Our Constitution
A SUMMARY OF OUR BELIEFS
TWINBROOK HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH
- is -
INDEPENDENT
We are a truly independent church, as were all the churches of the New Testament. We are not affiliated with any man-made external organization, be it a Convention, Association, Fellowship or Mission Board. Our only Head is the Lord Jesus Christ and our only headquarters is in heaven. We fellowship with sister churches of like precious faith and practice, and support missionaries sent forth by the authority of such churches.
FUNDAMENTAL
We affirm without apology the doctrines frequently identified as the “Fundamentals of the Faith,” which include the deity, virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, and imminent return of Jesus Christ. We reject, however, the prevalent concept that other doctrines clearly taught in God’s word are “non-essentials.” Christ said: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19).
SEPARATED
We believe that Christians should bring forth the fruits of salvation in their lives and that their relationships with Christ should affect every aspect of their lives: the clothes they wear, the language they use, the activities in which they participate, the places they frequent, and even the jobs they hold. Christians should seek to separate themselves from evil of every sort.
LANDMARK
(Historical)
We believe only Scriptural Baptist Churches can make a legitimate claim to an unbroken succession back to the time of Christ and the apostles. Christ built only one kind of Church and that Church is described in detail in the New Testament. The only churches meeting the requirements of that description today are true Baptist churches. Baptist churches have existed in every age since their founding by Christ, though they have not always been known by that name. We do not deny that there are those in other so-called “Churches” that have been born again by the grace of God. We do deny, however, that these man-made organizations are true Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.
MISSIONARY
We believe that the duty of a church is to preach the Gospel (1Cor. 15:1-4) to every creature everywhere (Mark 16:15). Not only do we do this locally, but in accordance with Matthew 28:19,20, we send and support missionaries in every part of the world.
KING JAMES BIBLE BELIEVING
We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. We believe that God has kept and preserved His words (Ps. 12:6,7) in the King James Bible. We believe that the Bible as we have it today in the King James Version is the word of God in the English language.
SOVEREIGN GRACE
We believe that God loved his elect with an everlasting love and that they are redeemed, quickened, and saved, not by themselves, nor through their own works, but only and wholly by God, of His own free grace and mercy. We believe that God will unfailingly call His elect unto Himself and bring them to belief in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that we are responsible to do our part in ensuring that the gospel is carried throughout the world.
CONSTITUTION
and
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I: Name of Church
The name of this church shall be: THE TWINBROOK HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAMILTON, OHIO, INC.
ARTICLE II: 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 the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; 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.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; 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 of, and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to shun pornography; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.
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.
ARTICLE III: Declaration of Faith
Section 1. OF THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (II Timothy 3:16-17); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (II Timothy 3:15), and truth without any mixture of error for its matter (Proverbs 30: 5,6); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (Romans 2:12; John 12:47-48), and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (Philippians 3:16), and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried (I John 4:1; Isaiah 8:20).
Section 2. OF 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 (John 4:24; Psalm 147:50, 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10), inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11), and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11), and that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; John 15:16), equal in every divine perfection (John 10:30), and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Ephesians 2:18; II Corinthians 13:14).
Section 3. OF THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (Genesis 1:27,31; Ecclesiastes 7:29), but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state (Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:12); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (Romans 5:19; John 3:6; Psalm 51:5); not be constraint but choice (Isaiah 53:6; Genesis 6:12; Romans 3:9-18); 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 (Ephesians 2:13; Romans 1:18, 31; 2:1-6), without defense or excuse (Ezekiel 18:19,20; Romans 1:20; 3:19).
Section 4. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (Ephesians 2:5; I John 4:10), through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God (John 3:16; 1:1-14), Who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature yet without sin (Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 2:9,14), honored the divine law by His personal obedience (Isaiah 42:21; Philippians 2:8), and by His death made a full atonement for our sins (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 20:28; Romans 4:25); that having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven (Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 3:1), and united 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 (Hebrews 7:25,26; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 2:18).
Section 5. OF JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (John 1:16; Ephesians 3:8) secures to such as believe in Him is justification (Acts 13:39; Romans 5:1); that justification includes the pardon of sin (Romans 5:9), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (Romans 5:17; Titus 3:5,6); 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 (Romans 5:19; 3:24-28); 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 (Romans 5:1-3; 11; Matthew 6:33).
Section 6. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel of Christ (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (Romans 16:26; Mark 1:15; Romans 1:15-17), and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel of Christ (John 5:40; Romans 9:32), which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (John 3:19; Matthew 11:20).
Section 7. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (John 3:3,6,7); that the regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind (II Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 2:28,29); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel of Christ (I Peter 1:22-25; I John 5:1; Ephesians 4:20-24), and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life (Ephesians 5:9; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-23; Ephesians 3:14-2).
Section 8. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls in regeneration (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18, Ephesians 2:8; I John 5:1) whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37,38; 16:30,31), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (Luke 18:13; James 4:7-10), 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 (Romans 10:9-13; Acts 3:22,23).
Section 9. OF GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (II Timothy 1:8,9; Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 11:5,6); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end (II Thessalonians 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16); that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable (Exodus 33:18-19; Matthew 20:15; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:23,24; 11:28-36); that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy (I Corinthians 4:7; 1: 26-31; Colossians 3:12); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (II Timothy 2:10; I Corinthians 9:2; Romans 8:28-30; John 6:37-40); that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel of Christ (I Thessalonians 1:4-10); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (Romans 8:28-31; 11:29); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (II Peter 1:10,11; Philippians 3:12).
Section 10. OF SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness (I Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23; II Corinthians 7:1); that it is a progressive work (Proverbs 4:18; II Peter 1:5-8; Philippians 3:12-16) that it is begun in regeneration (John 2:29; Romans 8:5; Philippians 1:9-11); 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 word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (Philippians 2:12,13; Ephesians 4:11,12; I Peter 2:2).
Section 11. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (John 8:31; I John 2:27,28; 3:9), that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professions (I John 2:19; Matthew 13:20,21), that a special providence watches over their welfare (Romans 8:28; Matthew 6:30-33), and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (Philippians 1:6; 2:12,13; Jude 24,25).
Section 12. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government (Romans 3:31; Matthew 5:17; Luke 16:17); that it is holy, just and good (Romans 7:12,14,33; Galatians 3:21), and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin (Romans 8:7,8; Jeremiah 13:23), to deliver from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the Gospel of Christ, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the church (Romans 8:2,4; 10:4; Jude 20,21; Matthew 16:17,18).
Section 13. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that the church of Christ is a visible congregation of baptized believers (I Corinthians 1:1-13; Matthew 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1), associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Christ (Acts 2:41,42,47; II Corinthians 8:5; I Corinthians 5:12,13), observing the ordinances of Christ (I Corinthians 11:2, 23; II Thessalonians 3:6; Romans 16:17-20); governed by His laws (Matthew 28:20; John 14:15, 21; I John 4:21), and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word (Ephesians 4:7; I Corinthians 14:12; Philippians 1:27); that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons (Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Timothy 3), whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles of Timothy and Titus.
Section 14. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (Acts 8:39; Matthew 3:5,6; John 3:22,23), in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47,48), to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effects, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12); that it is a prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation and to the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41,42; Matthew 28:19,20), in which the members of the church by the sacred use of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (I Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:26-29), preceded always by solemn self-examination (I Corinthians 11:28; 5:1, 8).
Section 15. OF THE LORD’S DAY
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7; Colossians 2: 16,17; John 20:19; I Corinthians 16:1,2), and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes (Exodus 20:8; Revelation 1:10; Psalm 118:24) by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations (Isaiah 58:13,14; 56:2-8), by the devout observation of all means of grace, both private (Psalms 118:15) and public (Hebrews 10:24,25; Acts 11:26; 13-44), and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God (Hebrews 4:3-11).
Section 16. THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society (Romans 13:1-7; Deuteronomy 16:18, II Samuel 22:30); and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed (Matthew 22:21; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13; I Timothy 2:1-8), except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:15-18; 6:7-10), who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Matthew 23:10; Romans 14:4; Revelation 19:16; Psalm 72:11).
Section 17. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 12:26; Romans 6:16); that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem (Romans 1:17; u:6; 6:18-22; I John 2:29; 3:7), while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse (I John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; John 3:36); and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (Proverbs 14:32; 10:24; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24).
Section 18. OF THE WORLD TO COME
We believe that the end of this world is approaching (I Peter 4:7; I Corinthians 7:29-31; Hebrews 1:10-12; Matthew 24:35); that at the Last Day Christ will descend from heaven (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11) and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution. A solemn separation will then take place (Matthew 13:37-43, 49; 24:30-31; 25: 31-33); that the wicked (Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:12-59; John 5:28-29) will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy (Matthew 25:35-41; Revelation 22:11; I Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 6:22), and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (Romans 3:5,6; II Thessalonians 1:6-12; Hebrews 6:1,2; Romans 2:2-16).
ARTICLE IV: Polity
1. The form of government of this church shall be congregational, that is the governmental power of the church is with the members.
2. The right of a majority of the members of this church to rule in accordance with the law of Christ. This power cannot be transferred or delegated and action of the church is final.
3. The membership of this church shall have equal right privileges in work and worship of the church, except those under disciplinary action.
4. This church is self governing and independent of all other organizations both civil and ecclesiastical. She may associate with other churches of like faith for the purpose of furthering the work of Christ, but said associations are to have no power over the church. Christ is the Head and great Law-giver and no other head is recognized. The laws of our Savior and Lord as laid down in the New Testament are an all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.
ARTICLE V: Membership
Section 1. Membership may be attained as follows:
a) By being received on profession of faith and baptism.
b) By letter from another church of like faith and order.
c) Upon a statement, if proof can be submitted that said individual has made a public profession of faith of Christ and has been Scripturally baptized, if through the destruction of his records or the disbanding of the church of which he was a member a letter cannot be obtained.
Section 2. Membership may cease as follows:
a) By a letter of dismissal to a church of like faith and order.
b) By exclusion.
c) By death.
d) Active membership shall cease if a member absents themselves from the services of this church, unless providently hindered, for a period of ninety (90) days (see Article VI, paragraph 3).
Section 3. Voting on reception, dismissal and restoration:
a) The reception and the dismissal of members must be by the majority approval of the congregation.
b) Members against whom disciplinary action has been taken, or are in an inactive status due to non-attendance, may be restored to fellowship by the majority approval of the congregation when they repent and ask the church to restore them.
c) The Bible teaches that homosexuality and other sexual sins are gross immorality and an abomination to the Lord, therefore we cannot receive nor retain in our membership any person who is a practicing homosexual, nor anyone who condones such behavior. (Genesis 19; Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Jude 1:7. See also Article VII, paragraph 2)
ARTICLE VI: Church Discipline
1. No complaint shall be brought into the business session of the church by an aggrieved party against transgressing brethren respecting trespasses of a private nature until the aggrieved party has complied with the directions given by our Lord in Matthew 18:15-17.
2. Disciplinary action may be taken by the church against any member who does not conform to the covenant and declaration of faith of the church. Any member under disciplinary action of the church shall have no right to vote in the assembly.
3. Members who absent themselves from regular services of this church, unless providently hindered, for a period of ninety (90) days shall be automatically deprived of any vote or voice until they have been restored by way of repentance.
4. In accordance with I Corinthians 5:7-11, 6:1-8, II Thessalonians 3:6, the church shall purge itself of any members guilty of the disorderly walk as specified in this article or in Article V, Section 3, paragraph C.
ARTICLE VII: The Family
1. We believe marriage was ordained by God as one male and one female becoming one flesh. We believe it was God’s original design that a man and a woman enter the marriage union for life. (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Romans 7:2; Ephesians 5:22-32)
2. We believe God has provided for intimate sexual relations between man and woman within the covenant of marriage; sexual relations outside the bonds of marriage, including homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, adultery, fornication, pedophilia, among others alluded to in God’s Word, are a sin. We believe acts that defile God’s human creation, such as gender modification, through medical procedures or by appearance, and participation in the sexual degradation of others through pornography, are attacks against the family unit. are against the will of God, and are sins (Genesis 2:24; 19:5,13; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:18-32; I Corinthians 6:6-10; 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:3-5; I Thessalonians 4:8)
3. We believe in the sanctity of human life. We believe human life begins at conception, and from conception through the elderly adult years should be respected as a creation of God. We believe abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, and other similar acts are acts of murder and therefore against the will of God. (Genesis 1:27; Exodus 20:13; Leviticus 19:32; Job 12:12; Psalms 139:13,14; Isaiah 44:2,24; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 9:20-22; I Timothy 5:1-2)
4. We believe children are a blessing from God and are to be taught spiritual and moral values by their parents, who are to rear them with loving discipline following the example and instruction of our Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:6,7; Psalms 78:4-7; 127:3; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4)
ARTICLE VIII: Officers of the Church
No person other than a member of this church in good standing and a regular and consistent attendee of its services shall be qualified to hold any office. All officers of the church or Sunday School are required to attend meetings set or called by the church for their advancement, professionally or spiritually.
Section 1. Pastor
a) The pastor shall be recognized as the leader of the church and a member ex-officio of all committees.
b) All officers and staff members shall be appointed by and instructed in the performance of their duties by the pastor.
c) The church shall have a pastor chosen by the congregation. His term of office shall be indefinite and when either he or the church feels that his work is finished in this field, a notice of thirty (30) days shall be given before termination of said office. The pastor may offer his resignation to the church at any time, which shall take effect at the end of thirty (30) days, or sooner if mutually agreed upon by the church and pastor.
d) If it is for any good reason believed by a very considerable number of the members of the church that the office of the pastor should, for all the best interest of the church, be declared vacant, the church in a regularly convened business session shall raise the question and, by a majority vote, call for a special meeting of the membership. Public notice shall be given to the church at least two (2) weeks before the meeting is convened to decide the matter. The church shall select a moderator pro tem to preside at a meeting designated for the vote of the church to be taken, and the matter thereby decided. Freedom for free and full discussion of the issue shall be given to all parties concerned, and the matter shall be decided and the pulpit declared vacant by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present.
e) No candidate shall ever be considered for the pastorate of this church who does not agree with the doctrines held by our Baptist people; to our church policy and worship, to our faith and practice and this constitution.
f) When the office of a pastor is vacant, it shall be the duty of the members of the church to assemble in a regularly convened business session for the purpose of taking proper steps to call another pastor. A committee may be designated (but not necessarily so) to have the responsibility of securing ministers to supply the pulpit and to cast about for one to be presented to the church to be heard as a candidate for the position of pastor.
g) Any member of the church shall have the right and privilege to present to the church or the committee the name of one to be considered for the office of pastor, if a committee be designated.
h) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present in a specially convened business session for the purpose of electing a pastor shall be required to elect.
i) The church shall have the pastor secure evangelists for all meetings or ministers for all special occasions.
j) The pastor shall be responsible for obtaining, at the expense of the church, all necessary supplies pertaining to the office.
Section 2. Deacons
a) The election of members to fill the office of deacons shall be by a majority affirmative vote of members present. The number of deacons shall be determined by the needs of the church.
b) The tenure in office shall be for a period of three (3) years, one being re-elected or retired and another elected each and every year.
Section 3. Trustees
a) The church shall elect and maintain in office a minimum of three (3) trustees, or more, as determined by the recognized needs of the church or as required by law to hold in trust the properties of the church.
b) The tenure in office shall be for a period of three (3) years, one being re-elected or retired and another elected each and every year. The senior trustee shall be president of the Board of Trustees.
Article IX: CHURCH STAFF
Section 1. Staff:
a) A person or number of persons considered as one body assisting in carrying on any undertaking. The staff shall be referred to as those persons assigned duties on full or part time salaries. No person shall ever be considered for the staff of this church who does not agree with the doctrines held by the people of this church, to our church policy and worship, and to our faith and practice. All members of the staff, as well as all other officers, shall be appointed by and instructed in the performance of their duties by the pastor.
b) When the staff member or the pastor feel that his or her work is finished in this field, a notice of thirty (30) days shall be given before the termination of said office. In cases other than the ordinary, a staff member may resign or be dismissed sooner.
Section 2. Salaries:
a) The salary of the staff shall be discussed by the staff member with the pastor only. No employee shall discuss his earnings with any member of the church. A monthly report, containing a combined total of all salaries, will be posted by the church secretary for all to view.
Section 3. Standards of Conduct:
b) The staff member and their immediate family must refrain from swearing, smoking, any indecent language, gambling, dancing, movies, and use of drugs and intoxicating beverages. They must maintain high standards of courtesy, kindness, morality and honesty. They must dress appropriately and modestly. Hair for men must be above the collar and ears.
Section 4. Attendance
c) All staff members shall be required to attend all staff meetings called by the pastor. All staff members’ immediate family shall attend all meetings of the church except those called for officers and staff only.
Article X: THE BIBLE
We believe that the final and outstanding representative of the Scriptures is the Authorized Version 1611, seventh edition of 1769, commonly called the King James Version; and is the only Bible to be used in all teaching and preaching in our church and school ministries.
Article XI: HAMILTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
1. Hamilton Christian Schools of The Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church, founded in 1972 by Dr. I. D. Riddick, is the result of much prayer and hard work by the people of The Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church. The schools are totally owned and operated as a part of the ministry of The Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church and are governed by the constitution and by-laws of the same.
2. The schools are integrated auxiliaries of the church for the following reasons:
a) The church and schools share common facilities.
b) The church and schools use the same staff members in many cases.
c) The schools are accountable to the church for the schools have the same controlling body as the church in many cases.
d) Most importantly, the purpose of the schools is to bring the students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to make them disciples of Christ, and this is the same purpose for which the church exists.
3. Why state licensing of Christian schools is wrong
a) It is wrong Scripturally - The responsibility for training a child is first laid on the parents (Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4). Human government is ordained by God to suppress those who work violence and evil in society (Romans 13:3-4). The mission of the church is clearly to preach and teach. The home, church, and state must maintain their proper roles.
b) It is wrong educationally - Christian schools usually achieve academic excellence through disciplined subject-centered teaching methodology which is often entirely different from inferior child-centered programs used by the state. Many of the same objectionable programs which have failed could be forced on Christian schools if they are required to obtain a license from the same government whose educational philosophy has already been rejected. Even a cursory look at state licensing rules quickly reveals a philosophy of secular humanism. Christians cannot be secular humanists.
c) It is wrong constitutionally - The First Amendment guarantees a separate church and state. State licensing of church school operations would entangle the state in church affairs to a far greater extent than is commonly realized. Licensing implies standards to be met, and guidelines to be followed, so it involves control, and therefore, would lead to governmental control of church ministries.
The First Amendment also guarantees “Free Exercise of Religion.” Our nation has long recognized the value of this most important clause and resisted attacks on it. State licensing of Christian schools would set up de facto state schools because the school would be at the mercy of the state agencies for their existence. The wall of separation of church and state would be broken, and would be a dangerous step toward a state-controlled church.
Christians should zealously guard their First Amendment rights and oppose licensing of their schools.
4. Nondiscriminatory policy
The Hamilton Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.