DEDICATION
TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE ETERNAL FATHER, TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS THE CHIEF SHEPHERD AND TRUE HEAD OF THE CHURCH, AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE DIVINE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THIS CONSTITUTION IS RESPECTFULLY AND REVERENTLY DEDICATED.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF HOME CHURCH – RED DEER, ALBERTA
____________________________________
P R E A M B L E
WHEREAS this congregation was incorporated under the religious Societies Lands Act of Alberta on the 22nd day of November 1973 under the name People's Church of Red Deer and changed its name on the 10th day of January 2016 to Home Church – Red Deer, Alberta.
NOTE: In this constitution, the terms Church, Assembly, Body and Congregation shall be considered synonymous.
ARTICLE 1 – OBJECTS AND PURPOSES
The objects and purposes of this church shall be:
- to promote the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Truth contained in the entire Word of God;
- to assist in preaching and spreading the gospel throughout the world;
- to provide a place of Christian worship, work and fellowship, for all who seek the New Testament pattern;
- to impart religious instruction and give educational services to children and adults of all ages;
- to conduct Gospel services;
- to accept tithes and offerings; bequests and contributions for the promotion of Christian work at home and abroad,
- to provide social care, health and medical care, community support, the relief of poverty, protection, and emergency services for the underprivileged and at risk, including education and housing,
- to train people to reach their potential, including microloans and business training.
As a self-governing assembly, local business shall be transacted and scriptural discipline shall be exercised over the body. The charity shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other gains to the charity shall be used in promoting its purposes.
ARTICLE II - ORDINANCES AND PRACTICES
Section 1 Ordinances
a. The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water shall be administered, to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38 Acts. 16:33,Romans 6:4,5) ,
b. The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be regularly observed as enjoined in the Scriptures. (Luke, 22:19-20, I Corinthians 1.1:23-26)
Section 2 Practices
a. Dedication of Children
b. Prayer for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
c. Prayer for the Sick
d. Christian Marriage
e. Christian burial of the dead
ARTICLE III - STATEMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS
We believe most assuredly that the Holy Scriptures are God's final revelation and constitute our all sufficient rule for faith and practice.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
A membership roster shall be instituted where necessary and shall consist of those at least eighteen (18) years of age, or as otherwise determined by this church, and who:
- Accept and practice doctrinal standards and faith as taught by this church, according to the Word of God;
- Have a credible profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (Matthew 5:16, Matthew 7:16-21, Hebrews 10:23)
- Live in harmony with this body of believers. (1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Timothy 6:3-5)
- Are in regular attendance and have not willingly absented themselves from the regular church services, for a period of four consecutive weeks. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Observe the payment of their tithes and financial support to this church. (Malachi 3:10)
Those not adhering to any of the above shall automatically forfeit their position from the membership roster.
ARTICLE V - DISCIPLINE
Church discipline shall be in accordance to the Word of God. (Matthew 18:15-1,7; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
ARTICLE VI - CHURCH GOVERNMENT
An open-door policy exists for any church member who wishes interpretation of any governmental or financial policies.
The Founding Pastor or his successor (hereinafter referred to as the Founding Pastor) shall be the spiritual overseer of the church and president of this corporation, Home Church - Red Deer, Alberta, as well as all other avenues of ministry. He shall appoint a Vice Chairperson who will, during his absences, assume the spiritual and legal responsibilities of the Founding Pastor. He shall be the Chairperson of all meetings of the church and shall be the Chairperson of the Legal Board. No congregational meeting or Legal Board meetings shall be held in his absence unless he appoints in writing a Vice Chairperson who shall during his absences assume the spiritual and legal responsibilities of the Founding Pastor.
A Legal Board consisting of a minimum of four members, as chosen by the Founding Pastor, and approved by the congregation shall serve in a legal advisory capacity to the Founding Pastor. Any board member not in accordance with Article IV of the constitution and by-laws of Home Church - Red Deer, Alberta can have his office terminated at any time by the Founding Pastor. The position or office of a member of the Legal Board shall be for a period of one year with possible re-appointment for successive one-year terms.
An emergency committee shall be established, consisting of a minimum of three members; seasoned ministers who are not members of this congregation, who are chosen by the Founding Pastor and ratified by the congregation. These members shall be called upon in the case of death, moral failure, or major doctrinal error of the Founding Pastor. The emergency committee shall, together with the legal board choose the successor and establish the future of the church.
The members of the emergency committee will forthwith be appointed for a period of three years maximum but may be reappointed at that time. These members will be required to sign a letter agreeing to perform these functions.
A member of the Legal Board shall be appointed as Secretary/Treasurer.
ARTICLE VII – CHURCH PROPERTY
The property of the church organization is irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes and upon winding up or dissolution, all its remaining assets after payment of its debts will be distributed to one or more qualified donees that is selected and agreed to by the majority of the Legal Board.
ARTICLE VIII - RESPONSIBILITIES
World Missions
Recognizing the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ stated in Matthew 28 and Mark 16, we will, as a church, encourage the support of the Missionary cause throughout the world.
ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended at any Congregational Business meeting of this local Assembly, duly called by the Pastor for that specific purpose, provided that the notice of said proposed amendments shall have been given in the announcement of said business meeting. Any amendment forthwith made will be in accordance with the moving of the Holy Spirit and nature of ministry of this assembly.
A copy of the proposed amendment or amendments shall be available to any voting member between the time of the announcement and the time of the Congregational Business meeting.
When the congregation is voting on business matters, a definite voting bar shall be made between those who are entitled to vote—namely those presently on the membership roster, and those who are not so entitled.
ARTICLE X – LEGAL BOARD
If a member of the Legal Board is not going to be available for Legal Board meetings for a period of greater than fourteen days, he/she must sign a letter to that effect and deliver it to the secretary or other member of the Legal Board seven days in advance. The letter must state that they will not be available and for what period of time and that they waive their right to be present and their vote at Legal Board meetings during that time.
Should a Legal Board meeting be required where all members cannot be present, the meeting may be held by telephone provided that at the next meeting where everyone is present, any resolutions which were passed during the telephone meeting will be signed by all members of the Legal Board.
