CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS, AND ARTICLES OF FAITH
OF
COUNTY LINE CHURCH
2552 County Line Church Road
Warm Springs, GA 31830
Effective this date in the year of our Lord, October 24, 1990, 8:00 p.m., be it resolved that we, the undersigned members of County Line Church do hereby make it known publicly, legally, and to the world that we officially and together constitute the County Line Church located at 2552 County Line Church Road, Warm Springs, Georgia. Be it further resolved that the purpose of County Line Church is to preach and to teach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the more certain preservation and security of the Biblical principles of faith, those things most surely believed among us and to the end that this body may be governed in an orderly manner consistent with the accepted tenets of the Christian faith, and for the purpose of preserving the liberties inherent in each individual member of this church, we do declare and establish this constitution.
This body shall be known as the County Line Church of Warm Springs, Georgia.
1. The Scriptures
The Scripture of the Old and New Testaments was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for it’s author, salvation it’s end, truth without any mixture of error for it’s matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.
2. The True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit; whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; and inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the family of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.
3. The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in holiness under the law of his Maker but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
4. The Way of Salvation
We believe that Salvation of sinners is wholly by grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
5. Justification Through Faith
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
6. The Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
7. Grace in Regeneration
We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith and newness of life.
8. Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior.
9. God’s Purpose of Grace – Election
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation to His free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by it’s effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
10. Sanctification
We believe that Sanctification is the process which, according to the Will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Work of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
11. The Perseverance of the Saints
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
12. Harmony of Law and Gospel
We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
13. A Gospel Church
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, voluntarily associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that it’s scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and elected lay persons.
14. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that the method of Christian Baptism is by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with it’s effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. The Lord’s Supper is available to all Christians who wish to participate.
15. The Christian Sabbath
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath.
16. Government
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the Will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
17. Last Things – The Return of Our Lord
According to His promise, the Lord Jesus Christ will return bodily, personally, visibly, and imminently to the earth for His church. The return of our Lord will be in two phases:
Phase I - For His Church
Phase II - With His Church
The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. After the judgments of God upon this sinful world in the Great Tribulation, Jesus our Lord will come with His saints to establish His millennial kingdom.
Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The redeemed Christians in their resurrected and glorified bodies in the first resurrection will receive their rewards and will dwell in heaven forever with their Savior. The unsaved will be separated from the kingdom of God and will be consigned forever to a place of everlasting perdition. This is the pre-millennial position.
Policy:
The government of the church is vested in the body of believers who compose it. It is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body.
All members upon the floor of the body have equal rights, and are entitled to equal privileges and consideration from all officers and other members.
Article 1: Membership
Section 1: Methods by which membership may be granted:
1) By profession of faith in Christ and baptism.
2) By letter from a church of like faith and order.
3) By statement, provided his (or her) church is now nonexistent, or records lost, or when other satisfactory explanation is given for not being able to furnish a letter.
4) By restoration. Any person whose membership has been terminated for any offense my be restored by vote of the church, upon evidence of his repentance and reformation.
Section 2:
Rights. Such members in Section 1 as are in full and regular standing, and do not hold letters of dismission, may act and vote in all business transactions of the church.
Section 3:
Termination. Membership may cease as follows and voting rights are discontinued:
1) By letter of dismission to a church of like faith and order. The letters of dismission shall not be granted directly to the individual, except in extreme cases where such is deemed wise.
2) By dropping from the roll, when persons join orders of other faith.
3) Inactive. When a member shall fail to manifest personal interest in the Church for a period of one (1) year, showing no desire or intention of returning to the Church, such member shall automatically become what is designated as “inactive”, and removed from the rolls, unless that member is considered shut-in and wants to continue membership. Members removed from the rolls will be notified by letter from the church Secretary in accordance with Article II, section 4.
Article II: Church Officers
All church officers must be members of the church. They are elected by the church by majority vote of members present. Each officer is elected annually with the exception of the pastor. The officers of the church shall be as follows:
Section 1: Pastor and Staff Workers
1) The number shall be determined by the needs of the church.
2) They shall be called to office with an indefinite call to serve at the will of the church.
3) The pastor and staff workers shall serve under the condition of their call. Changes thereto shall be mutually agreed to between the church and the Pastor.
4) The pastor. A pastor shall be chosen and called by the church whenever a vacancy occurs. His election shall be a meeting called for that purpose, of which at least one week’s public notice shall be given. Election shall be by ballot or an affirmative vote by a majority of those members present. The pastor thus elected shall serve until the relationship is terminated by mutual consent, or by the same manner as elected by a majority vote of those members present with at least one week’s public notice. The pastor shall have in charge the welfare and oversight of the church.
5) The pastor shall serve as moderator of the church.
6) The pastor shall secure evangelists for all meetings.
7) All employees of the Church shall report to the church body through the Pastor. The Pastor will provide all employees with a position description.
Section 2: President
The president shall serve as church moderator in the absence of the pastor.
Section 3: Moderator
The moderator shall be the permanent pastor. In the absence of the pastor, the president shall preside. In the absence of both moderator and president, the secretary shall call the church to order and an acting moderator shall be elected from the active membership present.
Section 4: Secretary
The church-elected secretary of the church shall keep in a suitable book a record of all the actions of the church, except as otherwise herein provided. He is responsible for keeping a register of the names of members, with dates of admission, dismission, or death, together with a record of baptisms. He shall issue letters of dismission, voted by the church, preserve on file all communications and written official reports, and give legal notice of all meetings where such notice is necessary, as indicated in these by-laws.
Section 5: Treasurer
The church shall elect annually a church treasurer. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, preserve, and pay out, upon receipt of vouchers approved and signed by authorized personnel, all money, or things of value paid or given to the church, keeping at all times an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements.
Section 6: Church Council
The primary function of the Council shall be to recommend to the congregation suggested objectives and church goals; to review and coordinate program plans that have been recommended by church officers, organizations, and committees; to recommend to the congregation the use of leadership, calendar time, and other resources according to program priorities; and to evaluate program achievements in terms of church goals and objectives.
The church council shall be responsible for establishing and updating as needed, the policies and procedures handbook for the church body.
The Council shall have as regular members the pastor and church elected officers.
All matters agreed upon by the Council calling for action not already provided for, shall be referred to the church for approval or disapproval.
Section 7: Trustees
Four trustees shall be elected from the membership by a majority vote. The term of each Trustee shall be one year.
The Trustees are those individuals who are authorized and empowered by the church to sign documents on behalf of the church as a whole and to sign only those matters which have been specifically approved by the church.
Section 8: Communion Steward
The Communion Steward prepares the elements and the equipment for the observance of the Lord’s Supper. He does the preparatory and maintenance work needed to observe the memorial service.
He will prepare the elements on a schedule approved by the church.
Section 9: Nominating Committee
The nominating committee coordinates the staffing of all church leadership positions that are filled by volunteers. The nominating committee recommends persons for all volunteer positions to be elected by the church. The nominating committee is made up of the Church Council.
Section 10: Deacons
The Pastor and existing Deacons make up the “established Nominating Committee” for the purpose of selecting deacons from the male membership. Once selected, the committee contacts the nominee and if they agree to be considered as a candidate, they are given a “Deacon Qualification Information Sheet” and a “Candidate Questionnaire” to complete and return. Nominees are then questioned by the committee and when found to be qualified, the committee presents the candidates to the church body for election to service. One Deacon is needed for every 20 members and they will serve as active Deacons until such time they desire to become inactive. A selected Deacon that has not been previously ordained should serve at least six months in that office in training prior to ordination service.
Article III: Church Meetings
Section 1: Worship Services
The church shall meet regularly each Sunday morning for the worship of Almighty God. It will be open for the entire membership of the church and for all people and shall be conducted under the direction of the pastor.
Section 2: Special Business Meetings
A special called business meeting may be held to consider special matters of significant nature. Said meeting can be called by any member of the church council.
Section 3: Quorum
A quorum exists when at least 20% of the church membership is present during any church conference or special called meeting.
A majority vote is required for passage of all matters.
Section 4: Parliamentary Rules
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised is the authority for parliamentary rules of procedure for all business meetings of the church.
Section 5: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the church shall run concurrently with the calendar year which begins January 1 and ends December 31.
Changes in this Constitution and By-laws may be made at any regular business meeting of the church, provided such amendments shall have been presented in writing at a previous meeting, and copies of the proposed amendment be furnished to each member present.
Amendments to the Constitution shall be by majority vote of all members of the church present entitled to vote. Amendments to the By-laws shall have a concurrence of a majority of the members present and voting.
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 angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
For the Advancement of this Church
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote it’s prosperity and spirituality; to sustain it’s worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines.
As Christian Stewards
To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
Alone and At Home
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances.
Before the World
To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
Toward One Another
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other 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, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
When We Move
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
Latest revision 2-28-07