICLE I: NAME
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF FAITH
ARTICLE IV: GOVERNMENT BY ELDERS
ARTICLE V: SERVICE OF DEACONS
ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE VIII: NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
In order to affirm and preserve the principles of our faith, protect orderly government of our body in a manner consistent with the Scriptures, and for the purpose of preserving the unity of this church, we do declare and establish this constitution.
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this church shall be Woodbridge Community Fellowship, organized and established under the laws of the state of Virginia, February, 1986. The name of this church shall be changed to Woodbridge Bible Church on June 1, 1997.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose for which this church is established is to glorify God. Glorifying God results when God's people fulfill His two most basic commandments: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind; and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:35-40). Only spiritually maturing believers can fulfill these two divinely ordained commandments and thus glorify God. So this church will seek to develop spiritual maturity in the lives of its people. Spiritual maturity is a balance in the Christian's life-style (Acts 2:41-47: etc.), involving an ongoing commitment to:
A. vital learning experiences through God's word
B. vital worshiping experiences through congregational celebration
C. vital relational experiences through Christian fellowship
D. vital outreach experiences to our community and our world through compassionate involvement and proclamation of the Good News.
ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe ...
THE BIBLE, both Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God in every word, completely without error in the original writings, and is the supreme and final authority in faith and life.
THE ONE TRUE GOD eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
JESUS CHRIST was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true Man; He died for our sins according to the Scriptures; He was buried, and He was raised bodily from the dead according to the Scriptures; and He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and is our High Priest and Advocate.
MAN did not evolve but was created by God in God's image and likeness, but fell into sin through disobedience, incurring both physical and spiritual death. As a result all men are born with a sinful nature (original sin), and become sinners by choice (personal sin). Thus all mankind is lost, (separated from the life of God), and in need of The Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that those who die before they are able to believe (infants, severely mentally retarded, etc.) will be received into heaven by God's grace and mercy (Romans 5:13-19).
SALVATION is entirely a free gift of God's grace, acquired through personal faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.
THE HOLY SPIRIT produces a new life and permanently indwells every person who trusts in Christ from the very moment that he receives Christ as his personal Savior. He unites all believers into the one Body of Christ, the Church, through the baptism of the Holy Spirit which occurs at the moment of salvation.
THE BLESSED HOPE of the Church of Jesus Christ is the reality of the imminent, personal return of her Lord and Savior.
MAN'S ETERNAL DESTINY is solely determined by his acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ, God's provision for man's sins; those who accept Christ as their Savior will be resurrected to eternal life and joy in the presence of God, but those who reject Christ will be resurrected to judgment and separation from God for all eternity.
ARTICLE IV - GOVERNMENT BY ELDERS
God intended the will of Christ for His Church to be made known not through one man alone, but several mature men whose lives measure up to Scriptural standards (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Called "elders", they are servants and pastors to the Body, and may or may not be vocational pastors (i.e., salaried staff; see 1 Tim 5:17- 18). Thus, the objective of multiple leadership is to enrich the ministry through a diversity of gifts and a breadth of wisdom. The Board of Elders will be responsible to God for the total oversight of Woodbridge Bible Church. Their primary responsibility is to seek the mind of Jesus Christ, the sole Head of the Church, through regular prayer and diligent study of the Word of God and then to lovingly guide God's people in a spirit of Christlike servanthood (see Heb. 13:7,17; etc). Woodbridge Bible Church recognizes five primary leadership positions:
(1) Elders - men who have primary responsibility for shepherding (i.e., ministry and oversight) the Body of Christ at Woodbridge Community Fellowship;
(2) Vocational Pastors - specially trained and gifted men who assist the elders in the ministry to the Body (note: they will serve on the Board of Elders if they meet the qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4);
(3) Deacons - men who are chosen (if meeting the qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:8-13) primarily to serve the Body in administrative capacities, under the authority of the Board of Elders;
(4) Faithful People - individuals who have demonstrated a faithfulness to the Lord and His people, and who are able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2); and
(5) Every Believer - each believer who has discovered and developed his unique spiritual gift(s) in service to the Body of Christ and the world. In other words, the ministry belongs to the entire Body of Christ at Woodbridge Bible Church. This "every-man ministry" demands that every believer be brought to maturity (Col. 1:28-29) and be equipped for the work of such a ministry (Eph. 4:11-16). It is this process alone that will move Woodbridge Bible Church to an obedient response to our Lord's "Great Commission" (Matt 28:18-20).
A. QUALIFICATION OF ELDERS
An Elder must be a man who meets Scriptural standards as set forth in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; and I Peter 5:1-4. Also, to be considered for the responsibility of an Elder, one must have demonstrated a pastoral ministry within the congregation prior to selection. He must also be a member of Woodbridge Bible Church.
B. SELECTION OF ELDERS
1. Woodbridge Bible Church recognizes the perspective in the selection of elders - the Holy Spirit raises up overseers (Acts 20:28).
2. Woodbridge Bible Church also recognizes the human perspective in the selection of elders (i e., how the Body is to recognize the Holy Spirit's selection) : (a) Aspiration (1 Tim. 3: 1) - the prospective elder is given a holy desire to serve the Body and to be accountable to the Lord Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:4); (b) Qualification (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:4) - the prospective elder must have a lifestyle that measures up to the biblical standards of New Testament leadership; (c) Ordination (Acts 14:21-23; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22-25; 2 Tim.1:6; Titus 1:5 ) - the prospective elder who qualifies for this ministry will be appointed and publicly ordained by the Board of Incumbent Elders; and (d) Recognition (1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim 5:17-21) - the new elder is to be appreciated and held in high esteem because of his labors in the Body of Christ; if he serves "full time" in preaching and teaching, he is to be financially remunerated (see also I Cor. 9:7-14; etc.).
3. At various times the membership of Woodbridge Bible Church will be asked to submit names of prospective elders, based on the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1.5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. The Incumbent Board of Elders will take all submitted names under due consideration.
4. As a part of the "qualification step" in the selection of prospective elders, the Body of Woodbridge Bible Church will be presented with the prospective elder. Each member of WBC will be asked to prayerfully consider the prospective elder according to the biblical standards for New Testament leadership (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:14). If the prospective elder is not "above reproach" in any of these standards, the member of WBC will privately contact the Board of Elders (i.e., through a personal conversation, a telephone call, or a signed letter). This matter will then be taken up with the prospective elder and the Board of Elders, and if necessary, with the member of WBC bringing the accusation. If resolved, the prospective elder will then be ordained by the Board of Elders. If not resolved, the prospective elder will be removed from his nomination at that time. If after presentation to the membership of WBC, the prospective elder receives no accusations, then the Board of Elders will proceed with the ordination process.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELDERS
1. Elders are to serve as models for the Church (1 Tim.3:4-5; 4:12; 5:17; Heb.13:7; 1 Peter 5:3).
2. Elders are to serve as servant-leaders to the Church (Matt. 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45; Acts 6:1-7; Phil. 2: 1-11; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; etc.).
3. Elders are to serve as shepherds [pastors] to the Church (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Peter 5:1-4); this will involve the following: (a) Leading (1 Thess. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:17; James 5:13-16); (b) Feeding [Teaching] (1 Tim 3:2, "able to teach," not necessarily the gift of teaching; Titus 1:9-1 1); and (c) Guarding [Protecting from false teachers and false doctrine] (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Tim. 3:4-5).
In summary, the Elders are accountable to God and responsible to the Body for the total oversight of Woodbridge Bible Church. This will require the Board of elders to meet regularly for committed prayer and consideration of Church matters. The Board must at all times seek the one mind of Christ for HIS Church and then be willing to lovingly serve the Church to accomplish HIS will. On all major decisions that affect the ongoing life of the Church (e.g., purchasing of property, building structures, hiring of staff, taking on new missionaries, etc.), the Board will consider the needs and desires of the membership of Woodbridge Bible Church. However, the final decision before the Lord and HIS people rests upon the shoulders of the Board of Elders. They will one day answer to the Lord HIMSELF (Heb. 13:17).
The congregation's obligations to the Board of Elders are as follows: (a) Submission (1 Cor. 16:15-16; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5); (b) Obedience (Heb. 13:17); (c) Appreciation (1 Thess. 5:12-13); (d) Remuneration (1 Cor. 9:7-14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17-18); and (e) Correction (1 Tim. 5:19-21).
D. TERM OF ELDERS
The term of the work of elder shall be as long as the Elder performs the responsibilities of a pastor/shepherd at Woodbridge Bible Church and does not demonstrate conduct that violates previously mentioned qualifications. Each individual Elder shall be reviewed every year by his fellow Elders to determine his desire, qualifications, and ability to meet the demands and responsibilities of the ministry. The review shall be conducted on or about each anniversary of his ordination. It is strongly suggested that at the end of his third year of service, the Elder take a leave of absence to allow for a time of rest and renewal. The elder's return to active service will be with the advise and consent of his fellow Elders.
E. DISCIPLINE OF ELDERS
1. Accusations or criticism of an Elder will be received according to 1 Timothy 5: 19-21. This involves the following procedure: (a) an accusation will not be received against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses, (b) if the accusation comes with two or three witnesses, the elder will be confronted by the Board of Elders; (c) if the elder continues in sin, he is to be rebuked in the presence of all; (d) this loving rebuke should lead to a healthy fear for all involved; and (e) this procedure is to be carried out without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
2. The goal for this sinning elder, as with all sinning brothers and sisters, is restoration to God and the Body of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2).
3. Any particular situation may require church discipline according to Matthew 18: 15-20. This would involve the following steps: (a) a private rebuke; (b) a plural rebuke; (c) a public rebuke; and ultimately (d) excommunication (see also 1 Cor. 5:1-13; II Thess. 3:6-15; etc.).
ARTICLE V - SERVICE OF DEACONS
The Deacons of Woodbridge Bible Church are uniquely qualified servants under the authority of the Board of Elders. They assist the Elders in specific areas of responsibilities, allowing the Elders to fulfill their total oversight of the Body under the lordship of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
A. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS
To qualify as a deacon one must be giving evidence of the biblical standards given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (see also Acts 6:1-7).
B. SELECTION OF DEACONS
1. The Board of Elders will continually evaluate prospective deacons, based on the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Likewise, at various times the membership of WBC will be asked to submit names of prospective deacons, based on the biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The Incumbent Board of Elders will take all submitted names under due consideration.
2. As part of the "testing" process in the selection of prospective deacons (1 Tim 3:10), the Body of WBC will be presented with the prospective deacon. Each member of WBC will be asked to prayerfully consider the prospective deacon according to the biblical standards for this major role of servanthood (1 Tim 3:8-13). If the prospective deacon is not "above reproach" in any of these standards, the member of WBC will privately contact the Board of Elders (i.e., through a personal conversation, a telephone call, or a signed letter). This matter will then be taken up with the prospective deacon and the Board of Elders, and if necessary, with the member of WBC bringing the accusation. If resolved, the prospective deacon will then be ordained by the Board of Elders. If not resolved, the prospective deacon will be removed from his nomination at that time. If, after presentation to the membership of WBC, the prospective deacon receives no accusations, then the Board of Elders will proceed with the ordination process.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS
The deacons are to implement and administer specific, well defined, ministry functions within the church, under the authority of the Board of Elders (e.g., managing facilities, dispersing funds, coordinating the servicing of the ordinances, etc.). This servant's role is one of the highest callings in the Church. "For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 3:13).
D. TERM FOR DEACONS
The term of the work of Deacon shall be as long as the Deacon performs the responsibilities of a servant-leader at WBC and does not demonstrate conduct that violates previously mentioned qualifications. Each individual Deacon shall be reviewed every year by the Board of Elders to determine his desire, qualifications, and ability to meet the demands and responsibilities of the ministry. The review shall be conducted on or about each anniversary of his ordination. It is strongly suggested that at the end of his third year of service, the Deacon take a leave of absence to allow for a time of rest and renewal. The Deacon's return to active service will be with the advise and consent of the Board of Elders.
The Church of Jesus Christ functions as a gathered community for worshiping, equipping, and edifying; it also functions as a scattered community for sharing, evangelizing, and enlightening. Wherever the believers are to be found, there the Church of God is planted. However, each believer in Jesus Christ is called to publicly identify with one local church (Heb.10: 19-25; etc.).
A. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any person who gives evidence of having received Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, who shows evidence of, or willingness to submit to the ordinance of baptism, and who has expressed suitable agreement with the church's Statement of Faith, Membership responsibilities to the Fellowship, and Church Constitution, shall upon approval of the Board of Elders be eligible for membership.
B. PROCEDURE FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. A person must state his interest in membership to an acting Elder.
2. The prospective member must then attend a New Member Orientation Class.
3. The New Member Orientation Class will detail the following Membership Covenant Responsibilities to WBC: (a) a willingness to serve in the Learning Center; (b) a willingness to serve in one of the many Sunday morning worship service functions (e.g., setup and take-down, greeter, etc.); (c) a willingness to become a part of a Home Fellowship; (d) a commitment, as God provides, to a regular financial support of WBC and its ministries; (e) an agreement to the basic philosophy of ministry and church constitution of WBC; and (f) a joyful and willing submission to the Board of Elders and the family of WBC.
4. Each prospective member will be given the opportunity to share his/her Christian experience with an Elder, either verbally or in written form.
5. The Elders will then review and determine acceptability for membership.
6. A person or family accepted for membership will be officially recognized and received into WBC membership at a public meeting of the church.
C. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership is terminated when one or more of the following apply: (a) a member joins another church; (b) a member dies; (c) a member absents himself and fails to support the church for a period of one year (in violation of Heb.10:19:25; see #2 below); (d) a member persists in gross sin, false teaching, or causes division (Matt.18:15:20; Rom.16:17-19; I Cor. 5: 1:13; II Thess. 3:6-15; Titus 3:10-11; etc.; see #3 below); or (e) a member negates one or more of his affirmations in Sections A or B above.
2. Membership is to be reviewed at least once a year by the Board of Elders. Those members liable for termination of membership (under #C1 above) shall be identified. They shall be counseled with a view toward reconciliation with WBC. Those refusing reconciliation shall be removed from WBC membership.
3. If it becomes apparent that a member is persisting in gross sin, false teaching, or is causing division in the church, he/she shall be removed from WBC membership only after being counseled according to Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1-2.
This constitution may be amended in accordance with the approval of the Board of Elders.
In accordance with Article VII (AMENDMENTS) of the Woodbridge Bible Church (WBC) Constitution, the WBC Constitution is amended as follows:
ARTICLE VIII - NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
The undersigned, all of whom are citizens of the United States, have formed a church under the laws of the State of Virginia in February, 1986 (ARTICLE 1), do hereby certify:
First: The name of the church is Woodbridge Bible Church (ARTICLE 1).
Second: The place in this state where the principle office of the church is to be located is the town of Woodbridge, Prince William County.
Third: Said church is organized exclusively for charitable and religious purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Fourth: In accordance with ARTICLE IV - GOVERNMENT BY ELDERS of this Constitution, the Board of Elders is the governing body of Woodbridge Bible Church. As such, the Board of Elders possesses the authority to enter into contracts and agreements on behalf of this church. Pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article IV B of the Constitution, the Elders shall be selected and a list of duly selected Elders shall be maintained in the official records of WBC.
Fifth: No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in ARTICLE Third hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the church shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.
Sixth: Upon the dissolution of the church, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the church is then located, exclusively for such purposes of to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names this 4th day of December 1988.
Barry L. Leventhal
Nicholas J. Londino, Jr.
George C. Council, Jr.
MISSION SUPPORT. The annual WBC budget shall be constructed so as to allocate no less than 10% of annual contributions to mission support. Allocating more than 10% to mission support shall be a centerpiece of budget deliberations. The Budget Authority shall give first priority to increasing missions support after allocations for wages and other normal operating expenses are satisfied. Net earnings gained from tape and book sales shall be allocated directly to mission support. These moneys are to be allocated after the normal operating expenses and capital expenditures of these functions are satisfied.
Record of Amendments:
Amendment 1. Article VIII including the paragraph "Mission Support" was added to the Constitution on 4 December 1988.
Amendment 2. Article VIII, paragraph fourth was amended to read as currently presented on April 17, 1994.
Amendment 3. Article III, paragraph "Man" was amended to read as currently presented on January 23, 1995.
Amendment 4. All Articles and all paragraphs with the name and initials of the Church were amended to read Woodbridge Bible Church and/or WBC as currently presented on June 1, 1997.