Our Mission

Armuchee Bible Fellowship exists to glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus to the lost and by leading believers to maturity in Christ.

Armuchee Bible Fellowship 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, angels 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 grow together in holiness, wisdom and the knowledge of Christ and His word. We engage to support the biblical functions of this church, to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly as directed by the Spirit to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, benevolence to the needy, and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and personal devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our family, friends and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and mindful of our testimony to the glory of God, to avoid all gossip, backbiting and excessive anger; to seek God’s help in abstaining from all substances, habits and practices which bring unwarranted harm to the body or jeopardize our own or faith or that may hinder the faith of others.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to exhort, edify and encourage one another; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, if possible, unite with a church where we can carry out the articles of this confession and the spirit of this covenant for the edification of the Body of Christ and to His Glory.

BYLAWS –Armuchee Bible Fellowship, Inc.

ARTICLE I – NAME

This body shall be known as and operate under the corporate name of “Armuchee Bible Fellowship, Inc.” a Georgia Nonprofit Corporation.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Armuchee Bible Fellowship is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law) including, but not limited to, for such purposes as the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, the building of churches, schools, chapels, camps, recreational facilities, childcare facilities, community health facilities, counseling centers, church growth leadership, educational facilities and food and clothing centers; the evangelizing of the unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the educating of believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Holy Scripture, and the maintaining of missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country and other such ministries as may be determined by the church.

ARTICLE III – STATEMENT OF FAITH

One God

We believe in One Sovereign Holy God; One in essence and divine Nature and eternally existing in 3 persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son. We believe that He was born of a virgin, was both fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died a penal substitutionary death on the cross to atone for sin, was buried, arose bodily from the grave on the third day, ascended into heaven where He sits at the right hand of The Father making intercession for His people and that He will one day return to judge the world in righteousness.

The Holy Spirit

We believe in God the Holy Spirit; eternally proceeding from God the Father and from Jesus Christ and Whose present ministry includes guiding men into all truth, exalting Christ, convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment, cultivating Christian character, comforting believers, bestowing spiritual gifts by which believers serve God and sealing believers unto the day of final redemption.

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God; inerrant and infallible in the original texts as superintended by God through human authors. We believe that the scriptures are the final authority for Christian life and are sufficient for knowing the way of salvation and for equipping believers to walk in obedience to Christ.

Man

Human beings are the supreme object God’s creation and were created male and female in God’s image. Adam and Eve were created without sin but upon their initial disobedience to God in the Garden, the curse of sin entered the world. Every person (with exception of Christ) born since the fall has been born with a sinful nature and is in need of redemption through the blood of Christ.

Salvation *

Salvation is a monergistic work of God that includes:

A. Sovereign Election: An act of God before creation in which He elects some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.

B. Gospel Call.

The doctrine of calling is twofold:

(1) The General Call: A call that comes through the proclamation of the gospel. It is a call which urges sinners to repent and trust Christ (John 7:37)

(2) The Effectual Call: The effectual call is effective, that is, it always results in the salvation of the one being called (Rom 8:30)

C. Regeneration: 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.

D. Justification: God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

E. Adoption: The process that occurs at justification by which God adopts the believer into the family of God as a son and joint heir with Christ and seals us with the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 1:5, 13)

F. Sanctification: 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 the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.

G. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Perseverance of the Saints

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.

The Church

The Universal (or invisible) church is comprised of the entirety of the elect from around the world and who have been gathered into the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of the church and the Bible is its ultimate authority. The local church is an autonomous expression of the universal church. The church is commanded to love and commissioned to preach the Gospel of Christ to the world, to make disciples, to observe the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s supper, to practice Church Discipline, to engage in worship and fellowship; and to minister to those in need to the Glory of God.

Ordinances of Baptism and Communion

A. Baptism is an ordinance of the church by which professing believers are identified with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The biblical model for baptism is immersion in water in the name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

B. The Lord’s Supper (or Communion) is an observance instituted by Christ by which we remember His sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. The bread and the cup are symbolic of the body and blood of Christ. Christ is present spiritually but He is not physically present in the elements of The Lord’s Supper.

ARTICLE IV – DOCTRINE

Armuchee Bible Fellowship accepts “The Baptist Faith and Message” as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on June 14, 2000.

ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: GENERAL

This church is autonomous and maintains the right to govern its own affairs, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and independent of any external control. The membership reserves the right to determine who shall be members of this church and the conditions of such membership.

SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS

Persons meeting the following requirements, who subscribe to the Statement of Faith in Article III of this document, can be members of Armuchee Bible Fellowship:

1. By immersion baptism after having made a genuine profession of faith in Christ.

2. By letter of transfer from another Bible-believing church of like faith and practice.

3. By statement of faith in Christ, having been baptized by immersion in a Bible-believing church of like faith and practice.

All applications for membership are subject to review by the pastoral leadership of the church. Should there be any question that might require prayer, thought or study or if there is any dissent as to any candidate, such question or dissent shall be referred at his discretion to the Board of Elders for further guidance as to their qualifications for membership.

SECTION 3: DUTIES

Members are expected to acknowledge and adhere to the articles of the Church Covenant of Armuchee Bible Fellowship.

SECTION 4: RIGHTS

Members who are sixteen (16) years of age or older in good standing as defined in Sections 2 and 3 above may vote in church administrative meetings. Voting by proxy is prohibited. Notwithstanding any other powers granted in these bylaws, members who are sixteen (16) years of age or older in good standing shall always have the right to vote on the following matters:

a. Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the church

b. Merger or dissolution of the church

c. Election or removal of Deacons

SECTION 5: DISCIPLINE

A member whose life and conduct is not in accordance with Biblical standards in such a way that the member hinders the ministry of the church or the witness of the church in the community may be dismissed after the following procedures are complied with:

1. First, a request by a member in good standing to dismiss another member must be brought to the Elder Board.

The Elder Board, after prayerful consideration of the matter, shall at their discretion determine if the request has merit. If they determine the request has merit either the Elder Board or their appointed representative shall request a meeting with the individual subject to said request. Only after faithful efforts have been made and failed to bring such member to repentance in accordance with Matthew 18:15-22 shall the Board of Elders consider that the member’s be dismissal.

2. Second, after prayerful deliberation and consideration, the Board of Elders by a majority vote may terminate the person’s membership and dismiss the member. The Board of Elders takes these actions on behalf of the church to prevent embarrassment and/or to preserve the confidentiality of details surrounding the member being dismissed.

SECTION 6: ATTENDANCE

Members who are absent for 6 consecutive months will be placed in Inactive Status

Inactive members who do not return within 90 days will be removed from the membership roll.

SECTION 7: TERMINATION

Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:

1. Death.

2. Transfer to another Southern Baptist church.

3. Affiliation with a church of another denomination.

4. By request of member desiring his termination.

5. As the end result of a church discipline process as stated in Section 5.

6. By removal from the church roll as stated in Section 6.

SECTION 8: RESTORATION

Any person whose membership has been terminated by the Board of Elders may be restored upon evidence of his/her repentance and reformation by recommendation of any Elder and a majority vote of the Board of Elders.

SECTION 8: RECORD OF MEMBERSHIP

Under the direction of the Secretary, an accurate database of all members shall be kept and insofar as possible, an up-to-date record of their contact information. These records shall be confidential and will be used only for church purposes. They shall not be sold, given or loaned to any person or entity for any purpose not directly relating to the ministry of the church and only with expressed verbal or written permission of said member.

ARTICLE VI – CHURCH ORGANIZATION

SECTION 1: GENERAL

The church is both a spiritual body and a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia. The church is subject to the authority of Scripture in all matters and subject to the rules of duly constituted public authority (Romans 13:1-7). The church organization is to provide the mechanism for the orderly activity of the church body.

SECTION 2: MEETINGS

The church shall meet in regular worship services each Sunday at such times and place as may be determined by the Elder Board. Additionally, the church may meet at such other dates and times as may be deemed appropriate by the Elder Board for purpose of worship, edification, proclamation and for observance of church ordinances.

During the last quarter of each calendar year, the church shall meet for the annual administration meeting. The exact day, time and place of the annual administration meeting shall be set by the Elder Board,  Unless otherwise stated in these bylaws, other church administration meetings may be called as necessary from time to time by the Board of Elders.

Notice as to the time and date of any administration meeting must be made at least one week in advance of the meeting unless extreme urgency renders such a notice impractical. Notice must be given by announcement in a Sunday morning worship service or by delivery by US mail to each member identified household.

The Moderator at the church administration meetings shall be the Lead Elder or his designee, provided the church has a Lead Elder; if the church has no Lead Elder or in the event the Lead Elder or his designee is absent, a representative elected by the Board of Elders shall act as moderator.

The moderator is to utilize Robert’s Rules of Order (latest revised edition) for the purpose of conducting meetings and may appoint a parliamentarian, if he determines such appointment to be appropriate. The moderator may bring such matters before the administration meeting as he determines at his sole discretion to be appropriate. At least annually, the following matters shall be brought before the church at the annual administrative meeting:

a. A slate of proposed deacons to serve the church body as may be necessary to fill vacancies or to increase the size of that body

b. Proposed new members, as may be necessary to fill vacancies on the Board of Elders, Trustees and other standing teams

c. An annual church budget

Additionally, the following matters are to be brought to church administration meetings:

a. Any proposed change to the church bylaws

b. Any proposed action on a Pastor Search Team

Unless otherwise stated in these bylaws, any matter presented to the church administration meeting for action shall require a majority vote of those in attendance. Members in attendance at a duly called church administration meeting shall be deemed to constitute a legal quorum.

SECTION 3: OFFICERS

The corporate officers of the church are as follows:

1. The Lead Elder shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the corporation and shall have general and active management of the day-to-day operation of the corporation. He shall be responsible for the administration of the corporation, including general supervision of the policies of the church.

2. Secretary. The secretary shall work under the direction of the Senior Pastor and shall keep the corporate seal and records and make proper entries of all corporate proceedings. The Secretary or his/her designee shall also keep minutes of all church administrative meetings and all meetings of the Leadership Team and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may from time to time be delegated to him/her by the CEO.

SECTION 4: DEACONS

In accordance with the meaning of the word “Deacon” as practiced in the New Testament, Deacons are to be servants of the church rather than an administrative or governing body, staying on the leading edge of ministry by taking care of the needs of the church and the community as the Senior Pastor leads.

The function of the Deacon is to represent the Senior Pastor in visiting the sick, ministering to widows and orphans and carrying out other ministry assignments as requested by the Senior Pastor. The number of deacons shall be based on the needs of the church and the total membership of the church. The needs of the church concerning the number of Deacons shall be determined by the Deacon body and the Senior Pastor.

The qualifications shall be those found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In addition a Deacon must be a man 21 years of age or older, a member in good standing of Armuchee Bible Fellowship, active in the ministries of the church, adhere to the Statement of Faith in Article III of this document and faithfully and enthusiastically support the ministry goals of the church.

The Deacons shall be elected by the church after eligible men have been examined and presented to the church.

Nominations for Deacons shall be presented at the annual church administration meeting or at another called church administration meeting, if necessary. The nominations shall be listed on a ballot for the voting church members to vote on each nomination individually. All Deacons shall be elected to serve for a three-year term.

ARTICLE VII – ELDERS

In accordance with the New Testament model, an Elder is a spiritually mature man, knowledgeable in the Scriptures, officially recognized by the local church to work with the Pastor other Elders in exercising oversight and shepherding of the church membership. The Board of Elders at Armuchee Bible Fellowship consists of up to 5 men who serve for a term of three years.

Elders are nominated and called based on the Biblical requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

Elders will be appointed by a majority vote of the Elder Board.

The Elders are responsible for working with the Lead Elder and staff to carry out the mission and responsibilities of the church as stated in the bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII – LEAD ELDER

By virtue of his calling and office, the Lead Elder is the spiritual leader of Armuchee Bible Fellowship and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.

The Lead Elder is responsible for leading the church to function as a New Testament church. As spiritual leader of the church, he shall lead the congregation and church organizations to perform their tasks. As the first among equals, the Lead Elder is the leader of pastoral ministries in the church. As such, he works with the Board of Elders, Deacons and church staff to:

1. Lead the church to engage in a fellowship of worship, prayer, witness, education, ministry and application.

2. Proclaim the gospel to believers and unbelievers.

3. Care for the church’s members and other persons in the community.

The Lead Elder shall be the chief administrator of the church ministerial staff, administrative and support staff. In addition, the Lead Elder shall serve as an ex officio member of all church Boards and Committees. He may appoint another member of the church staff to share his administrative and Committee responsibilities.

The Lead Elder may, within the confines of the adopted budget, add, remove, replace or realign existing staff positions as he deems necessary and appropriate. He shall be appointed by the Elder Board for an indefinite period of time and may terminate his position by a notice of thirty days or more or less by mutual consent of the Elder Board.

ARTICLE IX – CHURCH MINISTRIES

The ministries of the church are to be consistent with the Statement of Faith in Article III of this document. They are to be under the supervision of the Elder Board or a designated church staff member. In order for a ministry to be considered a ministry of the church, it must be under the Scriptural authority of the church to insure appropriate accountability, integrity and management of such ministries.

ARTICLE X – GENERAL

SECTION 1: LICENSING AND ORDINATION

1. Anyone who, in the judgment of the pastoral leadership, gives evidence by his faithfulness, zeal and understanding of sound Christian doctrine that he is called of God to the work of the ministry, after being examined and approved by the Elder Board, may be licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ. Upon licensing, the newly licensed minister shall have the authority under the supervision of the Elder Board to preach the gospel, minister to the members, baptize believers, serve communion, perform weddings, lead worship, and perform other ministerial duties approved by the Elder Board.

2. If the Elder Board decides that someone possesses the Biblical, spiritual and educational qualifications for ordination as stated in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, they shall call together the men of the church to examine the candidate. After the examination and upon their recommendation, a public service shall be held at which time the candidate shall be ordained by the laying on of hands.

Upon ordination, the newly ordained pastor shall have the full blessing of the church to preach, lead as pastor, baptize, serve communion, perform weddings, lead worship and perform other ministerial duties as led by the Lord and directed the local church.

SECTION 2: DESIGNATED CONTRIBUTIONS

From time to time the church, in the exercise of its religious, educational and charitable purposes, may establish various funds to accomplish specific goals. Contributors not giving to these established funds may suggest uses for their contributions, but all such suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. No fiduciary obligation shall be created by any designated contribution not made to a church established fund.

SECTION 3: FISCAL YEAR

The church hereby adopts the calendar year as its fiscal year. Unless otherwise stated at the time of their election all terms of office for Deacons, Trustees and Elders shall begin on January 1.

SECTION 4: ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

These bylaws shall be considered adopted and will become effective upon affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at a duly called church administration meeting. The adoption shall affect a repeal of all previously adopted bylaws and rules in conflict herewith.

ARTICLE XI – TAX EXEMPT PROVISIONS

SECTION 1 – PRIVATE INUREMENT

No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of or be distributed to its members, directors, officers, trustees or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payment and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in these bylaws.

SECTION 2 – POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The church shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended at any duly called church administration meeting by two thirds of the church members present or with prayerful consideration by a unanimous vote of the entire Board of Elders in the interim, if deemed advantageous to the efficiency of the overall church mission and program.

ARTICLE XIII – MARRIAGE

A. Marriage:

Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the scriptures. Marriage is a union ordained by God. It was first instituted by God in the early chapters of Genesis, codified in the Levitical law.

We believe, based on the teaching of the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments, that marriage is an institution ordained by God from the foundation of the world, and intended as a lifelong union of one natural born man and one natural born woman. This idea is supported by the account of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Genesis 1:26-28 provides that God created man in His own image, both male and female. The passage implies that a unity of one man and one woman is in some way necessary to fully represent the image of God in mankind. Genesis chapter 2 provides a more detailed account in which God created the first man, Adam, and decided that it was not good for him to be alone. (Gen. 2:18). God indicated that He would make a suitable helper or help mate for him. God brought all of the animals to Adam, but none of them was a suitable helper for him, so God then created Eve, the first woman, from part of Adam himself. God did not create a second man to be Adam’s helpmate, or an assortment of multiple women, but rather one woman. Together they were man and wife and had no shame or sin in their union with each other. (Genesis 2:15-25).

Jesus Christ reaffirmed the teaching of the Old Testament when He said, as recorded in Matthew 19:46, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Jesus states that marriage is a sacred, lifelong bond between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4–6).

The Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 5:22-32 that marriage is not merely a human institution, but is a special divine metaphor that is supposed to illustrate the union of Christ and the church. For this reason also, only a union between a man and a woman can be a proper marriage because a union between two men, two women, or one man and multiple women or any collection of people could not properly illustrate the relationship between Christ and His church.

B. Activities Inconsistent with Accepted Biblical Teachings:

I Corinthians 6:9-11 condemns a variety of lifestyles including those associated with adultery, prostitution, and homosexuality. The Bible condemns all forms of sexual immorality and encourages Christians to flee from it because of its destructive effects, and because the body of the Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 3:16 & 6:11-20). Romans 1:18-32 makes it clear that it is not only sinful to engage in homosexual unions, but it is also sinful to approve of such sins in others or encourage their practice. As a result, in order to maintain our consistent Christian witness, we cannot sanction, approve, or promote in any way adultery, fornication (a sexual relationship between an unmarried man and woman; i.e. “living together”), pornography, pedophilia, polyamory, polygamy, bestiality, bisexuality, homosexual unions, or any other sexually immoral acts.

This is made clear also by countless other verses throughout the Old Testament as well as by these and other passages in the New Testament. Our church follows what the Bible reveals as the sure foundation of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles (Matthew 7:24-29 and I Corinthians 14:37). The church is called to teach and practice these teachings and is not at liberty to depart from them for a different authority if it is to authentically bear the name “Christian.” In instances involving matters as foundational as marriage we must ultimately obey God rather than man if the two come into conflict (Acts 4:18-22). A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of marriage found in this policy statement. Furthermore, any civil government’s attempt to force this Church to violate the statements contained herein shall specifically be viewed as being in violation of this Church’s free exercise of religion otherwise known as the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Activities that include, but are not limited to adultery, incest, homosexuality, bisexuality, pedophilia, polyamory, polygamy, bestiality, and other sexually immoral acts are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and this Church. Lewd conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation or distribution or viewing of pornography are incompatible with God’s intention.

This Church recognizes that marriage is the uniting of one natural born man and one natural born woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, this Church, its pastors, staff, members, visiting clergy, or invitees will not be participants in same sex unions or same sex marriages, nor shall its property or resources be used for such purposes.

1. Clergy: Ordained clergy or licensed ministers employed by the church shall affirm the statement of faith on marriage and human sexuality adopted by this church. Such ordained clergy, licensed ministers, and/or professional ministerial employee demonstrate the affirmation of the statements contained herein by and through the accepting of employment and/or ministry with this Church. Only ordained or duly licensed clergy approved by this church shall officiate at marriage ceremonies conducted on church property. Clergy employed by the church shall be subject to dismissal for violating this statement of faith on marriage and human sexuality or by officiating at a marriage ceremony that violates the letter or the spirit of this policy.

2. Applicants for weddings performed by church staff: Applicants wishing to have a ceremony performed by a member of the clergy employed or clergy or to use the church facilities for their wedding shall affirm the statement of faith regarding marriage and human sexuality and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. Applicants shall participate in premarital counseling by clergy or counselors employed by this church or other persons who, in the sole opinion of the pastoral staff of the church have the appropriate training, experience, and spiritual understanding to provide such counseling. All pastoral staff, counselors or other persons providing premarital counseling shall affirm the statement of faith of this church on marriage and human sexuality.

3. Use of Facilities: Any marriage performed on church premises shall be officiated by an ordained or duly licensed member of the clergy. Any officiant not employed by this Church shall serve at the discretion of the Church. Clergy officiating marriage ceremonies on church premises, whether or not employed by the church, shall affirm their agreement with the statement of faith on marriage and human sexuality adopted by this church and conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. Clergy and staff assigned by the church to implement the procedures contained in this Marriage Policy may, in his or her discretion, decline to provide church facilities for, and/or decline to officiate at a ceremony when in his or her judgment, there are significant concerns that one or both of the applicants may not be qualified to enter into the sacred bond of marriage for theological, doctrinal, moral or legal reasons. Any use of any of our facilities or buildings by any group or person whether affiliated or not affiliated with this church shall conduct themselves in accordance with and not contrary to this statement and this document. Every minister or employee hired by the Church as well as those members or individuals serving in a volunteer capacity shall affirm their agreement with this Church’s statement on marriage and human sexuality and conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. Acceptance of employment or serving in a position of ministry with this Church are indicative of the affirmation with the statements contained herein. Any member serving in any leadership capacity whatsoever will be asked to affirm their agreement with this policy on marriage and human sexuality and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. The continued service in any leadership capacity whatsoever is indicative of the affirmation with the statements contained herein. Church leaders, teachers, and ALL members are expected to teach and live in a manner that is consistent with this policy. Becoming a part of this church through membership is indicative of the affirmation with the statements contained herein. Any member engaging in activity that is in violation of the statements contained herein as well as sanctioning, condoning, or concealing any activity that is in violation of the statements mentioned herein shall be subject to dismissal for violating this statement of faith on marriage and human sexuality. Every pastor, staff member, and church member by virtue of their membership affirms their agreement with 3 the statements contained herein and agrees to conduct themselves in a manner with which it is consistent.

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