Doctrinal Statement
ARTICLES OF FAITH
We, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, having had an experience of a new birth by the power of the Spirit of God, believing ourselves to be new creatures in Christ, and having been baptized, on profession of faith, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, by which we mean having been immersed in the name of the Trinity, desire and are determined to form ourselves into a Baptist Church; which we understand to mean, a church composed of persons who hold and teach the following doctrines:
1. On the Holy Scriptures:
“The Divine, supernatural, inspiration of the 66 books of the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, as being the very Word of God, written by holy men of old as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, kept pure through all ages by God’s singular care and providence, inerrant, and therefore, a complete, infallible, and Divinely authoritative rule of faith and practice.”
Scripture texts: 2Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:20, 31; Psalm 119:72.
2. Respecting the Being and Unity of God:
“The existence of one living and true God, eternally sustaining the personal relation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the same in essence and equal in attributes.”
Scripture texts: John 1:1-4; Galatians 4:4-6; Matthew 28:19; Psalm 100:3; John 6:30; 1 Corinthians 3:16.
3. The Creation of Man:
“That man was made as a direct creation, in God’s image and likeness, by Divine fiat, as recorded in the book of Genesis, and not by evolution.”
Scripture texts: Genesis 1:26, 27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 5:1, 2.
4. Human Depravity:
“That man in Adam fell, is consequently totally depraved, and in his natural state is without capacity to receive the things of the Spirit of God, until such capacity is created within him by the quickening grace of the Holy Spirit.”
Scripture texts: Genesis 3:1-24; 6:5; Psalm 14:2,3; Isaiah 39:1-8; 64:6-7; Micah 7:1-6; John 6:44; Romans 5:6; Ephesians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14; Isaiah 59:10;
2 Corinthians 3:14; Ephesians 4:18; 1 John 2:11.
5. The Virgin Birth:
“That the virgin birth was a miraculous and historic fact, and its corollary is the essential and eternal Deity of Jesus Christ.”
Scripture texts: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11.
6. The Death of Christ:
“That by His substitutionary death Christ made complete and eternal atonement for the sins of His people.”
Scripture texts: Isaiah 53:5,6; Galatians 1:3,4; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:1-14; Revelation 3:9-14; 1 Peter 3:18.
7. Resurrection:
“That the bodily resurrection of Christ is an historical fact, and a pledge of the resurrection of the bodies of both the just and the unjust.”
Scripture texts: Psalm 16:10; Luke 24:1-48; Acts 17:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
8. Second Coming of Christ:
“That the second, personal and visible coming of Christ, is a future event. It will be followed by the final judgment of all men, and by the eternal punishment of unbelievers and the everlasting blessedness of the righteous.”
Scripture texts: Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Luke 13:25; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Peter 3:9-14; Revelation 22:12.
9. Election and Salvation:
“That election is according to the foreknowledge of God, and is followed by the effectual calling in grace of all God’s chosen people.”
“That justification is by faith alone through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Regeneration and sanctification are effected by the Holy Spirit in applying the work of Christ.”
“That believers in Christ are eternally secure in Him, according to the specific promises of God’s Word, and as the corollary to the truth that salvation is by grace alone, and not by works that we have done.”
“That in this the perseverance and ultimate perfection of the saints are guaranteed.”
Scripture texts: Ephesians 1:3-11; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Peter 1:1-15; John 15:16-19; Romans 9:9-24; Deuteronomy 7:6; Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 3:19-4:1; 5:1-8; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; John 17:17; Ephesians 5:22-27.
10. Human Responsibility:
“That all men are answerable to God for the acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as revealed in the record God has given to us in His Son.”
Scripture texts: Ezekiel 18:20; John 3:12-21, 36; Romans 2:1-16; Luke 12:42-48; Luke 19:11-26; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 4:2.
11. A Church:
“That a church is a company of immersed believers voluntarily associated, and meeting in one place on the first day of the week for mutual edification, for the observances of the ordinances, and the maintenance and propagation of the Gospel.”
Scripture texts: Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Matthew 18:15-20.
12. Ordinances:
“That the immersion of the believer in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is the only Scriptural mode of baptism.”
“That the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance to be observed by the church and the privilege is peculiar to immersed believers.”
Scripture texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 6:26-40; 10:44-48; 19:1-7; Romans 6:1-6; Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 2:41-43; 20:7-12; 1 Corinthians 5:6-13; 11:17-34.
13. Church Government:
“That the government of Bath Road Baptist Church is vested in the body of believers who compose it, and it is their duty, recognizing Christ as the Head of the Church, to seek the mind of the Spirit in all things.”
“That the church is free from outside ecclesiastical control, but fellowships for service and mutual strengthening with other churches of like faith, or whose doctrinal position may be generally defined by “The Baptist Faith and Message”, Bath Road Baptist Church, October 1956, and “The Baptist Confession of Faith”, London, 1689.
14. Church and State:
“That the church and state have two separate spheres of responsibility, and the one should never control the other. This does not prohibit mutually beneficial cooperation which does not compromise the separate spheres of duty and control.”
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1 – Church Identity
Name: Bath Road Baptist Church
Location: 193 Bath Road, Kingston, Ontario
Organized: October 5, 1956
ARTICLE 2 – Church Fellowship
Bath Road Baptist Church is an independent Baptist Church free from outside ecclesiastical control. Bath Road Baptist Church will cooperate, and have fellowship, with other evangelical assemblies of like precious faith and with similar doctrinal positions.
ARTICLE 3 – Ministry Statement
Our purposes and priorities as a church are:
1. We believe that the ultimate purpose of the human race is to glorify the Triune God and to enjoy Him forever. We purpose then to gather together regularly for the enjoyment of God as we worship Him in the preaching, teaching and public reading of His Word, the singing of His praise, the offering up of prayer, the observance of the divinely instituted ordinances, and the offering to Him of our material resources (Acts 2:41-47; John 4:23, 24; 1 Corinthians 11:23ff.; Matthew 28:16-20; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:1ff.).
2. We believe the immeasurable and unmerited love of God in Christ Jesus or His people obligates Christians to love each other. We will endeavour then to love one another as church members for the glory of God, the good of each other, and as a witness to all people. To this end we meet not only for worship but to encourage and be encouraged by fellow members. We will seek to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of such members (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 4:10, 11).
3. We will endeavour to glorify God through the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our city, across our country and around the world praying earnestly that the Lord will draw many to faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:7,8).
4. We will endeavour to glorify God through good works as occasion and ability permit (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:1,8,14).
ARTICLE 4 – Membership
“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50).
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Scripture texts: John 15:5, 6; Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-28.
1. Reception of Members:
a) Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of the new birth may, upon baptism, be received into membership.
b) Candidates for baptism shall be examined by the Pastor or Deacons, who shall then report to the Church.
c) Members from other churches, holding the same faith, may be received by a letter of recommendation from their respective churches.
d) Members of churches without a letter of recommendation, or any baptized believer, may be received on giving satisfactory evidence of the new birth, Christian conduct, and Scriptural faith.
e) Excluded members may be restored to membership on confession of their errors, and giving evidence of repentance.
f) No member shall be received into the Church except by a vote of the members assembled at any Regular or Special business meeting.
2. Duties of Members:
a) The duties of members to themselves are: the acquisition of spiritual knowledge; consistent progress in spirituality; consistency of external conduct; and the control and eradication of every unholy disposition.
b) It is the duty of members to honour, esteem, and love their Pastor; to pray for him fervently, and daily; to submit to him in the scriptural exercise of his official authority; to avail one’s self constantly of his ministry; to manifest a tender regard for his reputation; and to contribute toward his support in proportion to their ability.
c) It is the duty of members not only to receive from the church the benefits of membership, but also to contribute. Each member should exercise spiritual gifts in the church for the good of the whole body, display a willingness to help, and contribute financially in proportionate giving in accordance with the teaching of Scripture.
d) It is the duty of each member to cultivate and cherish brotherly love for all other members of the Church; and to show this love by using all proper measures to promote their spiritual benefit and prosperity.
e) Toward those who are not connected with the Church, it is the duty of members to fulfill obligations and perform promises; and, as opportunity may enable to commend the Gospel of Christ unto them.
f) As much as possible, members are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings of the church not only for their own good but for the contribution which their presence makes to the whole body. Since Communion Services are in particular a privilege and responsibility of members, those failing to attend the Communion Services shall be interviewed by the Pastor or Deacons.
g) Members moving from the vicinity of the Church may request a letter of recommendation to be forwarded to a church of similar faith which they intend to join.
3. Discipline of Members:
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that `by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:15-18).
a) Members failing to observe the basic principles of Christian faith and practice, as found in the Scriptures, to such an extent as to bring reproach upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church, shall be interviewed Pastor or Deacons, according to the Scriptures. If such a visit does not resolve the matter, recommended measures of discipline shall be brought to the Deacons’ Board and then to the Church for approval.
b) The ultimate objective of discipline is restoration to fellowship.
4. Voting Privileges:
a) The Articles of Faith as set forth shall be a perpetual standard by which to determine one’s right to have a vote in the controlling of property or in decisions concerning pulpit incumbents. No individual failing to subscribe to the Articles of Faith shall have any valid controlling influence over property owned by this Church, or over the supplying of the pulpit.
b) All members in good standing, sixteen years of age and over, may vote in business matters of the Church, with the exception of buying and selling of property, where the age shall be eighteen years or over. The buying and selling of property shall come on the recommendation of the Deacons’ Board and the Trustees.
5. Membership Roll:
a) An up-to-date Membership Roll shall be kept by the Church Clerk. It shall record dates of reception, baptism, transfer, decease, resignation, dismissal.
2. The Membership Roll shall be reviewed by the Deacons annually and recommended deletions be made to the membership. Each deletion shall be evaluated on its own merit, the decision discussed with the member, before submission to the membership. The Church shall vote on all deletions.
6. Resignations from Church Membership:
1. All members resigning from the Church shall be requested to submit their resignation in writing. The resignation shall be submitted to the Pastor or a Deacon.
ARTICLE 5 – Officers of the Church
1. No person shall hold any elected office who is not a member of the Church.
2. The elected officers of the Church are:
Pastor(s)
Deacons
Church Clerk
Treasurer and Assistant
Tellers
Auditors
Trustees
ARTICLE 6 – Officers, Election and Duties
1. Pastor(s)
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:2, 3)
“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.” (John 3:27,34)
Scripture texts: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
a) When deemed necessary, by the death, resignation or removal of a previous Pastor, the Church shall, without unnecessary delay, invite to its Pastorate a Minister of good report and sound Scriptural convictions.
b) Pastors shall be elected at a Special Business Meeting of the Church, called for that particular purpose. Public notice shall be given for three immediately preceding the day of the meeting. The meeting shall only be called after the Church has had opportunity to hear the candidate, meet with him, and he has agreed to have his name voted upon. A seventy-five per cent of eligible votes shall be required to call a Pastor. Prior to the vote he shall be asked to submit in writing his acceptance of the Articles of Faith, the Constitution, and By-Laws of the Church.
c) If a Pastor is called who is not ordained, an Ordination Council shall be called, as soon as possible by the Church for the purpose of ordaining the pastor.
d) The Pastor shall receive a stated salary, recommended to the Church by the Pulpit Committee for its approval. The salary shall be reviewed annually.
e) The Articles of Faith, and any written special arrangements under which the Pastor is called, shall be a perpetual standard by which to determine his right to occupy the pulpit. He, failing to measure up to this standard, may be asked to resign or by dismissed.
f) The Pastor shall seek to:
- Fulfill the “Great Commission”. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
- Preach and testify that Jesus is Judge of the living and the dead.
(Acts 10:42)
- Shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
(Acts 20:28)
- Preach the Word, convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and
teaching, being watchful, enduring affliction, doing the work of an
evangelist, fulfilling the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1, 2, 5)
- Exhibit the marks of the ministry. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)
- Enhance the spiritual welfare of the flock by ministering the Word,
prayer and personal counseling.
- Regulate the meetings of public worship.
- Administer the ordinances.
- Exercise discipline.
- Give general leadership to the Church.
2. Deacons
“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:3, 4)
Each man shall meet the qualifications as set out in Acts 6 and 1Timothy 3:8-13.
a) The Deacons are the recognized servants of the Church. There shall be a sufficient number of Deacons elected by the Church to take care of its needs.
b) The Deacons shall constitute the Pulpit Committee for a Pastoral search, and when the pulpit is vacant for extended periods. With Church approval, additional members may be added to the Pulpit Committee.
c) The Deacons shall with the Pastor examine candidates for Baptism and Church Membership, and take the initial steps in discipline.
d) The Deacons shall:
- Assist the Pastor in all the spiritual and material affairs of the Church.
- Authorize the use of Church facilities.
- Serve on the Stewardship Committee.
3. Deacons’ Board
a) The Deacons’ Board shall be composed of all duly elected pastors and deacons.
b) The Deacons’ Board shall be assigned a spending limit by the Church, within which they may operate without further approvals, provided such expenditures fit within the annual budget approved by the membership.
c) The Benevolent Fund shall be administered by the Pastor and Deacons. Expenditures from this fund shall be kept confidential.
4. Church Clerk
a) The Church Clerk shall be elected annually at the Annual Business Meeting.
b) The Church Clerk shall:
- Keep an accurate Membership Roll, including dates of reception,
baptism, transfer, decease, resignation, dismissal.
- Be the Secretary of, and keep accurate minutes, of all Business
Meetings.
- Receive, communicate, respond to correspondence as directed by the
Church.
- Be the Archivist of Church history.
5. Treasurer
a) The Treasurer, and if necessary, the Assistant Treasurer, shall be elected annually at the Annual Business Meeting.
b) The Treasurer shall:
- Receive, deposit and be the custodian of all Church Funds.
- Keep accurate financial accounts of all monies received and disbursed.
- Pay all accounts, and expenses, promptly, as provided for in the Church
Budget.
- Prepare Financial Statements for the regular Business Meeting of the Church
and for the Deacons. The Church or Deacons may request special reports.
- Supply the auditors with the records they may require in auditing the Church
books.
- Alert the Deacons to any financial difficulties.
6. Tellers
a) The Tellers shall work in pairs (or more) with the total complement determined by the need. They shall be elected annually at the Annual Business Meeting.
b) The Tellers shall:
- Keep an accurate record of all monies received at public services.
- Provide an accurate accounting of all monies received to the Treasurer.
7. Auditors
a) The Auditors shall be a minimum of two in number and elected at the Annual Business Meeting. The Church also has the option of soliciting the service of an accountant.
b) The Auditors shall:
- Satisfy themselves that the Treasurer’s books accurately represent the
financial state, and the financial transactions, of the Church.
- Present a written report of their findings at the Annual Business Meeting of
the Church.
8. Trustees
a) The trustees shall be a minimum of three in number and elected by majority vote at a duly-called Business Meeting, and in accordance with the regulations of The Religious Societies’ Act of Ontario.
b) Trustees shall remain in office until such time as they resign, decease, or are dismissed by the Church.
c) The Trustees shall:
- Sign all legal documents on behalf of the Church, but only as the Church
directs.
- Deposit all legal, and valuable, documents in a safe place under the Church’s
name.
9. Non-Elected Officers
a) All other Church leaders, teachers, those with specific positions and Committee members shall be appointed to their positions by the Deacon’s Board from the membership.
b) Church members shall be provided with an opportunity to volunteer for positions in their interest areas.
c) A Nominating Committee shall receive these applications and nominate appropriate personnel for all leadership roles, including Deacons, but excluding Pastors. The positions to be filled will vary with the current needs of the Church.
d) A vacancy in any office, except Pastor or Deacon, may be filled for the balance of the term, by the Deacons’ Board in consultation with the Nominating Committee.
10. Vacancies
A vacancy in any office, except Pastor or Deacon, may be filled for the balance of the term, by the Deacon’s Board in consultation with the Nominating Committee.
11. Dismissals from Office
a) Any Church Officer, elected or appointed, may be removed from office for cause. The Pastor is included in this Section.
b) Elected Officers may be dismissed, on the recommendation of the Deacons, with a majority vote at a regularly called Business Meeting.
c) Appointed Leaders may be dismissed by the Deacons’ Board, after an interview with the person involved.
d) In the removal from office of a Pastor, who is financially supported by the Church, his dismissal shall take effect immediately, but some provision shall be made for his financial needs. The financial severance formula and principles to govern it will be found in the Procedures Manual.
ARTICLE 7 – Standing Committees
1. Stewardship Committee
a) A Stewardship Committee comprised of the Deacons’ Board and the Treasurer shall study all matters with respect to the financial position of the Church. The Deacons’ Board may appoint expertise from the membership to assist in Committee work.
b) It shall review all bills, and give direction in the handling of all monies.
c) It shall keep the membership informed of the Church’s financial position and make appropriate recommendations upon which the Church can formulate decisions.
d) The Stewardship Committee shall in no case be considered other than advisory.
2. Building Committee
a) A Building Committee, composed of one Deacon and other members with expertise in building care and renovation, shall be appointed annually, to provide for, and keep in repair, the Church property, and the care of that which the Church owns or rents. The number of members is to be determined by the Deacons’ Board.
3. Nominating Committee
a) A Nominating Committee, composed of Pastor(s), at least one Deacon, and no less than two active Church members, shall annually bring in nominations for all offices, excluding Pastor.
b) The Committee shall post their list of nominations in a conspicuous place, a minimum of two weeks before the Annual Business Meeting.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1 – Meetings
1. Regular Meetings
a) The Church shall meet regularly every Lord’s Day for Bible School and Public Worship, and at least once each week for united prayer.
b) The Church shall conduct such other meetings, regular or special, as are deemed advisable and wise.
2. The Lord’s Supper
a) The Church shall meet regularly to observe the Lord’s Supper, usually on the first Lord’s Day of the month.
3. Business Meetings
a) The Annual Business Meeting shall be convened as early as possible in the new year.
b) Regular Business Meetings shall be convened every four months.
c) Special Business Meetings may be called by the Deacons’ Board, Pastor, and by a written request including agenda signed by not fewer than five members in good standing. Such a request must be submitted to the Deacons’ Board.
d) Business Meetings shall be announced on at least three occasions, over a two-week period, prior to being convened.
ARTICLE 2 – Conducting Business
1. Moderator
The Pastor of the Church, or his delegate, shall act as the Moderator in all meetings called for the transaction of business. If the pulpit is vacant, the Deacons’ Board shall appoint the Moderator.
2. Protocol
The manner in which business is to be conducted shall be outlined in the Procedures Manual.
ARTICLE 3 – Quorums
1. Business Meetings
a) A Quorum of not less than twenty-five percent of fully qualified members shall be required for the transaction of business.
2. Deacons’ Meetings
a) A Quorum of not less than fifty percent shall be required for conducting business.
3. Committee Meetings
a) A Quorum of not less than fifty percent of the members shall be required to develop recommendations.
ARTICLE 4 – Procedures Manual
1. Number of Copies
a) Four complete copies of the Procedures Manual shall be maintained.
b) The recipients shall be: The Deacon’s Board, one; the Church Clerk, one; for review by any Church member, two.
2. Content
The Procedures Manual shall contain all procedures for the outworking of the Church Articles of Faith, Constitution and By-Laws. It shall also contain all Job Descriptions of the elected and appointed positions in the Church.
ARTICLE 5 – Amendments
1. Articles of Faith
a) The Articles of Faith of Bath Road Baptist Church are perpetual and shall not be amended.
b) The Holy Bible shall be the standard for Rule and Practice in all things for this Church.
2. Constitution and By-Laws
The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any regularly called Business Meeting, providing the agenda has been announced, by a seventy-five percent vote of qualified members present.
3. Procedures Manual
a) The Procedures Manual may be amended by a simple majority, at a regularly called Business Meeting, providing that notice of proposed changes are advertised prior to the meeting.
And to Him, our Redeemer,
with the Father,
and the Holy Spirit,
Three Persons, one God,
be glory forever, world without end,
Amen, and Amen