THE CONSTITUTION OF

CATAWISSA CHRISTIAN CHURCH

~PREAMBLE~

This document sets forth the system of fundamental principles by which this local church body is governed. The ultimate foundation of the principles set forth is not the word of man but, rather, the Word of God – the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament.

God will build His church – the “called out assembly” of those who have repented of their sin and believed in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord (Matt. 16:18, Acts 2:36-41, John 14:16). Jesus Christ is the ‘chief cornerstone’ of this assembly being built (Eph. 2:20) and, also, the head of it (Eph. 4:15).

Those who become part of God’s church do so not because of anything they have done or can do but, rather, because of the unmerited opportunity of redemption God provides through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2: 1-9). All sin and are, therefore separated from God (Rom. 3:23). However, because of God’s great love for the world, no matter what the sinin one’s life redemption and restoration are possible through Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18, Romans 5). This is the Gospel, the Good News, of Jesus Christ – the opportunity for mankind to pass from death to life through Jesus Christ – that is of first importance for those who are God’s church to proclaim and to share (1 Cor. 15:1-11). 

Those redeemed through Jesus Christ who make up God’s church are disciples of Jesus called to a new way of living through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-27). They are not yet all they will be when Jesus comes again but are, also, no longer what they once were when dead in their trespasses and sins (2 Cor. 3:7-18). The life they live they strive to live for Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20) and like Jesus Christ (Col. 1:10), seeking to build up others in God’s church and to proclaim in love the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those still outside of it (Eph. 4:16, Matt. 28:19-20).

It is such an assembly that Catawissa Christian Church seeks to be in order to bring honor, glory and praise to the only One truly worthy of it (Rev 4:11) – our Father, the King of heaven and earth (Psalm 24:1). 

CATAWISSA CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

We, the members of the Catawissa Christian Church, an Elder-led body, in order to promote the work of the church in the Spirit of Christ and thus advance His Kingdom, do hereby adopt this constitution. 

Section A. Name 

The name of this organization shall be the Catawissa Christian Church of Catawissa, Pennsylvania.

Section B. Mission Statement

CALLING - We are called, by Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to challenge all people to be fully devoted followers of Christ.  Our calling includes both introduction to and encouragement to remain in a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:17.)  We are charged with encouraging, equipping, serving and sustaining Christians.  We do this by directly instilling our Christian philosophies, values, missions and goals in church members. Liturgical religious activities (e.g. preaching, worship services, Bible instruction, communion, baptism), as well as non-liturgical religious activities (e.g. mentorship, service opportunities, events, community involvement) all serve as methods that Catawissa Christian Church utilizes to instill our religious values and beliefs, both expressly and by example. Guided by Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit, non-liturgical ministries are grounded in Catawissa Christian Church’s Constitution and By-laws, Statement of Faith, Facilities Use Policy, Membership Expectations and Staff/Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual and are therefore subject to all of its ministerial, membership, discipline, and excision policies.

COMMUNITY - We believe that our religious activity and religious worship derives meaning in large measure from participation in a larger religious community. For this reason, individual members of our body play a large role in furthering our mission and viewpoint as a church. We exist to foster a Christ-like environment of persons subscribing to our religious beliefs and faith. Catawissa Christian Church is dedicated to serving and providing for its community, not simply engaging in organized worship (Galatians 6:10).

Associating with like minded Christians reinforces Catawissa Christian Church’s Christian purpose and is vital to our faith’s perpetuation (2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 John 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33). We are committed to being and making disciples who understand what it means to follow Jesus Christ into a life of worship, fellowship, sacrifice, service and being led by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; John 15:16; Mark 16:15).  Therefore, we are also called to enable and equip the uncommitted and opposed to be fully devoted followers of Christ (Colossians 4:5-6; Psalm 96:3).  Our mission as the body of Christ is to participate, share, and encourage each other toward spiritual growth (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:23-25; Colossians 3:16).  Membership in our church requires a tangible commitment to our beliefs, purposes, and mission as outlined in Catawissa Christian Church’s teachings, doctrines, Constitution and By-laws, Statement of Faith, Facilities Use Policy, Membership Expectations and Staff/Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual – and are therefore subject to all of its ministerial, membership, discipline, and excision policies, which are incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set forth herein. 

EXPRESSION OF FAITH – Catawissa Christian Church intends to transmit our system of religious beliefs, tradition, Christian morals, reverence, and values. We do so by engaging in the community and individuals’ lives, acts of worship, and through all activities in which we participate. Likewise, we believe that all behavior of members and representatives of the church is communicative in nature, exemplifying and expressing our faith, both publicly and privately (1 Peter 2:12). Any member or representative who propounds a point of view contrary to our beliefs as stated in our Constitution and By-laws, Statement of Faith, Facilities Use Policy, Membership Expectations and Staff/Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, will impair Catawissa Christian Church’s integrity and ability to disseminate its religious views and message (James 4:4; 1 Corinthians 5:11-12).

OUTREACH OF MINISTRIES - We take very seriously the Church’s charge to be a Christian presence in a secular world (Matthew 5:14-16).  Therefore, all activities that Catawissa Christian Church engages in are intended to further its religious purpose, as stated in our Purpose Statement.  As such, all of our ministries are considered an outgrowth of the mission of Catawissa Christian Church to preach, teach, evangelize and instill the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Section C. Purpose Statement

We are motivated in all facets by our faith in Jesus Christ, attempting to serve as a reflection of God’s unconditional love for all people. We seek to honor the Lord in all that we do by operating Catawissa Christian Church in a manner consistent with Biblical principles. Every activity and speech that Catawissa Christian Church or its employees, representatives, volunteers, or members engage in shall be consistent with, and in furtherance of, Bloomsburg/Catawissa Christian Church religious purposes, both publicly and privately. 

All activities in which Catawissa Christian Church engages are for the religious purpose of furthering its Christian mission, message, and viewpoint.  Whether the activity has an overt liturgical religious purpose (preaching, worship, Bible instruction, communion, baptism) or a related non-liturgical religious purpose (social service activities, weddings, primary and secondary schools, or events), all activities of the Church are intended to glorify God. (Colossians 3:17.) Catawissa Christian Church conducts all activities in a holistic manner in order to foster, repeat, advertise or express its Christian mission, message and viewpoint.  In this way, every church activity itself is infused with a religious purpose, as an act of worship, intending to further Catawissa Christian Church’s religious beliefs and commitment to the faith as outlined in Catawissa Christian Church’s Constitution and By-laws, Statement of Faith, Facilities Use Policy, Membership Expectations and Staff/Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual which are incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set forth herein. 

           Conveying Catawissa Christian Church’s Christian message is at the heart of all that we do, in life, deed, word and expression.  Catawissa Christian Church is dedicated to serving and providing for its community, not simply to engage in organized worship. Provision of charity and community services, including but not limited to care for children, widows, and those in need, as well as evangelism, strengthening Christian leadership, discipleship and Biblical education, primary and secondary education, are means of fulfilling Christian duty and providing an example of the Christ-like way of life that Catawissa Christian Church seeks to foster (James 1:27; Mark 16:15; Titus 1:7-9; Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, all behavior of members, representatives, and volunteers of the church is communicative in nature, exemplifying the faith.  Associating with like minded Christians reinforces Catawissa Christian Church Christian purpose and is vital to the faith’s perpetuation (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Finally, the primary, exclusive, and only purposes for which Catawissa Christian Church is organized are religious in nature, including but not limited to conducting missions and services.  Likewise, Catawissa Christian Church intends to disseminate, teach, and preach the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ, to encourage and aid the growth, nurture and spread of Christianity and to render Christian service.  The recital of these purposes is intended to be exclusive of any and all other purposes, this Catawissa Christian Church being formed for religious and charitable purposes only. 

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP

While none seeking to better know the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God will be denied fellowship, the voting* membership of this Church shall consist of those who are at least 16 years of age and,

· Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16, Rom. 10:9)

· Have publicly confessed Christ as their Lord and Savior (John 14:6, 

Rom. 10:9)

· Have repented of their sin and desire to live as a new creation in Christ.

(Matt. 4:17, Luke 5:32, Acts 2:38, 2 Cor. 5:17) 

· Have personally chosen to be baptized by immersion (Acts 2:38, Rom. 6:1-4; 

Acts 8:36-38)

· Have agreed to CCC Constitution and By-laws, Statement of Faith, Facilities Use Policy, Membership Expectations and Staff/Volunteer Policies & Procedures Manual

*the procedure for voting, which will take place when ministerial staff is hired and/or when money is borrowed, at CCC will be as follows: (1) the issue to be voted upon will explained to the congregation via Sunday Services and e-mail for several weeks prior to the vote; (2) voting will be done via paper ballot by members only at the conclusion of both services on a designated weekend; (3) ballots will be collected and secured in a sealed box/envelope; (4) the Chairman of the Elder Board and two other witnesses will count the ballots and record the results which will be shared with the congregation and (5) the counted ballots will remain available for inspection by any member of the congregation for a minimum of one month after the results are reported. A 2/3 majority of those voting is necessary for approval.

We believe that the ordinances of the Church given by our Lord, are Baptism and the Lord's table (Communion).

Terms explained:

1. Baptism: Baptism is commanded of all believers and it is an act of obedience signifying the believer's death, burial and resurrection "in Christ" (Rom. 6:3,4; Acts 18:8; 1 Peter 3:21). The disciples were commanded to see to it that baptism was a part of their ministry (Mat. 28:19,20; 16:16) and the pattern of the book of Acts (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12,13,36,38) indicates the widespread practice of water baptism for believers. This church does not believe in baptismal regeneration, nor do we hold that baptism is necessary for salvation.
    
2. Lord's Table (Communion): On the night of His arrest, Jesus instituted what is known as the Eucharist, or Communion service, which symbolizes and calls our attention to the atonement. This celebration is one in which we look back to the finished work of Christ and also forward to the yet to be completed consummation of our redemption (Mat. 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-30; 2 Peter 2:13).

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female.  These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen 1:26-27). Rejection of one's biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.  

We believe the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture (Gen 2:18-25).  Catawissa Christian Church will only conduct a marriage ceremony and recognize the marriage between a biological man and a biological woman.

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4).  We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.  

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10).

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11).

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated.

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Catawissa Christian Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to Catawissa Christian Church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Catawissa Christian Church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by the Scriptures and the doctrines of Catawissa Christian Church. 

ARTICLE III. TRANSPARENCY OF OPERATION

The leadership of Catawissa Christian Church will make every effort to inform those who are part of this local assembly of any and all information pertinent to the ongoing operation of said assembly including, but not limited to, finances, programs and future goals.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Catawissa Christian Church has an interest, as a religious institution, in autonomy in ordering its internal affairs, so that it may be free to: select its own leaders, define its own doctrines, resolves its own disputes and run its own institutions.

Section A. Definition of Roles

Religious authority necessarily pervades all aspects of Catawissa Christian Church’s governance and operations. Everything that occurs in Catawissa Christian Church affects its ministry and mission and is therefore under religious authority. The religious purpose in exercising this authority is for Catawissa Christian Church to practice its religion as well as to foster, repeat, advertise, and disseminate Catawissa Christian Church’s worldview, message and statements.

Elders. Scriptural Authority

The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, acting as the source of authority over morality, our beliefs, Christian lifestyle and conduct. The Board of Elders of Catawissa Christian Church is charged with the ministerial responsibility of Biblical interpretation and promulgating religious policy for this religious body as made clear by the Bible itself (see Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:5,7). They possess oversight of all areas of Catawissa Christian Church’s governance, particularly issues of faith, practice, theology, and moral and scriptural interpretation.

Scope of Authority

The Board of Elders of CCC is the final authority on (1) scripture, faith, morals, and employee/member discipline; (2) formal employment or membership requirements vis-à-vis eligibility, morals, discipline, removal and rescission; (3) Statements of Faith and Doctrine; (4) Standards of Morals and Conduct; (5) internal dispute resolution; (6) property and facility usage; and (7) enforcement of conformity of belief and practice relating to religious teaching and practice. Their governance of the membership, officers and congregation of Catawissa Christian Church are unquestioned and are binding in all cases of ecclesiastical cognizance, subject only to appeals as Catawissa Christian Church itself provides for.

Qualifications

The scriptural qualifications for an Elder are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. In addition to meeting these requirements a man seeking this office must also (1) be a member in good standing of Catawissa Christian Church having (2) affirmed all aspects of Catawissa Christian Church’s Statement of Faith and its (3) Standards for Morals and Conduct via written affirmation.

Responsibilities

· {Vigilantly holding to} the requirements set forth in1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:6 – 9.

· Promoting the growth and welfare of the Church by (1) regularly praying for the assembly as a whole or some part of it; (2) ensuring that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sound interpretation of God’s Word are being presented to the assembly; (3) shepherding the assembly well by humbly interacting consistently with those present, inquiring of those who are absent, visiting those that are ill, and discipling members so they might grow in their faith. 

· Ensuring that the policies of the church enable it to fulfill its complete biblically mandated mission.

· Encouraging and directing - by word and example – the devotional, educational, evangelistic and missionary responsibilities of the total Church.

· Reviewing the annual performance of the Lead Minister, in writing, on a bi-annual basis and making any necessary recommendations regarding adjustments in his financial compensation to the finance committee.

· Reviewing the Lead Minister’s annual performance reviews of the ministerial staff and making any necessary recommendations regarding adjustments in their financial compensation to the finance committee.

· Maintaining the oversight of the Sanctuary and all worship-related activities.

· Presiding over all matters regarding church discipline that arise within this body and rendering decisions related thereto.

· Performing such other duties as may be befitting of their office.

Disqualification – Removal

The Board of Elders reserves the right to remove any sitting Elder who fails to meet the biblical qualifications of the office and/or fails to uphold the Constitution, Statement of Faith and/or Membership Expectations of Catawissa Christian Church. 

Deacons. Scriptural Authority

The term ‘deacon’ simply means ‘one who serves’ (see Acts 6:1-6). The deacons take care of the practical matters of church life while operating under the leadership and oversight of the Elders.

Qualifications

The scriptural qualifications for a Deacon are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In addition to meeting these requirements a man seeking this office must also (1) be a member in good standing of Bloomsburg Christian Church having (2) affirmed all aspects of Bloomsburg/Catawissa Christian Church’s Statement of Faith and its (3) Standards for Morals and Conduct via written affirmation.

Responsibilities

· Vigilantly holding to the requirements set forth in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

· Cooperating with the Elders in promoting the growth and welfare of the church body.

· Overseeing the physical plant and facilities of the church.

· Assisting with:

· Greeting and ushering of those attending Sunday service.

· Distribution of the Lord’s Supper.

· Advancement of the stewardship program of the church.

· Visitation of those who are ill and home bound.

· Ministering done by the church for those who are in need, or experiencing times of sickness or bereavement.

· Performing such other duties as may be befitting of their office.

Disqualification – Removal

The Board of Elders reserves the right to remove any sitting Deacon who fails to meet the biblical qualifications of the office and/or fails to uphold the Constitution, Statement of Faith and/or Membership Expectations of Catawissa Christian Church. 

Treasurer. Shall be appointed by the Official Board as defined in Article V. The duties of the Treasurer shall include:

· Overseeing the deposit of church monies in a bank approved by the Official Board, within one week of their receipt.

· Paying the salaries of all church employees either directly or via the distribution of checks generated by an independent payroll agency.

· Paying all church-related bills in a timely manner, contingent upon approval from the official board.

· Keeping accurate records of all income and expenditures, including a monthly update on the status of all budgetary categories and all church investments and/or funds.

· Overseeing the maintenance of an accurate record of the contributions received from each member of the church body.

· Annually preparing a report for the assembly outlining the financial condition of the church and the budget for the upcoming year.

· Serving as a member of the Finance Committee.

Trustees. Shall be elected by the Official Board on an annual basis by the end of the month of August. The duties of the trustees shall include, 

· Acting as the legal agents of the church in all business matters under the direction of the Official Board.

· Holding legal title to all church property and handling all business transactions related thereto. 

· Performing such other duties as are required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Section B. Affirmation of Officers

Sitting and newly nominated Elders and Deacons shall be affirmed by the members of Catawissa Christian Church on an annual basis by the end of the month of August, except for the Treasurer who shall be appointed by the Official Board. The membership shall nominate and affirm Elders and Deacons of the church in the following manner:

Nomination: 

· Nomination forms for the office of Elder and Deacon shall be available at all times. Members age sixteen and older may nominate an individual or individuals for either office following the procedures indicated on the nominating form. Completed nomination forms shall be given to a member of the sitting board of Elders.

· The sitting board of Elders shall then review all nominations and shall contact all nominees deemed qualified in order to determine whether they accept or reject the nomination.

Affirmation:

· A listing that includes all those deemed to have met the scriptural qualifications of an Elder and/or Deacon by the sitting Elders who have also accepted the nomination will then be publicized to the congregation no later than the second Sunday of August.

· Should any member of the congregation feel that a nominated individual(s) is unfit to serve as an Elder or Deacon of the church, they will be responsible for contacting any sitting Elder within two weeks of the date of the publication of those nominated and explaining why they believe a nominated individual(s) is not biblically qualified to serve. Should such a concern arise, the sitting Elders will meet jointly with both the nominee(s) and the individual(s) expressing concerns in order to seek resolution to the concerns and to determine whether or not the nominee(s) will be among those affirmed at this time. 

· All those affirmed for the office of Elder and/or Deacon shall be ordained as such at Sunday services in a timely manner after the close of the period for raising concerns regarding those nominated.

· A list of the names of all sitting Elders and Deacons will be made available annually to the congregation no later than the second Sunday of August for affirmation of their continued service. Should a concern arise, the procedure outlined above for presenting and resolving the concern while also determining fitness of the officer to continue to serve will be followed.

ARTICLE V. THE OFFICIAL BOARD

Section A  Composition.

The Official Board shall consist of the Elders and the Deacons. It will utilize sub-committees and/or ad-hoc committees as deemed necessary to accomplish its duties. It shall meet in August of each year in order to approve the budget for the upcoming church year and to elect Trustees. Otherwise, meetings will be held as recommended by the Official Board. 

Section B Officers

The chairman of the Elders shall serve as the President of the Official Board. An Elder, other than the chairman of the Elders shall serve as Secretary of the Official Board. In the absence of the President, the Elder serving as Secretary shall assume those duties during an official Board meeting.

Section C Quorum

A Quorum shall consist of one more than half for all meetings.

Section D Elections of Trustees

Trustees will be both nominated from among the ranks of the Official Board and elected to a term of service of one year at the August meeting. No more than five trustees will be elected in any year.

ARTICLE VI. CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Discipline should always be administered in a spirit of love with a view of restoring biblical unity. The word of God teaches self-discipline but also teaches that as members one of another, we all bear responsibility for maintaining the purity of the fellowship. 

a. In cases of dispute between two members of this local church body, private reconciliation should be sought. The procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-20 should be followed, and if private reconciliation cannot be effected, the offended person (or the offender) should return with two or three witnesses. If reconciliation still cannot be effected, the matter should be taken to the Elder Board (as overseers of the church), who will then deal with the matter carefully and decisively, following through on the process of Matthew 18:15-20.

b. In the case of a person who fails to walk faithfully according to the Scriptures the case shall be brought before the Board of Elders where the offense may be heard and the matter brought to settlement.

Should they fail to effect a satisfactory settlement in either type of case, the Elders will continue to follow the steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-18 either until the issue is settled and reconciliation is effected, or full disciplinary action is enacted, up to and including dismissal from fellowship. The Elders will be fully responsible to never let unresolved interpersonal conflicts fester, but, rather, will use all of their authority to bring them to a full and final conclusion. This responsibility is one of the most critical components of their leadership in giving protection to the Body of Christ and doing all in their power to maintain unity.

c. In the case of a member who fails to abide by the Membership Expectations of Catawissa Christian Church, after due personal counsel he/she shall forfeit his/her voting rights and privileges and his/her membership if his/her relationship with the assembly is not corrected. 

ARTICLE VII. DISSOLUTION

Should God, in His sovereignty, allow this congregation to cease its ministry and thereby dissolve, all remaining assets shall, after paying any existing liabilities, be distributed to exclusively religious, charitable, educational or other acceptable organizations which are in keeping with the purpose and objectives of Catawissa Christian Church, providing that such organizations qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding revisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). This plan for asset distribution shall be established and periodically reviewed by the Board of Elders and, should they deem it necessary, an attorney of their choosing.