|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
| |
OUR DISCIPLINE (PAGE 3)
|
LOCAL CHURCH
1201 Local churches, assemblies, congregations chartered by the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. shall only be recognized when duly organized as prescribed in the Articles set forth in this discipline, and having conformed to all procedures and standards mandated therein.
1202 Recognition as an authorized local church shall only be official upon receipt of the required charter.
1203 The local church will consist of a body of believers united in a common cause and effort to worship God, to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ, to receive, strength wisdom and knowledge and instruction essential to the life of a Christian. The local church is comprised of those who not only believe but also accept the Bible as the Word of God and by the grace of God have their lives transformed to confirm to God’s standards of conduct in every phase of daily life.
1204 The purpose of the local church is to assemble together to worship God in Spirit and truth, to feed the flock of God, and proclaim the gospel to the lost.
1205 The local church shall also send delegates to District Association Meetings and Annual Association Meetings. The church shall support decisions rendered by the District and Association.
1206 Each of the churches chartered under the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. is requested to give 4% of their gross income to the Association.
1207 The local church may consist of the following functions: Minimum of fifteen members, , Official Board, Chairman of Board, Commission of Education, Sunday School Department, Board of Missions, Treasurer, Secretary, Evangelistic Training Union and Board of Trustees.
1208 In addition to the normal budgetary requirements of the local church, official budgetary requirement shall be included in the annual financial budget as follows:
1209 Reimburse, Pastor and delegates, for all expenses incurred while attending the Association Meeting; such reimbursements shall include transportation cost, meals, and lodging for the duration of the Association Meeting.
1210 The fiscal year for all Association Churches, Missions, and ministries is from September 1st through Aug 31st, as this will give adequate time for reports for Association Meeting to be compiled for presentation.
MEMBERSHIP
1214 Local churches shall only be composed of a membership of individuals that have experienced new birth and exhibit it through their daily lives, character and conduct reflecting such experience.
1215 Membership must believe in the doctrine of Holiness (entire Sanctification, Perfect Love, Christian Perfection) and must have the experience or express a will and desire to enter into this grace.
1216 Local churches are united and bound in a common discipline purpose to establish dignity, order, peace and love among all the constituents thereof.
1217 Persons desiring membership in the local church but are unfamiliar with the doctrine and rules of the Association shall be instructed by the before becoming a member. Only those individuals who shall concur with the doctrine of the Association and agree to abide by the general rules and special rules and vow to support the church with their time, prayers, talents, tithes and presence shall be eligible for membership.
1218 All active members in good standing and having reached the age of 16 shall have voting privileges.
1219 Persons who are admitted into membership from other denominations shall either come by letter or the Pastor may notify the former church of receipt of the individual into the local church membership.
REMOVAL FROM ACTIVE ROLLS
1222 Any person who shall absent themselves from the church and discontinue support for three consecutive months shall be dropped from active rolls and shall lose all voting privileges. When a person returns for membership after being inactive for 90 days they shall be under the watch care of the church for 12 months and lose all voting rights.
1223 The absence of a member for an entire month shall be cause for visitation by the Pastor (and officials) and determination shall be made relative to the status or intention of the person.
1224 The Pastor and visitation team visiting those who have been absent shall prayerfully attempt to provide counseling to restore the person to good standing.
1225 When an individual does not respond to counseling and resume attendance and support of the church, they shall be retained on the inactive status or removed from the rolls at the discretion of the Pastor and other members of official board.
1226 When it is known that a member has joined another church their name shall be removed from the church roll.
1227 Using Gods Word as a guide, any immoral conduct or unchristian behavior shall be cause for removal of a
member from the church rolls; but, the Pastor with the official board shall conduct sufficient investigation to determine the availability of evidence to warrant removal. (see Part XIII of the discipline)
LOCAL CHURCH BOARD
1230 We believe the local church board should meet the qualifications as found in the New Testament teachings in I. Timothy 3:8-13.
1.Verse 8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
2.Verse 9 - Holding the mystery of faith in pure conscience.
3.Verse 10 - And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
4.Verse 11 - Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
5.Verse 12 - Let the deacons be the husband of one wife, ruling their children and houses well.
6.Verse 13 - For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
1231 The candidate for the Office of Church Board must have the experience of full salvation being Born Again and Sanctified as found in the teachings of the New Testament, and be a member in good standing with the local church.
1. His life must be an example of the same in outward testimony and daily living.
2. He must be an example of believers as recorded in I Tim. 4:12 - 16.
3. He must control his temper through the Holy Spirit at all times.
4. He must refrain from the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages in any form.
5. His language must be that – it is without reproach to the cause of Christ. He shall not curse or take God’s name in vain.
6. He must support the local church in faithful attendance, consistent tithing, and prayers; as taught in the teachings of the Holy Bible.
7. He must live peaceably with his fellow men and show brotherly love to his fellow board member.
8. He must have a vision for lost souls and the work of God at home, on the mission field, and the Kingdom of God.
9. He must be willing to lead as well as follow any work that he is led upon to perform.
10. He must be a member of the immediate church for a period of not less than 2 years.
11. He must support the work of the Sunday School, ETU and
services of his church with all his heart.
12. His seat will be declared vacant should he fail to live up to his obligations.
13. His seat will be declared vacant should he miss three Board Meetings during the year unless excused by the Chairman.
14. He must remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy and shun the very appearance of evil.
15. He must be an example to the church with his Christian life.
CHURCH BOARD ELECTIONS
1234 All church board members shall be placed on a three-year rotation basis. After a board member serves for a three-year term, he or she shall be eligible for reelection.
1235 These nominations are to be voted on at the annual church elections by the members of the local congregation.
1236 The Nominating Committees shall be the existing church board. Church members will be able to suggest names to the Nominating Committee by writing. Names will be acted upon according to the rules and bylaws of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
1237 Guidelines for implementation of Staggered Terms – The Chairman of the local church board should prepare a slip of paper of equal size for each of the current board members. The pieces of paper should be divided into three equal stacks, or into three approximately equal stacks if it is not mathematically possible to divide them into exactly equal stacks. All of the papers in the first stack should be assigned the number “1”; all of the papers in the second stack should be assigned the number “2”‘ all of the papers in the third stack should be assigned the number “3”. The papers should then be folded individually and placed into a hat or similar container. Each of the church board members should then proceed to draw one piece of paper from the hat or other container. Those church board members who draw the number “1” shall have a one year term; those church board members who draw the number “2” shall have a two year term; those church board members who draw the number “3” shall have a three year term.
1238 For further direction:
Five member church boards: if the local church has five board members, one of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; two of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and two of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Six member church boards: if the local church has six board members, two of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; two of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and two of the pieces of paper would have the number“3” written thereon.
Seven member church boards: if the local church has seven board members, two of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; two of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and three of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Eight member church boards if the local church has eight board members, two of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; three of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and three of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Nine member church boards: if the local church has nine board members, three of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; three of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and three of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Ten member church boards: if the local church has ten board members, three of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; three of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and four of the pieces of paper would have the number“3” written thereon.
Eleven member church boards: if the local church has eleven board members, three of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; four of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and four of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Twelve member church boards: if the local church has twelve board members, four of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; four of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and four of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Thirteen member church boards: if the local church has thirteen board members, four of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; four of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and five of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Fourteen member church boards: if the local church has fourteen board members, four of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; five of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and five of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Fifteen member church boards: if the local church has fifteen board members, five of the pieces of paper would have the number “1” written thereon; five of the pieces of paper would have the number “2” written thereon, and five of the pieces of paper would have the number “3” written thereon.
Since the Discipline provides that all churches shall have boards with not less than five and not more than fifteen members, the above should cover all of the churches.
1239 The Church Board shall be the Spiritual leadership as well as the governing body of the church.
1240 The Chairman shall appoint a person to work with the Committees of the Board of Trustees. A combined meeting with the Board of Trustees shall be during the month of June. June is the starting month for the new year’s church calendar (not the Association Fiscal year-see 1210).
DUTIES OF CHURCH BOARD
1243 The official board of the local church shall consist of not less than five and not more than fifteen members who are of voting age. When possible the members of the board shall not include two members of the same family; i.e. husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter.
1244 The officers of the board shall be the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary.
1245 They shall meet once a year to elect the chairman and all other officials of the church. Appointment will be made by the board to fill vacancy as required. The Pastor and treasurer, of the local church shall be exofficio members of the official board.
1246 The chairman of the board shall (with the only exception being church-wide conferences-see 1262) preside over all business meetings of the church.
1247 The church board, together with the Pastor, shall follow plans adopted by the Association for raising apportionments of the Association Budget, District Budget and local church budget.
1248 To care for the interests of the church and its work, not otherwise provided for.
1249 To determine the pecuniary support the Pastor shall receive. To provide ways and means for the support of the Pastor, the Pastoral supply, or any other paid workers in the church.
1250 The Pastor’s financial support and related matters shall be reviewed annually by the local church board prior to the annual session of the local church conference (held in June-see 1240). If there is a financial board, this board will bring their findings before the full board and make recommendations regarding the salary of the Pastor .
1251 To elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary at the first meeting of the new board, to serve until the close of the church year (June – see 1240), and until his/her successor has been elected and qualified.
1252 To recommend at its discretion upon nomination by the Pastor, a licensed minister to the Association.
1253 The Board may suspend or revoke the license of a local preacher when recommended by the Pastor due to proof being furnished of his/her failure to qualify.
1254 The Board shall be the governing authority of the local church, shall be the final authority in all matters pertaining to the church.
1255 No individual or group shall attempt to initiate programs or conduct church affairs in any manner unless
Specifically elected to do so. All business with a church wide involvement shall be conducted by the official board and with the Chairman being moderator (unless this is a church wide conference-see 1262).
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
1258 He/She shall call and preside at all official board meetings. It shall be the duty of the chairman to see that all meetings are carried out in an orderly manner.
1259 He/She should see that the secretary prepares and maintains minutes of each Board Meeting.
1260 He/She shall obtain necessary reports from other Departments of the Church to be presented to the board.
1261 He/She will be moderator or preside for the yearly conference of Church for the purpose of calling Pastor.
1262 The Chairman of the Board shall not moderate church conferences other than the calling of the Pastor. The Pastor shall moderate all church conferences.
1263 He/She should assist Pastor as requested to serve the Lord’s Supper.
1264 Help set up visitation program for church. Set an example to fellow Board Members in life and support of the church.
1265 He/She will help to provide for the spiritual life of church and see that the financial need is being met.
E.T.U. (EVANGELISTIC TRAINING UNION)
1269 May be established as an official organ of the local church for the purpose of training and teaching our young people along with the adults the Bible and how to live godly. Teach the discipline to get our people familiar with the standards of the local church. To have good Christian fellowship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
1271 The Sunday school shall be under the general supervision of the Commission on Christian Education, watch care of the Pastor, and the immediate leadership of the Sunday School Department.
1272 Organization of each Sunday school shall be administered under the by-laws adopted by the Sunday School Board or Sunday School Superintendent and Pastor. Provided that no such by-laws shall conflict with the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc. but shall be in harmony with these by-laws.
1273 Classes shall be established by the various churches as deemed preferable and necessary by the individual churches.
1274 Sunday School literature selected as helps in studying the various Sunday School lessons shall be those in harmony with the Wesleyan Arminian principles and doctrines.
1275 Sunday School teachers shall be an active member on the rolls of the church in which teaching. Must be of Christian Character and must exhibit by precept and example a life worthy of the name “Christian”.
1276 Teachers must study to show themselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, both rightly dividing the word of truth and by understanding and believing the doctrines and thoroughly familiar with the rules and standards in this manual.
1277 No teacher shall be assigned to teach or be retained as a teacher when it is known that they are not a professing Christian or if they teach any doctrine not in harmony with that of this discipline.
1278 No one shall be allowed to teach when it is known that they are not preparing themselves both intellectually and spiritually to present the lessons in a way to be beneficial to those being taught.
1279 Teachers shall be appointed by the Sunday School Superintendent and the Pastor (when there is no official Sunday School Board).
1280Teachers may be removed at any time when sufficient cause exists such as: Life inconsistent with that of a Christian or teaching and practicing doctrines contrary to those in this discipline.
CHURCH MEETINGS OR CONFERENCES
1283 No one shall call a church meeting of the membership without permission of the church board. No meeting should be called by anyone to discuss withdrawal from the Association without first contacting the President and Executive Board of the Association so the Association can have representation. Failure to do this would be in conflict with the by-laws and cause direct action to be taken by the Executive Board of the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
1284 Any member desiring a meeting with the church board to discuss a problem must contact the Pastor, chairman of the board, and secretary of board to arrange a meeting. Satellite meetings without full board and Pastor are unconstitutional. The Pastor is an exofficio member of the official board.
CHURCH SECRETARY
1286 The church Secretary’s duties are as follows; (1) To record and preserve the minutes of all Annual Church Conferences, Special Church Conferences, and the meetings of the Church Board. (2) To record the names of new members as they present themselves for membership and give such information to the Pastor . (3) To record and preserve the minutes of all the meetings of the Church Board when requested to do so by the Church Board. (4) To handle correspondence for the local church when requested to do so by the Pastor or the Church Board.
LOCAL CHURCH TREASURER
1288 The local church Treasurer will be nominated by the Official Church Board and voted on by the voting members of the church, to serve for one year or until his successor is elected. General regulations covering this office are given in this discipline. The duties and powers of the local church treasurer shall be:
1. To receive, hold, and disburse, as ordered by the local church board all monies placed in the local church treasury.
2. To keep complete and accurate records of all monies raised and of the manner in which they are disbursed, and to provide the Pastor with information concerning the same as he shall require.
3. To make reports as necessary to the local church board.
A. The treasurer’s report shall show the total amount of cash received and the total amount of checks received. It shall include all monies received in the report.
B. The report shall show fully and completely the amount of each expenditure, the identity of the entity paid, and the purpose of the expenditure.
C. The balance on hand at the beginning of the reporting period, broken down by bank account and by cash.
D. Churches should have audits twice a year.
E. No person shall serve as an auditor for more than two consecutive audits without first sitting out for two audit periods.
4. To issue receipts annually to all regular contributors showing their total tithes and offerings and the various items of giving, and to issue other receipts as requested or by order of the local church board.
5. To send any reports and monies to the Association Treasurer no later than September 15th.
1289 It is suggested that the local church Treasurer be either bonded or covered by insurance and should he/she be bonded the local church pay for bonding.
1290 To cause careful account to be kept of all monies received and disbursed by the church Treasurer and make report of same at its regular meetings.
TRUSTEES
1292 There shall be three (3) or five (5) in number who are elected annually by the vote of the local church. Their duties shall be as follows: (1) As a Board of Trustees they are responsible to see that the property is deeded to the local church. They may either file it in a safe place locally, or deposit it in a safe deposit box. (2)They shall see that all needed repairs are made, and the property well kept. Where any expenditure is sufficient to impose a burden upon the church treasury, they shall submit their plans to the church board. (3) They shall see that all church properties are properly insured.
1293 The qualifications of a trustee are as follows:
(1) They must be members of the local church where they are elected and shall cooperate with the local church, and the Southeastern Evangelistic Groups, Inc.
(2) They shall practice and advocate tithing in the local church.
(3) No person shall be elected to the office or allowed to hold the office of trustee who opposes the doctrine of sanctification as a second definite work of grace.
(4) Any violation of these rules shall subject the violator to call for a hearing before the church board or, where necessary, before the district board for whatever action they deem necessary. (see Part XIII of this discipline).
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
1295 The scriptures teach that God is the owner of all persons and all things, that men are His stewards of both life and possessions, that God’s ownership and man’s stewardship ought to be acknowledged, and that men shall be held personally accountable to God, for the exercise of their stewardship. God, as a God of system and order in all His ways, has established a system of giving which acknowledges His ownership and man’s stewardship. To this end all His children should faithfully tithe and present offerings for the support of the gospel. Storehouse tithing is a Scriptural and practical performance of faithfully and regularly placing the tithe into that church to which the member belongs. Therefore, the financing of the church shall be based on a plan of storehouse tithing, and the Evangelistic Church shall be regarded by all its people as the storehouse. All who are a part of the Evangelistic Church are urged to contribute faithfully one-tenth of all their increase as a minimum financial obligation to the Lord and free will offerings in addition as God has prospered them.
PART XIII
JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
PART XIV
RITUALS
1401 LICENSING OF MINISTER
(To the Pastor): Have the one who is to be licensed come and stand before the altar and take the vows, then have him kneel and lay your hands on him and pray God’s blessings on him as he goes out to preach the Gospel.
It is my duty as an ordained minister of the Association of Evangelistic churches to ask you these questions, and they must be answered with a definite “yes” to each question.
Do you believe in justification through repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus? Do you have this experience?
Do you believe in the premillenial return of Jesus our Lord?
Do you believe in sanctification as a second work of grace, after a real and complete surrender to God and faith in the blood of Jesus? Do you have this experience?
If you are licensed by this church and Association, will you preach this three-fold gospel?
Will you refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages? Will you refrain from the use of tobacco?
Will you support the Association by your prayers? Will you support the Association financially?
I, your Pastor, and your church have the utmost confidence in you and we recommended you to the Association of Evangelistic Churches, and through our recommendation they have granted you license.
We shall expect you to prove your calling and to be true by preaching the Word of God without fear or favor. Remember this, this church and the Association will stand by you as long as you prove true and preach the Word.
I will now let the Word of God speak to you, and advise you. II Tim. 2:1-7; II Tim. 2:15
1411 ORDINATION OF DEACONS AND STEWARDS
The secretary shall present unto the Pastor all who are to be ordained and say: “I present unto you these persons present, to be ordained Deacons.” Then their names being read aloud, the Pastor shall say unto the people: “Brethren, if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of these persons presented to be ordained Deacons for which he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forward in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is”.
If any crime or impediment be objected, the Pastor shall surcease from ordaining that person until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime. Then shall he read the following collectively:
“Almighty God, who by Thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in Thy church, and didst inspire Thy apostles to choose into the order of Deacons Thy first martyr, St. Stephen, with others; mercifully behold these Thy servants now called to the like office and administration; replenish them so with the truth of Thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve Thee in this office, to the glory of Thy name and the edification of Thy Church, through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen”.
The Pastor or another shall read the epistle, I Timothy 3:8-13. Then shall the Pastor examine every one to be ordained, in the presence of people after this manner:
“Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you the office of the ministry in the church of Christ, to serve God for the promoting of his Glory and the edifying of His people?”
Answer: “I trust so”, or “I do”.
“Do you unfeignedly believe all the canonical scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?”
Answer: “I do believe them.”
“Will you diligently read or expound the same unto the people whom you shall be appointed to serve?”
Answer: “I will”
“It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to conduct divine worship and assist the Pastor, especially when he ministereth the Holy Communion, to help him in the distribution thereof; to read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to instruct the youth; and in the absence of the Elder to baptize, and furthermore it is his office to search for the sick, poor, and impotent that they may be visited and relieved.
“Will you do this gladly and willingly?
Answer: “I will so do, by the help of God.”
“Will you apply all your diligence to discipline your own lives and the lives of your family according to the teachings of Christ; and to make yourselves as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?”
Answer: “I will do so, the Lord being my helper.”
“Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed following with a glad mind and will do their godly admonitions?”
Answer: “I will endeavor to do so, God being my helper.”
Then the Pastor laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of them while they kneel, shall say:
“Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the church of God; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Then someone appointed by the Pastor shall read Luke 12:35-38. Prayer, followed by the benediction.
1421 INSTALLATION OF OFFICIALS
Ceremony shall be opened with prayer.
“Let a man so account of us as the stewards of the mysteries of God, moreover it is required in a steward, that a man be found faithful.
Likewise must the stewards and deacons be gracious, not doubled tongued, not given to wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mysteries of faith in a pure conscience.
Let them also be proved: then let them use their office being found blameless. Even so must they be the husband of one wife. Let their wives be grave, not slanderous, sober and faithful in all things. Let deacons and stewards rule their houses well, for they that use their office well purchase to themselves a good degree, great boldness in faith which is Jesus Christ.
Must continue in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Remembering all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for corrections, for instruction in righteousness. Therefore you are required to study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
That you walk worthy of the Lord being fruitful in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God. Also that you walk to please God, so ye would abound more and more, denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, you shall live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority and let no man despise you.
Finally my brethren I charge you that whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and there be any praise, think on these things.
Do you, as you stand before God in the presence of this company agree that by the help of God you will do everything in your power to see that your entire life conforms to both character and standards of the scripture that you have just heard? If you do your answer shall be:
By God’s help I will.
Do you understand the doctrines, rules, and by-laws of the Association of Evangelistic Churches? And do you as a member and as an official of this church promise to live by and to uphold these doctrines? If you do then your answer shall be: God being my witness, I do.”
1431 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP - RITUAL
“Dearly Beloved; The privileges and blessings which we have in association together in the Church of Jesus Christ are very sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship as cannot otherwise be known.
There is the godly care of Pastors, with the teachings of the Word, and the helpful inspiration of social worship. And there is cooperation in service, accomplishing that which we be of one mind and heart. The doctrines upon which the church rests as essential to Christian experience are brief. We believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; we especially emphasize the deity of Jesus Christ and the personality of the Holy Spirit; that man is born in sin, that he needs the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, that after the work of regeneration, there is the further work of heart-cleansing, or entire sanctification, which is effected by the Holy Ghost. And to each of these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness. We believe in eternal destiny, with its rewards and punishments.
Do you heartily believe these truths?
Do you take Jesus Christ as your Savior and do you realize that He saves you now?
Desiring to unite with the Church of the Evangelistic Association do you covenant to give yourself to the fellowship and work of God in connection with it, as set forth in the General Rules of the Church? To endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your means; by faithful attendance upon the means of grace; and abstaining of all evil, to seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?”
These questions being satisfactorily answered, the persons may be received.
The one or ones asking for membership will be presented to the congregation.
The Pastor asking for someone to make a motion they be received into the church.
After a motion, then a second.
The Pastor will then take them by the hand and shall say:
“I welcome you into this church, to it’s sacred fellowship, duties, and privileges.
May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works.”
1441 WEDDING CEREMONY
Dearly beloved, we have come together in this holy place in the presence of God and these witnesses to unite you in holy marriage. Marriage is an honorable estate, instituted by God and commended by the Lord Jesus Christ. Surely it is a blessed union and a holy one in so far as the promises and vows are kept. St. Paul likens marriage to the holy union of Christ and His Church.
As we enter the sacred vows, it is therefore fitting that we should seek God’s divine blessing. Shall we pray? (The minister shall offer a prayer asking for God’s blessing as the marriage covenant and vows are made.)
MINSTER TO GROOM: Wilt thou, _________________________________________, take __________________________ to be thy wedded wife, to
live together after God’s holy ordinance in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love, honor, trust, and serve her in sickness and in health, to be true and loyal to her as long as you both shall live, and that forsaking all others perform unto her the duties that a husband owes to his wife?
ANSWER: I will.
MINISTER TO BRIDE: Wilt thou, _________________________________________, take _______________________, to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s holy ordinance in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love, honor, trust, and serve him in sickness and in health, to be true and loyal to him as long as you both shall live, and forsaking all others you will perform unto him the duties that a wife owes to her husband?
ANSWER: I will.
(IF THE BRIDE IS TO BE GIVEN AWAY BY FATHER):
MINISTER TO FATHER: Who giveth this bride away?
ANSWER: I do. (The father then takes his seat with the bride’s mother or the pew reserved for him.)
MINISTER TO BRIDE AND GROOM: Since it is your desire to come together in holy matrimony, you will join right hands and repeat after me the vows.
VOWS
MINISTER TO GROOM: (Repeat after minister): I, ______________, take thee _________________ to be my
wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish till death do us part. I pledge thee my love and devotion before God and these witnesses.
MINSTER TO BRIDE: (Repeat after minister): I, ______ ______________, take thee _________________ to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish till death do us part. I pledge thee my love and devotion before God and these witnesses.
DOUBLE RING CEREMONY
MINISTER TO GROOM: What token of your love do you give in commemoration of this pledge?
ANSWER: A ring. (The best man shall give the ring to the groom who will then give to the minister).
The minister shall take the ring and ask the bride: Will you accept this ring as a token of ___________’s love and affection?
ANSWER: I will.
MINISTER TO GROOM: Place the ring upon ___________’s finger and repeat after me. (Minister gives ring to groom).
This ring I give thee in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love. With this ring I thee wed and with all my earthly goods I thee endow.
MINISTER TO BRIDE: What token of your love do you give in commemoration of this pledge?
ANSWER: A ring. (The bride shall take the ring from the bridesmaid and give it to the minister.)
The minister shall turn to the groom and ask him: Will you accept this ring as a token of ___________’s love and
affection?
ANSWER: I will.
MINISTER TO BRIDE: Place the ring on ___________s
finger and repeat after me. (Minister gives ring to the bride.)
This ring I give thee in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love. With this ring I thee wed and with all my earthly goods I thee endow.
Then the minister shall say “join right hands” to the bride and groom. The minister shall place his hand upon the top of the brides and groom’s hands and say: Forasmuch as
_______________ and ______________ have consented together in holy wedlock and have pledged their love and devotion to each other before God and these witnesses, I
therefore, with the power of God’s minister and this state, pronounce you man and wife.
Then the minister shall offer a prayer.
1451 FUNERAL SERVICE
The minister shall read the scripture John 11:25-26 as he precedes the casket down the aisle of the church. He shall motion with his hands for the audience to rise as he enters the church.
When the funeral director places the casket in front of the pulpit and the family of the deceased has entered and been ushered to their pews, the minister shall motion the audience to be seated.
If there is to be a vocal, it is good to open the service with it. After the vocal the minister shall rise and take his text.
Suggested Text:
Funeral of a Youth: Luke 7:11-16; Mark 5:22-23, 35-42.
Funeral of a good Man: Psalm 1 and Psalm 15.
Funeral of a good Woman: Proverbs 31:10-31.
Funeral of one in Public life: Ecclesiastes 44:1-8, 10-11, 14-15.
Funeral of a Child: II Samuel 12:16-23
Funeral of an Aged Person: Job 5:17-26 and Psalm 91
Supporting Text: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 23; II Peter 1:3-9.
The minister may close the service with a vocal or prayer. This should be discussed with the funeral director before the service. The minister shall precede the casket out of the church and stand by the funeral coach as the body is placed inside.
At the grave, the minister shall precede the casket to the tent and grave. He shall stand at the head of the casket and watch for a signal from the funeral director before he begins.
Then the minister shall say, “Forasmuch as the spirit of this departed loved one hath returned to God who gave it, we therefore tenderly commit his body to the ground in sure trust and certain hope in the power and love of Christ our Lord: at whose divine call they that be asleep in Him shall one day rise to stand with Him, and hear with all saints the welcome summons: “Enter ye into your Master’s joy.”
“For His is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”
The minister may give other scriptures as he desires.
1461 GROUND BREAKING
Scripture Reading – some suggestions (I. Chron. 21:22-26 or I Chron. 22:11-16 & 19; II Chron. 2:1-9; Ezra 7:11-26 or Ps. 24; Ps. 29; Ps 34, or Isa. 12).
Invocation –
Responsive Reading if desired.
Hymn: “The Solid Rock” or “How Firm a Foundation.”
Remarks by Pastor or Guest Speaker.
Ground Breaking – The – 1st shovel turned.
The minister and people shall say as each shovel full is turned:
Minister: In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit ---
The People: We break this ground. Amen.
A Board Member – 2nd shovel turned.
A District or Association representative– 3rd shovel turned.
Prayer for God’s blessing on the construction.
Hymn: “Lead On O King Eternal”. Benediction.
1471 COMMUNION SERVICE
*PASTOR – Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup.
*CONGREGATION – Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there by any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
*PASTOR – For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
*CONGREGATION – Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the medication of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
*PASTOR–If we would judge ourselves, we should not be
judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
*CONGREGATION – I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
*PASTOR–For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in
which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
*CONGREGATION – This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
PRAYER – PARTAKE OF THE BREAD.
* PASTOR - After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
*CONGREGATION – For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
PRAYER – PARTAKE OF THE CUP.
*PASTOR – For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.
*CONGREGATION – Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
--From: I. Cor. 11; Psalm 139, 19, 51; John 6; Matt. 26 ; Rev. 22.
1481 DEDICATION OF BUILDING
Call to worship – Ps. 100: 2-4.
Invocation – Pastor
Hymn: “All Hail The Power” or “The Church’s One Foundation”.
Scripture Reading – Pastor: II Chron. 6:1-2, 18-21, 40-42; 7:1-4; Ps. 24, Ps. 84, Heb. 10:19-25.
Sermon – Pastor or Guest Speaker
Charge to Board Members:
”You have been selected by the members of this church to fill the responsible positions of trustees of this House of Worship, now being dedicated to the service of Almighty God. You will at all times, when you represent this church, act on its behalf and for its welfare.
God’s holy temple is a sacred place in which He is to be worshipped in the beauty of holiness and love. Nothing should enter this sacred place that would defile it.
Protect it at all times; preserve it for continual service; improve it as needs and opportunities arise. To you is committed the task of keeping it worthy of its name, the House of God.
From this time forth, because of your authority, you will hold this property in trust for God and this church. May Christian faith and hope and love dwell in your hearts, and may the Holy Spirit guide and direct you in all the activities that fall within the sphere of your responsibility as the Board of Trustees.”
The Trustees’ Covenant:
“We, the Board of Trustees of this church, do covenant with God and with one another to discharge our duties faithfully and to hold this House of Worship, and trust that it may, at all times, magnify the preaching of the Word of God and thus fulfill its mission to this community for all the purposes for which it is now being set apart.”
Act of Dedication:
Minister – “To the Glory of God the Father, to the honor of the Lord Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our Savior and to the praise of the Holy Spirit our Comforter.”
Congregation – “We dedicate this House.”
Minister: - “For worship in prayer and praise; for the ministry of the Word of God; for the celebration of the Church’s ordinances; for the guidance of childhood and the sanctification of the family;”
Congregation – “We dedicate this House.”
Minister – “For comfort to those who mourn; for strength to those who are weak; for help to those who are tempted; for instruction in the ways of righteousness;”
Congregation – “We dedicate this House.”
Minister – “For the teaching of the doctrines of our church; for the seeking of the salvation of mankind; for the witnessing of Christ’s saving Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth; in the hope of the soon appearing of our glorious Lord and coming King.”
Minister and Congregation together – “To God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost, eternal, holy and glorious Trinity, three Persons, one God, to Thee:
We dedicate this church.”
Prayer of Dedication – Pastor Guest Speaker.
Hymn: “Lead On O King Eternal”.
Benediction – Pastor.
1491 DEDICATION OF CHILDREN
Hymn: “Tell Me The Stories of Jesus” or “Jewels”.
(Parents come forward while singing, Father holding child if infant).
Scripture reading – – Deut. 6:4-7 or Ps. 103:17-18 or Matt. 18:2-6
Prayer on behalf of parents
Charge to Parents – “Christian parents, in presenting your child to the Lord, you enter into a solemn relationship with God who keepeth covenant to a thousand generations. Throughout the ages godly parents have presented their children to God in dedication. You follow a noble heritage.
Believing that this child is a gift from God, and that He shall hold you accountable for him, (her) do you now solemnly confess that it is your purpose to dedicate him (her) to the Lord and to His service? Will you pray with him, (her) and for him, (her) instruct him (her) faithfully in the doctrines of the Christian religion; teach him, (her) to read the Word of God, to pray, and to lead a holy life; take him (her) faithfully to the House of God to attend its services and do all that in you lies to bring him (her) to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?”
Parent’s Response – “I will.”
Dedication – “(Child’s name), I now dedicate you to God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
May your life always be guided and blessed by our Lord, through the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.
May your life always be lived for the glory of God.”
Benediction.
End of page 3
 |
| Site Tools |
|
|
|
|
|
Verse of the Day |
|
|
