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Articles of Faith
Mission Statement
To share God's redemptive love
by loving others,
praising God, discipling and meeting needs.
Goals and Objectives for the NHBC
Internet Website
For visitors who come to NHBC Web page to:
- Easily hear the Gospel and as it is
repeated in our several different ministries
so that everyone can come to know Jesus.
- Know (see) that God is present with us
- Know that God’s Word is our guide through the Holy Spirit
- Know that God has a plan for every person’s life and for this church
- Know that NHBC is an active and integral part of God’s plan in Pell
City and in the world
- Know how to become
involved with us.
- Know that (possibly in future) they can come to
our website and find devotional, Biblical, and other spiritual
help.
CONSTITUTION
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
PREAMBLE
For the more certain preservation and security of the principles of our
faith, and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner in
keeping with the teachings of the scriptures to..."Do all things in decency
and order...," and to be as consistent as possible with the accepted
practices of the Missionary Baptist Denomination and for the purpose of
preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of the Church
and the freedom of action of this body with respect to its relation to other
Churches of the same faith, we do declare and establish this constitution
and By-Laws.
I.
NAME
This organization shall be known as the New Hope Baptist Church of Pell
City, Alabama.
II. OBJECTIVE
This church believing in the Bible as the inspired word of God and as the
authority for faith and practice, and acknowledging its adherence to the
teachings of Jesus Christ, declares its purpose:
1. To proclaim
earnestly the gospel message and to urge its acceptance,
2. To cooperate
heartily by prayer, gift and service in the effort to establish the Kingdom
of Christ throughout the world,
3. To maintain
regular services for worship and fellowship.
4. To promote
regular services for worship and Christian service,
5. To urge our
members and others to live according to the principles that are set forth in
the Scriptures.
III. ARTICLES OF FAITH
IV. CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we
believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our
Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the
presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into
covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to
walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this
church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and
spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines;
to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the
expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel
through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions;
to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred
and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our
dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to
avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the
sale of and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as a beverage;
to shun pornography; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of
our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in
brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in
sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and
Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready
for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it
without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place
we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can
carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
SECTION 1 - POLICY
The government of this
Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it, and is subject to
the control of no other ecclesiastical body, but it recognizes and sustains
the obligations of mutual counsel and cooperation which are common among
churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.
SECTION 2 - DOCTRINE
The church receives the
Scriptures as its authority in matters of faith and practice. Its
understanding of Christian truth as contained therein is in essential accord
with the Articles of Faith herein enclosed and accepted by the Southern
Baptist Convention.
BY-LAWS
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
ARTICLE 1. - MEMBERSHIP
The membership of New
Hope Baptist Church shall be composed of individuals who have accepted the
Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have followed Him into
baptism by complete immersion under water. Members may be received into our
church in the following ways:
A. By Baptism, (Complete immersion under water),
B. By letter of
recommendation from other churches of the same faith and practice,
C. By statement.
Membership shall be
approved by the church at a regular meeting/service.
SECTION 1 - DUTIES
Members are expected to
be faithful in all duties essential to the Christian life, to attend
regularly the services of New Hope Baptist Church, to give regularly to its
causes, and to share in its organized work.
SECTION 2 - DISMISSION OF MEMBERS
A member will be
granted a letter of dismission to unite with another Baptist Church of the
same faith and practice upon request by the church. At the time the letter
is granted, the individual’s name will be removed from the membership roll
of New Hope Baptist Church.
Upon proof that a member has joined a church of another
denomination, the member shall be removed from this church roll.
When the membership of New Hope Baptist Church takes
action regarding individuals who have joined another religious order, the
Clerk shall remove the individual’s name from the membership of New Hope
Baptist Church and notify the person of the action.
SECTION 3 - MISCELLANEOUS
New Hope Baptist Church will not recognize or
accept the practice of homosexuality. The practice of same sex marriage
will not be sanctioned. New Hope Baptist Church will not receive as members
individuals who do not strive to accept a disciplined lifestyle in
accordance with Biblical guidelines. The entire membership of New Hope
Baptist Church is expected to be Christ- like and disciplined.
ARTICLE II. -
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1 - OFFICERS
The officers of the Church shall consist of: Pastor, Deacons, Church Clerk,
Treasurer, Trustees, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director,
Minister of Student Education, WMU President, Brotherhood President,
Organist, Pianist, Choir or Music Director and as many other workers as the
Church shall deem necessary to carry out its program.
SECTION 2 - PASTOR
A. Pastor shall be chosen by the Church whenever a vacancy
occurs. The process will follow the following steps:
1. A pastor search committee shall be elected by the church to seek
out a suitable pastor. The recommendation of the committee will constitute
a nomination of the individual. Any member of New Hope Baptist Church shall
have the privilege of making other nominations.
2. His election shall take place at a meeting called for that purpose, of
which at least one week notice shall be given to the congregation.
The election of a
pastor shall be done by the members of New Hope Baptist Church by secret
ballot. An affirmative vote of an 80% majority of those present shall be
necessary to choose a pastor.
The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the
Church. He shall be exofficio member of all committees and boards. His
salary and privileges shall be fixed by the Church and shall be changed as
often as the Church deems fit. The Pastor shall serve as moderator except in
such cases as the Church deems fit to appoint another.
B. All full time personnel shall be chosen by the
Church at a meeting called for that purpose. A minimum of one week notice
shall be given to the congregation. An affirmative vote of 80% margin of
those present shall be necessary.
SECTION 3 - DEACONS
1. Realizing the importance and
responsibility of the deacon position and that the Scriptures, 1 Timothy 3:
8-13, point out the duties, qualifications of deacons, the deacons of this
church shall be a minimum of 15 and serve on a rotating system or a three
year period. Therefore, one-third of the body of deacons will be appointed
each year. After serving as a member of the voting deacon body, a
deacon must wait one year before being eligible to again be nominated to the
voting body of deacons. If a deacon has been appointed to fill a mid-term
vacancy and served one year or less, then he will be eligible for selection
at the next nomination.
2.
The number of deacons based on the needs of the church will
be determined by the
deacon body and the church staff and recommended to the church body for
action. Only the church body may approve additions to the body of deacons.
If possible, the body of deacons will always be increased by increments of
three positions.
3.
Every man 21 years of age or older, having been a member of NHBC for a
minimum of one year, will be eligible for a nomination to serve on the
deacon body.
4.
Each year a list of all eligible men will be compiled by the church
Secretary and distributed to each member of the voting deacon body. Every
voting deacon will be asked to nominate a maximum of 14 men from the list
and turn in the ballots at the designated time.
5.
The deacon body chairman will appoint a temporary examining council
consisting of the Pastor, Deacon Chairman and Deacon Vice-Chairman. This
council will compile a list of 14 men in descending order from the
nominations received from the voting deacon body. The examining council
will be charged with the responsibility of examining each potential
candidate for Biblical qualifications and any specific Church qualifications
for deacon service.
6.
The examining council will question each of the candidates about
qualifications, commitment and willingness to serve God in the office of
deacon. From the examining process, a new list will be compiled,
eliminating any candidates found to not meet all requirements. From this
list, 7 men using the same descending order of nomination will be selected.
If after careful examination there is not a sufficient number of qualified
men to fill the 7 positions, then additional candidates, as required, will
be selected from the names of he original ballot in descending order. The
same process will be filled. These men will then be brought before the body
of deacons for approval. Then a recommendation from the deacon body will go
to the Church for a vote in a regular business meeting or a special called
business meeting. The remaining names on the list will be saved and used as
alternates for selection should a vacancy occur during the year.
7.
Any deacon who is absent from three consecutive deacon’s meetings,
without being providentially hindered or have a reasonable excuse, will be
automatically removed from the voting body of deacons. He will return to
the non voting body and may then be eligible again for nomination to serve
as a voting deacon after a minimum of 1 full year as a non-voting deacon.
SECTION 4 - CLERK
The clerk shall
keep an accurate record of all church business which takes place at the
regular meeting or special called meetings. Also, he or she shall keep an
up-to-date record of the church membership. At the regular business meeting
the clerk shall give an accurate monthly report of all business transacted
by the Church since the last meeting. The clerk shall be nominated by the
nominating committee and elected by vote of the Church annually. In the
absence of the clerk, a clerk pro tem shall be appointed by the moderator.
SECTION 5 -
SECRETARY/TREASURER
The church shall
use a Unified Budget System and the treasurer shall disburse all funds as
designated in the Church budget. The treasurer shall not pay any other bills
except as approved by the Church.
The treasurer shall
make a monthly report of the Church's financial condition and perform other
duties assigned by the Pastor.
The Church shall
appoint each year an auditing committee of three who shall audit the
financial records of the Church at the end of each Church year.
SECTION 6 - TRUSTEES
The trustees shall
be nominated by the nominating committee of New Hope Baptist Church annually
to serve for three years. The trustees will hold in trust the property of
the church. They shall have the actual care of the place of worship, but
shall have no power to buy, sell, mortgage, lease or transfer any property
without an 80% vote of the members present authorizing such action.
SECTION 7 - OTHER
CHURCH OFFICERS
The other officers
of the Church, such as the Sunday School Director, Discipleship
Training Director, WMU President and Brotherhood President, shall be guided
in what their duties are by the suggested methods as found in the different
manuals that are published by our Sunday School Board of the Southern
Baptist Convention. These officers and all others deemed necessary shall be
presented by the nominating committee and elected by the vote of the church.
All officers and teachers shall be members of this church.
ARTICLE III.
SECTION 1 - THE LORD’S
DAY - SUNDAY
New Hope Baptist Church shall have Sunday School, Discipleship Training and
two worship services each Lord's Day.
SECTION 2 - PRAYER
MEETING
New Hope Baptist
Church shall have a Prayer service each Wednesday evening.
SECTION 3 - QUARTERLY
BUSINESS MEETING
New Hope Baptist
Church shall have a regular quarterly business meeting on Wednesday night
after the second Sunday in each quarter. This will be designated as
business meeting night, unless changed by the church.
SECTION 4 - THE LORD'S
SUPPER
New Hope Baptist
Church shall observe the Lord's Supper a minimum of once each quarter.
SECTION 5 - BAPTISM
New Hope Baptist
Church shall observe baptism as often as it is necessary.
SECTION 6 - MEETINGS
New Hope Baptist
Church shall hold any other meetings it deems necessary from time to time.
SECTION 1 - QUORUMS
In all regular
business meetings and special business meetings, the members present shall
constitute a quorum.
SECTION 2 - CHURCH
FINANCE
The finance
committee, in consultation with the pastor, deacons, and responsible leaders
of various organizations, shall prepare a budget and submit it to the church
for approval annually. The finance committee shall be presented by the
nominating committee and voted on by the church.
SECTION 3 - THE WILL OF
THE CHURCH
The will of the
church on any given matter fully expressed by its vote shall be carried out
by all committees, officers, and organizations of the church.
SECTION 4 - CHURCH
AFFILIATION WITH ASSOCIATIONS AND CONVENTIONS
The New Hope
Baptist Church shall hold membership in the St. Clair Baptist Association,
Alabama Baptist Convention, and Southern Baptist Convention. New Hope
Baptist Church further pledges to support our local church program and
cooperate with the above named organizations through our local church
program and by gifts to world missions through the Cooperative Program.
1. In accordance
with the Baptist Faith and Message Statement year 2000, any member who in
the judgment of the Church gives evidence of their call of God to work in
the ministry, may be licensed by New Hope Baptist Church.
2. At the request
of another Southern Baptist Church, or ministries of like faith and order
who desires the individual to serve in a capacity needing ordination, the
Church may ordain one of its members, providing that the church has called a
Council or Presbytery and that this body has examined the candidate as to
fitness, and has recommended to the church that he be ordained.
ARTICLE V.
- AMENDMENTS
This Constitution
and By-Laws of New Hope Baptist Church may be amended by an 80% vote of the
members present and voting at any meeting specially called for that purpose,
the proposed amendment being inserted in the call; but no change shall be
made in "Articles of Faith" and "Covenant" except by an 80% vote of all
members of the Church present entitled to vote with said proposed change having been laid
before the church in writing at a business meeting not less than one month
before the time of the proposed action, and read from the pulpit on the
Lord's Day next succeeding each proposal.
New Hope Baptist
Church shall have the following committees whose duties and methods of
appointment follow, together with any other committees that shall become
necessary to carry on the function of the church as the need arises.
SECTION 1 - NOMINATING
COMMITTEE
The Nominating
Committee shall be composed of the Pastor of the Church, the Sunday School
Director, Discipleship Training Director and a minimum of two lay-members
who shall be elected at the annual meeting. This committee shall serve for
one full year from the time of election. It shall be their duty to
prayerfully consider the people who shall serve in every elective office
except those elected indefinitely. They shall bring to the Church for
consideration all annually elected officers and teachers as nominations.
They shall nominate persons to fill all vacancies of these offices during
the year. They shall present to the Church at the end of the year
nominations for the Nominating Committee for the coming year.
SECTION 2 - COMMITTEE
ON EVANGELISM
The Evangelism
Committee shall be composed of heads of all organizations to serve with the
pastor. They shall present to the Church for approval each year such plans
as they feel necessary for revivals, soul-winning campaigns, and shall plan
and present the annual church calendar of activities for approval.
ARTICLE VII. - TERMINATION
The Pastor,
Minister of Student Education, Minister of Music, Church
Secretary/Treasurer, shall serve an indefinite time until the relationship
is terminated. In the event of the termination of the agreement between New
Hope Baptist Church and any employee, a thirty day notice shall be given by
either party.
This Constitution and By-Laws shall supersede all other Constitutions
or By-Laws approved here-to-fore. This Constitution shall become valid upon approval of the
Church at a business meeting called for that purpose.
---------- ----------
Submitted by the Church Constitution Committee
composed of
Rev. Paul Brasher, Pastor and J.W. Garrett, Shirley Echols, Doug Williamson,
Glover Stewart, and Allen Long.
===========================================
2000
BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE STATEMENT
I. THE
SCRIPTURES.
The Holy
Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of
Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has
God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of
error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and
trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and
therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of
Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds
and religious opinions should be tried. All scripture is a testimony to
Christ who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 17:19;
Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10, 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8;
Jeremiah 15:16,36; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46;John
5:39;16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2Timothy
3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4;12; 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 1:19-21.
II. GOD.
There is one and only one living and true God. He is
an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer,
Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all
other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect
knowledge extends to all things, past, present and future, including the
future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love,
reverence and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without
division of nature, essence, or being.
A. GOD THE FATHER.
God as Father reigns with
providential care over His universe, His creatures and the flow of the
stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all
powerful, all knowing, all loving and wise. God is Father in truth to those
who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in
His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14;
6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1
Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3, 15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10;
17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26;
14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6;
Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:16; 12:9; 1 Peter
1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B.
GOD
THE SON. Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus
Christ,
He was conceived
of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed
and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with his demands
and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without
sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His
substitutionary death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of
men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and
appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His
crucifixion. He ascended into Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand
of God where He is the One mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person
is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power
and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He
now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
e nowHH &&
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew
1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29, 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5, 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1;
3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27;
12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5,21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24;
7:55-56; 94-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 54:6-21; 8:1-3, 34; 10:4; 1
Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9;
Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11;
Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16;
Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1
Peter 2:21-25,3:22; 1 John 1:7-9;3:2; 4:14-15: 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation
1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired
holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination, He enables
men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of
righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects
regeneration. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer
into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts
believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through
His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His
presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer
into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the
believer and the church in worship, evangelism and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13;
Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4;
12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1, 18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49;
John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3;
7:5;, 8:17,39; 10:44, 13:2; 15:2;, 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11, 14-16,
26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:1;, 12:3-11, 13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians
1:13-14; 4:; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy1:4;
3:16; Hebrews 9:18,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:3; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10;
22:17.
III. MAN.
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them
male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is
thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning, man was
innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By
his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human
race. Through the temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God,
and fell from his original innocence, whereby his posterity inherit a nature
and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are
capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under
condemnation.
Only the grace of God can bring
man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose
of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created
man in His own image, and in that
Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full
dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22;
3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew
16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25;
8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31;
15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
IV. SALVATION.
Salvation
involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who
accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who is by his own blood obtained
eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense, salvation
includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as
L &&
A.
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers
become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by
the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in
repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and
faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin
toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of
the entire personality to Him as Lord and Savior.
B. Justification
is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of
all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the
believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the
experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to
God’s purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual
maturity through presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.
Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.
D. Glorification
is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state
of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8;
Matthew 1:2; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22- 28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John
1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:2; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12;
15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25, 4:3ff.,
5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 12:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30;
6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-2; 6:15;
Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22,
3:1ff., 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2;11-14; Hebrews
2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1; 12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John
1:16; 2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1; 22:5.
V. GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE.
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He
regenerates, justifies, sanctifies and glorifies sinners. It is consistent
with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection
with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely
wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those
whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never
fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end.
Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they
grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts and bring reproach on
the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel
8:4-7; 19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45;
24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-7-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14;
3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts20:32; Romans
5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28;
Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians
2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39; 12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter
1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. THE CHURCH.
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local
congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and
fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed
by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by
His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each
congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic
processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and
accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and
deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the
office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church
as the body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all ages,
believers from every tribe and tongue, and people and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts
2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans
1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; Ephesians 1:22-23;
2:19-22, 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy
2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2:3;
21:2-3
VII. BAPTISM AND
THE LORD’S SUPPER.
Christian
baptism is the immersion of a believer in
water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is an
act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried and
risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life and
the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his
faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it
is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s
Supper.
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic
act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the
bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and
anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30;
28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts
2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21;
11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. THE LORD’S DAY.
The
first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for
regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the
dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both
public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate
with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.;
Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1; 19-28; Acts
20:7; Romans 14:5-10; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16;
Revelation 1:10.
IX. THE
KINGDOM.
The Kingdom of God
includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular
kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King.
Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of
salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus
Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and
God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits
the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah
23:5-6; Matthew 3:2, 4:8-10,23, 12:25-28, 13:1-52, 25:31-46, 26:29; Mark
1:14-15, 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1, 9:2, 12:31-32. 17:20-21. 23:42; John 3:3,
18:36; Acts 1:6-7. 17:22-31; Romans 5:17, 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28;
Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16, 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10, 4:13; Revelation
1:6,9; 5:10, 11:15, 21-22.
X. LAST THINGS.
God, in his own time and in His own way, will bring the world to appropriate
end. According to his promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and
visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will
judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell,
the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and
glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven
with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4, 11:9; Matthew 16:27, 18:8-9,
19:28, 24:27,30,44, 25:31-46, 26:64; Mark 8:38, 9:43-18; Luke 12:40,48,
16:19-26, 17:22-37, 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11, 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians
4:5, 15:24-28, 35-38; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5, 3:4; 1
Thessalonians 4:14-18, 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.,2; 1 Timothy 6:14;
2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13;
Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28, 3:2; Jude 14;
Revelation 1:18, 3:11, 20:1, 22:13.
XI. EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS.
It is the duty and privilege of every
follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor
to make disciples of all nations. The
birth of man’s
spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary
effort on the part of all
rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is
expressly and repeatedly commanded
in the teaching of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the
preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of
God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness
undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with
the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah
6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30,37-43; 16:19, 22:9-10; 24:14;
28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21;
Acts 1:8,2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1
Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39; 12:2; 12 Peter
2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. EDUCATION.
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus
Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning
is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all
human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of
education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of
missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the
liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education
is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.
In Christian education there should be a
proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility.
Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and
never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or
seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the
authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for
which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13;
Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10;
8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2, 7:24ff.,28:19-20; Luke
2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians
2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12, 6:3; James
1:5, 3:17.
XIII.
STEWARDSHIP.
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have
a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel,
and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under
obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions;
and should recognize all these as entrusted to them for use for the glory of
God and for helping others. According to their Scriptures, Christians
should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically,
proportionately and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on
earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32;
Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23;
25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35;
Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians
8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1Peter
1:18-19.
XIV. COOPERATION.
Christ’s people should as occasion requires, organize such associations and
conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the
Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or
over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to
elicit, combine and direct the energies of our people in the most effective
manner. Members of New Testament church should cooperate with one another
in carrying forward the missionary, educational and benevolent ministries
for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament
sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by
various groups of Christ’s people. Cooperation is desirable between the
various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself
justified and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or
compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New
Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff; Judges 7:21;Ezra
1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 14:5-15; 20:1-16;
22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37;
13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians
1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SOCIAL ORDER.
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ
supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for
the improvement of society and the establishment of righteous among men can
be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the
regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of
greed, selfishness, and vice and all forms of sexual immorality including
adultery, homosexuality and pornography. We should work to provide for the
orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless and the sick. We
should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all
human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to
bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the
principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote
these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in
any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without
compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5;
Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 16; Matthew
5:13-16, 43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff., 10:21; Luke 4:18-21;
10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12-14; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10;
6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians
3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
XVI. PEACE AND WAR.
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of
righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they
should do all in their power to put and end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the
gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His
teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical
application of His law of love. Christian people
throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48;
6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14;
James 4:1-2.
XVII. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the
doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not
contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to
every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual
ends. In providing for such freedom, no ecclesiastical group or denomination
should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being
ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience
thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church
should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of
Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The
state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind.
The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of
religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this
implies the right access to God on the part of all men, and the right to
form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference
by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24;
16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,
13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17;
4:12-19.
XVIII. THE FAMILY.
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human
society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage,
blood or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one
woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to
reveal the union between Christ and His Church and to provide for the man
and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the
channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means
for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth
before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage
relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love
his wife as Christ loved the Church. He has the God-given responsibility to
provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit
herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the
church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image
of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given
responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing
the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are
a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their
children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children
spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle
example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth.
Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus
20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5;
78:1-8,127,128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8. 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24;
14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6.15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17;
31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32;
18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; `1 Corinthians 7:1-16;
Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy
1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
===============================================
Policy and Procedures Manual
New Hope Baptist Church
This is the current approved
policies and procedures established by New Hope Baptist Church to help us
fulfill our mission for the Lord and agreed upon as of
_______________________________
(Date)
POLICY MANUAL FOR NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
Explanation for this manual
This
manual is a living document and agreement on how we, the members of New Hope
Baptist Church, will operate and fulfill the ministry in Pell City. It
contains policies of the church and suggested procedures for fulfilling the
calling that God has for us. This manual gives all a common knowledge of
the policies and procedures and ministry culture involved with New Hope
Baptist Church.
Thanks
to all of the committees who gave input to this manual so that the people of
New Hope Baptist Church could communicate and more efficiently run the
ministry that God has called us to. Special thanks is given to the Child
Safety committee for their valuable input and suggestions.
Thanks
Shirley Echols and Jo Jolley for their tireless work typing the foundation
of this document.
New Hope Baptist Church Mission
Statement:
To Share God’s Redemptive Love
By Loving Others, Praising God, Discipling and Meeting Needs.
POLICY MANUAL FOR NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
I. Church Property Section
Overall Facility Use Policy Statement
We feel that our
church buildings and grounds are to be used for the glory of God through
worship and servitude. Therefore, the New Facility Use Committee would like
to recommend in the way of a motion, that our church buildings and grounds
not be used for the advancement of monetary profit by any individual or
group. We would be faced with tax laws and insurance liabilities that we
cannot afford to undertake. “We do not want to make our Father’s House a
House of merchandise.” John 2:16
This statement will be further defined by
the Building and Grounds Committee.
Tables, Chairs, etc:
New Hope Baptist Church does not lend out
tables, table cloths, chairs, etc. for personal use. If a church function is
held away from the church and tables and chairs will be needed, contact the
Ministry Coordinator or church office to ensure availability of tables and
chairs.
Church Keys:
Any member wishing to receive a key to
church property in order to fulfill their obligations to the New Hope
Ministries must go through the chairman of building and grounds. Those
receiving keys are not to make copies of any church keys. If for any reason
the individual receiving the keys would resign from their position, or
become inactive in that position, the keys are to be turned back in to the
chairman of building and grounds.
Pulpit Furniture:
The pulpit furniture may be moved for any
special service, however when moved, the furniture is not to block any
doorway or aisle. The person moving any furniture will be responsible for
returning it to its original position before the next service.
Kitchen:
Any member or organization scheduling the
fellowship hall and using the kitchen is asked to clean up before they leave
by doing the following:
-
Wash all dishes and replace them to the
proper cabinets.
-
Put dirty or wet dishrags in the sink
to be taken home to wash.
-
Sweep the floor and if necessary, mop
it.
-
Empty all trash cans and replace the
trash can liners.
-
Be sure all dishes brought from home
are returned to their owner.
-
Be sure all lights are turned “off”
before locking all doors and turning off heating/air conditioning units.
Use of the Church and Fellowship Hall:
The church
fellowship hall may be scheduled through the church office. Any member
who does not have a church key and wants to use the church or fellowship
hall may borrow one from the church office. It must be picked up
during office hours or prior to church services. The member making the
reservations is responsible for clean up, turning off lights, turning off
heating/air conditioning, locking all doors, and returning church keys to
church office as soon as possible.
Posters and Signs:
No posters or signs are to be hung in the
vestibule or the Welcome Center. Any decorations used in the fellowship
hall or on the walls of the fellowship hall must be secured by straight pins
only. No nails, tape or screws are allowed.
II. EDUCATION
Section
Name Plates for Sunday School Classes:
The church will buy the first name plate for any Sunday
School class. If that class decides to change their name, the cost for
future name plates will be the responsibility of that class.
Education Rooms:
If it becomes necessary, rooms will be
reassigned to accommodate the needs of classes.
Class Funds:
Should any class or organization, which
has a fund, dissolve, that fund should be donated to a church recognized
ministry and not divided among the class members.
III. CHILDRENS DEPARTMENT
Background checks:
A Criminal Background Search/Sexual
Offender Search will be conducted on all paid staff of New Hope Baptist
Church, as well as all volunteers that will be in situations of
extended contact with the children and youth of New Hope Baptist Church.
Such situations include, but are not limited to
A. Any overnight events
such as lock-ins, campouts, retreats, Mission trips, etc.
B. Counseling sessions with minors.
C. One-on-one mentorship of minors.
Criminal/Sexual Offender Searches will
not be conducted on individuals that have limited, once-a-week contact with
children and youth. (i.e. Sunday School teachers, Nursery workers, and
Sunday & Wednesday evening teachers.)
The Personnel Committee of New Hope
Baptist Church is the responsible entity that will initiate the background
search, using a reliable, trusted, outside source. Any information resulting
from said search will be handled in a discreet and strictly confidential
manner.
Be advised that this policy is subject to
change if mandated by our insurance provider, or as deemed necessary by the
membership body of New Hope Baptist Church.
Authorization to Conduct Background
Search
New Hope Baptist Church
87 Cogswell Avenue
Pell City, AL 35125
(205) 338-2645
I,______________________________, authorize New Hope Baptist
Church and/or its agents to conduct a Criminal Background Search / Sexual
Offender Search for information pertaining to me which may be in the files
of any state or local criminal justice agency in the United States. Should
this search reveal any information of a questionable nature, this
information will be released ONLY to the Chairman of Deacons,
Chairman of the Personnel Committee, or Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist
Church.
I release New Hope Baptist Church and/or
its agents and any person or entity which provides information pursuant to
the authorization from any and all liabilities, claims, or law suits in
regards to the information obtained from any and all of the above referenced
sources used. I further understand that New Hope Baptist Church will adhere
to applicable state and federal statutes concerning the securing of
information, handling, and release of information obtained in the background
investigation.
The following is my true and complete
legal name. All information on this document is true and correct to the best
of my knowledge:
________________________________________________________________________
Full Name-Printed (Provide names in
order as given on birth certificate)
________________________________________________________________________
All Other Names Ever Used (Include Maiden
Names & Names from Previous Marriages)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Present Address
City/State/Zip How Long?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Former Address
City/State/Zip How Long?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Former Address
City/State/Zip How Long?
(Please insure that you have provided
your areas of residence for the past seven years. If more room is needed,
please use the reverse side of this form.)
________________________
____________________________
Date of
Birth
Social Security Number
________________________
____________________________
Driver’s License
Number State of
Driver’s License
________________________
____________________________
Signature
Date
Recommendation
for Reporting Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Observed, reported, or suspected child
sexual abuse or child molestation in the church shall be verbally reported
immediately to the supervising minister, and written documentations shall
follow.
Supervision and Care of Children:
Regarding the supervision and care of all
children, 18 years of age and younger, participating in any church sponsored
class or event, the following include, but are not limited to – Sunday
School, Extended Care, Children’s Church and M.A.P.S:
1. There should be a minimum of 2
adult workers (19 years or older) per class at all times, with the suggested
ratios as follows. 16 - 19 year olds can be used in some of these areas,
acceptable only with at least two adults present at all times:
Nursery – 1 adult per 5 children
Preschool – 1 adult per 5 children
K – 4th grade – 1 adult per 8
children
5 – 12 grade – 1 adult per 10 children.
2. Non church members and visitors
should serve only as assistants while in the presence of church staff,
ministry leaders and teachers meeting the above requirements.
3. New church members (less than 6
months of membership) should also be used only as assistants
while in the presence of church staff, ministry leaders and
teachers meeting the above requirements.
4. Adults should make every effort to
avoid being alone with a child. If finding yourself alone facing this
situation, we suggest calling another adult to accompany you.
Delivery, Pick-up and Monitoring of
Children:
1. Each child should be delivered to the
appropriate class by the parent upon arrival.
2. An initial registration/information sheet will
be devised and kept on hand for each regular activity in the routine area
utilized. This sheet will contain appropriate information regarding
allergies, medical issues, permissible pick-up/contact people, etc.
3. The children’s workers will reserve the
right to request a picture ID to verify the pick-up person is deemed OK by
the family or guardian.
4. There will be a current roll of
attending students maintained in each area/activity.
5. A check in/check out system will be maintained
in each class in which a child is delivered to and picked up by the parent
WHICH WILL REQUIRE SIGNATURE BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN.
6. All students will be transitioned to
the next activity by an adult worker and/or parent.
Transitions to Next
Activity:
Puppets:
Leaders to hand off students and roll of attendance to Children’s Church (if
child attends) or to 1st row pew for parent pick-up.
MAPS:
Leaders to hand off students to appropriate classes with accompanying roll
of attending students; all other students not attending regular Wednesday
events will sign-in/out with MAPS staff and welcome desk.
Praise Band:
Hand off to classes or parents.
Sunday School:
Hand off to extended care or to parents.
Wednesday night classes:
Hand off to parents from kitchen.
Children’s Church:
Hand off to parents from Children’s Church room.
Monitoring Children: Children who are caught “wandering”
around the grounds and are not in the appropriate class will receive a
verbal warning by 2 teachers and the Safety Patrol and the Director alerted
to the incident. The reason for “wandering” should be determined and
resolved.
The second incidence of the same child
wandering around the grounds should follow the same procedure and make
Church Staff aware of the problem.
The third incident of a wandering child,
the parent will be asked to come into the activity for a specified period of
time and the Safety Team will be alerted.
Communication System for Safety:
There will be a reliable communication
system and or device established between teaching areas, service/worship
areas and safety patrollers. This system is for the specific purpose of:
a. Communicating safety and health
issues (both emergency and non-emergency)
b.
Alerting of intruders to
congregation and authorities.
c. Alerting of severe weather
conditions, fire. etc., and monitoring safety procedures for evacuation or
containment.
d. A selected person oversee and
implement the accuracy and workability of the system, as well as maintain a
schedule of volunteers to be stationed at the central position.
Children’s Safety on Bus
1. The bus is to be driven by drivers
approved by the church’s insurance company. (Must have taken the Defensive
riving Course or have CDL)
2. At least two adults (including
driver) 19 years old or older must accompany children on the bus.
3. The driver must not use cell
phones or two-way radio while driving. Pull over to the side of the road or
parking lot to use phone if necessary.
4. The driver should not be
responsible for maintaining discipline on the bus. That is the
responsibility of the other accompanying adult.
5. The bus capacity is not to exceed
15 people.
6. A check should be made of the oil,
water, tires and lights before each trip.
7. Leave the bus clean! If there are
any articles left in the bus, please turn in to the church office.
8.
When returning from each trip, gas up the bus if less than a half tank
remains. The church has an account at the gas station across the
street.
IV. Youth Department
Policies of the Student Ministry of New
Hope Baptist Church
The purpose of these policies is to
insure the protection, safety and spiritual growth of the students of NHBC.
I. Confidence
A.
Many students confide in ministry workers about events in their lives for various reasons. The
following are reasons requiring that confidence with the student is
broken. In all classes the student workers should inform the student
minister so he may contact the parents or appropriate parties or
curtail the situation.
1. Any reference to suicide.
2. Any reference to committing
an illegal act.
3. Any reference to alcohol or
substance abuse.
4. Any reference to physical,
sexual, or mental abuse.
5. Any reference to a situation
that my endanger the life of the student, any other
student, or other person.
6. Any situation in which the student
worker does not know how to advise or proceed any further.
7. Any reference to a student
being sexually active.
B.
The student minister is to always notify a parent after being contacted by a student worker for any of the
above. If it becomes apparent that a parent is participating in any of the
above with the student, it then becomes the responsibility of the
Student Minister to contact DHR.
Discipline
A.
In the event that a student needs discipline the following procedure is to be followed.
1. The Student minister is to
be consulted.
2. The Student minister will go
with the teacher to the parents about the discipline problem.
3. If the student repetitively
disrupts a class or activity, then the Student can be asked to
leave the activity only after a discussion with the parents
and the Student Minister explaining the problem. A time frame will be
established for the student to return.
4. In certain cases, a teenager or adult worker may be
assigned to a certain child to assist the child in establishing good behavior during a study or
activity.
B.
Under no circumstances is corporal punishment or harsh language to be used.
C.
All discipline problems should be brought to the attention of the Student Minister.
Failure to execute any of these
procedures will result in removal from the Student Ministry.
Student Ministry Travel Policy
A.
To events that are out of the county of St. Clair, all students will ride
the buses and when the buses are full,
students will only ride with adult youth leaders.
B.
When events take place in the county of St. Clair, all non-licensed drivers must ride the buses.
C.
A licensed driver may drive to the event in St. Clair County in his/her car alone with no one else in the
car with him/her if he/she has a signed waiver from
parents/guardians stating that it is OK for their child to drive to a church event in
St. Clair County.
D.
All non-licensed students must ride the bus or with an adult leader!
If the event is close to your home, you may pick up your child personally at the event or they can ride home
with a sibling, otherwise they must ride the bus back to the church.
E.
If a licensed driver brings a guest; the guest must ride the bus or ride with an adult leader. We suggest
that both the student and the guest ride together on the bus. Without a form on file, the student must
ride the bus or with an adult youth leader or not attend the event. Remember we are setting guidelines to
protect your children as best as we can.
Leadership
There is no age limitation, if you love
kids, you’re in!
A. When selecting leaders to work with
students:
1. All leaders and prospective
leaders must be active members and involved in the life of
the church.
2. They must have an active
and personal relationship with Jesus.
3. They must strive to live a
life of purity, holiness, and set an example for the students of NHBC.
In a leadership role you must remember: what you do in
moderation, students will do in liberation! Live above reproach!
4. Have a passionate prayer
life other than at the supper table.
5. Must have fun!
6. Love kids!
7. Must fill out an
application and undergo a background check. (it’s a new law and the church
pays for it)
B. When using College students:
1. Must meet the above
criteria.
2. When used on retreats they
must work only with 7th-10th grade students when it comes to
ministry. This is because of the close age between 11th
& 12th graders and the college student. However, the student pastor
and team will use discretion and reserve the right to use
a college student where needed in special circumstances.
C. When working and ministering to students. &&&
1. Guys with guys and girls with girls!
If you are in a room with other people and no one else is
available—minister to them and then
hand them off or tell someone else
what went down.
2. Don’t drive one student in your car
to an event—always 3 or
more or another adult with you!
3. Be prepared! You can’t take students
where you haven’t been.
If you are not walking with Christ,
how can you teach or lead or
expect them to?
4. Be yourself! Teenagers see right
through you! Be yourself! They
don’t need another cliché, they
need Jesus! You be you to
them and love them and that’s all
they need!
5. Be understanding! It may seem stupid
to you but it’s huge to
them. Minister to them the way you
would want to be ministered
to. Love your neighbor as yourself.
6. Just give them Jesus. Plant the seed
and then sit back and
watch God do His thing!
D. Leaving the student ministry:
1. If you are a Sunday
School teacher, please give the Student
Minister at least one
month’s notice so he can find a replace-
ment. If you have a
suggestion, suggest it to the Student
Minister. Also tell the
student Minister why you are leaving and
pray that God would lead
another to take your place.
2. If God leads you to step
down, communicate that to the
Student Minister. Don’t
just stop coming around. Let’s do this
the right way and work together to find
where God may be leading you.
3. If you begin to really
struggle with an issue and have a hard time
walking with Christ,
communicate that to the Student Minister.
Pray and take a few weeks
off. Also, attend the adult prayer
meeting for those three
weeks and communicate back with the
Student Minister how
things are going. Always continue to pray
that God would deliver
you or heal you from what is going on.
The Student Minister will
also talk privately with the Pastor so that
he can be in prayer for
your situation. If the issue can’t be re-
solved, to do what’s best
for you and the student ministry, we
will ask you to step down
so you can receive some counseling
from the Pastor.
4. If you ever drink, smoke,
abuse (verbally or physically), cuss, fool
around (sexually) with or
around a student, you will be asked to
step down immediately and
encouraged to attend adult
services. This is done to
help you and our student ministry.
Remember that we are
trying to set a Godly example for our
students to follow.
5. Failure to communicate any
information that is harmful to a
student (see confidence:
Roman numeral I section A of the
Student manual) to the
Student Minister could result in being
asked to step down from
leadership. It is imperative that we
communicate things to
each other so that the student is taken
care of physically and
spiritually.
6. Know that we love you.
V.
Food and Flowers During Time of Death:
At the time of a death, the church will
send flowers or bibles in memory for Members, Wives, Husbands, Mothers,
Fathers, Mothers-in-Law, Fathers-in-Law, Brother, Sister and Children of
Members. The church will also prepare a meal for the member on the day of
the funeral.
Sanctuary Flowers:
Anyone wishing to place flowers in the
church is encouraged to do so. This must be coordinated with the church
calendar located in the church office. Any flower arrangement is not to be
over 31” high so it will not obscure the view of the pulpit area.
VI.
VEHICLES Section
Vehicles are available for church
functions and will be reserved on a first come first served basis. All
vehicles are to be reserved through the church office. One of our insured
drivers must drive the vehicles. These drivers will have their commercial
drivers license (CDL) or will have been through the safe drivers’ class.
The head of the class or organization is responsible for making sure the
vehicle is cleaned after the trip. The church will pay for the gas for all
New Hope Baptist Church related use of the bus.
Drivers:
The drivers for the church vehicles will
be required to be on the church’s insurance policy. To be added to the
policy all insurance requirements are to be met and have their CDL or been
through the training sessions by the Department of Transportation to drive
vehicle that carry 15 or more passengers. The drivers are to do the
following:
1.
Fill out a pre-trip inspection
sheet on the vehicle and return it to the church office.
2.
Cooperate with the annual random
drug & alcohol testing that is required by the Department of Transportation.
3.
Attend any training sessions
required by the Department of Transportation, which will be sponsored by the
church.
4.
Do not allow more passengers than
the vehicle capacity.
a.
Bus (15 including driver)
5.
Always put the safety of the
passengers first.
6.
Obey all traffic laws. Any driver
receiving a ticket will be responsible for that violation.
7.
Do not tailgate the vehicle in
front.
8.
Refuel the vehicles(s) upon return
and note that this was done on the inspection sheet.
9.
Be sure the vehicles are cleaned
upon return.
VII. Financial Section
PURCHASE ORDERS
Any member making purchases charged to
the church or wanting to be reimbursed for a purchase MUST follow this
procedure.
-
Clear the purchase with the Church
Secretary.
-
When a purchase is going to be made or
an order is going to be placed, a purchase order must be filled out BEFORE
doing so.
-
AFTER the purchase order has been
approved, then the order or purchase may take place. Most of the time
this approval can be given immediately.
-
When making the charge to the church,
please give the vendor the purchase order number so it may be written on
the invoice.
-
Deliver the invoice to the church
office.
-
If this procedure is not followed, the
individual may be responsible for payment and will be required to meet
with the finance committee.
Committee Budget Stewards
It is important to
remember that we as a church are deemed as Non-Profit. There are legal
standards that we must have in place in order to remain as a not for profit
organization.
-
Each
committee chair or staff is to manage
their budget. It is important to note that we can’t go over our individual
budgets.
-
The chairperson sho |
