Our Statement of Faith

I. God—We believe in One True God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19-20, John 10:30)

A. God the Father is Supreme, Sovereign, Holy, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and Infinitely Glorious in all ways. (Ps. 19, Isa. 6, Luke 1:37, Rev. 4:8)

B. Jesus Christ is One with God the Father and Divine in nature (John 10:30). He is co-eternal with the Father (John 1:1), was conceived by the Holy Spirit at His incarnation and birthed by the Virgin Mary (Matt. 1:18). Jesus Christ is God, who became Man, yet never sinned (2 Cor. 5:21). He died on the cross to pay for the sins of His people (Matt. 20:28) and rose from the dead in bodily form (Luke 24:1-12). He is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19), and will one day return to Earth to gather His people and to judge His enemies (Acts 1:11, 2 Tim. 4:1)

C. The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. He lives within all true followers of Christ and serves to guide, comfort, and convict. (Rom. 8:14-16, 1 Cor. 12:4, 1 John 4:13)

II. Scriptures—We believe that the Bible is made up of sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, we believe that the Bible is the Holy Word of God and is without error in its original manuscripts. Because of the Divine nature of the Bible, it is our final authority on all matters of life and church practice. (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 3:16)

III. Salvation– We believe that salvation can only be achieved by the Grace of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as He is revealed to us in the Bible (Eph. 2:8-9)

A. Sin – We believe that man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), yet fell in sinful disobedience (Gen. 3). Because of this, man is now sinful by nature and completely unable to achieve God’s salvation by his own works or merits. (Eph. 2:1-4)

B. Regeneration – We believe that in order for a person to be saved, they must be born again (John 3), whereby the Holy spirit convicts of sin and changes the nature of the sinner, thus creating a new spiritual creature. ( 2 Cor. 5:17)

C. Repentance – Upon the new birth, the sinner repents, or turns from the sinful life which is theirs by nature and asks God’s Forgiveness. (Matt. 4:17, Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 20:21)

D. Faith – After turning from sin, the sinners turns to Jesus Christ, committing their life to Him as Lord and Savior. (John 3:16, Acts 20:21, Eph. 2:8-9)

E. Perseverance – We believe that all true followers will persevere in the faith and continue to follow Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. While a Christian is still capable of sin and times of backsliding, they will ultimately follow Christ as Lord for the entirety of their life on Earth. Because of the eternal nature of Salvation, it cannot be lost, it it was ever truly received. (John 10:27-28)

IV. Eternity– We believe that all souls will spend eternity in one of two places.

B. Hell – We believe that all who do not turn to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in this life will be condemned to eternal torment in Hell. (Rev. 20:1-15)

V. Church Ordinances– We believe that the Lord established two ordinances for His Church which should be observed.

A. Baptism – We believe that baptism should be administered by immersion (Matt. 3:16) upon profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. While it is necessary for obedience, it is not necessary for salvation. (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 10:44-48)

B. Lord’s Supper (Communion) – We believe that the Lord’s Supper, which symbolizes the body and the blood of Jesus Christ should be practiced by the Lord’s church in remembrance of Him. (Matt. 26:26, 1 Cor. 11:23-25)

CHURCH CONSTITUION (adopted December 2005)

1. Preamble
We the members of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton, Kansas recognizing our privilege, by God’s grace to be members of The Body of Christ do hereby establish this Constitution to be the working plan of our local assembly.

2. Name
The name of this organization shall be called the “First Christian Church of Pleasanton, Kansas,” hereby referred to as “Church” in this Constitution.

3. Affiliation
This Church, voluntarily, and of its own right, free will, and accord, is a Non-Denominational Christian Church affiliated with Disciple Heritage Fellowship.

4. People

A. The Lord
Jesus Christ is the undisputed and supreme Head of the church. All members of the church should submit to Him as Lord and Savior of their lives. With that in mind, all church decisions should be prayerfully made, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Word of God, to the glory of God the Father and Jesus the Son.

B. The Elders
Recognizing the authority of God’s Word, this church shall elect Elders as overseers to shepherd, guide, protect, and lead the congregation as a whole. They shall do so as servants of Christ and the Church, and shall serve as those who will give an account to their Lord. (Hebrews 13:17)
1. Number – Not to exceed six (6).
2. Term – One Year
3. Qualifications of Elders
With God’s Word as our Authority on all matters of faith and practice, Elders shall be selected using the Biblical qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1, namely that they be:

(From 1 Timothy 3:1-7) 1. Above reproach, 2. Faithful to his wife, 3. Temperate, self-controlled, respectable, 4. Able to teach (i.e., knows the Bible and can explain it to others), 5. Not addicted to alcohol. 6. Not violent, but gentle and peaceable, 6. Free from the love of money. 7. A good manager of his own household and children. 8. Not a new convert to the faith. 9. Have a good reputation with those outside the church. (Other Qualifications from Titus 1:7-9): 10. Not overbearing, 11. Not quick-tempered, 12. One who loves what is good, 13. Upright and just. 14. Holy, 15. One who holds firm to the Word of God



Duties:
Spiritual: In Cooperation with the Pastor, the Elders shall serve as Shepherds of the flock. They shall provide spiritual leadership, promote church unity, and protect the church from false teaching.

Administrative: As the appointed overseers of the Church, it will be the responsibility of the Elders to be the primary policy and decision-making board within the church. The Elders shall have monthly meetings to seek the Lord’s guidance for the Church and to make administrative decisions. The Elder Representative for each committee, or the Pastor shall bring before the Elder Board any requests or recommendations from the Committees of the Church. The Elders shall then make decisions by consensus, in a prayerful spirit.

Supervisory: On the congregation’s behalf, The Elders, as a group, shall serve as an Overseeing Board for the Pastor in all matters of employment and compensation. They shall delegate to the Pastor the role of daily supervision of all other ministry staff and church personnel.


Elder Offices: (Shall be elected by the Elders.)
1. Chairman (Shall schedule monthly meetings and offer basic Spiritual leadership to the Elders.
2. Presiding Officer. (Shall oversee the monthly business portion of the meeting and offer Administrative leadership to the Elders.)
3. Secretary (Shall keep minutes of the meeting for church records.)

Selection of Elders
At the time of the annual election of officers, the Elders shall submit a list of names to serve as Elders for the coming year to be voted upon by the congregation.

C. The Trustees
. Number: Three (3).
1. Term: One (1) year.
2. Qualifications: Shall be an Elder of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton.
3. Duties: Shall act as the legal agents of the Church in all business matters. In cooperation with the Elders shall hold legal title to all Church property and handle all business transactions related thereto, having supervision over all endowment and trust funds, and perform such duties as are required by the laws of the State of Kansas.

D. The Pastor
Recognizing that God calls some men from within the Body of Christ to serve as a Shepherd of a local flock, we shall seek to always have one serve as Senior Pastor of the Congregation. The Bible speaks of Elders and Pastors interchangeably; therefore the Senior Pastor shall serve on the Elder Board as an Elder of the Church. However, in addition to being an Elder, he also shall serve as Pastor thus overseeing and leading the daily operations of the Church. He shall be the primary teacher of the church through weekly preaching and shall be the Spiritual leader of the church through prayer and pastoral care.

While serving as Pastor to the entire congregation (including the other Elders) as individuals, the Pastor shall also be accountable to the Elders, as a group. The Elders (apart from the Pastor) shall be the entity to which the Pastor is accountable. He shall serve indefinitely as long as the relationship is satisfactory. Either party should give not less than sixty days notice when the relationship is to be dissolved. However, this may be negotiated, if agreeable by both parties. All arrangements between the pastor and the church shall be mutually agreed upon and shall be made known to all members. At the time a new pastor is called, a written statement should be prepared setting forth such details of the call: (i.e. responsibility for moving expenses, parsonage preparation, and reporting date). In addition, the statement should cover such items as the compensation package, vacation time, conventions, youth camps and conferences, education opportunities, sabbaticals, and time for conducting revivals outside of the local church. A copy of these statements should be made part of the church records, and a copy should be delivered to the pastor.

Qualifications: With God’s Word as our Authority on all matters of faith and practice, The Pastor shall be selected using the Biblical qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1. (These are listed in this Constitution under the section on Elders.)

E. The Diaconate (Deacons and Deaconesses)
1. Number: Not to exceed fifteen (15)
2. Term: One (1) year.
3. Qualifications: With God’s Word as our Authority on all matters of faith and practice, Deacons and Deaconesses shall be selected using the Biblical qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, they should be:

For Deacons: 1. Dignified, 2. Sincere, 3. Not addicted to alcohol, 4. Honest in financial matters, 5. Holding to the faith with a clear conscience, 6. Above Reproach, 7. Faithful to their wife. 8. Good managers of children and household.

For Deaconesses: 1. Dignified, 2. Not malicious gossips, 3. Temperate, 4. Faithful.

4. Duties: In cooperation with the working ministries, shall promote the growth and welfare of the Church and shall assist in the following activities: greeting and ushering the worshippers, distributing the Lord’s Supper and receiving the offering, conducting the financial canvasses, visitation projects, and preparation of candidates for baptism, giving counsel and serving in the business affairs of the Church, ministering to families at time of sickness or bereavement and performing such other duties as may be assigned by the Elders.

F. The Congregation
The membership of the First Christian Church, Pleasanton, Kansas, shall be constituted by the following:
1. Those who presently are members of the congregation.
2. Those uniting with the congregation by confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, giving expression to their faith through baptism by immersion and in commitment to Him.
3. And, those who unite with the congregation by transfer of membership and are satisfied with their baptism will be accepted by reaffirming their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

A member shall be removed from the church rolls upon:
1. Death
2. Notification of membership with another church, or personal request of the member.
3. Final step of church discipline as given by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-18.

Church Discipline/ Restoration
When a church member is found to be engaged in sinful behavior harmful to the church or their family then that member shall be confronted prayerfully and in a Spirit of love on at least two occasions. The ultimate goal of this shall be for the restoration and repentance of the member. If after the second visit, the member still refuses to turn from the sin, then the matter shall be brought before the Elders. At this time the Elders will allow for a period of at least 6 months during which they will pray for, and if possible try to help the backslidden member to return to the Lord. At the end of this 6 month period, the Elders will prayerfully re-evaluate the situation, with the option to remove the member from the church rolls and pray for them as an unbeliever, according to our Lord’s command (Matthew 18:17). All matters of church discipline/ restoration shall be conducted under the guidance and authority of the Pastor and the Elders.

5. Congregational Meetings
The following types of congregational meetings shall be held:
A. Congregational election of officers: Second Sunday in November.
B. Annual financial and business meeting: First Sunday in December.
C. Special meetings: Business meetings of the Church may be transacted in conjunction with any regular Sunday morning worship service or at a called meeting of the congregation provided:
1. Notice has been given at least two consecutive Sunday mornings preceding the Congregational meeting. This notice should state time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
2. Binding decisions shall be made by majority vote of those members present and voting.
3. A complete record is made of any action taken.
4. Voting privileges shall be accorded to all members of record who are 18 years and older.

6. Other Church Officers

Church Treasurer/ Financial Secretary
. 1. Number: One (1).
2. Term: One (1) year with eligibility for re-election, but not to exceed three (3) consecutive terms.
3. Qualifications: Shall have been an active member of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton, Kansas, for at least one year, but need not be a member of the board prior to their election.
4. Duties: They shall receive, safeguard, and pay out church funds. They shall deposit all Church money in the bank and keep records of all deposits. They shall give a report to the Elders each month and submit their accounts to audit each year by a committee of the Church. They shall pay budget items when due and money is available. All other items shall be paid on order of the Elders.


Secretary/Treasurer of Sunday School
1. Number: One (1).
2. Term: One (1) year.
3. Qualifications: Shall have been an active member of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton, Kansas, for at least one year.
4. Duties: They are responsible for maintenance of Sunday school attendance records. They shall receive and record Sunday school offerings and deliver them to the Church treasurer for deposit.

Servers
1. Number: Unlimited
2. Term: One (1) year.
3. Qualifications: High School age (9th grade and up) and Adults who are active members of the First Christian Church of Pleasanton, Kansas.
4. Duties: Shall assist in greeting and ushering worshippers, distributing the Lord’s Supper and receiving offerings, assist in visitation projects, and assist in other duties as assigned by the Elders.

7. The Working Ministries
The task of administering the program of the Church shall be delegated to the following working ministries: (1) Worship, (2) Christian Education, (3) Church Growth, (4) Missions, (5) Stewardship, (6) Building and Grounds.
Each working ministry shall meet at least monthly to attend to its business. Monthly written reports of each ministry’s activities and recommendations shall be submitted to the Elders, and a written yearly report shall be presented at the Annual Financial and Business Meeting. Each ministry shall be responsible for recommending an annual budget for their ministry to the Stewardship Ministry for inclusion in the total church budget.
A. All working ministries should have a minimum of six (6) members, including the chairperson who shall vote only in case of a tie.
B. The membership of each ministry shall be selected in the following manner:
1. As soon as possible after the election, a committee composed of the newly-elected chairman of the Elders, the newly-elected chairman of the Diaconate, an Elder at large appointed by the Chairman of Elders and the Pastor, shall appoint a chairperson for each working ministry.
2. This same committee shall then work with the newly selected working ministry chairpersons in selecting the full stall of each ministry.
3. There will be at least one (1) Elder and two (2) members of the Diaconate on each working ministry. The Pastor shall also serve as an advising member of each committee. In addition, Youth participation shall be encouraged.
4. Each ministry chairperson shall be appointed for one (1) year.

C. To facilitate better coordination between the working ministries and all other organizations with the church, these elected officers shall serve in the following capacities:
1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a member of the Christian Education Ministry.
2. The organist, pianist, and/or choir director shall be a member of the Worship Ministry.
3. The Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary shall be a member of the Stewardship Ministry.

D. Duties of each working ministry
1. Worship
a. Develop a music program for the Church and provide special music for the worship services.
b. Develop and care for a music library.
c. Be responsible for baptismal services.
d. Encourage the spread of worship services to the homes of members.
e. Arrange for adequate and proper ushering services and for acolytes (candle lighters)

2. Christian Education
a. Promote a program of leadership education.
b. Plan and execute a yearly Vacation Bible School.
c. Encourage Christian Education by:
1. Providing information and guidance to training available in Christian colleges for students of every vocation.
2. Promoting the Scholarship Award Fund for students attending the Christian colleges.
d. Coordinate youth groups and encourage Church camps.
e. Maintain and promote a Church library.
f. In cooperation with the Pastor, fill all Sunday School openings.

3. Church Growth
a. Develop a concern for evangelism and promote a year-round program.
b. Plan and administer special evangelistic projects and meetings.
c. Encourage evangelism in all ministries of the Church.
d. Keep an up-to-date prospect list.
e. Keep an up-to-date membership roll.
f. Organize calling on inactive members and those losing interest.
g. Prepare a report of new families moving into the community.
h. Plan and promote Church Membership Training Classes.
i. Plan and promote fellowship dinners and church socials.

4. Missions
a. Stimulate interest in missions and benevolence.
b. Promote and encourage missionary projects, missionary talks, etc.
c. See that help is provided for families or individuals in the community that are in need.
d. Be responsible for seeing that proper action is taken regarding social and political issues that concern our community.

5. Stewardship
a. Prepare an annual proposed budget for the entire Church, and submit it to the Elders and the Congregation for approval.
b. Promote a plan for meeting this budget.
c. Promote special financial gifts.
d. Help develop the spirit of tithing and Christian stewardship.

6. Building & Grounds
a. Care of Church building, including an annual inspection of the parsonage with the minister and/or spouse.
b. Supervise the purchase and installation of new equipment.
c. Check the Church’s insurance.
d. Handle request for use of Church equipment.

8. The Special Ministries
In addition to the Working Ministries, there shall be four (4) special ministries:

A. Nominations
1. This ministry shall compose of one Elder; one member of the Diaconate, appointed by the chairperson of their respective groups; and the Pastor. If the church is without a Pastor, then a second Elder shall be selected by the Elders to serve on the committee. This ministry shall serve throughout the year. In the event of a vacancy that should occur among the elected positions of the Church or Sunday school, this ministry shall present a nomination to the Elders. The Elders will approve or reject the nomination by a prayerful consensus.
2. At least ten (10) days prior to the Congregational Election of Officers, this ministry’s chairperson shall invite suggestions from the congregation for nominations for the elected positions of the church and Sunday school to be elected that year. The ministry will then meet, consider suggestions received from the congregation, consider other qualified individuals, and contact potential nominees to secure their agreement to serve if elected.
3. This ministry will be responsible for preparing a ballot to be presented at the Congregational Election of Officers. They shall also meet following the election to count the votes and prepare a report to the congregation.

B. Pulpit Supply
1. This ministry shall be composed of:
a. The Elders of the church.
b. Two (2) members at large, chosen by the Elders.
2. The Elders shall choose the chairman of the committee.
3. It shall be the responsibility of this ministry to see that the church has preaching during the interim between the leaving of one pastor and the call of a new pastor.
4. In the event of a pastor vacancy, this ministry shall have the responsibility of serving as a screening body to find, interview, and recommend a prospective pastor for this congregation. It shall be the policy of this Church to consider only one prospective pastor at a time.

C. The Abiding Memorial Ministry
1. This ministry shall be composed of three (3) members elected by the congregation for a term of one (1) year.
2. They shall elect their own chairperson, secretary, and treasurer each year.
3. This ministry shall be responsible for the following:
a. All memorial gifts to the local congregation will be recorded and
acknowledged.
b. Give a monthly report to the Elders of receipts, disbursements, and monies as memorial gifts, and submit their accounts to audit each year to a committee of the Church.
c. Make recommendations to the Elders on projects to be considered for disbursement of memorial funds. All such recommendations will be coordinated with the appropriate working ministry.

D. Local Missions
a. The Pastor (or an Elder if the church is without a Pastor), plus two (2) members appointed by the Elders shall make up the committee.
b. The committee shall make decisions concerning financial assistance to be given from the church’s local missions account.


9. The Pastor’s Cabinet
The Pastor’s Cabinet shall be formed to coordinate the total work of the church, and promote the adopted programs of the church throughout all areas of the Church’s life. The Pastor’s Cabinet is not a legislative body to make any financial decisions on policy or actions of the Church life. Its duties shall be as follows:
A. Study the needs of the Church, evaluate the present activities, discuss proposed programs and refer them to the appropriate ministry for study or to the Elders for possible implementation.
B. Initiate the study of long-range programs to be presented for approval by the Elders and/or the Congregation.
C. Study and coordinate the activities of the Church, Sunday School, and other organizations within the Church and prepare a yearly activity calendar.
D. Encourage and guide groups or ministries in fulfilling their goals and objectives.
E. Cabinet members shall be the following:
1. Pastor as Chairperson
2. Chairperson of each working ministry.
3. Presidents of CWF, CMF, and Youth officers in Training Chairperson (if these organizations are active)
4. Chairman of Elders and Diaconate.
F. Meetings are to be determined by the Pastor and the members of the cabinet, but monthly meetings are suggested. The meetings are open to anyone wishing to participate and assist with the ministry of the Church.


10. Miscellaneous Provisions
A. Amendments, Additions, Repeals.
This constitution and by-laws may be amended, added to, or repealed by the congregation at any business meeting of the congregation, provided the following:
1. It has been presented to the Elders in writing and has been considered by the Elders.
2. It has been announced at least two weeks in advance.
3. A two-thirds (2/3) majority is in favor.

B. Review of Constitution and By-Laws
This constitution and by-laws shall be reviewed at least every two (2) years, and needed changes, if any, recommended to the Elders for their action and later consideration by the congregation at the annual Financial and Business Meeting.

C. Nullification
This constitution and by-laws, when adopted by the congregation will repeal and make null and void all other constitution and or by-laws of this congregation, known or unknown.

D. Adoption.
Since this constitution and by-laws or working plan is an agreement among the members of the congregation, it must be approved by the congregation in an assembled business session.

11. Statement of Faith

I. God
We believe in the One True God of the Bible, who though He is One, exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19-20, John 10:30)

A. God the Father is Supreme, Sovereign, Holy, All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and Infinitely Glorious in all ways. (Ps. 19, Isa. 6, Luke 1:37, Rev. 4:8)
B. Jesus Christ is One with God the Father and divine in nature (John 10:30). He is co-eternal with the Father (John 1:1), was conceived by the Holy Spirit at the incarnation and birthed by the Virgin Mary (Matt. 1:18). Jesus Christ is God, who became a man, yet never sinned (2 Cor. 5:21). He died on the cross to pay for the sins of His people (Matt. 20:28) and rose from the dead in bodily form (Luke 24:1-12). He is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19), and will one day return to Earth to gather His people and to judge His enemies (Acts 1:11, 2 Tim. 4:1).
C. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He lives inside of all true followers of Christ and serves to guide, comfort, and convict. (Rom. 8:14-16, 1 Cor. 12:4, 1 John 4:13)

II. Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is made up of the sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, we believe that the Bible is the Holy Word of God and is without error in its original manuscripts. Because of the Divine nature of the Bible it is to be our final authority on all matters of life and church practice. (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 3:16)

III. Salvation
We believe that Salvation can only be achieved by the grace of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as He is revealed to us in the Bible. (Eph. 2:8-9)
A. Sin – We believe that man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), yet fell in sinful disobedience (Gen. 3). Because of this man is now sinful by nature and completely unable to achieve God’s salvation by his own works or merits. (Eph. 2:1-4)
B. Regeneration – We believe that in order for a person to be saved, they must be born again (John 3), whereby the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and changes the nature of the sinner, thus creating a new Spiritual creature. (2 Cor. 5:17)
C. Repentance – Upon the new birth, the sinner repents, or turns from the sinful life which is theirs by nature and asks God’s Forgiveness. (Matt. 4:17, Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19, 20:21)
D. Faith – After turning from sin, the sinner turns to Jesus Christ, committing their life to Him as Lord and Savior. (John 3:16, Acts 20:21, Eph. 2:8-9)
E. Perseverance – We believe that all true followers will persevere in the faith and continue to follow Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. While a Christian is still capable of sin and times of backsliding, they will ultimately follow Christ as Lord for the entirety of their life on Earth. Because of the eternal nature of Salvation, it cannot be lost, if it was ever truly received. (John 10:27-28)

IV. Eternity
A. Heaven – We believe that all true followers of Jesus Christ will spend eternity with him in Heaven. (Rev. 21 & 22)
B. Hell – We believe that all who do not turn to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in this life will be condemned to eternal torment in Hell. (Rev. 20:1-15)

V. Church Ordinances
A. Baptism – We believe that baptism should be administered by immersion (Matt. 3:16) upon profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. While it is necessary for obedience, it is not necessary for salvation. (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 10:44-48)

B. Lord’s Supper or Communion – We believe that the Lord’s Supper, which symbolizes the body and the blood of Jesus Christ, should be practiced by the Lord’s Church in remembrance of Him. (Matt. 26:26, 1 Cor. 11:23-25)