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Our Constitution

Articles

Article I Sharon

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This body of believers will be known as the Sharon Conservative Mennonite Church, Inc.
 

Article II Mennonite Church Affiliation


This Congregation is affiliated with the Biblical Mennonite Alliance Congregations. This affiliation is by
choice and nothing shall be construed so as to bind the Congregation or of its property without its written
consent. The Congregation reserves the right to terminate this affiliation if in the sole opinion of the
Congregation in its best interest to do so. The Congregation may only terminate its affiliation by a
Congregational vote of two-thirds or more at a duly called Business Meeting. The proposal to terminate
affiliation will include an amendment to this Constitution.
 

Article III Purpose


The purpose of this Church to glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ by:

  1. Encouraging a vibrant life of worship both individually and corporately.

  2. Reaching those who need Christ with the Gospel of Godʼs grace.

  3. Building solid Christ-like character through Christ-centered Bible teaching.

  4. Expressing the love of God to our neighbors, community and the world through

 

Article IV - Statement of Faith


(Adapted from the Mennonite Confession of Faith of 1963, endorsed by the Biblical Mennonite Alliance.)

  1. God and His Attributes
    We believe in one God eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

  2. Divine Revelation
    We believe that God has revealed Himself in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inspired Word of God and supremely in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

  3. Godʼs Creation and Providence
    We believe that the Genesis account of the Creation is a historic fact and literally true. He made man in the divine image, with free will, moral character and a spiritual nature.

  4. Man and His Sin
    We believe that man fell into sin, bringing depravity and death upon the race; and that as a sinner, man is self-centered and self-willed, unwilling and unable to break with sin.

  5. Christ, the Saviour from Sin
    We believe that there is one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus, who died to redeem us from sin and arose for our justification.

  6. Salvation by Grace through Faith
    We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, a free gift bestowed by God on those who repent and believe.

  7. The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life
    We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, effects the new birth, gives guidance in life, empowers for service and enables perseverance in faith and holiness.

  8. The Church of Christ
    We believe that the church is the body of Christ, the brotherhood of the redeemed, a disciplined people obedient to the Word of God, and a fellowship of love, intercession, and healing.

  9. The Mission of the Church to Society
    We believe that Christ commissioned the church to go into all the world, making disciples of all the nations, and ministering to every human need.

  10. The Ministers of the Church
    We believe it is the will of God that there should be ministers to teach the Word, to serve as leaders, to administer the ordinance, to lead the church in the exercise of discipline, and to serve as pastor.

  11. Christian Baptism
    We believe that those who repent and believe should be baptized with water as a symbol of baptism with the Spirit, cleansing from sin, and commitment to Christ.

  12. The Lordʼs Supper
    We believe that the church should observe the communion of the Lordʼs Supper as a symbol of His broken body and shed blood, and of the fellowship of His church, until His return.

  13. Symbols of Christian Brotherhood
    We believe in the washing of the saintʼs feet as a symbol of brotherhood, cleansing and service.

  14. Symbols of Christian Order
    We believe that God has established unique roles for man and woman, symbolized by manʼs bared head in praying and prophesying, and by womanʼs veiled head.

  15. Marriage and the Home
    We believe that Christian marriage is intended by God to be the union of one man and one woman for life, and that Christians shall marry in the Lord.

  16. Discipleship and Nonconformity
    We believe that Christians are not to be conformed to the world, but should seek to conform to Christ in every of life.

  17. Christian Integrity
    We believe that Christians are to be open and transparent in life, ever speaking the truth and employing no oaths.

  18. Love and Non-resistance
    We believe that it is the will of God for Christians to refrain from force and violence in human relation and to show Christian love to all men.

  19. The Christian and the State
    We believe that the state is ordained of God to maintain order in society, and that Christians should honor rulers, be subject to authorities, witness to the state and pray for governments.

  20. The Final Consummation
    We believe that at death the unsaved enter into everlasting punishment and the saved into conscious bliss with Christ, who is coming again, and will raise the dead, sit in judgment and bring in Godʼs everlasting kingdom.

    Supporting Scriptures are cited following each article of the 1963 Mennonite Confession of Faith.
     

  21. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of Godʼs gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter oneʼs gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).

  22. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23).

  23. Salvation. We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sin. We believe that all sins. except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, are forgivable. (Matthew 12: 31-32. John 1:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10, 1 Peter1:18-19, 1 John 1:9).


Family Relationships

 

  1. 1. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and in the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensing and ordination by the church. (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:18, 1 Timothy 2:8-15, 3:4-5, 12).

  2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the spiritual leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Spiritual corporal correction (Gen. 1;26-28, Ex. 20:12, Ps. 127:3-5, Prov. 19:18, 22:15, 23:13-14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16, Ephesians 5:21-33, 1 Peter 3:1-7).


Divorce and Remarriage. We believe that divorce and remarriage is outside the will of God and thus unacceptable. A second marriage with an individual who has a former spouse living constitutes a state of

adultery, requiring repentance and separation. (Matthew 19:3-12, Romans 7:1-3, Titus 1;6).


Abortion. We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable (Psalm 51:5, 139:14-16, Isaiah 44:24, 49:1, 5, Jeremiah 1:5, 20:15-18).


Euthanasia. We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment (Exodus 20:13, 23:7, Matthew 5:21, Acts 17:28).


Love. We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions. We are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:44-48, Luke 6:31, John 13:34-35, Romans 12:9-10, 17-21, 13:8-10, Philippians 2:2-4, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Titus 3:2, 1 John 3:17:18).


Authority of Statement of Faith
The statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represent the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith. It is impossible to anticipate every doctrinal dispute that the church will encounter. Therefore, the churchʼs sole authoritative interpretation of the Bible shall be the statement of faith. Further, the Sharon Leadership Team shall be sole and final interpreter on the applicability and authority of Scripture.


Article V
Church Ordinances & Ceremonies

 

  1. Ordinances

    1. Baptism

      1. Baptism will be administered in the name of the Farther, Son and Holy Spirit, to those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and have given evidence of such profession (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, 16:13-38, Romans 6:1-4).

      2. The preferred mode of baptism is by pouring.

    2. Communion

      1. The Lordʼs Supper will be a memorial of His atoning sacrifice observed in obedience to the Lordʼs command, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24, Luke 22: 19-20).

      2. The Lordʼs Supper will be observed at least two times a year. All church members in good standing will have the right to participate (1 Corinthians 11: 27-29).
         

  2. Ceremonies

    1. ​Marriage:
      Marriage is ordained by God. It is the first and holiest institution among people. Marriage is between one       man and one woman.

      1. Marriage is ordained by God (Genesis 2:18, 2:24).

      2. Marriage partners must be equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14).

      3. Statement on Marriage and Sexuality. Marriage is a commitment of faithfulness and trust for life (Matthew 19:4-6). Because of this unique commitment and unity, premarital sexual relations and cohabitation, adultery and homosexual relationships are considered sinful practices (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Hebrews 13:4) and shall not be practiced or encouraged by any Member.

      4. We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the Church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly. We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with scripture nor the doctrines of the Church.

    2. Child Dedication:
      A service of dedication will be provided so parents may dedicate their children to       the Lord in the presence of the congregation and pledge themselves to lead their children to the knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ. The congregation pledges to support the family with love, encouragement and endeavors to provide opportunities for spiritual development of the family (Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Proverbs 22:6).


Article VI - Membership

 

  1. Requirements for Membership:
    Any person may become a member who has been baptized by water baptism in the church upon his/her confession of faith, gives clear evidence of having been born again, and has a good Christian character; (He/she must express agreement with church doctrine).
    Persons from other congregations who have been baptized upon confession of their faith in Christ and who give clear evidence of having been born again, and who wish to unite with the congregation shall present a letter of good standing if possible, or be admitted by reaffirmation of their faith. All candidates for membership shall be examined by the Pastor and, when approved, be recommended to the congregation for final approval.
     

  2. Responsibilities of the Member shall be:
    To give active support to the church by their regular attendance at worship services, uphold the church in prayer, give of their tithe and offering for the ministry of the congregation, give of their time and talents, seeking Godʼs will and following it, giving expression of love for their fellow man and seek to witness for Christ and to extend His Kingdom (Romans 12:18).
     

  3. Transfer of Membership:
    Members in good standing who wish to transfer their membership to another congregation will be granted a letter of release by the Pastor (Subject to the approval of the congregation).
     

  4. Membership shall include:
    Those persons who agree with the doctrine and the constitution and are not members of any other congregation. Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote in church matters.


Article VII Discipline


Should a person by reason of un-Christian conduct or conduct inconsistent with the Statement of Faith in the determination of the Sharon Leadership Team bring reproach to the name of Christ and the church, faithful and loving efforts should be made by the Pastor or members designated to bring such a person to repentance. If that fails, the congregation may, after due notice and appropriate meeting, terminate such membership by a simple majority vote of quorum.


The reason for discipline shall be (1) Deviation from the churchʼs doctrinal position, and heresy (I Tim. 1:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11), (2) Immoral conduct (I Cor. 5: 9-13; II Cor. 6: 14-17), (3) Serious personal unresolved differences with other members of the congregation (Eph. 4: 1-3; I Cor. 12:25).


Any person whose membership has been terminated may again be restored after assurance of repentance and restitution has been given to the congregation.


Article VIII Church Organization

 

  1. Pastors or Ministers
    The Sharon Leadership Team shall consist of the ministerial body and the elders. These two shall work together in governing the church.

    The ministerial body shall consist of a lead pastor, an associate pastor, and deacon. They shall be responsible to oversee and guide the congregationʼs life and service. These shall be ordained or licensed men chosen by the congregation. They shall give evidence of being born again and having Godʼs call to the ministry. They shall also be men of Christian character and be willing to adhere to the constitution and principles of scripture in governing the church. They shall be accountable to the leadership team.

    Terms of office are to be for their time of license or for the ordained: an indefinite time period terminated by mutual agreement.

    As God prospers and the church grows in number additional ministerial help may be needed. At such a time the ministerial body shall consult with the leadership team in making the request known to the congregation. Upon congregational approval he shall be chosen with the same criteria as the other ministerial body.
     

  2. Elders
    The Elders are members of the Leadership Team. At least four (4) Elders shall be elected to serve for five (5) years, and limited to two (2) consecutive terms at a time. Their responsibilities include sensing spiritual needs in the congregation and helping find ways to address them along with Sunday morning service involvement with the possibility of occasionally preaching. A selection process similar to the calling of ministers is to be used. The commissioning and charge would also be similar and must be a member of the congregation.
     

  3. Youth Elder
    The Youth Elder is a member of the leadership team with a four (4) year term, renewable at the end of each term.

    The primary purpose and responsibility of the Youth Elder is to faithfully point our youth to Christ as our ultimate example for life, to disciple them in spiritual growth and maturity. He would encourage them to contribute to the life of the congregation, helping them to discover, develop and fruitfully use their gifts. He would assist parents in directing them to healthy wholesome lifestyles and to oversee and support the activities entrusted to the Leadership Team. A selection process similar to the calling of ministers is used. The commissioning and charge would also be similar, and must be a member of the congregation.
     

  4. Lines of Relationship
    The ministerial team shall be the recognized leadership to the congregation and shall be responsible to oversee and guide its life and service. The ministerial team shall not change matters of policy for the congregation but shall think through and present all policy changes to the rest of the leadership team for review and action. The ordained ministry shall respect the bishop or lead pastor as the leading administrator of the congregation. In the event of the development of strained relationship within the leadership of the congregation or between the congregation and leadership to the point of impasse, the bishop or lead pastor or ordained minister shall ask the BMA Overseer and the leadership team to evaluate the situation and recommend a solution.
     

  5. Screening and use of all volunteers and staff

    1. ​The church shall not install, or retain any employee or volunteer who fails to adhere to or expresses disagreement with the statement of faith.

    2. All church officers must be approved by the Leadership Team in order for them to commence or continue in their offices.

    3. Only church members are eligible for election or appointment to any church office or position.

    4. Anyone deliberately teaching doctrines and practices not consistent with the churchʼs doctrine and position forfeits his/her rights to teach or work at Sharon Conservative Mennonite Church.

    5. The Sharon Leadership Team may institute guidelines, policies, procedures regarding the fitness, character and qualification of any volunteer or staff member of the church so long as they are consistent with the Constitution, Statement of Faith and Church doctrine.
       

  6. Meetings

    1. ​Meeting and such special meetings as are called by the church board shall be held at such times as are designated by the church board. A quorum shall consist of the members present, provided at least fifty percent (50%) of the Members precent. A meeting may be conducted without a quorum, but no action may be taken without a quorum. Notice of congregational meetings shall be given by announcement or by written notice distributed at a regular church service on two (2) consecutive Sundays prior to the stated time for such meeting. The notice of a special meeting and business transacted at the meeting shall be confined to the purpose stated in such notice and matters related thereto.

    2. Leadership Team Meeting
      A monthly meeting is held by the leadership team. Members of the leadership team are the lead pastor, assistant pastor, deacon and the elders. The lead pastor is to moderate the meeting. A quorum shall consist of the members present, provided at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the leadership team are present. A meeting may be conducted without a quorum, but no action may be taken without a quorum.

    3. Church Business Meeting
      A bimonthly business meeting is held on the first Tuesday of the month stated. Members of the business meeting team are the administrator, trustees, mission board, Sunday school treasurer, church treasurer, Sunday school superintendents and church secretary. The administrator is to moderate the meeting. A quorum shall consist of the members present provided at least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the business meeting team are present. A meeting may be conducted without a quorum, but no action may be taken without a quorum.

    4. All church administration meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer for divine guidance and blessing.


Article IX Facilities

 

  1. Church facilities may only be used for weddings that adhere to the Biblical definition of marriage. Church facilities may not be used by any individual, group, or organization that advocates, endorses, or promotes homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. The policy also applies to birthday parties, reunions, anniversaries, wedding, baby showers, or any gathering or meeting at Church facilities.
     

  2. Under no circumstances is the pastor to officiate or endorse any wedding ceremony that violates the belief and teachings of this church body in accordance with the Bible.
     

  3. The use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or illegal substances is not permitted in the building or on church grounds.
     

  4. The Leadership Team may make church facility use guidelines, policies and procedures so long as they are consistent with this Constitution, the Statement of Faith and church doctrine.


Article XI Church Conflict Resolution

 

  1. This church is committed to resolving in biblical manner all disputes that may arise within the body. This commitment is based on Godʼs command that Christians should strive earnestly to live at peace with one another (Matt.5:9; John 17:20-23;Romans 12:18; and Ephesians 4;1-3), and that when disputes arise, Christians should resolve them according to the principles set forth in Holy Scripture (Prov. 19:11; Matt. 5:23-25; 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1). We believe that these commands and principles are obligatory on all Christians and absolutely essential for the well-being and work of the church. Therefore, any and all disputes in the church shall be resolved according to biblical principles, as provided in the by-laws. Believing that lawsuits between believers are prohibited by Scripture, all members of this church agree to submit to binding arbitration any matters which cannot otherwise be resolved.
     

  2. In the event of any dispute ,claim question, or disagreement arising out of or relating to any church matter, the parties shall use their best efforts to settle such disputes, claims, questions, or disagreements as befits Christians. To this effect, they shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interest not to disgrace the name of Christ, seek to reach a just and equitable solution. If they do not reach such solution it shall be settled by arbitration as described in Section 1.
     

  3. Should any dispute involve matters of church discipline, the arbitrators shall be limited to determining whether the procedures for church discipline as outlined in our church Constitution were followed.
     

  4. The procedures for arbitration shall be as adopted by the church overseer and the leadership team.


Article XII Amendments


This Constitution may be revised or amended by a majority vote of a quorum of the members present and voting at any regular church administration meeting, provided that said revision or amendment has been submitted in writing and announced from the pulpit and distributed in writing fourteen (14) days before a vote is taken.


Adoption


These bylaws were adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly noticed and called meeting of the church at which a quorum was present.

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